Inorganic-Organic Hybrid Polyoxoniobates: Polyoxoniobate Metal Complex Cage and Cage Framework

Face-controlled chirality induction in octahedral thiacalixarene-based porous coordination cages

Nanosized chiral octahedral M32 coordination cages were prepared via self-assembly of sulfonylcalix[4]arene tetranuclear M(II) clusters (M = Co or Ni) with enantiomerically enriched linkers based on tris(dipyrrinato)cobalt(III) complexes, appended with peripheral carboxylic groups. Two pairs of enantiomers of cages were obtained and unambiguously characterized from a structural point of view, using single crystal X-ray diffraction. Chiral-HPLC was used to evidence the enantiomers. In the solid state, the compounds present intrinsic and extrinsic porosity: the intrinsic porosity is linked with the size of the cages, which present an inner diameter of ca. 19 Å. The obtained solid-state supramolecular architectures demonstrated good performances as adsorbents for water and 2-butanol guest molecules.

Constructing dendrite-suppressing separators based on cellulose acetate and polyoxometalates toward uniform lithium electrodeposition

Functionalized separators are expected to serve as protective barriers to conquer the lithium dendrite penetration in lithium metal batteries. Herein, a novel self-supporting separator material has been successfully synthesized based on the cellulose acetate and Keggin-type polyoxometalate H3PMo12O40·xH2O (denoted as CA/PMo12). The incorporation of PMo12 facilitates the transformation of the original finger-like structure of the CA separator into a uniform three-dimensional porous grid architecture, which is more effective in inhibiting the growth of lithium dendrites. For the obtained CA/PMo12 separator, the mechanical strength, electrolyte uptake capacity, and Li+ anchoring ability are significantly improved. The plentiful ether and carbonyl functional groups of CA can effectively adsorb lithium ions and regulate the uniform lithium plating. More significantly, density functional theory calculations show that the coordination environment formed between PMo12 and CA is conducive to enhancing the adsorption ability of lithium ions and promoting the rapid migration of lithium ions. Meanwhile, PMo12 can act as an "ion sponge" to form a lithium-rich layer, making the distribution of charges on the lithium surface more uniform, while undergoing a reversible transformation between its reduced and oxidized states during repeated plating/stripping processes. Consequently, the Li//Li symmetric cell using a CA/PMo12 separator shows excellent plating/stripping efficiency after 1075 cycles with a low hysteresis voltage of 38.1 mV under 5 mA cm-2 and 1 mA h cm-2. Meanwhile, a LiFePO4//Li cell achieves a superior reversible capacity of 90 mA h g-1 after 100 cycles under 1 C.

Indium-Assisted Construction of {SiNb18O54}-Based Aggregates and Their Assembly into Extended Polyoxoniobate Architectures

In this research, indium ions were introduced into polyoxoniobates (PONbs) reaction systems to facilitate the construction of different {SiNb18O54}-based aggregates, including an {In(en)2{SiNb18O54}2} (en = ethylenediamine) dimer, an {[InO2][In2(en)O3]2{SiNb18O54}3} trimer, and an {[In(en)2][InO2][In7(en)5O9]{SiNb18O54}4} tetramer. Interestingly, these aggregates were further assembled into three uncommon extended PONb architectures in the presence of [Cu(en)2]2+ complexes, namely, H3[Cu(en)2(H2O)][Cu(en)2]6[Cu(en)2]2{[In(en)2][K2{SiNb18O54}(H2O)6]2}·1.5en·16H2O, H9{[Cu(en)2]6{[Cu(en)2]3[Cu(en)2(H2O)][In(H2O)2][In2(en)(H2O)2(OH)]2{SiNb18O54}3}·5en·29H2O, and H14[Cu(en)2]0.5[Cu(en)2(H2O)]{[Cu(en)2]2{[Cu(en)2]3[Cu(en)2(H2O)]5[K(H2O)2][In(H2O)2][In(en)2][In7(OH)9(en)5]{SiNb18O54}4}·7en·39H2O. In addition, all of them have good water vapor adsorption capacities and moderate proton transport capabilities. The above results indicate that introducing suitable heteroatoms to induce the aggregation PONb building blocks and further assembling them into new structures is an effective strategy to enrich the PONbs' structural diversity and develop new functional materials.

