Organic Photochemistry for Directly Light-Driven Separations

Abstract

Compared to conventional methods, directly light-driven separations are promising strategies to achieve high selectivity while lowering energy cost. This perspective examines recent progress in photoswitch-enabled separations with a focus on concentration of CO₂ and selective anion recovery from water. We highlight key design strategies for photo-pH-swing capture and identify current practical limitations toward translating solar-driven separations into technologies with meaningful impact.