Template free fabrication of hollow hematite spheres via a one-pot polyoxometalate-assisted hydrolysis process

Uniform hollow hematite (α-Fe₂O₃) spheres with diameter of about 600-700 nm and shell thickness lower than 100 nm are obtained by direct hydrothermal treatment of dilute FeCl₃ and tungstophosphoric acid H₃PW₁₂O₄₀ solution at 180 °C. The hollow spheres are composed of robust shells with small nanoparticles standing out of the surface and present a high-surface area and a weak ferromagnetic behavior at room temperature. The effect of concentration of H₃PW₁₂O₄₀, reaction time and temperature for the formation of the hollow spheres are investigated in series of experiments. The formation of the hollow spheres may be ascribed to a polyoxometalte-assisted forced hydrolysis and dissolution process.     

Optimum conditions for intercalation of lacunary tungstophosphate(V) anions into layered Ni(II)-Zn(II) hydroxyacetate

Acetate containing nickel-zinc hydroxysalts (LHS-Ni-Zn) have been synthesized by coprecipitation and hydrothermal treatment. The acetate anions were exchanged with PW₁₂O₄₀³⁻ anions, and optimum conditions to attain the maximum level of W in the compound have been identified. The W intercalated compound was characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, FT-IR spectroscopy, thermogravimetric and differential thermal analyses, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy.The exchange of LHS-Ni-Zn with PW₁₂O₄₀³⁻ at pH=3 for 72 h leads to a solid with a basal spacing of 9.62 Å and a W content (weight) of 37%. The hydrothermal treatment at 90 °C for 24 h increases this value to 48% with a W/Zn molar ratio of 1.38, which corresponds to a layered compound with lacunary tungstophosphate anions in the interlayer space. The intercalated solid is stable up to 250 °C, the layer structure collapses on dehydroxylation and amorphous compounds were identified at 500 °C. Two crystalline phases, NiO (rock salt) and a solid solution (Zn_1−xNi_x)WO₄, were identified by powder X-ray diffraction at high temperature (ca. 1000 °C).     

Direct reductive amination and selective 1,2-reduction of α,β-unsaturated aldehydes and ketones by NaBH4 using H3PW12O40 as catalyst

A simple and convenient procedure for direct reductive amination of aldehydes and ketones with sodium borohydride is described. The reaction has been carried out in methanol in the presence of a catalytic amount of H₃PW₁₂O₄₀ (0.5 mol %). α,β-Unsaturated aldehydes and ketones can be easily converted into the corresponding allyl alcohols by reaction with H₃PW₁₂O₄₀ (0.5 mol %)/NaBH₄.     

Oxidation of allylic alcohols, amines, and sulfides mediated by assembled triphase catalyst of phosphotungstate and non-cross-linked amphiphilic copolymer

A novel catalyst PWAA, an assembled complex of phosphotungstic acid (H₃PW₁₂O₄₀) and a non-cross-linked copolymer of N-isopropylacrylamide with an ammonium, was developed. It is an amphiphilic, cross-linked, and supramolecular insoluble complex and showed catalytic activity on oxidation with aqueous hydrogen peroxide. PWAA, used in 2.7×10⁻⁵-2.0×10⁻³ mol equiv., catalyzed oxidation of allylic alcohols, amines, and sulfides efficiently. The turnover number (TON) of PWAA reached up to 35,000. PWAA showed a good stability in organic/aqueous media and was reused three to five times.     

“Sponge Crystal”: a novel class of microporous single crystals formed by self-assembly of polyoxometalate (NH4)3PW12O40 nanocrystallites

