Special-selective C–H oxidation of toluene to benzaldehyde by a hybrid polyoxometalate photocatalyst including a rare [P6W48Fe6O180]30– anion

Toluene Oxidation: CO2 vs Benzaldehyde: Current Status and Future Perspectives

Toluene is a common and significant volatile organic compound (VOC). Although it finds extensive application in various industrial processes (chemical manufacturing, paint and adhesive production, and as a solvent), it creates a huge environmental impact when emitted freely into the atmosphere. Two solutions were found to mitigate the emission of this pollutant: the total oxidation to CO2 and H2O and the selective oxidation into benzaldehyde. This review discusses the two main alternatives for tackling this problem: converting the toluene into carbon dioxide by total oxidation or into benzaldehyde by selective oxidation. It presents new catalytic advances, new trends, and the advantages and disadvantages of both methods.

A High Nucleus Cu-Incorporated Giant Phosphotungstate with Photocatalytic Oxidation C-H of Toluene

Exploring a novel photocatalyst for catalytic oxidation of toluene is a sustainable strategy for energy conversion in times of an energy crisis. However, designing an effective photocatalyst for the conversion of toluene remains challenging. Herein, a novel organic monophosphonate-modified high nucleus Cu-incorporated polyoxotungstate, K8H33[{Cu0.5(H2O)4}{Cu2(O3PCH2COO)(1,4,9-α-P2W15O56)}]4·Cl·60H2O (1), has been intentionally synthesized by a self-assembly process utilizing conventional aqueous method. It reveals that 1 contains a polyanion of [{Cu0.5(H2O)}4{Cu2(O3PCH2COO)(1,4,9-α-P2W15O56)}]440- composed of four Dawson-type {1,4,9-α-P2W15} subunits, forming an oval-shaped structure and further connecting into a three-dimensional (3D) framework by lateral {Cu(H2O)4}2+. Interestingly, the trivacant {1,4,9-α-P2W15} subunits were observed in the organophosphonate acid-functionalized polyoxometalates for the first time. Notably, 1 exhibits a wonderful performance in catalytic oxidation of the recalcitrant C(sp3)-H bond of toluene to benzoic acid with a conversion as high as 97% under visible light utilizing O2 as an oxidant.

Exploring Electron Transfer Mechanism in Synergistic Interactional Reduced Polyoxometalate-Based Cu(I)-Organic Framework for Photocatalytic Removal of U(VI)

Photocatalytic reduction of U(VI) is a promising method for removing uranium containing pollutants. However, using polyoxometalate-based metal-organic frameworks (POMOFs) for photoreduction of U(VI) is rare, and the relevant charge transfer pathway is also not yet clear. In this article, we demonstrate a highly efficient strategy and revealed a clearly electron transfer pathway for the photoreduction of U(VI) with 99% removal efficiency by using a novel POMOF, [Cu(4,4'-bipy)]5·{AsMo4VMo6VIV2VO40(VIVO)[VIVO(H2O)]}·2H2O (1), as catalyst. The POMOF catalyst was constructed by the connection of reduced {AsMo10V4} clusters and Cu(I)-MOF chains through Cu-O coordination bonds, which exhibits a broader and stronger light absorption capacity due to the presence of reduced {AsMo10V4} clusters. Significantly, the transition of electrons from Cu(I)-MOF to {AsMo10V4} clusters (Cu → Mo/V) greatly inhibits the recombination of photogenerated carriers, thereby advancing electron transfer. More importantly, the {AsMo10V4} clusters are not only adsorption sites but also catalytically active sites. This causes the fast transfer of photogenerated electrons from Mo/V to UO22+(Mo/V → O → U) via the surface oxygen atoms. The shorter electron transmission distance between catalytic active sites and UO22+ achieves faster and more effective electron transport. All in all, the highly effective photocatalytic removal of U(VI) using the POMOF as a catalyst is predominantly due to the synergistic interaction between Cu(I)-MOFs and reduced {AsMo10V4} clusters.

