Evolution exploration and structure prediction of Keggin-type group IVB metal-oxo clusters

The fascinating chemical structure and broad application prospect of Keggin-type polyoxometalates(POMs)have attracted many chemists to explore and discover continuously.Unlike the traditional Keggin,larger metal atomic radius,higher metal coordinated numbers,lower metal valence states and other features allow the group IVB metal-based Keggin(IVB-Keggin)more space and unknown in terms of structure and performance.Herein,density functional theory(DFT)calculations were performed to explore the influences including cores,shells,caps,and terminal ligands,et al.on IVB-Keggin,and analyze the possibility of novel structure synthesis.From the perspective of multi-layer onion-like clusters,molecular energy level,host-guest interaction energy,surface charge and covalent bond polarity can be further adjusted to achieve the oriented design of functional IVB-Keggin.These insights are expected to provide theoretical support for experimental synthesis,opening a new perspective to understand the growth of Keggin.