An ionic liquid route to prepare mesoporous ZrO2-TiO2 nanocomposites and study on their photocatalytic activities

► Mesoporous ZrO2-TiO2 was synthesized by an ionic liquid-assisted route. ► Introduction of ZrO2 suppresses phase transformation from anatase to rutile. ► Introduction of ZrO2 enhances the surface acidity in the form of OH groups. ► The obtained materials show high photocatalytic activity.