Multinuclear Transition Metal Sandwich-Type Polytungstate Derivatives for Enhanced Electrochemical Energy Storage and Bifunctional Electrocatalysis Performances

A scandium-containing polyoxoniobate heptamer as a catalyst for the Knoevenagel condensation reaction

The novel Sc-containing polyoxoniobate, H16.5K9Na16.5[Sc3(Nb7O22)(Nb14O42)3]·115.5H2O, has been successfully synthesized. It exhibits a unique heptameric structure and demonstrates catalytic activity towards the Knoevenagel condensation reaction, along with broad substrate compatibility.

Polymolybdate-Based Complexes Containing Flexible Metal-Organic Windmills with Pseudocapacitive Activity and Electrochemical Sensing Performance

Two novel semirigid bis(pyridine)-bis(amide) ligands featuring a pyrazole group as a linker, N,N'-bis(3-picolylamine)-1-hydropyrazole (3-Hdpap), and N,N'-bis(3-pyridinamide)-1-hydropyrazole (3-Hdpyp) were used to combine with polymolybdates (POMos) and a cobalt ion under solvothermal conditions. Four different POMo-based metal-organic complexes (POMoOCs) [Co(3-Hdpap)(β-Mo8O26)0.5(H2O)] (1), [Co(3-H2dpap)(TeMo6O24)0.5(H2O)2] (2), H{Co(3-H2dpap)[AlMo6(OH)5O19](H2O)2} (3), and H2{Co(3-Hdpyp)[CrMo6(OH)5O19](H2O)2}·2H2O (4) were obtained and structurally characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, and powder X-ray diffraction. Various metal-organic windmill configurations can be observed in the title complexes due to different POMos and ligands, finally resulting in diverse POMo-based architectures, including a two-dimensional (2D) network (1), one-dimensional (1D) supramolecular chains (2-3), and a 2D supramolecular network (4). The electrochemical performances of four complexes were studied in the three-electrode system with their corresponding modified electrodes. At the current density of 1 A·g-1, the specific capacitance values for the glassy carbon electrode modified by 1-4 were recorded as 1658.3, 1026.5, 647.8, and 832.2 F·g-1, respectively. 1-GCE exhibits the best pseudocapacitive activity and is superior to most reported polyoxometalate-based complexes. After 1000 cycles, its capacitance retention rate reaches 89%. Furthermore, the carbon paste electrode bulk-modified by complex 1 serves as an electrochemical sensor for the detection of Cr(VI) and exhibits a low detection limit.

A Highly Biocompatible Polyoxotungstate with Fenton-like Reaction Activity for Potent Chemodynamic Therapy of Tumors

Integrating Fenton chemistry and nanomedicine into cancer therapy has significantly promoted the development of chemodynamic therapy (CDT). Nanoscale polyoxometalates (POMs), with their reversible redox properties, exhibit promising potential in developing outstanding CDT drugs by exploring their Fenton-like catalytic reactivity in tumor environments. However, such research is still in its infancy due to the challenges of acquiring POMs that are both easily prepared and possess ideal therapeutic effects, physiological solubility, biocompatibility and safety. In this work, we report the synthesis of a new crystalline antimonotungstate {Dy2Sb2W7O23(OH)(DMF)2(SbW9O33)2} (1, DMF=N, N-dimethylformamide) with gram-scale high yield via a facile "one-pot" solvothermal reaction. 1 exhibits not only a soluble and water-stable POM nanocluster, but also excellent catalytic activity for hydroxyl radical-generating Fenton-like reactions. Further biomedical studies reveal that 1 can trigger cell apoptosis and promote lipid peroxidation, exhibiting high cytotoxicity and selectivity towards B16-F10 mouse melanoma cancer cells with an IC50 value of 4.75 μM. Especially, 1 can inhibit melanoma growth in vivo with favorable biosafety, achieving a 5.2-fold reduction in tumor volume and a weight loss of 76.0 % at the dose of 70 μg/kg. This research not only demonstrates the immense potential of antimonotungstates in CDT drug development for the first time but also provides new insights and directions for the development of novel anticancer drugs.

