Mechanically robust, thermally insulating and photo-responsive aerogels designed from sol-gel electrospun PVP-TiO2 nanofibers

•Hybrid polymer-inorganic (polyvinylpyrrolidone-titania) nanofibrous aerogel described.•Hierarchical structures and synergy between PVP and TiO2 provide multifunctionality.•Aerogels are mechanically robust and thermally insulating.•Photocatalytic activity of TiO2 opens new avenues for on-demand applications.•Applications in oil and VOC sorption and degradation, and as an antibacterial material.