Recent advances in lanthanide-based POMs for photoluminescent applications

Since the first formation of the famous "Peacock-Weakley" anions [Ln(W5O18)2]8/9-, a steady stream of breakthroughs have been made in the chemistry of multitalented lanthanide (Ln)-based polyoxometalates (POMs) for their potentially desirable properties. In particular, LnIII ions are generally recognised as the "vitamins of the modern industry" owing to their ability to cover a wide emission range, endowing Ln-based POMs with great potential for versatile and diverse luminescence-related applications. In this frontier, we discuss the synthesis strategies and intramolecular energy transfer in Ln-based POM derivatives. Then, the progressive improvements achieved with Ln-based POMs in photoluminescence applications are highlighted, focusing mainly on luminescent and fluorescent probes. Finally, the challenges for Ln-based POM materials for photoluminescence applications are discussed.

Construction of Hexameric Ru-Substitution POMs to Improve Photocatalytic H2 Evolution

Converting solar energy into storable hydrogen energy by employing green photocatalytic technology offers a reliable alternative for meeting the energy crisis. The polyoxometalates are a promising candidate for hydrogen production photocatalysts because of their unique electronic and structural properties and controllable design at the molecular level. Introducing noble metals was proven to be an effective method to greatly enhance the photocatalytic efficiency of polyoxometalates. Herein, two unprecedented compounds of hexameric Ru-POMs, Na4H10[As2RuIV2W11O18(OH)4(H2O)6{AsW8RuIVO31(OH)Cl}2(B-β-AsW9O33)4]·93H2O (1) and Na2H19[AsRuIII2W11O20(OH)2(H2O)6(RuIIICl3)(B-β-AsW9O33)6]·90H2O (2), were successfully self-assembled. The H2 evolution rates of 1 and 2 under optimal conditions were 3578.75 and 3027.69 μmol h-1 g-1 with TONs of 255 and 205, respectively. The stability of 1 was demonstrated by a series of characterizations. Besides, a possible photocatalytic mechanism was proposed.

Organic Hybrid Antimoniotungstate Layered Ionic Crystal: Synthesis, Structure, and Interlayer-Confined Proton Conduction

A synchronous crystal- and microstructure-dependent strategy was implemented to synthesize the organic hybrid antimoniotungstate layered ionic crystal Na_5.5H_6.5[(SbW₉O₃₃)₂{WO₂(OH)}₂{WO₂}RuC₇H₃NO₄]·36H₂O, and the layered structure was constructed through the Na⁺ bridged sheet and the hydrogen-bonded layers. It displayed an effective proton conductivity of 2.97 × 10^-2 S cm^-1 at 348 K and 75% RH, owing to the complete interlayer confined hydrogen-bond network formed by the hydrogens of interlayer crystal waters, organic ligands ({RuC₇H₃NO₄}²⁺, {C₇H₃NO₄} is formed by the hydrolysis of pyridine 2,5-dicarboxylic acid (C₇H₅NO₄)), and acidic protons (H⁺), along with the interlayer domain as a transport channel. Furthermore, the hydrogen-bond network originating from interlayer organic ligands and acidic protons was more stable at a higher temperature of 423 K, preserving a high conductivity of 1.99 × 10^-2 S cm^-1.

Discovery and Isolation of Two Arsenotungastate Species: [As4W48O168]36- and [As2W21O77(H2O)3]22

Two novel arsenotungstate species, [As₄W₄₈O₁₆₈]^36- (1a) and [As₂W₂₁O₇₇(H₂O)₃]^22- (2a), have been successfully isolated under a one-pot synthetic method. 1a is the second largest arsenotungstate cluster and is constructed from four {AsW₁₂} clusters combined together. 2a can be described as lacunary sites of {As₂W₁₉} filled by {W₂O₈} units. Compounds 1 and 2 exhibit proton conductivity properties, and the conductivity value of 1 is 5.0 × 10^-3 S cm^-1 at 98% relative humidity and 75 °C. This work proves that the lattice water molecules and polyoxoanions can participate in the formation of a hydrogen bond, acting as effective pathway for intermolecular proton conduction.

