Themed collection FOCUS: Metal and Metal-Containing Clusters
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N-heterocyclic carbene-ligated metal complexes and clusters for photocatalytic CO2 reduction
N-heterocyclic carbenes are structurally versatile ligands, which have strong σ-donor properties to form covalent bonds with metal centers. This frontier article provides a review on active NHC-stabilized metal complexes and clusters for photocatalytic CO2 reduction.
Inorg. Chem. Front., 2023,10, 4313-4321
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3QI00678F
Latest progress in asymmetrically functionalized Anderson-type polyoxometalates
Asymmetrically functionalized Anderson-type polyoxometalates were overviewed, including the key factors of various synthesis methods, separation methods, advantages of asymmetric structures, and their applications.
Inorg. Chem. Front., 2023,10, 1695-1711
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2QI02690B
Array configurations of oxometallate–Ag cluster hybrid nanocomposites
This review provides a classification of oxometallate–Ag cluster hybrid nanocomposites based on their array configurations and introduces the fascinating properties and cooperative effects of oxometallate and Ag clusters.
Inorg. Chem. Front., 2022,9, 6330-6343
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2QI02002E
Recent advances in uranium-containing polyoxometalates
This review exhibits a comprehensive summary of uranium-containing polyoxometalates, including synthesis and structures, characterizations, properties, and applications. The development prospects and future directions are also elucidated.
Inorg. Chem. Front., 2022,9, 5408-5433
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2QI01834A
A multifunctional organophosphonic ligand-templated poly(polyoxotungstate) with potential in building a genosensor for thalassemia gene detection
An organophosphonic ligand-templated PV–SbIII double-heteroatom-intercalated polyoxotungstate 1 was synthesized and the ability of the 1-based genosensor to detect the β-thalassemia gene was evaluated.
Inorg. Chem. Front., 2024,11, 602-612
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3QI01916K
Molecular insight into intrinsic-trap-mediated emission from atomically precise copper-based chalcogenide models
Component-dependent trap sites in copper-related emission were studied using chalcogenide cluster models. In3+ ions in the clusters induce shallow-delocalized traps while Ga3+ ions are associated with carrier localization at deep-localized traps.
Inorg. Chem. Front., 2024,11, 409-416
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3QI02132G
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Two solvent-dependent Al16 nanorings: design, synthesis and nonlinear optical limiting behavior
Presented herein is a study focusing on the effect of organic shell ligands on the configuration of the ring structure with the same nuclearity, and their photo-related applications, such as fluorescence and third-order nonlinear response.
Inorg. Chem. Front., 2024,11, 462-469
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3QI02008H
Direct coupling of two inert CO2 molecules to form a C–C bond on the Cu0 atomic interfaces of the nitrogen-doped graphene-supported Cu4 cluster
Direct coupling of two inert CO2 molecules to form a CO2 dimer with strong C–C bond over the Cu0 atomic interfaces is proposed based on our periodic density functional theory calculations.
Inorg. Chem. Front., 2024,11, 85-97
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3QI02000B
Boosted charge transfer in Pt cluster anchored TiO2 microspheres with rich oxygen vacancies for solar driven H2 production from lignocellulosic biomass
Pt nanoclusters anchored porous TiO2 microspheres with abundant oxygen vacancy was developed as a highly-efficient photocatalyst for solar driven photocatalytic lignocellulosic biomass-to-H2 conversion.
Inorg. Chem. Front., 2023,10, 7369-7380
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3QI01894F
Tuning the magnetic properties of dinuclear cobalt–tetraoxolene compounds: from valence tautomerism to ferromagnetic coupling
The reaction of ligand pyreneQ–Q, Co2(CO)8, and Mentpa gave rise to a series of dinuclear cobalt–tetraoxolene compounds formulated as {[Co(Mentpa)]2(pyreneSq–Sq)}[Co(CO)4]2·S (Sq = semiquinone; n = 0, S = 2C6H5CH3 for 3; n = 1 for 4; n = 2, S = 2CHCl3 for 5).
