Thiomolybdate Clusters: From Homogeneous Catalysis to Heterogenization and Active Sites

Thiomolybdates are molecular molybdenum-sulfide clusters formed from Mo centers and sulfur-based ligands. For decades, they have attracted the interest of synthetic chemists due to their unique structures and their relevance in biological systems, e.g., as reactive sites in enzymes. More recently, thiomolybdates are explored from the catalytic point of view and applied as homogeneous and molecular mimics of heterogeneous molybdenum sulfide catalysts. This review summarizes prominent examples of thiomolybdate-based electro- and photocatalysis and provides a comprehensive analysis of their reactivities under homogeneous and heterogenized conditions. Active sites of thiomolybdates relevant for the hydrogen evolution reaction are examined, aiming to shed light on the link between cluster structure and performance. The shift from solution-phase to surface-supported thiomolybdates is discussed with a focus on applications in electrocatalysis and photocatalysis. The outlook highlights current trends and emerging areas of thiomolybdate research, ending with a summary of challenges and key takeaway messages based on the state-of-the-art research.

Surface Anchoring and Active Sites of [Mo3S13]2- Clusters as Co-Catalysts for Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution

Achieving light-driven splitting of water with high efficiency remains a challenging task on the way to solar fuel exploration. In this work, to combine the advantages of heterogeneous and homogeneous photosystems, we covalently anchor noble-metal- and carbon-free thiomolybdate [Mo₃S₁₃]^2– clusters onto photoactive metal oxide supports to act as molecular co-catalysts for photocatalytic water splitting. We demonstrate that strong and surface-limited binding of the [Mo₃S₁₃]^2– to the oxide surfaces takes place. The attachment involves the loss of the majority of the terminal S₂^2– groups, upon which Mo–O–Ti bonds with the hydroxylated TiO₂ surface are established. The heterogenized [Mo₃S₁₃]^2– clusters are active and stable co-catalysts for the light-driven hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) with performance close to the level of the benchmark Pt. Optimal HER rates are achieved for 2 wt % cluster loadings, which we relate to the accessibility of the TiO₂ surface required for efficient hole scavenging. We further elucidate the active HER sites by applying thermal post-treatments in air and N₂. Our data demonstrate the importance of the trinuclear core of the [Mo₃S₁₃]^2– cluster and suggest bridging S₂^2– and vacant coordination sites at the Mo centers as likely HER active sites. This work provides a prime example for the successful heterogenization of an inorganic molecular cluster as a co-catalyst for light-driven HER and gives the incentive to explore other thio(oxo)metalates.

Synthesis and Reactivity of W3Te74+ Clusters and Chalcogen Exchange in the M3Q7 (M = Mo, W; Q = S, Se, Te) Cluster Family

Heating WTe(2), Te, and Br(2) at 390 degrees C followed by extraction with KCN gives [W(3)Te(7)(CN)(6)](2-). Crystal structures of double salts Cs(3.5)K{[W(3)Te(7)(CN)(6)]Br}Br(1.5).4.5H(2)O (1), Cs(2)K(4){[W(3)Te(7)(CN)(6)](2)Cl}Cl.5H(2)O (2), and (Ph(4)P)(3){[W(3)Te(7)(CN)(6)]Br}.H(2)O (3) reveal short Te(2)...X (X = Cl, Br) contacts. Reaction of polymeric Mo(3)Se(7)Br(4) with KNCSe melt gives [Mo(3)Se(7)(CN)(6)](2-). Reactions of polymeric Mo(3)S(7)Br(4) and Mo(3)Te(7)I(4) with KNCSe melt (200-220 degrees C) all give as final product [Mo(3)Se(7)(CN)(6)](2)(-) via intermediate formation of [Mo(3)S(4)Se(3)(CN)(6)](2-)/[Mo(3)SSe(6)(CN)(6)](2-) and of [Mo(3)Te(4)Se(3)(CN)(6)](2-), respectively, as was shown by ESI-MS. (NH(4))(1.5)K(3){[Mo(3)Se(7)(CN)(6)]I}I(1.5).4.5H(2)O (4) was isolated and structurally characterized. Reactions of W(3)Q(7)Br(4) (Q = S, Se) with KNCSe lead to [W(3)Q(4)(CN)(9)](5-). Heating W(3)Te(7)Br(4) in KCNSe melt gives a complicated mixture of W(3)Q(7) and W(3)Q(4) derivatives, as was shown by ESI-MS, from which E(3)[W(3)(mu(3)-Te)(mu-TeSe)(3)(CN)(6)]Br.6H(2)O (5) and K(5)[W(3)(mu(3)-Te)(mu-Se)(3)(CN)(9)] (6) were isolated. X-ray analysis of 5 reveals the presence of a new TeSe(2-) ligand. The complexes were characterized by IR, Raman, electronic, and (77)Se and (125)Te NMR spectra and by ESI mass spectrometry.

Synthesis and structural characterization of the novel cluster compound

Reaction of [Mo3Y(mu-S)3(dtp)4(H2O)] (Y = O, S; dtp = S2P(OC2H5)2(-)) with HgI2 gave the novel compound [[Mo3S7(dtp)3]4 x I][(HgI3)3] x 4H2O (1), which contains a [[Mo3S7(dtp)3]4 x I] tetramer and (HgI3)-. Compound 1 has been characterized by IR, Raman, UV/Vis, and NMR spectroscopy and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. It is shown that this formation process can be referred to as a new cluster reaction. The structure and spectroscopic data of the tetramer is also compared with that of the related discrete cluster [Mo3S7(dtp)3 x I]. Crystal data: space group F23, a = 26.786(3) A, V = 19218.7(4) A3, Z = 4, R = 0.059.