Heteroatom-Modulated Assembly of Hexalanthanoid-Containing Polyoxometalate-Based Coordination Networks

Two series of lanthanoid (Ln)-containing polyoxometalates (POMs) {[Ln₆(ampH)₄(H₂O)_24-n(ampH₂)_n(PW₁₁O₃₉)₂]·21H₂O (Ln = Tb, n = 0 (1), Ln = Er, n = 1 (2)) and K₂[Ln₆(ampH)₄(H₂O)₂₂(SiW₁₁O₃₉)₂]·23H₂O (Ln = Tb (3), Er (4)) (ampH₂ = (aminomethyl) phosphonic acid)} have been synthesized with tri-lacunary Keggin-type POMs containing different types of heteroatoms. Compounds 1 and 2 display neutral organic-inorganic hybrid POM molecules containing {Ln₆(ampH)₄} ({Ln₆}) cores sandwiched by two {PW₁₁O₃₉} units. By changing the heteroatoms from P^V to Si^IV, the extended 2D networks of 3 and 4 were successfully isolated where the adjacent {Ln₆} clusters were connected by {SiW₁₁O₃₉} moieties. Luminescence performances and magnetic properties of 1-4 have been systematically surveyed. The solid-state fluorescence spectra of 1-4 display characteristic emissions of Ln components resulting from the 4f-4f transitions, and energy transfer from the POM segments to Ln³⁺ centers in 1 and 3 has been observed based on the lifetime decay behaviors. Furthermore, all compounds can be utilized as electrocatalysts toward reduction of nitrite with high stability.

dl-Serine Covalently Ornamented and Ln3+-Incorporated Arsenotungstates with Fast-Responsive Photochromic and Photoinduced Luminescent Switchable Behaviors

Three isostructural dl-serine covalently functionalized and multinuclear lanthanide (Ln³⁺)-embedded arsenotungstates, K₂[{As₄W₄₄O₁₃₇(OH)₁₈(H₂O)₂(dl-Ser)₂}{Ln₂(H₂O)₄(dl-Ser)}₂{Ln(H₂O)₇}₂]·70H₂O (Ln = Sm (1), Eu (2), and Gd (3); dl-Ser = C₃H₇NO₃), were prepared, where the centrosymmetric [{As₄W₄₄O₁₃₇(OH)₁₈(H₂O)₂(dl-Ser)₂}{Ln₂(H₂O)₄(dl-Ser)}₂]^8- polyanion consists of two {As₂W₁₉O₅₉(OH)₈(H₂O)}^6- fragments, integrated with a two-dl-serine-ornamented [W₆O₂₃(OH)₂(dl-Ser)₂{Ln₂(H₂O)₄}₂]^8- segment. In addition, the photochromic transformation of solid-state compounds 1-3 was observed from colorless to blue after a UV illumination of 4 min, and the decay process lasted as long as ∼20 h in the dark. The coloration kinetic half-life (t_1/2) values of compounds 1, 2, and 3 were calculated to be 0.597, 0.920, and 0.723 min, respectively. Furthermore, the luminescent properties and energy migration from arsenotungstates and organic chromophores to Sm³⁺ and Eu³⁺ ions in 1 and 2 have been intensively investigated. Further analysis manifests that 1 possesses an effective luminescent switchable behavior, triggered by its fast-responsive photochromism effect.

Synthesis, Structure, and Catalytic Activities of Two Multi-Rh-Decorated Polyoxometalates

Two multi-Rh-incorporated polyoxometalates [NH₂(CH₃)₂]₁₀[Na₄(H₂O)₈]H₃[As₄W₄₂O₁₄₂(OH)₄(CH₃COO)₂Rh₃(H₂O)₄]·13H₂O·4[NH(CH₃)₂] (1) and [K₄Na(H₂O)₆]KH₁₀[As₄W₄₀O₁₄₀Rh₄(H₂O)₄]·34H₂O (2) have been synthesized in acetate buffer solution. Polyanion 1a is built up atop of an acetate-modified rectangular framework [As₄W₄₂O₁₄₂(OH)₄(CH₃COO)₂]^26-, while polyanion 2a contains a pure inorganic cryptand [As₄W₄₀O₁₄₀]^28-. All Rh atoms of these two compounds share the same hexa-coordinate distorted-octahedral geometry and are embedded into their cavities through As-Rh bonding with a bond length around 2.304(4)-2.436(5) Å. Besides, they not only represent structural novelty but also demonstrate controllable proton conduction properties. Catalysts 1 and 2 can catalyze cycloaddition of epoxides with CO₂ in a solvent-free system in conjunction with 1-ethyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium bromide.

