Black core-shelled anatase titania were successfully prepared using a simple one-step synthetic method by calcining colloid titania precursor in N-2 flow under atmospheric pressure. The physicochemical properties of the as-prepared samples were characterized by various techniques such as X-ray diffraction, high resolution transmission electron microcopy, etc. The samples demonstrate a unique core-shelled structure and electron paramagnetic resonance spectra reveal the presence of high concentration of Ti3+ and oxygen vacancies at the surface, which accounts for their black appearance. A possible mechanism for the formation of such core shell structure is proposed based on the results (X-ray photoelectron spectra, etc) of products prepared under different ration between urea and hydrochloric acid. Ethanol absolute is found to have critical effect in preventing phase transition of titania (from anatase to rutile) upon elevated temperatures. The black appearance of the sample powder (high visible light absorption) as well as slow electron/hole recombination rate after introducing oxygen vacancies/N species signify the core-shelled anatase titania as an efficient visible light active photocatalyst. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.