Multinuclear NMR investigations of the oxygen, water, and hydroxyl environments in sodium hexaniobate

Successive protonation of Lindqvist Hexaniobate, [Nb6O19]8-: electronic properties and structural distortions

Lindqvist Hexaniobate, [Nb6O19]8-, is an intriguing type of polyoxoniobate presenting a significant negative charge, high symmetry, robust structure and applications in photocatalysis. In this work, the [Nb6O19]8- polyanion was submitted...

17 O solid-state NMR at ultrahigh magnetic field of 35.2 T: Resolution of inequivalent oxygen sites in different phases of MOF MIL-53(Al)

MIL-53(Al) is a member of the most extensively studied metal-organic framework (MOF) families owing to its "flexible" framework and superior stability. 17 O solid-state NMR (SSNMR) spectroscopy is an ideal site-specific characterization tool as it probes local oxygen environments. Because oxygen local structure is often altered during phase change, 17 O SSNMR can be used to follow phase transitions. However, 17 O is a challenging nucleus to study via SSNMR due to its low sensitivity and resolution arising from the very low natural abundance of 17 O isotope and its quadrupolar nature. In this work, we describe that by using 17 O isotopic enrichment and performing 17 O SSNMR experiments at an ultrahigh magnetic field of 35.2 T, all chemically and crystallographically inequivalent oxygen sites in two representative MIL-53(Al) (as-made and water adsorbed) phases can be completely resolved. The number of signals in each phase is consistent with that predicted from the space group refined from powder X-ray diffraction data. The 17 O 1D magic-angle spinning (MAS) and 2D triple-quantum MAS (3QMAS) spectra at 35.2 T furnish fine information about the host-guest interactions and the structural changes associated with phase transition. The ability to completely resolve multiple chemically and crystallographically inequivalent oxygen sites in MOFs at very high magnetic field, as illustrated in this work, significantly enhances the potential for using the NMR crystallography approach to determine crystal structures of new MOFs and verify the structures of existing MOFs obtained from refining powder X-ray diffraction data.

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.

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.

Higher Magnetic Fields, Finer MOF Structural Information: 17O Solid-State NMR at 35.2 T

The spectroscopic study of oxygen, a vital element in materials, physical, and life sciences, is of tremendous fundamental and practical importance. ¹⁷O solid-state NMR (SSNMR) spectroscopy has evolved into an ideal site-specific characterization tool, furnishing valuable information on the local geometric and bonding environments about chemically distinct and, in some favorable cases, crystallographically inequivalent oxygen sites. However, ¹⁷O is a challenging nucleus to study via SSNMR, as it suffers from low sensitivity and resolution, owing to the quadrupolar interaction and low ¹⁷O natural abundance. Herein, we report a significant advance in ¹⁷O SSNMR spectroscopy. ¹⁷O isotopic enrichment and the use of an ultrahigh 35.2 T magnetic field have unlocked the identification of many inequivalent carboxylate oxygen sites in the as-made and activated phases of the metal-organic framework (MOF) α-Mg₃(HCOO)₆. The subtle ¹⁷O spectral differences between the as-made and activated phases yield detailed information about host-guest interactions, including insight into nonconventional O···H-C hydrogen bonding. Such weak interactions often play key roles in the applications of MOFs, such as gas adsorption and biomedicine, and are usually difficult to study via other characterization routes. The power of performing ¹⁷O SSNMR experiments at an ultrahigh magnetic field of 35.2 T for MOF characterization is further demonstrated by examining activation of the MIL-53(Al) MOF. The sensitivity and resolution enhanced at 35.2 T allows partially and fully activated MIL-53(Al) to be unambiguously distinguished and also permits several oxygen environments in the partially activated phase to be tentatively identified. This demonstration of the very high resolution of ¹⁷O SSNMR recorded at the highest magnetic field accessible to chemists to date illustrates how a broad variety of scientists can now study oxygen-containing materials and obtain previously inaccessible fine structural information.

A hexaniobate expanded by six [Hg(cyclam)]2+ complexes via Hg–O bonds yields a positively charged polyoxoniobate cluster

The room temperature reaction of Hg(NO3)2 · H2O, cyclam (cyclam = 1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane) and K8{Nb6O19} · 16 H2O in a mixture of H2O and DMSO led to crystallization of the novel compound {[Hg(cyclam)]6Nb6O19}(NO3)4 · 14 H2O, which is the first mercury containing polyoxoniobate. The structure consists of a {Nb6O19}8− cluster core which is expanded by six [Hg(cyclam)]2+ complexes via Hg–μ 2-O–Nb bond formation. The title compound contains a positively charged polyoxoniobate cluster. The crystal water molecules form small aggregates by O–H · · · O hydrogen bonding which are joined into larger aggregates by N–O · · · H–O hydrogen bonding integrating the nitrate anions.

