Abstract
The selective capture of Cs+ from solution is relevant to the remediation of nuclear waste and remains a significant challenge. Here we describe a new framework composed of [(CH3)2NH2]+ and [Ga2Sb2S7]2− layers, which are perforated with holes. Shape selectivity couples with framework flexibility, allowing the compound to respond to the ion-exchange process. The size, shape and flexibility of the holes allow Cs+ ions in an aqueous solution to selectively pass through and enter the material via an ion-exchange process. Following capture, the structure dynamically closes its holes in a manner reminiscent of a Venus flytrap, which prevents the Cs+ ions from leaching out. This process has useful implications in the separation science of Cs as it relates to the clean-up of nuclear waste. The dynamic response we describe here provides important insights for designing new materials for the selective removal of difficult-to-capture ions.
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Acknowledgements
This research was supported by National Science Foundation (DMR-0801855). This work made use of the ICP-OES (supported by National Science Foundation) at the Integrated Molecular Structure Education and Research Center (IMSERC) at Northwestern University.
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N.D. and M.G.K. conceived and designed the experiments, N.D. performed the experiments, N.D. and M.G.K. analysed the data and co-wrote the paper.
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Crystallographic data for compound II (CIF 19 kb)
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Ding, N., Kanatzidis, M. Selective incarceration of caesium ions by Venus flytrap action of a flexible framework sulfide. Nature Chem 2, 187–191 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1038/nchem.519
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/nchem.519
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