2D Windmill-like Ln-Containing Organophosphonate-Based Polyoxomolybdates: Synthesis, Characterization, Fluorescence, and Magnetism

By integration of {Ln(H₂O)₆}³⁺ into organophosphonate-based polyoxometalates, three Ln-containing organophosphonate-functionalized polyoxomolybdates Na_1.5H_1.5[{Ln(H₂O)₆}₂{(Mo₃O₈)(O₃PC(C₃H₆NH₃)OPO₃)}₄]·(CH₃CO₂)·43H₂O (Ln = Eu (1), Tb (2), and Dy (3)) are successfully prepared and systematically characterized. The X-ray crystallography analyses display complexes 1-3 crystallize in the C2/c space group of the monoclinic system and compose several distinctive tetramer windmill-like compounds that further assemble into two-dimensional (2D) frameworks associated with the {Ln(H₂O)₆}³⁺ core. The fluorescence spectra of 1-3 show red, green, and chartreuse emissions, respectively, originating in the typical f-f transitions of Ln³⁺ ions. More interestingly, complex 3 shows the field-induced single-molecule magnet (SMM) properties, resulting from the fact that [(Mo₃O₈)₄{O₃PC(C₃H₆NH₃)OPO₃}₄]^8- offers excellent magnetic isolation for Dy³⁺ ions by the nearest Dy1···Dy2 distance of 11.207 Å. The study demonstrates that the incorporation of {Ln(H₂O)₆}³⁺ into organophosphonate-based polyoxomolybdates is an effective synthetic strategy in implementing late-model opto-magnetic materials.

Family of Nanoclusters, Ln33 (Ln = Sm/Eu) and Gd32, Exhibiting Magnetocaloric Effects and Fluorescence Sensing for MnO4. Inorg Chem 2022;61:8861-8869. [PMID: 35653200 DOI: 10.1021/acs.inorgchem.2c00898]

A family of nanoclusters, [Ln₃₃(EDTA)₁₂(OAc)₂(CO₃)₄(μ₃-OH)₃₆(μ₅-OH)₄(H₂O)₃₈]·OAc·xH₂O (x ≈ 50, Ln = Sm for 1; x ≈ 70, Ln = Eu for 2) and [Gd₃₂(EDTA)₁₂(OAc)₂(C₂O₄)(CO₃)₂(μ₃-OH)₃₆(μ₅-OH)₄(H₂O)₃₆]·x(H₂O) (x ≈ 70 for 3; H₄EDTA = ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid), was prepared through the assembly of repeating subunits under the action of an anion template. The analysis of the structures showed that compounds 1 and 2 containing 33 Ln³⁺ ions were isostructural, which were constructed by three kinds of subunits in the presence of CO₃^2- as an anion template, while compound 3 had a slightly different structure. Compound 3 containing 32 Gd³⁺ ions was formed by three types of subunits in the presence of CO₃^2- and C₂O₄^2- as a mixed anion template. The CO₃^2- anions came from the slow fixation of CO₂ in the air. Meanwhile, one kind of high-nuclearity lanthanide clusters showed high chemical stability. The quantum Monte Carlo (QMC) calculation suggested that weak antiferromagnetic interactions were dominant between Gd³⁺ ions in 3. Magnetocaloric studies showed that compound 3 had a large entropy change of 43.0 J kg^-1 K^-1 at 2 K and 7 T. Surprisingly, compound 2 showed excellent recognition and detection effects for permanganate in aqueous solvents based on the fluorescence quenching phenomenon.

Organic-inorganic one-dimensional hybrid aggregates constructed from aromatic-bisphosphonate-functionalized polyoxomolybdates

Five novel lanthanide-substituted polyoxomolybdates (NH₄)₅Na₃H₂[{Ln(H₂O)₇}₂{Mo₅O₁₅(1,4-O₃PCH₂C₆H₄CH₂PO₃)}₄]·nH₂O [Ln = Tb³⁺ (1), Ho³⁺ (2), Er³⁺ (3), Tm³⁺ (4), Yb³⁺ (5); n = 33, 32, 41, 30, 47] have been prepared in a conventional aqueous solution reaction of ammonium molybdate with Ln³⁺ ions and p-xylyenediphosphonic acid. Crystal structure analyses reveal that 1-5 are isomorphic. The prominent architecture characteristic is that their structural units consist of a tetrameric cyclic-shaped [{Mo₅O₁₅(1,4-O₃PCH₂C₆H₄CH₂PO₃)}₄]^16- segment stabilized by two [Ln(H₂O)₇]³⁺ cations, which are connected to propagate one-dimensional chain by Ln³⁺ ions. As is known, compounds 1-5 stand for the first Ln-substituted aromatic-bisphosphonate-functionalized polyoxomolybdates. The solid-state photoluminescence measurement of 1 has been performed at ambient temperature, and it displayed the characteristic emissions of Tb ions based on its 4f-4f transitions. In addition, the magnetic properties of 1-5 compounds show that they all exhibit anti-ferromagnetic interactions.