Cu,Ce-containing phosphotungstates as laccase-like nanozyme for colorimetric detection of Cr(VI) and Fe(Ⅲ)

Herein, a nanocomposite of Cu,Ce-containing phosphotungstates (Cu,Ce-PTs) with outstanding laccase-like activity was fabricated via a one-pot microwave-assisted hydrothermal method. Notably, it was discovered that both Fe3+ and Cr6+ could significantly enhance the electron transfer rates of Ce3+ and Ce4+, along with generous Cu2+ with high catalytic activity, thereby promoting the laccase-like activity of Cu,Ce-PTs. The proposed system can be used for the detection of Fe3+ and Cr6+ in a range of 0.667-333.33 μg/mL and 0.033-33.33 μg/mL with a low detection limit of 0.135 μg/mL and 0.0288 μg/mL, respectively. The proposed assay exhibits excellent reusability and selectivity and can be used in traditional Chinese medicine samples analysis.

A colorimetric sensor for the sensitive and rapid detection of ampicillin based on CS-Cu,Fe/HS nanozyme

A novel copper and iron doped containing chitosan and heparin sodium carbon dots (CS-Cu,Fe/HS) nanozyme was formulated through a single-step microwave digestion method. CS-Cu,Fe/HS exhibits excellent peroxidase (POD)-like activity and positive charge characteristics, and it can oxidize the negatively charged 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) in the presence of H2O2 to produce a green compound (ox-ABTS). Furthermore, CS-Cu,Fe/HS enhances electron transfer and provides additional active sites through the valence state transformations of Fe2+/Fe3+ and Cu2+/Cu+. Interestingly, the POD-like activity of CS-Cu,Fe/HS is inhibited with the introduction of ampicillin (AMP), which may be because the Cu and Fe ions in CS-Cu,Fe/HS form complexes with AMP, leading to changes in the structure or surface properties of the nanozyme, thereby reducing the number of active sites on the nanozyme. Drawing from this, a straightforward and reliable colorimetric sensor was constructed for AMP detection, featuring a linear range of 0.033 to 110 μg/mL and a detection limit as low as 11.6 ng/mL. The proposed detection method for AMP performed well in real samples, with recoveries ranging from 94.8% to 110.2%.

Tailoring the Coordination Microenvironment of Polymolybdate within a Metal-Organic Coordination System for Enhanced Capacitive Activity

The design of a low-cost and efficient electrode material is crucial for electrochemical energy storage. Effectual utilization of polymolybdate as an electrode material for a supercapacitor is promising. Meanwhile, the coordination microenvironments of polymolybdate sho potential effects on its performance. Herein, we designed and synthesized four polymolybdate-based metal-organic complexes using a structure design strategy. Their structures were characterized and analyzed using single crystallographic data. The theoretical calculations revealed that the coordination microenvironments of polymolybdate play a vital role in the hydrogen ions migration. High H adsorption capacity can obviously boost the electrochemical activity. The 1-based glassy carbon electrode showed the highest specific capacitance value of 1739.4 F·g-1 at the current density of 1 A·g-1. Meanwhile, the carbon cloth-based electrode fabricated by complex 1 (1/CC) also displayed a high capacitance performance. A hybrid supercapacitor was assembled using the 1/CC electrodes and showed a high energy density of 29.0 Wh kg-1 at the power density of 0.80 kW kg-1.

Colorimetric detection for raloxifene based on Cu-PTs nanozyme with peroxidase-like activity

The amorphous Cu-containing phosphomolybdate (Cu-PTs) composite with high peroxidase (POD)-like activity at neutral conditions was explored as biosensors for raloxifene (RAF) detection. The strong attraction between negatively charged Cu-PTs and positively charged substrates 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB), as well as the acceleration of the conversion of active Cu+/Cu2+ by the Cu/W bimetallic redox couples were demonstrated to play significant roles in POD-like activity in physiological environment. When RAF is presence, it can bind to the surface of Cu-PTs and changes the chemical signal on the material surface, leading to the decreased POD-like activity. Based on this, a colorimetric method was established for the sensitive assay of RAF with a lower limit of detection (LOD) of 0.025 mg/L and good recovery from 90.13% to 108.9%. This work paves a new way to design a POD-like colorimetric protocol for tracing RAF in pharmaceutical products and environmental samples.

