Polyoxometalate Clusters (usually exist as macroanions in solution) are ideal systems for answering the above question.

They are nanoscaled molecular clusters with well-defined size, mass, charge, molecular structures and adjustable charge density.

Instead of existing as discrete macroions in dilute solutions, they tend to form single-layered, spherical “blackberry” supramoelcualr structures.

Key questions:

 

1.      Driving forces for the self-assembly: not due to van der Waals forces, hydrophobic interaction or chemical interaction.

Counter-ion-mediated attractions and hydrogen bonding are important.

2.      Controlling and adjusting the blackberry size.

3.      Cation – macroanion interaction.

Metal-organic Nanocages as Macrocations

Interactions Between Small Counter-ions and Capsule Macroions – “Plugs” and “Corks”

Trans-Blackberry Membrane Transport of Cations

Inorganic-Organic Hybrid Materials as Amphiphilic Surfactants

From Inorganic Macroions to Polyelectrolytes and Biomacromolecules