Composites consisting of mesoporous anatase TiO2 spheres and multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were synthesized via sol gel and solvothermal processes. The nanocomposites showed enhanced photocatalytic activity because of their large specific surface areas (104-190 m(2)/g), the presence of TiO2 in the anatase phase, and the reduced band gap energy (from 3.30 to 2.08 eV). In particular, of the materials prepared, the nanocomposite containing 20 wt% MWCNTs exhibited the best photocatalytic efficiency and degradation rate. The nanocomposites also showed improved pollutant adsorption capacity, electron hole pair lifetime, light absorption capability, and absorbance of visible light. Further, the nanocomposites exhibited excellent stability and durability even after four cycles. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.