In this account, a new concept of “sponge crystals” is presented on the basis of new interpretation of our previous results of porous heteropolyacids, that is, porous aggregates of self-assembled (NH₄)₃PW₁₂O₄₀ nanocrystallites (Ito, Inumaru, and Misono, J. Phys. Chem. B 101 (1997) 9958; Chem. Mater. 13 (2001) 824) “Sponge crystals” are defined as single crystals having continuous voids within them, but unlike zeolites, no intrinsic structural pores. This new category includes molecular single crystals having continuous voids originating from series of neighboring vacancies (≥1 nm) of the constituent large molecules, affording nanospaces in the crystals. A typical example of “sponge crystals” is (NH₄)₃PW₁₂O₄₀, which is formed via the dropwise addition of ammonium hydrogen carbonate into an H₃PW₁₂O₄₀ aqueous solution (titration method) at 368 K. The resulting (NH₄)₃PW₁₂O₄₀ nanocrystallites (ca. 6–8 nm) then self-assemble with the same crystal orientation to form porous dodecahedral aggregates in the solution. During the formation process, necks grow epitaxially between the surfaces of the nanocrystallites (“Epitaxial Self-Assembly”) to form aggregates of which each aggregate has an ordered structure as a whole single crystal. Although the crystal structure of (NH₄)₃PW₁₂O₄₀ has no intrinsic structural(“built-in”) pores, X-ray diffraction, electron diffraction and gas adsorption experiments all reveal that each (NH₄)₃PW₁₂O₄₀ aggregate is comprised of a single crystal bearing many micropores. These pores are considered to be continuous spaces as neighboring vacancies of the molecules (anions and cations) originating from the residual spaces between the self-assembled nanocrystallites. The porous (NH₄)₃PW₁₂O₄₀ single crystals are considered a special case of “mesocrystals,” as was recently discussed by Cölfen and Antonietti (Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 44 (2005) 5576). In contrast to most “mesocrystals,” which are generally polycrystalline in nature, each aggregate of (NH₄)₃PW₁₂O₄₀ is a characteristic porous single crystal. Furthermore, the micropores of (NH₄)₃PW₁₂O₄₀ are totally different from those found in other microporous crystals: zeolites have “built-in” pores defined by their crystal structure, while the (NH₄)₃PW₁₂O₄₀ nanocrystallites have none. Since (NH₄)₃PW₁₂O₄₀ micropores are continuous spaces as neighboring vacancies of the molecules, the shapes of the (NH₄)₃PW₁₂O₄₀ pores can in principle, assume various connectivities or networks within the crystal, and as such, are subsequently termed: “sponge crystals.”     

Synthesis of nano-sized Ag3PW12O40/ZnO heterojunction as a photocatalyst for degradation of organic pollutants under simulated sunlight

With the rapid development of the world economy, water pollution has become increasingly serious. The photocatalytic degradation of pollutants is one of the most promising environmental treatment techniques. In this study, novel Ag₃PW₁₂O₄₀/ZnO nanoheterojunction was successfully constructed via a chemical process and was then characterized using X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller analysis, and photoluminescence measurements. The synthesized nanoheterojunction exhibited good crystallinity and dispersity. The particle diameter of the composite was approximately 800 nm, the bandgap was 2.92 eV, and the specific surface area was approximately 10.5 m².g^?1. Under optimum conditions, the photocatalyst degraded 82.1% RhB in 60 min. Moreover, the novel Ag₃PW₁₂O₄₀/ZnO heterojunction also exhibited an excellent recycling stability. Hydroxyl radicals, superoxide radicals, and holes played important roles in the photocatalytic degradation process. A possible mechanism for the enhanced photocatalytic performance of the nanoheterojunction was proposed. This work provides a strong foundation for the application of Ag₃PW₁₂O₄₀/ZnO nanoheterojunction for treating environmental organic pollutants.     

Acidity function of concentrated solutions of 12-tungstophosphoric acid

Conclusions The authors have measured the Hammett acidity functions H₀ of concentrated solutions of H₃PW₁₂O₄₀ in water, aqueous dioxane, and acetic acid. In these solvents the acidity of H₃PW₁₂O₄₀ is higher than those of sulfuric and hydrochloric acids.Translated from Izvestiya Akademii Nauk SSSR, Seriya Khimicheskaya, No. 3, pp. 492–493, March, 1982.     

