Controlling the structural and adsorption features of polyoxovanadate-based metal–organic clusters by adjustable template effect

Abstract

Templated synthesis in polyoxometalate chemistry offers the advantages not only of improving production efficiency but also of accessing unknown structures as well. In this contribution, the template effect of the sulfate group unlocked an unprecedented polyoxovanadate-based metal–organic cluster (POV-MOC). More importantly, such a template effect is adjustable by means of several strategies, for instance, introduction of exogenous metal ions, regulation of mixed solvent systems, and bi-functionalization of organic linkers. Using such strategies, the structure of the POV-MOC matrix was able to be modified specifically on a local domain or completely remodelled into an unusual nanocapsule. Aside from the contribution to the structural evolution of as-made POV-MOCs, the tunable template effect could also be used to control of their adsorption properties, establishing a new route for the customization of function-oriented POV-MOCs.