Synthesis, structure and electrochemical properties of an inorganic–organic hybrid CuIICeIII heterometallic germanotungstate

•Inorganic–organic hybrid CuIICeIII heterometallic germanotungstate•1-D CuIICeIII heterometallic chain architecture•Solid-state electrochemical and electrocatalytic properties

A new 1:2-type inorganic–organic hybrid CuIICeIII heterometallic germanotungstate (GT) derivative KNa2H9[enH2]2 [Cu(en)2(H2O)]2[Cu(en)2]2{Cu(en)2[Ce(α-GeW11O39)2]2}·14H2O (1) (en = ethylenediamine) was obtained by simultaneously introducing Cu2 + and Ce4 + cations to the trivacant Keggin-type [A-α-GeW9O34]10 − system in the help of extra Na2WO4·2H2O and en ligand under hydrothermal conditions and was further characterized by elemental analyses, IR spectrum, thermogravimetric (TG) analysis and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. 1 exhibits a 1-D CuIICeIII heterometallic chain architecture by tetrameric {Cu(en)2[Ce(α-GeW11O39)2]2}24 − units via K+ cations. Moreover, its solid-state electrochemical and electrocatalytic properties have been measured in 0.5 mol L− 1 Na2SO4 + H2SO4 aqueous solution by entrapping them in a carbon paste electrode, indicating that 1 displays apparent electrocatalytic activities for nitrite, bromate and hydrogen peroxide reduction.

Graphical abstractA 1:2-type inorganic–organic hybrid CuIICeIII heterometallic germanotungstate derivative has been synthesized and the electrochemical properties of 1 have been studied.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide