Photocatalytic remediation of organic waste over Keggin-based polyoxometalate materials: A review

Visible-Light-Responsive Polyoxometalate@Metal-Organic Frameworks Involving Ir Metalloligands for Highly Selective Photocatalytic Oxidation of Sulfides to Sulfoxide

The synthesis of highly efficient visible-light-responsive photocatalysts is fundamental to solving the problems of low efficiency and poor selectivity in photocatalytic organic synthesis reactions. We synthesized a crystalline polyoxometalate @metal-organic framework material {Zn4 (H2 O)8 [Ir(ppy)2 (dcbpy)]4 [SiW12 O40 ]} ⋅ 4H2 O (Ir-SiW) by self-assembly of Ir metalloligands with POMs. The introduction of Ir metalloligands extends the light absorbing range to visible light, improving the efficient utilization of solar energy. The transfer of photogenerated electrons from Ir metalloligands to SiW12 was observed under visible light irradiation, which boosted the carrier separation efficiency. The synergistic effect of the two components increased the photocatalytic thioether oxidation activity, and the product methyl phenyl sulfoxide for 2.5 h under visible light irradiation (λ >400 nm) reached 99.5 %, which was higher than those of other POM-based photocatalysts. Meanwhile, the yield of methyl phenyl sulfoxide was still higher than 97 % after three cycles, demonstrating the high stability and reusability of Ir-SiW.

Advances in Polyoxometalates as Electron Mediators for Photocatalytic Dye Degradation

The increasing concerns over the environment and the growing demand for sustainable water treatment technologies have sparked substantial interest in the field of photocatalytic dye removal. Polyoxometalates (POMs), known for their intricate metal-oxygen anion clusters, have received considerable attention due to their versatile structures, compositions, and efficient facilitation of photo-induced electron transfers. This paper provides an overview of the ongoing research progress in the realm of photocatalytic dye degradation utilizing POMs and their derivatives. The details encompass the compositions of catalysts, catalytic efficacy, and light absorption propensities, and the photocatalytic mechanisms inherent to POM-based materials for dye degradation are exhaustively expounded upon. This review not only contributes to a better understanding of the potential of POM-based materials in photocatalytic dye degradation, but also presents the advancements and future prospects in this domain of environmental remediation.

Magnetic-responsive solid acid catalysts for esterification

Two kinds of magnetic-responsive solid acid catalysts were designed and prepared via an in situ polymerization of poly(ionic liquid)s (PILs) on the surface of Fe3O4@SiO2 NPs for the catalyzed esterification of palmitic acid and methanol. They were characterized using XRD, TGA, VSM, NMR spectroscopy, FTIR spectroscopy, XPS, SEM, and GC techniques. The results confirmed the preparation of solid acid catalysts. Meanwhile, they possessed excellent catalytic activity and recyclability. The effect of the reaction conditions on the esterification was investigated through single-factor analyses, and the proposed catalytic mechanism of the prepared solid acid catalysts in the esterification are also discussed. Under the optimal reaction conditions (10 wt% catalyst, 6 h, 70 °C, and molar ratio (MR) of methanol to palmitic acid of 12 : 1), the conversion rate of palmitic acid could reach 94% and 79% with Fe3O4@SiO2-poly(1-vinyl-3-ethylimidazolium phosphotungstate) (Fe3O4@SiO2-P([VLIM]PW)) and Fe3O4@SiO2-poly(1-vinylimidazole-3-propyl sulfonate) (Fe3O4@SiO2-P([VLIM]SO3)) NPs serving as catalysts, respectively. Furthermore, the Fe3O4@SiO2-P([VLIM]PW) NPs could still maintain a high catalytic activity even after being reused 5 times without significant deactivation.

Adsorption and Photocatalytic Degradation of Methylene Blue on TiO2 Thin Films Impregnated with Anderson-Evans Al-Polyoxometalates: Experimental and DFT Study

In this work, we fabricated a TiO2 thin film, and the same film was modified with an Anderson aluminum polyoxometalate (TiO2-AlPOM). Physical-chemical characterization of the catalysts showed a significant change in morphological and optical properties of the TiO2 thin films after surface modification. We applied the kinetic and isothermal models to the methylene blue (MB) adsorption process on both catalysts. The pseudo-second order model was the best fitting model for the kinetic results; qe (mg/g) was 11.9 for TiO2 thin films and 14.6 for TiO2-AlPOM thin films, and k2 (g mg-1 min-1) was 16.3 × 10-2 for TiO2 thin films and 28.2 × 10-2 for TiO2-AlPOM thin films. Furthermore, the Freundlich model was suitable to describe the isothermal behavior of TiO2, KF (5.42 mg/g), and 1/n (0.312). The kinetics of photocatalytic degradation was fitted using the Langmuir-Hinshelwood model; kap was 7 × 10-4 min-1 for TiO2 and 13 × 10-4 min-1 for TiO2-AlPOM. The comparative study showed that TiO2 thin films reach a 19.6% MB degradation under UV irradiation and 9.1% MB adsorption, while the TiO2-AlPOM thin films reach a 32.6% MB degradation and 12.2% MB adsorption on their surface. The surface modification improves the morphological, optical, and photocatalytic properties of the thin films. Finally, the DFT study supports all the previously shown results.

