Polyoxometalates (POMs) have broad applicability and significant potential in electrocatalysis and photocatalysis. However, the practical application of pure POMs is significantly constrained by their decomposition in polar media (such as neutral and alkaline solutions). The modification of POMs with metal-calixarene clusters is beneficial for fabricating functional hybrid materials with the combined merits of the two components. Four new thiacalixarene-functionalized polyoxometalate clusters were synthesized by researchers at School of Petrochemical Engineering, Liaoning Petrochemical University, China. These four clusters were characterized by Keggin-type PM₄Mo₈ motifs, which confer redox properties similar to those of PMo₁₂O₄₀³⁻ (PMo₁₂) while providing superior structural stability and electrocatalytic reduction of IO₃⁻. The substitution of four metal ions in PMo₁₂, along with the capping TC4A ligand and VO unit, significantly modulated visible-light absorption, enhancing photothermal conversion in the solid state and organic solutions.

South China Sea marine heatwaves split into two types, with ocean dynamics playing a surprising role

Magnetic hysteresis loss or iron loss in soft magnetic materials accounts for approximately 30% of energy loss in electric motors. This loss results in significant energy loss globally, representing a pressing environmental concern. However, the origin of iron loss remains elusive despite decades of research. Now, scientists have developed a new physics-based machine-learning approach that automatically identifies the origin of iron loss, establishing a new paradigm for designing efficient soft magnetic materials.

A research team has discovered an electrochemical method that allows highly selective para-position single-carbon insertion into polysubstituted pyrroles. Their approach has important applications in synthetic organic chemistry, especially in the field of pharmaceuticals.

Their work is published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society on July 14.