Binuclear Ru(III)-Containing Polyoxometalate with Efficient Photocatalytic Activity for Oxidative Coupling of Amines to Imines

A novel binuclear ruthenium-based polyoxometalate, K₆H[{Ru₂Cl(H₂O)(CH₃COO)₂}{WO(H₂O)}₂(PW₉O₃₄)₂]·14H₂O (1), was successfully synthesized by the conventional hydrothermal method. Compound 1 was well-characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, X-ray powder diffraction (PXRD), infrared (IR) spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (ESI-MS), thermogravimetric analyses (TGA), and elemental analysis. The structural unit of compound 1 contains two [A-α-PW₉O₃₄]^9- building blocks at the upper and lower positions connected by two W atoms and two Ru atoms, where the W atoms and Ru atoms are arranged in a trapezoidal arrangement and the Ru atoms are bridged by acetic acid. Furthermore, compound 1 features characteristic absorption bands in the visible region, which allows the investigation of its photocatalytic properties in visible light. Under simulated sunlight radiation (λ > 400 nm), compound 1 exhibits high photocatalytic activity and good circularity toward the oxidative coupling of amines to imines at room temperature with O₂ as the sole oxidant.

Roles of Organic Fragments in Redirecting Crystal/Molecular Structures of Inorganic-Organic Hybrids Based on Lacunary Keggin-Type Polyoxometalates

Lacunary polyoxometalates (LPOMs) are key precursors for the synthesis of functional POMs. To date, reviews dedicated to behavioral studies of LPOMs often comprise the role of metal ions, including transition metal (TM) and rare earth (RE) ions, in extending and stability of high-nuclearity clusters. In contrast, the role of organic ligands in the structures and properties of lacunary-based hybrids has remained less explored. In this review, we focus on the role of organic fragments in the self-assembling process of POM-based architectures and discuss relationships between the nature and structure of organic ligand and properties such as the topology of hybrid inorganic–organic material in RE and TM-RE heterometallic derivatives of lacunary Keggin-type POMs. The effects of organic fragment in mixed ligand hybrids are also briefly reviewed.

Multi-Nuclear Rare-Earth-Implanted Tartaric Acid-Functionalized Selenotungstates and Their Fluorescent and Magnetic Properties

A family of multinuclear rare-earth (RE)-implanted H₂tart^2--functionalized selenotungstates (STs) [H₂N(CH₃)₂]₁₃H{[W₂O₅(OH)₂(H₂tart)₂](H₂tart){[W₃O₆RE₂(H₂O)₆][SeW₉O₃₃]₂}₂}·31H₂O [RE = Eu³⁺ (1), Tb³⁺ (2), Dy³⁺ (3), Ho³⁺ (4), Y³⁺ (5); H₄tart = d-tartaric acid] have been afforded by a simple one-pot aqueous reaction and were structurally characterized. Intriguingly, their isomorphous organic-inorganic hybrid anion {[W₂O₅(OH)₂(H₂tart)₂](H₂tart){[W₃O₆RE₂(H₂O)₆][SeW₉O₃₃]₂}₂}^14- includes two sandwich-type {[W₃O₆[RE₂(H₂O)₆][SeW₉O₃₃]₂}^4- dimeric units with a W-O-RE heterometal core, which are further joined by two H₂tart^2--decorated dinuclear tungsten-oxo {W₂O₅(OH)₂(H₂tart)₂} clusters and a bridging H₂tart^2- ligand, contributing to a surprising Mobius band-like configuration. It is worth emphasizing that three H₂tart^2- ligands coordinate with tungsten centers rather than RE cations. For all we know, 1-5 delegate the infrequent RE-implanted STs functionalized by triplicate H₂tart^2- bridges. Furthermore, fluorescent performances of 1-4 as well as magnetic properties of 2-4 have been surveyed. The solid-state fluorescence emission spectra prove that each of them undoubtedly shows the characteristic emission peaks of RE cores, while alternating-current susceptibility measurements suggest field-induced single-molecule magnetic behavior in 3.