A facile synthesis of K3PMo12O40/WO3 crystals for effective sonocatalytic performance

Proper treatment of hazardous contaminants in the air, land, and water is crucial to environmental remediation. Sonocatalysis, by using ultrasound and suitable catalysts, has shown its potential in organic pollutant removal. In this work, K₃PMo₁₂O₄₀/WO₃ sonocatalysts were fabricated via a facile solution method at room temperature. Techniques such as powder X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy were used to characterize the structure and morphology of the products. By using the K₃PMo₁₂O₄₀/WO₃ sonocatalyst, an ultrasound-assisted advanced oxidation process has been developed for the catalytic degradation of methyl orange and acid red 88. Almost all dyes were degraded within 120 min of ultrasound baths, proving that the K₃PMo₁₂O₄₀/WO₃ sonocatalyst has the advantage of speeding up the decomposition of contaminants. The impacts of key parameters, including catalyst dosage, dye concentration, dye pH, and ultrasonic power were evaluated to understand and reach optimized conditions in sonocatalysis. The remarkable performance of K₃PMo₁₂O₄₀/WO₃ in the sonocatalytic degradation of pollutants provides a new strategy for the application of K₃PMo₁₂O₄₀ in sonocatalysis.

Novel morphological mono-metallic substituted polyoxometalate immobilized 3-(aminopropyl)-imidazole photocatalysts for visible-light driven degradation: Anti-bacterial activity, membrane bacterial activity applications

A novel keggin-type tetra-metalates substituted polyoxometalate was functionalized by 3-(aminopropyl)-imidazole (3-API) supporting a ligand substitution method. In this paper, polyoxometalate (POMs) (NH₄)₃ [PMo₁₂O₄₀] and transition metal substituted of (NH₄)₃ [{PM^IVMo₁₁O₄₀}.(H₂O)] (M = Mn, V) are used as one of the adsorbents. The 3-API/POMs hybrid have been synthesized and used as adsorbent for the photo-catalysis of azo-dye molecule degradation after visible-light illumination as a simulated organic contaminant in water. The transition metal (M = M^IV, V^IV) substituted keggin-type anions (MPOMs) were synthesized, which reveals the degradation of methyl orange (MO) of about 94.0 % and 88.6 %. Immobilizing high redox ability POMs as an efficient acceptor of photo generated electron, on metal 3-API. In the presence of visible light irradiation result reveals that 3-API/POMs (89.9 %) have incredibly achieved after certain irradiation time and at specific conditions (3)-API/POMs; photo-catalysts dose = 5mg/100 ml, pH = 3 and MO dye concentration = 5 ppm). As the surface of POM catalyst has strong absorption of azo-dye MO molecule engaged as a molecular exploration through photo catalytic reactant. From the SEM images it is clear that the synthesized POMs based materials and POMs conjugated MO have varieties of morphological changes observed such as flakes, rods and spherical like structures. Anti-bacterial study reveals that the process of targeted microorganism occur higher activity against pathogenic bacterium for 180 min of visible-light irradiation is measured in terms of zone of the inhibition. Furthermore, the photo catalytic degradation mechanism of MO using POM, metaled POMs and 3-API/POMs also has been discussed.

Insights into the Structure of Keggin-Type Polyoxometalate-Based Organic-Inorganic Hybrid Materials: The Actual Ratio of Organic Cations to Heteropolyanions

