The surface properties of sot-gel synthesized anatase titania (TiO2) nanoparticles are probed by sorptiometry, infrared absorption spectroscopy, UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy and high resolution transmission electron microscopy. The results reveal strong correlations of the surface area, porosity, pyridine adsorption capacity and strength, and catalytic methylbutynol decomposition activity. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.