Commentary on the role of polyoxometalates in nature cybernetic loop

Abstract

The interplay between extraterrestrial, atmospheric, aqueous, interfacial, and hydrothermal processes is crucial for Earth's prebiotic chemistry. Volcanic terrains contain polyoxometalates (POMs). Some polyoxocuprates were identified as building blocks of fumarole minerals produced from high‐temperature gases. The existence of polyoxovanadate anions in acidified reducing volcanic aquifers cannot be excluded. At present, it can only be speculated whether life arose around natural POM deposits and/or around their aqueous phase chemistry through acid‐base and/or redox reactions. This Commentary spans different fields of sciences in nature cybernetic loop to provide impetus to explore gas‐phase chemical reactions of multiply charged POM ions, catalysis by POM‐containing mineral phases, the behavior of POMs under plasma‐initiated ultraviolet photolysis, interactions of POMs with microorganisms, bioorthogonal chemistry of POMs, and engineering POM‐based bionic functions inspired by living organisms.

Oxovanadium electronics for in-memory, neuromorphic, and quantum computing applications

“…The latter also occur in natural mineral phases. 22 Another type of oxovanadium compounds that may have potential applications in some form in computing are vanadyl porphyrins. 23 These vanadium( iv ) complexes (see, a crystal structure of a synthetic vanadyl petroporphyrin 24 ) were detected e.g.…”

Huge Electron Sponge of Polyoxometalate toward Advanced Lithium-Ion Storage

“…Polyoxometalates (POMs) are a class of nanostructured transition metal oxide molecular clusters with a clear composition, diverse structures, adjustable structure volume, flexible scaffolds, easy derivatization, adjustable valence state, and reversible redox properties. Therefore, they are attractively researched in electrochemical energy storage, , catalytic, , medicine, , photo/electro-chromics, − and nature . Different from the traditional transition metal oxides, POMs are able to store multiple electrons during the charging/discharging process, known as an “electron sponge”.…”

“…Therefore, they are attractively researched in electrochemical energy storage, 14,15 catalytic, 16,17 medicine, 18,19 photo/electro-chromics, 20−22 and nature. 23 Different from the traditional transition metal oxides, POMs are able to store multiple electrons during the charging/ discharging process, known as an "electron sponge". A Keggintype polyoxometalate (PMo 12 ) was first reported to be used as the anode material of LIBs in 2012, and it was found that each PMo 12 molecule reversibly transfers 24 electrons during the lithiation and delithiation processes.…”