Soft-template synthesis of ZrOC2O4 nanocapsule with mesoporous core and microporous shell structure

For the first time, a novel nanosized hollow capsule of ZrOC2O4 was synthesized by the synthetic use of sol–gel, microemulsion, hydrothermal and soft-template techniques. Infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, transmission electronic microscopy, N2 adsorption–desorption isotherm and pore size distribution were used to characterize the products. The results indicated that this new type structural capsule included three nanoscales: the nanosized hollow core, the nanosized shell and the nanosized capsule particle. Further heat treatment experiments showed that the ZrOC2O4 could change into ZrO2 and the nanosized hollow capsule structure could be retained, when calcined at 550 °C, displaying good structural stability.