Preparation,characterization, and electrical properties of dual‐emissive Langmuir‐Blodgett films of some europium‐substituted polyoxometalates and a platinum polyyne polymer

A new series of organometallic/inorganic composite Langmuir‐Blodgett (LB) films consisting of a rigid‐rod polyplatinyne polymer coordinated with 2,7‐bis(buta‐1,3‐diynyl)‐9,9‐dihexylfluorene (denoted as PtP) as the π‐conjugated organometallic molecule, an europium‐substituted polyoxometalate (POM; POM = Na₉EuW₁₀O₃₆, K₁₃[Eu(SiW₁₁O₃₉)₂] and K₅[Eu(SiW₁₁O₃₉)(H₂O)₂]) as the inorganic component, and an amphiphilic behenic acid (BA) as the auxiliary film‐forming agent were prepared. Structural and photophysical characterization of these LB films were achieved by π–A isotherms, absorption and photoluminescence spectra, atomic force microscopy imaging, scanning tunneling microscopy, and low‐angle X‐ray diffraction. Our experimental results indicate that stable, well‐defined, and well‐organized Langmuir and LB films are formed in pure water and POM subphases, and the presence of Eu‐based POM in the subphase causes an area expansion. It is proposed that a lamellar layered structure exists for the PtP/BA/POM LB film in which the POM and PtP molecules can lay down with the interfacial planes. Luminescence spectra of the prepared hybrid LB films show that near‐white emission spectra can be obtained due to the dual‐emissive nature of the mixed PtP/POM blends. These Pt‐polyyne‐based LB films displayed interesting electric conductivity behavior. Among them, PtP/BA/POM 13‐layer films showed a good electrical response, with the tunneling current up to ±100 nA when the voltage was monitored between ?1 and 7 V. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 48: 879–888, 2010     

Assembly of two new polyoxometalate-templated supramolecular compounds by utilizing flexible 1,4-bis(pyrazol-1-ylmethyl)benzene ligand

Two new polyoxometalate-templated supramolecular compounds, [Cu^I₄(bpmb)₄][PMo^VI₁₁Mo^VO₄₀] (1) and [Cu^I₄(bpmb)₄SiW₁₂O₄₀] (2) (bpmb = 1,4-bis(pyrazol-1-ylmethyl)benzene), have been synthesized under hydrothermal conditions and characterized by routine methods. Structural analysis shows that in 1, there exist crown-like [Cu^I₄(bpmb)₄] coordination macrocycles, and the Keggin polyanions [PMo ^VI₁₁Mo^VO₄₀]^4? (abbr. as PMo₁₂), which direct the crown-like macrocycle to form a 3-D supramolecular framework. In 2, there exist unusual meso-helix chains, and these chains are mutually interlaced in a wave–trough pattern, but without intersection resulting in a multi-cavity layer, in which the [SiW₁₂O₄₀]^4? (abbr. as SiW₁₂) clusters as guest molecules occupy the cavities of the layers. The distinct structural features of the two compounds suggest that Keggin polyanions should play a significant role in the process of assembly. Electrocatalytic properties of 1 and 2 were investigated.     

Polyimide/polyoxometalate copolymer thin films: synthesis,thermal and dielectric properties

A mono‐lancunary keggin‐type decatungstosilicate (SiW₁₁) polyoxometalate (POM) modified by γ‐aminopropyltriethoxysilane (KH550) was incorporated into polyimide (PI) through copolymerization. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), fourier transition infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and wide angle X‐ray diffraction (WAXD) were used to characterize the structure and composition of the polyoxometalate–organosilane hybrid (SiW₁₁KH550) and PI/SiW₁₁KH550 copolymers. The differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) studies indicate that the glass transition temperature (T_g) of PI/SiW₁₁KH550 copolymers increases from 330°C (for neat PI) to 409°C (for the copolymer sample with 10 wt% of SiW₁₁KH550). Dielectric measurement showed that both the dielectric constant and the dielectric loss for the copolymer thin films decreased with the increase in SiW₁₁KH550 content, and the dielectric constant and dielectric loss values decreased to 2.1 and 3.54 × 10^?3, respectively, for the copolymer sample with 10 wt% of SiW₁₁KH550. The incorporation of SiW₁₁KH550 into polymer matrices is a promising approach to prepare PI films with a low dielectric constant and low dielectric loss. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Multisensor system for determination of polyoxometalates containing vanadium at its different oxidation states

