On the Origin of the Cation Templated Self-Assembly of Uranyl-Peroxide Nanoclusters

Uranyl-peroxide nanoclusters display different topologies based on square, pentagonal and hexagonal building blocks. Computed complexation energies of different cations (Li+, Na+, K+, Rb+, and Cs+) with [UO2(O-2)(H2O)](n) (n = 4, 5, and 6) macrocycles suggest a strong cation templating effect. The inherent bent structure of a U-O-2-U model dimer is demonstrated and justified through the analysis of its electronic structure, as well as of the inherent curvature of the four-, five-, and six-uranyl macrocyles. The curvature is enhaced by cation coordination, which is suggested to be the driving force for the self-assembly of the nanocapsules.