The sol–gel preparation of ZnO/silica core–shell composites and hollow silica structure

Three kinds of different ZnO colloid particles (flowerlike particles, nanoribbons and microspheres) and one kind of ZnO film have been coated with silica via a simple sol–gel method in the Stöber system and ZnO/silica core–shell microparticles or films have been obtained. The thickness of silica shell can be controlled by adjusting the concentration of TEOS added into the system. If the ZnO core is etched off by HCl, corresponding, hollow silica particles or film will be generated.