Transformation of Stöber Silica Spheres to Hollow Nanocatalysts

Abstract The discovery of silica spheres by Werner Stöber and his team (known as Stöber silica) has been instrumental to many technological fields such as hollow materials research. Recent research endeavors on (physical and chemical) transformation of Stöber silica have specifically opened up a new horizon in this domain, especially in catalysis science and catalyst technology. Deliberate introduction of working spaces into Stöber silica via such transformations is regarded as a meaningful methodology toward fabrication of highly confined hollow nanostructures in the form of “reactor‐like nanocatalysts” or “catalyst‐like nanoreactors”. More importantly, advanced catalytic devices with well‐defined size, shape, composition, and hollowness could be obtained by these viable approaches. Concerning the further research, the present minireview gives an overview on recent advances about the synthesis and applications of hollow nanocatalysts derived from Stöber silica spheres. Firstly, we will provide the gist of current status of hollow materials research. Secondly, applicable methods for transformation of Stöber silica spheres to hollow nanostructures and hollow nanocatalysts will be elaborated. The stability and durability of SiO₂‐based hollow constructs will also be elucidated. Subsequently, research snapshots of Stöber SiO₂‐derived hollow nanostructures and their applicability mainly for catalytic purposes, from our research group and literature, will be discussed. Our personal perspectives on promising research opportunities and challenges in this field will also be given at the end.