Studies about the reaction of ZrIV ions with peroxides
and the properties of the resulting zirconium peroxide clusters are
significant for understanding zirconium chemistry in the nuclear fuel
cycle and the advancement of less explored Group IV metal oxo clusters.
Herein, an octanuclear zirconium peroxide cluster, designated as Zr8, was synthesized and characterized by using multiple techniques.
Crystallographic analysis revealed that Zr8 has a ringlike
structure and unusual positive charges, while tetravalent metal oxo
clusters are mostly neutral. In situ variable-temperature Raman spectra
indicated that Zr8 has unexpected thermal stability, which
may be related to the strong interaction between ZrIV ions
and peroxide groups. Small-angle X-ray scattering data showed that
Zr8 self-assembled in the reactant solution prior to crystallization.
In short, Zr8 expands the limited family of zirconium peroxide
clusters and enriches the properties of metal peroxides.