From T2,2@Bmmim to Alkali@T2,2@Bmmim Ivory Ball-like Clusters: Ionothermal Syntheses, Precise Doping, and Photocatalytic Properties

Presented
here are the syntheses, structures, and properties of an In-Sn-Se
compound based on a ternary super-supertetrahedral T2,2 cluster nested
by Bmmim cations and two of its alkali-doped quaternary analogues.
By means of a one-pot ionothermal method, an alkali metal ion (Cs+ or Rb+) could be precisely doped into the central
cavity of the cluster, forming an alkali@T2,2@Bmmim quaternary cluster.
Remarkably, the undoped compound exhibited excellent stability and
visible light photodegradation ability over a wide range of pH, especially
in acidic conditions.