Yolk–shell microspheres assembled from Preyssler‐type NaP5W30O11014− polyoxometalate and MIL‐101(Cr) metal–organic framework: A new inorganic–organic nanohybrid for fast and selective removal of cationic organic dyes from aqueous media

Novel inorganic–organic yolk–shell microspheres based on Preyssler‐type NaP₅W₃₀O₁₁₀^14? polyoxometalate and MIL‐101(Cr) metal–organic framework (P₅W₃₀/MIL‐101(Cr)) were synthesized by reaction of K_12.5Na_1.5[NaP₅W₃₀O₁₁₀], Cr(NO₃)₃·9H₂O and terephthalic acid under hydrothermal conditions at 200°C for 24 h. The as‐prepared yolk–shell microspheres were fully characterized using various techniques. All analyses confirmed the incorporation of the Preyssler‐type NaP₅W₃₀O₁₁₀^14? polyoxometalate into the three‐dimensional porous MIL‐101(Cr) metal–organic framework. The results revealed that P₅W₃₀/MIL‐101(Cr) demonstrated rapid adsorption of cationic methylene blue (MB) and rhodamine B (RhB) with ultrahigh efficiency and capacity, as well as achieving rapid and highly selective adsorption of MB from MB/MO (MO = methyl orange), MB/RhB and MB/RhB/MO mixtures. The P₅W₃₀/MIL‐101(Cr) adsorbent not only exhibited a high adsorption capacity of 212 mg g^?1, but also could quickly remove 100% of MB from a dye solution of 50 mg l^?1 within 8 min. The effects of some key parameters such as adsorbent dosage, initial dye concentration and initial pH on dye adsorption were investigated in detail. The equilibrium adsorption data were better fitted by the Langmuir isotherm. The adsorption kinetics was well modelled using a pseudo‐second‐order model. Also, the inorganic–organic hybrid yolk–shell microspheres could be easily separated from the reaction system and reused up to four times without any change in structure or adsorption ability. The stability and robustness of the adsorbent were confirmed using various techniques.     

Dodecatungstocobaltate heteropolyanion encapsulation into MIL‐101(Cr) metal–organic framework scaffold provides a highly efficient heterogeneous catalyst for methanolysis of epoxides

A heterogeneous catalyst was synthesized by encapsulation of a Keggin‐type heteropolytungstate, potassium dodecatungstocobaltate trihydrate, K₅[CoW₁₂O₄₀]·(Co‐POM), into chromium(III) terephthalate (MIL‐101). Encapsulation was achieved via a ‘build bottle around ship’ strategy in aqueous media, following a hydrothermal method. The structure of the resulting crystalline solid was characterized using X‐ray diffraction, correlated with Fourier transform infrared and UV–visible spectroscopy. The metal content was analysed using optical emission spectroscopy. Transmission electron microscopy was used to measure particle size and N₂ adsorption in a Brunauer–Emmett–Teller instrument to characterize the specific surface area. The catalytic activity was investigated using methanolysis of epoxides under mild conditions as a test reaction. The turnover frequency of the heterogeneous Co‐POM@MIL‐101 catalyst was more than 20 times higher than that of the homogeneous Co‐POM catalyst. The Co‐POM@MIL‐101 catalyst was reused several times with negligible leaching of Co‐POM and with no considerable loss of its initial efficiency. The simplicity of preparation, extraordinary stability and high reactivity make Co‐POM@MIL‐101 an exceptional catalytic matrix that is easily separable from reaction media.     

Anchoring H3PW12O40 on aminopropylsilanized spinel‐type cobalt oxide (Co3O4‐SiPrNH2/H3PW12O40): A novel nanohybrid adsorbent for removing cationic organic dye pollutants from aqueous solutions

