TiO2 nanorod-clusters/carbon aerogel electrode with excellent electrosorptive and photocatalytic properties is obtained through loading TiO2 nanorod-clusters (TiO2NRC) on carbon aerogel (CA) by hydrothermal approach. The resulting TiO2NRC/CA electrode presents high surface area (685 m(2) g(-1)) and low electrochemical impedance (19 Omega). The visible light photocatalytic activity of TiO2NRC/CA cathode is proved by UV-vis spectrum, photoelectric experiments, H2O2 and (OH)-O-center dot tests. It indicates that the TiO2-NRC/CA electrode possesses photocatalytic activity of TiO2 and electrosorptive properties of CA. Under air aeration and visible light irradiation, the photocatalytic degradation of high-concentrated p-nitroaniline (PNA) on TiO2NRC/CA and TiO2NRC/graphite cathode is compared. The removal of PNA is 98.2% in 180 mm on TiO2NRC/CA. The intermediates generated during the degradation process are analyzed. The possible mechanism of visible light PNA degradation on TiO2NRC/CA electrode is proposed. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.