Adaptive crystal can selectively capture CO₂ and recognize similar molecules
Chemical separation can be energy-intensive when molecules have similar sizes and properties. Researchers from Shibaura Institute of Technology, Japan, have now developed an interlayer adaptive crystal that changes its spacing to recognize specific molecules.
Researchers from Shibaura Institute of Technology and Nagoya University have developed an interlayer adaptive crystal that can selectively capture CO₂ and recognize similar molecules. This innovative material changes its internal spacing in response to incoming molecules, allowing it to distinguish between CO₂, nitrogen, and methane even under humid conditions.
At pressures as low as 2.0 Pa and temperatures of 195 K, the crystal showed appreciable CO₂ uptake of around 0.2 molecules per [Zn(L)Py]₂ unit. Under normal conditions (298 K) and near 98 kPa, the uptake increased to 0.58 mol mol⁻¹. The adaptive crystal distinguished CO₂ from nitrogen and methane, retaining CO₂ longer than both gases under dry conditions and maintaining selectivity even under humid conditions.
The crystal also demonstrated the ability to recognize larger organic molecules, such as benzene, which is significantly larger than the intrinsic pore diameter of the material. This adaptive mechanism could provide a more energy-efficient approach to CO₂ capture and the separation of closely related organic compounds that are difficult to distinguish by conventional methods.
Written by urgent.news from Phys.org's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
