The invention relates to a composite material comprising silicon and titanium dioxide characterized by an enhanced thermal and hydrothermal stability of the pore structure. The composite is obtainable by precipitating titanium hydroxide from an aqueous solution containing sulfate salts and urea, followed by an hydrothermal treatment in the mother liquor, and by reacting the precipitate with a basic silica sol. The composite has a specific surface area of up to 228 m²/g for a material calcined at 800 C. for 3 hours, and is suitable for catalyzing a variety of reactions, including Claus reaction and degradation of organic impurities.