Polyoxometalate-Dicarboxylate Hybrid Dimers with {SiW10Cr2} Nodes: Syntheses, Structures, and Mass Spectrometric Characterization

The current study describes a new family of hybrid dimers constructed from secondary building blocks based on a dichromium-substituted silicodecatungstate, {SiW10Cr2}, and flexible dicarboxylate ligands of varied lengths. All five polyoxometalate-organic hybrid compounds exhibit an entropically favored, cyclic dimer motif that contains just two {SiW10Cr2} clusters─the minimum to form a closed loop, linked by two aliphatic dicarboxylates, as revealed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Due to the kinetic inertness of such Cr3+-based hybrid dimers, ESI-MS has become a particularly useful technique for the characterization of these paramagnetic, NMR-unfriendly systems.

A sandwiched Co4-added polyoxometalate for efficient visible light-driven hydrogen evolution

A new Co4-added polyoxometalate (CoAP) Cs4[(Co(H2O)5)2{(μ2-Co(H2O)4)2Co4(H2O)2(B-α-GeW9O34)2}]·6H2O (1) has been made using a lacunary directing strategy under hydrothermal conditions. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis demonstrated that 1 is a one-dimensional (1D) chain, in which CoAP is linked by cobalt-oxygen octahedra to form a 1D structure with excellent chemical stability. The visible light-driven H2 evolution test demonstrated that 1 has high activity, with an H2 evolution rate of 1485.95 μmol h-1 g-1. PXRD and FT-IR tests demonstrated that compound 1 exhibits excellent heterogeneous catalytic stability.

2,5-Thiophenedicarboxylic Acid Bridging Hexameric CeIII-Substituted Selenotungstate and Its Application for Detecting Mucin 1

The development of polyoxometalate chemistry not only is derived from the continuous discovery of novel polyoxometalates (POMs) but also stems from the exploitation of their new functionalities. In this work, we obtained a rigid sulfur-containing heterocyclic ligand-linking aggregate [N(CH3)4]10Na6H6[Ce8(H2O)26W8(HTDA)2(TDA)2O20][SeW4O18]2[SeW9O33]4·112H2O (1) (H2TDA = 2,5-thiophenedicarboxylic acid). Its polyanionic unit consists of one [Ce4(H2O)13W4O10(HTDA)(TDA)O10]18+ cluster and two kinds of Keggin-type [SeW4O18] and [SeW9O33] segments. It is noteworthy that H2TDA ligands not only work as connectors to link two symmetrical {[Ce4(H2O)13W4(HTDA)(TDA)O10][SeW4O18][SeW9O33]2}11- units but also function as ornaments to graft to the polyanionic backbone. Furthermore, 1 and 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT) were deposited on the glassy carbon electrode (GCE) by the electropolymerization (EPM) method, resulting in a 1-poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (1-PEDOT) composite film, which can provide sufficient binding sites to immobilize Au nanoparticles (Au NPs). Hereafter, the Au NPs-immobilized 1-PEDOT modified electrode (Au/1-PEDOT/GCE) was used to construct an electrochemical aptasensor to detect mucin 1, showing a low detection limit of 29.5 fM in the Tris solution. This work not only demonstrates that rigid heterocyclic ligands are beneficial for the creation of novel rare-earth-substituted selenotungstate hybrids but also provides more enlightenment for POM-based materials used for electrochemical detection of cancer markers.

Synthesis and Characterization of 6-Ti-Substituted Polyoxomolybdate with High Catalytic Activity for Sulfide Oxidation

A 6-Ti-substituted polyoxometalate, (NH4)5Cs7Na3H2[Cs@(Ti2GeMo10O39)3]·34H2O (1), was synthesized by reacting (NH4)6Mo7O24·4H2O, GeO2, and TiOSO4 through the conventional aqueous method. Polyanion 1a is composed of three {Ti2GeMo10} segments linked by Ti-O-Ti linkages and shows a trefoil-shaped structure. Furthermore, one Cs+ cation is encapsulated in the cavity of 1a. Notably, it possesses the highest number of Ti centers among the reported polyoxomolybdates. In addition, serving as a high-efficiency heterogeneous catalyst, 1 enables the conversion of methyl phenyl sulfide within 20 min, yielding 96.4% of the corresponding sulfoxide with good recyclability.

Three-Dimensional Polyoxometalate Organic Frameworks with One-Dimensional Channels Constructed by Multiple Helical Chains Based on 22-Core Ln/Mn/Mo Clusters for Proton Conduction

Two unique 22-core sandwich {[Mn6Mo6O37]Ln3[MnMo6O24]} (Ln = La or Pr) units have been assembled, featuring an undisclosed {Mn6Mo6} cluster. This assembly is subsequently integrated into two three-dimensional polyoxometalate organic frameworks, which exhibit one-dimensional hydrophilic hexagonal channels formed by six intertwined 63 helical chains, leading to effective proton conduction primarily facilitated by an abundance of water molecules within the channels.

