Nanosized TiO2: a promising catalyst for the aldol condensation of furfural with acetone in biomass upgrading

•Nanocrystalline anatase TiO2 has been prepared successfully through thermal hydrolysis of TiOSO4.•As-prepared TiO2 shows high activity in aldol condensation of furfural and acetone which is comparable with Mg/Al hydrotalcite.•Calcination of TiO2 results in a decrease in its activity due to dehydration and dehydroxylation.