Polyaniline (PANI)/TiO2 composite is prepared by in situ polymerization of polyaniline on the surface of TiO2 template obtained by the sol-gel process via cotton template. The TiO2 microbelts are prepared by sol-gel method using the absorbent cotton as template for the first time. Then the TiO2 microtubules are used as template for the preparation of polyaniline/TiO2 composites. The structure, morphology and properties of the composites are characterized with scanning electron microscope (SEM), IR, Net-wok Analyzer. A possible formation mechanism of TiO2 microtubules and polyaniline/TiO2 composites has been proposed. The effect of the mol ratio of polyaniline/TiO2 on the microwave loss properties and photocatalysis properties of the composites is investigated. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.