Influence of surface and intermolecular interactions on the properties of supported polyoxometalates

Polyoxometalates (POMs) with localized radical or open-shell metal sites have the potential to be used as transformative electronic spin based molecular qubits (MQs) for quantum computing (QC). For practical applications, MQs have to be immobilized in electronically or optically addressable arrays which introduces interactions with supports as well as neighboring POMs. Herein, we synthesized Keggin POMs with both tungsten (W) and vanadium (V) addenda atoms. Ion soft landing, a highly-controlled surface modification technique, was used to deliver mass-selected V-doped POMs to different self-assembled monolayer surfaces on gold (SAMs) without the solvent, counterions, and contaminants that normally accompany deposition from solution. Alkylthiol, perfluorinated, and carboxylic-acid terminated monolayers were employed as representative model supports on which different POM-surface and POM-POM interactions were characterized. We obtained insights into the vibrational properties of supported V-doped POMs and how they are perturbed by interactions with specific surface functional groups using infrared reflection absorption and scattering-type scanning near-field optical microscopy, as well as tip enhanced Raman spectroscopy. Different functional groups on SAMs and nanoscale heterogeneity are both shown to modulate the observed spectroscopic signatures. Spectral shifts are also found to be dependent on POM-POM interactions. The electronic structure of the V-doped POMs was determined in the gas phase using negative ion photoelectron spectroscopy and on surfaces with scanning Kelvin probe microscopy. The chemical functionality and charge transfer properties of the SAMs are demonstrated to exert an influence on the charge state and electronic configuration of supported V-doped POMs. The geometric and electronic structure of the POMs were also calculated using density functional theory. Our joint experimental and theoretical findings provide insight into how V substitution as well as POM-surface and POM-POM interactions influence the vibrational properties of POMs.

Synthesis and Stability of Mixed-Diphosphine Ligated Gold Clusters

Sub-nanometer gold clusters are promising size- and composition-tunable materials that may be used for advanced technological applications such as catalysis, energy generation, and microelectronics. Synthesis and characterization of phosphine ligated gold clusters containing different ligands provide insight into how steric and electronic effects resulting from changes in chemical functionality influence cluster size, stability, and formation in solution. Herein, we demonstrate that synthesizing gold clusters using two different diphosphines in solution at the same time results in a broad distribution of novel mixed-ligand clusters. In comparison, adding a second diphosphine to a solution of gold clusters presynthesized with another diphosphine does not result in extensive formation of mixed-ligand species. Utilizing high-mass resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, we determined novel cluster compositions and observed size-dependent trends in gold clusters that undergo ligand exchange forming mixed diphosphine species. Adjacent peaks in the mass spectra, separated by characteristic mass-to-charge ratios, provide evidence for multiple 1,3-bis(diphenylphosphino)propane (L³) and 1,5-bis(diphenylphosphino)pentane (L⁵) ligands on cationic clusters containing 8, 10, 11, and 22 gold atoms. Energy-resolved collision-induced dissociation experiments provide qualitative insight into how different diphosphine ligands affect the relative stability of specific size gold clusters. Our results indicate that mixed-ligand clusters containing both L³ and L⁵ are generally more stable than their single ligand counterparts containing either L³ or L⁵. These molecular-level insights will facilitate the rational and scalable synthesis of gold clusters for targeted applications.

Graphene Oxide as a Pb(II) Separation Medium: Has Part of the Story Been Overlooked?

A key problem associated with the design of graphene oxide (GO) materials and their tuning for nanoscale separations is how specific functional groups influence the competitive adsorption of solvated ions and water at liquid/graphene interfaces. Computation accompanied by experiment shows that OH and COOH exert an influence on water adsorption properties stronger than that of O and H functional groups. The COO- anions, following COOH deprotonation, stabilize Pb(II) through strong electrostatic interactions. This suggests that, among the functional groups under study, COOH offers the best Pb(II) adsorption capacity and the ability to regenerate the sorbent through a pH swing. In line with computation, striking experimental observations revealed that a substantial increase in Pb(II) adsorption occurs with increasing pH. Our findings provide a systematic framework for controlled design and implementation of regenerable C-based sorbents used in separations and desalination.

Structure and Stability of the Ionic Liquid Clusters [EMIM]n[BF4]n+1- (n = 1-9): Implications for Electrochemical Separations

Precise functionalization of electrodes with size-selected ionic liquid (IL) clusters may improve the application of ILs in electrochemical separations. Herein we report our combined experimental and theoretical investigation of the IL clusters 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate [EMIM]_n[BF₄]_n+1^- (n = 1-9) and demonstrate their selectivity and efficiency toward targeted adsorption of ions from solution. The structures and energies of the IL clusters, predicted with global optimization, agree with and help interpret the ion abundances and stabilities measured by high-mass-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry and collision-induced dissociation experiments. The [EMIM][BF₄]₂^- cluster, which was identified as the most stable IL cluster, was selectively soft-landed onto a working electrode. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy revealed a lower charge transfer resistance on the soft-landed electrode containing [EMIM][BF₄]₂^- compared with an electrode prepared by drop-casting of an IL solution containing the full range of IL clusters. Our findings indicate that specific IL clusters may be used to increase the efficiency of electrochemical separations by lowering the overpotentials involved.

Size-dependent electronic structure controls activity for ethanol electro-oxidation at Ptn/indium tin oxide (n = 1 to 14)

Understanding the factors that control electrochemical catalysis is essential to improving performance. We report a study of electrocatalytic ethanol oxidation - a process important for direct ethanol fuel cells - over size-selected Pt centers ranging from single atoms to Pt14. Model electrodes were prepared by soft-landing of mass-selected Ptn(+) on indium tin oxide (ITO) supports in ultrahigh vacuum, and transferred to an in situ electrochemical cell without exposure to air. Each electrode had identical Pt coverage, and differed only in the size of Pt clusters deposited. The small Ptn have activities that vary strongly, and non-monotonically with deposited size. Activity per gram Pt ranges up to ten times higher than that of 5 to 10 nm Pt particles dispersed on ITO. Activity is anti-correlated with the Pt 4d core orbital binding energy, indicating that electron rich clusters are essential for high activity.

Size-dependent electronic structure controls activity for ethanol electro-oxidation at Ptn/indium tin oxide (n = 1 to 14)

Activity of small Pt_n clusters on ITO is strongly dependent on cluster size, and anti-correlated with the Pt 4d core level binding energy, demonstrating that electron-rich Pt clusters are required for high activity.