Polyoxometalate Complexes of Anatase-Titanium Dioxide Cores in Water

Immobilization of Phosphamide on the TiO2 Surface for Heterogeneous Phase Catalytic Appel Reaction

Global consumption of triphenylphosphine (Ph₃P) for phosphorus-mediated organic synthesis and production of the dead-end triphenylphosphine oxide (Ph₃PO) waste is exceptionally high. Recycling Ph₃PO and/or use of it as a reaction mediator gained significant attention. On the other end, phosphamides, traditionally used as a flame redundant, are stable analogues to Ph₃PO. Herein, via a low temperature condensation reaction of methyl 4-(aminomethyl)benzoate (AMB) and diphenyl phosphinic chloride (DPPC), methyl 4-((N,N-diphenylphosphinamido)methyl)benzoate (1) has been synthesized and hydrolysis of the ester functional group of 1 leads to a phosphamide with a carboxylate terminal, 4-((N,N-diphenylphosphinamido)methyl)benzoic acid (2). The presence of phosphamide functionality (NH─P═O) in 2 can be confirmed by its characteristic Raman vibration at 999 cm^-1 with expected P-N and P═O bonds distances from the single-crystal X-ray structure. In-situ hydrolysis of [Ti(OiPr)₄] in the presence of 2 followed by hydrothermal heating results in immobilization of 2 on a ca. 5 nm TiO₂ surface (2@TiO₂). The covalent attachment of 2 via coordination through the carboxylate terminal to the TiO₂ nanocrystal's surface has been established via multiple spectroscopic and microscopic studies. 2@TiO₂ is further used as the heterogeneous mediator for the catalytic Appel reaction, halogenation of alcohol (typically mediated by phosphine), with a fair catalytic conversion and a recorded TON up to 31. The major advantage of the heterogeneous approach studied herein is the recovery of used 2@TiO₂ from the reaction mixture via centrifugation only leaving the organic product in the supernatant, which is limiting in Ph₃P-mediated homogeneous catalysis. Time-resolved Raman spectroscopy confirms amino phosphine as the active species formed in-situ during the catalytic Appel reaction. Post-catalytic characterization of the material recovered after catalysis from the reaction mixture confirms the chemical integrity and that can further be utilized for another two catalytic runs. The developed reaction scheme showcases the use of a phosphamide as a reactive analogue to Ph₃PO for an organic reaction in a heterogeneous approach, and the same strategy can be explored further as a general scheme for other phosphorus-mediated reactions.

Emergence of Visible-Light Water Oxidation Upon Hexaniobate-Ligand Entrapment of Quantum-Confined Copper-Oxide Cores

The formation of small 1 to 3 nm organic-ligand free metal-oxide nanocrystals (NCs) is essential to utilization of their attractive size-dependent properties in electronic devices and catalysis. We now report that hexaniobate cluster-anions, [Nb₆ O₁₉ ]^8- , can arrest the growth of metal-oxide NCs and stabilize them as water-soluble complexes. This is exemplified by formation of hexaniobate-complexed 2.4-nm monoclinic-phase CuO NCs (1), whose ca. 350 Cu-atom cores feature quantum-confinement effects that impart an unprecedented ability to catalyze visible-light water oxidation with no added photosensitizers or applied potentials, and at rates exceeding those of hematite NCs. The findings point to polyoxoniobate-ligand entrapment as a potentially general method for harnessing the size-dependent properties of very small semiconductor NCs as the cores of versatile, entirely-inorganic complexes.

