Amorphous silica can be synthesized with controlled dimensions and morphologies by the Vapor-phase Axial Deposition (VAD) method, so we performed an exploratory study for verifying the possibility of using this technique for the obtention of a sponge-shaped ramified nanostructure with high superficial area. We were successful in synthesizing SiO₂ and SiO₂-TiO₂ with this desired morphology and characterized the materials by Scanning Electron Microscopy and X-Ray Diffraction. The obtained ceramics present pores of adequate dimensions for the use as microfiltration devices and proved to be capable of adsorbing important commercial dyes. These materials show physical characteristics that make them promising for applications on liquid and gas separations, and as very selective photocatalysts for chemical reactions and for waste and water treatment.