In this work, phosphotungstic acid (H₃PW₁₂O₄₀; PW₁₂) was chemically anchored on aminopropylsiloxane functionalized spherical Co₃O₄ nanoparticles (Co₃O₄–SiPrNH₂) and the resultant nanocomposite (Co₃O₄–SiPrNH₂/PW₁₂) was fully characterized. The results demonstrated successful anchoring of PW₁₂ on the surface of Co₃O₄–SiPrNH₂nanoparticles. The Co₃O₄–SiPrNH₂/PW₁₂ nanohybrid indicated a specific surface area of 42.14 m² g^?1, which was greater than that of pure PW₁₂ (ca. 5 m² g^?1). The adsorption efficiency of this novel adsorbent nanomaterial was evaluated for removing methylene blue (MB), rhodamine B (RhB) and methyl orange (MO) dyes from aqueous solutions. The hybrid nanomaterial exhibited a high adsorption rate and selective adsorptivity for the cationic MB and RhB dyes compared to those for anionic MO dye. The prepared hybrid nanomaterial removed over 98% of MB within 12 min. The effects of initial pH, contact time, adsorbent dosage, and temperature were investigated on the adsorption process. The adsorption capacity of nanohybrid for cationic MB dye was 38.46 mg g^‐1. Also, adsorption kinetics indicated that the adsorption by Co₃O₄–SiPrNH₂/PW₁₂ was well‐modeled using pseudo‐second‐order kinetic model. Finally, thermodynamic parameters revealed that the adsorption was endothermic and spontaneous. The adsorption rate and ability of the Co₃O₄–SiPrNH₂/PW₁₂ were enhanced as compared with Co₃O₄ and Co₃O₄–SiPrNH₂ samples due to enhanced electrostatic attraction intraction. The nanohybride was easily separated and reused without any change in structure. Thus, it could be a promising green adsorbent for removing organic pollutants in water.     

Effect on selective adsorption of ethane and ethylene of the polyoxometalates impregnation in the metal-organic framework MIL-101

Impregnation of ionic nanostructured units in the pores of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) is one approach to modify their host–guest interactions. Although, the effect of this approach is well investigated in catalysis, drug delivery, and bio imaging, still little is known about its impact on the selective adsorption properties of MOFs. Here we report the impregnation of two different polyoxometalate (POM) nanoclusters (PW₁₁ and SiW₁₁) into chromium terephthalate-based MOF, MIL-101(Cr), to investigate the post-impregnation changes in selective adsorption behavior, which are observed in terms of an important paraffin–olefin separation, using ethane and ethylene, at high pressure. The PW₁₁ and SiW₁₁ POMs bring π-accepting tendency and highly electronegative oxygen atoms on their surface to MIL-101 structure that selectively increases the affinity of material for ethylene, which is confirmed from isosteric heats of adsorption and selectivity calculation. Impregnated samples retain about 74–81 % of working adsorption capacity, after regeneration by decreasing the pressure. This study shows that anionic metal-oxide nanoclusters (POMs) may be used to change the selectivity of MOFs for olefin molecules.     

Comparisons of glyphosate adsorption properties of different functional Cr‐based metal–organic frameworks

A Cr‐based metal–organic framework, namely, MIL‐101(Cr), was modified with amino (NH₂–) and urea (UR₂–) groups, and the materials were evaluated as adsorbents for glyphosate, and a comparison with commercial activated carbon was also discussed. The effects of the adsorption factors, such as adsorbent concentration, adsorption time, pH and ionic strength were mainly investigated. The results showed that a pseudo‐second‐order rate equation described the adsorption kinetics mechanisms well, while the Langmuir model and the Freundlich model fitted different adsorption isotherms, respectively. Among the adsorbents we studied, NH₂‐MIL‐101(Cr) showed the maximum adsorbing capacity, which is 64.25 mg/g when pH = 3.0, while UR₂‐MIL‐101(Cr) did not reach the best adsorption performance due to the steric hindrance. The work opens up a new way for the modification of metal–organic frameworks for adsorption process.     

Electrografting of Diazonium‐Functionalized Polyoxometalates: Synthesis,Immobilisation and Electron‐Transfer Characterisation from Glassy Carbon

Polyoxometalates (POMs) are attractive candidates for the rational design of multi‐level charge‐storage materials because they display reversible multi‐step reduction processes in a narrow range of potentials. The functionalization of POMs allows for their integration in hybrid complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS)/molecular devices, provided that fine control of their immobilisation on various substrates can be achieved. Owing to the wide applicability of the diazonium route to surface modification, a functionalized Keggin‐type POM [PW₁₁O₃₉{Ge(p‐C₆H₄‐C?C‐C₆H₄‐${{\rm N}{{+\hfill \atop 2\hfill}}}$ )}]^3? bearing a pending diazonium group was prepared and subsequently covalently anchored onto a glassy carbon electrode. Electron transfer with the immobilised POM was thoroughly investigated and compared to that of the free POM in solution.     