Polyoxometalate-Complexed Indium Hydroxide: Atomically Homogeneous Impregnation via Countercation Exchange

Metal hydroxides catalyze organic transformations and photochemical processes and serve as precursors for the oxide layers of functional multicomponent devices. However, no general methods are available for the preparation of stable water-soluble complexes of metal hydroxide nanocrystals (NCs) that might be more effective in catalysis and serve as versatile precursors for the reproducible fabrication of multicomponent devices. We now report that In^III-substituted monodefect Wells-Dawson (WD) polyoxometalate (POM) cluster anions, [α₂-P₂W₁₇O₆₁In^IIIOH)]^8-, serve as ligands for stable, water-soluble complexes, 1, of platelike, predominantly cubic-phase (dzhalindite) In(OH)₃ NCs that after optimization contain ca. 10% InOOH. Images from cryogenic tranmsission electron microscopy reveal numerous WD ligands at the surfaces of platelike NCs, with average dimensions of 17 × 28 × 2 nm, each complexed by an average of ca. 450 In^III-substituted WD cluster anions and charge-balanced by 3600 Na⁺ countercations. Facilitated by the water solubility of 1, countercation exchange is used to stoichiometrically disperse ca. 1800 Cu²⁺ ions in an atomically homogeneous fashion around the surfaces of each NC core. The utility of this impregnation method is illustrated by using the ion-exchanged material as an electrocatalyst that reduces CO₂ to CO 15 times faster per milligram of Cu than does K₆Cu[P₂Cu^II(H₂O)W₁₇O₆₁] (control) alone. More generally, the findings point to POM complexation as a promising method for stabilizing and solubilizing reactive d-, p-, and f-block metal hydroxide NCs and for enabling their utilization as versatile components in the fabrication of functional multicomponent materials.

Recent Advances in Hybrid Materials of Metal Nanoparticles and Polyoxometalates

Polyoxometalates (POMs), anionic metal-oxygen nanoclusters that possess various composition-dependent properties, are widely used to modify the existing properties of metal nanoparticles and to endow them with new ones. Herein, we present an overview of recent advances in hybrid materials that consist of metal nanoparticles and POMs. Following a brief introduction on the inception of this area and its development, representative properties and applications of these materials in various fields such as electrochemistry, photochemistry, and catalysis are introduced. We discuss how the combination of two classic inorganic materials facilitates cooperative and synergistic behavior, and we also give personal perspectives on the future development of this field.

Spatially Guided Assembly of Polyoxometalate Superlattices and Their Derivatives as High-Power Sodium-Ion Battery Anodes

The use of polyoxometalate clusters (POMs) with multitudinous structures and surface properties as building blocks has sparked the development of cluster-assembled materials with many prospective applications. In comparison to classic molecules and assembly processes, control over the steric interactions and linkage of large POMs to achieve superlattices with multiple levels of organization remains a great challenge. This work presents a universal approach to modulate the spatial coordination behavior and configurations, and achieves a class of cluster superlattice architectures formed by linear alignment and two-dimensional arrangement of POM units. The formation mechanism is explained as a stepwise co-assembly pathway in which POMs can intervene and dictate a typical stripping-restacking combination mode with the lamellar mediator. These cluster superlattices with long-range POMs ordering impart distinct merits to their derivatives by sulfuration, for which we demonstrate the substantially promoted power and cycling life of these POM derivatives applied as sodium-ion battery anodes.

Complexed Semiconductor Cores Activate Hexaniobate Ligands as Nucleophilic Sites for Solar‐Light Reduction of CO 2 by Water

Although pure and functionalized solid-state polyniobates such as layered perovskites and niobate nanosheets are photocatalysts for renewable-energy processes, analogous reactions by molecular polyoxoniobate cluster-anions are nearly absent from the literature. We now report that under simulated solar light, hexaniobate cluster-anion encapsulated 30-Ni^II -ion "fragments" of surface-protonated cubic-phase-like NiO cores activate the hexaniobate ligands towards CO₂ reduction by water. Photoexcitation of the NiO cores promotes charge-transfer reduction of Nb^V to Nb^IV , increasing electron density at bridging oxo atoms of Nb-μ-O-Nb linkages that bind and convert CO₂ to CO. Photogenerated NiO "holes" simultaneously oxidize water to dioxygen. The findings point to molecular complexation of suitable semiconductor "fragments" as a general method for utilizing electron-dense polyoxoniobate anions as nucleophilic photocatalysts for solar-light driven activation and reduction of small molecules.

