Single-Step Fabrication of Monodisperse TiO₂ Hollow Spheres with Embedded Nanoparticles in Microfluidic Devices

Abstract

Hollow TiO2 microspheres with embedded nanoparticles were fabricated by a single-step process. Monodisperse oil drops containing TiO2 precursor and nanoparticles were injected into an aqueous phase by a microfluidic device. Controlled interfacial reaction of titanium alkoxides consolidates nanoparticles at the interfaces of oil-in-water emulsion drops, resulting in multifunctional inorganic shells.