A noncovalently connected metal–organic framework assembled from a Ni(iii)-supported polyoxometalate–imidazolate hybrid

The first mixed-valence nickel-supported polyoxometalate-based metal–organic framework, (H2mim)[NiIII(Hmim)4][SiW11NiIIO37(OH)2(Hmim)]·3H2O (1) (Hmim = 2-methylimidazole), has been synthesized using a steam-assisted conversion method, and is constructed from noncovalent interactions (hydrogen bonds and π⋯π stacking interactions). 1 has a repeating honeycomb-shaped internal structure with one-dimensional channels along the direction of the c axis, where the diameter of the aperture is as large as 18.83 Å. Furthermore, the stability and the optical band gaps are investigated.