In the present work, we have synthesized photoactive srilankitetype
zirconium titanate (ZT) hollow spheres. The novelty of this research
is that we have successfully synthesized ZT hollow spheres as a potential model of photocatalyst with smooth and well defined layer of
ZrTiO4which have lighter density, better physical and chemical properties
and enhanced photoactivity in comparison to that of titania
(T) hollow spheres.
We employed a template of sulfonated PS latex particles
which were prepared by emulsifier free emulsion polymerization
methods. The sulfonated PS latex template will ensure the formation of
smooth and homogeneous shell wall of the hollow spheres, while the
differences in their crystal arrangement will result in the formation of
smaller and denser shell building-blocks which will lead to the blueshift
light absorption characteristics and stronger UV-responsiveness
in comparison to that of common TiO2 photocatalysts.