Dissociative adsorption of CCl4 on TiO2 at 35 degrees C has been studied by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and electron spin resonance. CCl4 decompose to form CO, CO2, and CO3 on the surface, at such a low temperature, in which CO2 formation is not from CO oxidation on TiO2, but CO3 can be produced by CO and CO2 adsorption. The Cl generated from CCl4 decomposition is left on the surface and bonded to titanium ions. Mineralization of CCl4 on TiO2 involves the lattice oxygens. Thermodynamical driving force and possible reaction routes for CO and CO2 formation in the CCl4 decomposition on TiO2 are discussed. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.