TiO2-mounted activated carbon was prepared by the precipitation of TiO2 from tetraisopropyl orthotitanate on the surface of poly(vinyl butyral) (PVB) and subsequent carbonization to different final temperatures from 700 to 900 degreesC under a flow of carbon dioxide. Photoactivity of the prepared TiO2/carbon composities was checked by decomposition of phenol in aqueous solution under UV irradiation. Adsorption of phenol on these catalysts was found to be very small (0-4%) without UV irradiation. Almost complete removal of phenol after 12 h under UV irradiation was observed for the sample heated to 700 degreesC that consisted of a single phase of anatase with 2.5% carbon. Carbon suppressed transformation of anatase onto rutile during heat treatment process. It has some benefits such as improving the crystalline structure of TiO2 catalyst by using higher temperature of heat treatment and selection of the proper carbon precursor for carbonisation. Prepared TiO2 mounted on carbon could be easily separated from the solution and it can be used repeatedly for phenol removal with preservation of its photoactivity. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.