One-step synthesis of a Keggin-type manganese(II)-substituted phosphotungstate: structural and spectroscopic characterization and non-solvent liquid phase oxidation of styrene

The Keggin-type Cs salt of a mono Mn(II)-substituted phosphotungstate (Cs₅[PMnW₁₁O₃₉]) was synthesized from H₃PW₁₂O₄₀, MnCl₂ and CsCl. The complex was characterized in solution as well as in the solid state by spectroscopic, magnetic and electrochemical techniques. The complex crystallized in tetragonal phase. X-ray structural analysis shows two types of disorder in which the Mn and W atoms are distributed over the 12 positions, and the Mn atom could not be distinguished from the 11 W atoms distributed equally over the 12 addenda atoms in the Keggin structure. The catalytic activity of the complex was evaluated for non-aqueous oxidation of styrene using molecular oxygen. The complex gave >99.0% selectivity towards benzaldehyde and could be reused.     

Catalysis by porous heteropoly compounds

This paper attempts to review recent works on catalysis of porous heteropoly compounds. The salts of heteropolyacids having Keggin structure with large cations like Cs⁺ are porous materials. For Cs hydrogen salts, the pore width can be controlled by the Cs content. Cs_2.5H_0.5PW₁₂O₄₀ has the largest amount of protons on the surface among the acidic Cs salts and possesses pores with bimodal distribution in the micro and meso region. Efficient performances were demonstrated for acid-catalyzed reactions such as skeletal isomerization of -butane in solid-gas system, alkylation and acylation in solid-liquid system, and hydrolysis and hydration in solid-water system. A microporous salt, Cs_2.2H_0.8PW₁₂O₄₀, exhibited reactant shape selectivity towards direct decomposition of esters. Furthermore, an ultramicroporous bifunctional catalyst, Pt–Cs_2.1H_0.9PW₁₂O₄₀ of which the pore width is around 5 Å, exhibits reactant shape selectivity for hydrogenation of alkenes and oxidation of hydrocarbons, and product shape selectivity for skeletal isomerization of -butane.     

Normal micelle synthesis and characterization of MgAl2O4 spinel nanoparticles

Magnesium-aluminum oxide, MgAl₂O₄ spinel nanoparticles have been synthesized using normal micelle microemulsion methods. A mixed magnesium-aluminum hydroxide is initially formed which after annealing at 600°C forms nanocrystalline MgAl₂O₄ spinel. By controlling reactant concentration in the micelle solution, the particle size has been tuned over the range 4-20 nm. The reaction pathways have been determined by using the characterization methods such as X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry.     

Shape selective oxidation by a microporous platinum-polyoxometalate

Shape selective catalytic behaviour of a platinum-promoted polyoxometalate, 0.5 wt% Pt−Cs_2.1H_{0 9}PW₁₂O₄₀, has been studied for complete oxidation of methane and benzene. The pore size of this catalyst determined by adsorptions of n-butane and isobutane was close to the molecular size of n-butane (0.43 nm). Ar and N₂ porosimetries demonstrated that 0.5 wt% Pt−Cs_{2 1}H_{0 9}PW₁₂O₄₀ possesses unimodal distribution of pores in ultramicropore region. External surface area was estimated to be less than 3% that of the total surface area (61 m² g⁻¹) of the catalyst. Owing to the restricted pores, this exhibited efficient shape selectivity; methane (molecular size; 0.38 nm) was readily oxidized, while the oxidations of the larger molecule such as benzene (0.59 nm) were greatly suppressed. These results indicate that 0.5 wt% Pt−Cs_{2 1}H_{0 9}PW₁₂O₄₀ is a promising microporous catalyst.     

Electrocatalysis of the hydrogen evolution reaction by nanocomposites of poly(amidoamine)-encapsulated platinum nanoparticles and phosphotungstic acid

