Layer-by-Layer Construction of a Nanoarchitecture by Polyoxometalates and Polymers: Enhanced Electrochemical Hydrogen Evolution Reaction

Two-dimensional correlation infrared spectroscopy study on vanadoborate anionic skeleton regulated by countercations

Two novel vanadoborate compounds, [Cu(en)2]3[Li(H2O)]4[Li(H2O)3]2[V12B18O50(OH)10(H2O)]2·33.5H2O (1) and (H2en)4[Li(H2O)]4[V12B18O55(OH)5(H2O)]·14H2O (2), were synthesized via hydrothermal synthesis under identical conditions except for temperature. Structural analysis revealed that although both contain [V12B18O60]n- cluster anion, the different countercations potentially lead to variations in the [V12B18O60]n- cluster anion skeletons. In compound 1, the V4+/V5+ ratio was 10:2; while in compound 2 the ratio was 11:1. It is speculated that different countercations may influence the valence states of cluster anions. In this study, quantum chemical calculations revealed that the aromaticity and activity of the two compounds were different, and two-dimensional correlation infrared spectroscopy (2D-COS-IR) under magnetic perturbation confirmed that distinct response peaks of functional group vibrations to the magnetic field due to the different V4+/V5+ ratios and aromaticity of the two compounds. An electrochemical analysis revealed that compound 2 exhibits higher electrocatalytic activity. The results of quantum chemical calculations are aligned not only with the changes in the 2D-COS-IR spectra but also with the conclusions obtained from experiments on electrochemical properties. Overall, this work proposes a novel strategy for interpreting the alteration of vanadoborate anionic skeleton due to the introduction of different countercations by combining 2D-COS-IR with quantum chemical calculations.

Electron-Sponge Nature of Polyoxometalates for Next-Generation Electrocatalytic Water Splitting and Nonvolatile Neuromorphic Devices

Designing next-generation molecular devices typically necessitates plentiful oxygen-bearing sites to facilitate multiple-electron transfers. However, the theoretical limits of existing materials for energy conversion and information storage devices make it inevitable to hunt for new competitors. Polyoxometalates (POMs), a unique class of metal-oxide clusters, have been investigated exponentially due to their structural diversity and tunable redox properties. POMs behave as electron-sponges owing to their intrinsic ability of reversible uptake-release of multiple electrons. In this review, numerous POM-frameworks together with desired features of a contender material and inherited properties of POMs are systematically discussed to demonstrate how and why the electron-sponge-like nature of POMs is beneficial to design next-generation water oxidation/reduction electrocatalysts, and neuromorphic nonvolatile resistance-switching random-access memory devices. The aim is to converge the attention of scientists who are working separately on electrocatalysts and memory devices, on a point that, although the application types are different, they all hunt for a material that could exhibit electron-sponge-like feature to realize boosted performances and thus, encouraging the scientists of two completely different fields to explore POMs as imperious contenders to design next-generation nanodevices. Finally, challenges and promising prospects in this research field are also highlighted.

Improved supercapacitors and water splitting performances of Anderson-type manganese(III)-polyoxomolybdate through assembly with Zn-MOF in a host-guest structure

Enhancing performance through the combination of polyoxometalates (POMs) clusters with metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) that contain various transition metals is a challenging task. In this study, we synthesized a polyoxometalate-based metal-organic framework (POMOF) named HRBNU-5 using a solvothermal method. HRBNU-5 is composed of Zn[N(C4H9)4][MnMo6O18{(OCH2)3CNH2}2]@Zn3(C9H3O6)2·6C3H7NO, which includes two components: Zn[N(C4H9)4][MnMo6O18{(OCH2)3CNH2}2]·3C3H7NO ({Zn[MnMo6]}) and Zn3(C9H3O6)2·3C3H7NO (Zn-BTC). Structural characterization confirmed the host-guest structure, with Zn-BTC encapsulating {Zn[MnMo6]}. In a three-electrode system, HRBNU-5 exhibited a specific capacitance of 851.3 F g-1 at a current density of 1 A/g and retained high stability (97.2 %) after 5000 cycles. Additionally, HRBNU-5 performed well in aqueous-symmetric/asymmetric supercapacitors (SSC/ASC) in terms of energy density and power density in a double-electrode system. Moreover, it demonstrated excellent catalytic performance in a 1.0 M KOH solution, with low overpotentials and Tafel slopes for hydrogen and oxygen evolution reactions: 177.1 mV (η10 HER), 126.9 mV dec-1 and 370.3 mV (η50 OER), 36.3 mV dec-1, respectively, surpassing its precursors and most reported studies. HRBNU-5's positive performance is attributed to its host-guest structure, high electron-transfer conductivity, and porous structure that enhances efficient mass transport. This work inspires the design of Anderson-type POMOF electrode materials with multiple active sites and a well-defined structure.

Construct of an Electrodeposited Cobalt-Molybdenum Film and Evaluation of Its Efficiency in Hydrogen Evolution

Hydrogen is a valuable clean energy source, and electrolysis to produce hydrogen from water is a crucial component. However, a major problem of hydrogen generation by electrolysis is its large overpotential and poor economics. To reduce the overpotential, we mainly use nickel foam and Co-Mo ions as feedstock and create an efficient catalytic material by electrodeposition. The Co-Mo interaction improves the current efficiency. In 1 mol/L NaOH solution, the overpotential of the Co-Mo-NF composites was low when the current density is -10 mA/cm², with the best value reaching 45.3 mV, which is less than those of Co-NF (94.4 mV) and Mo-NF (88.2 mV). All deposits had similar Tafel slopes in the 77.9 mV/decade range. The catalyst does not just have a favorable effect on hydrogen formation but also has a surprisingly high double-layer capacitance (up to 180 mF/cm²) and good stability. This research provides an impactful approach for developing a non-precious metal HER catalyst for industrial hydrogen production.