The electronic tongue (ET) multisensor system has been employed for the detection of metal-oxygen cluster anions (polyoxometalates) containing vanadium (IV/V) atoms. Sensitivity of a variety of potentiometric chemical sensors with plasticized polyvinyl chloride and chalcogenide glass membranes was evaluated with respect to vanadyl/vanadate ions, decavanadate and a series of Keggin-type polyoxometalates (POM) such as α-[SiW₁₁V^IVO₄₀]⁶⁻, α-[SiW₁₁V^VO₄₀]⁵⁻, α-[BW₁₁V^IVO₄₀]⁷⁻, α-[BW₁₁V^VO₄₀]⁶⁻, α-[PW₁₁V^IVO₄₀]⁵⁻ and α-[PW_12−nV_n^VO₄₀]⁽³⁺ⁿ⁾⁻ (n = 1, 2, 3). Sensor's responses to vanadium complexes were evaluated in the pH range of 2.4-6.5 and a set of sensors appropriate for detecting a variety of vanadium species was selected. Such sensor array was able to distinguish different vanadium complexes allowing their simultaneous quantification in binary (V(IV)/V(V)) mixtures. The vanillyl alcohol oxidation with α-[SiW₁₁V^VO₄₀]⁵⁻ was monitored using ET to evaluate the capacity of proposed analytic system to detect simultaneously V(IV)/V(V) in POM under dynamic equilibrium. ET was demonstrated to be a promising tool for the discrimination and quantification of vanadium-containing POMs at different oxidation states. In particular, such a system could represent a significant interest for the mechanistic studies of redox reactions with POMs.     

A low dielectric constant polyimide/polyoxometalate composite

A silane‐modified mono‐lacunary Keggin‐type polyoxometalate (POM), (Bu₄N)₄[SiW₁₁O₃₉{(CH₂?CH? Si)₂O}] (SiW₁₁? CH?CH₂), was obtained by reaction of vinyltrimethoxysilane with K₈(SiW₁₁O₃₉) in acidic MeCN/H₂O mixed solutions. Then, the modified polyoxometalate was physically blended with the pyromellitic dianhydride (PMDA)‐4,4′‐oxydianiline (ODA) poly(amic acid) and the blends were thermally imidized to form polyimide/ polyoxometalate composites. The X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis indicates that the polyoxometalate clusters cannot form crystalline structures in the composite, suggesting that the blending leads to improved compatibility between the polymer matrix and the modified polyoxometalate. The EDS (W‐mapping) studies on the composite films reveal that the polyoxometalate clusters are well dispersed in the polyimide matrix. The physical incorporation of modified POM into polyimide remarkably reduced the dielectric constant of the latter from 3.29 to 2.05 when 20 wt% of SiW₁₁? CH?CH₂ was used. Besides, the addition of the modified POM into polyimide increased the storage modulus of polyimide without severely affecting its thermal properties. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Visible‐Light‐Induced Water Oxidation Mediated by a Mononuclear‐Cobalt(II)‐Substituted Silicotungstate

A mononuclear‐cobalt(II)‐substituted silicotungstate, K₁₀[Co(H₂O)₂(γ‐SiW₁₀O₃₅)₂] ? 23 H₂O (POM‐ 1 ), has been evaluated as a light‐driven water‐oxidation catalyst. With in situ photogenerated [Ru(bpy)₃]³⁺ (bpy=2,2′‐bipyridine) as the oxidant, quite high catalytic turnover number (TON; 313), turnover frequency (TOF; 3.2 s^?1), and quantum yield (Φ_QY; 27 %) for oxygen evolution at pH 9.0 were acquired. Comparison experiments with its structural analogues, namely [Ni(H₂O)₂(γ‐SiW₁₀O₃₅)₂]^10? (POM‐ 2 ) and [Mn(H₂O)₂(γ‐SiW₁₀O₃₅)₂]^10? (POM‐ 3 ), gave the conclusion that the cobalt center in POM‐ 1 is the active site. The hydrolytic stability of the title polyoxometalate (POM) was confirmed by extensive experiments, including UV/Vis spectroscopy, linear sweep voltammetry (LSV), and cathodic adsorption stripping analysis (CASA). As the [Ru(bpy)₃]²⁺/visible light/sodium persulfate system was introduced, a POM–photosensitizer complex formed within minutes before visible‐light irradiation. It was demonstrated that this complex functioned as the active species, which remained intact after the oxygen‐evolution reaction. Multiple experimental parameters were investigated and the catalytic activity was also compared with the well‐studied POM‐based water‐oxidation catalysts (i.e., [Co₄(H₂O)₂(α‐PW₉O₃₄)₂]^10? (Co₄‐POM) and [Co^IIICo^II(H₂O)W₁₁O₃₉]^7? (Co₂‐POM)) under optimum conditions.     

Fabrication of Fe(CN)63− Functionalized PDDA/CdTe Layer‐by‐layer Film with Good Electron Transfer Ability

(PDDA/CdTe)_n layer‐by‐layer (LBL) film immobilized with Fe(CN)₆^3? was fabricated on the gold electrode. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and cyclic voltammetry (CV) were used to investigate the electrochemical properties of this film. The peak current of the immobilized Fe(CN)₆^3? increased as the number of the bilayers increased and was proportional to the scan rate. Compared with pure (PDDA/CdTe)_n and (PDDA/PSS)_n LBL film, Fe(CN)₆^3? immobilized (PDDA/CdTe)_n LBL film had good electron transfer ability. The immobility of Fe(CN)₆^3? into the film was attributed to its interaction with Cd²⁺ on the surface of CdTe QDs. Fe(CN)₆^3? also can interact with other metal ions, which would make Fe(CN)₆^3? release from the film. The concentrations of metal ions will affect the CV response of Fe(CN)₆^3? immobilized LBL film. It has provided a novel prototype of device or sensor for quantitative detection of metal ions.     

Keggin‐Type Polyoxometalate‐Based Metal–Organic Networks for Photocatalytic Dye Degradation

The reaction of Keggin‐type polyoxometalate (POM) units, transition‐metal (TM) ions, and a rigid bis(imidazole) ligand (1,4‐bis(1‐imidazolyl)benzene (bimb)) in a hydrothermal environment led to the isolation of four new POM‐based metal–organic networks, [H₂L][CuL][SiW₁₂O₄₀]?2 H₂O ( 1 ), [H₂L]₂[Co(H₂O)₃L][SiW₁₁CoO₃₉]?6 H₂O ( 2 ), KH[CuL]₂[SiW₁₁CoO₃₉(H₂O)]?2 H₂O ( 3 ), and [CuL]₄[GeW₁₂O₄₀]?H₂O ( 4 ; L=bimb). All four compounds were characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, powder X‐ray diffraction, and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. Compounds 1 and 3 are new 3D networks with 1D channels. Compounds 2 and 4 contain 2D networks, which further stack into 3D supramolecular networks. The contributions of pH value, the negative charge of the POM, and the TM coordination modes to the construction of 3D networks were elucidated by comparing the synthetic conditions and structures of compounds 1 – 4 . The photocatalytic properties of compounds 1 – 4 were investigated using methylene blue (MB) degradation under UV light. All compounds showed good catalytic activity and structural stability. The possible catalytic mechanism was discussed on the basis of active‐species trapping experiments. The different photocatalytic activities of compounds 1 – 4 were explained by comparison of the band gaps of different POM species and different packing modes of POM units in these hybrid compounds.     

