Harnessing ion-dipole interactions: a simple and effective approach to high-performance lithium receptors

• Published in: Journal of materials chemistry. A, Materials for energy and sustainability Materials for energy and sustainability, 2023-06, Vol.11 (23), p.12214-12222
• Main Authors: Xu, Chengkai, Tran, Quy, Wojtas, Lukasz, Liu, Wenqi
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Affinity; Binding; Crown ethers; Design; Dipole interactions; Ionophores; Lithium; Lithium chloride; Lithium-ion batteries; Potassium chloride; Receptors; Rechargeable batteries; Sodium chloride
• ISSN: 2050-7488; 2050-7496
• DOI: 10.1039/d3ta01831h

The burgeoning demand for lithium across various sectors, most notably in lithium-ion batteries, necessitates the development of efficient extraction and purification methodologies. As a response to this imperative, the design of synthetic receptors exhibiting high selectivity and affinity for lithium ions has emerged as a crucial area of research. This investigation proposes a simple and effective approach to high-performance lithium receptors that capitalizes on ion-dipole interactions as the principal driving force for lithium binding. Our investigation encompasses the design, synthesis, and evaluation of five distinct ionophores characterized by varied ion-dipole interactions with lithium, culminating in significantly enhanced binding affinity and Li + /Na + selectivity compared to conventional macrocyclic crown ether-based receptors. Moreover, we identify a new building block based on pyridine- N -oxide, which serves as an efficacious motif for developing receptors with augmented lithium-binding capacities. Additionally, our findings demonstrate a rapid and efficient solid-liquid extraction process for LiCl in the presence of a substantial excess of NaCl and KCl, employing the newly discovered ionophore. Collectively, this study contributes valuable insights into molecular design strategies for high-performance lithium receptors and advocates for continued exploration of sustainable molecular materials to enhance lithium recognition and extraction efficiencies. Incorporating strong ion-dipole interactions within acyclic molecular frameworks can remarkably enhance both binding affinity and selectivity for lithium ion, offering a simple and effective strategy for developing high-performance lithium receptors.