The Concept of 2D Solid Solvents: A New View on Functionalized Silica-Based Materials

In the presented work, we would like to introduce a new concept of a 2D solid solvent. This is a material, capable of selective ion or molecules capturing thanks to its developed surface, which is treated as deposited on a substrate (usually spherical nano-silica or mesoporous silica) 2D bi- or multi-component layer. The last one consists of two main components—active anchoring units and passive spacers that are surface analogues of solute and solvent in an ordinary solution. Whereas silica substrate, anchoring units, and spacers are connected and act cooperatively for one final goal, we consider to describe them as one part. In our work, we will clarify a definition of solid solvents as well as show some examples of them and their usage.