Assembly of 12-tungstosilicic acid and 4-aminobenzo-15-crown-5 ether based on the electrostatic attraction through bridging of oxonium ions on different substrates

Based on the electrostatic attraction Keggin-type polyoxometalate H₄SiW₁₂O₄₀ (SiW₁₂) and small molecule 4-aminobenzo-15-crown-5 ether (4-AB15C5) were alternately deposited on poly (allylamine hydrochloride) (PAH)-derived indium tin oxide (ITO) substrate through a layer-by-layer (LBL) self-assembly, forming a supramolecular multilayer film (film-A). SiW₁₂ was also deposited on a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) derived by 4-AB15C5 via covalent bonding in 0.1 M NaCl aqueous solution and formed a composite monolayer film (film-B). UV–vis absorption spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy measurements demonstrated that the interactions between SiW₁₂ and 4-AB15C5 in both two film electrodes were the same and caused by the bridging action of oxonium ions. But, the nanostructure in the two film electrodes was different. 4-AB15C5 in film-A was oriented horizontally to ITO substrate, however, that in film-B was oriented vertically to GCE. Namely film-A corresponded to a layer structure, and film-B corresponded to an intercalation structure.     

Theoretical study of the four isomers of [Siw11o39]8−: Structure,stability and physical properties

The structures of the four isomers of SiW₁₁O₃₉^8? were optimized by DFT methods, by taking into account their expected symmetry properties. The structures were compared to those of related compounds (SiW₁₂O₄₀^4? and its monosubstituted derivatives). The stability order corresponds well to that observed experimentally. The infrared and ¹⁸³W NMR spectra of the four isomers were also calculated and compared to the available experimental data.     

A Multilayer Film for Bifunctional Electrocatalyst and Electrochemical Sensor Based on Polyoxometalate and Tris(1,10-Phenanthroline)Ruthenium

The multilayer films containing tris(1,10-phenanthroline) ruthenium(II) Ru(phen)₃Cl₂ (abbr. Ru(phen)₃, phen = 1,10-phenanthroline) and polyoxometalate [P₂W₁₈O₆₂]⁶⁻ (abbr. P₂W₁₈) through a layer-by-layer (LBL) process were fabricated. UV–vis absorption spectra showed that the subsequent growth of the multilayer film was regular and highly reproducible from layer to layer. X-ray photoelectron spectra (XPS) confirmed the incorporation of Ru(phen)₃ and P₂W₁₈ into the film. The result of atomic force microscopy (AFM) revealed a relatively uniform surface morphology of the multilayer film. The multilayer film exhibited remarkable electrocatalytic activities toward the reduction of \textIO₃ ^- {\text{IO}}_{3}^{ - } and the oxidation to l-cysteine. The value of I _pc was as a function with the concentration of iodate and l-cysteine, which indicated that the film can be a candidate for bifunctional electrocatalyst and electrochemical sensor.     

Polyoxometalate Ionic Liquids as Self‐Repairing Acid‐Resistant Corrosion Protection

Corrosion is a global problem for any metallic structure or material. Herein we show how metals can easily be protected against acid corrosion using hydrophobic polyoxometalate‐based ionic liquids (POM‐ILs). Copper metal disks were coated with room‐temperature POM‐ILs composed of transition‐metal functionalized Keggin anions [SiW₁₁O₃₉TM(H₂O)]^n? (TM=Cu^II, Fe^III) and quaternary alkylammonium cations (C_nH_{2 n+1})₄N⁺ (n=7–8). The corrosion resistance against acetic acid vapors and simulated “acid rain” was significantly improved compared with commercial ionic liquids or solid polyoxometalate coatings. Mechanical damage to the POM‐IL coating is self‐repaired in less than one minute with full retention of the acid protection properties. The coating can easily be removed and recovered by rinsing with organic solvents.     

