In this study, methods were developed to enlarge the scope of traditional applications of titanium dioxide (TiO2) and to increase the value of felted fabric by allowing volatile organic compound (VOC) degradation as well as dust filtration in a photoreacting fabric filter. In the past, when a V-Ti mixed catalyst was used, the application of felted fabric as a support material for the catalyst was difficult because the active temperature of the catalyst ranged from 250 to 400degreesC. Thus, in this study catalyst-coated felted fabric was manufactured at normal temperature conditions, and then fundamental de-VOC performance tests were conducted under irradiation condition to develop a fabric filter having a de-VOC function in addition to a dust-filtration function. Toluene vapor was selected as a sample VOC because it poses health hazards, has been widely used as an organic solvent, and has been known as a compound that is difficult to dissociate. To manufacture and use a fabric filter that degrades VOC., and removes dust particles through using photocatalyst-coated fabrics and light sources, optimum operating conditions were obtained by observing the degradation attributed to varying the toluene-vapor flow rate, the initial toluene concentration, flue gas humidity, TiO2 loading onto the surface of the fabric, and the intensity and wavelength of a near ultraviolet light lamp. To keep the flue gas humidity at a relatively constant level, a system to automatically control the humidity was constructed. (C) 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.