Multi-layered compositions having a plurality of pillared metal complexes disposed on a supporting substrate, the pillars comprising divalent electron acceptor moieties with a phosphonate or arsenate at each end. Each layer of parallel pillars is separated by a layer of a group (IVA), (IVB), (IIIA) or (IIIB) metal or a lanthanide. The compositions can further comprise particles of at least one Group VIII metal at zero valence entrapped within each layer of the complex. The complexes can also incorporate 'stalactites' and 'stalagmites' of capped arsonato or phosphonato ligands interspersed with the pillars providing a series of interstices about each electron accepting group. The supporting substrate can be comprised of an organic polymer template. The complexes are useful for the conversion and storage of solar energy and as catalysts for reduction reactions, for example, the production of hydrogen peroxide from oxygen and hydrogen gases, the production of H2 gas from water, and the reduction of ketones to form alcohols.