Photocatalytic generation of hydrogen by 1:12 heteropolytungstates with concomitant oxidation of organic compounds

A lacunary tungstomolybdophosphate as an electronic pendulum: The "blue" electron under examination

The photoreduction of a Keggin type lacunary tungstomolybdophosphate, α-(Bu₄N)₄[H₃PW₉Mo₂O₃₉], in acetonitrile, led to the formation of a monoreduced lacunary heteropoly anion, or a one electron reduced "heteropoly blue" species, whereby the added "blue" electron was captured by the molybdenum atoms. The magnetic properties and behavior of the "blue" electron were studied by a modified Evans nuclear magnetic resonance method (small downshift of the ³¹P signal) and variable-temperature electron paramagnetic resonance (g = 1.936 for Mo^V). The intermolecular exchange of the "blue" electron was limited by a geometrical factor, which requires the contact between Mo caps to exchange it between the heteropoly couple. The intramolecular exchange of the "blue" electron between Mo atoms was rather fast (5.3 × 10⁹ s^-1), with a rate of more than six orders of magnitude larger than the intermolecular exchange rate. Density functional theory was used to determine the most prevalent protonation sites in the mixed lacunary isomers with the aim of studying the intramolecular electron transfer pathway in the isolated [H₄PW₉Mo₂O₃₉]^4- species. The singly occupied molecular orbital (SOMO) is essentially localized in one of the two nonequivalent molybdenum sites. The kinetics of the intramolecular electron exchange equilibrium Mo^V + Mo^VI → Mo^VI + Mo^V between the two molybdenum atoms bridged by an oxygen atom was found to be fast in agreement with the experimental result. The transition state is of mixed-valence type, with the SOMO delocalized over the Mo-O-Mo group. Spectroscopic parameters were found to be in fair agreement with experimental results.

Pentadecanuclear Fe-Containing Polyoxometalate Catalyst for Visible-Light-Driven Generation of Hydrogen

The structurally new, carbon-free pentadecanuclear Fe-containing polyoxometalate, Na₂₁[NaFe₁₅(OH)₁₂(PO₄)₄(A-α-SiW₉O₃₄)₄]·85H₂O (Na₂₁-Fe₁₅P₄(SiW₉)₄), was synthesized using a facile one-pot, solution-based synthetic approach and systematically characterized by various spectroscopic techniques. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction reveals that the title complex is composed of two [Fe₄(A-α-SiW₉O₃₄)] fragments and two [Fe_3.5(A-α-SiW₉O₃₄)] fragments stabilized by four PO₄ linkers in a tetrameric style with idealized T_d point group symmetry. When coupling with (4,4'-ditert-butyl-2,2'-dipyridyl)-bis(coumarin)-iridium(III) hexafluorophosphate ([Ir(coumarin)₂(dtbbpy)][PF₆]) photosensitizer and triethanolamine (TEOA) sacrificial electron donor, polyoxoanion Fe₁₅P₄(SiW₉)₄ effectively catalyzed hydrogen production with a minimally optimized TON of 986, which represents, to our knowledge, one of the highest values among known Fe-substituted POM-catalyzed hydrogen production systems. Both a mercury-poisoning test and FT-IR characterizations proved the structural stability of Fe₁₅P₄(SiW₉)₄ catalyst under photocatalytic conditions. The photocatalytic mechanism of the present hydrogen-evolving system was investigated by time-solved luminescence and static emission quenching measurements.

Polyoxometalates in photocatalysis

Recent developments in polyoxometalate photochemistry are discussed with a focus on visible light driven productive chemical reactions. Special attention is given to the fundamental photochemistry of polyoxometalates and the effects on the resulting photoprocesses.

A novel Ta/W mixed-addendum polyoxometalate with photocatalytic properties

An unprecedented polytantalotungstate (POTT), Cs_12.5K_4.5H[Ta₁₂Si₄W₃₇O₁₅₈]·25H₂O (1), based on the {SiW₉Ta₃O₄₀}^7- cluster was hydrothermally synthesized. A photocatalytic study revealed that 1 exhibits significant photocatalytic water splitting activity.