Poly(amidoamine) dendrimer (Generation-4) encapsulated platinum nanoparticles (PtNP-PAMAM) were prepared and used to fabricate nanocomposites with Keggin-type phosphotungstic acid (PW₁₂O₄₀³⁻) using a layer by layer electrostatic assembly technique. Indium tin oxide (ITO) electrodes, which were first modified with a monolayer of 3-aminopropyl triethoxysilane (3-APTES), were used as substrates for assembly of the PW₁₂O₄₀³⁻ monolayer. Nanocomposites were then fabricated by depositing PtNP-PAMAM on the monolayer of PW₁₂O₄₀³⁻. The amount of PtNP-PAMAM deposited was controlled by using different concentrations of PtNP-PAMAM diluted in 0.1 M H₂SO₄ solution. The hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) was used to test electrocatalytic activities of these nanocomposite modified electrodes. Modification of ITO|3-APTES with PW₁₂O₄₀³⁻ |PtNP-PAMAM showed significantly higher electrocatalytic activities toward the HER than electrodes modified with either PW₁₂O₄₀³⁻ or PtNP-PAMAM alone. The electrocatalytic activities were found to depend on the composition of PtNP-PAMAM and PW₁₂O₄₀³⁻ on electrode surfaces, which was attributed to an interaction between these species. Heat treatment of ITO|3-APTES|PW₁₂O₄₀³⁻ |PtNP-PAMAM electrodes at 200 °C produced significantly higher electrocatalytic activities, which supported the suggestion of an interaction. Presented at the 4th Baltic conference on Electrochemistry, Griefswald, March 13.−16., 2005.     

Syntheses, structures and properties of a series of photochromic hybrids based on Keggin tungstophosphates

Three inorganic-organic hybrids based on Keggin tungstophosphates and lanthanides, [Pr(NMP)₆(PW₁₂O₄₀)]_n (1), [Eu(NMP)₆(PW₁₂O₄₀)]_n (2), and [Er₂(NMP)₁₂(PW₁₂O₄₀)][PW₁₂O₄₀] (3) (NMP=N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone), have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, IR, UV-vis, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Compounds 1 and 2 exhibit 1D infinite zigzag chain structures, while compound 3 exhibits an ionic asymmetric structure due to lanthanide contraction. The three compounds are all photochromic. The magnetic susceptibility for 1 measured over the range 2-300 K shows that there is the dominant antiferromagnetic interaction in the compound. The results of luminescent properties show that compound 2 displays an interesting selectivity for Zn²⁺ ions.     

Acidity of Solutions of Heteropoly Acids with Various Structures and Compositions

Hammett acidity functions H ₀ of solutions of heteropoly acids H₅PW₁₁XO₄₀ (X(IV) = Ti, Zr), H₃PW₁₂O₄₀, H₄SiW₁₂O₄₀, H₆P₂W₂₁O₇₁, and H₂₁B₃W₃₉O₁₃₂, as well as HClO₄ and CF₃SO₃H, in water and 90% aqueous acetone and acetonitrile, are measured at 20°C by the indicator method. In aqueous solutions all acids under study have the same strength, and in organic solvents their acidities differ. A correlation between the catalytic activity and acidity of the solution is found for the condensation of acetone to mesityl oxide.     

Effect of capping and particle size on Raman laser-induced degradation of γ-Fe2O3 nanoparticles

Diol capped γ-Fe₂O₃ nanoparticles are prepared from ferric nitrate by refluxing in 1,4-butanediol (9.5 nm) and 1,5-pentanediol (15 nm) and uncapped particles are prepared by refluxing in 1,2-propanediol followed by sintering the alkoxide formed. X-ray diffraction (XRD) shows that all the samples have the spinel phase. Raman spectroscopy shows that the samples prepared in 1,4-butanediol and 1,5-pentanediol and 1,2-propanediol (sintered at 573 and 673 K) are γ-Fe₂O₃ and the 773 K-sintered sample is Fe₃O₄. Raman laser studies carried out at various laser powers show that all the samples undergo laser-induced degradation to α-Fe₂O₃ at higher laser power. The capped samples are however, found more stable to degradation than the uncapped samples. The stability of γ-Fe₂O₃ sample with large particle size (15.4 nm) is more than the sample with small particle size (10.2 nm). Fe₃O₄ having a particle size of 48 nm is however less stable than the smaller γ-Fe₂O₃ nanoparticles.     

Electron donor-acceptor complexes of polyoxometalates with organic molecules. Picosecond spectroscopy of [(N-methylpyrrolidinone)2H+PW 12O403−

The photochemistry of the electron donor-acceptor complex formed between N-methylpyrrolidinone and H₃PW₁₂O₄₀ was investigated by means of picosecond absorption spectroscopy. Excitation at 355 nm generates PW₁₂O₄₀⁴⁻ within ≈90 ps after excitation. Evidence exists for the production of a species within the time duration of the excitation laser pulse which either gives rise to or exists with PW₁₂O₄₀⁴⁻.     