Synthesis, Characterization, Electrochemistry, Photoluminescence and Magnetic Properties of a Dinuclear Erbium(III)-Containing Monolacunary Dawson-Type Tungstophosphate: [{Er(H2O)(CH3COO)(P2W17O61)}2]16−

Reaction of the trilacunary Wells−Dawson anion {α-P2W15O56}12− with ErIII ion in a 1 M LiOAc/HOAc buffer (pH 4.8) solution produces a dinuclear erbium(III) substituted sandwich-type structure [{Er(H2O)(CH3COO)(P2W17O61)}2]16− (1). The isolated compound was structurally characterized using single crystal and powder X-ray diffraction, FTIR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry and thermogravimetric analysis. The electrochemical, electrocatalytic, photoluminescence and magnetic properties of 1 were investigated.

Trinuclear ruthenium core-containing polyoxometalate-based hybrids: preparation, characterization and catalytic behavior

Two ruthenium-containing polyoxometalate-based hybrids (Ru-POMs), KH8[Ru3O(Trz)6Cl3]2[(NaO6)W6(H2O)6(AsW9O33)4]·28H2O (1) and H3[Ru3O(Trz)6Cl3]2[(WO)2W(OH)(AsW9O33)2]·6H2O (2), (Trz = 1,2,4-triazole), were successfully isolated by a one-step hydrothermal method under different acidic conditions and further characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), IR spectroscopy, electrospray ionization and mass spectrometry (ESI-MS), thermogravimetric (TG) analyses and elemental analyses. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses reveal two polyanions comprised of four/two identical trivacant Keggin-type polyanion building blocks, leading to the formation of tetrameric/dimeric assembly stabilized by additional metal-oxo cores, respectively. ESI-MS shows that the polyanion units [(NaO6)W6(H2O)6(AsW9O33)4]11- and [(WO)2W(OH)(AsW9O33)2]5- are intact in mixed solvent. Moreover, the two heterogeneous catalysts with trinuclear ruthenium cations were further investigated, and 1 was found to exhibit much higher yield (94.1%)/conversion (95.1%) and better selectivity (>99%) towards the oxidation of thioanisole to sulfoxide than 2.

A systematic study of the optical properties of mononuclear hybrid organo–inorganic lanthanoid complexes

Mononuclear organic–inorganic hybrid lanthanoid complexes show that the combination of both types of ligands improves the optical response compared to the inorganic analogue, thus having potential optical applications due to their thermal response.

Coumarin-lanthanide based compounds with SMM behavior and high quantum yield luminescence

Coumarin-based lanthanide complexes of general formula [Ln(coum)3(phen)(H2O)x]·yH2O (Ln-phen, x = 0,1, 0 ≤ y ≤ 1.5; phen = 1,10-phenanthroline; coum = 3-acetyl-4-hydroxylato-coumarin; Ln = Eu, Tb, Dy, Tm) and [Ln(coum)3(batho)]·0.7EtOH (Ln-batho, batho = 4,7-diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline; Ln = Eu, Tb, Dy, Tm) were synthesized. The magnetic relaxation and photoluminescence behavior of these complexes was compared with that of the related compounds [Ln(coum)3(EtOH)(H2O)]·EtOH (Ln-coum), so as to investigate the effects of incorporating a second chromophore, either the phen or batho ligand, to the original coordination scaffold, provided with three coumarin (coum) ligands. Slow relaxation of the magnetization under H = 0 with moderate activation energies was observed for the Dy-phen (U/kB = 99.1 K) and Dy-batho (U/kB = 67.1 K) compounds, whereas Tb analogues presented field-induced single molecule magnet (SMM) behavior, with U/kB = 11.7 K (16.6 K@3 kOe) for Tb-phen (Tb-batho), respectively. Luminescent emission in the visible range was observed for all the Ln-coumarin based compounds upon ligand sensitization, with high quantum yields of 45 (40%) for Eu-phen (Eu-batho) compounds and 65-76-58% for Tb-coum, phen, batho analogues. Sensitization is mainly provided by the coumarin ligand having the energy difference ΔE between its triplet state T1 and the lanthanide emitting level closest to the optimum, while the second ligand can play either a synergistic or competing sensitizing role. The Tb-phen/batho compounds presented simultaneously SMM and luminescent behavior, with excellent values of the bifunctional figure of merit (ηSMM-QY ∼ 1000% K). The reported compounds represent a new class of bifunctional materials with potential interesting application in various fields.

H-shaped oxalate-bridging lanthanoid-incorporated arsenotungstates

A series of oxalate-bridging di-Ln³⁺-incorporated H-shaped polyoxometalates were synthesized and their stability in solution was evidenced by Raman spectroscopy.

