A layered fitania/isostearate nanocomposite was prepared via the sol-gel process in a hydrophobic solvent with a salt catalyst. The isostealate modifiers hybridized with titania sheets were completely removed by treatment with aqueous ammonia. A vivid yellow powder of plate anatase was obtained by firing the treated sample at 450degreesC, and it showed a strong photoabsorption in the visible light region. Rapid degradation of methylene blue was observed in an aqueous solution during irradiation with 470-nm light.