Immobilized bilayer TiO2/chitosan system for the removal of phenol under irradiation by a 45Â watt compact fluorescent lamp

► A bilayer TiO2/Chitosan (CS) system was developed for photocatalytic purposes. ► ENR50 additive acts as a pore forming agent within the immobilized TiO2 layer. ► Porous TiO2 enhances diffusion of pollutants and hydroxyl radicals towards CS layer. ► Photo activity, efficiency and mineralization rate were improved by using TiO2/CS. ► Bilayer TiO2/CS system can be reused up to ten cycles without losing its efficiency.