An organic chromophore -modified samarium-containing polyoxometalate: excitation-dependent color tunable behavior from the organic chromophores to the lanthanide ion

An organic–inorganic hybrid Ln-POM display reversible color-tunable photoluminescence properties based on excitation from 260 nm to 350 nm, emitting color from blue to pink.

Well-tuned white-light-emitting behaviours in multicenter-Ln polyoxometalate derivatives: A photoluminescence property and energy transfer pathway study

White light-emitting diodes (WLEDs) are of scientific significance in terms of their wide applications, and few uminescent materials based on white-light-emitting polyoxometalate (POM) derivatives have been reported till now. Herein, a series of organic chromophores modified POM derivatives [N(CH₃)₄]₃K₂Ln(C₇H₅O₂)(H₂O)₂(α-PW₁₁O₃₉)]·11H₂O (Ln³⁺ = Eu³⁺ (1), Tb³⁺ (2), Tm³⁺ (3), Lu³⁺ (4)) and multicenter-Ln analogues [N(CH₃)₄]₃K₂Eu_xTb_yTm_1-x-y(C₇H₅O₂)(H₂O)₂(α-PW₁₁O₃₉)·11H₂O (5-11) were synthesized successfully and were characterized by various physico-chemical analysis. The investigations indicate the white-light-emitting behavior can be well tuned by adjusting the molar ratio of Eu³⁺/Tb³⁺/Tm³⁺ = 0.06:0.10:0.84 in 9. The energy transfer process from organic benzoic and POM ligands to Eu³⁺, Tb³⁺ and Tm³⁺ emitting centers were detected through time-resolved emission spectroscopy (TRES) and the comparison of excitation of single-, double-, treble-Ln³⁺ mixed, indicating the energy can transfer from the photoexcitation O → M LMCT state of POM components and π → π* transition of organic ligand to sensitize the emissions of Ln³⁺ ions via intramolecular energy transition mechanism. The energy transfer between Eu³⁺ and Tb³⁺, Tm³⁺ and Eu³⁺, Tm³⁺ and Tb³⁺ ions also have been recorded and carefully studied by TRES and variations of Tm³⁺ luminescence lifetime in this context, and the results show a low-effectively process of energy transfer between Tm³⁺/Eu³⁺, Tm³⁺/Tb³⁺ ions and a relatively good energy transfer efficiency between Eu³⁺/Tb³⁺ ions.

Self-Assembly of Nanoscale Lanthanoid-Containing Selenotungstates: Synthesis, Structures, and Magnetic Studies

The reaction of mid-lanthanide (Ln) ions with the preformed {Se₆W₃₉} precursor under reasonably acidic aqueous conditions in the presence of organic amine cations results in an unprecedented nanoscale lanthanide-functionalized polyoxotungstate family, which are rare examples of mid-lanthanide-containing selenotungstates. (C₄H₁₀NO)₉Na₃[Dy₃Se_3.5W₃₀O_107.5(H₂O)₁₀]·22H₂O (1) and (NH₄)₃(C₂H₈N)Na₂[Dy₄Se₆W₃₈O₁₃₂(H₂O)₂₆(OH)₆]·18H₂O (2) reveal a trimeric Keggin assembly and a cyclic {Se₆W₃₈}-based chain, respectively, whereas (NH₄)₄Na₈[Gd₄Se₆W₄₈O₁₆₆(H₂O)₂₀(OH)₄]·21H₂O (3) and (NH₄)₉(C₂H₈N)₄Na₅[Ln₆Se₆W₅₈O₂₀₂(H₂O)₂₀(OH)₄]·58H₂O (4; Ln = Gd, Tb, or Dy) are a few examples of polyoxometalates consisting of both classical Keggin and Wells-Dawson building blocks, and (NH₄)₄(C₂H₈N)₅Na₁₃[Ln₄Se₈W₅₆O₁₉₆(H₂O)_x(OH)₁₀]·40H₂O (5; Ln = Gd, Tb, or Dy; x = 12 for Gd and Tb and 10 for Dy) features the largest "pure" Wells-Dawson selenotungstate {Se₈W₅₆} bearing a length of 3.73 nm. A library of Se-templated species involving the first reported Keggin {α-SeW₈} and Wells-Dawson {α-Se₂W₁₆} building blocks as well as some decisive assembly factors during the synthesis is responsible for these architectures. All of the compounds were structurally characterized in the solid and solution by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, IR, thermogravimetric-differential thermal analysis, and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. Magnetic properties indicate that 1 and 4-Dy show probable single-molecule-magnet behavior with obvious frequency dependence, whereas 3 and 4-Gd present the antiferromagnetic interactions between the Gd^III centers.