Porphyrin-Sensitized Evolution of Hydrogen using Dawson and Keplerate Polyoxometalate Photocatalysts

Hydrogen evolution using photocatalytic systems based on artificial photosynthesis is a major approach toward solar energy conversion and storage. In the polyoxometalate-based photocatalytic systems proposed in the past, middle/near UV light irradiation and noble-metal catalysts were mainly used. Although recently polyoxometalates were sensitized in visible light, photosensitizers or catalysts based on noble metals, and/or poor activity of polyoxometalates were generally obtained. Here we show the highly efficient [turnover number (TON)=215] hydrogen evolution induced by the zinc(II) mesotetrakis(N-methyl-pyridinium-4-yl)porphyrin (ZnTMPyP⁴⁺ ) sensitization of a series of polyoxometalate catalysts (two Dawson type, P₂ Mo₁₈ O₆₂^6- and P₂ W₁₈ O₆₂^6- anions, and one Keplerate {Mo₁₃₂ } cluster) in a visible-light-driven, noble-metal-free, and fully water-soluble system. We attributed the high efficiency for hydrogen evolution to the multi-electron reduction of polyoxometalates and found that: (a) both Dawson polyoxometalates exhibit higher hydrogen evolution efficiency upon ZnTMPyP⁴⁺ sensitization in relation to the direct photoreduction of those compounds; (b) the P₂ Mo₁₈ O₆₂^6- anion is more efficient (TON=65 vs. 38, respectively) for hydrogen evolution than the P₂ W₁₈ O₆₂^6- anion; and (c) the high nuclearity Keplerate {Mo₁₃₂ } cluster exhibits the highest efficiency (TON=215) for hydrogen evolution compared with the polyoxometalates studied.

Self-assembly and photocatalytic H2 evolution activity of two unprecedented polytantalotungstates based on the largest {Ta18} and {Ta18Yb2} clusters

Two unprecedented polytantalotungstates, 1 and 2 based on the largest {Ta₁₈} and {Ta₁₈Yb₂} clusters, respectively, were synthesized. 1 and 2 exhibit significant UV photocatalytic water splitting activity.

A light-harvesting polyoxometalate-polypyridine hybrid induces electron transfer as its Re(I) complex

A derivative of the Dawson polyoxometalate [P2V3W15O62](9-) functionalized with one remote bipyridine coordination site (2) has been synthesized and combined with the neutral {Re(CO)3Br} moiety. The new Re(I)-hybrid (3) was characterized by various analytical techniques. Hybrid 3 exhibits several redox processes on a wide range of potentials with reductions centered on V(V), W(VI) and the organic ligand in order of decreasing potential. Both units, the polyoxometalate and the transition metal complex, retain their intrinsic properties in the hybrid 3, which displays photosensitization in the UV region with tailing into high-energy visible region.

Artificial photosynthesis for solar hydrogen generation over transition-metal substituted Keggin-type titanium tungstate

POMs (abbreviated as TiW₁₁M (M = Fe, Co, Zn)) show good photocatalytic activities toward H₂ evolution.

Charge Photo-Accumulation and Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution Under Visible Light at an Iridium(III)-Photosensitized Polyoxotungstate

Steady-state irradiation under visible light of a covalent Ir(III)-photosensitized polyoxotungstate is reported. In the presence of a sacrificial electron donor, the photolysis leads to the very efficient photoreduction of the polyoxometalate. Successive formation of the one-electron and two-electron reduced species, which are unambiguously identified by comparison with spectroelectrochemical measurements, is observed with a significantly faster rate reaction for the formation of the one-electron reduced species. The kinetics of the photoreduction, which are correlated to the reduction potentials of the polyoxometalate (POM), can be finely tuned by the presence of an acid. Indeed light-driven formation of the two-electron reduced POM is considerably facilitated in the presence of acetic acid. The system is also able to perform photocatalytic hydrogen production under visible light without significant loss of performance over more than 1 week of continuous photolysis and displays higher photocatalytic efficiency than the related multi-component system, outlining the decisive effect of the covalent bonding between the POM and the photosensitizer. This functional and modular system constitutes a promising step for the development of charge photoaccumulation devices and subsequent photoelectrocatalysts for artificial photosynthesis.

Structural-dependent photoactivities of TiO(2) nanoribbon for visible-light-induced H(2) evolution: the roles of nanocavities and alternate structures

Bicrystalline dehydrated nanoribbon (DNR) with alternate structure of TiO(2)(B) and anatase has been prepared by a short-time annealing method. It is photoactive for photocatalytic H(2) evolution from water in the visible region sensitized by a novel heteropoly blue sensitizer. The effects of annealing temperature and time on the DNR phase transformation process have been investigated. These results reveal that the nanocavity structure of TiO(2)(B) exhibits a narrow band gap and improves its absorbance coefficient in the visible region. The alternate structures of TiO(2)(B) and anatase improve interfacial electron separation and transfer. Compared with normal phase junction, the smoothing alternate joints in the band structure of DNR-600-30 provide an effective route for the movement of holes and electrons. This unique alternate bicrystalline structure has a significant advantage on its applications in photocatalysis and nanodevices.

