Novel template free synthetic strategy to single crystalline multishelled hollow nanospheroids of titania with boosted application potential

Abstract

Hollow nanostructures have inspired curiosity for their fascinating properties that originate from the unique structure, combining their free inner nanospace and chemical functionality of boundary materials. Herein, we provide the first account on the fabrication of single crystalline multishelled titania hollow nanospheroids under mild conditions through a template free solvothermal method. Judicious control over the reaction time revealed that the synthetic stages pass through hollow spheres of various interiors, all of which are single crystalline in nature, which makes a significant advance in this field. The formation mechanism is explained by Ostwald ripening based dissolution and the recrystallization process. Evidence for secondary Ostwald ripening that leads to a multishelled metal oxide structure is presented for the first time. Another highlight of the report is the enhanced application potential of the material that the multishelled structure offers. The material was observed to be an outstanding photocatalyst than all of the titania structures previously reported under identical experimental conditions, which arises due to the multiple reflection of light from the complex interiors.