title: A general approach towards multi-faceted hollow oxide composites using zeolitic imidazolate frameworks.
abstract: To realize the various functionalities and maximize the structural advantages, hollow particles with multiple compositions and complex structures are highly desirable. However, the development of a convenient and scalable method for the synthesis of such multi-compositionally complex hollow structures remains a big challenge. Herein, we report an efficient and universal strategy to fabricate a variety of porous hollow oxide nanocomposites (Co3O4/SiO2, Co3O4/TiO2, ZnO/SiO2, and ZnO/TiO2) composed of nanosized subunits, which involves a sol-gel process to form a shell onto the dodecahedral zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF) template and a subsequent thermolysis-induced transformation of the template at appropriate temperatures. Such a multi-compositional hollow structure with a large surface area endows the materials with exceptional properties and performances. As an example, we demonstrated that these complex hollow oxide composites, especially the Co3O4/SiO2 hollow dodecahedra, exhibit a significantly enhanced photocatalytic performance as oxygen evolution photocatalysts.
authors.affiliation: School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 639798, Singapore. kzhou@ntu.edu.sg.
authors.forename: Renbing
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Wu
authors.forename: Dan Ping
authors.initials: DP
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Jianyu
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Han
authors.forename: Hai
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.forename: Kun
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Zhou
authors.forename: Yizhong
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Huang
authors.forename: Rong
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Xu
authors.forename: Jun
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Wei
authors.forename: Xiaodong
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Zhong
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Chen