Immobilization of a [CoIIICoII(H2O)W11O39]7– Polyoxoanion for the Photocatalytic Oxygen Evolution Reaction

The ongoing transition to renewable energy sources and the implementation of artificial photosynthetic setups call for an efficient and stable water oxidation catalyst (WOC). Here, we heterogenize a molecular all-inorganic [Co^IIICo^II(H₂O)W₁₁O₃₉]^7– ({Co^IIICo^IIW₁₁}) Keggin-type polyoxometalate (POM) onto a model TiO₂ surface, employing a 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) linker to form a novel heterogeneous photosystem for light-driven water oxidation. The {Co^IIICo^IIW₁₁}-APTES-TiO₂ hybrid is characterized using a set of spectroscopic and microscopic techniques to reveal the POM integrity and dispersion to elucidate the POM/APTES and APTES/TiO₂ binding modes as well as to visualize the attachment of individual clusters. We conduct photocatalytic studies under heterogeneous and homogeneous conditions and show that {Co^IIICo^IIW₁₁}-APTES-TiO₂ performs as an active light-driven WOC, wherein {Co^IIICo^IIW₁₁} acts as a stable co-catalyst for water oxidation. In contrast to the homogeneous WOC performance of this POM, the heterogenized photosystem yields a constant WOC rate for at least 10 h without any apparent deactivation, demonstrating that TiO₂ not only stabilizes the POM but also acts as a photosensitizer. Complementary studies using photoluminescence (PL) emission spectroscopy elucidate the charge transfer mechanism and enhanced WOC activity. The {Co^IIICo^IIW₁₁}-APTES-TiO₂ photocatalyst serves as a prime example of a hybrid homogeneous–heterogeneous photosystem that combines the advantages of solid-state absorbers and well-defined molecular co-catalysts, which will be of interest to both scientific communities and applications in photoelectrocatalysis and CO₂ reduction.

Colloidal Inorganic Ligand-Capped Nanocrystals: Fundamentals, Status, and Insights into Advanced Functional Nanodevices

Colloidal nanocrystals (NCs) are intriguing building blocks for assembling various functional thin films and devices. The electronic, optoelectronic, and thermoelectric applications of solution-processed, inorganic ligand (IL)-capped colloidal NCs are especially promising as the performance of related devices can substantially outperform their organic ligand-capped counterparts. This in turn highlights the significance of preparing IL-capped NC dispersions. The replacement of initial bulky and insulating ligands capped on NCs with short and conductive inorganic ones is a critical step in solution-phase ligand exchange for preparing IL-capped NCs. Solution-phase ligand exchange is extremely appealing due to the highly concentrated NC inks with completed ligand exchange and homogeneous ligand coverage on the NC surface. In this review, the state-of-the-art of IL-capped NCs derived from solution-phase inorganic ligand exchange (SPILE) reactions are comprehensively reviewed. First, a general overview of the development and recent advancements of the synthesis of IL-capped colloidal NCs, mechanisms of SPILE, elementary reaction principles, surface chemistry, and advanced characterizations is provided. Second, a series of important factors in the SPILE process are offered, followed by an illustration of how properties of NC dispersions evolve after ILE. Third, surface modifications of perovskite NCs with use of inorganic reagents are overviewed. They are necessary because perovskite NCs cannot withstand polar solvents or undergo SPILE due to their soft ionic nature. Fourth, an overview of the research progresses in utilizing IL-capped NCs for a wide range of applications is presented, including NC synthesis, NC solid and film fabrication techniques, field effect transistors, photodetectors, photovoltaic devices, thermoelectric, and photoelectrocatalytic materials. Finally, the review concludes by outlining the remaining challenges in this field and proposing promising directions to further promote the development of IL-capped NCs in practical application in the future.

