Nanocrystalline anatase TiO2 and Sm3+ doped TiO2 having defective and non-defective nature were synthesised and systematically examined as photocatalysts with a function of dopant present (1, 2, 5 and 10 wt%) and temperature at 300, 500 and 700 degrees C using methylene blue dye as model system. A bare TiO2 nanocrystal has shown oxygen richness and while incorporating Sm3+, oxygen deficiency was induced along with a significant enhancement in the overall photocatalytic activity. Photocatalytic study showed that the Sm3+ doped TiO2 nanostructure calcined at 500 degrees C with higher defects at the nanosurface has the highest activity under both UV and sunlight irradiation. Finally a dual function nano TiO2 platform were demonstrated using Sm3+ doped TiO2 sol coated self-cleaning glass bottle. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.