Controlled Assembly of a Dawson-like Antimoniotungstate-Supported Trefoil-type Trimer with Good Proton Conductivity Performance

With the excellent properties of POM in the field of proton conductivity, the preparation of POM-based proton-conductive materials has burst into life. Herein, an unprecedented Sb-templated all-inorganic trimer Na8H18.64[(SbW14O52)3(Sb2W6.12Ru5.88O18)]·85H2O (1), which is based on tetravacant Dawson-like [SbW14O52]17- blocks and exhibits a trefoil type with D3 symmetry, has been successfully designed and synthesized by the assembly of simple materials with a one-pot hydrothermal method under acidic conditions. Also, compound 1 is systematically characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, PXRD, ESI-MS, IR spectroscopy, UV-vis, elemental analysis, and TGA. Crystal structure data analysis demonstrates that compound 1 is constructed by a hexagonal prismatic heterometallic {Sb2W6.12Ru5.88O18} core and three equivalent {SbW14} units bridged through μ2-O atoms in periphery. Subsequently, further property experiments show that compound 1 exhibits high proton conductivity with a conductivity value (σ) of 3.07 × 10-2 S cm-1 at 75 °C and 80% relative humidity (RH). The activation energy of compound 1 evaluated by the Arrhenius plots is 0.22 eV, which indicates that the Grotthuss mechanism is dominant during the process of proton transfer.

Metal-Organic Framework-Based Materials for Wastewater Treatment: Superior Adsorbent Materials for the Removal of Hazardous Pollutants

In previous years, different pollutants, for example, organic dyes, antibiotics, heavy metals, pharmaceuticals, and agricultural pollutants, have been of note to the water enterprise due to their insufficient reduction during standard water and wastewater processing methods. MOFs have been found to have potential toward wastewater management. This Review focused on the synthesis process (such as traditional, electrochemical, microwave, sonochemical, mechanochemical, and continuous-flow spray-drying method) of MOF materials. Moreover, the properties of the MOF materials have been discussed in detail. Further, MOF materials' applications for wastewater treatment (such as the removal of antibiotics, organic dyes, heavy metal ions, and agricultural waste) have been discussed. Additionally, we have compared the performances of some typical MOFs-based materials with those of other commonly used materials. Finally, the study's current challenges, future prospects, and outlook have been highlighted.

Hydroxyl radical-dominated selective oxidation of ethylbenzene over a photoactive polyoxometalate-based metal-organic framework

Realizing photo-promoted saturated C-H functionalization is a significant challenge. [Cu^I₃(H₂O)₆(TPT)₂][H₂BW₁₂O₄₀]·28H₂O was assembled by combining electron reservoir [BW₁₂O₄₀]^5- with photosensitizer TPT. The continuous coordination bonds and π-π stacking interactions facilitate hole-electron separation and electron transfer, and allow it to exhibit high photocatalytic activity toward ethylbenzene oxidation with O₂/H₂O as oxidants.

Decomposition-Reassembly Synthesis of a Silverton-Type Polyoxometalate 3D Framework: Semiconducting Properties and Photocatalytic Applications

Polyoxometalate-based all-inorganic three-dimensional (3D) frameworks have recently attracted attention as a unique class of materials due to their unique physicochemical properties and a wide field of application with excellent prospects. We herein synthesized a novel all-inorganic 3D framework material based on cobalt-substituted Silverton-type polyoxometalate, H₆{Co₆W₁₀O₄₂[Co(H₂O)₄]₃}·2H₂O (Co₉W₁₀), which was successfully constructed using Na₁₂[WCo₃^II(H₂O)₂(Co^IIW₉O₃₄)₂]·46-48H₂O (Co₅W₁₉) and Co(NO₃)₂·6H₂O as starting materials in a hydrothermal reaction via a decomposition-reassembly route together with the rational adjustment of pH values. Co₉W₁₀ has been structurally characterized using single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Photocurrent response, band-gap (E_g) value, and the VB-XPS spectrum have been measured to reveal the semiconducting property of Co₉W₁₀. Furthermore, we synthesized x% PTh/Co₉W₁₀ composites (PTh = polythiophene, x = 0.5, 1, 2, 5) for photodegradation of tetracycline hydrochloride (TH) to evaluate the photocatalytic activities of title composites. Due to the optimal molar ratio of hybrids and matching energy levels, 2% PTh/Co₉W₁₀ composites show the best photocatalytic activities among these composites.

