Hematite homogeneous core/shell hierarchical spheres: Surfactant-free solvothermal preparation and their improved catalytic property of selective oxidation

► Hierarchical Fe2O3 core/shell microspheres were synthesized. ► Microspheres were assembled by β-FeOOH. ► The sample exhibits a superior catalytic activity and selectivity. ► The high activity and selectivity are due to the hierarchical core/shell structure.