Two histidine-templated metal phosphate-oxalates: solvent-free synthesis, luminescence, and proton-conducting properties

Two new histidine-templated metal phosphate-oxalates (MPOs) were prepared under solvent-free conditions. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis reveals that they have layered and chainlike structures, respectively. Under ultraviolet light irradiation, the two MPOs exhibit blue luminescence originating from histidine templates. Their proton-conducting properties were also investigated under different conditions.

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.

Mixed-valence compounds based on heterometallic-oxo-clusters containing Sb(III,V): crystal structures and proton conduction

Two isostructural Co(Cd)-antimony-oxo tartrate cluster-based compounds with a one-dimensional (1-D) belt-like structure, namely H9.2[Co(H2O)6]{M0.5(H2O)3.5{M'(H2O)4[SbVO6[Co4.2(H2O)5SbIII6(μ3-O)2(tta)6]]}}2·nH2O (M = Co, M' = Co, n = 9 (1); M = Cd0.39/Co0.61, M' = Cd0.24/Co0.76, n = 7 (2); H4tta = tartaric acid), have been synthesized by solvothermal methods. It is noteworthy that the relatively rare mixed-valence Sb(III,V) exists in the structures. The anionic clusters in both compounds appear to be in a sandwich configuration; the top and bottom layers are based on {Sb3(μ3-O)(tta)3} brackets, and the intermediate layer is occupied by {SbVO6[Co4.2(H2O)5]}. The title compounds have been characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, powder X-ray diffraction, elemental analyses, thermogravimetric analyses, and UV-Vis spectroscopy. We chose compound 2 as a representative to test its proton conductivity, and the results show that the conductivity can reach 1.42 × 10-3 S cm-1 at 85 °C under 98% relative humidity.

Ultrastable Polyoxometalate-Encapsulated Supramolecular Metal-Organic Nanotubes for Single-Crystal Proton Conduction

Two unique polyoxometalate (POM)-encapsulated tubular materials with the formula K(H₂O)₆[M₆(btp)₆(H₂O)₂₂](P₂W₁₈O₆₂)₃(Hbtp)₅(btp)₃·52H₂O [M = Mn (1) and Co (2); btp = 2,6-bis(1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)pyridine] were designed and synthesized based on the Dawson POM and V-type btp ligand, as confirmed by IR, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and element analysis. Single-crystal XRD analyses of compound 1 show that two kinds of remarkable metal-organic supramolecular nanotubes, including trigonal and hexagonal nanotubes, are constructed along the c-axis direction via π···π-packing interactions between {Mn₃(btp)₃} rings and the btp ligands, of which [α-P₂W₁₈O₆₂]^6- anions are confined in channels, making the entire structure extraordinarily stable. Meanwhile, the coordinated [α-P₂W₁₈O₆₂]^6- anion within the hexagonal channel makes the channel highly hydrophilic and attracts a number of guest water molecules to fill in the free space, conducive to proton transport. Therefore, the single-crystal sample of 1 exhibits a high proton conductivity of 6.39 × 10^-3 S cm^-1 along one-dimensional channels, 30 times higher than that of a pellet sample at 358 K and 98% relative humidity.

A chalcogenide-cluster-based semiconducting nanotube array with oriented photoconductive behavior

The interesting physical and chemical properties of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have prompted the search for diverse inorganic nanotubes with different compositions to expand the number of available nanotechnology applications. Among these materials, crystalline inorganic nanotubes with well-defined structures and uniform sizes are suitable for understanding structure-activity relationships. However, their preparation comes with large synthetic challenges owing to their inherent complexity. Herein, we report the example of a crystalline nanotube array based on a supertetrahedral chalcogenide cluster, K₃[K(Cu₂Ge₃Se₉)(H₂O)] (1). To the best of our knowledge, this nanotube array possesses the largest diameter of crystalline inorganic nanotubes reported to date and exhibits an excellent structure-dependent electric conductivity and an oriented photoconductive behavior. This work represents a significant breakthrough both in terms of the structure of cluster-based metal chalcogenides and in the conductivity of crystalline nanotube arrays (i.e., an enhancement of ~4 orders of magnitude).