Designing a Polyoxometalate-Incorporated Metal-Organic Framework for Reduction of Nitroarenes to Anilines by Sequential Proton-Coupled Electron Transfers

Developing new photocatalysts for reduction of nitroarenes to anilines under mild conditions is very significant. Herein, a new polyoxometalate-based metal-organic framework (POMOF), {[Co(H₂O)]₂[Co₂(H₂O)₆(TPT)][Co(TPT)PW₁₁O₃₉]}·3H₂O·TPT (namely, CoW-TPT, TPT = 2,4,6-tri(4-pyridyl)-1,3,5-triazine), was prepared by incorporating Co(II)-substituted Keggin-type anions [PCoW₁₁O₃₉]^5- and a photosensitizer (TPT) into a framework. In this structure, the direct coordination bond between [PCoW₁₁O₃₉]^5- and TPT ligand and π···π interactions between TPT molecules are beneficial for the separation and migration of photogenerated carriers, thus improving the photocatalytic activity of CoW-TPT. The combination of both photosensitizer TPT and the electron-storable component [PCoW₁₁O₃₉]^5- in a cooperative photocatalysis fashion is conducive to the photocatalytic multielectron reduction of nitroarenes. CoW-TPT provided a high conversion of 94.71% in the photocatalytic reduction of nitroarenes to anilines utilizing triethanolamine as the proton source and electron donor by sequential proton-coupled electron transfers.

Design of a Polyoxometalate-Based Metal-Organic Framework for Photocatalytic C(sp3)-H Oxidation of Toluene

A powerful and promising route for developing novel photocatalysts for light-driven toluene oxidation in water under mild conditions is presented. Herein, a novel polyoxometalate-based metal-organic framework (POMOF), {Co₄W₂₂-DPNDI}, is prepared by incorporating the unusual Co₄-sandwiched POM anion [Co₄(μ-OH)₂(SiW₁₁O₃₉)₂]^10- ({Co₄W₂₂}) and the photoactive organic bridging link N,N'-bis(4-pyridylmethyl)naphthalene diimide (DPNDI) into a framework. {Co₄W₂₂} is a good candidate for photocatalytic water oxidation. DPNDI is easily excited to form the radical species DPNDI* in the presence of an electron donor, which is beneficial for activation of the inert O₂. Anion···π interactions and covalent bonds between {Co₄W₂₂} and DPNDI facilitate electron-hole separation and electron transfer. {Co₄W₂₂-DPNDI} displays high catalytic activity for the activation of the C(sp³)-H bond of toluene using light as a driving force and inexpensive water as an oxygen source under mild conditions. In particular, the yield and selectivity are improved by replacing oxygen with water, which may be ascribed to the release of protons during the water oxidation process that facilitate the generation of ^•OH.

High-efficiency activation of the C–H bond to synthesize p-methoxy benzaldehyde over a MnO2/CNT/Gr catalyst

The selective oxidation of C(sp3)–H was achieved by the MnO2/CNTs/Gr electrocatalyst: 81.03% faradaic efficiency and 82.73% selectivity of p-methoxy benzaldehyde were obtained.

