Large-surface mesoporous TiO2 nanoparticles: Synthesis, growth and photocatalytic performance

► Hydrothermal approach in boiling water for generation of mesoporous TiO2 nanoparticles. ► The TiO2 nanoparticles show superior photocatalytic activity to the commercialized TiO2 P25. ► Acetone plays a key role in the formation of TiO2 colloids under ambient conditions.