In 1959, Levy and co-workers reported the first X-ray Scattering characterization of polyoxometalates (POMs) in solution.[1] Although this pioneering study gave satisfactory results about the structure of silicotungstate anion, the use of X-ray Scattering remained confidential during decades. Today, Small Angle X-ray Scattering (SAXS) represents a mainstream analytical tool for investigating the solution behavior of POMs. The main actor of this dissemination is certainly May Nyman who has highlighted the strength of the SAXS to probe the formation, the stability and the self-assembly properties of metal-oxo clusters.[2-6] In this communication, we will review our recent SAXS studies on giant POMs (Keplerates and Mo-blue rings). First, we will show that the formation process of giant POMs can be dramatically accelerated by tuning the metalate composition or by using templating agents.[7] Then, we will demonstrate that the supramolecular interactions arising from the super-chaotropic nature of giant POMs can lead to versatile nanoscopic hybrid aggregates.

Small angle x-ray scattering for giant polyoxometalate research

Where thousands of chemistry professionals meet to share ideas and advance scientific and technical knowledge. Spring 2023 abstracts, posters, and presentations will launch at the end of March.

ACS Spring 2023

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.