Improved photocatalytic degradation rates of phenol achieved using novel porous ZrO2-doped TiO2 nanoparticulate powders

► Synthesis of TiO2 doped with ZrO2. ► Decomposition of phenol from water. ► Incorporation of ZrO2 strengthens material and increasing surface area. ► ZrO2 also slows down the electron-hole pair recombination. ► Regeneration was achieved with little adverse effect on the material.