A Rare Inorganic-Organic Hybrid Polyoxoboroniobate Based on Pagoda-Shaped {LiB2Nb29O86} Clusters and {Cd2(cis-en)2(trans-en)} Complexes

A new inorganic-organic hybrid polyoxoboroniobate {H4K2[Cu(cis-en)2(H2O)]9[Cu(cis-en)2]6[Cd2(cis-en)2(trans-en)][LiB2Nb29O86]2·79H2O} (1, en = ethylenediamine), is built from pagoda-shaped {LiB2Nb29O86} clusters, linear {Cd2(cis-en)2(trans-en)} bridging units, and copper-amine complexes. The {LiB2Nb29O86} cluster represents the first example of combining oxoboron clusters with polyoxoniobate clusters (PONbs). It consists of an unusual HPONb fragment {LiNb18O54}, a fused-ring structural boroniobate cluster {B2Nb5O13}, and a classical Lindqvist {Nb6O19} fragment. The {Cd2(cis-en)2(trans-en)} and [Cu(cis-en)2]2+ complexes link the pagoda-shaped {LiB2Nb29O86} clusters into 1D infinite ladder chains. This is the first instance of simultaneous coordination of the cis-en and trans-en ligands with a single metal cation in the inorganic-organic hybrid PONb family. Furthermore, 1 exhibits good proton conductivity.

A water-soluble mixed-valent {Mn11} cluster embedded heteropolyoxoniobate with magnetic properties

A rare all-inorganic high-nuclearity mixed-valent {Mn11} cluster embedded polyoxoniobate, K25H43{(Te4Nb9O33)3(Nb6O19)5(TeVINb5O14)[(TeIVO3)2(MnII7MnIII4O19)]}·97H2O (1), has been synthesized by a one-pot reaction. Compound 1 contains the largest manganese cluster {Mn11} core among polyoxoniobates reported to date. {Mn11} consists of three quasi-cubane {Mn3O4} units and is simultaneously encapsulated by lacunary α-Keggin {Te4Nb9O36} and Lindqvist {Nb6O19} units. Compound 1 exhibits significant magnetic anisotropy and excellent water solubility and stability. The findings suggest a new, all-inorganic polynulear Mn-based structural paradigm for aqueous solution chemistry and magnetic materials.

Synthesis and hybridization of CuInS2 nanocrystals for emerging applications

Copper indium sulfide (CuInS2) is a ternary A(I)B(III)X(VI)2-type semiconductor featuring a direct bandgap with a high absorption coefficient. In attempts to explore their practical applications, nanoscale CuInS2 has been synthesized with crystal sizes down to the quantum confinement regime. The merits of CuInS2 nanocrystals (NCs) include wide emission tunability, a large Stokes shift, long decay time, and eco-friendliness, making them promising candidates in photoelectronics and photovoltaics. Over the past two decades, advances in wet-chemistry synthesis have achieved rational control over cation-anion reactivity during the preparation of colloidal CuInS2 NCs and post-synthesis cation exchange. The precise nano-synthesis coupled with a series of hybridization strategies has given birth to a library of CuInS2 NCs with highly customizable photophysical properties. This review article focuses on the recent development of CuInS2 NCs enabled by advanced synthetic and hybridization techniques. We show that the state-of-the-art CuInS2 NCs play significant roles in optoelectronic and biomedical applications.

A Forceful "Dendrite-Killer" of Polyoxomolybdate with Reusability Effectively Dominating Dendrite-Free Lithium Metal Anode

In this work, a series of Mo-containing polyoxometalates (POMs) modified separators to inhibit the growth of lithium dendrites, and thus improving the lifespan and safety of the cells is proposed. When the deposited lithium forms dendrites and touches the separator, the optimized Dawson-type POM of (NH4 )6 [P2 Mo18 O62 ]·11H2 O (P2 Mo18 ) with the stronger oxidizability, acts like a "killer", is more inclined to oxidize Li0 into Li+ , thus weakening the lethality of lithium dendrites. The above process is accompanied by the formation of Lix [P2 Mo18 O62 ] (x = 6-10) in its reduced state. Converting to the stripping process, the reduced state Lix [P2 Mo18 O62 ] (x = 6-10) can be reoxidized to P2 Mo18 , which achieves the reusability of P2 Mo18 functional material. Meanwhile, lithium ions are released into the cell system to participate in the subsequent electrochemical cycles, thus the undesired lithium dendrites are converted into usable lithium ions to prevent the generation of "dead lithium". As a result, the Li//Li symmetrical cell with P2 Mo18 modified separator delivers exceptional cyclic stability for over 1000 h at 3 mA cm-2 and 5 mAh cm-2 , and the assembled Li-S full cell maintains superior reversible capacity of 600 mAh g-1 after 200 cycles at 2 C.

