Synthesis and formation mechanism of VO₂(A) nanoplates with intrinsic peroxidase-like activity

Monocrystalline VO₂(A) nanoplates have been synthesized via a one-pot hydrothermal process. In situ powder X-ray diffraction was used to monitor the hydrothermal synthesis and it was found that VO₂(A) nucleates and grows directly from solution after the complete hydrolysis of a 2.0 M VO(acac)₂ precursor solution, rather than involving a previously reported intermediate phase VO₂(B). A hydrating–exfoliating–splitting mechanism was established to explain the formation of the nanoplate architecture. The synthesized VO₂(A) nanoplates showed outstanding peroxidase-like activity and hence are a promising candidate for artificial peroxidase.