Assisted by microwave irradiation, high surface area TiO2 nano-photocatalysts were synthesized via fast hydrolysis of inorganic titanyl sulfate, followed by post-annealing treatment at 700 degrees C. The microwave facilitated the reaction but constrained the growth of individual TiO2 particles. Strikingly, the sulfuric acid added in the reaction system for hydrolysis control also affected the morphology of the formed TiO2 leading to a mesoporous structure. The heat treatment endowed the TiO2 nanocrystals with a comfortable ratio of anatase and rutile. The mesoporous TiO2 particles thus obtained were agglomerates of <10 nm crystalline particles, displaying a raspberry-like rough surface with specific surface area as high as 180 m(2)/g. The photocatalytic properties of the obtained materials were evaluated by photo-degradation of methylene blue under visible light using commercial P25 as the benchmark. The results showed that the self-made TiO2 had a 6-fold faster photocatalytic reaction rate due to its enhanced visible light absorption and improved specific surface area. (C) 2018 Published by Elsevier B.V.