Polyoxometalate‐Based Entangled Coordination Networks Induced by an Extended Bis(triazole) Ligand

The introduction of an extended bridging bis(triazole) ligand, that is, 4,4′‐bis(1,2,4‐triazol‐1‐ ylmethyl)biphenyl (BBPTZ), into the hydrothermal reaction system containing transition metal ions and Keggin‐type polyoxometalates (POMs) led to the isolation of three new organic–inorganic hybrid entangled coordination networks, [Cu^I₂Cu^II(BBPTZ)₆][SiW₁₂O₄₀]?12 H₂O ( 1 ), [Ni(BBPTZ)₂(H₂O)][H₂SiW₁₂O₄₀]?11 H₂O ( 2 ), and [Ni₂(BBPTZ)₄(H₂O)₂][SiW₁₂O₄₀]?3 H₂O ( 3 ). All three compounds were characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, TG analysis, powder X‐ray diffraction, and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. Compound 1 contains a 2‐D POM‐based metal–organic layer entangled with 1‐D ladder‐like metal–organic chains. The adjacent 2‐D networks are parallel to each other, further stacking into a 3‐D supramolecular framework with 1‐D channels. Compound 2 exhibits a 1‐D cantilever‐type loop‐containing chain. The Keggin‐type POMs act as the cantilever groups, leading to the adjacent catilever‐type chains interwaving together to form a 3‐D supramolecular open framework with two types of channels. Compound 3 possesses a 3‐D open framework based on 2‐D metal–organic undulated layer and Keggin‐type POM clusters. Three sets of such frameworks further interpenetrate with each other to form an interesting three‐fold interpenetrating framework. The photocatalytic activities of compounds 1–3 for the decomposition of methylene blue (MB) under UV light have been investigated.     

Molybdenum Schiff base-polyoxometalate hybrid compound: A heterogeneous catalyst for alkene epoxidation with tert-BuOOH

The hybrid compound consisting of molybdenum(salen) [salen = N,N′-bis(salicylidene)ethylnediamine] complex covalently linked to a lacunary Keggin-type polyoxometalate, K₈[SiW₁₁O₃₉] (POM), was synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, FT-IR, ¹H NMR and diffuse reflectance UV–Vis spectroscopic methods and BET analysis. The complex, [Mo(O)₂(salen)–POM], was studied, for the first time, in the epoxidation of various alkenes with tert-BuOOH and in 1,2-dichloroethane as solvent. This catalyst can catalyze epoxidation of various olefins including non-activated terminal olefins. The effect of the other parameters such as solvent, oxidant and temperature on the epoxidation of cyclooctene was also investigated. The interesting characteristic of this catalyst is that, in addition to being a heterogeneous catalyst, it gives higher yields towards epoxidation of olefins in comparison to the corresponding homogeneous [Mo(O)₂(salen)] complex.     

Layer-by-layer self-assembly and electrocatalytic properties of poly(ethylenimine)-silicotungstate multilayer composite films