Cooperative cage hybrids enabled by electrostatic marriage

A cage hybrid (C-Cage-PB) was developed by electrostatic complexation of a quaternary ammonium cage (C-Cage⁺) and an anionic inorganic Prussian blue (PB^-). Given the unique synergy of the two parts, such a cage hybrid can be used as a promising platform for the efficient removal of toxic compounds in wastewater through adsorption, delivery or catalytic degradation via a Fenton oxidation reaction. In addition, C-Cage-PB can encapsulate Pd clusters, which amplifies the function of the hybrid for enhanced catalytic performance in the sequential degradation of toxic organic compounds and heavy metal pollution in wastewater treatment.

From an aluminum oxo cluster to an aluminum oxo cluster organic cage

Presented herein is an example of the conversion of an aluminum oxo cluster (AlOC) to an aluminum oxo cluster organic cage (AlOCOC). We successfully synthesized the first example of an aluminum cluster-based organic cage-Al₁₂ tetrahedral cage via an Al₃ cluster. The use of 4-pyrazolecarboxylic acid plays an important role in the construction of the organic cage. Due to the presence of partially deprotonated ligands, the hydrogen-bonding interactions between the discrete tetrahedra generate porous supramolecular structures. Considering the high porosity and the abundant N-H sites, we further investigated the performance of the material towards iodine capture.

Decoration of the [Nb6O19]8– cluster shell with six Cu2+-centred complexes generates the [(Cu(cyclen))6Nb6O19]4+ moiety: room temperature synthesis, crystal structure and selected properties

Mixing an aqueous solution of K8[Nb6O19]⋅16H2O with a DMSO/H2O solution of Cu(ClO4)2 · 6 H2O and cyclen at room temperature afforded crystallization of blue crystals of [(Cu(cyclen))6Nb6O19]⋅[ClO4]4·≈4H2O after slow evaporation of the solvents. The crystal structure contains the Lindqvist anion [Nb6O19]8– which is covalently expanded by six symmetry-related [Cu(cyclen)]2+ complexes via Nb-μ 2-O-Cu bridges yielding the positively charged [(Cu(cyclen))6Nb6O19]4+ cluster shell. The ClO4 − anions and crystal water molecules reside in the empty spaces of the packed clusters. The compound shows two electronic d-d transitions at energetic positions explaining the blue color.

Cadmium-containing windmill-like heteropolyoxoniobate macrocycle with high yield for catalyzing Knoevenagel condensation

A rare cadmium-containing windmill-like heteropolyoxoniobate macrocycle has been successfully synthesized with stable 1-D cyclic cluster aggregates. The compound exhibited promising basic catalytic ability for Knoevenagel condensation with a high yield under mild reaction conditions and high cycling stability. The theoretical calculation showed that the promising basic catalytic ability is due to the dense and stronger basic sites of the surface terminal O atoms.

Platonic and Archimedean solids in discrete metal-containing clusters

Metal-containing clusters have attracted increasing attention over the past 2-3 decades. This intense interest can be attributed to the fact that these discrete metal aggregates, whose atomically precise structures are resolved by single-crystal X-ray diffraction (SCXRD), often possess intriguing geometrical features (high symmetry, aesthetically pleasing shapes and architectures) and fascinating physical properties, providing invaluable opportunities for the intersection of different disciplines including chemistry, physics, mathematical geometry and materials science. In this review, we attempt to reinterpret and connect these fascinating clusters from the perspective of Platonic and Archimedean solid characteristics, focusing on highly symmetrical and complex metal-containing (metal = Al, Ti, V, Mo, W, U, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Pd, Pt, Cu, Ag, Au, lanthanoids (Ln), and actinoids) high-nuclearity clusters, including metal-oxo/hydroxide/chalcogenide clusters and metal clusters (with metal-metal binding) protected by surface organic ligands, such as thiolate, phosphine, alkynyl, carbonyl and nitrogen/oxygen donor ligands. Furthermore, we present the symmetrical beauty of metal cluster structures and the geometrical similarity of different types of clusters and provide a large number of examples to show how to accurately describe the metal clusters from the perspective of highly symmetrical polyhedra. Finally, knowledge and further insights into the design and synthesis of unknown metal clusters are put forward by summarizing these "star" molecules.

