Homogeneous synthesis of SiO2@TiO2 nanocomposites with controllable shell thickness and their enhanced photocatalytic activity

Here we report the use of sulfuric acid as a catalyst for the facile and homogeneous synthesis of core-shell SiO2@TiO2 nanocomposites using simple apparatus, under ambient pressure and temperature. The resultant SiO2@TiO2 exhibits an ideal core-shell structure with uniform nanoscale TiO2 coverage. The shell thickness of SiO2@TiO2 can be conveniently tuned through adjustment of the esterification reaction parameters. Moreover, SiO2@TiO2 shows improved catalytic activity in the photodegradation of methyl orange.