A Tellurium-Substituted Heteropolyniobate with Unique π-π Stacking and Ionic Conduction Property

A tetratellurium-substituted heteropolyoxoniobate with the formula K₂H[Cu(phen)(H₂O)]₄[Cu(phen)]₂[(LiNb₈Te₄O₄₀)]·34H₂O (1; phen = 1,10-phenanthroline) was hydrothermally prepared and structurally characterized. The compound represents the first hexavalent tellurium-substituted Keggin-type polyoxometalate (POM) so far. What is more, the POM cluster in 1 can elaborately self-assemble into a stable supramolecular framework with an ion conduction property through unique intermolecular π-π stacking.

Two novel nickel cluster substituted polyoxometalates: syntheses, structures and their photocatalytic activities, magnetic behaviors, and proton conduction properties

A Ni₁₂-substituted POM and a Ni₆-substituted POM have been synthesized and characterized. The compounds show a moderate catalytic activity in visible-light-driven CO₂ reduction reactions, and can serve as potential proton conduction materials.

Two highly stable inorganic–organic hybrid 3D frameworks based on Cu–Ln incorporated polyoxometalates for selective dye removal and proton conduction

Two highly stable inorganic–organic hybrid 3D TM–Ln incorporated POM-based framework materials have been successfully synthesized. The compounds can not only exhibit moderate proton conductivity but also selectively adsorb cationic dyes.

Three ring-shaped Zr(iv)-substituted silicotungstates: syntheses, structures and their properties

Three Zr(iv)-substituted polyoxometalate nanoclusters, H₁₆(H₂dap)₄[{Zr₂(OH)₂(α-SiW₁₀O₃₈)}₂{Zr₂(OH)₂(β-SiW₁₀O₃₈)}₂]·8H₂O (1, dap = 1,3-diaminopropane), H₁₇Na₉[(Zr₂(OH)₂)₂(Zr₂BO(OH)₄)₂(β-SiW₁₀O₃₈)₄]·50H₂O (2) and H₂₀Na₈[(Zr₂BO(OH)₄)₂(Zr₂B₂O₂(OH)₅)₂(β-SiW₁₀O₃₈)₄]·40H₂O (3), were made by a hydrothermal reaction of trivacant [A-α-SiW₉O₃₄]^10-, Zr⁴⁺ ions, and H₃BO₃ under different alkaline conditions. Single-crystal X-ray structure analysis revealed that they are ring-shaped polyoxotungstate aggregates built by Zr₂(OH)₂ ({Zr₂}) clusters and two types of dilacunary α-/β-SiW₁₀O₃₈ ({α-/β-SiW₁₀}) fragments for 1, {Zr₂}, {β-SiW₁₀}, and Zr₂BO(OH)₄ ({Zr₂B}) clusters for 2, and {β-SiW₁₀}, {Zr₂B}, and Zr₂B₂O₂(OH)₅ ({Zr₂B₂}) clusters for 3, respectively, showing that the Zr-B-O clusters, {Zr₂B} and {Zr₂B₂}, have been introduced to the lacunary sites of polyoxometalates for the first time. The electrochemistry and electrocatalytic properties of 2 were studied, and it exhibited effective catalytic activities for the reduction of H₂O₂, NO₂^-, and BrO₃^-. Moreover, the catalysis of 2 for the oxidation reactions of various thioethers was investigated, and it was found that 2 possessed high conversion and remarkable selectivity.

Proton-conducting layered structures based on transition metal oxo-clusters supported by Sb(iii) tartrate scaffolds