Polyoxometalate (POM)-based organic-inorganic hybrid materials possess versatile properties and applications; however, the ratios of organic cations to POM anions still remain to be solved. In this work, 14 POM-based organic-inorganic hybrid materials were synthesized by the precipitation, hydrothermal, and solvent-evaporation methods. These hybrid materials consisted of a wide range of quaternary ammonium and imidazolium cations with different alkyl chains and different Keggin-type heteropolyanions [i.e., phosphotungstic ([PW₁₂O₄₀]^3-), phosphomolybdic ([PMo₁₂O₄₀]^3-), silicotungstic ([SiW₁₂O₄₀]^4-), and silicomolybdic ([SiMo₁₂O₄₀]^4-) anions]. Their compositions and structures were characterized complementarily by elemental analysis, powder X-ray diffraction, single-crystal X-ray diffraction, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The actual ratios of organic cations to heteropolyanions of [PW₁₂O₄₀]^3-, [PMo₁₂O₄₀]^3-, [SiW₁₂O₄₀]^4-, and [SiMo₁₂O₄₀]^4- were found to always be 3:1, 3:1, 4:1, and 4:1, respectively, independent of the organic cations, synthesis methods, and reaction parameters. This finding demonstrates that the organic cations completely substituted the protons of the heteropolyacid precursors in the hybrid materials, which thus hardly possessed Brønsted acidity probed by the pyridine adsorption and cellulose hydrolysis reaction. Such complete substitution of the protons arose apparently from the strong noncovalent interactions between the organic cations and heteropolyanions (such as electrostatic and C-H···O interactions) in the POM-based hybrid materials.

High-Performance Integrated rGO-[Polymeric Ionic Liquid] [Heteropolyanions] for Catalytic Degradation of Azo Dyes

Polymeric ionic liquid (such as poly[ViEtIm]Br)-modified reduced graphene oxide (rGO), rGO-poly[ViEtIm]Br, was nominated as an open carrier to construct a degradation platform. The large specific surface of rGO together with the anion-exchange property of poly[ViEtIm]Br terminals led to the wide growth of heteropolyanions (like [PW₁₂O₄₀]^3-, [PMo₁₂O₄₀]^3-, and [SiW₁₂O₄₀]^4-), thus assembling the integrated catalyst rGO-poly[ViEtIm][heteropolyanions]. The grafted poly[ViEtIm]Br provided an anchor point to interlink the polar heteropolyanions and the nonpolar rGO substrate, endowing this graphene-based catalyst with excellent dispersibility. The adequate exposure of heteropolyanions further promoted the decolorization capability during the degradation procedure. Morphology, structure, and properties of materials were confirmed and monitored via transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectroscopy, etc. rGO-poly[ViEtIm][PW₁₂O₄₀] was selected as the optimal catalyst with degradation efficiency toward methyl orange reaching 98.7% in 3 h. In addition, the excellent structural stability of the catalyst improved the decolorization efficiency, which reached 95% after recycling five times.

Keggin Cluster Modulated Photocatalytic Activity of Aryl Sulfonium Polyoxometalate Hybrids toward Dichromate Reduction

Dichromate (Cr₂O₇^2-) ion having chromium in its +6 oxidation state is a carcinogen and a potential threat to humans and aquatic life. The photocatalytic reduction of toxic Cr(VI) species into less toxic Cr(III) is an important target in heterogeneous catalysis. In this work, the catalytic activities of a series of Keggin cluster-based aryl sulfonium polyoxometalate hybrids, (FPDS)₃[PMo₁₂O₄₀] (1), (FPDS)₃[PW₁₂O₄₀] (2), (FPDS)₄[SiMo₁₂O₄₀] (3), and (FPDS)₄[SiW₁₂O₄₀] (4), toward the photocatalytic reduction of Cr(VI) have been analyzed and compared. Here, we used the aryl sulfonium counterions to modulate the POM cluster's solubility in water and stabilize the photogenerated e^--h⁺ pair on the cluster. All of the hybrids 1-4 catalyzed the reduction of Cr(VI) to Cr(III) under ultraviolet (UV) irradiation, and their photocatalytic efficiencies followed the order hybrid 1 > hybrid 3 > hybrid 2 > hybrid 4, with the rate-constant values of 0.048, 0.0056, 0.0035, and 0.0028 min^-1, respectively. Hybrid 1 with [PMo₁₂O₄₀]^3- Keggin cluster exhibited the best photocatalytic activity in the series yielding a 99% reduction in 120 min. The reasons behind the best photocatalytic activity of hybrid 1 are identified as its low band gap, less charge recombination, and fast photoresponse. The electron-trapping analyses performed using AgNO₃ revealed electrons as the main reactive species responsible for the photocatalytic reduction of Cr(VI). A plausible photocatalytic mechanism has also been proposed based on electron-trapping experiments. The present study shows that aryl sulfonium Keggin hybrids can function as efficient photocatalysts for Cr(VI) reduction, and their catalytic efficiency varies with the nature of the Keggin cluster.

