Ionic covalent organic networks (iCONs) have emerged as unique materials capable of selectively sequestering anions, including toxic pollutants such as chromate and arsenate, from aqueous media. Novel iCONs obtained through a condensation reaction between bis-aminoguanidinium and aromatic polyaldehydes show high affinity for tetrahedral oxoanions.<sup>1</sup> Integration of phenol instead of benzene units into the structure of iCONs offers simultaneous sequestration of Cr(VI) and As(V) based oxoanions in water via a synergistic ion-exchange-redox process that results in the formation of Cr(III)-As(V) clusters. Additionally, the hydrogen bonding, steric, and electrostatic interactions at/near the guanidinium-based anion binding site in iCONs control the uptake efficiency and selectivity of oxoanions. The fundamental insights into structure-activity relationships towards the development of novel oxoanion-selective materials for rapid environmental remediation will be discussed.

Tuning oxoanion selectivity in ionic covalent organic networks

ACS Spring 2022

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