Two transition metal-antimony oxo-cluster based compounds, H₅{MCd(H₂O)₆[M(H₂O)₃Co₃Sb^VSb(μ₃-O)₈(l-tta)₆]}·7H₂O (1) (M = Cd_0.5 + Co_0.5) and H₃K₅(H₂O)₁₁{Cd(H₂O)₄[Cd(H₂O)Fe₄Cd₂Sb₆(μ₄-O)₅(μ₃-O)₃(l-tta)₆][Cd(H₂O)₂Fe₄Cd₂Sb₆(μ₄-O)₄(μ₃-O)₄(l-tta)₆][Cd(H₂O)₂Fe₄Cd₂Sb₆(μ₄-O)₄(μ₃-O)₄(l-tta)₆Cd(H₂O)₅]}·17H₂O (2) (L-H₄tta = l-tartaric acid) were hydrothermally synthesized and characterized. Compound 1 features a [MCo₃Sb^VSb(μ₃-O)₈(l-tta)₆(H₂O)₃]^9- cluster, while compound 2 contains three types of clusters, namely, [Cd(H₂O)Fe₄Cd₂Sb₆(μ₄-O)₅(μ₃-O)₃(l-tta)₆]^4-, [Cd(H₂O)₂Fe₄Cd₂Sb₆(μ₄-O)₄(μ₃-O)₄(l-tta)₆]^4- and [Cd(H₂O)₂Fe₄Cd₂Sb₆(μ₄-O)₄(μ₃-O)₄(l-tta)₆Cd(H₂O)₅]^2-. All the clusters are of sandwich-type with {Sb₃(μ₃-O)(l-tta)} scaffolds on the top and bottom. The Cd (and M in 1) ions interconnect the clusters into layered structures in both compounds. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of transition metal-antimony oxo-clusters that simultaneously contain the first-row and second-raw transition metal ions, and compound 1 represents the first example of such type of clusters that contain Sb(v). The two compounds exhibit proton conductivity with the values of 2.43 × 10^-3 and 2.95 × 10^-3 S cm^-1 at 85 °C under 98% relative humidity, respectively.

Polyoxometalate-based composite materials in electrochemistry: state-of-the-art progress and future outlook

Polyoxometalates (POMs) have been developed as a class of promising smart material candidates not only due to their multitudinous architectures but also their good redox activities and outstanding electron and proton transport capacities. Recently, abundant studies on POMs composited with metal nanoparticles (NPs), carbon materials (e.g., carbon nanotubes (CNTs), carbon quantum dots (CQDs), graphene), and conducting polymers or highly-porous framework materials (e.g., MOFs, ZIFs) have been performed and POM-based composite materials (PCMs) undoubtedly show enhanced stability and improved electrochemical performances. Therefore, POMs and PCMs are of increasing interest in electrocatalysis, electrochemical detection and energy-related fields (such as fuel cells, redox flow batteries and so on), thus, developing novel PCMs has long been the key research topic in POM chemistry. This review mainly summarizes some representative advances in PCMs with electrochemical applications in the past ten years, expecting to provide some useful guidance for future research.

Anisotropic proton conduction realized by a layered vanadium selenite single crystal

A new layered vanadium selenite single crystal exhibits anisotropic proton conductivities along the [100] and [001] directions with the Grotthuss and Vehicle mechanisms, respectively.

The promotion of proton conductivity by immobilizing molybdovanadophosphoric acids in metal–organic frameworks

A novel solid-state electrolyte based on a MOF impregnated with polyoxometalate (PMoV_x@MIL-101) achieves favourable proton conductivity.

[Ba13Sb36Cl34O54]8-: high-nuclearity cluster for the assembly of nanocluster-based compounds

Herein, we report two nanocluster-based compounds built on an unprecedented cluster [Ba₁₃Sb₃₆Cl₃₄O₅₄]^8-, which represents the first example of a discrete alkaline earth (AE)-containing oxochloride cluster and the largest Sb-based oxohalide cluster to date; the proton-conducting property of the compounds was investigated.

Syntheses, Structures, and Electrochemical Properties of Three New Acetate-Functionalized Zirconium-Substituted Germanotungstates: From Dimer to Tetramer

Under hydrothermal conditions, three new acetate-functionalized zirconium-substituted polyoxometalates, H₄Na₂[Na₆(H₂O)₂₂][Zr₄(μ₃-O)₂(OH)₂(OAc)₂(α-GeW₁₀O₃₇)₂]·32H₂O (1), H₈K₃Na₅[Zr₆(μ₃-O)₃(OH)₃(OAc)(H₂O)(β-GeW₁₀O₃₇)₃]·20H₂O (2), H₆K₄Na₁₂[{Zr₅(μ₃-OH)₄(OH)₂}@{Zr₂(OAc)₂(α-GeW₁₀O₃₈)₂}₂]·22H₂O (3), were synthesized and characterized. In 1, the sandwiched dimer [Zr₄(μ₃-O)₂(OH)₂(OAc)₂(α-GeW₁₀O₃₇)₂]^12- was linked to a hexameric [Na₆(H₂O)₂₂]⁶⁺ cluster to form a 1D chain. In 2, the trimer was constructed from three [β₂-GeW₁₀O₃₇]^10- units and a new [Zr₆O₃(OH)₃(OAc)(H₂O)]¹⁴⁺ cluster. In 3, the tetramer was built by two novel sandwich-type dimers [Zr₂(OAc)₂(α₂-GeW₁₀O₃₈)₂]^18- and one unique [Zr₅(μ₃-OH)₄(OH)₂]¹⁴⁺ core in an approximately orthogonal fashion, showing a staggered tetrahedral polyanion. Also, the electrochemistry and electrocatalytic properties of 3 were studied, exhibiting good catalytic activities toward the reduction of H₂O₂, BrO₃^-, and NO₂^-.

