In this work, the functional groups on acid-treated and heat-treated carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The morphology of the TiO2 particles decorated on the two kinds of CNTs was also studied, respectively. The results indicated that the functional groups could adsorb [image omitted] ions in the aqueous solution due to their electronegativity and benefit for the well dispersion of TiO2.The mechanism of TiO2 well dispersion on CNTs surface was also discussed.