Accessing Ta/Cu Architectures via Metal-Metal Salt Metatheses: Heterobimetallic C-H Bond Activation Affords μ-Hydrides

We employ a metal-metal salt metathesis strategy to access low-valent tantalum-copper heterometallic architectures (Ta-μ2 -H2 -Cu and Ta-μ3 -H2 -Cu3 ) that emulate structural elements proposed for surface alloyed nanomaterials. Whereas cluster assembly with carbonylmetalates is well precedented, the use of the corresponding polyarene transition metal anions is underexplored, despite recognition of these highly reactive fragments as storable sources of atomic Mn- . Our application of this strategy provides structurally unique early-late bimetallic species. These complexes incorporate bridging hydride ligands during their syntheses, the origin of which is elucidated via detailed isotopic labelling studies. Modification of ancillary ligand sterics and electronics alters the mechanism of bimetallic assembly; a trinuclear complex resulting from dinuclear C-H activation is demonstrated as an intermediate en route to formation of the bimetallic. Further validating the promise of this rational, bottom-up approach, a unique tetranuclear species was synthesized, featuring a Ta centre bearing three Ta-Cu interactions.

Synthesis and oxidation catalysis of a difluoride-incorporated polyoxovanadate and isolation of active vanadium alkylperoxo species

Haloperoxidase-mimetic peroxo-vanadium species on an inorganic support showed catalytic reactivity for the epoxidation and bromination of alkenes. The structures of both native and peroxo forms were determined via single-crystal X-ray analysis.

Molecular Vanadium Oxides for Energy Conversion and Energy Storage: Current Trends and Emerging Opportunities

Molecular vanadium oxides, or polyoxovanadates (POVs), have recently emerged as a new class of molecular energy conversion/storage materials, which combine diverse, chemically tunable redox behavior and reversible multielectron storage capabilities. This Review explores current challenges, major breakthroughs, and future opportunities in the use of POVs for energy conversion and storage. The reactivity, advantages, and limitations of POVs are explored, with a focus on their use in lithium and post-lithium-ion batteries, redox-flow batteries, and light-driven energy conversion. Finally, emerging themes and new research directions are critically assessed to provide inspiration for how this promising materials class can advance research in sustainable energy technologies.

The use of mixed-metal single source precursors for the synthesis of complex metal oxides

This Feature Article highlights the use of mixed-metal single source precursors to directly access useful complex metal oxide materials.