Hybrid multilayer films composed of poly(ethylenimine) and the Keggin-type polyoxometalates [ SiW₁₁O₃₉ ]^{8 -} ( SiW₁₁ ) {\left[ {{\hbox{Si}}{{\hbox{W}}_{{11}}}{{\hbox{O}}_{{39}}}} \right]^{{8} - }}\left( {{\hbox{Si}}{{\hbox{W}}_{{11}}}} \right) and [ SiW₁₁Co^II( H₂O )O₃₉ ]^{6 -} ( SiW₁₁Co ) {\left[ {{\hbox{Si}}{{\hbox{W}}_{{11}}}{\hbox{C}}{{\hbox{o}}^{\rm{II}}}\left( {{{\hbox{H}}_2}{\hbox{O}}} \right){{\hbox{O}}_{{39}}}} \right]^{{6} - }}\left( {{\hbox{Si}}{{\hbox{W}}_{{11}}}{\hbox{Co}}} \right) were prepared on glassy carbon electrodes by layer-by-layer self-assembly, and were characterized by cyclic voltammetry and scanning electron microscopy. UV-vis absorption spectroscopy of films deposited on quartz slides was used to monitor film growth, showing that the absorbance values at characteristic wavelengths of the multilayer films increase almost linearly with the number of bilayers. Cyclic voltammetry indicates that the electrochemical properties of the polyoxometalates are maintained in the multilayer films, and that the first tungsten reduction process for immobilized SiW₁₁ and SiW₁₁Co is a surface-confined process. Electron transfer to [ Fe( CN )₆ ]^{3 - /4 -} {\left[ {{\hbox{Fe}}{{\left( {\hbox{CN}} \right)}_6}} \right]^{{3} - /{4} - }} and [ Ru( NH₃ )₆ ]^{3 + /2 +} {\left[ {{\hbox{Ru}}{{\left( {{\hbox{N}}{{\hbox{H}}_3}} \right)}_6}} \right]^{{3} + /{2} + }} as electrochemical probes was also investigated by cyclic voltammetry. The (PEI/SiW₁₁Co)_n multilayer films showed excellent electrocatalytic reduction properties towards nitrite, bromate and iodate.     

Preparation and the investigation of its electrochemical and photoluminescent characteristics of organic-inorganic hybrid multilayers containing europium-substituted heteropolytungstate

Photoluminescent multilayers were fabricated by layer-by-layer deposition between europium-substituted heteropolytungstate K₁₃[Eu(SiW₁₁O₃₉)₂]·28H₂O (denoted ESW) and a cationic polymer of quaternized poly(4-vinylpyridine) partially complexed with osmium bis(2,2′-bipyridine) (denoted as QPVP-Os) on glassy carbon and quartz substrates. The resulting photoluminescent organic-inorganic hybrid multilayers were characterized by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, UV-Vis absorption spectrometry, cyclic voltammetry and photoluminescence spectra. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, UV-Vis absorption spectrometry and cyclic voltammetry results demonstrated that the multilayers were regular growth each layer adsorption. The photoluminescent properties of the films at room temperature were investigated to show the characteristic Eu³⁺ emission pattern of ⁵D₀→⁷F_j.     

A Nitrite Electrochemical Sensor Based on Boron‐Doped Diamond Planar Electrochemical Microcells Modified with a Monolacunary Silicotungstate Polyoxoanion

A new boron doped diamond microcells (BDD) was modified, for rapid, selective and highly sensitive determination of nitrite, using a coating film of polyoxometalates (POMs), formed by cyclic voltammetry on the molecular p‐phenylenediamine (PPD) functionalized BDD. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) technique was used to examine the morphology of (PPD/SiW₁₁) modified (BDD) electrode. It was found that (SiW₁₁) layer was uniformly formed on the electrode surface. It was observed that (BDD/PPD/SiW₁₁) showed excellent electrocatalytic activities towards nitrite ion. Under the selected conditions, the anodic peak maximum at ?0.6 V was linear versus nitrite concentration in the 40 µM–4 mM range, and the detection limit obtained was 20 µM. The newly developed electrode has been successfully applied to the determination of nitrite content in real river water samples.     