Metalo Hydrogen-Bonded Organic Frameworks (MHOFs) as New Class of Crystalline Materials for Protonic Conduction

Recently, proton conduction has been a thread of high potential owing to its wide applications in fuel-cell technology. In the search for a new class of crystalline materials for protonic conductors, three metalo hydrogen-bonded organic frameworks (MHOFs) based on [Ni(Imdz)₆ ]²⁺ and arene disulfonates (MHOF1 and MHOF2) or dicarboxylate (MHOF3) have been reported (Imdz=imidazole). The presence of an ionic backbone with charge-assisted H-bonds, coupled with amphiprotic imidazoles made these MHOFs protonic conductors, exhibiting conduction values of 0.75×10^-3 , 3.5×10^-4 and 0.97×10^-3  S cm^-1 , respectively, at 80 °C and 98 % relative humidity, which are comparable to other crystalline metal-organic framework, coordination polymer, polyoxometalate, covalent organic framework, and hydrogen-bonded organic framework materials. This report initiates the usage of MHOF materials as a new class of solid-state proton conductors.

Octahedron-shaped three-shell Ln14-substituted polyoxotungstogermanates encapsulating a W4O15 cluster: luminescence and frequency dependent magnetic properties

The octahedron-shaped three-shell structure of the [(Ln₁₄(H₂O)W₄(OH)O₁₄)(WO₄)₄(GeW₁₀O₃₈)₆]⁴³⁻ polyanion contains a W₄ tetrahedron, a Ln₁₄W₄ tetrahedron and a Ge₆W₆₀ octahedron.

High proton conductivity behavior in a 2D metal sulfite constructed from a histidine ligand

In the presence of the amino acid histidine, an inorganic–organic hybrid metal sulfite, Zn₂(SO₃)₂(C₆N₃O₂H₉)₂·H₂O (1), has been prepared under hydrothermal conditions. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis reveals that 1 shows a 2D layer framework built up from a classical second building unit (S4R), and bridged histidine molecule. Notably, it is the first report of a metal sulfite in the presence of an amino acid molecule. A 1D H-bonding array can be constructed by the H-bonding interaction between histidine molecules and sulfite groups. Moreover, a new function of metal sulfite for proton conduction was investigated by alternating-current impedance analysis. The results demonstrate that compound 1 shows a high proton conductivity of approximately 10⁻³ S cm⁻¹ at 348 K and 98% relative humidity.

In the presence of the amino acid histidine, an inorganic–organic hybrid metal sulfite (compound 1), has been prepared under hydrothermal conditions. Compound 1 shows a high proton conductivity of, approximately 10⁻³ S cm⁻¹ at 348 K and 98% RH.

Immobilization of enzymes on an organic–inorganic hybrid network consisting of Dawson-type polyoxotungstate and a zinc(ii)-biimidazole complex moiety

A new polyoxometalate (POM)-based organic–inorganic hybrid compound {[(Zn(H₂biim)₂)₃(P₂W₁₈O₆₂)]·6H₂O}_n (1) shows excellent enzyme-loading capability for horseradish peroxidase (HRP) and can be used as a new catalyst for trace H₂O₂ detection in solution.

