Versatile inorganic-organic hybrid WO x -ethylenediamine nanowires: Synthesis, mechanism and application in heavy metal ion adsorption and catalysis

Inorganic-organic hybrid WO x -ethylenediamine (WO x -EDA) nanowires have been produced by a simple, low-cost and high-yield solvothermal method. These WO x -EDA hybrid nanowires have unique lamellar mesostructures with an alternate stacking of an interconnected [WO6] octahedral layer and a monolayer of ethylenediamine molecules. This hybrid structure integrated the functionality of ethylenediamine with the stability of the WO x frameworks. In situ synchrotronradiation X-ray diffraction is used to elucidate a possible formation mechanism of the hybrid WO x -EDA. The nanowire morphology, lamellar structure and abundant functional amino groups endow them with versatile abilities. For example, in heavy metal ion adsorption the WO x -EDA nanowires display exceptional adsorption capabilities of 925 mg·g−1 for Pb2+ and 610 mg·g−1 for UO 2 2+ . The nanowires also show outstanding stability and activity as a heterogeneous base catalyst in the Knoevenagel condensation reaction at room temperature. The catalyst can be recycled and reused for 20 cycles with nearly 100% yields. This study provides a new strategy to design inorganic-organic hybrid materials, and offers a multifunctional material that is a highly efficient adsorbent and sustainable catalyst.