Inorg. Chem. Front., 2023,10, 7251-7264
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3QI01706K
Surface functionalization of discrete metal-chalcogenide supertetrahedral clusters and the photocatalytic application
A facile approach for modifying the surface structure of discrete metal chalcogenide supertetrahedral clusters to improve their contact with MXene nanosheets, thus enhancing their photocatalytic performance.
Inorg. Chem. Front., 2023,10, 7212-7221
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3QI00983A
Luminescence detection of CH2Cl2 by varying Cu⋯Cu interactions in a flexible porous coordination polymer
A flexible Cu(I) coordination polymer is reported as the luminescence sensor for the detection of CH2Cl2. The adsorption of guest molecules lengthens the Cu⋯Cu distance, resulting in luminescent blue shifts and higher emission energy.
Inorg. Chem. Front., 2023,10, 6909-6917
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3QI01723K
Subtly regulating layered tin chalcogenide frameworks for optimized photo-induced carrier separation
Elongated distance between adjacent clusters could decrease the photoinduced carrier recombination due to the prolonged intercluster charge transfer process.
Inorg. Chem. Front., 2023,10, 6588-6595
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3QI01439H
Highly stable and differentially arranged hexanuclear lanthanide clusters: structure, assembly mechanism, and magnetic resonance imaging
This study employs diacylhydrazone-derived ligands to realize controllable construction of differentiated hexanuclear lanthanide clusters with identical cores but different template-motif arrangements for the first time.
Inorg. Chem. Front., 2023,10, 6269-6281
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3QI01490H
Efficient iodine capture by metal–organic cubes based on hexanuclear vanadium clusters
Two isostructural metal–organic cubes were self-assembled from large-sized tetradentate ligand constructs with hexanuclear vanadium clusters. They have excellent iodine vapor adsorption properties due to large cavities and host–guest interactions.
Inorg. Chem. Front., 2023,10, 6221-6228
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3QI01501G
Ultra-low loading Pt atomic cluster electrode with Pt–O bond as an active site with high hydrogen evolution reaction performance
The oxidized Pt atomic cluster-supported Au electrode (PtAC–O–Au) with ultra-low loading exhibits a very high mass activity, and the active site is the oxidized platinum (Pt–O).
Inorg. Chem. Front., 2023,10, 5937-5949
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3QI01437A
The transformation of a zero-dimensional cluster into a one-dimensional chain structure achieving a dramatically enhanced birefringence in tin(II)-based oxalates
Through rational molecular engineering, a crystal structure is transformed from a 0D cluster of K2Sn(C2O4)2·H2O to a 1D chain of (K2Sn2(C2O4)2F2·H2O), and the corresponding birefringence increases dramatically from 0.103@546 nm to 0.301@546 nm.
Inorg. Chem. Front., 2023,10, 5602-5610
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3QI01213A
Making one VIV substitution for Mo on classical [MoV2O4]2+ group: the first heterobimetallic Mo–V subunit in polyoxomolybdate–bisphosphonate family
The first molybdovanadate cluster modified by bisphosphonate ligand with a new [MoVVIVO4] building unit is successfully synthesized. The VO bonds in this compound are demonstrated to play a pivotal role in the deep oxidation of dibenzothiophene.
Inorg. Chem. Front., 2023,10, 5782-5788
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3QI01268A
Synthesis and reactivity of a uranium(IV) complex supported by a monoanionic nitrogen–phosphorus ligand
A monoanionic N–P ligand L3 with a pendant dimethylamino group was designed. Species with multiple U–C bonds—a rare example of a metallafluorene containing an actinide element—and clusters with multiple U–M bonds were isolated.
Inorg. Chem. Front., 2023,10, 5622-5633
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3QI01447A
Ligand-passivated Au/Cu nanoclusters with uncoordinated sites give reaction turnover numbers of up to 4 × 104
A robust nanocluster of Au41Cu33(RS)40(MeCN) (RSH is 4-fluorothiophenol) has been obtained. Rich uncoordinated copper sites on the surface lead to its extremely high catalytic activity (up to 39 269 TON) in C–O coupling reactions.
Inorg. Chem. Front., 2023,10, 5745-5751
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3QI01035J
A surface-dynamic approach toward supercrystal engineering of titanium–oxo clusters
By regulating the surface dynamics of Sal-Cu/OMe-Cu motifs of a {Ti10Cu2} cluster, (Ti10Cu2)sp and (Ti10Cu2)cs have been achieved and characterized, and the results show the distinguishing electrical and catalytic properties of the two assemblies.
