In the field of solar fuel cells, the development of efficient photo-converting semiconductors remains a major challenge. A rational analysis of experimental photocatalytic results obtained with material in colloidal suspensions is needed to access fundamental knowledge required to improve the design and properties of new materials. In this study, a simple system electron donorinano-TiO2 is considered and examined via spin scavenging electron paramagnetic resonance as well as a panel of analytical techniques (composition, optical spectroscopy and dynamic light scattering) for selected type of nano-TiO2. Independent variables (pH, electron donor concentration and TiO2 amount) have been varied and interdependent variables (aggregate size, aggregate surface vs. volume and acid/base groups distribution) are discussed. This work shows that reliable understanding involves thoughtful combination of interdependent parameters, whereas the specific surface area seems not a pertinent parameter. The conclusion emphasizes the difficulty to identify the key features of the mechanisms governing photocatalytic properties in nano-TiO2. (C) 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.