Soluble Complexes of Cobalt Oxide Fragments Bring the Unique CO2 Photoreduction Activity of a Bulk Material into the Flexible Domain of Molecular Science

The deposition of metal oxides is essential to the fabrication of numerous multicomponent solid-state devices and catalysts. However, the reproducible formation of homogeneous metal oxide films or of nanoparticle dispersions at solid interfaces remains an ongoing challenge. Here we report that molecular hexaniobate cluster anion complexes of structurally and electronically distinct fragments of cubic-spinel and monoclinic Co₃O₄ can serve as tractable yet well-defined functional analogues of bulk cobalt oxide. Notably, the energies of the highest-occupied and lowest-unoccupied molecular orbitals (HOMO and LUMO) of the molecular complexes, 1, closely match the valence- and conduction-band (VB and CB) energies of the parent bulk oxides. Use of 1 as a molecular analogue of the parent oxides is demonstrated by its remarkably simple deployment as a cocatalyst for direct Z-scheme reduction of CO₂ by solar light and water. Namely, evaporation of an aqueous solution of 1 on TiO₂-coated fluorinated tin oxide windows (TiO₂/FTO), immersion in wet acetonitrile, and irradiation by simulated solar light under an atmosphere of CO₂ give H₂, CO, and CH₄ in ratios nearly identical to those obtained using 20 nm spinel-Co₃O₄ nanocrystals, but 15 times more rapidly on a Co basis and more rapidly overall than other reported systems. Detailed investigation of the photocatalytic properties of 1 on TiO₂/FTO includes confirmation of a direct Z-scheme charge-carrier migration pathway by in situ irradiated X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. More generally, the findings point to a potentially important new role for coordination chemistry that bridges the conceptual divide between molecular and solid-state science.

Multinuclear Lanthanide-Implanted Tetrameric Dawson-Type Phosphotungstates with Switchable Luminescence Behaviors Induced by Fast Photochromism

A series of benzoate-decorated lanthanide (Ln)-containing tetrameric Dawson-type phosphotungstates [N(CH₃)₄]₆H₂₀[{(P₂W₁₇O₆₁)Ln(H₂O)₃Ln(C₆H₅COO)(H₂O)₆]}{[(P₂W₁₇O₆₁)Ln(H₂O)₃}]₂Cl₂·98H₂O [Ln = Sm (1), Eu (2), and Gd (3)] were made using a facile one-step assembly strategy and characterized by several techniques. Notably, the Ln-containing tetrameric Dawson-type polyoxoanions [{(P₂W₁₇O₆₁)Ln(H₂O)₃Ln(C₆H₅COO)(H₂O)₆]}{[(P₂W₁₇O₆₁)Ln(H₂O)₃}]₂^24- are all established by four monolacunary Dawson-type [P₂W₁₇O₆₁]^10- segments, encapsulating a Ln³⁺ ion with two benzoates coordinating to the Ln³⁺ ions. 1-3 exhibit reversible photochromism, which can change from intrinsic white to blue for 6 min upon UV irradiation, and their colors gradually recover for 30 h in the dark. The solid-state photoluminescence spectra of 1 and 2 display characteristic emissions of Ln components based on 4f-4f transitions. Time-resolved emission spectra of 1 and 2 were also measured to authenticate the energy transfer from the phosphotungstate and organic chromophores to Eu³⁺. In particular, 1 shows an effectively switchable luminescence behavior induced by its fast photochromism.