Hydrophilic and hydrophobic nano-sized Mn3O4 particles

Mn₃O₄ Hausmanite nanoparticles were prepared in aqueous solution by using metallic salt and hydrazine as precursor and reducing agent, respectively. The crystallite sizes ranged from 10 to 20 nm and the particle diameter distribution was very narrow and estimated between 20 and 30 nm. Influence of some parameters such as temperature, time of reaction, surfactant nature was studied for a synthesis in an aqueous medium. The as-made manganese oxides particles could be dispersed in an organic solvent containing stabilizing agents, according to perform the synthesis in an H₂O/n-hexan two-phase medium. These nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, scanning and transmission electron microscopies and nitrogen absorption measurements.     

Epoxidation of cycloolefins with hydrogen peroxide in the presence of heteropoly acids combined with phase transfer catalyst

Oxidation of cycloolefins (cyclohexene, cyclooctene, and cyclododecene) with a 30% solution of hydrogen peroxide at 65 °C in the presence of heteropoly acids (HPA) H₃PW_12–x Mo _x O₄₀ (x = 0—12), which are precursors of active peroxo complexes, and phase transfer catalysts Q⁺Cl^–, where Q⁺ is the quaternary ammonium cation containing C₄—C₁₈ alkyl groups or [C₅H₅NC₁₆H₃₃]⁺, was studied. The catalytic activity decreases in the HPA series: H₃PW₁₂O₄₀ > H₃PW₉Mo₃O₄₀ > H₃PW₆Mo₆O₄₀ > H₃PW₃Mo₉O₄₀ > H₃PMo₁₂O₄₀. The state of the H₃PW₁₂O₄₀—I₂I₂ system was studied using UV, IR, and ³¹P NMR spectroscopies with variation of the [H₂O₂] : [HPA] ratio from 2 to 200 during cyclohexene epoxidation. Despite different catalytic precursors, the reaction proceeds through the same peroxo complex.     

Synthesis,structure and electrochemical properties of a polyoxometalate-templated compound with 2D twofold interpenetrating network

A new Keggin-type polyoxometalate-based compound {[Cu₂(L)₄(H₂O)₄](PW₁₁^VIW^VO₄₀)}·16H₂O (1) constructed from PW₁₁^VIW^VO₄₀ ⁴⁻, N,N′-bis(4-pyridylformyl) piperazine (L) and Cu(II) has been hydrothermally synthesized and structurally characterized by elemental analyses, IR and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis reveals that the semi-rigid piperazine-based ligands L coordinate to the Cu(II) atoms to constitute a two dimensional coordination network. The 2D (4, 4) cationic layers are stacked together in a perpendicular mode, resulting in the formation of twofold interpenetrating frameworks with large cavities. The PW₁₂ anions reside in the large cubic-like cavities, serving as non-coordinating templates. The compound 1 displays good electrocatalytic activity toward the reduction of nitrite in 1 M H₂SO₄ aqueous solution.     

In Vitro Antifungal Activity and Mechanism of Ag3PW12O40 Composites against Candida Species

Fungal infections pose a serious threat to human health. Polyoxometalates (POMs) are metal–oxygen clusters with potential application in the control of microbial infections. Herein, the Ag₃PW₁₂O₄₀ composites have been synthesized and verified by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectrum, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscope (SEM), elemental analysis, and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The antifungal activities of Ag₃PW₁₂O₄₀ were screened in 19 Candida species strains through the determination of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) by the microdilution checkerboard technique. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC₅₀) values of Ag₃PW₁₂O₄₀ are 2~32 μg/mL to the Candida species. The MIC₈₀ value of Ag₃PW₁₂O₄₀ to resistant clinical isolates C. albicans HL963 is 8 μg/mL, which is lower than the positive control, fluconazole (FLC). The mechanism against C. albicans HL963 results show that Ag₃PW₁₂O₄₀ can decrease the ergosterol content. The expressions of ERG1, ERG7, and ERG11, which impact on the synthesis of ergosterol, are all prominently upregulated by Ag₃PW₁₂O₄₀. It indicates that Ag₃PW₁₂O₄₀ is a candidate in the development of new antifungal agents.