Proton-Conductive Polyoxometalate Architectures Constructed from Lanthanide-Incorporated Polyoxoniobate Cages

Two new extended polyoxometalate (POM) architectures based on lanthanide-incorporated polyoxoniobate (Ln-incorporated PONb) cages, namely, H₄[Cu^II(en)₂]₄{K₄(H₂O)₂[Cu^II(en)₂]₅[Cu^II₅(trz)₂(en)₄(OH)₂][Dy₂Cu^II₂(en)₂(CO₃)₃(H₂O)₂(OH)₃][Dy(H₂O)₄][DyNb₂₃O₆₈(H₂O)₄]₂}·60H₂O (1, en = ethylenediamine) and H₂₀[Cu^II(en)₂]₄{[Cu^II(en)₂]₄[Dy₂(C₂O₄)(H₂O)₄]₂[(Nb₃₂(OH)₄(H₂O)₃O₈₉]₂}·54H₂O (2), have been successfully synthesized and structurally characterized, demonstrating a feasible strategy to develop functional POM materials. In addition, the proton conductivity and magnetic behaviors of both 1 and 2 were studied.

Two Types of Subgroup-Valence Heteroatoms (PIII, TeIV) Synergistically Controlling Octa-CeIII-Encapsulated Heteropolyoxotungstate and Its Electrochemical Recognition Properties

Rapid development of the synthetic chemistry of polyoxometalates (POMs) has greatly driven the generation of structurally variable innovative POM-based materials. Herein, we synthesized a novel P^III and Te^IV synergistically controlling octa-Ce^III-encapsulated heteropolyoxotungstate [H₂N(CH₃)₂]₁₁K₂Na₆H₁₁[Ce₈(CH₃COO)₂(HP^IIIO₃)₂W₈O₂₀(H₂O)₁₂(B-β-TeW₈O₃₀)₂(B-α-TeW₈O₃₁)₄]·64H₂O (1). Its distinctive anion skeleton [Ce₈(CH₃COO)₂(HP^IIIO₃)₂W₈O₂₀(H₂O)₁₂(B-β-TeW₈O₃₀)₂(B-α-TeW₈O₃₁)₄]^30- is built by two tetra-vacancy [B-β-TeW₈O₃₀]^8- and four tetra-vacancy [B-α-TeW₈O₃₁]^10- moieties linked through an inorganic-organic hybrid [Ce₈(CH₃COO)₂(HP^IIIO₃)₂W₈O₂₀(H₂O)₁₂]²⁶⁺ {Ce₈P₂W₈} cluster core. Interestingly, {Ce₈P₂W₈} is assembled from four [W₂O₁₁]^10- groups and two [HP^IIIO₃]^2- anions and eight Ce³⁺ ions. Besides, 1 was further composited with carboxylated multiwalled carbon nanotube (CMCN), resulting in a bi-component 1/CMCN nanocomposite. An electrochemical recognition platform (named as 1/CMCN/GCE) was built by modifying 1/CMCN on a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) for electrochemical detection of dopamine (DPA) at physiological pH (pH = 7.0). The findings have shown that 1/CMCN/GCE exhibits a good detection limit of 4.95 nM for DPA. This work provides considerable inspiration to promote innovative and rational structure designs of POM-based materials and expand their applications to electrochemical and biological detection fields.