Hybridizing electron-mediated H5PMo10V2O40 with CdS/g-C3N4 for efficient photocatalytic performance of Z-scheme heterojunction in wastewater treatment

Photocatalytic technology has been considered as a promising method to alleviate environmental pollution owing to the dual characteristics of redox. The novel V-based H₅PMo₁₀V₂O₄₀ (HPA-2) photocatalyst with Z-scheme heterostructure was constructed. The energy level of HPA-2 matches well with CdS and g-C₃N₄ (CN) according to Mott-Schottky and UV-Vis diffused reflectance tests, which allows the efficient separation of photogenerated electrons. The optimized CdS/HPA-2/CN showed superior ability in Rhodamine B (RhB) degradation and reduction of Cr (Ⅵ) under visible light irradiation. The maximum rate constant reached 0.092 min^-1 for RhB degradation at 60 min and 0.260 min^-1 for Cr (Ⅵ) reduction at 20 min, respectively. The photocatalytic mechanism was analyzed by adding scavengers. The effect of active species for RhB degradation was determined as h⁺ > ·O₂^- > ·OH, while ·O₂^- and e^- were essential for the reduction of Cr (Ⅵ). Besides, cyclic tests exhibit excellent repeatability and stable structure of CdS/HPA-2/CN after four cycles. Meanwhile, the detailed degradation process of RhB involving de-ethylation, hydroxylation, substitution and decarboxylation was determined according to LC-MS and evaluated by Fukui function calculation. Furthermore, total organic carbon content decreased to 6.2% of the initial value. In this work, as an electron mediator, HPA-2 provides the inspiration for construction of Z-scheme heterojunction, and CdS/HPA-2/CN exhibits enormous potential in the environmental remediation by photocatalysis.

Photocatalytic activity of calcined chicken eggshells for Safranin and Reactive Red 180 decolorization

One of the most important problems affecting the environment today is the inability to adequately treat wastewater containing dyes. Among of the many treatment processes used in the treatment of dye-containing wastewater, photocatalytic based wastewater treatment processes attract the attention of scientists as a new, economically feasible, and promising approach which has been in practice for a few decades. However, in order to use these processes in wider areas, cheap and effective catalysts are still being developed today. In this study, the photocatalytic activity of eggshell-CaO produced from waste chicken eggshells was investigated for decolorization of Safranin (Basic Red 2) and Reactive Red 180 (RR180) dyes. First, sintering process was applied to the waste chicken eggshells at different temperatures (300, 600, 900 °C) in order to observe CaO formation from the eggshells. Second, the parameters such as photocatalyst amount, pH, concentration of dyes, and reaction time were optimized on dye removal efficiency in photocatalytic experiments. The optimum conditions were performed under visible light and found to be 1 g/L of catalyst amount (sintered at 900 °C), original solution pH (6.80 for Safranin and 6.60 for RR180), and 5 mg/L of dye concentration. The photocatalytic removal efficiencies of Safranin and RR180 dyes were 100% and 97.90%, respectively, under the determined optimum experimental conditions. The adsorption efficiency of the dyes that could be realized during the photocatalytic experiment was measured as 20.99% and 9.99% for Safranin and RR180 dyes, respectively.

A novel nanocomposite (g-C3N4/Fe3O4@P2W15V3) with dual function in organic dyes degradation and cysteine sensing

Among the important needs of human societies is the elimination of environmental pollution and also the construction of high-performance and inexpensive biosensors. In this regard, the construction of multi-functional composites has been considered. A novel magnetic graphite carbon nitride decorated by tri-vanadium substituted Dawson-type heteropolytungstate nanocomposite (C₃N₄/Fe₃O₄@P₂W₁₅V₃) effectively synthesized and characterized by prevalent functional analysis. The prepared nano-catalyst presents bi-functional usage involving photocatalytic removal of dyes (methylene blue, congo red and phenyl red) (around 98%) under visible light radiation and greatly sensitive colorimetric sensing of cysteine in an aqueous media. Moreover, synthesized nano-catalyst successfully recovered five times without any considerable deficiency on its photocatalytic ability. Further, Moreover, we propose a novel method for cysteine detection based on the C₃N₄/Fe₃O₄@P₂W₁₅V₃ nanocomposite. This nanocomposite displayed a privileged catalytic feature for cysteine oxidation to extend a clock reaction of methylene blue as an indicator in the presence of NaBH₄ in acidic solution. More importantly, this colorimetric sensing method of cysteine presents an easy, low-cost, selective, and rapid colorimetric assay with a detection limit value of 7.2 μM in the acceptable linear range of 5-600 μM.

