The influence of activated carbon on the activity of TiO 2 in toluene photooxidation was studied to verify the efficiency of both materials working ensemble. Results showed that surface pH and more strongly the surface area of activated carbon influence the TiO 2 photoactivity. Results suggest that toluene adsorbed on carbon diffuses to TiO 2 where photooxidation takes place. In conclusion, TiO 2 -activated carbon was able to perform the photooxidation of toluene for at least two consecutive runs more efficiently than TiO 2 alone. Combination of adsorption on activated carbon and oxidative photocatalysis on TiO 2 is a promising direction for removal of pollutant from air.