The photocatalytic degradation of three phenolics namely phenol, 4-chlorophenol and 4-nitrophenol were carried out in aerated aqueous suspension of TiO2 irradiated by ultraviolet light. The influence of temperature at optimized pH and TiO2 concentration was studied. The degradation kinetics were somewhat accelerated by increase in temperature in the range 25-45 degrees C and apparent activation energy was calculated to be 9.68-21.44 kJ mol(-1). Thermodynamic parameters of activation were also assessed for the degradation process. Formation of acidic species results in decrease in pH of solution. The appearance and the evolution of main intermediate species like hydroquinone, benzoquinone and catechol during the degradation process were computed by UV-vis spectral analysis. (C) 2009 Elsevier B. V. All rights reserved.