四种Keggin型多酸纳米材料的制备及其吸附有机染料的性能

以4种Keggin型多酸作为原料(分别为H₃PW₁₂O₄₀·36H₂O(简写为PW₁₂^a)、H₃PMo₁₂O₄₀·34H₂O(简写为PMo₁₂^a)、H₄SiW₁₂O₄₀·35H₂O(简写为SiW₁₂^a)和H₄GeW₁₂O₄₀·40H₂O(简写为GeW₁₂^a)),采用表面活性剂智能化控制的软化学法制备了相应的4种Keggin型多酸纳米材料,分别为Ag₃PW₁₂O₄₀·36H₂O(简写为PW₁₂^b)、Ag₃PMo₁₂O₄₀·34H₂O(简写为PMo₁₂^b)、Ag₄SiW₁₂O₄₀·35H₂O(简写为SiW₁₂^b)和Ag₄GeW₁₂O₄₀·40H₂O(简写为GeW₁₂^b)。采用IR、UV-Vis、XRD和SEM表征多酸的结构和纳米粒子的形貌。在室内黑暗条件下,100 mg样品可在5 min内把20 mg·L^-1的100 mL亚甲基蓝(MB)染料溶液脱色,使其变为接近无色,吸附效率最高可达96.3%,吸附效率大小为PMo₁₂^b > PW₁₂^b > GeW₁₂^b > SiW₁₂^b。相同条件下,100 mg样品使20 mg·L^-1的100 mL罗丹明B(RhB)染料溶液30 min内脱色完全,脱色效率最高可达96.1%,吸附效率大小为PW₁₂^b > PMo₁₂^b > SiW₁₂^b > GeW₁₂^b。说明该4种多酸纳米材料具有较高的吸附有机染料性能。     

四种Keggin型多酸纳米材料的制备及其吸附有机染料的性能

以4种Keggin型多酸作为原料(分别为H₃PW₁₂O₄₀·36H₂O(简写为PW₁₂^a)、H₃PMo₁₂O₄₀·34H₂O(简写为PMo₁₂^a)、H₄SiW₁₂O₄₀·35H₂O(简写为SiW₁₂^a)和H₄GeW₁₂O₄₀·40H₂O(简写为GeW₁₂^a)),采用表面活性剂智能化控制的软化学法制备了相应的4种Keggin型多酸纳米材料,分别为Ag₃PW₁₂O₄₀·36H₂O(简写为PW₁₂^b)、Ag₃PMo₁₂O₄₀·34H₂O(简写为PMo₁₂^b)、Ag₄SiW₁₂O₄₀·35H₂O(简写为SiW₁₂^b)和Ag₄GeW₁₂O₄₀·40H₂O(简写为GeW₁₂^b)。采用IR、UV-Vis、XRD和SEM表征多酸的结构和纳米粒子的形貌。在室内黑暗条件下,100mg样品可在5min内把20mg·L^-1的100mL亚甲基蓝(MB)染料溶液脱色,使其变为接近无色,吸附效率最高可达96.3%,吸附效率大小为PMo₁₂^b >PW₁₂^b >GeW₁₂^b >SiW₁₂^b。相同条件下,100mg样品使20mg·L^-1的100mL罗丹明B(RhB)染料溶液30min内脱色完全,脱色效率最高可达96.1%,吸附效率大小为PW₁₂^b >PMo₁₂^b >SiW₁₂^b >GeW₁₂^b。说明该4种多酸纳米材料具有较高的吸附有机染料性能。     