{HPO3} and {WO4} Simultaneously Induce the Assembly of Tri-Ln(III)-Incorporated Antimonotungstates and Their Photoluminescence Behaviors

A double template agent strategy has been adopted to prepare a group of triacetate-adorned tri-Ln(III)-incorporated trimeric antimonotungstates (AMTs) K₃Na₂₁H[Ln₃(CH₃COO)₃(HPO₃)(WO₄)][B-α-SbW₉O₃₃]₃·36H₂O [Ln = Eu³⁺ (1), Dy³⁺ (2), Ho³⁺ (3), or Er³⁺ (4)] in a CH₃COOH-CH₃COONa buffer system. Therein, H₃PO₃ and Na₂WO₄·2H₂O have been, respectively, transformed into the capped {HPO₃} and {WO₄} tetrahedra during the assembly process, which are situated at the center of polyoxoanions of 1-4 and simultaneously perform as structure-directing templates to induce the assembly of 1-4. The hexahedral configuration supramolecular stacking is the same as the shape of a crystal of 1, which illustrates that the supramolecular stacking mode plays a significant role in forming the crystal shape of 1-4. Under the Ln³⁺ f-f excitation, the photoluminescence behaviors involving the emission spectrograms and fluorescence decay curves of 1-4 were systematically researched. The modulation of the excitation wavelength has realized the emission color tuning from blue to red, blue to green, blue to yellow, and green to yellow for 1-4. On the basis of the excitation of O → W charge transfer (OWCT), the energy-transfer procedure from AMT units to Eu³⁺ centers in 1 is mainly accomplished in the form of energy reabsorption. This work proposes a typical case for the construction of a new type of AMT clusters by using the double template agent strategy and confirms the great potential of Ln-containing AMTs in optic applications.

Covalent Grafting of Polyoxometalate Hybrids onto Flat Silicon/Silicon Oxide: Insights from POMs Layers on Oxides

Immobilization of polyoxometalates (POMs) onto oxides is relevant to many applications in the fields of catalysis, energy conversion/storage, or molecular electronics. Optimization and understanding the molecule/oxide interface is crucial to rationally improve the performance of the final molecular materials. We herein describe the synthesis and covalent grafting of POM hybrids with remote carboxylic acid functions onto flat Si/SiO₂ substrates. Special attention has been paid to the characterization of the molecular layer and to the description of the POM anchoring mode at the oxide interface through the use of various characterization techniques, including ellipsometry, AFM, XPS, and FTIR. Finally, electron transport properties were probed in a vertical junction configuration and energy level diagrams have been drawn and discussed in relation with the POM molecular electronic features inferred from cyclic-voltammetry, UV-visible absorption spectra, and theoretical calculations. The electronic properties of these POM-based molecular junctions are driven by the POM LUMO (d-orbitals) whatever the nature of the tether or the anchoring group.

A trimeric tri-Tb3+ including antimonotungstate and its Eu3+/Tb3+/Dy3+/Gd3+-codoped species with luminescence properties

A trimeric tri-Tb3+-including antimonotungstate (AMT) hybrid Na17{(WO4)[Tb(H2O)(Ac)(B-α-SbW9O31(OH)2)]3}·50H2O (Tb3W28) was successfully synthesized, in which the capped tetrahedral {WO4} group plays a significant template role in directing the aggregation of three [B-α-SbW9O33]9- fragments and three Tb3+ ions. Eu3+/Tb3+/Dy3+/Gd3+-codoped AMT materials based on Tb3W28 were firstly prepared and their luminescence properties were investigated. The red emitter Eu3+, yellow emitter Dy3+, and nonluminous Gd3+ ions were codoped into Tb3W28 to substitute Tb3+ ions for investigating the energy transfer (ET) mechanism among Eu3+, Tb3+, and Dy3+ ions. Upon the 6H15/2 → 4I13/2 excitation at 389 nm of the Dy3+ ion, the ET1 mechanism (Dy3+ → Tb3+) was confirmed as a non-radiative dipole-dipole interaction. Under the 7F6 → 5L10 excitation at 370 nm of the Tb3+ ion, the ET2 mechanism (Tb3+ → Eu3+) was identified as a non-radiative quadrupole-quadrupole interaction. Under excitation at 389 nm, the two-step successive Dy3+ → Tb3+ → Eu3+ ET3 process was proved in Dy1.2Tb3zEu0.03Gd1.77-3zW28. Through changing the excitation wavelengths, the emission color of Dy1.2Tb1.2Eu0.03Gd0.57W28 can vary from blue to yellow, in which a near-white-light emission case was observed upon excitation at 378 nm. This work not only provides a systematic ET mechanism study of hetero-Ln-codoped AMTs, but also offers some useful guidance for designing novel performance-oriented Ln-codoped polyoxometalate-based materials.

