Nickel Ion Induced Multistage Assembly of Th₁₃ Cluster

Clusters have proven useful models to elucidate the correlation between macroscopic properties and microstructures. However, the actinide clusters still remain much less developed compared to the splendid and systematic works of other members of this family. Here we show the synthesis of a tetra-shell mixed-metal cluster [ThO₈@Th₁₂(OH)₂₄@Ni₆(H₂O)₁₈@(sba)₁₂] (IHEP-25, H₂sba: 2-sulfobenzoic acid) with the strategic introduction of competitive Ni²⁺ ions. A cluster-based framework (IHEP-28), featuring a 2D honeycomb network and demonstrating excellent stability, has been constructed through the multistage assembly of IHEP-25, facilitated by the introduction of cationic cluster [Na₄(OH)₃(H₂O)₃]⁺. IHEP-28 acts as a highly effective visible light-driven photocatalyst for CO₂ reduction. This study demonstrates that the incorporation of heterometal ions not only alters the hydrolysis patterns of actinide metal ions, resulting in the formation of new actinide clusters, but also broadens their potential applications.