Design and synthesis of novel polyoxometalate-based binary and ternary nanohybrids for energy conversion and storage

Polyoxometalate (POM) based binary and ternary hybrids, including the combination of POMs, semiconductors, nanostructured carbon (carbon nanotube (CNT), graphene, carbon dots et al.) and metal nanoparticles (MNPs), are key materials in photoelectrocatalysis. POM play a key role in constructing the nanohybrids and contributing to their photoelectrochemical catalytic properties. These composites combine properties from two or three functional nanoscale materials, resulting in a wider range of applications, including catalysis, energy conversion and storage, molecular sensors and electronics. Herein, we summarize the latest progress in POM based binary nanohybrids (POM/Metal, POM/semiconductor and POM/nanocarbon) and ternary nanohybrids (Metal/POM/nanocarbon) with a focus on energy materials for photocatalysis, fuel cells, biosensors and photoelectrochemical devices. Current applications are critically assessed and promising future target systems are discussed.