Enhanced photocatalytic activity of TiO2 by polydimethylsiloxane deposition and subsequent thermal treatment at 800 °C

► Thin film of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) was coated on TiO2 nanoparticles. ► Samples were annealed between 700 and 800 °C. ► 800 °C-annealed PDMS-coated TiO2 showed the highest photocatalytic activity. ► Enhanced photocatalytic activity was attributed to greater hydrophilicity.