Two Polyoxometalate-Encapsulated Two-Fold Interpenetrating Metal-Organic Frameworks for the Detection, Discrimination, and Degradation of Phenolic Pollutants

Phenols are widely used for commercial production, while they pose a hazard to the environment and human health. Thus, investigation of convenient and efficient methods for the detection, discrimination, and degradation of phenols becomes particularly important. Herein, two new polyoxometalate (POM)-based compounds, [Co₂(btap)₄(H₂O)₄][SiW₁₂O₄₀] (Co-POM) and [Ni₂(btap)₄(H₂O)₄][SiW₁₂O₄₀] (Ni-POM) (btap = 3,5-bis(triazol-1-yl)pyridine), are prepared via a hydrothermal synthesis method. The compounds show a fascinating structural feature of a POM-encapsulated twofold interpenetrating dia metal-organic framework. More importantly, besides the novel structures, the compound Co-POM realizes three functions, namely, the simultaneous detection, discrimination, and degradation of phenols. Specifically, Co-POM shows an excellent colorimetric detection performance toward phenol with a detection limit (LOD) ca. 1.32 μM, which is lower than most reported colorimetric detectors for phenol. Also, a new colorimetric sensor system based on Co-POM can discriminate phenol, 4-chlorophenol, and o-cresol with ease. Further, Co-POM exhibits a photocatalytic degradation property for 4-chlorophenol under irradiation of visible light with the highest degradation rate at 62% after irradiation for 5 h. Therefore, this work provides the first example of a POMs-based multifunctional material for achieving the detection, discrimination, and degradation of phenolic pollutants.

A hybrid borotungstate-coated metal-organic framework with supercapacitance, photocatalytic dye degradation and H2O2 sensing properties

The compounding of polyoxometalates (POMs) with structurally well-defined and porous metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) has become a hot research topic. Here, a core-shell type hybrid, {Ag₅BW₁₂O₄₀}@[Ag₃(μ-Hbtc)(μ-H₂btc)]_n (called {Ag₅BW₁₂O₄₀}@Ag-BTC-2, where BTC = 1,3,5-benzyl carboxylic acid), was successfully prepared via a simple grinding method. IR, XRD, SEM, TEM, and XPS analysis was used to confirm the structure. The specific capacitance is 179.1 F g^-1 when the current density is 1 A g^-1, using nickel foam as the collector, and the capacitance retention is 97.4% after 5000 cycles. The resulting aqueous-based symmetric supercapacitor has a power density of 496 W kg^-1 and an energy density of 12.4 W h kg^-1. In addition, the degradation rates using {Ag₅BW₁₂O₄₀}@Ag-BTC-2 toward methylene blue (MB), rhodamine B (RhB), and methyl orange (MO) exceeded 90% in 140 min and remained essentially unchanged over five replicate experiments, showing high photocatalytic activity. Meanwhile, when {Ag₅BW₁₂O₄₀}@Ag-BTC-2 acts as a H₂O₂ biosensor, it has a low detection limit (0.19 μM), a wide linear range (0.4 μM-0.27 mM) and high anti-interference properties. This shows that the synthesis of POMOFs via a grinding method is an effective strategy to improve the performance.

A Polyniobotungstate-Based Hybrid for Visible-Light-Induced Phosphorylation of N-Aryl-Tetrahydroisoquinoline

A new organic-inorganic hybrid based on a Nb/W mixed-addendum polyoxometalate with the formula H₁₄[(Co(H₂O)₃)₂(C₁₀H₈N₂)₄(P₄W₃₀Nb₆O₁₂₃)]·4(C₁₀H₈N₂)·8H₂O (Co-POM) has been synthesized by the solvothermal method and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction (XRD), powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), elemental analysis, FTIR spectroscopy, UV-vis absorption spectrum, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Importantly, visible-light-absorption peaks around 525 nm for Co-POM indicated that this material should have potential in visible-light-induced organic reactions. Herein, we disclosed visible-light-promoted phosphorylation of N-aryl-tetrahydroisoquinoline using Co-POM as an efficient heterogeneous photocatalyst. In this procedure, diverse phosphorus reagents are compatible at room temperature and in an O₂ atmosphere, giving the corresponding products in good to excellent yields (up to 97%). Simultaneously, this heterogeneous photocatalyst can be recycled up to ten times with a negligible decrease in yield, showing outstanding sustainability and recyclability.

Facile high yield, excellent catalytic performance of polyoxometalate-based lanthanide phosphine oxide complexes: Syntheses, structures, photocatalysis and THz spectra

