Hexagonally packed nanoporous TiO 2 has been developed by a self-templating electrochemical anodization method on titanium foil. The template is made by a two-step anodization process, where highly ordered hexagonally packed dimples are formed on titanium surface through self-organization. The template is then subjected to a third anodization process with a fast voltage ramp rate, from which a highly ordered porous structure is obtained. Such a material with an ordered structure shows enhanced photocatalytic activity as compared to titania nanotube.