Pillar[5]arene Cross-Linked Polymer with High Iodine Capture Capacity

Cross-linked polymers exhibit significant potential for mitigating the hazards posed by radioactive iodine. The incorporation of functional moieties into pillar[n]arene-based cross-linked polymers can substantially enhance their efficacy for pollutant sequestration. Herein, we report the synthesis of a recyclable iodine-capturing cross-linked polymer using p-bromofunctionalized pillar[5]arene and TPPE (tetraphenylethylene-based derivatives) as monomers, followed by comprehensive characterization of its structural properties, morphological features, thermal stability, and specific surface area. Notably, the resulting adsorbent achieves an ultrahigh iodine capture capacity of 3.23 g/g, far exceeding the performance of most previously reported pillararene materials, while retaining cycling stability.