Discrete, Cationic Palladium(II)-Oxo Clusters via f-Metal Ion Incorporation and their Macrocyclic Host-Guest Interactions with Sulfonatocalixarenes

We report on the discovery of the first two examples of cationic palladium(II)-oxo clusters (POCs) containing f-metal ions, [PdII6 O12 M8 {(CH3 )2 AsO2 }16 (H2 O)8 ]4+ (M=CeIV , ThIV ), and their physicochemical characterization in the solid state, in solution and in the gas phase. The molecular structure of the two novel POCs comprises an octahedral {Pd6 O12 }12- core that is capped by eight MIV ions, resulting in a cationic, cubic assembly {Pd6 O12 MIV8 }20+ , which is coordinated by a total of 16 terminal dimethylarsinate and eight water ligands, resulting in the mixed PdII -CeIV /ThIV oxo-clusters [PdII6 O12 M8 {(CH3 )2 AsO2 }16 (H2 O)8 ]4+ (M=Ce, Pd6 Ce8 ; Th, Pd6 Th8 ). We have also studied the formation of host-guest inclusion complexes of Pd6 Ce8 and Pd6 Th8 with anionic 4-sulfocalix[n]arenes (n=4, 6, 8), resulting in the first examples of discrete, enthalpically-driven supramolecular assemblies between large metal-oxo clusters and calixarene-based macrocycles. The POCs were also found to be useful as pre-catalysts for electrocatalytic CO2 -reduction and HCOOH-oxidation.

A Three-Dimensional (3D) Indium-Containing Polyoxoniobate Framework Based on {In5Nb71}n Helical Pillars

A rare 3D Indium-containing polyoxoniobate framework {H₉[Cu(en)₂(H₂O)₂][Cu(en)₂]₁₂[In(en)]₅[Nb₂₃-O₆₅(OH)₃(H₂O)₂]{Nb₂₄O₆₇(OH)₂(H₂O)₃]₂}·68H₂O(1), based on the In-containing polyoxoniobate cluster, {[In(en)]₅[Nb₂₃O₆₅(OH)₃(H₂O)₂][Nb₂₄O₆₇(OH)₂(H₂O)₃]₂}^35- ({In₅Nb₇₁}) and [Cu(en)₂]²⁺ linkers has been successfully synthesized. The nest-like cluster {In₅Nb₇₁} is constructed from one brand-new V-shaped {Nb₂₃O₇₀}, two triangle-shaped {Nb₂₄O₇₂} and five [In(en)]³⁺. The [In(en)] fragments link {Nb₂₄O₇₂} and {Nb₂₃O₇₀} units into unique {In₅Nb₇₁}_n helical pillars. The copper-amine complexes connect the {In₅Nb₇₁}_n helical pillars into a three-dimensional (3D) inorganic-organic hybrid In-Cu-containing framework. This material also exhibits good ionic conductivity and vapor adsorption capacity properties.

Two high-nuclearity isopolyoxoniobates containing {Nb54 O151}-based helical nanotubes for the decomposition of chemical warfare agent simulants

Two inorganic-organic hybrid isopolyoxoniobates (1 and 2) based on new high-nuclearity {Nb₅₄O₁₅₁} clusters have been synthesized under hydrothermal conditions. In particular, the combination of the unique {Nb₅₄O₁₅₁} clusters with copper-amine complexes has led to rare helical nanotubes, which are further linked by alkali metal cations or copper-amine complexes into two 2D similar bamboo-raft-like layered networks (1 and 2), respectively. Compound 1 exhibits effective base-catalytic decomposition of chemical warfare agent simulants dimethyl methylphosphonate (DMMP) and diethyl cyanophosphonate (DECP).

Flexible Vertex Engineers the Controlled Assembly of Distorted Supramolecular Tetrahedral and Octahedral Cages

Designing and building unique cage assemblies attract increasing interest from supramolecular chemists but remain synthetically challenging. Herein, we propose the use of a flexible vertex with adjustable angles to selectively form highly distorted tetrahedral and octahedral cages, for the first time, in which the flexible vertex forms from the synergistic effect of coordination and covalent interactions. The inherent interligand angle of the vertex can be modulated by guest anions present, which allows for the fine-tuning of different cage geometries. Furthermore, the reversible structural transformation between tetrahedral and octahedral cages was achieved by anion exchange monitored by mass spectrometric technique, the smaller anions favoring tetrahedral cages, while the larger anions supporting octahedral cages. Additionally, the KBr-based cage thin films exhibited prominent enhancement of their third-order NLO responses in two or three orders of magnitude compared to those obtained for their corresponding solutions. This work not only provides a new methodology to build irregular polyhedral structures in a controlled and tunable way but also provides access to new kinds of promising functional optical materials.

