Tungsten-based Lindqvist and Keggin type polyoxometalates as efficient photocatalysts for degradation of toxic chemical dyes

Photocatalytic dye degradation employing polyoxometalates (POMs) has been a research focus for several years. We report the facile synthesis of tungsten-based Lindqvist and Keggin-type POMs that degrade toxic chemical dyes, methyl orange (MO) and methylene blue (MB), respectively. The Lindqvist POM, sodium hexatungstate, Na2W6O19, degrades MO under 100 W UV light irradiation within 15 min, whereas the Keggin POM, Ag4PW11VO40, degrades MB under 20 W visible light source within 180 min. The effect of various operating parameters, such as photocatalyst concentration, pH, time, and initial dye concentration, were assessed in the degradation of both dyes. The photoelectrochemical performance of the as-synthesized polyoxometalates shows that the Ag4PW11VO40 shows 2.4 times higher photocurrent density than Na2W6O19 at a potential of 0.9 V vs. Ag/AgCl. Electrochemical impedance analysis reveals that Ag4PW11VO40 exhibits much lower charge transfer resistance as compared to Na2W6O19, which indicates facile charge transfer at the electrode-electrolyte interface. Further Mott-Schottky measurements reveal that both the catalysts possess n-type semiconductivity and the charge carrier concentration of Ag4PW11VO40 (5.89 × 1019 cm-3) is 1.4 times higher as compared to Na2W6O19 (4.25 × 1019 cm-3). This work offers a new paradigm for designing polyoxometalates suitable for efficient photocatalytic degradation of organic dyes.

Photoluminescent Layered Crystal Consisting of Anderson-Type Polyoxometalate and Surfactant toward a Potential Inorganic-Organic Hybrid Laser

The hybridization of inorganic and organic components is a promising strategy to build functional materials. Among several functions, luminescence is an important function which should be considered for practical usage. Inorganic-organic hybrid luminescent materials have been investigated as phosphors, sensors, and lasers. Organic luminescent centers such as dye molecules have often been hybridized with inorganic matrices. Polyoxometalate anions (POMs) are effective inorganic luminescent centers due to their luminescent properties and structural designability. However, most luminescent POM components are limited to lanthanide-based POMs. In this report, a photoluminescent inorganic-organic hybrid crystal based on a non-lanthanide POM was successfully synthesized as a single crystal. Anderson-type hexamolybdochromate ([CrMo6O18(OH)6]3-, CrMo6) anion exhibiting emission derived from Cr3+ was utilized with n-dodecylammonium ([C12H25NH3]+, C12NH3) surfactant cation to obtain a photoluminescent hybrid crystal. The grown single crystal of C12NH3-CrMo6 comprised a distinct layered structure consisting of inorganic CrMo6 layers and interdigitated C12NH3 layers. In the CrMo6 layers, the CrMo6 anions were associated with water molecules by hydrogen bonding to form a densely packed two-dimensional network. Steady-state and time-resolved photoluminescence spectroscopy revealed that the C12NH3-CrMo6 hybrid crystal exhibited characteristic emission from the CrMo6 anion. Preliminary lasing properties were also observed for C12NH3-CrMo6, which shows the possibility of using the C12NH3-CrMo6 hybrid crystal as an inorganic-organic hybrid laser.

Two 1D Anderson-Type Polyoxometalate-Based Metal-Organic Complexes as Bifunctional Heterogeneous Catalysts for CO2 Photoreduction and Sulfur Oxidation

