Control over the crystal phase, crystallinity, morphology of AgVO3 via protein inducing process

A facile and bio-inspired route for the preparation of pure and highly crystalline metastable α-AgVO3 is presented. Three kinds of proteins (bovine hemoglobin, bovine serum albumin, and lysozyme) were employed as inducer, which had substantial effects on the nucleation and growth of α-AgVO3. Moreover, the amount of proteins also played a key role over the morphology and crystalline of products. The VO3-/protein complex acted as a driver to induce the formation of metastable phase, which was confirmed by resonance Rayleigh scattering and UV–vis absorption spectra. The results indicated that tailoring an interaction between protein and inorganic molecules was the key in bio-inspired selective synthesis of metastable phase, which may find applications in the design of other new functional inorganic materials.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload high-quality image (150 K)Download as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Pure and crystalline metastable α-AgVO3 is obtained using bio-inspired way. ► Three proteins were used as model agents. ► The amounts and surface charges of proteins played a key role over α-AgVO3.