A new 3D POMOF based on CuI/CuII-bis(triazole) complexes and BW12 Keggin polyoxoanions: Synthesis, characterization and electrochemical properties

A novel organic-inorganic hybrid compound, {[CuI(btpe)2][CuII2(H2O)2(btpe)2][BW12O40]}·2H2O, (btpe = 1,5-bis(1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)pentane) (1) has been synthesized by hydrothermal reaction, and characterized by elemental analyses, IR spectroscopy, TG and single X-ray diffraction. Compound 1 is composed of α-Keggin type [BW12O40]5- (BW12) polyoxoanions and copper-btpe complexes. The copper-btpe complexes are stagger-packed to form an open framework containing the two kinds of channels with parallelogram-like apertures, in which the BW12 guests are encapsulated into the bigger channels. The electrochemical studies show that 1 has a good electrocatalytic activity towards reduction of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), thanking to its special porous POMOF structure. The molecular design of 1 not only generates a new POMOF, but also opens a new avenue to the electrocatalytic materials.