Coordination Defect-Induced Frustrated Lewis Pairs in Polyoxo-metalate-Based Metal-Organic Frameworks for Efficient Catalytic Hydrogenation

Precise control of the structure and spatial distance of Lewis acid (LA) and Lewis base (LB) sites in a porous system to construct efficient solid frustrated Lewis pair (FLP) catalyst is vital for industrial application but remains challenging. Herein, we constructed FLP sites in a polyoxometalate (POM)-based metal-organic framework (MOF) by introducing coordination-defect metal nodes (LA) and surface-basic POM with abundant oxygen (LB). The well-defined and unique spatial conformation of the defective POM-based MOF ensure that the distance between LA and LB is at ~4.3 Å, a suitable distance to activate H2 . This FLP catalyst can heterolytically dissociate H2 into active Hδ- , thus exhibiting high activity in hydrogenation, which is 55 and 2.7 times as high as that of defect-free POM-based MOF and defective MOF without POM, respectively. This work provides a new avenue toward precise design multi-site catalyst to achieve specific activation of target substrate for synergistic catalysis.

A Hexadecanuclear Cobalt-Added Tungstogermanate Containing Counter Cobalt Hydrates: Synthesis, Structure and Photocatalytic Properties

The synthesis and exploration of the properties of structurally-new polyoxometalates (POMs) has been attracting considerable research interest. In this work, a hexadecanuclear cobalt-added tungstogermanate, H₃₁(NH₄)₅Na₁₆{Co^Ⅲ(H₂O)₆}₄{[Co^Ⅱ₄(μ₃-OH)₃(PO₄)]₄(A-α-GeW₉O₃₄)₄}₂·23-H₂O (1), was synthesized under hydrothermal conditions and characterized by various techniques. Compound 1 can effectively drive the heterogeneous photocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction in the presence of [Ir(ppy)₂(dtbbpy)][PF₆] as the photosensitizer, with triethanolamine (TEOA) and N-Hydroxy succinimide (NHS) used as the dual sacrificial reagents. Control experiments revealed the important role of NHS in enhancing the hydrogen-evolution activities. Under optimal catalytic conditions, a hydrogen yield of 54.21 μmol was achieved after 10-h photocatalysis, corresponding to a hydrogen evolution rate of 1807.07 μmol·g^-1·h^-1. Stability studies demonstrated that catalyst 1 can be isolated and reused for three successive photocatalytic cycles with negligible decline of the H₂ yield, indicating the stability and recycling robustness of catalyst 1.

40Ni-Added Poly(polyoxometalate) Assembled by {Ni6GeW9} and {Ni8(GeW9)2} Units: Structure, Magnetic, and Heterogeneous Catalysis Properties

A novel 40Ni-added germanotungstate, Cs₈K₁₄Na₃H₃{[Ni₆(OH)₃(H₂O)₆(B-α-GeW₉O₃₄)]₂[Ni₈(μ₆-O)(μ₂-OH)₂ (μ₃-OH)₂(H₂O)B₂O₃(OH)₂(B-α-GeW₉O₃₄)₂]}₂·84H₂O (1), was made by the reaction of the trivacant [A-α-GeW₉O₃₄]^10- ({GeW₉}) precursor with Ni²⁺ cations and B₅O₈^-, and systematically investigated by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, elemental analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, and powder X-ray diffraction. Single crystal X-ray analysis indicates that the polyoxoanion of 1 is a novel octamer constructed by {Ni₆GeW₉} and {Ni₈(GeW₉)₂} structural building units via Ni-O═W linkages. The magnetic behavior shows the existence of overall ferromagnetic interactions among the Ni²⁺ centers in compound 1. Photocatalytic H₂ production studies have implied that 1 can work as a heterogeneous catalyst for hydrogen production with decent robustness and recyclability.

Heteroatom-Modulated Assembly of Hexalanthanoid-Containing Polyoxometalate-Based Coordination Networks

Two series of lanthanoid (Ln)-containing polyoxometalates (POMs) {[Ln₆(ampH)₄(H₂O)_24-n(ampH₂)_n(PW₁₁O₃₉)₂]·21H₂O (Ln = Tb, n = 0 (1), Ln = Er, n = 1 (2)) and K₂[Ln₆(ampH)₄(H₂O)₂₂(SiW₁₁O₃₉)₂]·23H₂O (Ln = Tb (3), Er (4)) (ampH₂ = (aminomethyl) phosphonic acid)} have been synthesized with tri-lacunary Keggin-type POMs containing different types of heteroatoms. Compounds 1 and 2 display neutral organic-inorganic hybrid POM molecules containing {Ln₆(ampH)₄} ({Ln₆}) cores sandwiched by two {PW₁₁O₃₉} units. By changing the heteroatoms from P^V to Si^IV, the extended 2D networks of 3 and 4 were successfully isolated where the adjacent {Ln₆} clusters were connected by {SiW₁₁O₃₉} moieties. Luminescence performances and magnetic properties of 1-4 have been systematically surveyed. The solid-state fluorescence spectra of 1-4 display characteristic emissions of Ln components resulting from the 4f-4f transitions, and energy transfer from the POM segments to Ln³⁺ centers in 1 and 3 has been observed based on the lifetime decay behaviors. Furthermore, all compounds can be utilized as electrocatalysts toward reduction of nitrite with high stability.

