Mesocrystal precursor transformation strategy for synthesizing ordered hierarchical hollow TiO2 nanobricks with enhanced photocatalytic property†
Abstract
Anatase TiO2 nanobricks of hierarchical hollow structure with ordered arranged nanothorns are obtained by post-treating the mesocrystal NH4TiOF3 nanobricks with H3BO3 solution. The mesocrystal NH4TiOF3 is formed by an oriented self-assembly process. The similarities in crystal structures between NH4TiOF3 and TiO2 may offer the possibility for the formation such an ordered hollow structure with nanothorns. The obtained hollow TiO2 nanobricks exhibit enhanced photocatalytic activity in degrading organic contaminants compared with other samples.