A Novel Organic−Inorganic Hybrid Based on an 8-Electron-Reduced Keggin Polymolybdate Capped by Tetrahedral, Trigonal Bipyramidal, and Octahedral Zinc: Synthesis and Crystal Structure of (CH3NH3)(H2bipy)[Zn4(bipy)3(H2O)2MoV8MoVI4O36(PO4)]·4H2O

Electron-Sponge Nature of Polyoxometalates for Next-Generation Electrocatalytic Water Splitting and Nonvolatile Neuromorphic Devices

Designing next-generation molecular devices typically necessitates plentiful oxygen-bearing sites to facilitate multiple-electron transfers. However, the theoretical limits of existing materials for energy conversion and information storage devices make it inevitable to hunt for new competitors. Polyoxometalates (POMs), a unique class of metal-oxide clusters, have been investigated exponentially due to their structural diversity and tunable redox properties. POMs behave as electron-sponges owing to their intrinsic ability of reversible uptake-release of multiple electrons. In this review, numerous POM-frameworks together with desired features of a contender material and inherited properties of POMs are systematically discussed to demonstrate how and why the electron-sponge-like nature of POMs is beneficial to design next-generation water oxidation/reduction electrocatalysts, and neuromorphic nonvolatile resistance-switching random-access memory devices. The aim is to converge the attention of scientists who are working separately on electrocatalysts and memory devices, on a point that, although the application types are different, they all hunt for a material that could exhibit electron-sponge-like feature to realize boosted performances and thus, encouraging the scientists of two completely different fields to explore POMs as imperious contenders to design next-generation nanodevices. Finally, challenges and promising prospects in this research field are also highlighted.

Designable assembly of atomically precise Al4O4 cubane supported mesoporous heterometallic architectures

Heterometallic cluster-based framework materials are of interest in terms of both their porous structures and multi-metallic reactivity. However, such materials have not yet been extensively investigated because of difficulties in their synthesis and structural characterization. Herein, we reported the designable synthesis of atomically precise heterometallic cluster-based framework compounds and their application as catalysts in aldol reactions. By using the synergistic coordination protocol, we successfully isolated a broad range of compounds with the general formula, [Al₄M₄O₄(L)₁₂(DABCO)₂] (L = carboxylates; DABCO = 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]-octane; M²⁺ = Co²⁺, Mn²⁺, Zn²⁺, Fe²⁺, Cd²⁺). The basic heterometallic building blocks contain unprecedented main-group γ-alumina moieties and surrounding unsaturated transition metal centers. Interestingly, the porosity and interpenetration of these frameworks can be rationally regulated through the unprecedented strategy of increment of the metal radius in addition to general introduction of sterically bulky groups on the ligand. Furthermore, these porous materials are effective catalysts for aldol reactions. This work provides a catalytic molecular model platform with accurate molecular bonding between the supporters and catalytically active metal ions.

Effective photocatalytic and bifunctional electrocatalytic materials based on Keggin arsenomolybdates and different transition metal capped assemblies

V, Co, and Cu were introduced into {AsMo₁₂} system to build three Keggin derivatives with different caps, which show excellent photocatalytic activity and bifunctional electrocatalytic behavior.

Construction of (3,6)-connected polyoxometalate-based metal–organic frameworks (POMOFs) from triangular carboxylate and dimerized Zn4-ε-Keggin

The methodology of extension of reduced transition metal-grafted ε-Keggin polyoxoanions with two types of terphenyl-based tricarboxylates was used to isolate two (3,6)-connected 3D POMOFs.

Syntheses, structures and properties of two new organic-inorganic hybrid materials based on ε-Zn Keggin units {ε-PMo(V)8Mo(VI)4O(40-x)(OH)(x)Zn4}

Two novel organic-inorganic hybrids, Na[PMo(V)8Mo(VI)4O38(OH)2Zn4][pyim]2·1.5H2O [ε(pyim)2] (pyim = 2-(2-pyridyl)-imidazole) and [PMo(V)8Mo(VI)4O37(OH)3Zn4]2[pyim]6·4H2O [ε2(pyim)6], based on ε-Zn Keggin units {ε-PMo(V)8Mo(VI)4O(40-x)(OH)(x)Zn4}, have been successfully synthesized under hydrothermal conditions by controlling the pH values. Structural analysis indicates that the framework of ε(pyim)2 is a 1D chain constructed by monomeric ε-Zn units modified by pyim ligands, while ε2(pyim)6 is an isolated structural compound with dimeric ε-Zn units modified by pyim ligands. This is the first isolated structure of the ε-Keggin POMs system. The luminescent and electrochemical properties of ε(pyim)2 and ε2(pyim)6 were investigated. ε2(pyim)6 also shows high catalytic activity for the esterification of phosphoric acid with equimolar lauryl alcohol to monoalkyl phosphate ester (MAP).

