Reversible Capture of CO2 by Cucurbit[7]uril Absorbent

Traditional amine absorbents for CO2 are oftentimes corrosive to equipment and degrade through oxidation, thus severely restricting the wide application in CO2 capture. Herein, a supramolecular approach to CO2 capture by cucurbit[7] uril (CB[7]) complex was developed. NH2(CH2)(6)NH2 subset of CB[7] complex can convert CO2 to bicarbonate product. Furthermore, the CB[7] complex can be reused to absorb CO2 over 5 times in solid state, thereby providing a green absorbent to CO2 with regard to high stability, non-corrosiveness and convenient transportation.