Sulfur oxides from the combustion of petrol and excessive emissions of carbon dioxide (CO₂) are currently the main causes of environmental pollution. Considerable interest has been paid to solving the challenge, and catalytic reactions seem to be the desired choice. Due to the high density of Lewis acid active sites, polyoxometalates are considered to be the ideal choice for these catalytic reactions. Herein, two captivating polyoxometalate-based metal-organic complexes, formulated as [Co(H₂O)₂DABT]₂[CrMo₆(OH)₅O₁₉] ({Co-CrMo₆}) and [Zn(H₂O)₂DABT]₂[CrMo₆(OH)₅O₁₉] ({Zn-CrMo₆}) (DABT = 3,3'-diamino-5,5'-bis(1H-1,2,4-triazole)) were successfully obtained under hydrothermal conditions. The structural analysis demonstrates that {Co-CrMo₆} and {Zn-CrMo₆} are isostructural with two different transition metal (Co/Zn) ions based on quadridentate Anderson-type [CrMo₆(OH)₅O₁₉]^4- polyanions. A fan-shaped unit of {Co-CrMo₆}/{Zn-CrMo₆} is linked to generate a one-dimensional (1D) ladder-like structure. Intriguingly, benefitting from rich Co centers with a suitable energy band structure, {Co-CrMo₆} displays better photocatalytic activity than {Zn-CrMo₆} for converting CO₂ into CO, endowing the CO formation of 1935.3 μmol g^-1 h^-1 with high selectivity. Meanwhile, {Co-CrMo₆} also exhibits a satisfactory removal rate of 99% for oxidizing dibenzothiophene at 50 °C, which suggests that {Co-CrMo₆} may be utilized as a potential dual functional material with immense prospects in photocatalytic CO₂ reduction and sulfur oxidation for the first time.

Two new bis(pyridine)-bis(amide)-based copper(II) coordination compounds for the electrochemical detection of trace Cr(VI) and efficient electrocatalytic oxygen evolution

Two new metal-organic compounds (MOCs) [Cu(L)0.5(3-nba)2] (1) and [Cu(L)(2,5-tdc)] (2) have been hydrothermally synthesized by employing the ligand N,N′-di(3-pyridyl)adipoamide (L) and two carboxylic acids (3-Hnba = 3-nitrobenzoic acid, 2,5-H2tdc = 2,5-thiophenedicarboxylic acid) as ligands. Compound 1 displays a metal-organic chain-like structure formed by the {Cu2(3-nba)4} double-paddle wheel units and the µ 2-bridging L ligands. The adjacent polymeric chains form a supramolecular layered structure through hydrogen bonding. Compound 2 shows a 3D metal-organic polymeric framework derived from Cu-L layers and µ 2-bridging 2,5-tdc ligands, which presents a 3,5-connected {4.62}{4.66.83} topology. The electrochemical and electrocatalytic behavior of the two compounds has been studied in detail. Carbon paste working electrodes modified with compounds 1 and 2 can be used as highly selective sensors for detecting traces Cr(VI). Both electrodes show also electrocatalytic performance in oxygen evolution reactions (OERs).

Polyoxometalate-based CuII/CoII complexes tuned using various metal–pyrazole loops: design, diverse architectures and catalytic activity toward the oxidation of thioether derivatives

Three new polyoxometalate-based complexes with unique metal–pyrazole loops were synthesized, showing various architectures and finally resulting in different catalysis performance.

Application of polyoxometalates in photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants

Organic pollutants are highly toxic, accumulative, and difficult to degrade or eliminate. As a low-cost, high-efficiency and energy-saving environmental purification technology, photocatalytic technology has shown great advantages in solving increasingly serious environmental pollution problems. The development of efficient and durable photocatalysts for the degradation of organic pollutants is the key to the extensive application of photocatalysis technology. Polyoxometalates (POMs) are a kind of discrete metal-oxide clusters with unique photo/electric properties which have shown promising applications in photocatalytic degradation. This review summarizes the recent advances in the design and synthesis of POM-based photocatalysts, as well as their application in the degradation of organic dyes, pesticides and other pollutants. In-depth perspective views are also proposed in this review.