Polyoxometalates on Functional Substrates: Concepts, Synergies, and Future Perspectives

Polyoxometalates (POMs) are molecular metal oxide clusters that feature a broad range of structures and functionalities, making them one of the most versatile classes of inorganic molecular materials. They have attracted widespread attention in homogeneous catalysis. Due to the challenges associated with their aggregation, precipitation, and degradation under operational conditions and to extend their scope of applications, various strategies of depositing POMs on heterogeneous substrates have been developed. Recent ground-breaking developments in the materials chemistry of supported POM composites are summarized and links between molecular-level understanding of POM-support interactions and macroscopic effects including new or optimized reactivities, improved stability, and novel function are established. Current limitations and future challenges in studying these complex composite materials are highlighted, and cutting-edge experimental and theoretical methods that will lead to an improved understanding of synergisms between POM and support material from the molecular through to the nano- and micrometer level are discussed. Future development in this fast-moving field is explored and emerging fields of research in POM heterogenization are identified.

Double-Oxalate-Bridging Tetralanthanide Containing Divacant Lindqvist Isopolytungstates with an Energy Transfer Mechanism and Luminous Color Adjustablility Through Eu3+/Tb3+ Codoping

A double-oxalate-bridging tetra-Gd³⁺ containing divacant Lindqvist dimeric isopolytungtate Na₁₀[Gd₂(C₂O₄)(H₂O)₄(OH)W₄O₁₆]₂·30H₂O (Gd₄W₈) was obtained based on the reaction of Na₂WO₄·2H₂O, H₂C₂O₄, and GdCl₃ in aqueous solution. Its dimeric polyoxoanion is established by two divacant Lindqvist [W₄O₁₆]^8- segments connected by a rectangular tetra-nuclearity [Gd₄(C₂O₄)₂(H₂O)₈(OH)₂]⁶⁺ cluster. Notably, neighboring trinuclear [Na₃O₄(H₂O)₁₁]^5- clusters are interconnected to construct a picturesque 1-D sinusoidal Na-O cluster chain. The most outstanding characteristic is that 1-D sinusoidal Na-O cluster chains combine [Gd₂(C₂O₄)(H₂O)₄(OH)W₄O₁₆]₂^10- polyoxoanions together, giving rise to an intriguing 3-D extended porous framework. The red emitter Eu³⁺ ions and green emitter Tb³⁺ ions are first codoped into Gd₄W₈ to substitute Gd³⁺ ions for the exploration of the energy transfer (ET) mechanism between Eu³⁺ and Tb³⁺ ions and the color-tunable PL property in the isopolytungtate system. The PL emission spectra and decay lifetime measurements of the Eu³⁺/Tb³⁺ codoped Gd₄W₈ system illustrate that under excitation at 370 nm, Tb³⁺ ions can transfer energy to Eu³⁺ ions. When the molar concentration of Tb³⁺ ions is fixed at 0.9 and that of the Eu³⁺ ions gradually increases from 0.01 to 0.08, the calculated ET efficiency (η_ET) from Tb³⁺ to Eu³⁺ ions increases from 7.9% for Gd_0.36Tb_3.6Eu_0.04W₈ to 67.3% for Gd_0.08Tb_3.6Eu_0.32W₈. The energy transfer mechanism (Tb³⁺ → Eu³⁺) is a nonradiative dipole-dipole interaction. Furthermore, upon excitation at 370 nm, Eu₄W₈ and Tb₄W₈ show visible red- and green-emitting lights, respectively. When codoping trace amounts of Eu³⁺ ions in Tb₄W₈, under excitation at 370 nm, Tb_3.92Eu_0.08W₈ displays near white-light emission.

