Synthesis method for crystalline hollow titania micron-cubes

•A straightforward synthesis method for cubic titania colloids is presented.•The synthesis method only requires conventional chemicals and ambient conditions.•Hollow and core–shell hematite@titania colloids are prepared.•The cubic shape allows for the formation of dense colloidal arrays.

We report the synthesis of novel micron-sized titania cubes comprising a hematite core and a titania shell. Single core particles are entirely coated with a homogeneous titania shell of tunable thickness. Our convenient and straightforward synthesis method is mediated by the surfactant cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) and proceeds under ambient conditions. Subsequent calcination transforms the amorphous titania shell to anatase/rutile titania; dissolution of the hematite core eventually results in hollow porous titania cubes. The resulting core–shell and hollow titania cubes display the tendency to align face-to-face, indicating their potential for utilization in close-packed arrays.

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