In this review, we investigated the current research status of the novel TiO2 nanotubes in China and other countries. According to the development history of electrolyte components for nanotube preparation using anodic oxidation method, the specific conditions for preparation of TiO2 nanotube arrays in different electrolytes were introduced in details, and the morphology and structure of the TiO2 nanotubes prepared were comparatively studied. Meanwhile, we summarized in detail the applications of TiO2 nanotubes in Dye-sensitized solar cells, photocatalysts, sensors and super capacitors, etc. We also introduced the modification research progress in the fields aiming at the narrow band gap and low photocatalytic rate of TiO2 nanotubes. The modification methods include changing preparation conditions, deposition of noble metals, compound semiconductor, ion doping and so on. The research shows that the photoelectric characteristics, catalytic properties, sensing characteristics and sensitivity and stability of the modified TiO2 nanotubes have been improved. Finally, we presented the main problems and the development trend for the application of TiO2 nanotubes.