Bridging the Gap Between Solution & Solid State, Low & High Nuclearity Studies in the Self Assembly of Nanoscale Polyoxometalate Clusters

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Aim: To propose an approach to understanding the self assembly of nanoscale polyoxometalate clusters using a combination of cryospray mass spectrometry, ligand design, and crystallographic analysis, bridging the gap between solution and solid state studies for the first time. By using the cryospray mass spectrometry to 'scan' our reaction systems we will be able to 'discover' new clusters in solution that range from low to high nuclearity clusters, understand the complex equilibria present, 'trap' and stabilize highly reactive clusters, and assemble fundamentally new types of cluster. Ultimately the aim is to establish and control a library of real building blocks that can be used in the assembly of pre-designed nanoscale polyoxometalate clusters. This will allow us to move from discovery with the grand aim of pre-determining cluster formation as reliably as the synthesis of organic molecules. The realisation of this goal would open up a plethora of scientific, industrial and technological applications of polyoxometalates from new materials to catalysts and nano-electronic components.