Hollow spherical titanium dioxide nanoparticles for energy and environmental applications

•Synthetic approaches of hollow spherical TiO2 nanoparticles were reviewed.•Their performances in DSSCs, photocatalysts and batteries were reviewed.•Perspectives on further improving their synthesis and characterization methods were drawn.

Hollow spherical titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles possess unique properties toward energy and environmental applications, because of the intrinsic properties of TiO2 and benefits induced by their hollow structure. A detailed understanding of TiO2 hollow spheres will promote their use in sustainable energy and environmental applications. This perspective details current methods for synthesizing hollow spherical TiO2 nanoparticles, and their performance in dye-sensitized solar cells, photocatalysts, and batteries. This perspective will promote the design and innovative thinking on the application of hollow spherical metal oxide nanoparticles.

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