Polyoxometalates in Extraction and Sorption Processes

Polyoxometalates (POMs) represent a fascinating class of inorganic cluster compounds. Due to the almost unlimited possibilities to tailor size, shape and charge of this compound class and to perform various surface functionalization, they are discussed for different applications, especially in the fields of catalysis, material sciences and biomedicine. In contrast, the systematic study of extraction and sorption properties of POMs has received relatively little attention so far. This review article provides a brief overview of relevant POM structures used for effective and selective phase transfer of metal ions from aqueous into organic media as well as for the development of efficient sorption processes. The use of inorganic-organic POM-based hybrid materials for extraction and sorption processes is also discussed.