Series of Inorganic–Organic Hybrid Materials Constructed From Octamolybdates and Metal–Organic Frameworks: Syntheses, Structures, and Physical Properties

Aryl selenonium vs. aryl sulfonium counterions in polyoxometalate chemistry: the impact of Se+ cationic centers on the photocatalytic reduction of dichromate

A selenonium organic counter ion has been used in polyoxometalate chemistry to develop a new aryl selenonium polyoxometalate (POM) hybrid, and its photocatalytic properties have been explored in comparison with an aryl sulfonium POM-hybrid counterpart for the first time. The chalcogenonium counterions, namely, methyldiphenylsulfonium trifluoromethane sulfonate (MDPST) and methyldiphenylselenonium trifluoromethane sulfonate (MDPSeT), and their octamolybdate ([Mo8O26]4-) hybrids, 1 and 2, with the general formula (C13H13X)4[Mo8O26] (where X = S for 1 and Se for 2) were synthesized and characterized. Hybrids 1 and 2 vary in their chalcogenonium cationic center (S+vs. Se+), which enabled a direct comparison of their photocatalytic properties as a function of the cationic center. The photocatalytic activities of hybrids 1 and 2 were tested using the reduction of dichromate (Cr2O72-) as a model reaction under UV irradiation. A 99% photocatalytic reduction of Cr2O72- with a rate constant of 0.0305 min-1 was achieved with hybrid 2, while only a 67% reduction with a rate constant of 0.0062 min-1 was observed with hybrid 1 in 180 minutes. The better catalytic performance of hybrid 2 may be correlated to the larger atomic radii of Se than S, which helps in better stabilizing the photogenerated electron-hole (e--h+) pair on the POM cluster by polarizing its lone pair more efficiently compared to S. The catalytic recyclability was tested for up to 4 cycles using hybrid 2, and up to 98% reduction was obtained even after the 4th cycle. Recyclability tests and control experiments also indicated the generation of some elemental Se through possible cleavage of some C-Se bonds of MDPSe under prolonged UV exposure during catalysis, and the Se thus generated was found to contribute to the catalytic reduction of dichromate. This study, therefore, opens new avenues for aryl selenonium moieties and their POM hybrids for potential catalytic applications.

Silver(I) metal-organic framework-embedded polylactic acid electrospun fibrous membranes for efficient inhibition of bacteria

With recent outbreaks of fatal strains of diseases and the emergency of antibiotic resistance, there is a pressing demand to discover bactericidal materials that can effectively reduce or prevent infections by pathogenic bacteria. Herein, silver(I) metal organic frameworks Ag₂(HBTC) were embedded into biocompatible polylactic acid (PLA) fibrous membranes through an electrospinning process as an antibiotic-free material for effective bacterial killing. The as-synthesized Ag₂(HBTC)/PLA composite membrane showed an inactivation efficiency of more than 99.9% against Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) at a concentration of 200-250 mg L^-1. Mechanistic investigation indicated that the steady release of Ag⁺ ions and ˙OH generation from the composites contributed to the efficient antibacterial activities through irreversible damage to the bacterial cell membranes. In-depth proteomic analysis demonstrated that Ag₂(HBTC)/PLA exerted a biological effect towards bacterial cells through down-regulating functional proteins, thereby destroying the central biochemical pathways of the cellular energy metabolism process, reducing resistance to oxidative damage and inhibiting cell division. In general, this study shows a promising perspective on designing MOF/PLA membranes with broad-spectrum disinfection capability for potential environmental sterilization and public healthcare protection.

Isopolymolybdate-Based Cobalt/Nickel Coordination Polymers Constructed by V-Type N-Donor Ligands

Four novel isopolymolybdate-based coordination polymers (CPs), constructed from 2,6-bis(1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)pyridine (btp), 1,3-bis(4H-1,2,4-triazol-4-yl)benzene (btb), and 3,5-bis(1-imidazolium)pyridine (bip), have been synthesized under a hydrothermal method: {[Co(btp)(H₂O)₂(β-Mo₈O₂₆)_0.5]·3H₂O}_n (1), [Ni(btp)(H₄Mo₆O₂₂)_0.5]_n (2), [Co(btb)(H₂O)(β-Mo₈O₂₆)_0.5]_n (3), and {[Co(Hbip)₂(H₂O)₂(γ-Mo₈O₂₆)]·6H₂O}_n (4). Complex 1 exhibits one 3D framework with an unexpected 3-nodal 2,4,6-c net topology containing the 1D {β-Mo₈O₂₆}_n chains, 6-connected Co^II centers, and V-type coordinated btp ligands. The neighboring [Mo₆O₂₂]^4- anions of complex 2 are bridged by the Ni^II centers to build one 2D {Ni₂(Mo₆O₂₂)} network, which is arranged into the 3D framework through the weak π···π stacking interactions. In compound 3, one 3D framework is formed by the adjacent 1D {Co₂(btp)₂}_n chains connected by {β-Mo₈O₂₆}_n units, which demonstrates a rare 4,6-c fsc topology. In complex 4, one 2D {Co(Hbip)₂(γ-Mo₈O₂₆)} layer with a (4, 4) network is connected to one 3D hydrogen-bonding framework via N-H···O and O-H···O hydrogen bonds. Magnetic data indicate that complexes 1 and 4 exhibit antiferromagnetic behaviors, whereas complexes 2 and 3 reveal spin-canting magnetic behavior and metamagnetic behavior, respectively. In addition, the proton conductivity of complexes 3 and 4 was investigated, showing that compound 4 has good proton conductivity at 85 °C and a relative humidity of 98% RH.

Various amide-derived ligands induced five octamolybdate-based metal–organic complexes: synthesis, structure, electrochemical sensing and photocatalytic properties

Five octamolybdate-based complexes with diverse architectures employing three new amide-derived organic ligands can be used as promising electrochemical sensors and photocatalysts.

