Facile synthesis of SiO ₂ @TiO ₂ hybrid NPs with improved photocatalytic performance

Abstract

SiO 2 @TiO 2 hybrid nanoparticles (NPs) were successfully prepared via a simple solvothermal approach using tetrabutyl titanate (Ti(OBu) 4 ) as a titanium source. The morphology and crystal structure of the sample were characterised by scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope, and X‐ray diffraction. The photocatalytic properties of SiO 2 @TiO 2 hybrid NPs were also investigated in detail. The results showed that the layers of TiO 2 NPs have been successfully coated onto the uniform silica sphere and transformed into anatase after calcination at 500°C. In addition, the photocatalytic activity of the as‐obtained product was higher than that of the commercial P25‐TiO 2 . The method for producing hybrid NPs has potential applications in building various types of hybrid NPs.