Highly luminescent and multi-sensing aggregates co-assembled from Eu-containing polyoxometalate and an enzyme-responsive surfactant in water

Hybrid co-assembly of polyoxometalates (POMs) with cationic organic matrices offers a preferable way to greatly enhance POM functionality as well as processability. Thus, multi-stimulus responsive supramolecular materials based on lanthanide-containing POMs with improved luminescence may be fabricated from appropriate components through this convenient strategy. Herein, we reported that the co-assembly of Na₉(EuW₁₀O₃₆)·32H₂O (EuW₁₀) and a commercially available cationic surfactant, myristoylcholine chloride (Myr), in water could produce enhanced red-emitting luminescent aggregates, with their photophysical properties highly dependent on the molar ratio (R) between Myr and EuW₁₀. The R of 36 was finally selected owing to the displayed superior luminescence intensity and good aggregate stability. The Myr/EuW₁₀ hybrids induced by electrostatic and hydrophobic forces presented practically as multilamellar spheres with diameters varying from 80 to 300 nm. Compared to an aqueous solution of EuW₁₀ nanoclusters, a 12-fold increase in absolute luminescence quantum yield (∼23.3%) was observed for the hybrid spheres, which was ascribed to the efficient shielding of water molecules. An unusual aggregation arrangement mechanism and the excellent photophysical properties of these aggregates were thoroughly investigated. Both the enzyme substrate character of Myr and the sensitive coordination structure of EuW₁₀ to the surrounding environment made Myr/EuW₁₀ aggregates exhibit multi-stimulus responsiveness to enzymes, pH, and transition metal ions, thus providing potential applications in fluorescence sensing, targeted-release, and optoelectronics.

Solvent-tuned magnetic exchange interactions in Dy2 systems ligated by a μ-phenolato heptadentate Schiff base

A series of binuclear dysprosium compounds, namely, [Dy(api)]₂ (1), [Dy(api)]₂·2CH₂Cl₂ (2), [Dy(Clapi)]₂·2C₄H₈O (3), and [Dy(Clapi)]₂·2C₃H₆O (4) (H₃api = 2-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-1,3-bis[4-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-3-azabut-3-enyl]-1,3-imidazoline; H₃Clapi = 2-(2′-hydroxy-5′-chlorophenyl)-1,3-bis[3′-aza-4′-(2′′-hydroxy-5′′-chlorophenyl)prop-4′-en-1′-yl]-1,3-imidazolidine), have been isolated by the reactions of salen-type ligands H₃api/H₃Clapi with DyCl₃·6H₂O in different solvent systems. Structural analysis reveals that each salen-type ligand provides a heptadentate coordination pocket (N₄O₃) to encapsulate a Dy^III ion and all of the Dy^III centers in 1–4 adopt a distorted square antiprism geometry with D_4d symmetry. Magnetic studies showed that compound 1 did not exhibit single-molecule magnetic (SMMs) behavior. With the introduction of different lattice solvents, compounds 2–4 showed filed-induced slow magnetic relaxation with barriers U_eff of 18.2 K (2), 28.0 K (3) and 16.4 K (4), respectively. Ab initio calculations were employed to interpret the magnetization behavior of 1–4. The combination of experimental and theoretical data reveal the importance of the weak exchange interaction between the Dy^III ions in the observation of slow magnetic relaxation, and a relaxation mechanism has been developed to rationalize the observed difference in the U_eff values. The different lattice solvents influence Dy–O–Dy bond angles and thus alter the torsion of the square antiprism geometry, consequently resulting in distinct magnetic interactions and the magnetic behavior.

Solvent-tuning changes the magnetic exchange interaction and results in different magnetic relaxation dynamics in Dy₂ systems ligated by a μ-phenolato heptadentate Schiff base.

Synthesis, characterization, and photoluminescence properties of three two-dimensional lanthanide-containing Dawson-type polyoxometalates

Three isostructural lanthanide-containing polyoxometalates with 2D network architectures were successfully obtained under hydrothermal conditions.

Utilizing the adaptive precursor [As2W19O67(H2O)]14– to support three hexanuclear lanthanoid-based tungstoarsenate dimers

The photoluminescence properties and polyanionic structures of hexanuclear lanthanoid-based tungstoarsenate dimers.

Synthesis, characterization and catalytic epoxidation properties of a new tellurotungstate(iv)-supported rhenium carbonyl derivative

We synthesized a new tellurotungstate(iv)-supported rhenium carbonyl derivative, Na₂H₂[(CH₃)₄N]₆[Te₂W₂₀O₇₀{Re(CO)₃}₂]·20H₂O (1). Additionally, compound 1 showed excellent catalytic activity in the selective epoxidation of alkenes under comparatively mild reaction conditions.

