The titania nanotubes (TNTs) which generated by hydrothermal method has been used for the removal of elemental mercury (Hg(0)) in the flue gases. Synergistic photocatalytic oxidation and adsorption were observed in this system, which resulted in an increasing tendency of removal efficiency. Results from the Hg(0) removal experiments demonstrated that TNTs was a wonderful catalyst and adsorbent for the removal of elelmental mercury and the removal efficiency was controlled by both morphology and crystal form of the TNTs. With calcination temperature of 500 degrees C, the TNTs showed the best removal performance for elemental mercury. (C) 2011 Published by Elsevier B.V.