A collaboration of Scientists from the UK, Greece and the US have assembled a new class of nano-cluster using self assembly in solution, synthesising a [Mo^VI₁₁V^V₅V^IV₂O₅₂(mu₉-SO₃)]^7- cluster. 

Lee Cronin from the University of Glasgow and colleaugues have synthesised a nano-cluster with a unique structure, tuning the physical properties by the selective inclusion of V(V) and V(IV) ions. 

'Such control is unusual' says Cronin 'and we were able to identify the cluster in solution using cryospray mass spectrometry. This was a key element allowing the isolation of the bulk compound, since we were aiming to isolate clusters with a pre-determined Mo:V ratio' 

Cronin explains that they have been interested in developing 'electronically-active' functional polyoxometalates, which could have application in catalysis, switchable devices, and functional coatings. By introducing more easily reducible vanadium centres they aimed to produce a mixed metal, electronically active cluster. 

Future work will involve developing functional clusters based on the [Mo^VI₁₁V^V₅V^IV₂O₅₂(mu₉-SO₃)]^7- cluster and investigation into the mechanism of formation, and Cronin believes that this work could lead to the systematic use of mass spectrometry to 'scan' reaction systems and libraries to identify new nanoscale architecture. 

Rachel Cooper