The synthesis of titanium dioxide (TiO₂) nanotubes from natural ilmenite minerals has garnered significant research interest due to its abundance and low cost. This study explores a controlled process to transform ilmenite into TiO₂ nanotubes, leveraging its inherent properties. Ilmenite was processed via hydrometallurgy technique using the sulfate route after mechanical activation. The resulting leachate solution containing TiOSO₄ was further hydrolized to form TiO₂ nanoparticles which were subsequently converted into nanotubes through hydrothermal treatment at 150°C in 10 M NaOH for 24 h. The as-synthesized product, displayed tubular morphology, with inner and outer diameters of 3.75 ± 0.61 nm and 9.35 ± 1.50 nm, respectively, and a length ranging from 30 to 120 nm, and a high specific surface area of 256.81 m²/g, classifying it as mesoporous. The optical study revealed a band gap energy of 2.80 eV, influenced by natural iron doping (0.94 wt%), while photoluminescence analysis indicated a reduced electron-hole recombination rate. Photocatalytic performance, assessed through methylene blue (MB) degradation, achieved up to 98 % removal under combined dark and visible light conditions within 120 min. The improved adsorption is attributed to the material's tubular structure and high surface area, while photocatalytic enhancement is primarily influenced by the narrowed bandgap and suppressed electron–hole recombination. These findings underscore the synergistic contribution of adsorption and photocatalysis in organic pollutant degradation and highlight the potential of ilmenite-derived TiO₂ nanotubes in environmental remediation applications. © 2025 The Authors