Water pollution, which continuously threatens human health and the sustainable development of society, has become a major concern. Photocatalytic degradation is an effective strategy to remove organic dyes from wastewater. For this strategy, it is crucial to select the appropriate catalyst. Using triphenylphosphine oxide (OPPh₃) as the ligand, phosphomolybdic acid as the anion template, three new lanthanide complexes [Ln(OPPh₃)₄(H₂O)₃](PMo₁₂O₄₀)∙4C₂H₅OH (1-3) (Ln = Sm, Gd, Tb) were synthesized. The raw materials for the reaction are cheap and readily available. The convenient synthesis method is environmentally friendly, with high yield (70%-80%). Complexes 1-3 are all seven-coordinated mononuclear structures centered on lanthanide ions, [PMo₁₂O₄₀]^3- anions and solvent molecules are not coordinated with metal ions. These mononuclear structures eventually form complicated 3D supramolecular structures through hydrogen bonds, Mo-O ^… π or C-H ^… π weak interactions. Complexes 1-3 photocatalytic degradation of MB have high removal rates, as catalysts have enough stability to be reused, and can be used as excellent catalysts for the degradation of dye molecules in sewage. Among them, the removal rate of MB by photodegradation of complex 2 was highest (99.50%). In addition, the effects of different initial concentrations of MB solution and different types of organic dyes on the photocatalysis experiment were investigated. The photocatalytic reaction mechanism of complexes 1-3 was also studied. Due to the similar structures of complexes 1-3, they have almost the same THz absorption spectra with different absorption intensity, which may be attributed to the difference of the number of weak interactions. Therefore, terahertz spectroscopy can be used as a sensitive method to distinguish and determine small differences between lanthanide-organic complexes. This is the first time that this spectrum has been used to characterize lanthanide phosphine oxide complexes modified by [PMo₁₂O₄₀]^3-.

Improvement of the Hydrolytic Stability of the Keggin Molybdo- and Tungsto-Phosphate Anions by Cyclodextrins

Keggin-type molybdo- and tungsto-phosphate polyoxoanions are among the most popular polyoxometalates (POMs) but suffer from their limited stability at low pH in aqueous solution. Their superchaotropic properties generate strong supramolecular complexes with cyclodextrins (CDs), which significantly affect the hydrolytic stability of POM. This chaotropically driven stabilization effect was systematically monitored by ³¹P NMR spectroscopy covering a wide range of pH (from 0 to 8) and varying the nature of the CD (α-, β-, and γ-form). A shift of ca. two pH units of the stability domains of these POMs was found in the presence of two equivalents of γ-CD compared to pure water, leading to keep intact the PW₁₂O₄₀^3- anion without any decomposition up to pH 3.5 (versus 1.5 in pure water) and pH 2.5 for PMo₁₂O₄₀^3-, which begins to decompose even at pH 0 in pure water. The effect of the smaller CDs (α- and β-form) is much less pronounced (only 0.5 pH units shift of the stability domain) confirming the importance of host-guest size matching to form a sandwich-type inclusion complex and thus protect the POM structure against basic hydrolysis. Such complexation was further supported by ¹⁸³W and ¹H NMR spectroscopy. Finally, using quantitative ³¹P NMR analyses, the new speciation and formation constants of phospho-molybdates and phospho-tungstates in the presence of cyclodextrins are determined and compared to those previously reported in pure water or in the 50:50 water/1,4-dioxane mixture.

Degradation and Detection of Endocrine Disruptors by Laccase-Mimetic Polyoxometalates

Endocrine disruptors are newly identified water contaminants and immediately caught worldwide concern. An effort has been made to degrade endocrine disruptors in the water body by relying on laccase-assisted approaches, including laccase-mediated catalytic systems, immobilized laccase catalytic systems, and nano-catalytic systems based on atypical protein enzymes. Analogous to laccases, polyoxometalates (POMs) have a similar size as these enzymes. They are also capable of using oxygen as an electron acceptor, which could assist the removal of endocrine disruptors in water. This perspective begins with a brief introduction to endocrine disruptors and laccases, summarizes current approaches employing laccases, and focuses on the nano-catalytic systems that mimic the function of laccases. Among the inorganic nanoparticles, POMs meet the design requirements and are easy for large-scale production. The catalytic performance of POMs in water treatment is highlighted, and an example of using polyoxovanadates for endocrine disruptor degradation is given at the end of this perspective. Exploring laccase-mimetic POMs will give key insights into the degradation of emergent water contaminants.

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...

Photocatalysis, terahertz time domain spectroscopy and weak interactions of six polyoxometalate-based lanthanide phosphine oxide complexes

Using triphenylphosphine oxide (OPPh3) or tetraethyl ethylenebisphosphonate (L) as ligands, phosphomolybdic acid hydrate as the anion template, six new lanthanide complexes [Nd(OPPh3)4(H2O)3](PMo12O40)∙4CH3CN (1a), [Ln(OPPh3)4(H2O)3](PMo12O40)∙4C2H5OH (2a-4a) (Ln = Dy, Ho, Er),...