A self-assembly solvothermal synthesis of SiMoVn@[Cu6O(TZI)3(H2O)6]4·nH2O for the efficient selective oxidation of various alkylbenzenes

A series of SiMoVn@rht-MOF-1 were isolated via a one-pot self-assembly solvothermal synthesis, exhibiting effective catalytic activity and excellent recyclability.

pH-Controlled assembly of [ZnW12O40]6--based hybrids from a 0D dimer to a 2D network: synthesis, crystal structure, and photocatalytic performance in transformation of toluene into benzaldehyde

Polyoxometalate-based organic-inorganic hybrids have attracted considerable attention due to their fascinating structures and wide application prospects. In this work, using the same building blocks, ligands and metal ions (ZnW₁₂O₄₀^6-(ZnW₁₂), 2,2'-bipyridine (2,2'-bipy), and Cu²⁺), we synthesized three new POM-based hybrids by controlling the pH values of the reaction systems. These three compounds {(Zn_0.6(H₂)_0.4W₁₂O₄₀)[Cu(2,2'-bipy)(H₂O)][Cu(2,2'-bipy)(H₂O)₂][Cu(2,2'-bipy)(H₂O)₃]}₂·6H₂O (1), (Me₄N)₂{ZnW₁₂O₄₀[Cu(2,2'-bipy)(H₂O)][Cu(2,2'-bipy)(H₂O)₃]}·5H₂O (2), and {(Zn_0.5(H₂)_0.5W₁₂O₄₀)[Cu(2,2'-bipy)][Cu(2,2'-bipy)(H₂O)][Cu(2,2'-bipy)(H₂O)₂]}·5H₂O (3) have been structurally characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Compound 1 appears as a dimeric cluster structure, while compounds 2 and 3 appear as a 1D chain structure and a 2D network, respectively. The semiconducting properties of compounds 1-3 are different, which was demonstrated by band gap (E_g) and photocurrent response measurements. Compound 3 can efficiently catalyze the photooxidation of toluene to benzaldehyde with high selectivity using molecular oxygen as the oxidant component. Moreover, compound 3 was recycled and reused three times without significant degradation in conversion and selectivity. In addition, the mechanism of the photocatalytic reaction was also investigated.

A Purely Inorganic Quasi-Keggin Polyoxometalate for Photocatalytic Conversion of Carbon Dioxide to Carbon Monoxide

A pure inorganic cluster, H₄₇ Na₂ Co₄ Mo₂₄ (PO₄ )₁₁ O₇₂  ⋅ 15H₂ O (denoted as {Co₄ Mo₂₄ }), has been successfully synthesized by hydrothermal method. Notably, the assembly of a central {Co₂ PO₄ } tetrahedron and four peripheral {Co[P₄ Mo₆ ]} fragments gives rise to a rare "quasi-Keggin" structure of {Co₄ Mo₂₄ }, in which Co linkers continue to bridge adjacent substructures, resulting in the generation of 3D framework with large cavities. Benefitting from the combination of strong reductive {P₄ Mo₆ } units and Co active centers, the photocatalytic system with {Co₄ Mo₂₄ } as heterogeneous catalyst exhibits excellent activity for CO₂ conversion to CO, offering the CO formation rate of 1848.3 μmol g^-1 h^-1 with high selectivity of 97.0 %. Besides, thermogravimetric and X-ray diffraction analysis confirm that {Co₄ Mo₂₄ } can maintain stable during the photocatalytic reaction process.

Visible-Light-Driven C-N Bond Formation by a Hexanickel Cluster Substituted Polyoxometalate-Based Photocatalyst

A powerful and attractive route to develop novel photocatalysts for C-N bond formation involves the use of pyrrolidine as the substrate and cocatalyst simultaneously. Herein, a new polyoxometalate (POM)-based metal-organic framework, namely, [Ni₆(OH)₃(H₂O)₉(DPNDIH)(SiW₉O₃₄)]₂·2H₂O (SiW₉Ni₆-DPNDI) (DPNDI = N,N'-di(4-pyridyl)-1,4,5,8-naphthalenediimide), was prepared by incorporating a Ni₆ cluster-substituted POM anion and a photosensitizer (DPNDI) into a framework. The anion···π interactions and covalent bonds between SiW₉Ni₆ and DPNDI are beneficial for the consecutive electron separation and transfer. Under visible-light irradiation, DPNDI can be easily excited to generate radical species DPNDI* that could be further excited in the presence of the electron donor pyrrolidine for the inert O₂ activation. SiW₉Ni₆-DPNDI showed a high efficiency in the photocatalysis of C-N bond formation under a mild condition by the synergy of DPNDI and SiW₉Ni₆. The results of the reaction were confirmed by gas chromatography and ¹H NMR. In addition, SiW₉Ni₆-DPNDI exhibited a high sustainability without an obvious change in yields after five cycles.

