AUTHOR=Chen Si-Qi , Zhao Wei , Wu Biao TITLE=Separation of Sulfate Anion From Aqueous Solution Governed by Recognition Chemistry: A Minireview JOURNAL=Frontiers in Chemistry VOLUME=Volume 10 - 2022 YEAR=2022 URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/chemistry/articles/10.3389/fchem.2022.905563 DOI=10.3389/fchem.2022.905563 ISSN=2296-2646 ABSTRACT=Sulfate anion (SO42–) is known as an end metabolite of cysteine and methionine, and its proper concentration associates with expression of key functions in physiological system. Thus, maintaining sulfate concentration in precise level is of great significance for biology, environments, and industrial productions. Fundamental research for sulfate anion chemistry can help to understand sulfate-associated physiological processes and related applications, e.g., remediation. In this minireview, we summarized recent research progresses in sulfate recognition and separation using crystallization and liquid-liquid extraction. We focused on the studies that molecular recognition is the key element and considered as the driving force for selective sulfate separations from aqueous solution.