Lanthanide-Anderson Polyoxometalates Frameworks: Efficient Sulfide Photooxidation

Three polyoxometalate-based metal-organic frameworks were synthesized by the thermal reaction of pyridyl-Anderson polyoxometalate linker and lanthanide ions. With the help of [Ru(bpy)₃]²⁺ photosensitizer, these frameworks exhibited excellent photocatalytic sulfide oxidation performance with sulfoxide selectivity. The reactive oxygen species as well as the photooxidation mechanism were also explored.

High-Nuclear Ni-Substituted Poly(polyoxometalate) Containing an Anderson-like {Cs7} Cluster

A novel high-nuclear Ni-substituted poly(polyoxometalate) [poly(POM)], [H₂N(CH₃)₂]₂Na₁₈Cs₂H₁₃[(Cs₇(H₂O)₆)@{(PO₄)-@(Ni₄(OH)₃(WO₄))₃@(B-α-PW₉O₃₄)₃}₂]·30H₂O (1), has been successfully developed and structurally characterized. The polyoxoanion of 1 can be viewed as a unique huge sandwich structure made of an unprecedented Cs₇(H₂O)₆ ({Cs₇}) cluster core encapsulated by two trimeric [(PO₄)@(Ni₄(OH)₃(WO₄))₃@(B-α-PW₉O₃₄)₃]^21- subunits, in which the {Cs₇} cluster presents an interesting Anderson-like arrangement and is the first example of a classical POM configuration based on the alkali metal cluster in the POM chemistry. The polyoxoanion can also be described as an unusual [(Cs₇(H₂O)₆)@{(PO₄)@(Ni₄(OH)₃(WO₄))₃}₂]¹⁹⁺ cluster packaged by six {PW₉} fragments. Furthermore, investigations on the Knoevenagel condensation reaction reveal that 1 has good catalytic activity for the condensation of various aldehydes and malononitrile into corresponding products with excellent yields.

First Organic–Inorganic Hybrid Compounds Formed by Ge-V-O Clusters and Transition Metal Complexes of Aromatic Organic Ligands

Three compounds based on Ge-V-O clusters were hydrothermally synthesized and characterized by IR, UV-Vis, XRD, ESR, elemental analysis and X-ray crystal structural analysis. Both [Cd(phen)(en)]2[Cd2(phen)2V12O40Ge8(OH)8(H2O)]∙12.5H2O (1) and [Cd(DETA)]2[Cd(DETA)2]0.5[Cd2(phen)2V12O41Ge8(OH)7(0.5H2O)]∙7.5H2O (2) (1,10-phen = 1,10-phenanthroline, en = ethylenediamine, DETA = diethylenetriamine) are the first Ge-V-O cluster compounds containing aromatic organic ligands. Compound 1 is the first dimer of Ge-V-O clusters, which is linked by a double bridge of two [Cd(phen)(en)]2+. Compound 2 exhibits an unprecedented 1-D chain structure formed by Ge-V-O clusters and [Cd2(DETA)2]4+ transition metal complexes (TMCs). [Cd(en)3]{[Cd(η2-en)2]3[Cd(η2-en)(η2-μ2-en)(η2-en)Cd][Ge6V15O48(H2O)]}∙5.5H2O (3) is a novel 3-D structure which is constructed from [Ge6V15O48(H2O)]12− and four different types of TMCs. We also synthesized [Zn2(enMe)3][Zn(enMe)]2[Zn(enMe)2(H2O)]2[Ge6V15O48(H2O)]∙3H2O (4) and [Cd(en)2]2{H8[Cd(en)]2Ge8V12O48(H2O)}∙6H2O (5) (enMe = 1,2-propanediamine), which have been reported previously. In addition, the catalytic properties of these five compounds for styrene epoxidation have been assessed.

Designed Syntheses of Three {Ni6PW9}-Based Polyoxometalates, from Isolated Cluster to Cluster-Organic Helical Chain

Three new hexa-Ni-substituted Keggin-type polyoxometalates (POMs), [Ni6(OH)3- (DACH)3(H2O)6(PW9O34)]·31H2O (1), [Ni(DACH)2][Ni6(OH)3(DACH)3(HMIP)2(H2O)2(PW9O34)]·56 H2O (2), and [Ni(DACH)2][Ni6(OH)3(DACH)2(AP)(H2O)5(PW9O34)]·2H2O (3) (DACH = 1,2-Diami- nocyclohexane, MIP = 5-Methylisophthalate, AP = Adipate) were successfully made in the presence of DACH under hydrothermal conditions. 1 is an isolated hexa-Ni-substituted Keggin unit decorated by DACH. In order to further construct POM cluster-organic frameworks (POMCOFs) on the basis of 1, by analyzing the steric hindrances and orientations of the POM units, the rigid HMIP and flexible AP ligands were successively incorporated, and another anionic monomeric POM 2 and the new 1D POM cluster organic chain (POMCOC) 3 were obtained. HMIP ligand still acts as a decorating group on the Ni6 core of 2 but results in the different spatial arrangement of the {Ni6PW9} units. AP ligands in 3 successfully bridge adjacent isolated POM cluster units to 1D POMCOC with left-hand helices. The AP in 3 is the longest aliphatic carboxylic acid ligand in POMs, and the 1D POM cluster-AP helical chain represents the first 1D POMCOC with a helical feature.

