Guest Controlled Pillar[5]arene and Polyoxometalate Based 2D Nanostructures towards Reversible Iodine Capture.

The two-dimensional nanostructures comprised of polyoxometalate-based building blocks are of great value in nanoarchitectures which are with unique properties and widespread potential applications, but it is still challenging in mature preparation. Herein a new strategy to build Cr (III) centered Anderson type polyoxometalate 2D nanostructures based on the modulation of host-guest interaction between cationic pillar[5]arenes and SDS in aqueous media was exploited in this work. Through regulating stoichiometry of SDS, the morphology of assemblies vary from nanobones to 2D nanosheets. The fine assembled structure was discovered by a combined analysis of 1H-NMR, SAXS and element analyses. The nanomaterials can be used as adsorbents for I2 in various solutions, including n-hexane, cyclohexane, water and chloroform, where the polyoxometalates play a key role in the effective adsorption of iodine since they can expand the inter-space between pillar[5]arenes in the as-prepared nanostructure. Furthermore, such adsorbents are easily regenerated and reused as iodine can be released spontaneously from nanobones@I2 and nanosheets@I2 solids when being immersed in DMSO.