Self-assembled synthesis of hierarchical Zn2GeO4 core–shell microspheres with enhanced photocatalytic activity

Abstract

Hierarchically spherical materials with a core–shell structure are of special interest for a variety of promising applications. Although some advanced synthetic methods have been reported, the development of a facile strategy to fabricate hierarchically spherical materials with a core–shell structure is still desirable. Herein, hierarchical Zn₂GeO₄ core–shell microspheres, with stacked nanoparticles at the core and well-aligned rods at the shell, are successfully synthesized through a triethylenetetramine (TETA)-induced self-assembly route. They exhibit relatively high photocatalytic activity and stability towards degradation of organic pollutants under UV light irradiation. In addition, other diverse hierarchical Zn₂GeO₄ macrocrystals can be successfully prepared by rationally tuning the reaction parameters. The present synthetic strategy may allow access to fabricating other multifunctional materials with special artistical morphologies.