Hepta-Zr-Incorporated Polyoxometalate Assembly

Driven by the synergistic-directing effect of the lacunary fragments, [B-α-GeW₉O₃₄]^10- and [B-α-GeW₁₁O₃₉]^8-, an unprecedented hepta-Zr-substituted polyoxometalate (POM) assembly K₂Na₆H₁₀(Hpy)₃[SbZr₇O₆(OH)₄(B-α-GeW₉O₃₄)₂(B-α-GeW₁₁O₃₉)₂]·28H₂O (1) was made under hydrothermal condition and structurally characterized. Of which, a unique hepta-Zr cluster, [SbZr₇O₆(OH)₄]¹⁵⁺ core, was built by two trilacunary [B-α-GeW₉O₃₄]^10- fragments and two monolacunary [B-α-GeW₁₁O₃₉]^8- fragments and further arranged in a mode of a vertical cross and formed a pseudo-tetrahedron geometry. Compound 1 features the first Zr₇-cluster-substituted POM. Moreover, 1 is an effective heterogeneous catalyst for the catalytic oxidation of sulfides into the corresponding sulfones with H₂O₂, manifesting distinguished conversion, excellent yield, and desired recyclability.

Chiral {Ni6PW9} Cluster-Organic Framework: Synthesis, Structure, and Properties

A chiral three-dimensional polyoxometalate cluster-organic framework (POMCOF) H₃[(btc)Ni₆(μ₃-OH)₃(H₂O)₅(B-α-PW₉O₃₄)]·17H₂O (1, btc = 1,2,4-benzenetricarboxylate) has been made under hydrothermal conditions in the absence of amine or chiral starting reagents. 1 shows high stability in CH₃CN/DMF (1:3), acidic, and basic solutions with the pH ranging from 2 to 12 for 5 days. The UV-vis reflectance spectra and Mott-Schottky measurements reveal that 1 could be a suitable catalyst for photocatalysis. Visible-light-driven H₂ evolution studies have demonstrated that 1 is an ecofriendly, efficient, and recyclable catalyst with a H₂ evolution rate of 1058.24 μmol h^-1g^-1. Nonlinear optical (NLO) measurement reveals that 1 exhibits a second-harmonic generation (SHG) response of about 1.4 times that of KH₂PO₄ (KDP), indicating that 1 is a potential NLO material as well.

Nuclearity enlargement from [PW9O34@Ag51] to [(PW9O34)2@Ag72] and 2D and 3D network formation driven by bipyridines

The structural transformations of metal nanoclusters are typically quite complex processes involving the formation and breakage of several bonds, and thus are challenging to study. Herein, we report a case where two lacunary Keggin polyoxometallate templated silver single-pods [PW9O34@Ag51] (SD/Ag51b) fuse to a double-pod [(PW9O34)2@Ag72] by reacting with 4,4’-bipyridine (bipy) or 1,4-bis(4-pyridinylmethyl)piperazine (pi-bipy). Their crystal structures reveal the formation of a 2D 44-sql layer (SD/Ag72a) with bipy and a 3D pcu framework (SD/Ag72c) with pi-bipy. The PW9O349− retains its structure during the cluster fusion and cluster-based network formation. Although the two processes, stripping of an Ag-ligands interface followed by fusion, and polymerization, are difficult to envisage, electrospray ionization mass spectrometry provides enough evidences for such a proposal to be made. Through this example, we expect the structural transformation to become a powerful method for synthesizing silver nanoclusters and their infinite networks, and to evolve from trial-and-error to rational.

Organic–inorganic hybrid phosphite-participating S-shaped penta-CeIII incorporated tellurotungstate as electrochemical enzymatic hydrogen peroxide for β-D-glucose detection

Polyoxometalate chemistry has made rapid advances in innovative structural chemistry. The lower valence state and lone electron pair effect of subgroup-valence heteroatom Te(IV) can be introduced into the tungsten-oxygen system...

Synergic coordination of multicomponents for the formation of a {Ni30} cluster substituted polyoxometalate and its in situ assembly

The synergic coordination of trz, en, and PW9 resulted in a {Ni30} cluster substituted POM, [Ni(trz)3]2@[Ni30(H2O)16]POM, that was discovered as the SBU of four frameworks which served as heterogeneous catalysts for HERs.

