The invention relates to a method for applying titanium dioxide-based photocatalytic coatings to a carrier material without using binders. The invention also relates to the use of a coating. According to the invention, a titanium dioxide suspension together with a carrier liquid is sprayed onto a hot carrier in the form of a fine aerosol so that the carrier liquid flash evaporates and titanium dioxide particles of the titanium dioxide suspension are flash sintered onto the carrier material, water being used as the carrier liquid and the carrier material having a temperature of 150 to 250° C. during spraying. According to the invention, a porous and yet stable layer for a catalyst for an efficient and rapid degradation of pollutants is produced.