Urchin-like microparticles/nanoparticles assembled from radial nanorods have a good appearance and high specific surface area, providing more exposed active sites and shortening the diffusion path of photoexcited carriers from the interior to the surface. The interfacial interaction and physical and chemical properties of the materials can be improved by the interfacial porous network induced by interlacing nano-branches. In addition, multiple reflections of the layered microstructure can absorb more incident light and improve the photocatalytic performance. Therefore, the synthesis and functionalization of three-dimensional urchin-like nanostructures with controllable size, shape, and hierarchy have attracted extensive attention. This review aims to provide an overview to summarize the structures, mechanism, and application of urchin-like microparticles/nanoparticles derived from diverse synthesis methods and decoration types. Firstly, the synthesis methods of solid urchin-like micro-/nanoparticles are listed, with emphasis on the hydrothermal/solvothermal method and the reaction mechanism of several typical examples. Subsequently, the preparation method of composite urchin-like micro-/nanoparticles is described from the perspective of coating and doping. Then, the research progress of urchin-like hollow microspheres is reviewed from the perspective of the step-by-step method and synchronous method, and the formation mechanism of forming urchin-like hollow microspheres is discussed. Finally, the application progress of sea urchin-like particles in the fields of photocatalysis, electrochemistry, electromagnetic wave absorption, electrorheological, and gas sensors is summarized.
Keywords: micro-/nanoparticles; preparation method; urchin-like.