The generation of $TiO_2$ nanoparticles by a thermal decomposition of titanium tetraisopropoxide (TTIP) was carried out experimentally using a tubular electric furnace at various synthesis temperatures (700, 900, 1100 and $1300^{circ}C$) and precursor heating temperatures (80, 95 and $110^{circ}C$). Effects of degree of crystallinity, surface area and anatase mass fraction of those $TiO_2$ nanoparticles on photocatalytic properties such as decomposition of methylene blue was investigated. Results show that the primary particle diameter obtained from thermal decomposition of TTIP was considerably smaller than the commercial photocatalyst (Degussa, P25). Also, those specific surface areas were more than 134.4 $m^2$/g. Resultant $TiO_2$ nanoparticles showed improved photocatalytic activity compared with Deggusa P25. This is contributed to the higher degree of crystallinity, surface area and anatase mass fraction of $TiO_2$ nanoparticles compared with P25.