Self-assembly and Li-ion storage performance of three new Nb/W mixed-addendum polyoxometalates based on the {SiNb3W9O40} clusters and transition-metal cations

Three polyoxometalates have been synthesized to be utilized as anode materials for lithium ion batteries.

Protactinium and the intersection of actinide and transition metal chemistry

The role of the 5f and 6d orbitals in the chemistry of the actinide elements has been of considerable interest since their discovery and synthesis. Relativistic effects cause the energetics of the 5f and 6d orbitals to change as the actinide series is traversed left to right imparting a rich and complex chemistry. The 5f and 6d atomic states cross in energy at protactinium (Pa), making it a potential intersection between transition metal and actinide chemistries. Herein, we report the synthesis of a Pa-peroxo cluster, A₆(Pa₄O(O₂)₆F₁₂) [A = Rb, Cs, (CH₃)₄N], formed in pursuit of an actinide polyoxometalate. Quantum chemical calculations at the density functional theory level demonstrate equal 5f and 6d orbital participation in the chemistry of Pa and increasing 5f orbital participation for the heavier actinides. Periodic changes in orbital character to the bonding in the early actinides highlights the influence of the 5f orbitals in their reactivity and chemical structure.

A HPLC-ICP-AES technique for the screening of [XW11NbO40]n− aqueous solutions

In this research combined HPLC-ICP-AES technique was used to study formation of mixed [XW₁₁O₄₀]ⁿ⁻ (X = P, Ge, B) complexes.

Extraction of Nb(v) by quaternary ammonium-based solvents: toward organic hexaniobate systems

Solvent extraction of Nb(v) from alkaline aqueous media using quaternary ammonium solutions, especially Aliquat® 336 diluted in an aliphatic diluent, was investigated. The hexaniobate ions (H_xNb₆O₁₉^x-8) were extracted into the organic phase with very high yields at room temperature and within a few minutes, affording easy access to organic solutions of hexaniobates. Several parameters were found to influence the extraction of H_xNb₆O₁₉^x-8 including the nature and concentration of alkali cations, confirming subtle effects previously described for polyoxoniobates such as ion-pairing with alkali ions. The extraction of H_xNb₆O₁₉^x-8 with Aliquat® 336 is also influenced if competing anions are present in the aqueous phase (NO₃^-, Cl^-, C₂O₄^2-, SO₄^2- and CO₃^2-) and varies with the pH mainly due to the competitive extraction of hydroxide ions at high pH. The co-extraction of sodium ions with H_xNb₆O₁₉^x-8 was observed as well as the co-extraction of water molecules, suggesting a self-association of the extractant. The proposed liquid-liquid extraction generic system paves the way for innovative niobium (and potentially tantalum) hydrometallurgical processes and it may also afford more direct routes for exploring the chemistry of hexaniobates in organic solvents.

Solid-state NMR characterization of the structure and thermal stability of hybrid organic–inorganic compounds based on a HLaNb2O7 Dion–Jacobson layered perovskite

Hybrids obtained via intercalation of alkylamines or propanol show peculiar structure and thermal stability, which are influenced by the nature and the amount of the intercalated chains.

First investigation of polyoxoniobate and polyoxotantalate aqueous speciation by capillary zone electrophoresis

Aqueous solutions of hexaniobate (H_xNb₆O₁₉^x−8, 0 ≤ x ≤ 3) and hexatantalate ions (H_xTa₆O₁₉^x−8, 0 ≤ x ≤ 3) have been probed by capillary zone electrophoresis (CE) for the first time.

Experimental and computational exploration of the UV-visible properties of hexaniobate and hexatantalate ions

The UV-visible properties of hexaniobate (H_xNb₆O₁₉^x−8) and hexatantalate (H_xTa₆O₁₉^x−8) ions were investigated experimentally and by DFT calculations.

Unprecedented high-nuclear transition-metal-cluster-substituted heteropolyoxoniobates: synthesis by {V8 } ring insertion into the POM matrix and antitumor activities