Inorg. Chem. Front., 2023,10, 5694-5699
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3QI01334K
Highly stable drone-shaped lanthanide clusters: structure, assembly mechanism, and crystalline–amorphous transitions
We have synthesized a drone-shaped lanthanide cluster 1, and its possible self-assembly mechanism was speculated. We observed the transition from crystalline to amorphous high-nuclear lanthanide clusters for the first time.
Inorg. Chem. Front., 2023,10, 5337-5346
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3QI00861D
An organic–inorganic hybrid polyoxoniobate decorated by a Co(III)-amine complex for electrocatalytic urea splitting
A polyoxoniobate decorated by Co(III)-amine complex, Na4(H2O)15[Co(en)3]2{[Co(en)(Nb6O19)]2}·34H2O exhibits remarkable catalytic activity for urea oxidation reaction after being firmly attached to the surface of acetylene black by polyethyleneimine.
Inorg. Chem. Front., 2023,10, 4789-4796
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3QI01066J
Modulating optical performance by phase transition in a nonlinear optical material β-Li2RbBi(PO4)2
The structural changes caused by the phase transition enhance the second harmonic generatio (SHG) effect.
Inorg. Chem. Front., 2023,10, 4496-4502
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3QI00828B
C2O42−-templated cage-shaped Ln28 (Ln = Gd, Eu) nanoclusters with magnetocaloric effect and luminescence
The unprecedented cage-shaped Gd28 can be divided into the aesthetically exquisite triangle-shaped Gd12 subunit and the triangle-shaped Gd16 subunit, which is constructed from four Gd3 units and four Gd4 units.
Inorg. Chem. Front., 2023,10, 4109-4116
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3QI00743J
A wheel-shaped gallium-sulfide molecular ring with enhanced photocatalytic activity via indium alloying
An counterpart-shaped gallium-sulfide molecular ring with its indium alloyed one toward efficient photocatalytic dye degradation and comparable photocatalytic hydrogen production.
Inorg. Chem. Front., 2023,10, 4147-4156
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3QI00432E
A mixed-valence biotinylated Cu(I/II) complex for tumor-targeted chemodynamic therapy accompanied by GSH depletion
A “three in one” project involved atomically precise biotinylated complex, VBio-CuICuII, composed of a hydroxyl radical-producible Cu(I), a Cu(II) moiety as a GSH depletor for augmented CDT, and biotin as a cancer-targeting unit.
Inorg. Chem. Front., 2023,10, 4045-4053
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3QI00254C
Synthesis, kinetic studies, and atom transfer reactivity of [2Fe–2E] model compounds
A kinetic study investigating the formation of a [2Fe–2S] compound, 1, with an unusually long Fe⋯Fe distance. 1 holds potential implications for the understanding of S-atom transfer reactions.
Inorg. Chem. Front., 2023,10, 3940-3946
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3QI00728F
A PN(Pz)P ligand protected Au2Cu2 complex for photoluminescent ultra-low humidity detection with reversible single-crystal-to-single-crystal transformations
Au/Cu/PN(Pz)P complexes underwent a single-crystal-to-single-crystal (SCSC) transformation accompanied by a luminescence change from red to orange and green, and were able to detect ultralow humidity as low as 0.21 ppm.
Inorg. Chem. Front., 2023,10, 3706-3713
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3QI00549F
Homochiral Cu6Dy3 single-molecule magnets displaying proton conduction and a strong magneto-optical Faraday effect
Zero-field single-molecule magnetic behavior and proton conductivity are integrated into homochiral 3d–4f nanoscale molecules, and strong magneto-optical coupling can be realized in the meantime, resulting in strong magneto-optical Faraday effects.
Inorg. Chem. Front., 2023,10, 3714-3722
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3QI00634D
An ultra-stable CuI12 cluster built from a CuI6 precursor sandwiched by two CuI3-thiacalixarene units for efficient photothermal conversion
A CuI6 precursor sandwiched by two CuI3-thiacalixarene PSBUs afforded an ultra-stable CuI12 cluster with efficient photothermal conversion properties both in the solid and liquid states.