Amorphous Fe-Containing Phosphotungstates Featuring Efficient Peroxidase-like Activity at Neutral pH: Toward Portable Swabs for Pesticide Detection with Tandem Catalytic Amplification

Peroxidase-mimetic materials are intensively applied to establish multienzyme systems because of their attractive merits. However, almost all of the nanozymes explored exhibit catalytic capacity only under acidic conditions. The pH mismatch between peroxidase mimics in acidic environments and bioenzymes under neutral conditions significantly restricts the development of enzyme-nanozyme catalytic systems especially for biochemical sensing. To solve this problem, here amorphous Fe-containing phosphotungstates (Fe-PTs) featuring high peroxidase activity at neutral pH were explored to fabricate portable multienzyme biosensors for pesticide detection. The strong attraction of negatively charged Fe-PTs to positively charged substrates as well as the accelerated regeneration of Fe²⁺ by the Fe/W bimetallic redox couples was demonstrated to play important roles in endowing the material with peroxidase-like activity in physiological environments. Consequently, integrating the developed Fe-PTs with acetylcholinesterase and choline oxidase led to an enzyme-nanozyme tandem platform with good catalytic efficiency at neutral pH for organophosphorus pesticide response. Furthermore, they were immobilized onto common medical swabs to fabricate portable sensors for paraoxon detection conveniently based on smartphone sensing, showing excellent sensitivity, good anti-interference capacity, and low detection limit (0.28 ng/mL). Our contribution expands the horizon of acquiring peroxidase activity at neutral pH, and it will also open avenues to construct portable and effective biosensors for pesticides and other analytes.

Porous {P6Mo18O73}-type Poly(oxometalate) Metal-Organic Frameworks for Improved Pseudocapacitance and Electrochemical Sensing Performance

{P₆Mo₁₈} poly(oxometalate) (POM) clusters have huge steric hindrance and limited active oxygen atoms, which make them difficult to combine with metal-organic units to form three-dimensional (3D) porous structures. Therefore, functionalization of such POMs has always been a bottleneck that is difficult to break through. In this study, {P₆Mo₁₈} POM was successfully grafted on a lock-like metal-organic chain to generate a multiporous coordination polymer, [{Na(H₂O)(H₂btb)}{Cu₄^I(H₂O)(pz)₅Cl}{H₂Sr⊂P₆Mo₂^VMo₁₆^VIO₇₃}]·3H₂O (1) (pz = pyrazine; btb = 1,4-bis(1,2,4-triazole) butane). Meanwhile, a zero-dimensional (0-D) control compound with only btb ligands as counterions, (H₄btb)[H₄Sr⊂P₆Mo₂^VMo₁₆^VIO₇₃]·3H₂O (2), was also obtained via a hydrothermal reaction. Compound 1 represents the first basket-type 3D poly(oxometalate) metal-organic framework (POMOF) assembly, which possesses interpenetrating pores and complex topology. 1-GO-CPE displays improved supercapacitor (SC) performance (the specific capacitance of 929.4 F g^-1 at a current density of 3 A g^-1 with 94.1% of cycle efficiency after 5000 cycles) compared with 2-GO-CPE and most reported POMOF electrode materials, which may be due to the outstanding redox capability of basket-POM, introduction of metal-organic chains, intersecting pores, and excellent conductivity of graphene. An asymmetric SC device with 1-GO-CPE as the negative electrode exhibits an energy density of 29.7 Wh kg^-1 with a power density of 3148.2 W kg^-1 and long-lasting cycling life. In addition, 1-GO-GCE as an electrochemical sensor responds to dopamine (DA) at a voltage of 0.40 V and shows lower detection limits (0.19 μM (signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) = 3)), higher selectivity, and good reproducibility in the linear range of 0.56 μM to 0.24 mM. The ability to accurately detect the content of DA in biological samples further proves the feasibility of the sensor in practical applications.