Enhancing the Water Stability of Al‐MIL‐101‐NH2 via Postsynthetic Modification

The resistance of metal–organic frameworks towards water is a very critical issue concerning their practical use. Recently, it was shown for microporous MOFs that the water stability could be increased by introducing hydrophobic pendant groups. Here, we demonstrate a remarkable stabilisation of the mesoporous MOF Al‐MIL‐101‐NH₂ by postsynthetic modification with phenyl isocyanate. In this process 86 % of the amino groups were converted into phenylurea units. As a consequence, the long‐term stability of Al‐MIL‐101‐URPh in liquid water could be extended beyond a week. In water saturated atmospheres Al‐MIL‐101‐URPh decomposed at least 12‐times slower than the unfunctionalised analogue. To study the underlying processes both materials were characterised by Ar, N₂ and H₂O sorption measurements, powder X‐ray diffraction, thermogravimetric and chemical analysis as well as solid‐state NMR and IR spectroscopy. Postsynthetic modification decreased the BET equivalent surface area from 3363 to 1555 m² g^?1 for Al‐MIL‐101‐URPh and reduced the mean diameters of the mesopores by 0.6 nm without degrading the structure significantly and reducing thermal stability. In spite of similar water uptake capacities, the relative humidity‐dependent uptake of Al‐MIL‐101‐URPh is slowed and occurs at higher relative humidity values. In combination with ¹H‐²⁷Al D ‐HMQC NMR spectroscopy experiments this favours a shielding mechanism of the Al clusters by the pendant phenyl groups and rules out pore blocking.     

Classical Keggin Intercalated into Layered Double Hydroxides: Facile Preparation and Catalytic Efficiency in Knoevenagel Condensation Reactions

The family of polyoxometalate (POM) intercalated layered double hydroxide (LDH) composite materials has shown great promise for the design of functional materials with numerous applications. It is known that intercalation of the classical Keggin polyoxometalate (POM) of [PW₁₂O₄₀]^3? (PW₁₂) into layered double hydroxides (LDHs) is very unlikely to take place by conventional ion exchange methods due to spatial and geometrical restrictions. In this paper, such an intercalated compound of Mg_0.73Al_0.22(OH)₂ [PW₁₂O₄₀]_0.04?0.98 H₂O (Mg₃Al‐PW₁₂) has been successfully obtained by applying a spontaneous flocculation method. The Mg₃Al‐PW₁₂ has been fully characterized by using a wide range of methods (XRD, SEM, TEM, XPS, EDX, XPS, FT‐IR, NMR, BET). XRD patterns of Mg₃Al‐PW₁₂ exhibit no impurity phase usually observed next to the (003) diffraction peak. Subsequent application of the Mg₃Al‐PW₁₂ as catalyst in Knoevenagel condensation reactions of various aldehydes and ketones with Z‐CH₂‐Z′ type substrates (ethyl cyanoacetate and malononitrile) at 60 °C in mixed solvents (V_2‐propanol:V_water=2:1) demonstrated highly efficient catalytic activity. The synergistic effect between the acidic and basic sites of the Mg₃Al‐PW₁₂ composite proved to be crucial for the efficiency of the condensation reactions. Additionally, the Mg₃Al‐PW₁₂‐catalyzed Knoevenagel condensation of benzaldehyde with ethyl cyanoacetate demonstrated the highest turnover number (TON) of 47 980 reported so far for this reaction.     

Single‐Molecule Magnet Behavior of Individual Polyoxometalate Molecules Incorporated within Biopolymer or Metal–Organic Framework Matrices

The chemically and structurally highly stable polyoxometalate (POM) single‐molecule magnet (SMM) [(FeW₉O₃₄)₂Fe₄(H₂O)₂]^10? (Fe₆W₁₈) has been incorporated by direct or post‐synthetic approaches into a biopolymer gelatin (Gel) matrix and two crystalline metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), including one diamagnetic (UiO‐67) and one magnetic (MIL‐101(Cr)). Integrity of the POM in the Fe₆W₁₈@Gel, Fe₆W₁₈@UiO‐67 and Fe₆W₁₈@MIL‐101(Cr) composites was confirmed by a set of complementary techniques. Magnetic studies indicate that the POMs are magnetically well isolated. Remarkably, in Fe₆W₁₈@Gel, the SMM properties of the embedded molecules are close to those of the crystals, with clear quantum tunneling steps in the hysteresis loops. For the Fe₆W₁₈@UiO‐67 composite, the molecules retain their SMM properties, the energy barrier being slightly reduced in comparison to the crystalline material and the molecules exhibiting a tunneling rate of magnetization significantly faster than for Fe₆W₁₈@Gel. When Fe₆W₁₈ is introduced into MIL‐101(Cr), the width of the hysteresis loops is drastically reduced and the quantum tunneling steps are smeared out because of the magnetic interactions between the antiferromagnetic matrix and the SMM guest molecules.     