Four Inorganic-Organic Hybrid Borates: From 2D Layers to 3D Oxoboron Cluster Organic Frameworks

Four inorganic-organic hybrid borates, K[B₆O₉(OH)(en)]·H₂O (1, en = ethylenediamine), K[B₆O₉(OH)(1,3-dap)]·H₂O (2, 1,3-dap = 1,3-diaminopropane), K[B₆O₉(OH)(1,6-dah)_0.5]·H₂O (3, 1,6-dah = 1,6-diaminlhexane) and [(1,3-dap)Cd@B₅O₈(OH)]·0.5H₂O (4), were made under solvothermal conditions. 1 and 2 are isostructural and feature a 2D layer built by B₆O₉(OH) clusters and modified by en and 1,3-dap via B-N-C linkages. By replacing en and 1,3-dap with longer and more flexible 1,6-dah, a new type of oxoboron cluster organic framework 3 was obtained, which was composed of the same B₆O₉(OH) cluster layers as in 1 and 2 and 1,6-dah linkers. By replacing alkali metal K with transition metal Cd under similar synthetic conditions, another type of oxoboron cluster organic framework 4 was made in which the Cd-centered wheel cluster layers and 1,3-dap linkers were connected via Cd-N-C linkages.

NiII 36 -Containing 54-Tungsto-6-Silicate: Synthesis, Structure, Magnetic and Electrochemical Studies

The 36-NiII -containing 54-tungsto-6-silicate, [Ni36 (OH)18 (H2 O)36 (SiW9 O34 )6 ]6- (Ni36 ) was synthesized by a simple one-pot reaction of the Ni2 -pivalate complex [Ni2 (μ-OH2 )(O2 CCMe3 )4 (HO2 CCMe3 )4 ] with the trilacunary [SiW9 O34 ]10- polyanion precursor in water and structurally characterized by a multitude of physicochemical techniques including single-crystal XRD, FTIR, TGA, elemental analysis, magnetic and electrochemical studies. Polyanion Ni36 comprises six equivalent {NiII 6 SiW9 } units which are linked by Ni-O-W bridges forming a macrocyclic assembly. Magnetic studies demonstrate that the {Ni6 } building blocks in Ni36 remain magnetically intact while forming a hexagonal ring with antiferromagnetic exchange interactions between adjacent {Ni6 } units. Electrochemical studies indicate that the first reduction is reversible and associated with the WVI/V couple, whereas the second reduction is irreversible attributed to the NiII/0 couple.

{Ti6}/{Ti10} Wheel Cluster Substituted Silicotungstate Aggregates

Two novel Ti-oxo wheel cluster substituted silicotungstates (STs) [H₂N(CH₃)₂]₉H₉[Ti₆O₆(SiW₁₀O₃₇)₃]·11H₂O (1) and [H₂N(CH₃)₂]₁₆H₁₀[Ti₁₀O₁₁(SiW₁₀O₃₇)₂(SiW₉O₃₅)₂]·14H₂O (2) have been made by hydrothermal reactions. The polyoxoanion of 1 is a ring-shaped trimer where a Ti₆O₆ ({Ti₆}) wheel cluster is encapsulated by three divacant [SiW₁₀O₃₇]^10- (SiW₁₀O₃₇) fragments. However, 2 is built by two divacant SiW₁₀O₃₇ units and two rare trivacant [SiW₉O₃₅]^12- (SiW₉O₃₅) fragments and further installs an unprecedented Ti₁₀O₁₁ ({Ti₁₀}) double-wheel cluster. To the best of our knowledge, 2 is rare in POM chemistry. Studies on the catalytic oxidation properties reveal that 1 exhibits high catalytic activity toward the oxidation of various sulfides using H₂O₂ as an oxidant. Furthermore, 1 can be facilely recycled and reused for at least five cycles without obvious loss of catalytic activity.

A {Ti6W4}-Cluster-Substituted Polyoxotungstate: Synthesis, Structure, and Catalytic Oxidation Properties

A novel Ti-W-O-cluster-substituted tungstoantimonate (TA), [H₂N(CH₃)₂]₃Na₄H₉[{Ti₆W₄O₁₈(OH)(H₂O)₃}(B-α-SbW₉O₃₃)₃]·20H₂O (1), has been made by hydrothermal reactions of trivacant [B-α-SbW₉O₃₃]^9- units, Ti⁴⁺ cations, and WO₄^2- anions in the presence of [H₂N(CH₃)₂]·Cl and structurally characterized. Intriguingly, the polyoxoanion of 1 is constructed from three [B-α-SbW₉O₃₃]^9- units and a previously unobserved decanuclear heterometallic Ti-W-O cluster [Ti₆W₄O₁₈(OH)(H₂O)₃]¹¹⁺ ({Ti₆W₄}) that is comprised of an octahedral [Ti₆WO₆(H₂O)₃]¹⁸⁺ cluster and an edge-sharing [W₃O₁₂(OH)]^7- fragment via six W-O-Ti/W linkers. Furthermore, studies on the catalytic oxidation properties reveal that 1 possesses good catalytic activity toward the oxidation reactions of various sulfides and cyclooctene based on the environmentally friendly oxidant H₂O₂.