Inorg. Chem. Front., 2023,10, 3230-3236
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3QI00479A
Zeolite analogues based on oxysulfidometalate supertetrahedral clusters via coulombic interactions
Four zeolite-like crystalline salts, T3-MEP and T4-MTN/DIA/LON (where MEP, MTN, DIA and LON are the topological codes), have been fabricated.
Inorg. Chem. Front., 2023,10, 3224-3229
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3QI00360D
Uranyl-silicotungstate-containing hybrid building units {α-SiW9} and {γ-SiW10} with excellent catalytic activities in the three-component synthesis of dihydropyrimidin-2(1H)-ones
A new hybrid uranyl-silicotungstate (U3) was synthesized and characterized. U3 contains two kinds of Keggin-type building units and shows good catalytic activity in the synthesis of dihydropyrimidin-2(1H)-ones from aldehydes, acetoacetates, and urea.
Inorg. Chem. Front., 2023,10, 3195-3201
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2QI02653H
Design of a robust rod-packing scandium–organic framework for C2Hx/CO2 separation, CO2 storage, and catalytic CO2 cycloaddition
Reported herein is a highly stable rod-packing Sc-MOF with Lewis basic bare N sites and two types of open channels demonstrating a superior CO2 storage capacity, a remarkable separation ability for CO2 mixtures, and prominent catalytic CO2 cycloaddition.
Inorg. Chem. Front., 2023,10, 3015-3024
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3QI00314K
Medium-entropy state quinary keplerate clusters as a remarkable electrocatalyst for small molecule electrooxidation
We fabricate a library of binary to quinary element Keplerate clusters stabilized in a medium entropy state. Different ions follow the Irving–Williams series to be incorporated in the clusters.
Inorg. Chem. Front., 2023,10, 3047-3057
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3QI00316G
Accelerated rates of proton coupled electron transfer to oxygen deficient polyoxovanadate–alkoxide clusters
The rate of O-atom defect formation on a reduced POV-alkoxide via PCET is accelerated despite weakened surface O–H bonds. Increased electron density and terminal VO basicity break classical driving force/rate scaling relationships.
Inorg. Chem. Front., 2023,10, 2754-2765
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3QI00129F
Introducing anthracene and amino groups into Ln-OFs for the photoreduction of Cr(VI) without additional photosensitizers or cocatalysts
The stable LCUH-100 was designed and synthesized, by incorporating chromophores into lanthanide MOFs, as a high-efficiency photocatalyst, which can rapidly and efficiently reduce Cr(VI) under visible-light irradiation and has good cycle stability.
Inorg. Chem. Front., 2023,10, 2626-2635
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3QI00102D
Dual-ligand-functionalized dodeca-nuclear lanthanide–tungsten-cluster incorporated selenotungstates and fluorescence detection of dipicolinic acid (an anthrax biomarker)
A series of rigid–flexible-ligand functionalized lanthanide incorporated ring-shaped selenotungstates were prepared, in which a europium-containing species was employed as a fluorescence sensor to detect an anthrax biomarker with good performance.
Inorg. Chem. Front., 2023,10, 2799-2810
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3QI00361B
Carboxylate engineering for manipulating the optical and assembly properties of copper clusters
Engineering carboxylic ligands as an unexplored while efficient strategy to modulate the optical and assembly properties of metal nanoclusters.
Inorg. Chem. Front., 2023,10, 2618-2625
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3QI00409K
A hollow urchin-like metal–organic framework with Ni–O-cluster SBUs as a promising electrode for an alkaline battery–supercapacitor device
A hollow NiPSC electrode with a large d-spacing lattice distance has been demonstrated as an active SC electrode in a supercapacitor–battery hybrid device to achieve superior electrochemical performance.
Inorg. Chem. Front., 2023,10, 2380-2386
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3QI00123G
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An in solution adsorption characterization technique based on the response to an external magnetic field of porous paramagnetic materials: application on supramolecular metal–adenine frameworks containing heterometallic heptameric clusters
Magnetic sustentation experiments are employed to monitor the adsorption process of a supramolecularly assembled MOF in solution.
