Hollow TiO2 nanocages with rubik-like structure for high-performance photocatalysts

Hollow TiO2 nanocages with rubik-like structure were synthesized via a combined hydrolysis/hydrothermal method. Firstly, highly uniform Cu2O nanocubes covered by TiO2 layer were prepared by hydrothermal hydrolysis of (NH4)2TiF6 following by reducing copper-citrate complex with ascorbic acid. The Cu2O core templates could be easily removed in dilute HCl solution to form a hollow rubik-like structure. The obtained TiO2 nanocages show promising efficiency in the photocatalytic degradation of phenol pollutions.

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► Well-dispersed hollow TiO2 nanocages with rubik-like structure were synthesized.
► Hydrolysis and hydrothermal methods were combined to prepare the TiO2 nanocages.
► The as-prepared material showed high photocatalytic activity on the degradation of phenol.