Effects of TiO2 surface modifications on photocatalytic oxidation of arsenite: the role of superoxides

Using TiO2 photocatalyst, arsenite [As(III)] can be rapidly oxidized to arsenate [As(V)], which is less toxic and less mobile in the aquatic environment. Superoxides have been recently proposed as a main photocatalytic oxidant of As(III) whereas OH radicals are dominant oxidants in most TiO2 photocatalytic oxidation (PCO) reactions. This study confirms that superoxides are mainly responsible for the As(III) PCO by investigating PCO kinetics in pure and modified TiO2 systems. The rate of As(III) oxidation drastically increased on Pt-TiO2, which could be ascribed to the enhanced superoxide generation through an efficient interfacial electron transfer from the conduction band (CB) to O2. Since the addition of tert-butyl alcohol (OH radical scavenger) had little effect on the PCO rate in both naked and Pt-TiO2 suspensions, OH radicals do not seem to be involved. The addition of polyoxometalates (POMs) as an electron shuttle between TiO2 CB and 02 highly promoted the PCO rate whereas the POM alone was not effective at all in oxidizing As(III). Fluorinated TiO2 that had a markedly reduced adsorptive capacity for As(III) did not show a reduced PCO rate, which indicates that the direct hole transfer path is not important. The arsenite oxidation proceeded under visible light with a similar rate to the case of Pt-TiO2/UV when dye-sensitized Pt-TiO2 was used. Since only superoxides can be generated as a photooxidant in this visible light system, their role as a main oxidant of As(III) is confirmed. In addition, the PCO rate was significantly reduced in the presence of superoxide dismutase.

Electrochemical investigation of photooxidation processes promoted by sulfo-polyoxometalates: coupling of photochemical and electrochemical processes into an effective catalytic cycle

Oxidative photocurrents measured upon irradiation by a 7-W visible light (wavelength 312-700 nm) demonstrated that the sulfo-polyoxometalate anion clusters [S2W18O62]4- (1a), [S2Mo18O62]4- (1b), and [SMo12O40]2- (2) may be activated photochemically to oxidize the organic substrates benzyl alcohol, ethanol, and (-)-menthol. In the case of catalytic photooxidation of benzyl alcohol to benzaldehyde in the presence of 1a, quantitative electrochemical methods have identified pathways for the oxidation of reduced forms of 1 generated during the catalysis. More generally, the oxidation pathways P(n+2)- + 2H+ <==> Pn- + H2 and 2P(n+2)- + O2 + 4H+ <==> 2Pn- + 2H2O have been evaluated by monitoring acidified acetonitrile solutions of the 2e(-)-reduced clusters by rotating disk electrode voltammetry under anaerobic and aerobic conditions, respectively. Neither of the reduced forms 1b(2e-) nor 2(2e-) reacted under these conditions. In contrast, 1a(2e-) was oxidized via both pathways, consistent with its more negative redox potential, with the rate of oxidation by air-oxygen being significantly faster than that by H+. The present work demonstrated that the crucial step necessary to oxidize reduced catalyst in photocatalytic reactions involving the anions studied may be achieved or accelerated by application of an external potential more positive than the first redox potential of the polyoxometalate anion. Voltammetric analysis revealed that this in situ electrolytic regeneration of the reduced catalyst is an option that leads to a viable photoelectrocatalytic pathway, even when the H+ and O2 pathways are not available.

Photocatalytic reduction and recovery of copper by polyoxometalates

A series of polyoxometalates PW12O40(3-), SiW12O40(4-), and P2Mo18O62(6-) have been used as photocatalysts for recovery of copper and production of fine metal particles. The process involves absorption of light by polyoxometalates, oxidation of an organic substrate, for instance, propan-2-ol as sacrificial reducing reagent, and reoxidation of the reduced polyoxometalates by Cu2+ ions, closing the photocatalytic cycle. Copper(II) ions are reduced to copper(I) and finally to zero-state particles in a 2-electron process, as also suggested by the half-order dependence. Increase of catalyst or propan-2-ol concentration, or both, accelerates the photodeposition of copper until a saturation value is reached. The method is operational at a wide range of copper concentrations varying from 3 to 1300 ppm, leading to very low final concentrations (<0.2 ppm). The presence of dioxygen suppresses the initiation of copper recovery, though the process is equally effective after dioxygen is consumed. The process is independent of pH within the range 0.3-5.0. Addition of ClO4-, NO3-, or CH3COO- has no effect on the removal of copper ions. Chloride ions retard the enhancement of copper precipitation through stabilization of copper(I). This homogeneous, polyoxometalate-based process exhibits some benefits in comparison with the semiconductor-based (heterogeneous) recovery of metals: The final zero-state metal particles are obtained in pure form. No separation from the catalyst is needed, and moreover, the process is catalytic as the photodeposited metal particulates do not hinder the photocatalytic action of polyoxometalate anions.