Synthesis of anatase nanoparticles was carried out in a microwave system. Crystal morphology was controlled by organic additives including PAAc (polyacrylic acid) and PVP (polyvinylpyrrolidone). Modified TiO2 particles were compared to the bare TiO2 anatase structure. The synthesis of materials via the microwave system has great advantages due to the short reaction period and low energy requirement and is therefore an environmentally friendly process compared to the hydrothermal process. The decomposition of acetaldehyde was studied to determine the photocatalytic activity of the modified anatase TiO2 material. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.