Efficient removal of toluene and benzene in gas phase by the TiO2/Y-zeolite hybrid photocatalyst

► TiO2 photocatalyst hybridized with USY zeolite maintained VOCs removal efficiency for a prolonged period. ► Aromatic compounds weakly interacted with silanol groups of the hydrophobic USY zeolite. ► Aromatic compounds strongly interacted with hydrophilic H+ or Na+ sites of H-Y or Na-Y zeolites.