Dynamic motion of Ru-polyoxometalate ions (POMs) on functionalized few-layer graphene.

Polyoxometalates (POMs) are a well-known class of discrete early transition metal-oxide nanoclusters. This class of molecular metal oxides is unmatched not only in terms of structural diversity but also in reactivity and relevance to analytical chemistry, catalysis, medicine, and nanoscience. [ 1–3 ] The integration of POMs into functional architectures and devices requires the development of methods to position, orient and integrate these nanoclusters into well-defi ned architectures, thin fi lms or mesophases. [ 4 , 5 ] In this context, we have recently reported the molecular engineering of a highly robust water oxidation electrocatalyst based upon functionalized carbon nanostructures integrating tetraruthenate polyoxometalate Ru 4 ( μ -O) 4 ( μ -OH) 2 (H 2 O) 4 [ γ -SiW 10 O 36 ] 2 10 − (Ru 4 POM). [ 6–9 ]