Inorg. Chem. Front., 2023,10, 2250-2261
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2QI01994A
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Efficient (Z)-selective semihydrogenation of alkynes catalyzed by air-stable imidazolyl amino molybdenum cluster sulfides
Efficient protocols for the semihydrogenation of internal alkynes and terminal alkynols are reported using the new [Mo3S4Cl3(ImNH2)3]+ complex as catalyst.
Inorg. Chem. Front., 2023,10, 1786-1794
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2QI02755K
In situ pyrazolylborate ligand synthesis and coordination behaviours in aluminum oxo clusters
Presented herein is the discovery of the in situ synthesis of pyrazolylborates. They exhibit great adaptive coordination behaviors in aluminum oxo clusters and further provide a platform for the development of trans-chelating scorpionate analogues.
Inorg. Chem. Front., 2023,10, 1887-1893
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3QI00057E
A highly durable zinc-air battery from a directly integrated FexNC@NiFe(OH)x bifunctional catalyst
Fe/Fe3C- and N- co-doped carbon nanotubes and NiFe hydroxide cluster was integrated directly as bifunctional catalyst for high efficiency and durable zinc-air batteries.
Inorg. Chem. Front., 2023,10, 1758-1768
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2QI02564G
Asymmetric modification of Anderson-type polyoxometalates towards organic–inorganic homo- and hetero-cluster oligomers
We report here the successful synthesis and purification of asymmetrically modified Anderson clusters, and development of a robust coupling method for precision synthesis of organic–inorganic cluster oligomers.
Inorg. Chem. Front., 2023,10, 1712-1720
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2QI02233H
Solvent-controlled synthesis of an Al12-oxo molecular ring and Al24-oxo truncated metallo-cube
A highly symmetric Al24 cluster with truncated metallo-cube structure is reported. As one of 13 Archimedean polyhedra, Al24 is composed of eight Al3 triangles and six Al8 octagons. And the regulation from ringy Al12 to Al24 metallocage is realized.
Inorg. Chem. Front., 2023,10, 1614-1622
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2QI02461F
Immobilization of Brønsted basic hexaniobate on the Lewis acidic zirconia using an emulsion assisted self-assembly strategy for synergistic boosting of nerve agent simulant decontamination
The Brønsted basic hexaniobate is immobilized on the Lewis acidic zirconia by emulsion assisted self-assembly, the synergistic effect between the two components endows the C16N-Nb6/ZrO2 with remarkable performance for hydrolysis of Sarin simulant.
Inorg. Chem. Front., 2023,10, 1436-1446
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2QI02484E
Halogen bonding between metal-bound I3− and unbound I2: the trapped I2⋯I3− intermediate in the controlled assembly of copper(I)-based polyiodides
The identification of halogen bonded-intermediates is key to understanding the precise mechanism for the generation of I5− (and I82−) ligands from I2 and metal-coordinated I3−.
Inorg. Chem. Front., 2023,10, 1522-1533
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2QI02634A
Direct CO2 photoreduction from flue gas by synergistic catalysis of a nickel metal–organic framework and a ruthenium polypyridyl complex
A CO2 bridged photocatalytic interface between a nickel metal–organic framework and ruthenium pyridine for high-efficiency photoreduction of diluted CO2.
Inorg. Chem. Front., 2023,10, 1279-1285
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2QI02366K
γ-P4S3I2: a new metal-free infrared second-order nonlinear optical crystal designed by polymorphism strategy
A non-centrosymmetric metal-free thiophosphate, γ-P4S3I2, was successfully designed and synthesized by polymorphism strategy, and featured paralleled (P4S3I2)n molecular clusters and exhibited promising nonlinear optical (NLO) performances.
Inorg. Chem. Front., 2023,10, 1119-1126
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2QI02313J
{Gd44Ni22}: a gigantic 3d–4f wheel-like nanoscale cluster with a large magnetocaloric effect
A previously undiscovered gigantic 3d–4f wheel-like nanoscale cluster, {Gd44Ni22}, exhibits a large magnetocaloric effect (−ΔSm = 44.9 J kg−1 K−1 at 2.0 K for ΔH = 7 T).
