An overview of CO32-/HCO3- binding by aerial CO2 fixation within the self-assemblies of hydrogen-bond donor scaffolds

The highlight mainly consolidates the overview of research related to the F-/OH--induced fixation of atmospheric CO2 as air-stable carbonate/bicarbonate anion(s) within the neutral or charged self-assemblies of artificial receptors in the solid state. The detailed and comprehensive account of the structural aspects amongst one or more host/host-assemblies and respective anions (CO32-, HCO3-)/hydrated-anion/anionic associations are systematically discussed throughout the highlight. Special emphasis has also been given to the construction of some typical supramolecular self-assembled host-guest architectures, such as molecular barrels, capsules, and cages, having arisen due to the uptake of atmospheric CO2 by either acyclic (monopodal, dipodal, tripodal) or cyclic hydrogen-bond donor scaffolds with these planar anions. Studies on the differential binding behavior of these environmentally and biologically relevant anions in aqueous or organic medium, followed by some other significant anion recognition applications, such as extraction and sensing, by utilizing some of these aerial CO2 fixed complexes have also been included in this highlight.

Automated summary

This research focuses on the fixation mechanism of atmospheric CO2 in self-assembled artificial receptors and discusses the structural aspects between host/host-assemblies and anions. Special emphasis is placed on the construction of typical supramolecular host-guest systems formed by absorbing atmospheric CO2, and the differential coordination behavior of these anions in aqueous or organic media is explored, along with their roles in other significant applications.