One of our primary interests is in the synthesis, characterization and reaction dynamics of polyoxometalate ions (POMs) in water, which includes the relationship between the solid-state and solution properties of POMs and isotopic-oxygen-exchange reactions of POMs in water. We are also interested in the synthesis and characterization of lanthanide materials. Here we explore periodic trends within lanthanide compounds and the structure-function relationships & utilization of solid-state properties of these materials.