Redox-inactive ions control the redox-activity of molecular vanadium oxides

Polyoxometalates are key materials for energy conversion and storage due to their unique chemical tunability and electrochemical reactivity. Herein, we report that functionalization of molecular vanadium oxides, polyoxovanadates, with redox-inert Ca²⁺ cations leads to a significant increase in their electron storage capabilities. The electrochemical performance of the Ca²⁺-functionalized dodecavanadate [Ca₂V₁₂O₃₂Cl(DMF)₃]²⁻ (={Ca₂V₁₂}) was thus compared with that of the precursor compound (H₂NMe₂)₂[V₁₂O₃₂Cl]³⁻ (={V₁₂}). {Ca₂V₁₂} can store up to five electrons per cluster, while {V₁₂} only shows one reversible redox transition. In initial studies, we demonstrated that {Ca₂V₁₂} can be used as an active material in lithium-ion cathodes. Our results show how redox-inert cations can be used as structural and electrostatic stabilizers, leading to major changes in the redox-chemistry of polyoxovanadates.

The enhanced redox-activity of a molecular vanadium oxide cluster upon functionalization with redox-inert Ca²⁺ ions is reported together with initial insights into its performance as a lithium ion battery cathode.