Immobilization of TiO2 nanoparticles in polymeric substrates by chemical bonding for multi-cycle photodegradation of organic pollutants

► Chemical immobilization of TiO2 nanoparticles in PVA matrix. ► Formation of the TiOC bonds between TiO2 and PVA by heat-treatment. ► Increase in the available surface area of TiO2 nanoparticles. ► Effect of heat-treatment on the photocatalytic activity of PVA/TiO2 hybrid film. ► Excellent photocatalytic activity and recycle performance in multi-cycle use.