Insight into the enhancing short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) production from waste activated sludge via polyoxometalates pretreatment: Mechanisms and implications

Polyoxometalates (POMs), a versatile and environmentally-friendly inorganic material, have been extensively studied and applied in chemical catalytic oxidation and biological nutrients removal processes. However, little is known about effects of POMs pretreatment on anaerobic sludge fermentation. This study thereby filled such knowledge gap and provided insights into the underlying mechanisms. Results demonstrated the maximal short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) production increased by 6.18 times with POMs rising from 0 to 0.05 g/g TSS. Mechanistic investigations revealed that the oxidation stress of POMs as well as reactive oxygen species (ROS) activated by POMs were responsible for the disintegration of waste activated sludge (WAS). More importantly, POMs pretreatment improved the biodegradability of organics released, providing more biodegradable substrates for SCFAs generation. Furthermore, the inhibition of POMs to SCFAs producers was less severe than that to SCFAs consumers, leading to SCFAs accumulation. Microbial community analysis exhibited that increased the population of hydrolysis (i.e., Longilinea) and SCFAs generation microbes (i.e., Acinetobacter and Fusibacter). Further evaluation showed that the POMs-based technology is economically and environmentally attractive for the pretreatment of WAS. Finally, a "closed-loop" concept of the reutilization of renewable POMs may provide an important implication of WAS management in the future.

Unveiling the mechanisms of a novel polyoxometalates (POMs)-based pretreatment technology for enhancing methane production from waste activated sludge

This study proposed a novel polyoxometalates (POMs)-based pretreatment technology to improve methane production from waste activated sludge (WAS) for the first time. Experimental results indicated methane production from WAS pretreated with 0.25 g POMs/g TSS increased by 43.7%. Mechanism analysis revealed POMs pretreatment promoted WAS disintegration and improved the biodegradability of the released organics. The declined oxidation-reduction potential of digestion system provided a more favorable situation for anaerobes, and hence had positive impacts on the activity of enzymes associated with hydrolysis/acidification/methanogenesis. Model-based analysis elucidated POMs pretreatment remarkably increased both biochemical methane potential and hydrolysis rate. Microbial community analysis showed microbial community was shifted toward increase hydrolytic and acidification-associated microbes and enriched the abundance of Methanosaeta sp. This work is expected to develop an innovative technology that will simultaneously enhance energy production from WAS in the sludge treatment line and improve biological nutrient removal in the wastewater treatment line of WWTPs.

Activation of bimetallic PtFe nanoparticles with zeolite-type cesium salts of vanadium-substituted polyoxometallates toward electroreduction of oxygen at low Pt loadings for fuel cells

The catalytic activity of commercial carbon-supported PtFe (PtFe/C) nanoparticles admixed with mesoporous polyoxometalate Cs3H3PMo9V3O40, (POM3-3–9), has been evaluated towards oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in acid medium. The polyoxometalate cesium salt co-catalyst/co-support has been prepared by titration using the aqueous solution of phosphovanadomolibdic acid. The synthesized material has been characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The results confirm formation of the polyoxometalate salt with the characteristic Keggin-type structure. The composite catalyst has been prepared by mixing the POM3-3–9 sample with the commercial PtFe/C by sonication. The diagnostic rotating ring-disk voltammetric studies are consistent with good performance of the system with low Pt loading during ORR. The fuel cell membrane electrode assembly (MEA) utilizing the PtFe/POM-based cathode has exhibited comparable or better performance (at relative humidity on the level of 100, 62, and 17%), in comparison to the commercial MEA with higher Pt loading at the cathode. Furthermore, based on the cell potential and power density polarization curves, noticeable improvements in the fuel cell behavior have been observed at the low relative humidity (17%). Finally, the accelerated stress test, which uses the potential square wave between 0.4 V and 0.8 V, has been performed to evaluate MEA stability for at least 100 h. It has been demonstrated that, after initial losses, the proposed catalytic system seems to retain stable performance and good morphological rigidity.

Heterogeneous UV-Switchable Au nanoparticles decorated tungstophosphoric acid/TiO2 for efficient photocatalytic degradation process

In the present study, gold nanoparticles were locally well-decorated on the surface of TiO₂ using the tungstophosphoric acid (HPW), as UV-switchable reducing intermediate linkers. The prepared Au NPs/HPW/TiO₂ nanostructure was characterized using FTIR, XRD, EDS, SEM and TEM, which confirmed the successful attachment of quasi-spherical Au NPs in the range of 20-30 nm on the surface of HPW modified TiO₂. Also, the FTIR results show that the Au NPs were binded to TiO₂ through the terminal the oxygen atoms HPW. The photocatalytic performance of prepared nanostructures was assessed in degradation of nitrobenzene. The nitrobenzene photodegradation kinetic study revealed that it well followed the Langmuir-Hinshelwood kinetic model with the apparent rate constant of 0.001 min^-1 using anatase TiO₂, 0.0004 min^-1 using HPW, 0.0014 using HPW/TiO₂, while it was obtained 0.0065 min^-1 using Au NPs@HPW/TiO₂ nanostructure. It shows that the photocatalytic rate of the prepared nanocomposites increased by 6.5- and 4.6-fold compared to photoactivity of anatase TiO₂ and HPW/TiO₂ respectively. Also, the photocatalytic mechanism of process was proposed. Moreover, the reusability study confirmed that its photocatalytic activity still remained high after three cycles.