Pyrazine dicarboxylate-bridged arsenotungstate: synthesis, characterization, and catalytic activities in epoxidation of olefins and oxidation of alcohols

The catalytic properties and polyanionic structure of pyrazine dicarboxylate-bridged arsenotungstate are reported.

Hybrid organic–inorganic mononuclear lanthanoid single ion magnets

The plasticity of the coordination chemistry of lanthanoid ions has allowed the design and synthesis for the first time of a family of mononuclear hybrid organic–inorganic lanthanoid complexes with slow relaxation of the magnetization.

Elucidating white light emissions in Tm3+/Dy3+ codoped polyoxometalates: a color tuning and energy transfer mechanism study

A series of isomorphic Tm³⁺/Dy³⁺ codoped POM derivatives were successfully synthesized and characterized, and color-tunable emissions and the energy transfer mechanism have been studied.

A helical chain-like organic–inorganic hybrid arsenotungstate with color-tunable photoluminescence

A 1-D helical chain-like organic–inorganic hybrid arsenotungstate Na₄H₈[{Pr(H₂O)₂}₂{As₂W₁₉O₆₈}{WO₂(mal)}₂]·24H₂O (1) exhibits excitation-wavelength-dependent emission behaviors with a reversible green–orange-yellow luminescence.

Two New Sandwich-Type Polyoxomolybdates Functionalized with Diphosphonates: Efficient and Selective Oxidation of Sulfides to Sulfones

Two sandwich-type polyoxomolybdates Na₈[MO₂{Mo₂O₅(O₃PCH₃C(O)PO₃)}₂] (M = Ni²⁺ (1); Co²⁺ (2)) were synthesized by one-pot reaction of Na₂HPMo₁₂O₄₀·14H₂O, 1-hydroxy ethidene diphosphonic acid (HEDP=HOC(CH₃)(PO₃H₂)₂), and (1) NiCl₂/CoCl₂ (2). Compounds 1 and 2 were characterized by single crystal X-ray analysis, X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), IR spectroscopy, ³¹P NMR spectra, UV-vis spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analyses (TGA). Structural analysis reveals that 1 and 2 exhibit similar centrosymmetric structure, which consists of one transition metal (TM) ion sandwiched by two same subunits {Mo₂O₅(O₃PCH₃C(O)PO₃)}. The clusters 1 and 2 show efficient catalytic activities for oxidation of thioanisole. Moreover, they are catalytically selective for oxidizing thioanisole. Both resuable polyoxomolybdates 1 and 2 catalysts show good thermo- and hydrolytic stability. It is noted that compound 1 shows outstanding catalytic activity for oxidation of various sulfides to corresponding sulfones with 93–100% selectivity at 97–100% conversion in one hour under mild conditions, which is potentially valuable to the removal of organic sulfides.

Syntheses, structures and fluorescence properties of three rare-earth containing docosatungstates

Three rare-earth containing docosatungstates Na₃H₂[RE(H₂O)₄][RE(H₂O)₅]₂[W₂₂O₇₄H₂]·36H₂O [RE=Dy^III (1), Ho^III (2), Y^III (3)] have been synthesized by reaction of Na₂WO₄·2H₂O, dimethylamine hydrochloride (DMAHC) and RE(NO₃)₃·6H₂O in the aqueous solution and characterized by elemental analyses, IR spectra, thermogravimetric (TG) analysis, powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. 1-3 are isomorphous and each molecular unit consists of a S-shaped docosatungstate [W₂₂O₇₄H₂]^14- polyoxoanion with two supporting [RE(H₂O)₅]³⁺ cations and one disordered [RE(H₂O)₄]³⁺ cation. The [W₂₂O₇₄H₂]^14- polyoxoanion can be viewed as combination of two hendecatungstate [W₁₁O₃₈H]^9- subunits in the staggered fashion by sharing two μ₂-O atoms. The TG curves of 1-3 reveal the one-step weight loss between 25°C to 700°C. Moreover, both 1 and 2 demonstrate the characteristic luminescence emission behaviors of the corresponding RE³⁺ ions and their lifetime decay curves can be well fitted to the double exponential function. In addition, the CIE chromaticity coordinates of 1 and 2 have been obtained based on their corresponding emission spectra, and their dominant wavelengths and color purities have been also calculated.