Effective removal of 2,4,6‐trinitrophenol over hexagonal metal–organic framework NH2‐MIL‐88B(Fe)

A nanostructured organic–inorganic framework, hexagonal NH₂‐MIL‐88B, has been prepared through a facile one‐pot reflux reaction and then it was characterized using various techniques. The as‐prepared sample with high specific surface area (414 m² g^?1) showed excellent adsorption for 2,4,6‐trinitrophenol (TNP) in the liquid phase. Detailed studies of the adsorption kinetics, adsorption mechanism, adsorption isotherm, activation energy and various thermodynamic parameters were conducted. The adsorption mechanism of NH₂‐MIL‐88B for TNP may be ascribed to hydrogen bond interaction, and the complexation between ─OH in TNP and unsaturated Fe(III) on the surface of NH₂‐MIL‐88B. The maximum adsorption capacity of NH₂‐MIL‐88B for TNP based on the Langmuir isotherm was 163.66 mg g^?1. The as‐prepared NH₂‐MIL‐88B adsorbent seems to be a promising material in practice for TNP removal from aqueous solution.     

Preparation and Photocatalytic Activity of Mesoporous TiO2 Photocatalyst Co‐doped with Fe and H3PW12O40

The mesoporous titanium dioxide (MTiO₂) photocatalysts co‐doped with Fe and H₃PW₁₂O₄₀ were synthesized by template method using tetrabutyl titanate (Ti(OC₄H₉)₄), Fe(NO₃)k₃9H₂Oand H₃PW₁₂O₄₀ as precursors and Pluronic P123 as template. The as‐prepared photocatalyst was characterized by N₂ adsorption‐desorption measurements, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and UV‐vis adsorption spectroscopy, and the photocatalytic activities of the prepared samples under UV and visible light were estimated by measuring the degradation rate of methyl blue (MB) (50 mg/L) in an aqueous solution. The characterizations indicated that the photocatalysts possessed a homogeneous pore diameter of ca. 10 nm with high surface area of ca. 150 m²/g. The results of MB photodecomposition showed that co‐doped mesoporous TiO₂ exhibited higher photocatalytic activities than un‐doped, single‐doped mesoporous TiO₂ under UV and visible light irradiation. It was shown that the co‐doped MTiO₂ could be activated by visible light and could thus be used as an effective catalyst in photo‐oxidation reactions. The synergistic effect of Fe and H₃PW₁₂O₄₀ co‐doping played an important role in improving the photocatalytic activity.     

Self-assembly of reverse micelle nanoreactors by zwitterionic polyoxometalate-based surfactants for high selective production of β‑hydroxyl peroxides

Surfactants with polyoxometalates (POMs) as polar head groups have shown fascinating self-assembly behaviors and various functional applications. However, self-assembly them into reverse micelles is still challenging owing to the large molecular size and intermolecular strong electrostatic repulsions of POM heads. In this work, a zwitterionic POM-based surfactant was synthesized by covalently grafting two cationic long alkyl tails onto the lacunary site of [PW₁₁O₃₉]^7?. With decreased electrostatic repulsions and increased hydrophobic effect, the POM-based reverse micelles with an average diameter of 5 nm were obtained. Interestingly, when these reverse micelles were applied for catalyzing the oxidation of styrene, an unprecedented β?hydroxyl peroxide compound of 2?hydroxyl-2-phenylethan-1?tert-butylperoxide was produced in high selectivity of 95.2%. In comparison, the cetyltrimethylammonium electrostatically encapsulated POMs mainly generated the epoxides or 1,2-diols. A free radical mechanism was proposed for the oxidation reaction catalyzed by the zwitterionic POM surfactants.     