Incorporating Polyoxometalates into a Porous MOF Greatly Improves Its Selective Adsorption of Cationic Dyes

Various polyoxometalates (POMs) were successfully immobilized to the mesoporous coordination polymer MIL‐101 resulting in a series of POM–MOF composite materials POM@MIL‐101 (POM=K₄PW₁₁VO₄₀, H₃PW₁₂O₄₀, K₄SiW₁₂O₄₀). These materials were synthesized by a simple one‐pot reaction of Keggin POMs, tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAH), terephthalic acid (H₂bdc), and Cr³⁺ ions. XRD, FTIR, thermogravimetric analyses (TG), inductively coupled plasma (ICP) spectrometry, and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX) collectively confirmed the successful combination of POMs and the porous framework. Further, these composites POM@MIL‐101 with different loading of POMs were achieved by variation of the POM dosage. Notably, the uptake capacity of MIL‐101 towards organic pollutants in aqueous solution was significantly improved by immobilization of hydrophilic POMs into cages of MIL‐101. An uptake capacity of 371 mg g^?1, comparable to that of the graphene oxide sponges, and much higher than that of the commercial activated carbon, was achieved at room temperature in 5 min when dipping 20 mg PW₁₁V@MIL‐101 in the methylene blue (MB) solution (100 mL of 100 mg L^?1 MB solution). Further study revealed that the POM@MIL‐101 composite materials not only exhibited a fast adsorption rate towards dye molecules, but also possessed of selective adsorption ability of the cationic dyes in wastewater. For example, the adsorption efficiency of PW₁₁V@MIL‐101 (10 mg) towards MB (100 mL of 10 mg L^?1) could reach 98 % in the initial 5 min, and it could capture MB dye molecules from the binary mixture of the MB and MO with similar size. Also, the POM@MIL‐101 materials could be readily recycled and reused, and no POM leached in the dye adsorption process.     

Direct Electrochemistry of Hemoglobin in Layer‐by‐Layer Films Assembled with DNA and Room Temperature Ionic Liquid

Based on electrostatic interaction and electrodeposition, poly‐anionic deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), room temperature ionic liquid 1‐butyl‐3‐methyl‐imidazolium tetrafluoroborate (BMIMBF₄), hemoglobin (Hb) and Poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDDA) were successfully assembled into Hb/IL/DNA/PDDA layer‐by‐layer complex films on the surface of ITO electrode. FTIR spectroscopy, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and cyclic voltammetry (CV) were used to characterize the composite film. The obtained results demonstrated that the Hb molecule in the film kept its native structure and showed its good electrochemical behavior. A pair of well‐defined redox peaks of Hb with the formal potentials (E°′) of ?0.180 V (vs. SCE) was appeared in phosphate buffer solution (PBS, pH 7.0). The Hb/IL/DNA/PDDA/ITO modified electrode also showed an excellent electrocatalytic behavior to the reduction of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂). Therefore, the IL/DNA/PDDA complex film as a novel matrix open up a possibility for further study on the direct electrochemistry of other proteins and the fabrication of the third‐generation electrochemical biosensors.     

Ultralow-Loading and High-Performing Ionic Liquid-Immobilizing Rhodium Single-Atom Catalysts for Hydroformylation

We have developed a Keggin polyoxometalate (POM)-based ionic-liquid (IL)-immobilizing rhodium single-atom Rh catalyst (MTOA)₅[SiW₁₁O₃₉Rh] (MOTA=methyltrioctylammonium cation) that can afford exceptionally high catalytic activity for the hydroformylation of alkenes to produce aldehydes at an ultralow loading of Rh (ca. 3 ppm). For styrene hydroformylation, both the conversion and the yield of the aldehyde can reach almost 99 %, and a TOF as high as 9000 h⁻¹ was obtained without using any phosphine ligand in the reaction process. Further characterization by FTIR, ICP and ESI-MS analysis revealed that the single Rh atom was incorporated in the lacunary POM anions. In particular, the bulky IL cation can play an additional role in stabilizing Rh species and thus prevent aggregation and leaching of Rh species. The IL catalyst was miscible with n-hexane at temperatures; this contributed to exceptionally high activity for hydroformylation even at ultra-low loading of IL catalyst.