Photocatalytic oxidation of toluene to benzaldehyde over anatase TiO2 hollow spheres with exposed {001} facets

A new series of anatase TiO2 hollow structures were prepared by a facile hydrothermal process. When the hydrothermal time was increased from 20 min to 72 h, the resulting TiO2 solid spheres gradually transformed into TiO2 hollow spheres with higher surface crystallinity and exposed {001} facets. The as-prepared TiO2-72 h sample exhibited the highest activity comparing to other TiO2-based samples and commercial product Degussa P-25 towards the selective photocatalytic oxidation of toluene to benzaldehyde. Such great photocatalytic performance was mainly attributed to enhanced UV-adsorption and better charge separation efficiency due to higher surface crystallinity of TiO2-72 h.

Grapical AbstractFigure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideResearch Highlights
► Hydrothermal synthesis of hollow structured TiO2 with exposed {001} facets.
► Enhanced surface crystallinity promoted UV-adsorption and charge separation.
► High crystallinity and exposed {001} facets resulted in high conversion of toluene.
► Controllable morphology from solid to hollow structure.