Template-free solvothermal synthesis and photocatalytic properties of TiO2 hollow spheres

TiO2 hollow spheres have been fabricated through a template-free solvothermal route using titanium acetate as the raw material. Products are characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectrometer, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, Raman spectrum, and thermogravimetric analysis. The formation mechanism of the TiO2 hollow spheres is schematically presented. Furthermore, the as-prepared TiO2 hollow structure exhibits good photocatalytic activity for the degradation of rhodamine B, which is comparable to or higher than that of the commercial nanoparticles. The reason is ascribed to their high crystallinity that determines material activity in this temperature region. This novel structure will further promote the extensive applications of TiO2 in photocatalysis.