Enhancing photocatalytic activity of titanium dioxide through incorporation of MIL‐53(Fe) toward degradation of organic dye

Photocatalytic activity of titanium(IV) oxide (TiO₂) can be enhanced through modification of its surface‐active sites. Here, iron(III) carboxylate [MIL‐53[Fe]]‐incorporated TiO₂ (as MIL‐53(Fe)/TiO₂) was prepared using a hydrothermal method. This material was then calcined at 500°C to obtain a MIL‐53(Fe)‐derived γ‐Fe₂O₃/TiO₂ photocatalyst. A photocatalytic study of MIL‐53(Fe)/TiO₂ and MIL‐53(Fe)‐derived γ‐Fe₂O₃/TiO₂ toward cationic methylene blue (MB) and anionic methyl orange (MO) showed that MIL‐53(Fe)/TiO₂ (0.25 wt%) and MIL‐53(Fe)‐derived γ‐Fe₂O₃/TiO₂ (0.75 wt%) resulted the best degree of dye degradation. The MIL‐53(Fe)‐derived γ‐Fe₂O₃/TiO₂ (0.75 wt%) composite for instance is capable of degrading almost 100% of 20‐ppm MB and MO, respectively, within 6 hr. Photocatalytic degradation of MB and MO was well fitted to the Langmuir‐Hinshelwood pseudo‐first order kinetics model, which indicates physisorption as the key partway that facilitates dye decomposition on the surface of a photocatalyst under UV‐A irradiation. This study provides new insights into the exploration of MILs/TiO₂ materials for the environmental remediation and pollution control.     

Probing Polyoxometalate–Protein Interactions Using Molecular Dynamics Simulations

The molecular interactions between the Ce^IV‐substituted Keggin anion [PW₁₁O₃₉Ce(OH₂)₄]^3? ( CeK ) and hen egg‐white lysozyme (HEWL) were investigated by molecular dynamics simulations. The analysis of CeK was compared with the Ce^IV‐substituted Keggin dimer [(PW₁₁O₃₉)₂Ce]^10? ( CeK₂ ) and the Zr^IV‐substituted Lindqvist anion [W₅O₁₈Zr(OH₂)(OH)]^3? ( ZrL ) to understand how POM features such as shape, size, charge, or type of incorporated metal ion influence the POM???protein interactions. Simulations revealed two regions of the protein in which the CeK anion interacts strongly: cationic sites formed by Arg21 and by Arg45 and Arg68. The POMs chiefly interact with the side chains of the positively charged (arginines, lysines) and the polar uncharged residues (tyrosines, serines, aspargines) via electrostatic attraction and hydrogen bonding with the oxygen atoms of the POM framework. The CeK anion shows higher protein affinity than the CeK₂ and ZrL anions, because it is less hydrophilic and it has the right size and shape for establishing interactions with several residues simultaneously. The larger, more negatively charged CeK₂ anion has a high solvent‐accessible surface, which is sub‐optimal for the interaction, while the smaller ZrL anion is highly hydrophilic and cannot efficiently interact with several residues simultaneously.     

Four‐Shell Polyoxometalates Featuring High‐Nuclearity Ln26 Clusters: Structural Transformations of Nanoclusters into Frameworks Triggered by Transition‐Metal Ions

A series of polyoxometalates (POMs) that incorporate the highest‐nuclearity Ln clusters that have been observed in such structures to date (Ln₂₆ , Ln=La and Ce) are described, which exhibit giant multishell configurations (Ln⊂W₆⊂Ln₂₆⊂W₁₀₀). Their structures are remarkably different from known giant POMs that feature multiple Ln ions. In particular, the incorporated Ln–O clusters with a nuclearity of 26 are significantly larger than known high‐nuclearity (≤10) Ln–O clusters in POM chemistry. Furthermore, they also contain the largest number of La and Ce centers for any POM reported to date and represent a new kind of rare giant POMs with more than 100 W atoms. Interestingly, the La₂₆‐containing POM can undergo a single‐crystal to single‐crystal structural transformation in the presence of various transition‐metal ions, such as Cu²⁺, Co²⁺, and Ni²⁺, from an inorganic molecular nanocluster into an inorganic–organic hybrid extended framework that is built from POM building blocks with even higher‐nuclearity La₂₈ clusters bridged by transition‐metal complexes.     

