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Highly selective synthesis of interlocked carbazole-based cages and their applications in photothermal seawater desalination

Author

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  • Ming-Yu Lu

    (Luoyang Normal University
    Zhengzhou University)

  • Jian-Xin Yang

    (Luoyang Normal University)

  • Ya-Ning Xu

    (Nanjing Forestry University)

  • Yin-Hang Chai

    (Luoyang Normal University)

  • Xiao-Qian Wan

    (Luoyang Normal University)

  • Ying Zhao

    (Luoyang Normal University)

  • Francisco Aznarez

    (Luoyang Normal University)

  • Dan Tian

    (Nanjing Forestry University)

  • Li-Long Dang

    (Luoyang Normal University
    Zhengzhou University)

  • Lu-Fang Ma

    (Luoyang Normal University
    Zhengzhou University)

Abstract

The design and assembly of interlocked supramolecular cages is of interest due to their exquisite topological configuration and excellent performance in a variety of applications. We introduce two carbazole-based ligands L1 and L2, they combine with four distinct half-sandwich rhodium building blocks to form three molecular-tweezer-like compounds, three interlocked cages, tetranuclear macrocycle, and hexanuclear cage. Stacking interactions between carbazole groups facilitate the formation of interlocked structures. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy and Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry determine their structures. The compounds 5(OTf)12, 6(OTf)12 and 7(OTf)12 exhibit broad-band absorption from Ultraviolet-Visible Spectroscopy to the Near-Infrared regions and remarkable photothermal conversion. They are incorporated into membranes 5’(OTf)12, 6’(OTf)12, and 7’(OTf)12, whose applications in solar energy-driven steam generation are studied. Evaporation rates of 0.77, 1.52, and 1.37 kg·m-2·h-1 are recorded for 5’(OTf)12, 6’(OTf)12, and 7’(OTf)12, respectively, indicating their suitability to collect fresh water from desalination and wastewater treatment.

Suggested Citation

  • Ming-Yu Lu & Jian-Xin Yang & Ya-Ning Xu & Yin-Hang Chai & Xiao-Qian Wan & Ying Zhao & Francisco Aznarez & Dan Tian & Li-Long Dang & Lu-Fang Ma, 2025. "Highly selective synthesis of interlocked carbazole-based cages and their applications in photothermal seawater desalination," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-11, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-62787-7
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-62787-7
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