Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 19, 2026

Bulk and Thin Film Synthesis of Compositionally Variant Entropy-stabilized Oxides
Published on: May 29, 2018
Structural instability of shell-like assemblies of a keplerate-type polyoxometalate induced by ionic strength
Sandra J Veen1, Willem K Kegel
1Van 't Hoff Laboratory for Physical and Colloid Chemistry, Debye Institute, Utrecht University, Padualaan 8, 3584 CH Utrecht, The Netherlands.
Abstract:
We demonstrate a new structural instability of shell-like assemblies of polyoxometalates. Besides the colloidal instability, that is, the formation of aggregates that consist of many single layered POM-shells, these systems also display an instability on a structural scale within the shell-like assemblies. This instability occurs at significantly lower ionic strength than the colloidal stability limit and only becomes evident after a relatively long time. For the polyoxometalate, abbreviated as {Mo(72)Fe(30)}, it is shown that the structural stability limit of POM-shells lies between a NaCl concentration of 1.00 and 5.00 mM in aqueous solution.
Related Concept Videos
Complexation Equilibria: Factors Influencing Stability of Complexes
Crystal Field Theory - Octahedral Complexes
To explain the observed behavior of transition metal complexes (such as colors), a model involving electrostatic interactions between the electrons from the ligands and the electrons in the unhybridized d orbitals of the central metal atom has been developed. This electrostatic model is crystal field theory (CFT). It helps to understand, interpret, and predict the colors, magnetic behavior, and some structures of coordination compounds of transition metals.
CFT focuses on...
Ionic Strength: Effects on Chemical Equilibria
In this solution, the primary cation—the calcium...
Molecular and Ionic Solids
Molecular Solids
Molecular crystalline solids, such as ice, sucrose (table sugar), and iodine, are solids that are composed of neutral molecules as their constituent units. These molecules are held together by weak intermolecular forces such as London dispersion forces, dipole-dipole interactions, or hydrogen bonds, which...
Complexation Equilibria: The Chelate Effect
Complexation Equilibria: Overview
The equilibrium constant of the complexation reaction is represented as the formation constant...