Two Ni-Substituted Trilacunary Keggin-Type Polyoxometalates: Syntheses, Crystal Structures, NLO Studies, and Magnetic Properties

Two Ni-substituted polyoxometalates (NiSPs), [Ni₆(Py)₆(H₂O)₅(μ₃-OH)₃(PW₉O₃₄)]₂·10H₂O (1), [Ni₇(Py)₆(Im)(H₂O)₅O(WO₄)(μ₃-OH)₃(H₂PW₉O₃₄)]·3H₂O (2) (Py = pyridine, Im = imidazole), were successfully hydrothermally synthesized. Compounds 1 and 2 have significantly different configurations by introducing different amounts of imidazole ligands. For compound 1, two malposed {Ni₆(Py)₆PW₉} units that are face to face are bridged by two Ni-O-W bonds to constitute an isolated dimeric structure. Differently, the {Ni₇(Py)₆(Im)PW₉}₂ dimer in compound 2 connects with four adjacent dimers by four {WO₄} groups in an interesting two-dimensional (2-D) arrangement. The magnetism of compounds 1 and 2 was studied, and magnetic test results demonstrated that both compounds have ferromagnetic interactions between the nickel centers. Meanwhile, the third-order nonlinear optical (NLO) measurements indicated that compound 1 can serve as potential nonlinear optical materials.

Hexameric to Trimeric Lanthanide-Included Selenotungstates and Their 2D Honeycomb Organic-Inorganic Hybrid Films Used for Detecting Ochratoxin A

Two types of organic-inorganic hybrid structure-related lanthanide (Ln)-included selenotungstates (Ln-SeTs) [H₂N(CH₃)₂]₁₁Na₇[Ce₄(H₂PTCA)₂(H₂O)₁₂(HICA)]₂[SeW₄O₁₇]₂[W₂O₅]₄[SeW₉O₃₃]₄·64H₂O (1, H₃PTCA = 1,2,3-propanetricarboxylic acid, H₂ICA = itaconic acid) and [H₂N(CH₃)₂]₆Na₄[Ln₄SeW₈(H₂O)₁₄(H₂PTCA)₂O₂₈] [SeW₉O₃₃]₂·31H₂O [Ln = Pr³⁺ (2), Nd³⁺ (3)] were obtained by Ln nature control. The primary frameworks of 1-3 are composed of trivacant Keggin-type [B-α-SeW₉O₃₃]^8- and [SeW₄O_m]^n- [Ln = Ce³⁺ (1), m = 17, n = 6; Ln = Pr³⁺ (2), Nd³⁺ (3), m = 18, n = 8] fragments bridged by organic ligands and Ln clusters. Intriguingly, Ln nature results in the degradation of hexameric 1 to trimeric 2-3. Besides, 1@DMDSA and 3@DMDSA composites (DMDSA·Cl = dimethyl distearylammonium chloride) were prepared through the cation exchange method, which were then reorganized to form two-dimensional (2D) honeycomb thin films by the breath figure method. Using these honeycomb thin films as electrode materials, the aptasensors were further established by utilizing methylene blue as an indicator and cDNA and Au nanoparticles as signal amplifiers to enhance the response signal so as to realize the purpose of ochratoxin A (OTA) detection. This work provides a new platform for detecting OTA and explores the application potential of POM-based composites in biological and clinical analyses.

{Cu8} Cluster-Sandwiched Polyoxotungstates and Their Polymers: Syntheses, Structures, and Properties

Four inorganic-organic hybrid octa-Cu cluster sandwiched polyoxotungstates (POTs), [Cu₈(H₂O)₂(en)₄(B-α-H₂SiW₉O₃₄)₂] (1), [Cu₈(H₂O)₂(en)₄(B-α-H₂GeW₉O₃₄)₂] (2), K₂[Cu₈(en)₄(B-α-HSiW₉O₃₄)₂]·6H₂O (3), and K₂[Cu₈(en)₄(B-α-HGeW₉O₃₄)₂]·2H₂O (4) (en = ethylenediamine), were hydrothermally made and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, infrared spectra, powder X-ray diffraction, and thermogravimetric analysis, respectively. Structure analysis reveals that the polyoxoanion of 1/2 is a discrete dimer built by two trivalent Keggin [B-α-XW₉O₃₄]^10- (X = Si/Ge) fragments and one octa-Cu cluster, whereas 3 and 4 display a two-dimensional network built by octa-Cu-sandwiched POT units via substitution of coordinated water on polyanions of 1 and 2 and further expand into a three-dimensional framework via K cation bridges. Ultraviolet-visible diffuse reflectance spectra reveal that 1-4 are potential semiconductor materials. Moreover, its visible light-driven catalytic H₂ evolution activity, electrochemical properties, catalysis for oxygenation reactions of thioethers, and magnetic behaviors have been investigated in detail.