Polyoxometalate-Incorporated Framework as a Heterogeneous Catalyst for Selective Oxidation of C-H Bonds of Alkylbenzenes

Developing new catalysts for highly efficient and selective oxidation of saturated C-H bonds is significant due to their thermodynamic strength. Via incorporation of PW₁₂O₄₀^3-, pyridine-2,5-dicarboxylic acids (pydc), and Fe(III) ions into one framework, a new polyoxometalate-based metal-organic framework, [HFe₄O₂(H₂O)₄(pydc)₃PW₁₂O₄₀]·10.5H₂O (FeW-PYDC), was successfully prepared by a hydrothermal method. Interestingly, FeW-PYDC features a three-dimensional porous structure with {Fe₄O₂} interconnecting with PW₁₂O₄₀^3- units. FeW-PYDC displayed excellent performance in the selective oxidation of C-H bonds of alkylbenzenes with high conversion (95.7%) and selectivity (96.6%). As an effective heterogeneous catalyst, FeW-PYDC demonstrates good reusability and structural stability.

Selective Catalytic Oxidation of Toluene to Benzaldehyde: Effect of Aging Time and Calcination Temperature Using CuxZnyO Mixed Metal Oxide Nanoparticles

Oxidation is an important organic transformation, and several catalysts have been reported for this conversion. In this study, we report the synthesis of mixed metal oxide CuxZnyO, which is prepared by a coprecipitation method by varying the molar ratio of Cu and Zn in the catalytic system. The prepared mixed metal oxide CuxZnyO was evaluated for catalytic performance for toluene oxidation. Various parameters of the catalytic evaluation were studied in order to ascertain the optimum condition for the best catalytic performance. The results indicate that aging time, calcination temperature, reaction temperature, and feed rate influence catalytic performance. It was found that the catalyst interfaces apparently enhanced catalytic activity for toluene oxidation. The XRD diffractograms reveal the crystalline nature of the mixed metal oxide formed and also confirm the coexistence of hexagonal and monoclinic crystalline phases. The catalyst prepared by aging for 4 h and calcined at 450 °C was found to be the best for the conversion of toluene to benzaldehyde while the reactor temperature was maintained at 250 °C with toluene fed into the reactor at 0.01 mL/min. The catalyst was active for about 13 h.

Lacunary {Se4V10} Heteropolyoxovanadate Precursor with Monometal, Metal-Richer-Sandwiched Derivatives {Se8V20M} and {Se8V20M3}: Correlations between the Synthesis, Structure, and Catalytic Property

A new family of trinuclear transition-metal (TM)-sandwiched heteropolyoxovanadates (hetero-POVs) [(SeV₁₀O₂₈(SeO₃)₃M(H₂O)₃)₂(M(H₂O)₄)]^10- (Se₈V₂₀M₃, where M = Mn²⁺, Co²⁺, and Zn²⁺) were prepared using two feasible approaches: a stepwise assembly strategy atop the POV precursor Se₄V₁₀ and a one-pot reaction approach of KVO₃, SeO₂, TM²⁺, and a proline ligand. The crystallographic studies reveal that Se₈V₂₀M₃ consist of two asymmetric [SeV₁₀O₂₈(SeO₃)₃M(H₂O)₃)]^6- units, linked by another TM²⁺ ion, thus forming an interesting staggered sandwich-type arrangement. Additionally, Se₈V₂₀M₃ and Se₈V₂₀M present strong correlations between their structures and catalytic properties. In particular, Se₈V₂₀M₃ demonstrate an analogical heterogeneous catalytic performance as Se₈V₂₀M in the sulfoxidation reaction of thioethers owing to their structural similarities.