Polyoxometalate-based metal–organic frameworks for heterogeneous catalysis

POM-based MOFs simultaneously possessing the virtues of POMs and MOFs exhibit excellent heterogeneous catalytic properties.

N-Benzyl HMTA induced self-assembly of organic-inorganic hybrid materials for efficient photocatalytic degradation of tetracycline

Photocatalytic degradation technology (PDT), as one of the most important advanced oxidation technologies (AOTs) for environment-purifying, have drawn great attentions in recent years. It is highly desirable but remains challenging to design and synthesize catalysts with enhanced performance of photocatalysis. Herein, we develop a cation induced self-assembly strategy for the synthesis of two new organic-inorganic hybrid materials ({[BHMTA][Cu₂(SCN)₃]}_n (1), {[BHMTA][Cu₂I₃]}_n (2) BHMTA = N-benzylhexamethylenetetramine bromide). Owing to their unique structural and the desirable composition, the as-prepared organic-inorganic hybrid materials exhibit high efficiency and excellent cycling stability for degradation of tetracycline (TC) under visible light irradiation. In addition, the effect factors for photocatalysis such as catalyst dosage, temperature, and pH were also investigated. The possible mechanism studied shows that superoxide radicals (O^2-) and holes (h⁺) are the main active substances in the degradation process of TC. This work may shed light on preparing new organic-inorganic hybrid materials with promising photocatalysis performance for water purification.

A polypyrrole-coated eightfold-helical Wells-Dawson POM-based Cu-FKZ framework for enhanced colorimetric sensing

To explore a novel colorimetric biosensor with high sensibility and selectivity, a new Wells-Dawson-type polyoxometalate (POM)-based metal-organic framework (MOF) with an eightfold helix, [Cu₉(FKZ)₁₂(H₂O)₈][H₃P₂W₁₈O₆₂]₂·4H₂O (CuFKZP₂W₁₈) (HFKZ = 1-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-1,1-bis[(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)methyl] ethanol), was successfully synthesized; then, polypyrrole (PPy) was introduced to fabricate CuFKZP₂W₁₈/PPy(n) nanocomposites (n = 7%, 15%, 30%) via a facile in situ oxidation polymerization process. All the results indicate that CuFKZP₂W₁₈/PPy(15%) as a colorimetric biosensor exhibits lower limits of detection (0.07 μM towards H₂O₂ and 0.627 μM towards ascorbic acid), smaller K_m values (0.106 mM for H₂O₂ and 0.042 mM for o-phenylenediamine) and higher sensitivity (0.0227 1 μM^-1 towards H₂O₂ and 0.0025 1 μM^-1 to ascorbic acid) than most reported enzyme mimetics to the best of our knowledge.

Isopolymolybdate-based inorganic–organic hybrid compounds constructed by multidentate N-donor ligands: syntheses, structures and properties

Five isopolymolybdate-based hybrid compounds were achieved and their photocatalytic activities for dye degradation were explored.

A series of five-coordinated copper coordination polymers for efficient degradation of organic dyes under visible light irradiation

Five-coordinated copper(ii) coordination polymers 1–5 are highly efficient and universal photocatalysts for the degradation of the organic dyes methylene blue (MB), rhodamine B (RhB) and methyl orange (MO) under visible light irradiation.

Synthesis and photo-/electro-catalytic properties of Keggin polyoxometalate inorganic–organic hybrid layers based on d10 metal and rigid benzo-diazole/-triazole ligands

Unusual hepta- and nona-nuclear copper/silver complexes were introduced into different Keggin cluster leading to 2-D hybrid layers, which exhibit merit photo- and electro-catalytic properties.

A novel polyoxometalate-based hybrid containing a 2D [CoMo8O26]∞ structure as the anode for lithium-ion batteries

A novel polyoxometalate-based anode material was fabricated and showed high initial reversible specific capacity and stable reversible capacity, indicating a prospective class of anode materials for LIBs.

A novel 3D POMOF based on Wells–Dawson arsenomolybdates with excellent photocatalytic and lithium-ion battery performance

A novel 3D POMOF based on Wells–Dawson arsenomolybdates exhibits fluorescence property and efficient and stable photocatalytic activity for MB and RhB under UV irradiation and has also been evaluated as the anode material for LIBs.

Metal–organic frameworks constructed from tib and carboxylate acid ligands: selective sensing of nitro explosives and magnetic properties

Four novel metal–organic frameworks have been synthesized under certain conditions. 1 and 2 can be used as fluorescent sensors for small-molecule sensing with high selectivity. Meanwhile, 3 and 4 are both antiferromagnetic substances.

Diverse polyoxometalate-based metal–organic complexes constructed by a tetrazole- and pyridyl-containing asymmetric amide ligand or its in situ transformed ligand

Four metal–organic complexes constructed from different polyoxoanions and a tetrazole- and pyridyl-containing asymmetric amide ligand or its in situ transformed ligand have been synthesized and structurally characterized.

Three multi-nuclear clusters and one infinite chain induced by a pendant 4-butyl-1H-pyrazole ligand for modification of Keggin anions

By utilizing a pendant 4-butyl-1H-pyrazole, four POM-based multi-nuclear clusters or infinite chain subunits are formed: tetra-, tri- and penta-nuclear clusters in 1, 3 and 4 and an infinite chain in 2.

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.

Unique topological motifs in two Cd(ii)-coordination polymers: mutual-embedded 2D bilayers, 3D polythreaded structures, self-penetrated networks and 2D → 2D interpenetrated homochiral bilayers

Two unique entangled Cd(ii) coordination polymers have been modulated by flexible/semi-rigid mixed-ligand systems.