In this study, TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs)-based catalysts were prepared for the photocatalytic removal of toluene as a model VOC from air under UV light. Expanded graphite (EG) and activated carbon (AC) as two sustainable supports were employed for immobilization of TiO2 NPs by sol–gel technique. In this approach, substrates were added to TiO2 sol–gel and heated up to 60 °C followed by calcination process at 400 °C to afford, EG/TiO2 and AC/TiO2. The studies show that much better results ensued for AC–TiO2 because of higher surface area, good nanoparticle distribution, and lower pore width. The products were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, energy dispersive X-ray, as well as N2 adsorption/desorption