Synthesis of polymer/zirconium hydroxide core-shell microspheres and the hollow porous zirconium oxide microspheres

► Synthesis of P(MBA-co-MAA)/Zr(OH)4 core-shell composite microspheres. ► Controlled thickness of Zr(OH)4 shell-layer via altering loadings of Zr(OBu)4. ► Preparation of hollow ZrO2 microspheres with body-centered tetragonal phase.