Synthesis of hollow core-shell ZnCo2O4 spheres and their formation mechanism

The general synthesis of hollow core-shell ZnCo2O4 spheres through a novel method of solvothermal carbon templating is newly demonstrated. The preparation of hollow core-shell structure involves the key strategy of loading precursor into the mesopores inside the colloidal carbon spheres driven by solvothermal treatment. In addition, the present method is also of high precursor adsorption efficiency owing to the completely conversion of metal source to precursor. It is revealed that the as-prepared products exhibit excellent textural properties of a large surface area and large pore volume. It is assumed that the present method can be extended to prepare a series of hollow core-shell materials for widespread applications.