Mesoporous TiO2 films containing CdS nanocrystals were successfully fabricated by a two-step process of successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) technique and a solvothermal method followed by annealing. The distribution of CdS nanoparticles in the inner structures of the TiO2 mesoporous films is confirmed by field emission scanning electron microscope. The CdS modification of the mesoporous films results in an increase in the visible light adsorption, and exhibits more excellent photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange (MO) under visible light irradiation. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.