Cationic Al oxo-hydroxide clusters: syntheses, molecular structures, and functional applications

Al oxo-hydroxide clusters, synthesized through the hydrolysis of Al³⁺ solutions, are expected to bridge the gap between metal-aqua complexes and bulk metal oxides/hydroxides. These clusters exhibit remarkable diversity in structure and composition, controlled by modulating the basicity of the solution and use of capping ligands. While anionic metal-oxo clusters, such as polyoxometalates, have been extensively studied since the early 20th century, cationic metal-oxo clusters, including those of aluminum, have gained interest more recently due to their high reactivity and potential for various applications. We explore their molecular structures and assembly into various forms, including ionic crystals, amorphous solids, and hybrid materials, for applications such as adsorption, coagulation, and catalysis. Furthermore, we present future perspectives, emphasizing molecular design, scalable synthetic methods, and expanded functional applications, particularly in energy and environmental sciences, where these clusters are expected to demonstrate significant potential.