Photodegradation of organic water pollutants under visible light using anatase F, N co-doped TiO2/SiO2 nanocomposite: Semi-pilot plant experiment and density functional theory calculations

Visible-light driven photocatalysts are of great importance in wastewater treatment. In this work, fluorine and nitrogen co-doped titanium dioxide/silica nanocomposite (F-N-TiO₂/SiO₂) was synthetized using a sol-gel approach. The as-developed nanocomposite was well characterized using different techniques. In particular, an anatase structure with high surface area (345.69 m²/g) and a band gap of 2.97 eV were observed for the as-synthesized nanocomposite, which makes it a potential candidate for photocatalytic applications under visible light. A systematic density functional theory calculation was performed to get more insight into the effect of dopant atoms on the band gap of TiO₂ nanoparticles. To enhance the reusability of the photocatalyst in semi-pilot scale, the as-developed nanocomposite was immobilized onto the glass beads by coupling dip-coating and heat attachment methods. A semi-pilot scale custom-designed fixed-bed photoreactor was used to evaluate the photocatalytic performance of the as-developed nanocomposite under both visible and solar irradiations. A mixture of three azo dyes (i.e., basic red 29, basic blue 41 and basic yellow 51) was used as the model industrial wastewater. The analysis of the wastewater showed that the complete removal of the pollutants under visible light and sunlight can occurred at pH of 3 and flow rate of 280 mL/min. The durability results demonstrated the successful degradation of the pollutants for five cycles. The results of this study show how careful controlling the operational parameters as well as using a highly photocatalytic nanomaterial can lead to successful decontamination of organic water pollutants. This approach might open up new windows to the future applications of photocatalytic nanomaterials for wastewater treatment.

Hydroxyapatite-Supported Polyoxometalates for the Highly Selective Aerobic Oxidation of 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural or Glucose to 2,5-Diformylfuran under Atmospheric Pressure

(NH4 )5 H6 PV8 Mo4 O40 supported on hydroxyapatite (HAP) (PMo4 V8 /HAP (n)) was prepared through the ion exchange of hydroxy groups. This ion exchange favored the oxidative conversion of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF) to 2,5-diformylfuran (DFF) in a one-pot cascade reaction with 96.0 % conversion and 83.8 % yield under 10 mL/min of O2 flow. PMo4 V8 /HAP (31) was used to explore the production of DFF directly from glucose with the highest yield of 47.9 % so far under atmospheric oxygen, whereas the yield of DFF increased to 54.7 % in a one-pot and two-step reaction. These results indicated that the active sites in PMo4 V8 /HAP (31) retained their activities without any interference toward one another, which enabled the production of DFF in a more cost-saving way by only using oxygen and one catalyst in a one-step reaction. Meanwhile, the rigid structure of HAP and strong interaction in PMo4 V8 /HAP (31) allowed this catalyst to be reused for at least six times with high stability and duration.

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.

A PW12/Ag functionalized mesoporous silica-coated magnetic Fe3O4 core-shell composite as an efficient and recyclable photocatalyst

The novel composite, Fe₃O₄@SiO₂@mSiO₂-PW₁₂/Ag, was successfully prepared by in situ loading Ag nanoparticles (Ag NPs) on the surface of grafted phosphotungstate (denoted as PW₁₂) Fe₃O₄@SiO₂@mSiO₂via a photoreduction deposition method. PW₁₂ not only acts as a reducing agent and stabilizer for Ag NPs but also as a bridge to link Ag NPs and the SiO₂ shell in the loading process. Its activity toward the photodegradation of methyl orange (MO) and photoreduction of Cr₂O₇^2- anions was evaluated. Experimental results showed that Fe₃O₄@SiO₂@mSiO₂-PW₁₂/Ag with 5.3 wt% Ag loading and 18.65 wt% of PW₁₂ exhibits the highest photocatalytic efficacy, and complete degradation of MO and 91.2% photoreduction of Cr(vi) were realized under simulated sunlight for 75 min, respectively. The enhanced catalytic activities of the composite are due to its high specific surface area, the synergistic effect among the components and the formation of a heterojunction of PW₁₂/Ag. The possible enhanced photocatalytic mechanism is proposed. The catalyst is durable and can be easily recovered using a magnet for recycling without a significant loss of catalytic activity.