A Copper-Containing Polyoxometalate-Based Metal-Organic Framework as an Efficient Catalyst for Selective Catalytic Oxidation of Alkylbenzenes

A copper-containing polyoxometalate-based metal-organic framework (POMOF), Cu^I₁₂Cl₂(trz)₈[HPW₁₂O₄₀] (HENU-7, HENU = Henan University; trz = 1,2,4-triazole), has been successfully synthesized and well-characterized. In addition, the excellent catalytic ability of HENU-7 has been proved by the selective oxidation of diphenylmethane. Under the optimal conditions, the diphenylmethane conversion obtained over HENU-7 is 96%, while the selectivity to benzophenone is 99%, which outperforms most noble-metal-free POM-based catalysts. Moreover, HENU-7 is stable to reuse for five runs without an obvious loss in activity and also can catalyze the oxidation of different benzylic C-H with satisfactory conversions and selectivities, which implied the significant catalytic activity and recyclability.

Sn6 and Na4 Oxo Clusters Based Non-centrosymmetric Framework for Solution Iodine Absorption and Second Harmonic Generation Response

A three-dimensional non-centrosymmetric cluster organic framework has successfully been built from the {Sn₆} and {Na₄} cluster units via the oxalate ligand, which belongs to the first 3D framework containing different cluster units in the field of tin-oxo clusters. Besides the interesting structural characteristics, the obtained 3D framework not only can efficiently adsorb the iodine molecules but also displays the second harmonic generation response under the 1064 nm Q-switch laser.

Polyoxometalate-based metal–organic frameworks for heterogeneous catalysis

POM-based MOFs simultaneously possessing the virtues of POMs and MOFs exhibit excellent heterogeneous catalytic properties.

Two novel nickel cluster substituted polyoxometalates: syntheses, structures and their photocatalytic activities, magnetic behaviors, and proton conduction properties

A Ni₁₂-substituted POM and a Ni₆-substituted POM have been synthesized and characterized. The compounds show a moderate catalytic activity in visible-light-driven CO₂ reduction reactions, and can serve as potential proton conduction materials.

Chiral Nanoceramics

The study of different chiral inorganic nanomaterials has been experiencing rapid growth during the past decade, with its primary focus on metals and semiconductors. Ceramic materials can substantially expand the range of mechanical, optical, chemical, electrical, magnetic, and biological properties of chiral nanostructures, further stimulating theoretical, synthetic, and applied research in this area. An ever-expanding toolbox of nanoscale engineering and self-organization provides a chirality-based methodology for engineering of hierarchically organized ceramic materials. However, fundamental discoveries and technological translations of chiral nanoceramics have received substantially smaller attention than counterparts from metals and semiconductors. Findings in this research area are scattered over a variety of sources and subfields. Here, the diversity of chemistries, geometries, and properties found in chiral ceramic nanostructures are summarized. They represent a compelling materials platform for realization of chirality transfer through multiple scales that can result in new forms of ceramic materials. Multiscale chiral geometries and the structural versatility of nanoceramics are complemented by their high chiroptical activity, enantioselectivity, catalytic activity, and biocompatibility. Future development in this field is likely to encompass chiral synthesis, biomedical applications, and optical/electronic devices. The implementation of computationally designed chiral nanoceramics for biomimetic catalysts and quantum information devices may also be expected.

A Rare 3D Porous Inorganic-Organic Hybrid Polyoxometalate Framework Based on a Cubic Polyoxoniobate-Cupric-Complex Cage with a High Water Vapor Adsorption Capacity

A rare 3D porous inorganic-organic polyoxoniobate framework based on the cubic polyoxoniobate-cupric-complex cage {[Cu(en)₂]@{[Cu₂(en)₂(trz)₂]₆(Nb₆₈O₁₈₈)}} (1a), has been successfully synthesized by a hydrothermal method. The cubic cages 1a are connected with 4-(tetrazol-5-yl)pyridine to form a 1D pillar-like chain structure, and every 1D pillar-like chain is further linked with four adjacent pillar-like chains by the [Cu(en)₂]²⁺ complex to form a 3D porous inorganic-organic polyoxoniobate framework with 4-connected CdSO₄-type topology. To our knowledge, it is the first time that three different types of organic ligands are simultaneously introduced into one polyoxoniobate. This material also exhibits a high vapor adsorption capacity and good ionic conductivity properties.

Three Zr(IV)-Substituted Polyoxotungstate Aggregates: Structural Transformation from Tungstoantimonate to Tungstophosphate Induced by pH

