Uniform Mesoporous Anatase Hollow Spheres: An Unexpectedly Efficient Fabrication Process and Enhanced Performance in Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution

Uniform mesoporous anatase hollow spheres with high crystallinity have been fabricated by an efficient method, in which biocompatible ethanedioic acid acts as the chelating agent during the Ostwald ripening process. The combination of high crystallinity, large surface area, and mesoporosity leads to an excellent photocatalytic activity. In solar water splitting, the hollow spheres exhibit remarkably enhanced photocatalytic performance that is 1.4 times of P25.