Room temperature sensing of alcohol vapours using novel radially aligned nanorutile titania

•The TiO2 sensor showed high sensitivity with fast response time.•The hierarchical morphology, high surface area, high porosity and humidity played a vital role in sensing of VOCs at room temperature.•Humidity served as promoter of reaction up to 55% RH, whereas as at humidity beyond 55% the response reduces.•The sensitivity and selectivity of the sensor could be improved at room temperature by doping with precious metals, 2D materials, carbon, and polymers.