Oxomaterial

Oxomaterial is a broad term in materials science for substances in which oxygen is a central structural element, typically bonded to metals as oxide or oxo ligands. It includes conventional metal oxides, mixed-valence oxides, polyoxometalates, peroxides, and oxide-based frameworks such as perovskites, spinels, and certain metal–organic frameworks with oxo nodes. The common feature is a network or cluster of metal–oxygen bonds that determines electronic structure, stability, and reactivity.

Structure and bonding: In many oxomaterials, metal cations are linked by oxide ions to form extended lattices, often composed of MO6 octahedra or MO4/MO5 polyhedra sharing corners or edges. Discrete oxometalates assemble from transition metals in high oxidation states. Peroxo species introduce O–O bonds that modify redox properties.

Synthesis and stability: Oxomaterials are prepared by solid-state, hydrothermal or solvothermal methods, sol–gel routes, or wet-chemical self-assembly. The oxidative environment, temperature, and pH influence phase formation and defect chemistry, which affect conductivity and catalytic activity.

Properties and applications: Oxomaterials exhibit diverse electrical, optical, and catalytic properties. They are used in catalysis for oxidation and acid-base processes, energy storage and conversion (batteries and photoelectrochemical cells), and as components in sensors and electronics. Performance often depends on oxygen stoichiometry, defect structure, and mixed valence states.

Examples: Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are common oxomaterials; ferrites and perovskites such as lanthanum manganite illustrate oxide-based functional materials; polyoxometalates represent discrete oxometalate clusters. Oxomaterials also include oxide frameworks like aluminosilicates and certain metal–organic frameworks with inorganic oxide nodes.