A hybrid borotungstate-coated metal-organic framework with supercapacitance, photocatalytic dye degradation and H2O2 sensing properties

The compounding of polyoxometalates (POMs) with structurally well-defined and porous metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) has become a hot research topic. Here, a core-shell type hybrid, {Ag₅BW₁₂O₄₀}@[Ag₃(μ-Hbtc)(μ-H₂btc)]_n (called {Ag₅BW₁₂O₄₀}@Ag-BTC-2, where BTC = 1,3,5-benzyl carboxylic acid), was successfully prepared via a simple grinding method. IR, XRD, SEM, TEM, and XPS analysis was used to confirm the structure. The specific capacitance is 179.1 F g^-1 when the current density is 1 A g^-1, using nickel foam as the collector, and the capacitance retention is 97.4% after 5000 cycles. The resulting aqueous-based symmetric supercapacitor has a power density of 496 W kg^-1 and an energy density of 12.4 W h kg^-1. In addition, the degradation rates using {Ag₅BW₁₂O₄₀}@Ag-BTC-2 toward methylene blue (MB), rhodamine B (RhB), and methyl orange (MO) exceeded 90% in 140 min and remained essentially unchanged over five replicate experiments, showing high photocatalytic activity. Meanwhile, when {Ag₅BW₁₂O₄₀}@Ag-BTC-2 acts as a H₂O₂ biosensor, it has a low detection limit (0.19 μM), a wide linear range (0.4 μM-0.27 mM) and high anti-interference properties. This shows that the synthesis of POMOFs via a grinding method is an effective strategy to improve the performance.

Two POM-based compounds containing Zn-capped Keggin anions as decent heterogeneous catalysts for sulfur oxidation and cycloaddition of CO2 reactions

Carbon dioxide (CO2) and the combustion of sulfide in gasoline are the main causes of air pollution. Great deal of attention has been committed to solving the problem and the...

Amelioration of enteric dysbiosis by polyoxotungstates in mice gut

Here we show that Preyssler-type polyoxotungstates (Preyssler-type POTs, [NaP5W30O110]-14) complexed with peptides can prevent the dysbiotic expansion of anaerobic bacteria of the Enterobacteriaceae family. In a dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis model, symptom remission of C57BL/6 J mice with colitis is achieved by orally treated with POT complexes. Ten days of daily administration of POT complexes reduces 5% body weight loss and the mRNA levels of proinflammatory markers (77% reduction for Il6, 73% reduction for Tnf, 91% reduction for Cxcl1) in the caecum and proximal colon. Bacterial population analysis reveals that these Enterobacteriaceae population in the caecal content decline by one order of magnitude after administration of POT complexes. POT complexes exert anti-inflammatory effects indirectly on the host immune system by inhibition of malignant expansion of anaerobic Enterobacteriaceae during gut inflammation. Furthermore, POTs show negligible effect on bacterial growth in vitro, healthy mice and their microbiota composition under homeostatic conditions. Rationally designed POT complexes will provide distinctive approach to improve enteric bacteria dysbiosis-associated gut inflammation by balancing bacterial communities.

{BW12O40} Hybrids Modified by in Situ Synthesized Rigid Ligand with Supercapacitance and Photocatalytic Properties