₂

The homemade explosive, triacetone triperoxide (TATP), is easy to synthesize, sensitive to detonation but hard to detect directly. Vapor sensor arrays composed of a few sensor materials have the potential to discriminate TATP, but the stability of the sensor array is always a tricky problem since each sensor may encounter a device fault. Thus, a sensor array based on a single optoelectronic TiO₂/PW₁₁ sensor was first constructed by regulating the excitation wavelength to discriminate TATP from other explosives. By in situ doping of Na₃PW₁₂O₄₀, a Keggin structure of PW₁₁ formed on the TiO₂ to promote the photoinduced electron-hole separation, thus obviously improving the detection sensitivity of the sensor film and shortening the response time. The response of the TiO₂/PW₁₁ sensor film to TATP under 365, 450 and 550 nm illumination is 81%, 42%, and 37%, respectively. The TiO₂/PW₁₁ sensor features selectivity to TATP and is able to detect less than 50 ppb. The flexibility and stability of the flexible sensor film is also demonstrated with the extent of bending. Furthermore, the sensing response cannot be affected by ambient air below 60% relative humidity.

Design of an inherently-stable water oxidation catalyst

While molecular water-oxidation catalysts are remarkably rapid, oxidative and hydrolytic processes in water can convert their active transition metals to colloidal metal oxides or hydroxides that, while quite reactive, are insoluble or susceptible to precipitation. In response, we propose using oxidatively-inert ligands to harness the metal oxides themselves. This approach is demonstrated by covalently attaching entirely inorganic oxo-donor ligands (polyoxometalates) to 3-nm hematite cores, giving soluble anionic structures, highly resistant to aggregation, yet thermodynamically stable to oxidation and hydrolysis. Using orthoperiodate (at pH 8), and no added photosensitizers, the hematite-core complex catalyzes visible-light driven water oxidation for seven days (7600 turnovers) with no decrease in activity, far exceeding the documented lifetimes of molecular catalysts under turnover conditions in water. As such, a fundamental limitation of molecular complexes is entirely bypassed by using coordination chemistry to harness a transition-metal oxide as the reactive center of an inherently stable, homogeneous water-oxidation catalyst.

A current challenge in the development of molecular water oxidation catalysts is to overcome their inherent susceptibilities to oxidative or hydrolytic degradation under turnover conditions in water. Here, the authors design an inherently-stable water oxidation catalyst using oxidatively-inert ligands to harness a reactive metal oxide.

Elucidating white light emissions in Tm3+/Dy3+ codoped polyoxometalates: a color tuning and energy transfer mechanism study

A series of isomorphic Tm³⁺/Dy³⁺ codoped POM derivatives were successfully synthesized and characterized, and color-tunable emissions and the energy transfer mechanism have been studied.

Chemistry and properties at a sub-nanometer scale

Ultrathin materials at a sub-nanometer scale not only feature atomic scale size, but also possess unprecedented properties compared to conventional nanomaterials. The two aspects endow such materials with great potential. In sub-nanometric (SN) wires, the weak interactions may overwhelm the rigidity of inorganic compounds and dominate behaviours at this regime. Consequently intricate structures and polymer-like rheology can be obtained, shedding new light on chemistry as well as material design. As for 0D or 2D SN materials, clusters are analogous to molecules and SN sheets show unique electronic structures. Taking SN wire as an example, their growth mechanisms are discussed, as well as their applications and potentials. The chemistry at this regime can promote their application-oriented research, however, this is not yet well explored. In short, there is great potential at the sub-nanometer scale, although there are also many challenges ahead.