Self-templated formation of ZnFe2O4 double-shelled hollow microspheres for photocatalytic degradation of gaseous o-dichlorobenzene

Abstract

In this work, double-shelled ZnFe₂O₄ hollow microspheres were fabricated by a facile self-templated solvothermal method and the interiors could be precisely modulated by varying the reaction rate during the calcination process. More importantly, the formation mechanism of hollow structures with complex interior architectures could be illustrated based on the interface layer effect of the adhesion and contraction forces. When evaluated as catalytic materials for degradation of gaseous o-dichlorobenzene, the as-synthesized double-shelled ZnFe₂O₄ hollow structures showed significantly enhanced photocatalytic performance because of higher surface area (126.7 m² g⁻¹) and more effective light absorption (multiple scattering for double-shelled architectures).