Organic rigid ligand-modified polyoxometalate-based materials possess complex and diverse structures, promising electrochemical energy storage properties and outstanding photocatalytic capabilities. Hence, two new [BW₁₂O₄₀]^5-(abbreviated as {BW₁₂O₄₀})-based inorganic-organic hybrids [{Cu(en)₂(H₂O)}][{Cu(pdc)(en)}{Cu(en)₂}(BW₁₂O₄₀)]·2H₂O (1) and [{Cu^I₅(pz)₆(H₂O)₄}(BW₁₂O₄₀)] (2) (pdc = 2-picolinate, en = ethylenediamine, pz = pyrazine) were successfully synthesized through a hydrothermal method. Among them, pdc and pz were obtained by in situ transformation from 2,6-pyridinedicarboxylic acid (H₂ pydc) and 2,3-pyrazinedicarboxylic acid (H₂pzdc), respectively. In compound 1, the {BW₁₂O₄₀} clusters as an intermediate junction connect with {Cu(pdc)(en)}{Cu(en)₂} and {Cu(en)₂(H₂O)} to form monomers, which in turn form supramolecular chains, sheets, and space network via hydrogen bonding. The {BW₁₂O₄₀} clusters are packed into copper-pyrazine frameworks in compound 2, and a unique polyoxometalate-based metal organic frameworks (POMOFs) structure with a new topology of {12}₂{6.12³.14²}₂{6².12.14².18}{6².12³.16}{6}₆ is formed via covalent bonds. When used as electrode materials for supercapacitors, the values of specific capacitance are 651.56 F g^-1 for 1-GCE and 584.43 F g^-1 for 2-GCE at a current density of 2.16 A g^-1 and good cycling stability (90.94%, 94.81% of the initial capacity after 5000 cycles at 15.12 A g^-1, respectively). The kinetic analysis reveals that surface capacitance plays a major role. Furthermore, both compounds can effectively degrade Rhodamine B (RhB) and Methylene blue (MB), showing the outstanding photocatalytic performance.

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.

Ru(III) -based polyoxometalate tetramers as highly efficient heterogeneous catalysts for alcohol oxidation reactions at room temperature

A novel ruthenium-containing polyoxometalate-based organic-inorganic hybrid, K₄Na₉H_7.4[(AsW₉O₃₃)₄(WO₂)₄{Ru_3.2(C₃H₃N₂)₂}]·42H₂O (1), was successfully synthesized by a one-step hydrothermal method under acidic conditions, which applied a self-assembly strategy between inorganic polyoxometalate based on trivacant [B-α-AsW₉O₃₃]^9- {AsW₉} fragments and an organic ligand, imidazole (C₃H₄N₂). Compound 1 was further characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, PXRD, IR spectroscopy, UV-Vis spectroscopy, ESI-MS, elemental analysis and TGA. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction data reveal that the polyanion consists of four trivacant Keggin-type polyanion {AsW₉} building blocks bridged by four {WO₆} units, leading to a crown-shaped tetrameric structure [(AsW₉O₃₃)₄(WO₂)₄{Ru_3.2(C₃H₃N₂)₂}]^20.4-. The ESI-MS result reveals that the polyanion unit has excellent structural integrity in water. Moreover, the catalysis study of 1 was also further investigated, and the experimental results indicate heterogeneous catalyst 1 presents high efficiency (yield = 98%), excellent selectivity (>99%), and good recyclability for the oxidation of 1-(4-chlorophenyl)ethanol to 4'-chloroacetophenone with commercially available 70% aqueous tert-butyl hydroperoxide {TBHP (aq.)} as the oxidant at room temperature.

Cu/Ag Complex Modified Keggin-Type Coordination Polymers for Improved Electrochemical Capacitance, Dual-Function Electrocatalysis, and Sensing Performance

Different metal-organic units were introduced into the {PMo₁₂} polyoxometalate (POM) system to yield three porous coordination polymers with distinct characteristics, {Cu(pra)₂}[{Cu(pra)₂}₃{PMo₁₁^VIMo^VO₄₀}] (1), [{Ag₅(pz)₆(H₂O)_0.5Cl}{PMo₁₁^VIMo^VO₄₀}] (2), and [{Cu₃(bpz)₅(H₂O)}{PMo₁₂O₄₀}] (3) (pra = pyrazole; pz = pyrazine; bpz = benzopyrazine), via an in situ hydrothermal method. In comparison with the maternal Keggin cluster and most reported POM electrode materials, compounds 1-3 exhibit larger specific capacitances (672.2, 782.1, and 765.2 F g^-1 at a current density of 2.4 A g^-1, respectively), superior cyclic stability (91.5%, 89.3%, and 87.8% of cycle efficiency after 5000 cycles, respectively), and boosted conductivity, which may be attributed to the introduction of metal-organic units. The result indicates that metal-organic units can effectively enhance the capacitance performance of POMs. This may be due to the fact that they provide additional redox centers, induce the formation of stable porous structures, and improve ion/electron transfer efficiency. Compounds 1-3 present excellent electrocatalytic activity in reducing peroxide (H₂O₂) and oxidizing ascorbic acid (AA). In addition, compound 2 shows an outstanding sensing performance detection of AA and H₂O₂.