Two Giant Calixarene-Like Polyoxoniobate Nanocups {Cu12 Nb120 } and {Cd16 Nb128 } Built from Mixed Macrocyclic Cluster Motifs

Cup-shaped molecules are of great interest due to their appealing architectures and properties. Compared with widely studied calixarenes, polyoxometalate-based cup-shaped molecules currently remain a virgin land waiting for exploration. In this work, we report the first discovery of two giant cup-shaped inorganic-organic hybrid polyoxoniobates (PONbs) of {Cu₁₂ Nb₁₂₀ } and {Cd₁₆ Nb₁₂₈ }. The former integrates three tricyclic Nb₂₄ clusters and a hexacyclic Nb₄₈ cluster into a cup-shaped molecule via a Cu₁₂ metallacalixarene, while the latter unifies two tricyclic Nb₂₄ clusters and a brand-new pentacyclic Nb₄₀ cluster into another cup-shaped molecule via a hybrid Cd₁₆ unit. With 132 and 144 metal centers, {Cu₁₂ Nb₁₂₀ } and {Cd₁₆ Nb₁₂₈ } show the largest two inorganic-organic hybrid PONbs known to date.

Structural Chemistry of Giant Metal Based Supramolecules

The review presents a bird-eye view on the state of research in the field of giant nonbiological discrete metal complexes and ions of nanometer size, which are structurally characterized by means of single-crystal X-ray diffraction, using the crystal structure as a common key feature. The discussion is focused on the main structural features of the metal clusters, the clusters containing compact metal oxide/hydroxide/chalcogenide core, ligand-based metal-organic cages, and supramolecules as well as on the aspects related to the packing of the molecules or ions in the crystal and the methodological aspects of the single-crystal neutron and X-ray diffraction of these compounds.

Two Isostructural Titanium Metal-Organic Frameworks for Light Hydrocarbon Separation

Presented here is the light hydrocarbon separation of titanium metal-organic frameworks (Ti-MOFs). Compared with the cyclic Ti-oxo cluster (Ti₈O₈(CO₂)₁₆, Ti₈Ph), porous structures of FIR-125 and FIR-126 (FIR = Fujian Institute Research) can effectively improve the adsorption amounts of light hydrocarbons. The introduction of different functional groups and Ti-oxo clusters with small window sizes enables them to exhibit the highly selective separation of C₂ and C₃ hydrocarbons versus methane in an ambient atmosphere. The results show that Ti-MOFs are potential porous adsorbents for the separation of light hydrocarbons.

Synthesis, structures and stability of three V-substituted polyoxoniobate clusters based on [TeNb9O33]17- units

Three structurally intriguing polyoxoniobates (PONbs) based on the trivacant B-type α-Keggin ion {TeNb9O33}, H4K(CN3H6)2{[Cu4(2,2'-bipy)4(H2O)2][TeNb9V2O37]}·29H2O (1, 2,2'-bipy = 2,2'-bipyridine), H0.5K5Na2.5{[Cu(en)H2O]3[TeNb9V3O39]}·10H2O (2, en = ethylenediamine), and K3Na5{[Cu(1,3-dap)H2O]3[TeNb9V3O39]}·11H2O (3, 1,3-dap = 1,3-diaminopropane), are assembled by the conventional aqueous solution methods using a series of N-containing organic ligands. In 1, each of the two {VO4} units is attached to two coplanar NbO6 octahedra on the {Nb3O13} cluster of the {TeNb9O33} unit. Differently, three {VO4} units in 2 and 3 are linked to two edge-sharing NbO6 octahedra, respectively. Compounds 1-3 represent the first oxo NbTeV clusters and also the first vanadoniobates based on the trivacant Keggin PONb units. All three compounds were characterised by single-crystal X-ray structural analysis, TGA and IR, ESI-MS and 51V NMR spectroscopy. Furthermore, the magnetic properties of compounds 1 and 2 were also studied.

