Synthesis of TiO2 hollow spheres with tunable pore structure and enhanced photocatalytic activity

Abstract Titania hollow spheres were fabricated successfully by using tetrabutyl titanate as titanium precursor and colloidal carbon spheres as hard templates. The microstructure, textural properties, structure regulation approach, as well as the photocatalytic properties of the hollow spheres were investigated. The results show that the hollow spheres possess the perfect spherical shape, monodispersity, and hierarchically pore structures which endow them with high specific surface area and pore volume. The wall thickness and textural properties of the hollow spheres can be easily tailored by adjusting the concentration of tetrabutyl titanate. Evaluation of the titania hollow spheres for the photo-decomposition of methylene blue (MB) under visible-light irradiation reveals that they exhibit excellent photocatalytic activity and durability.