Phosphorous-doped titania was synthesized by a one step hydrothermal method. These samples exist in anatase phase with much higher crystallinity compared to those prepared by conventional calcination method. In addition, P-doping induced additional hydroxyl groups on surfaces and decreased the numbers of oxygen vacancies in the bulk. Therefore, the methylene blue (MB) degradation performance on the phosphorous-doped photocatalyst is much enhanced and superior to that of the commercial P25. The hydrothermal method proves to be very suitable for the synthesis of P-doped titania photocatalyst. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.