Homogeneous hydrolysis of titanium oxo-sulfate and iron(III) sulfate has been used to prepare anatase TiO2 and ferrihydrite with high specific surface area. Resulting samples were characterised by specific surface area (Brunauer-Emmett-Teller method) and porosity (Barrett-joyner-Halenda method) measurements, X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The samples of anatase TiO2 and ferrihydrite were evaluated for their ability to degrade chemical warfare agents (sulfur mustard gas, soman and agent VX) to non-toxic products. The largest percentage of mustard gas converted into non-toxic products after the completion of the reaction was 99%. (c) 2005 Society of Chemical Industry.