Three novel Zr-substituted polyoxotungstate aggregates [H₂N(CH₃)₂]₇NaH₂[Zr₂Sb₂O₃(A-α-PW₉O₃₄)₂]·16H₂O (1), [H₂N(CH₃)₂]₆H₁₂[ZrSb₄(OH)O₂(A-α-PW₈O₃₂)(A-α-PW₉O₃₄)]₂·33H₂O (2), and [H₂N(CH₃)₂]₄Na_11.5H_4.5[Zr₄W₈Sb₄P₅O₄₉(OH)₅(B-α-SbW₉O₃₃)₂]·53H₂O (3) have been made in hydrothermal reactions of the [B-α-SbW₉O₃₃]^9- precursor with Zr⁴⁺ cations and PO₄^3- anions in the presence of dimethylamine hydrochloride and sodium acetate buffer (pH = 4.8) and structurally characterized. Different pH values induce structural transformation from tungstoantimonate (TA) to tungstophosphate (TP). 1 is a di-Zr-substituted sandwich-type TP, the tetranuclear heterometallic [Zr₂Sb₂O₃]⁸⁺ entity sandwiched by two [A-α-PW₉O₃₄]^9- moieties. 2 is a double sandwich-type structure, which can be perceived as two equivalent sandwiched [Sb₃(PW₈O₃₂)(PW₉O₃₄)]^11- further sandwiching one [Sb₂Zr₂(OH)₂O₄]⁴⁺ core to form a novel large-size sandwich-type architecture. Different from 1 and 2, 3 is a tetra-Zr-substituted sandwiched configuration, in which two [B-α-SbW₉O₃₃]^9- fragments sandwich a unique 21-core Sb-P-W-Zr oxo cluster ({Zr₄W₈Sb₄P₅}). Furthermore, the catalytic oxidation of aromatic thioethers by 3 as the heterogeneous catalyst has been investigated, showing high conversion and remarkable selectivity as well as excellent recyclability.

Proton-conducting layered structures based on transition metal oxo-clusters supported by Sb(iii) tartrate scaffolds

Two transition metal-antimony oxo-cluster based compounds, H₅{MCd(H₂O)₆[M(H₂O)₃Co₃Sb^VSb(μ₃-O)₈(l-tta)₆]}·7H₂O (1) (M = Cd_0.5 + Co_0.5) and H₃K₅(H₂O)₁₁{Cd(H₂O)₄[Cd(H₂O)Fe₄Cd₂Sb₆(μ₄-O)₅(μ₃-O)₃(l-tta)₆][Cd(H₂O)₂Fe₄Cd₂Sb₆(μ₄-O)₄(μ₃-O)₄(l-tta)₆][Cd(H₂O)₂Fe₄Cd₂Sb₆(μ₄-O)₄(μ₃-O)₄(l-tta)₆Cd(H₂O)₅]}·17H₂O (2) (L-H₄tta = l-tartaric acid) were hydrothermally synthesized and characterized. Compound 1 features a [MCo₃Sb^VSb(μ₃-O)₈(l-tta)₆(H₂O)₃]^9- cluster, while compound 2 contains three types of clusters, namely, [Cd(H₂O)Fe₄Cd₂Sb₆(μ₄-O)₅(μ₃-O)₃(l-tta)₆]^4-, [Cd(H₂O)₂Fe₄Cd₂Sb₆(μ₄-O)₄(μ₃-O)₄(l-tta)₆]^4- and [Cd(H₂O)₂Fe₄Cd₂Sb₆(μ₄-O)₄(μ₃-O)₄(l-tta)₆Cd(H₂O)₅]^2-. All the clusters are of sandwich-type with {Sb₃(μ₃-O)(l-tta)} scaffolds on the top and bottom. The Cd (and M in 1) ions interconnect the clusters into layered structures in both compounds. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of transition metal-antimony oxo-clusters that simultaneously contain the first-row and second-raw transition metal ions, and compound 1 represents the first example of such type of clusters that contain Sb(v). The two compounds exhibit proton conductivity with the values of 2.43 × 10^-3 and 2.95 × 10^-3 S cm^-1 at 85 °C under 98% relative humidity, respectively.

A bi-polyoxometallate-based host-guest metal-organic framework

Anionic POMs prefer to bond with positive metal cations instead of neutral or negative organic ligands. Therefore, it is challenging to synthesize POM-based MOFs, let alone bi-POM-based host-guest MOFs. In this work, an unprecedented bi-POM-based host-guest MOF, Na[Ni(enMe)2]4[Ni(enMe)2(H2O)2]2{[Ni6(μ3-OH)3(enMe)3 (SIP)1.5(B-α-PW9O34)]2[H3PNiW11O40]}·5enMe·33H2O (1), with Ni6-capped [PW9O34] as the node of the host framework and Keggin-type [PNiW11O40] units as the guest was synthesized. 1 showed excellent chemical stability towards aqueous solutions of pH 2-12 at both ambient and boiling temperature, providing opportunities for its application in fresh water harvesting from air.

Two new hexa-Ni-substituted polyoxometalates in the form of an isolated cluster and 1-D chain: syntheses, structures, and properties

Two new hexa-Ni-substituted polyoxometalates are made and characterized, exhibiting electrochemical performance and photocatalytic activity for the degradation of organic dyes under UV irradiation.

A polyoxometalate-encapsulated nanocage cluster organic framework built from {Cu4P2} units and its efficient bifunctional electrochemical performance

The first polyoxometalate-encapsulated twenty-four-nucleus organophosphorus-copper nanocage cluster organic framework has been constructed and it is shown to exhibit highly efficient bifunctional electrochemical performance.