Four hybrid compounds based on a new type of molybdates and a flexible tripodal ligand: synthesis, structures, photochemical and electrochemical properties

Four hybrids based on a new type of molybdates have been prepared. Their electrochemical and photocatalytic activities were also investigated.

Two novel structures based on an organic ligand with two different coordination modes

Two novel 3-D POMMOF structures containing both metal–organic frameworks and pure inorganic frameworks have been synthesized.

Secondary organic moiety templated organic–inorganic polyoxometalate-based frameworks

Four secondary organic moiety templated organic–inorganic polyoxometalate-based framework compounds have been synthesized and characterized.

Polyoxometalate based open-frameworks (POM-OFs)

Polyoxometalate-based open frameworks (POM-OFs) are extended architectures incorporating metal-oxide cluster units and comprise an emergent family of materials with a large diversity of topologies, structural flexibility and functionality at the nanoscale.

Recent advances in porous polyoxometalate-based metal–organic framework materials

POM-based MOF materials, which combine the advantages of both POMs and MOFs, have received increasing attention. In this review, we present the recent developments in porous POM-based MOF materials for the first time, including their classification, synthesis strategies and applications, especially in the field of catalysis.

Polyoxometalate-based metal organic frameworks (POMOFs): structural trends, energetics, and high electrocatalytic efficiency for hydrogen evolution reaction

The grafting of the triangular 1,3,5-benzene tricarboxylate linkers (denoted trim) on tetrahedral ε-Keggin polyoxometalates (POMs) capped by Zn(II) ions, formed in situ under hydrothermal conditions, has generated three novel POM-based metal organic frameworks (POMOFs). (TBA)(3)[PMo(V)(8)Mo(VI)(4)O(36)(OH)(4)Zn(4)][C(6)H(3)(COO)(3)](4/3)·6H(2)O (ε(trim)(4/3)) is a 3D open-framework built of molecular Keggin units connected by trim linkers, with channels occupied by tetrabutylammonium (TBA) counterions. ε(trim)(4/3) is a novel (3,4)-connected net, named ofp for open-framework polyoxometalate, and computer simulations have been used to evaluate its relative stability in comparison with ctn- and bor-like polymorphs, showing the stability of this novel phase directly related to its greatest density. A computational study was also undertaken with the aim of locating TBA molecules, the positions of which could not be deduced from single crystal X-ray diffraction, and further rationalizes their structure directing role. In (TBA)(3)[PMo(V)(8)Mo(VI)(4)O(37)(OH)(3)Zn(4)][C(6)H(3)(COO)(3)] (ε(2)(trim)(2)), the building unit is not the molecular Keggin but a dimerized form of this POM. Their connection via trim linkers generates a 3D framework with channels filled by TBA cations. In (TBA)(3)[PMo(V)(8)Mo(VI)(4)O(37)(OH)(3)Zn(4)][C(6)H(3)(COO)(3)]·8H(2)O ([ε(trim)](∞)), zigzag chains are connected via the organic linkers, forming 2D grids. Modified electrodes were fabricated by direct adsorption of the POMOFs on glassy carbon or entrapment in carbon paste (CPE). A remarkable electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) was detected with a yield greater than 95%, and a turnover number as high as 1.2 × 10(5) was obtained after 5 h. The reported POMOF-based electrodes are more active than platinum, with a roughly 260 mV anodic shift. Finally, the electrocatalytic activities of ε(trim)(4/3)/CPE electrodes in various XCl (X = Li, Na, K, Cs) media have been studied. This allowed us to detect a cation effect and propose an electrocatalytic mechanistic pathway for the HER.