Inorg. Chem. Front., 2023,10, 979-983
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2QI02294J
Highly oxidized U(VI) within the smallest fullerene: gas-phase synthesis and computational study of boron-doped U@C27B
The smallest borafullerene U@C27B has been synthesized using a laser vaporization cluster source. The U atom, placed in the middle of the cage and interacting with all the 28 atoms, is formally described as highly oxidized U(VI).
Inorg. Chem. Front., 2023,10, 908-914
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2QI02160A
Thiacalixarene-based {Co/Fe}16 coordination clusters: bimetallic synergistic effect for an enhanced oxygen evolution reaction
Fabricating a series of thiacalix[4]arene-supported {Co/Fe}16 clusters from polynuclear secondary building units facilitates the formation of efficient active sites with a Co–Fe synergistic effect for the oxygen evolution reaction.
Inorg. Chem. Front., 2023,10, 926-933
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2QI01885C
Giant thermal expansion associated with a macroscopic polarization change in a single crystal of a Zn(II) complex
A crystal of Zn(II) complex shows temperature-dependent 10% contraction/expansion and a continuous pyroelectric current corresponding to a scissor motion of molecules.
Inorg. Chem. Front., 2023,10, 692-698
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2QI02371G
2D hetero-nanostructured reduced-CuNiFe-oxides with self-produced H2O2 Fenton-like photocatalysis for tetracycline degradation
Heterostructured reduced-CuNiFe-MMOs nanosheets with multiphases have been fabricated and applied as a Fenton-like photocatalyst, exhibiting efficient, environmentally friendly tetracycline degradation without additional oxidants.
Inorg. Chem. Front., 2023,10, 567-578
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2QI02056D
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Using internal strain and mass to modulate Dy⋯Dy coupling and relaxation of magnetization in heterobimetallic metallofullerenes DyM2N@C80 and Dy2MN@C80 (M = Sc, Y, La, Lu)
Relaxation of magnetization in DyM2N@C80 and Dy2MN@C80 (M = Sc, Y, La, Lu) series correlates, respectively, with the mass and size of the diamagnetic metal M.
Inorg. Chem. Front., 2023,10, 468-484
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2QI02224A
Multivariate indium–organic frameworks for highly efficient carbon dioxide capture and electrocatalytic conversion
A series of trinuclear indium–organic frameworks was synthesized and this work demonstrates that bimetallic engineering is a promising strategy for efficient CO2 capture and electrocatalytic CO2 conversion.
Inorg. Chem. Front., 2023,10, 158-167
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2QI02020C
Infinite building blocks for directed self-assembly of a supramolecular polyoxometalate–cyclodextrin framework for multifunctional oxidative catalysis
With evolution from polyoxometalate-based molecular building blocks to infinite building blocks (IBBs), a supramolecular polyoxometalate–cyclodextrin framework was constructed by an IBB strategy for multifunctional oxidative catalysis.
Inorg. Chem. Front., 2022,9, 6534-6543
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2QI02085H
The rare-earth derivant of mixed-polyoxoniobate clusters with high proton release capacity
We present seven rare-earth derivants of mixed-polyoxoniobates, which behave as weak acids with good stability and high proton release capacity.
Inorg. Chem. Front., 2022,9, 6596-6601
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2QI01953A
Wheel-shaped molybdenum(V) cobalt-phosphate cluster as a highly sensitive bifunctional photoelectrochemical sensor for the trace determination of Cr(VI) and tetracycline
A wheel-shaped {Co16Mo16P24} cluster-based 3-D crystal framework serves as an efficient bifunctional photoelectrochemical sensor for the trace determination of Cr(VI) and tetracycline.
Inorg. Chem. Front., 2022,9, 6457-6467
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2QI01936A
The missing MIL-101(Mn): geometrically guided synthesis and topologically correlated valence states
Through a geometrically guided approach, i.e. with the aid of pyridyl modulators, the long-sought MIL-101(Mn) structure is finally achieved, which features emergent topologically correlated mixed-valence states that are apt for enzymatic catalysis.