Biotin-Targeted Nanomicellar Formulation of an Anderson-Type Polyoxomolybdate: Synthesis and In Vitro Cytotoxicity Evaluations

This study is aimed at developing a micellar carrier for an Anderson-type manganese polyoxomolybdate (TRIS-MnPOMo) to improve the potency and reduce the general toxicity. The biotin-targeted stearic acid-polyethylene glycol (SPB) polymeric conjugate was selected for the first time as a micelle-forming basis for the delivery of TRIS-MnPOMo to breast cancer cells. The cytotoxicity of TRIS-MnPOMo and its nanomicellar form (TRIS-MnPOMo@SPB) was evaluated against MCF-7, MDA-MB-231 (breast cancer cell lines), and HUVEC (normal cell line) in vitro using the MTT assay. The quantity of cellular uptake and apoptosis level were studied properly using standard methods. The hydrodynamic size, zeta potential, and polydispersity index of the prepared micelles were 140 nm, -15.6 mV, and 0.16, respectively. The critical micelle concentration was about 30 μg/mL, which supports the colloidal stability of the micellar dispersion. The entrapment efficiency was interestingly high (about 82%), and a pH-responsive release of TRIS-MnPOMo was successfully achieved. The micellar form showed better cytotoxicity than the free TRIS-MnPOMo on cancer cells without any significant heme and normal cell toxicity. Biotin-targeted nanomicelles internalized into the MDA-MB-231 cells interestingly better than nontargeted micelles and TRIS-MnPOMo, most probably via the endocytosis pathway. Furthermore, at the same concentration, micelles remarkably increased the level of induced apoptosis in MDA-MB-231 cells. In conclusion, TRIS-MnPOMo@SPB could profoundly improve potency, safety, and cellular uptake; these results are promising for further evaluations in vivo.

Anderson-type polyoxometalates: from structures to functions

Anderson-type polyoxometalates (POMs) are one of the most important groups of the POM family. In the past decade, the functionalization of Anderson-type POMs has achieved significant progress and these materials have already shown unique charm in catalysis, molecular devices, energy materials, and inorganic biochemical drugs. In particular, their highly flexible topological structure and diverse functionalization methods make them the most convenient and universal platforms for rational design and controllable synthesis. This review provides a deep discussion on the recent progress in the synthetic methodology, structural exploration, and promising applications of Anderson-type POMs. It also summarizes the latest research directions and provides future prospects.

Effect of pyridyl donors from organic ligands versus metalloligands on material design

This review illustrates designs and structures of various coordination frameworks constructed using assorted organic ligands and metalloligands offering pyridyl donors to evaluate the impact of flexibility versus rigidity on material design.

Polyoxometalate-based metal–organic frameworks for heterogeneous catalysis

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

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.

Various Anderson-type polyoxometalate-based metal–organic complexes induced by diverse solvents: assembly, structures and selective adsorption for organic dyes

A series of Anderson-type polyoxometalates (POMs)-based metal–organic complexes with different structures have been synthesized, they show excellent dye adsorption and chromatographic separation in a short time.

Zr4-Substituted polyoxometalate dimers decorated by d-tartaric acid/glycolic acid: syntheses, structures and optical/electrochemical properties

Two Zr₄-sandwiched Keggin polyoxometalates functionalized by chiral d-tartaric acid and glycolic acid were hydrothermally synthesized and structurally characterized. Their optical and electrochemical properties have been investigated in detail.

Syntheses, structures and properties of three organic–inorganic hybrid polyoxotungstates constructed from {Ni6PW9} building blocks: from isolated clusters to 2-D layers

Three organic–inorganic hybrid POMs were prepared and characterized, exhibiting 0-D to 2-D assemblies made by {Ni₆PW₉} SBUs and organic ligands.

Polyoxometalate-based microcrystal arrays patterned on air-grid superwettable surface

Surface patterning of polyoxometalates (POMs) is an important step to gain functional materials and devices. However, some special requirements such as complex operation steps or strict synthesis environment greatly limit their further applications. Herein, we have employed a simple and universal strategy for patterning POM-based microcrystal arrays on air-grid superwettable surfaces. The size and distribution of POM crystals were precisely adjusted by varying the pillar parameter of superwettable surface and concentration of POM mother liquid. We envision that this POM patterning method may bring valuable insights for designing POM-based functional materials and devices.

