Aggregation of Giant Cerium–Bismuth Tungstate Clusters into a 3D Porous Framework with High Proton Conductivity

Abstract

Abstract The exploration of high nuclearity molecular metal oxide clusters and their reactivity is a challenge for chemistry and materials science. Herein, we report an unprecedented giant molecular cerium–bismuth tungstate superstructure formed by self‐assembly from simple metal oxide precursors in aqueous solution. The compound, {[W 14 Ce IV 6 O 61 ]([W 3 Bi 6 Ce III 3 (H 2 O) 3 O 14 ][B‐α‐BiW 9 O 33 ] 3 ) 2 } 34− was identified by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction and features 104 metal centers, a relative molar mass of ca. 24 000 and is ca. 3.0×2.0×1.7 nm 3 in size. The cluster anion is assembled around a central {Ce 6 } octahedron which is stabilized by several molecular metal oxide shells. Six trilacunary Keggin anions ([B‐α‐BiW 9 O 33 ] 9− ) cap the superstructure and limit its growth. In the crystal lattice, water‐filled channels with diameters of ca. 0.5 nm are observed, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy shows pronounced proton conductivity even at low temperature.