Rapid synthesis of titania-silica nanoparticles photocatalyst by a modified sol-gel method for cyanide degradation and heavy metals removal

► TiO2-SiO2 photocatalyst was prepared by a modified sol-gel technique. ► The modified TiO2-SiO2 catalyst shows remarkable photocatalytic activity. ► Complete degradation of cyanide and removal of Cr, Co, Pb were achieved. ► Catalytic performance depends essentially on catalyst, target and reaction time.