Metal-oxide clusters with semiconductive heterojunction counterparts

Abstract

Heterojunctions have received a lot of attention because of their perfect charge-separation effectiveness in improving catalytic/photocatalytic activity, but reproducible formation and nonuniform particle size remain ongoing challenges. Numerous metal-oxide clusters (MOCs) with constructions similar to heterojunction nanoparticles, referred to herein as intramolecular heterojunction compounds, have now been discovered in the literature and may be potential solutions to the aforementioned challenges. The first section of this critical review introduces the concept of intramolecular heterojunction, as well as the constructions, synthetic methods, and tabulation of selected examples. Catalytic reactions using intramolecular heterojunction compounds are systemically surveyed in the second part, including activation of H2O2 and O2 for selective oxidations, electrocatalytic reductions, photocatalytic water splitting, and CO2 conversion. Finally, future research directions are discussed. In the future, more intramolecular heterojunction compounds may be designed and synthesized following this path, which would undoubtedly benefit researches in both molecular chemistry and photocatalysis.

Polyoxometalate-Modified g-C3N4 Composites with High Work Function for Triboelectric Nanogenerators

“…Polyoxometalates (POMs), as a kind of metal oxide clusters with multifunctional functions, − have obvious advantages compared with traditional metal nanomaterials and organic polymer materials: (1) they have adjustable energy levels, which can effectively regulate the work function of materials; (2) they can be used as a shallow electron trap, which can effectively enhance the electronic storage capacity of the composite material. − However, POM itself cannot easily conduct electricity, so it is necessary to choose a material to load POMs. Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C 3 N 4 ) is a graphite-like two-dimensional layered semiconductor material.…”

From confined growth to enhanced peroxidase-like activity: Nucleation of a phosphate-mediated Fe III–Ce III–oxo cluster inside the {P 8W 48} nanoreactor

“…Polyoxometalates (POMs) are a distinctive class of discrete anionic hosts with metal-oxo scaffolds that facilitate the nucleation of various electrophiles, including transition metals, lanthanides, and organometallic species [11][12][13]. POMs adopting the cluster@cluster archetype have been consistently explored, with research focus transitioning from structural attributes to functions such as redox catalysis, singlemolecule magnetism, and proton conduction [14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23].…”

Photochemical Ammonia Synthesis over Reduced Polyoxovanadate-Intercalated Defective ZnAl Layered Double Hydroxide Nanosheets

“…(ii) Reduced POMs (mixed-valence POMs) are well known for a broad and strong absorption spectrum including the near-infrared and visible regions due to their metal-to-metal charge transfer or intervalence charge transfer (IVCT), manifesting a fire-new type of light absorber species as a driving force that can promote the nitrogen photofixation reaction. (iii) The cheap raw materials, thermal or redox stability, and environment-friendly species endow POMs with solution workability during the composite process with LDH materials. − …”