Synthesis and properties of multiple shell hollow SiO2@CeO2 microspheres

The preparation and properties of multiple shell hollow SiO₂@CeO₂ hybrid microspheres through a novel and facile method of layer-by-layer sol-gel carbon templating is presented. The whole process involves three key strategies: the loading of silica precursor into the carbon templates, the coating of cerium precursor nanocrystals upon the template, and formation of the final product after calcination. The presented approach may suggest a novel general route towards the preparation of a series of multiple shell hollow hybrid microspheres, which would show great potential for applications in drug delivery systems, catalysis, gas-sensing and so on.