POLYOXOMETALATE-IONIC LIQUIDS (POM-ILs)–THE ULTIMATE SOFT POLYOXOMETALATES? A CRITICAL PERSPECTIVE

Abstract

In this paper, a critical perspective on the state-of-the-art, current developments and future applications of polyoxometalate-ionic liquids (POM-ILs) is presented. This paper is focused on recent developments for true polyoxometalate ionic liquids, where the POM cluster acts as the anionic component in an ionic liquid. A brief overview of the initial development of POM-ILs is given and key features of the materials such as viscosity, conductivity and thermal stability are compared. Current applications of POM-ILs are exemplified and the advantages as well as limitations of POM-ILs for usage as catalysts, sensors and electrochemically active materials are discussed. Potential future areas of application are described and initial studies in these areas are highlighted.