Modular Polyoxometalate‐Layered Double Hydroxide Composites as Efficient Oxidative Catalysts

The exploitation of intercalation techniques in the field of two‐dimensional layered materials offers unique opportunities for controlling chemical reactions in confined spaces and developing nanocomposites with desired functionality. In this study, the exploitation of the novel and facile “one‐pot” anion‐exchange method for the functionalization of layered double hydroxides (LDHs) is demonstrated. As a proof‐of‐concept, we demonstrate the intercalation of a series of polyoxometalate (POM) clusters, Na₃[PW₁₂O₄₀]?15 H₂O (Na₃PW₁₂), K₆[P₂W₁₈O₆₂]?14 H₂O (K₆P₂W₁₈), and Na₉LaW₁₀O₃₆?32 H₂O (Na₉LaW₁₀) into tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane (Tris)‐modified layered double hydroxides (LDHs) under ambient conditions without the necessity of degassing CO₂. Investigation of the resultant intercalated materials of Tris‐LDHs–PW₁₂ ( 1 ), Tris‐LDH–P₂W₁₈ ( 2 ), and Tris‐LDH–LaW₁₀ ( 3 ) for the degradation of methylene blue (MB), rhodamine B (RB) and crystal violet (CV) has been carried out, where Tris‐LDH–PW₁₂ reveals the best performance in the presence of H₂O₂. Additionally, degradation of a mixture of RB, MB and CV by Tris‐LDH–PW₁₂ follows the order of CV>MB>RB, which is directly related to the designed accessible area of the interlayer space. Also, the composite can be readily recycled and reused at least ten cycles without measurable decrease of activity.     

Equilibrium and kinetic study of novel methyltrimethoxysilane magnetic titanium dioxide nanocomposite for methylene blue adsorption from aqueous media

Novel magnetic titanium dioxide nanoparticles decorated with methyltrimethoxysilane (Fe₃O₄@TiO₂‐MTMOS) were successfully fabricated via a sol–gel method at room temperature. The synthesized material was characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis and vibrating sample magnetometry. The removal efficiency of the adsorbent was evaluated through the adsorption of methylene blue (MB) dye from water samples. The adsorption isotherm and kinetics were evaluated using various models. The Langmuir model indicated a high adsorption capacity (11.5 mg g^?1) of Fe₃O₄@TiO₂‐MTMOS. The nanocomposite exhibited high removal efficiency (96%) and good regeneration (10 times) compared to Fe₃O₄ and Fe₃O₄@TiO₂ at pH = 9.0. Based on the adsorption mechanism, electrostatic interaction plays a main role in adsorption since MB dye is cationic in nature at pH = 9, whereas the adsorbent acquired an anionic nature. The newly synthesized Fe₃O₄@TiO₂‐MTMOS can be used as a promising material for efficient removal of MB dye from aqueous media.     

Carbon Monoxide Oxidation by Polyoxometalate‐Supported Gold Nanoparticulate Catalysts: Activity,Stability, and Temperature‐ Dependent Activation Properties

Nanoparticulate gold supported on a Keggin‐type polyoxometalate (POM), Cs₄[α‐SiW₁₂O₄₀]?n H₂O, was prepared by the sol immobilization method. The size of the gold nanoparticles (NPs) was approximately 2 nm, which was almost the same as the size of the gold colloid precursor. Deposition of gold NPs smaller than 2 nm onto POM (Au/POM) was essential for a high catalytic activity for CO oxidation. The temperature for 50 % CO conversion was ?67 °C. The catalyst showed extremely high stability for at least one month at 0 °C with full conversion. The catalytic activity and the reaction mechanism drastically changed at temperatures higher than 40 °C, showing a unique behavior called a U‐shaped curve. It was revealed by IR measurement that Au^δ+ was a CO adsorption site and that adsorbed water promoted CO oxidation for the Au/POM catalyst. This is the first report on CO oxidation utilizing Au/POMs catalysts, and there is a potential for expansion to various gas‐phase reactions.