NOVELTY - Porous materials based on metallic oxides of titanium and/or vanadium, preferably in the form of discrete particles, obtainable by a process, preferably template synthesis comprising (a) introducing titanium dioxide nanoparticles and/or vanadium pentoxide nanoparticles or titanium dioxide/vanadium pentoxide mixed nanoparticles into the pores of a porous three-dimensional matrix material (exotemplate), and (b) subjecting the matrix material loaded with the nanoparticles to a thermal treatment for at least partially, preferably completely removing the matrix material, is claimed.    USE - The porous material is useful: as catalysts, catalyst components or catalyst support; for the catalytic treatment of exhaust gases from combustion processes, preferably exhaust gases from internal combustion engines or from chemical or industrial processes, preferably flue gases; for the catalytic removal of nitrogen oxides from exhaust gases from combustion processes; for catalysis of chemical reactions and processes; for photocatalysis; in or as gas sensors or in fuel cells; and for sorptive, preferably adsorptive applications, preferably as a reactive adsorbent (all claimed).    ADVANTAGE - The porous material has high specific surface, large specific pore volumes, and improved mechanical stability.    DETAILED DESCRIPTION - Porous materials based on metallic oxides of titanium and/or vanadium, preferably in the form of discrete particles, obtainable by a process, preferably template synthesis comprising (a) introducing titanium dioxide nanoparticles and/or vanadium pentoxide nanoparticles or titanium dioxide/vanadium pentoxide mixed nanoparticles into the pores of a porous three-dimensional matrix material (exotemplate), and (b) subjecting the matrix material loaded with the nanoparticles to a thermal treatment for at least partially, preferably completely removing the matrix material, is claimed, where the porous three-dimensional matrix material is particulate, preferably granular or spherical activated carbon.