Instantaneous formation of polyoxometalate-based cerium vanadium oxide gels

The instantaneous formation of cerium vanadium oxide gels starting from polyoxovanadates is reported together with their application in pollutant removal and controlled acid release.

Synthesis of Polyvanadates from Solutions

ABSTRACTA wide range of polyvanadates can be synthesized from aqueous solutions. Vanadium oxide gels V2O5nH2O are formed around the point of zero charge (pH≈2). They exhibit a ribbon-like structure. Weak interactions between these ribbons lead to the formation of mesophases in which vanadium oxide gels or sols behave as nematic liquid crystals. Organic species can be easily intercalated between these oxide ribbons leading to the formation of hybrid nanocomposites made of alternative layers of organic and inorganic components. Hybrid nanophases can also be formed above the point of zero charge, in the presence of large organic ions such as [N(CH3)4]+. They often exhibit layered structures in which organic cations lie between the polyvanadate planes. Cluster shell polyvanadates have been obtained in the presence of anions such as Cl− or I−. They are made of negatively charged polyvanadate hollow spheres in which the anion is encapsulated. Organic cations then behave as counter ions for the formation of the crystal network.

Synthesis and Characterization of Vanadium Oxide Gels from Alkoxy-Vanadate Precursors

ABSTRACTVanadium oxide gels are synthesized through vanadium oxo-alkoxide hydrolysis condensation processes. Different precursors and hydrolysis conditions lead to different sorts of gels. V0(0Amt)3 hydrolyzed with a large excess of water results in red jammy gels with a layered structure. They exhibit electronic and ionic behavior comparable to vanadium pentoxide gels from inorganic precursors. Hydrolysis of VO(OPrn)3 in an alcoholic medium, leads to orange transparent monolithic gels. They have a highly branched polymeric structure. Controlled hydrolysis of vanadium oxo-alkoxide precursors has the further advantage of giving good adherent thin films.