Linear tri-pillar[5]arene-based acceptor for efficiently separate paraquat from water through collaboration effect.

Paraquat, one of non-selective herbicides, is widely used in agricultural production. However, it can cause death of people or animals quickly owing to its fatal toxicity. In the present work, for efficient separation and removal of the paraquat, a concept "employ collaboration effect to enhance the Host-Guest interactions" was rationally introduced into the design of paraquat adsorbent material. According to this concept, a novel linear tri-pillar[5]arene-based acceptor molecule was synthesized. Interestingly, the acceptor shows outstanding adsorption properties for paraquat through the collaboration effect of the adjacent pillar[5]arene moieties in the linear tri-pillar[5]arene acceptor. Compared with other adsorbents such as activated carbon and single-pillar[5]arene-based adsorbent materials, the linear tri-pillar[5]arene acceptor shows higher adsorption rate for paraquat. Additionally, the linear tri-pillar[5]arene acceptor was applied to adsorb the commercial pesticide paraquat sample in water with adsorption rate of 98%. Therefore, the linear tri-pillar[5]arene acceptor could serve as a paraquat adsorbent material and convey greatly potential application in the field of removal of paraquat. The concept "employ collaboration effect to enhance the Host-Guest interactions" is a useful way for the development of adsorption materials.