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

Abstract

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.