Disclosed herein are titania photocatalysts, titania photocatalytic compositions, and methods of making the same. The photocatalysts may, for example, be represented by the formula of (Ti1-rMr)(O2-x-yCxNy), where M, r, x, are y defined in the specification. The photocatalysts may, in some embodiments, provide superior photocatalytic activity relative to titania. Also disclosed are methods making the photocatalysts. The method may provide economical techniques for obtaining the titania photocatalysts.