Properties and Applications
The huge range of size, structure and elemental composition of known polyoxometalates leads to a wide range of different properties.
The Keggin ions are well-known to be thermally stable and reversibly reduced by accepting electrons. This makes them useful as catalysts for a range of organic reactions.
Some POM's exhibit luminescence.
There have been reports on the role of weak- or non-bonding interactions on the crystal engineering of hybrid polyoxometalates.
Spherical nanoporous polyoxomolybdate-based capsules of different types containing more than 100 metal atoms reported by Achim Müller and his group have versatile unique properties regarding their assembly into vesicles and the chemistry which can be done inside the pores and cavities. A discrete polyoxometalate Lindqvist ion of the form W6O192− was successfully imaged recently for the first time within the capillary of a carbon nanotube following steric locking of the anion with the tubule. In situ relaxation of the anion in its equatorial plane was demonstrated.
Some structures containing transition metal atoms with unpaired electrons have unusual magnetic properties and are being investigated as possible nanocomputer storage devices (see qubits).
Some potential "green" applications have been reported, such as a non-chlorine based, wood pulp bleaching process and a method of decontaminating water.
Many potential medicinal applications have been reported, such as anti-tumoral and anti-viral applications.
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“The reason why men enter into society, is the preservation of their property; and the end why they choose and authorize a legislative, is, that there may be laws made, and rules set, as guards and fences to the properties of all the members of the society: to limit the power, and moderate the dominion, of every part and member of the society.”
—John Locke (1632–1704)