Facile synthesis of hierarchical anatase microspheres

A versatile synthesis method is proposed to fabricate hierarchical anatase microspheres under soft conditions and rendering batch volumes significantly large for practical scale-up preparation. The strategy is based on the use of non-aqueous conditions to prevent the accelerated hydrolysis of the Titanium precursor. Water traces from the air atmosphere are only incorporated during the vaporization stage, allowing a controlled precipitation process. Diluted precursor solutions and ethanolic medium promote the self-organization of the precipitated nanoparticles into stable units of spherical shape. The calcination of the obtained powder finally leads to a homogenous, monodisperse and easy to handle population of nanostructured anatase microspheres with high crystallinity and large surface area.

► Hierarchical anatase microspheres were made from cost-effective synthesis method.
► Diluted solutions of the Ti-alcoxy precursor and ethanolic medium resulted crucial.
► An easy to handle powder was produced in large batch volumes for scale-up preparation.