Organometallic functionalized non-classical polyoxometalates: synthesis, characterization and electrochemical properties

Two monomeric non-classical tellurium-containing heteropolymolybdate-supported metal carbonyl derivatives (NH4)5H3{[Te2Mo12(OH)O44][Mn(CO)3]}·18H2O (1) and (NH4)8{[Te2Mo12(OH)O44][Re(CO)3]}·13H2O (2) have been successfully isolated in good yields. Compounds 1 and 2 are the first two examples of metal carbonyl derivatives of heteromolybdate with tellurium as the central atom. These two compounds have been thoroughly characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, elemental analyses, X-ray powder diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and UV-Vis spectroscopy. The electrochemical catalytic activities of 1 and 2 including cyclic voltammetry and catalytic oxidation of nitrite have also been investigated.

A series of new polyoxometalate-based metal-organic complexes with different rigid pyridyl-bis(triazole) ligands: assembly, structures and electrochemical properties

Five new polyoxometalate (POM)-based metal-organic complexes (MOCs) with different rigid pyridyl-bis(triazole) ligands, namely, H{Co2(Hpyttz-I)2(H2O)6[CrMo6(OH)6O18]}·8H2O (1), {Co2(H2pyttz-I)2(H2O)4[TeMo6O24]}[Co(H2O)6]·3H2O (2), {Co3(Hpyttz-II)2(H2O)6[γ-Mo8O26]}·10H2O (3), {Ni3(Hpyttz-II)2(H2O)6[γ-Mo8O26]}·10H2O (4), {Ni3(Hpyttz-III)2(H2O)8[γ-Mo8O26]}·10H2O (5) (H2pyttz-I = 3-(pyrid-2-yl)-5-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl)-1,2,4-triazolyl, H2pyttz-II = 3-(pyrid-3-yl)-5-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl)-1,2,4-triazolyl, H2pyttz -III = 3-(pyrid-4-yl)-5-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl)-1,2,4-triazolyl), were successfully synthesized and structurally characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, IR spectra, powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) and thermogravimetric analyses (TGA). Complex 1 is a two-dimensional (2D) supramolecular network based on the binuclear complex unit: [Co2(Hpyttz-I)2(H2O)6 [CrMo6(OH)6O18]]. Complex 2 is a 1D supramolecular chain derived from the binuclear cobalt complex: {Co2(H2pyttz-I)2(H2O)4[TeMo6O24]}2-, the discrete [Co(H2O)6]2+ units act as counter cations. Complexes 3 and 4 are isostructural with different center metals (M = Co or Ni), the adjacent γ-Mo8O26 4- anions are linked by the MII ions to form a 1D M-γ-Mo8O26 inorganic chain. Then 1D M-γ-Mo8O26 inorganic chains are linked together by the 1D metal-organic M-(Hpyttz-II) chains to form a 3D framework. In complex 5, γ-Mo8O26 4- anions are bridged by the NiII ions to give a 1D Ni-γ-Mo8O26 inorganic chain, the adjacent 1D Ni-γ-Mo8O26 chains are connected through [Ni(Hpyttz-III)2] units to form a 2D layer. The effect of POM type and coordination site of the ligands on the structures of the title complexes were discussed. The title complexes 1, 2 and 5 exhibit excellent bifunctional electrocatalytic activities toward the reduction of bromate/hydrogen peroxide and the oxidation of ascorbic acid. In addition, the redox potentials of complexes 1, 2 and 5 are highly sensitive to pH and may be used as a kind of potential pH sensor.

Steam-assisted assemblies of {Ni6PW9}-based inorganic–organic hybrid chains: synthesis, crystal structures and properties

Three hexa-Ni-substituted Keggin phosphotungstate chains have been obtained through the SAC method, where H₂N-bdc and unprecedented {(Ni₆PW₉)PW₁₂} is reported for the first time.