Hybrid polyethylene oxide (PEO)-TiO2 and pure TiO2 powders were synthesized using a sol-gel route and hot water treated at 90degreesC. Anatase phase formation characteristics were investigated and compared for each powder using X-ray diffraction (XRD). Hybrid powder showed enhanced anatase formation kinetics and thus high crystallinity with anatase phase compared to pure TiO2. Enhanced kinetics and crystallinity of hybrids was discussed based upon the increased surface area coming from dissolution of PEO during hot water treatment, which in turn induced formation and rearrangement of increased number of free Ti-OH bonds. By condensation reaction of Ti-OH bonds resultant Ti-O-Ti bonds would readily form and grow into anastase crystals. Hybrid powder showed well-developed anatase crystals leading to much enhanced photocatalytic properties compared to pure TiO2 powder. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.