Selective Ion Exchange Induced by Supramolecular Channel in Crystalline State

Artificial ion channels are of increasing interest because of potential applications in biomimetics, e.g., for realizing selective ion permeability via the transport and/or exchange of selective ions. However, the selective ion transport and/or exchange in the crystalline state is rare, and to our knowledge, this function with changes in the physical properties of a material has not been achieved. In this study, by soaking single crystals of Li₂([18]crown‐6)₃[Ni(dmit)₂]₂(H₂O)₄ (1) in an aqueous solution containing K+, we succeeded in complete ion exchange of Li+ in 1 with K+ in the solution, while maintaining the crystalline state. This ion exchange with K+ was selectively conducted even in mixed solutions containing K+ as well as Na+/Li+. Furthermore, remarkable changes in physical properties of 1 resulted from the ion exchange. Our finding leads to not only the realization of selective ion permeability but also the development of high‐sensitive biosensors, futuristic ion exchange agents, and so on.

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