Reactions of hexaniobate with vanadate in the presence of Ni(2+) , Zn(2+) , or Cu(2+) have furnished three high-nuclear vanadium cluster-substituted heteropolyoxoniobates (HPNs): {Ni(en)3 }5 H{V(V) Nb8 V(IV) 8 O44 }⋅9 H2 O (1), (H2 en)Na2 [{Zn(en)2 (Hen)}{Zn(en)2 (H2 O)}2 {PNb8 V(IV) 8 O44 }]⋅11 H2 O (2), and Na{Cu(en)2 }3 {[Cu(en)2 ]2 [PNb8 V(IV) 8 O44 ]}⋅11 H2 O (3) (en=1,2-diaminoethane). Their structures have been determined and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and elemental analysis. Structural analysis has revealed that compounds 1-3 contain similar {V8 }-substituted [X(V) Nb8 V(IV) 8 O44 ](11-) (X=P, V) clusters, obtained by inserting a {V8 } ring into tetravacant HPN [XNb8 O36 ](27-) . To the best of our knowledge, compounds 1-3 represent the first high-nuclear vanadium cluster-substituted HPNs, and compound 1 is the largest vanadoniobate cluster yet obtained in HPN chemistry. Nickel and zinc cations have been introduced into HPNs for the first time, which might promise a more diverse set of structures in this family. Antitumor studies have indicated that compounds 1 and 2 exhibit high activity against human gastric cancer SGC-7901 cells, SC-1680 cells, and MG-63 cells.

Rod-like NaNbO3: mechanisms for stable solvothermal synthesis, temperature-mediated phase transitions and morphological evolution

Solvothermal synthesis is developed for rod-like NaNbO₃, and mechanisms for stable synthesis as well as structural and morphological transitions are proposed.

An 17O NMR Study of Hydrolyzed Nb(V) in Weakly Acidic and Basic Aqueous Solution

Time-dependent ¹⁷O NMR spectra of basified decaniobate (Nb₁₀O₂₈^6-) solutions displayed intense resonances assigned to the well-known protonated hexaniobate anion (Nb₆O₁₉^8-) and two other species identified as heptaniobate (Nb₇O₂₂^9-) and protonated tetracosaniobate (Nb₂₄O₇₂^24-) anions. The decaniobate ion showed no sign of protonation from pH 6 - 10, in contrast with the hexaniobate ion which was protonated at doubly-bridging oxygen sites at pH 10-13. Most (> 90%) of the heptaniobate formed 1 h after basification was transformed into other species after 3 weeks. Tetracosaniobate was formed reversibly from decaniobate, but only when KOH, NaOH and [(CH₃)₄N]OH were employed; none was observed after basification with [(n-C₄H₉)₄N]OH. Moreover, far more tetracosaniobate was formed from KOH than from [(CH₃)₄N]OH. This effect was attributed to a tetracosaniobate cation binding site that binds K⁺ more readily than (CH₃)₄N⁺ but is too small to accommodate (n-C₄H₉)₄N⁺.

In situ Precursor-Template Route to Semi-Ordered NaNbO3 Nanobelt Arrays

We exploited a precursor-template route to chemically synthesize NaNbO3 nanobelt arrays. Na7(H3O)Nb6O19·14H2O nanobelt precursor was firstly prepared via a hydrothermal synthetic route using Nb foil. The aspect ratio of the precursor is controllable facilely depending on the concentration of NaOH aqueous solution. The precursor was calcined in air to yield single-crystalline monoclinic NaNbO3 nanobelt arrays. The proposed scheme for NaNbO3 nanobelt formation starting from Nb metal may be extended to the chemical fabrication of more niobate arrays.

Complete (1)H resonance assignment of beta-maltose from (1)H-(1)H DQ-SQ CRAMPS and (1)H (DQ-DUMBO)-(13)C SQ refocused INEPT 2D solid-state NMR spectra and first principles GIPAW calculations

A disaccharide is a challenging case for high-resolution (1)H solid-state NMR because of the 24 distinct protons (14 aliphatic and 10 OH) having (1)H chemical shifts that all fall within a narrow range of approximately 3 to 7 ppm. High-resolution (1)H (500 MHz) double-quantum (DQ) combined rotation and multiple pulse sequence (CRAMPS) solid-state NMR spectra of beta-maltose monohydrate are presented. (1)H-(1)H DQ-SQ CRAMPS spectra are presented together with (1)H (DQ)-(13)C correlation spectra obtained with a new pulse sequence that correlates a high-resolution (1)H DQ dimension with a (13)C single quantum (SQ) dimension using the refocused INEPT pulse-sequence element to transfer magnetization via one-bond (13)C-(1)H J couplings. Compared to the observation of only a single broad peak in a (1)H DQ spectrum recorded at 30 kHz magic-angle spinning (MAS), the use of DUMBO (1)H homonuclear decoupling in the (1)H DQ CRAMPS experiment allows the resolution of distinct DQ correlation peaks which, in combination with first-principles chemical shift calculations based on the GIPAW (Gauge Including Projector Augmented Waves) plane-wave pseudopotential approach, enables the assignment of the (1)H resonances to the 24 distinct protons. We believe this to be the first experimental solid-state NMR determination of the hydroxyl OH (1)H chemical shifts for a simple sugar. Variable-temperature (1)H-(1)H DQ CRAMPS spectra reveal small increases in the (1)H chemical shifts of the OH resonances upon decreasing the temperature from 348 K to 248 K.