Arsenic(III)-Capped 12-Tungsto-2-Arsenates(III) [M2(AsIIIW6O25)2(AsIIIOH)x]n- (M = CrIII, FeIII, ScIII, InIII, TiIV, MnII) and Their Magnetic Properties

Six arsenic(III)-capped 12-tungsto-2-arsenates(III) of the type [M₂(As^IIIW₆O₂₅)₂(As^IIIOH)_x]^n- (M = Cr^III, 1; Fe^III, 2; Sc^III, 3; In^III, 4; Ti^IV, 5; Mn^II, 6) have been synthesized in aqueous medium by direct reaction of the elements using a one-pot strategy and structurally characterized by FT-IR spectroscopy, single-crystal XRD, and elemental analysis. Polyanions 1-6 are comprised of two octahedrally coordinated guest metal ions M sandwiched between two {AsW₆} units, resulting in a structure with C_2h point-group symmetry. Polyanions 1-5 contain tri- and tetravalent metal ion guests M (M = Cr^III, Fe^III, Sc^III, In^III, and Ti^IV, respectively), and they have one {As^IIIOH} group grafted on each {AsW₆} unit, whereas the divalent Mn^II-containing derivative 6 has two such {As^IIIOH} groups grafted on each {AsW₆} unit. Magnetic studies on polyanions 3-5 over the temperature range 1.8-295 K and magnetic fields of 0-7 T confirmed that they are diamagnetic. On the other hand, polyanions 1, 2, and 6 are strongly magnetic and follow the Curie-Weiss law above 30 K. The susceptibility plots of 1 and 6 exhibit broad peaks suggesting short-range antiferromagnetic ordering, while the very weak antiferromagnetic ordering of 2 is overshadowed by traces of a paramagnetic impurity. The magnetization data of 1, 2, and 6 at 1.8 K over 0-7 T were analyzed by using the Heisenberg exchange procedure. Small (negative) values of the obtained J values help in understanding the absence of long-range antiferromagnetic ordering.

How to not build a cage: endohedral functionalization of polyoxometalate-based metal-organic polyhedra

Introducing functionalities into the interior of metal-organic cage complexes can confer properties and utilities (e.g. catalysis, separation, drug delivery, and guest recognition) that are distinct from those of unfunctionalized cages. Endohedral functionalization of such cage molecules, for decades, has largely relied on modifying their organic linkers to covalently append targeted functional groups to the interior surface. We herein introduce an effective coordination method to bring in functionalities at the metal sites instead, for a set of polyhedral cages where the nodes are in situ formed polyoxovanadate clusters, [VIV 6O6(OCH3)9(μ6-SO4)(COO)3]2-. Replacing the central sulfates of these hexavanadate clusters with more strongly coordinating phosphonate groups allows the installation of functionalities within the cage cavities. Organophosphonates with phenyl, biphenyl, and terphenyl tails were examined for internalization. Depending on the size/shape of the cavities, small phosphonates can fit into the molecular containers whereas larger ones inhibit or transform the framework architecture, whereby the first non-cage complex was isolated from a reaction that otherwise would lead to entropically favored regular polyhedra cages. The results highlight the complex and dynamic nature of the self-assembly process involving polyoxometalates and the scope of molecular variety accessible by the introduction of endo functional groups.

Discovery of two Na+-centered Silverton-type polyoxometalates {NaM12O42} (M = Mo, W)

Two new members of highly charged Silverton archetype [NaM12O42]11- were demonstrated in the 3D POM-based frameworks Na3[NaM12O42(Ru(DMSO)3)4]·13H2O (M = Mo (1), W (2)), where the unusual icosahedron coordination of a Na+ ion incubated as a heteroatom is reported for the first time in topical POMs. Furthermore, 23Na NMR was applied to certify the interpretation of X-ray diffraction data concerning Na localization. Additionally, the porous nature of the frameworks 1 and 2 has also been investigated.

Integration of metallacycles and polyoxometalate macrocycles

A series of polyoxometalate–metallacycle composite macrocycles with interesting bi/tri-layer cyclic structures have been synthesized, which show a remarkable integration of metallacycles and polyoxometalate macrocycles at molecular level.

An inorganic Co-containing heteropolyoxoniobate: reversible chemochromism and H2O-dependent proton conductivity properties

A novel pure inorganic cobalt-containing heteropolyoxoniobate is constructed from crescent-shaped [SiNb18O54]14− units. It exhibits reversible chemochromism, H2O-dependent proton conductivity, water vapor adsorption and magnetic properties.

Proton conductive polyoxoniobate frameworks constructed from nanoscale {Nb68O200} cages

Nanoscale {Nb₆₈O₂₀₀} cages have been successfully employed as flexible and stable secondary building units to combine with bridging copper–amine complexes to construct two proton conductive polyoxoniobate frameworks, demonstrating a promising strategy for making new porous materials.

