Nanosized TiO₂-based materials with unique structural and functional properties have already led to breakthroughs in various applications including photocatalysis, adsorption, lithium-ion batteries, etc. In this review, we present the state-of-the-art development of fabrication strategies of titanate/titania nanostructures and their corresponding environmental and energy applications. First, the structural features of titanate and titania and their correlation are explained in great detail. After which, recent research efforts on the development of multi-dimensional titanate materials are summarized. Following that, the applications of titanate/titania nanomaterials in the fields of adsorbents, photocatalysis, lithium-ion batteries, photovoltaics, electrochromic devices, self-cleaning and oil–water separation are reviewed. Finally, the future perspectives for the nanostructured titanate and titania are discussed. Continuous development in this area is essential to endow TiO₂-based materials with advanced functionality and improved performance for practical applications.

A nanohybrid plasmonic photocatalyst, comprising Ag-AgX (X = Cl, Br, I) nanoparticles anchored on titanate nanotubes, was fabricated via a silver ion incorporation process followed by hydrogen halide injection and light-irradiation. The Ag-AgX-titanate nanotubes (Ag-AgX-TNT) hybrid with a high surface area could synergistically adsorb and degrade methylene blue (MB) under visible light, viz., the titanate nanotubes adsorb MB onto their surfaces, which aids the degradation of MB by Ag-AgX nanoparticles. The excellent degradation performance of Ag-AgX under visible light originated from its localized surface plasmonic resonance effect. Therefore, this integrated silver halides/titanate hybrid can efficiently degrade MB dye, and shows good potential for waste water treatment utilizing solar irradiation.