Photocatalytic Reduction of Ag2SO4 by Dawson-Derived Sandwich Complex

Photocatalytic reduction of Ag^I₂SO₄ from aqueous solutions is observed in the presence of Dawson-derived sandwich type polyoxometalates (POMs) M₄(P₂W₁₅O₅₆)₂]^16?, M = Co²⁺, Ni²⁺ and Zn²⁺ as photocatalyst and an organic substrate (propan-2-ol) as sacrificial electron donor. The direct photochemical excitation of the Dawson-derived sandwich type polyoxometalates in the presence of propan-2-ol leads to its reduction. That first reduction step induces electron transfer to Ag⁺ ions to give Ag⁰ metal atoms which then form by aggregation colloidal metal nanoparticles stabilized by POM. In the case of Co₄(P₂W₁₅O₅₆)₂]^16?, TEM experiments reveal that the Ag_n particles obtained with a slight excess of Ag⁺ are almost spherical with size in the range 20 – 50 nm. However, in a large excess of Ag⁺, the obtained colloids are more oblate and assembled together to give larger aggregates.