Functionalization of polyoxometalates: towards advanced applications in catalysis and materials science

Functionalization via covalent grafting of organic functions allows to tune the redox and acid–base properties, and the solubility of polyoxometalates, to enhance their stability and biological activity and to reduce their toxicity, to facilitate their implementation in extended structures and functional devices. We discuss herein the electronic and binding connections, and the various synthesis methodologies. We emphasize on organonitrogen, organosilyl and organophosphonyl derivatives with special attention to synthesis, characterization and potential applications in catalysis and materials science. We also consider the giant molybdenum oxide-based clusters especially the porous capsule-type clusters (Keplerates) which have high relevance to this context.