Polyoxometalate-based one-dimensional subnanomaterials

One-dimensional subnanometer materials, with diameters close to the size of a single unit cell, represent an emerging frontier in nanoscience. Their high surface-atom exposure and polymer-like properties enable unique functionalities in catalysis and energy conversion. In a new review published in Polyoxometalates, researchers systematically outline how polyoxometalate clusters can serve as modular building blocks to construct a wide variety of 1D subnanometer architectures with tunable compositions and enhanced performance.

The review covers synthesis strategies, structural programming, and property–performance relationships across multiple material types, including single-cluster POM, cluster–POM, metal cation–POM, metal oxide–POM, metal sulfide–POM, and high-entropy oxide–POM material. These materials show exceptional polymer‐like properties, excellent performance in gelling, adhesion, catalysis, polarization, and photothermal conversion applications. Moreover, their polymer-like processability allows them to be shaped into macroscopic fibers, films, and gels—bridging the gap between nanoscale properties and real-world device integration.

The authors also discuss current challenges and future directions, providing new viewpoints on the development and applications of POM-based 1D SNMs.

About Journal

Polyoxometalates (ISSN 2957-9821) is a peer-reviewed (single-blind), open-access and interdisciplinary journal, sponsored by Tsinghua University. Polyoxometalates publishes original high-quality research papers and significant review articles that focus on cutting-edge advancements in Polyoxometalates, and clusters of metals, metal oxides and chalcogenides. Rapid review to ensure quick publication is a key feature of Polyoxometalates. It is indexed by ESCI, Scopus (CiteScore 2024 = 14.7), Ei Compendex, CAS, and DOAJ. For details about Polyoxometalates, please visit: https://www.sciopen.com/journal/2957-9821.