Synthesis, structure and electrochemical characterization of the isopolytungstate (W4O16) held by MnII anchors within a superlacunary crown heteropolyanion {P8W48}

An isopolyanion {W4O16} within archetypal {P8W48} heteropolyanion assembly [(P8W48O184)(W4O16)K10Li4Mn10Na(H2O)50Cl2] 15- (Mn10W4-P8W48) has been synthesized by the reaction of the cyclic superlacunary anion [H7P8W48O184] 33− and Mn(ClO4)2.6H2O in I M LiCl soultion medium at pH 8. The isolated compound has been characterized by single crystal X-ray crystallography, powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, elemental analysis and thermogravimetric analysis. Electrochemical studies were also performed on Mn10W4-P8W48 confirmed the presence of Mn centres bonded to the tunsgtic framework. The novel polyanion [(P8W48O184)(W4O16)K10Li4Mn10Na(H2O)50Cl2] 15- is the first example of macrocyclic complex where an isopolyanion (W4O16) 8- is embedded within in the inner cavity of the {P8W48} and is placed in position by six MnII cations as anchors. Whereas, the exocyclic coordination of the four MnII atoms to {P8W48} yields extended structure by linking neighbouring polyanions through {W−O−Mn−O−W} bridges. Further, the polyanion Mn10W4-P8W48 is the first derivative of {P8W48} with six MnII ions (largest) coordinated to the inner side the crown ring as anchors

Synthesis, Characterization, Electrochemistry, Photoluminescence and Magnetic Properties of a Dinuclear Erbium(III)-Containing Monolacunary Dawson-Type Tungstophosphate: [{Er(H2O)(CH3COO)(P2W17O61)}2]16−

Reaction of the trilacunary Wells−Dawson anion {α-P$_{2}$W$_{15}$O$_{56}$$^{12-}$ with ErIII ion in a 1 M LiOAc/HOAc buffer (pH 4.8) solution produces a dinuclear erbium(III) substituted sandwich-type structure [{Er(H$_{2}$O)(CH$_{3}$COO)(P$_{2}$W$_{17}$O$_{61}$)}$_{2}$]$^{16-}$ (1). The isolated compound was structurally characterized using single crystal and powder X-ray diffraction, FTIR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry and thermogravimetric analysis. The electrochemical, electrocatalytic, photoluminescence and magnetic properties of 1 were investigated

Synthesis and Characterisation of the Europium (III) Dimolybdo-Enneatungsto-Silicate Dimer, [Eu(α-SiW9Mo2O39)2]13−

The chemistry of polyoxometalates (POMs) keeps drawing the attention of researchers, since they constitute a family of discrete molecular entities whose features may be easily modulated. Often considered soluble molecular oxide analogues, POMs possess enormous potential due to a myriad of choices concerning size, shape and chemical composition that may be tailored in order to fine-tune their physico-chemical properties. Thanks to the recent progress in single-crystal X ray diffraction, new POMs exhibiting diverse and unexpected structures have been regularly reported and described. We find it relevant to systematically analyse the different equilibria that govern the formation of POMs, in order to be able to establish reliable synthesis protocols leading to new molecules. In this context, we have been able to synthesise the Eu3+-containing silico-molybdo-tungstic dimer, [Eu(α-SiW9Mo2O39)2]13−. We describe the synthesis and characterisation of this new species by several physico-chemical methods, such as single-crystal X-ray diffraction, 183W NMR and electrochemistry

Enhanced Oxygen Reduction Reaction Activity of the Wells‐Dawson Polyoxometalate P2W12Mo6 Immobilised in Nitrogen and Sulphur‐Doped Carbon Nanomaterials

Abstract As the world faces an escalating energy crisis, the necessity of adopting alternative energy sources becomes increasingly evident. Despite challenges, the imperative to prioritise these eco‐friendly alternatives remains paramount in paving the way for a more sustainable and resilient future for our planet and its inhabitants. The pursuit of sustainable energy sources has brought the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) into the spotlight as a crucial cathodic reaction in energy‐converting systems, notably fuel cells (FCs). These FCs hold tremendous promise in providing an eco‐friendly and efficient energy supply. However, the widespread implementation of FCs is hindered by their reliance on expensive and scarce noble metal catalysts, such as platinum (Pt), which pose economic and environmental challenges. Hence, this work reports the preparation, characterisation (FTIR, XPS, SEM and EDX) and application of four composites based on doped‐carbon materials (CM) and on the Wells‐Dawson POM salt K6⋅α‐[P2W12Mo6O62] ⋅ 19H2O (P2W12Mo6@MWCNT_N8, P2W12Mo6@MWCNT_N6, P2W12Mo6@MWCNT_S6, and P2W12Mo6@GF_S6) as ORR electrocatalysts in alkaline medium (pH=13). The successful doping of the carbon materials with nitrogen (N) and sulphur (S) and the incorporation of the polyoxometalate were verified through comprehensive structural characterisation. Overall, P2W12Mo6@MWCNT_N8 exhibited favourable onset potentials of 0.84 V vs. RHE, highlighting its high catalytic activity. Additionally, the catalyst showed excellent tolerance to methanol crossover, retaining 91 % of initial current, which is crucial for practical fuel cell applications. Furthermore, the P2W12Mo6@MWCNT_N8 catalyst showed commendable stability, retaining 81 % of its initial current after 36000 seconds at an operating potential of E=0.46 V vs. RHE. These encouraging results denote the significant potential of this electrocatalyst in advancing sustainable energy conversion technologies

Synergetic Effects of Mixed-Metal Polyoxometalates@Carbon-Based Composites as Electrocatalysts for the Oxygen Reduction and the Oxygen Evolution Reactions

The smart choice of polyoxometalates (POMs) and the design of POM@carbon-based composites are promising tools for producing active electrocatalysts for both the oxygen reduction (ORR) and the oxygen evolution reactions (OER). Hence, herein, we report the preparation, characterization and application of three composites based on doped, multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT_N6) and three different POMs (Na12[(FeOH2)2Fe2(As2W15O56)2]·54H2O, Na12[(NiOH2)2Ni2(As2W15O56)2]·54H2O and Na14[(FeOH2)2Ni2(As2W15O56)2]·55H2O) as ORR and OER electrocatalysts in alkaline medium (pH = 13). Overall, the three POM@MWCNT_N6 composites showed good ORR performance with onset potentials between 0.80 and 0.81 V vs. RHE and diffusion-limiting current densities ranging from −3.19 to −3.66 mA cm−2. Fe4@MWCNT_N6 and Fe2Ni2@MWCNT_N6 also showed good stability after 12 h (84% and 80% of initial current). The number of electrons transferred per O2 molecule was close to three, suggesting a mixed regime. Moreover, the Fe2Ni2@MWCNT_N6 presented remarkable OER performance with an overpotential of 0.36 V vs. RHE (for j = 10 mA cm−2), a jmax close to 135 mA cm−2 and fast kinetics with a Tafel slope of 45 mV dec−1. More importantly, this electrocatalyst outperformed not only most POM@carbon-based composites reported so far but also the state-of-the-art RuO2 electrocatalyst. Thus, this work represents a step forward towards bifunctional electrocatalysts using less expensive materials