
Scientists at Kyoto Universityâs Institute for Cell-Material Sciences have discovered a novel cluster compound that could prove useful as a catalyst. Compounds, called polyoxometalates, that contain a large metal-oxide cluster carry a negative charge. They are found everywhere, from anti-viral medicines to rechargeable batteries and flash memory devices.
The new cluster compound is a hydroxy-iodide (HSbOI) and is unusual, as it has large, positively charged clusters. Only a handful of such positively charged cluster compounds have been found and studied.
âIn science, the discovery of new material or molecule can create a new science,â says Kyoto University chemist Hiroshi Kageyama. âI believe that these new positively charged clusters have great potential.â