Inorg. Chem. Front., 2022,9, 6124-6132
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2QI01894B
Plasma-assisted rhodium incorporation in nickel–iron sulfide nanosheets: enhanced catalytic activity and the Janus mechanism for overall water splitting
Rh was incorporated in Fe-doped Ni3S2 nanosheets with the assistance of hydrogen plasma to significantly enhance the HER/OER catalytic activity. The operando evolution behavior and Janus catalytic mechanism of this catalyst were further revealed.
Inorg. Chem. Front., 2022,9, 6237-6247
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2QI01655A
Coordination site manipulation of the annular growth mechanism to assemble chiral lanthanide clusters with different shapes and magnetic properties
We are the first to achieve the directional construction of chiral lanthanide clusters by regulating the hydroxyl coordination sites at different positions on the ligands by manipulating the annular growth mechanism.
Inorg. Chem. Front., 2022,9, 5950-5959
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2QI01711C
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Carbon cage isomers and magnetic Dy⋯Dy interactions in Dy2O@C88 and Dy2C2@C88 metallofullerenes
Isomers of Dy2O@C88 and Dy2C2@C88 show a strong variation in the type and strength of Dy⋯Dy superexchange interactions and magnetization relaxation rate.
Inorg. Chem. Front., 2022,9, 5805-5819
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2QI01796B
Interesting dimensional transition through changing cations as the trigger in multinary thioarsenates displaying variable photocurrent response and optical anisotropy
Two novel quaternary thioarsenates Cs2ZnAs4S8 and [(NH4)Cs]CdAs4S8 with intriguing dimensional transition have been discovered for the first time, which display variable photocurrent response and optical anisotropy.
Inorg. Chem. Front., 2022,9, 5820-5827
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2QI01694J
[ASr4Cl][Ge3S10] (A = Na, K) and [KBa4Cl][Ge3S10]: new salt-inclusion infrared nonlinear optical crystals with zero-dimensional [Ge3S9] clusters
Three new Salt-Inclusion Infrared Nonlinear Optical Crystals with Zero-dimensional [Ge3S9] Clusters.
Inorg. Chem. Front., 2022,9, 5932-5940
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2QI01689C
Nanocage-based {In2Tm2}-organic framework for efficiently catalyzing the cycloaddition reaction of CO2 with epoxides and Knoevenagel condensation
The combination of [In2Tm2(μ2-OH)2(CO2)10(H2O)2] clusters and H5BDCP ligand generated a highly robust nanoporous MOF with high catalytic performance in the cycloaddition reaction of epoxides with CO2 and Knoevenagel condensation.
Inorg. Chem. Front., 2022,9, 5788-5798
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2QI01271E
Decisive role of non-rare earth metals in high-regioselectivity addition of μ3-carbido clusterfullerene
The reaction of μ3-CCF Dy2TiC@Ih-C80 with AdN2 affords only one [6,6]-open monoadduct along with the addition sites adjacent to the Ti4+ ion instead of the two Dy3+ ions, revealing the decisive role of the non-rare earth metal Ti(IV).
Inorg. Chem. Front., 2022,9, 5688-5696
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2QI01442D
Assembly of cyclic ferrocene-sensitized titanium-oxo clusters with excellent photoelectrochemical activity
Two novel cyclic titanium-oxo clusters were constructed from Ti-oxo units and ferrocene connectors, and they were employed as electrode precursors to investigate their photoelectric responses.
Inorg. Chem. Front., 2022,9, 5616-5623
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2QI01007K
Enhancing photoluminescence efficiency of atomically precise copper(I) nanoclusters through a solvent-induced structural transformation
Atomically precise alkynyl-protected copper(I) nanoclusters (CuNCs) have been prepared, and they exhibit high phosphorescence quantum yield, short lifetime, and fast radiative decay rate, which are rarely observed in atomically precise CuNCs.
Inorg. Chem. Front., 2022,9, 5327-5334
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2QI01427K
About this collection
Metal and metal-containing clusters have received considerable interest within the scientific community due to their wide range of applications in areas like catalysis and biomedicine.
This focus collection highlights the exciting research on the metal and metal-containing clusters that recently appeared in Inorganic Chemistry Frontiers. Articles featured in our focus collections are handpicked by Editors. We hope you find them enjoyable to read.