An unprecedented Zr-containing polyoxometalate tetramer with mixed trilacunary/dilacunary Keggin-type polyoxotungstate units

A novel zirconium(IV)-substituted tetramer polyoxotungstate, H₆K₄Na₁₆[Zr₄(β-GeW₁₀O₃₈)₂(A-α-PW₉O₃₄)₂]·37H₂O, was synthesized hydrothermally and characterized by IR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, powder X-ray diffraction, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The compound crystallizes in the monoclinic P2/n space group. The most remarkable feature is that the centrosymmetric Zr-based polyoxotungstate tetramer consists of dilacunary Keggin-type germanotungstate and trilacunary Keggin-type phosphotungstate units that are linked by Zr^IV ions.

Three new high-nuclear transition-metal-substituted heteropolytungstates: syntheses, crystal structures, magnetic studies and NLO properties

Three new nickel-cluster-substituted polyoxometalates (POMs), [Ni6(H2O)9(μ3-OH)3(HSiW9O34)]2·12H2O (1), [Ni(en)(H2O)3][Ni6(H2O)3(en)2L(μ3-OH)3(HSiW9O34)]2·9H2O (2) (en = ethylenediamine; L = C7H5O2 = benzoic acid) and [Ni6(L')6(CH3COO)(H2O)3(μ3-OH)3(HPW9O34)]2·9H2O (3) (L' = C5NH5 = pyridine) were successfully isolated under hydro-/solvothermal conditions. 1-3 were structurally characterized by single-crystal XRD, elemental analyses, PXRD, IR, and TGA. Compound 1 mainly consists of a pair of {Ni6SiW9} fragments and some water molecules. Interestingly, the whole structure can be regarded as the connection of {Ni6SiW9} and another unit rotated 180° through Ni-O-W bonds, forming a dimeric structure {Ni6SiW9}2. Compounds 2 and 3 also have an {Ni6XW9}2 (X = Si, P) dimer, but there is a big difference in the connection between {Ni6SiW9} units. On this basis, mono-dentate conjugated organic ligands (benzoic acid (L) and pyridine (L')) were successfully introduced. It is noteworthy that pyridine molecules were first integrated into {Ni6SiW9}-based clusters and 3 features the highest number of organic ligands (six pyridines per Ni6) in the reported {Ni6XW9}-based clusters. The introduction of organic ligands to compounds 2 and 3 can bring about better third-order nonlinear optical properties. Magnetic research indicated the existence of ferromagnetic interactions in 2-3.

Proton conductivity resulting from different triazole-based ligands in two new bifunctional decavanadates

To investigate the effects of triazole-based ligands in polyoxovanadates (POVs) on proton conductivity, we designed and synthesized two decavanadate-based POVs.

Rational construction of an ssa-type of MOF through pre-organizing the ligand's conformation and its exceptional gas adsorption properties

A ligand conformation-controlled assembly strategy has been successfully employed to construct a copper-based MOF with the desired ssa-type topology, which exhibits exceptional C₂H₂ and CO₂ adsorption properties.

Exploration of new water stable proton-conducting materials in an amino acid-templated metal phosphate system

Presented here is the first example of an amino acid-templated metal phosphate with a three-dimensional structure, which shows excellent water stability and a high proton conductivity at room temperature under 98% relative humidity.

A new polyoxovanadate-based metal–organic framework: synthesis, structure and photo-/electro-catalytic properties

A new polyoxovanadate-based metal–organic framework has been synthesized, which exhibits high-performance bifunctional photo-/electro-catalytic properties.

Two lanthanide metal–organic frameworks as sensitive luminescent sensors for the detection of Cr2+ and Cr2O72− in aqueous solutions

Two lanthanide–organic frameworks [Ln(HPIDC)(m-bdc)·1.5H₂O]_n (Ln = Eu 1 or Tb 2; H₃PIDC = 2-(4-pyridyl)-1H-imidazole-4,5-dicarboxylic acid; m-H₂bdc = 1,3-benzenedicarboxylic acid) were synthesized under hydrothermal conditions.

Composite cluster-organic frameworks based on polyoxometalates and copper/cobalt–oxygen clusters

The first two cluster organic frameworks based on Anderson-type polyoxometalates and copper/cobalt-oxo cluster secondary building units have been successfully made under solvothermal conditions.

An inorganic–organic hybrid supramolecular framework as a high-performance anode for lithium-ion batteries

We achieved an excellent anode for a lithium-ion battery for the first time based on an inorganic–organic hybrid supramolecular nanotube.