Wells-Dawson Arsenotungstate Porous Derivatives for Electrochemical Supercapacitor Electrodes and Electrocatalytically Active Materials

Two Wells-Dawson arsenotungstate coordination polymers, [{Cu^II(bim)₂}₃(As₂W₁₈O₆₂)] (1) and [(Cu^I₁₀pz₁₀Cl₄)(As₂W₁₈O₆₂)] (bim = 2,2'-biimidazole; pz = pyrazine), have been assembled via a hydrothermal method and fully characterized. Compound 1 exhibits a 2,6-connected two-dimensional hybrid layer based on asymmetrically modified {As₂W₁₈} anions and {Cu(bim)₂} linkers, which is extended to a three-dimensional network with a special interlayer structure and a one-dimensional tunnel. Compound 2 is a host-guest framework that consists of a Cu-pz-Cl network with 20-member square rings, 16-member irregular rings, and embedded eight-node {As₂W₁₈} guest molecules. Compounds 1 and 2 show uncommon specific capacitance (834.8 and 960.1 F g^-1, respectively, at a current density of 2.4 A g^-1), enduring cycling stability (capacitance retention rates of 89.3% and 91.9%, respectively, after 5000 cycles), and good electrical conductivity, which are superior to those of the unmodified zero-dimensional Dawson arsenotungstate compound and most reported electrode materials in terms of their stable structure, special layer spacing, and orderly channels. Moreover, the title compounds exhibit excellent electrocatalytic activity for oxidizing ascorbic acid and reducing nitrite.

Polyoxometalate-based metal–organic frameworks for heterogeneous catalysis

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

A {BW12O40} hybrid decorated by Ag+ for use as a supercapacitor electrode material and photocatalyst

Through a hydrothermal method, we successfully synthesized a supramolecular compound [{Ag(phen)₂}₄{Ag(phen)}₂(H₂BW₁₂O₄₀)₂]. The as-synthesized material exhibited excellent supercapacitive and photocatalytic performances.

Ionic strength effect on regulating the synthetic assembly of polyoxometalate clusters with slow magnetic relaxation behavior

Three novel polyoxometalate (POM) clusters of K10Na10[Dy3(H2O)6Ni(H2O)(W3O11)(B-α-SbW9O33)3]·(H2O)45 (1), (NH4)5K4Na8[Dy3(H2O)6SbV(H2O)(W3O11)(B-α-SbW9O33)3]·(H2O)50 (2), and (NH4)9Na[Ni2(H2O)6(WO2)2(B-β-SbW9O33)2]·(H2O)24 (3) were successfully obtained using the same precursor under different ionic strength conditions. Structural analysis showed that compounds 1-3 possess discrepant structural characteristics in 1 M KCl, 1 M NH4Cl, and saturated NH4Cl, respectively. Among them, 2 is the first reported lanthanide cluster including both Sb3+ and Sb5+ in POM derivatives. Furthermore, the analysis of ac magnetic data proved that 1 and 2 embodied dramatic field-induced slow magnetic relaxation, and the effective barrier of 2 was estimated as Ueff/KB = 21.10 K based on the Orbach process. It was found that the structure and magnetic properties of POM materials can be regulated using an effective and satisfactory ionic strength-controlled strategy.

Multi-functional photoelectric sensors based on a series of isopolymolybdate-based compounds for detecting different ions

Five molybdate-based compounds can be used as multi-functional photoelectric sensors. They act as electrochemical sensors for sensing NO₂⁻ and Cr(vi). Compound 3 also can be used as a fluorescent sensor for detecting Hg²⁺.