Polyoxometalates (POMs): from electroactive clusters to energy materials

Polyoxometalates (POMs) represent a class of nanomaterials, which hold enormous promise for a range of energy-related applications. Their promise is owing to their special'' structure that gives POMs a truly unique ability to control redox reactions in energy conversion and storage. One such amazing capability is their large number of redox active sites that arises from the complex three-dimensional cluster of metal-oxide ions linked together by oxygen atoms. Here, a critical review on how POMs emerged from being molecular clusters for fundamental studies, to next-generation materials for energy applications is provided. We highlight how exploiting the versatility and activity of these molecules can lead to improved performance in energy devices such as supercapacitors and batteries, and in energy catalyst applications. The potential of POMs across numerous fields is systematically outlined by investigating structure-property-performance relationships and the determinant factors for energy systems. Finally, the challenges and opportunities for this class of materials with respect to addressing our pressing energy-related concerns are identified.

Automated summary

Polyoxometalates (POMs) are a class of nanomaterials with enormous promise for a range of energy-related applications, thanks to their unique structure and versatility that can enhance performance in energy devices and catalyst applications. Investigating structure-property-performance relationships and identifying determinant factors for energy systems can help unleash the potential of POMs across numerous fields, while also addressing pressing energy-related concerns through addressing challenges and opportunities.