Coordination-Assembled Molecular Cages with Metal Cluster Nodes

Molecular cages have attracted great attention because of their fascinating topological structures and well-defined functional cavities. These discrete cages were usually fabricated by coordination assembly approach, a process employing directional metal-ligand coordination bonds due to the nature of the divinable coordination geometry and the required lability to encode dynamic equilibrium/error-correction. Compared to these coordination molecular cages with mononulcear metal-nodes, an increasing number of molecular cages featuring dinuclear and then polynuclear metal-cluster nodes have been synthesized. These metal-cluster-based coordination cages (MCCCs) combine the merits of both metal clusters and the cage structure, and exhibit excellent performances in catalysis, separation, host-guest chemistry and so on. In this review, we highlight the syntheses of MCCCs and their potential functions that is donated by the metal-cluster nodes.

Directional Bonding in Decaniobate Inorganic Frameworks

Metal-oxo clusters offer an opportunity to assemble inorganic and metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) by a controlled building-block approach, which led to the revolutionary discoveries of zeolites and MOFs. Polyoxometalate clusters are soluble in water, but more challenging to link into frameworks; the inert oxo-caps that provide solubility are resistant to replacement or further connectivity. We demonstrate how the unique directional bonding and varying basicity of the decaniobate ([Nb₁₀ ]) oxo-caps can be exploited to build 1D, 2D, and 3D inorganic frameworks. In nine structures, A⁺ (A=Li, Na, K, Rb and Cs), AE²⁺ (AE=Ca, Sr, Ba) and Mn²⁺ demonstrate that the dimensionality of the obtained material is controlled by cation charge and size. Increased cation charge decreases selectivity for oxo-site bonding, leading to higher dimensional linking. Larger cation radii also decreases bonding selectivity, yielding higher dimensional materials. Ion-exchange studies of the A⁺ -Nb₁₀ family shows exclusive selectivity for Cs⁺ over other alkalis, which is important for radioactive Cs removal and sequestration.

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.

Hexaniobate anions connected by [Ni(cyclam)]2+ complexes yield two interpenetrating three-dimensional networks

Syntheses were performed at room temperature using Ni(NO3)2·6H2O, cyclam (cyclam = 1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane) and the precursors Li8[Nb6O19]· ≈22H2O or Na7[HNb6O19]·15H2O in a DMSO-H2O mixture. Yellow crystals of the new compound {[Ni(cyclam)]2H4Nb6O19}·12H2O could be obtained after one week applying the Li+ or Na+ salt as starting materials. The crystal structure is unique in polyoxoniobate (PONb) chemistry and displays two interpenetrating three-dimensional (3D) networks. The [Nb6O19]8– anion is expanded by four Ni2+ centered complexes via Ni–O bonds to terminal O2− anions of the hexaniobate anion. The 3D networks are generated by further Ni–O bond formation between neighboring [Nb6O19]8− anions. The remaining void space is occupied by H2O molecules which form a water cluster.

Supramolecular Assembly of U(IV) Clusters and Superatoms with Unconventional Countercations

Superatoms are nanometer-sized molecules or particles that form ordered lattices, mimicking their atomic counterparts. Hierarchical assembly of superatoms gives rise to emergent properties in lattices of quantum dots, p-block clusters, and fullerenes. Here, we introduce a family of uranium-oxysulfate cluster anions whose hierarchical assembly in water is controlled by two parameters: acidity and the lanthanide or transition-metal countercation. In acid, larger Ln^III (Ln = La-Ho) link hexamer (U₆) oxoclusters into body-centered cubic frameworks, while smaller Ln^III (Ln = Er-Lu and Y) promote linking of 14 U₆ clusters into hollow superclusters (U₈₄ superatoms). U₈₄ assembles into superlattices including cubic-closest packed, body-centered cubic, and interpenetrating networks, bridged by interstitial countercations and U₆ clusters. Divalent transition metals (TM = Mn^II and Zn^II) charge-balance and promote the fusion of 10 U₆ and 10 U monomers into a wheel-shaped cluster (U₇₀). Dissolution of U₇₀ in organic media reveals (by small-angle X-ray scattering) that differing supramolecular assemblies are accessed, controlled by TM^II-linking of U₇₀ clusters. Magnetic measurements of these assemblies reveal Curie-Weiss behavior at high temperatures, without pairing of the 5f²-electrons down to 2 K.