Anatase TiO2 photocatalysts supported with the ordered mesoporous carbon, CMK-3, were synthesized by the incorporation of TiO2 into CMK-3 followed by heating at 700 degrees C. The structural properties of the TiO2 on CMK-3 were investigated by X-ray diffraction, nitrogen physisorption and electron microscopy techniques. In particular, TiO2 was observed both inside and the external surface of CMK-3. The photocatalytic activity of TiO2 on CMK-3 under UV-light exhibited higher efficiency in removing the Rhodamine 6G dye solution than the commercial photocatalyst P25 and TiO2 on activated carbon. It was attributed to the synergistic effect of large surface area adsorption provided by mesoporous CMK-3 and the distinctive location of TiO2 on the external surface of CMK-3. (c) 2008 Elsevier B. V. All rights reserved.