Synthesis and electronic properties of reduced mesoporous sodium niobium oxides

A new series of electronically reduced mesoporous materials based on niobiu m oxide is reported. It is shown for the first time that, upon host-guest i ntercalation, electron transfer from the guest to the walls of the mesoporo us host occurs whilst the porous structure of the material is retained (see Figure). The electronic properties of the host material are demonstrated t o be tunable by addition of varying amounts of sodium.