The pentagonal K10[(UO2)5(μ-O2)5(C2O4)5] species have been identified as the building blocks of uranyl-peroxide nanocapsules. The computed complexation energies of different alkali cations (Li+, Na+, K+, Rb+, and Cs+) with [(UO2)5(μ-O2)5(O2)5]10- and [(UO2)20(μ-O2)30]20- species suggest a strong cation templating effect. In the studied species, the largest complexation energy occurs for the experimentally used alkali cations (Na+ and K+).
Uranyl-peroxide nanocapsules: Electronic structure and cation complexation in [(UO2)20(μ-O2)30]20−
Inorg. Chem. 2012, 51, 3840-3845.