Highly selective synthesis of interlocked carbazole-based cages and their applications in photothermal seawater desalination

Ming-Yu Lu, Jian-Xin Yang, Ya-Ning Xu, Yin-Hang Chai, Xiao-Qian Wan, Ying Zhao (), Francisco Aznarez, Dan Tian (), Li-Long Dang () and Lu-Fang Ma
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Ming-Yu Lu: Luoyang Normal University
Jian-Xin Yang: Luoyang Normal University
Ya-Ning Xu: Nanjing Forestry University
Yin-Hang Chai: Luoyang Normal University
Xiao-Qian Wan: Luoyang Normal University
Ying Zhao: Luoyang Normal University
Francisco Aznarez: Luoyang Normal University
Dan Tian: Nanjing Forestry University
Li-Long Dang: Luoyang Normal University
Lu-Fang Ma: Luoyang Normal University

Nature Communications, 2025, vol. 16, issue 1, 1-11

Abstract: Abstract The design and assembly of interlocked supramolecular cages is of interest due to their exquisite topological configuration and excellent performance in a variety of applications. We introduce two carbazole-based ligands L1 and L2, they combine with four distinct half-sandwich rhodium building blocks to form three molecular-tweezer-like compounds, three interlocked cages, tetranuclear macrocycle, and hexanuclear cage. Stacking interactions between carbazole groups facilitate the formation of interlocked structures. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy and Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry determine their structures. The compounds 5(OTf)12, 6(OTf)12 and 7(OTf)12 exhibit broad-band absorption from Ultraviolet-Visible Spectroscopy to the Near-Infrared regions and remarkable photothermal conversion. They are incorporated into membranes 5’(OTf)12, 6’(OTf)12, and 7’(OTf)12, whose applications in solar energy-driven steam generation are studied. Evaporation rates of 0.77, 1.52, and 1.37 kg·m-2·h-1 are recorded for 5’(OTf)12, 6’(OTf)12, and 7’(OTf)12, respectively, indicating their suitability to collect fresh water from desalination and wastewater treatment.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-62787-7

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