Organic proton-conducting molecules are presented as alternative materials to state-of-the-art polymers used as electrolytes in proton-exchanging membrane (PEM) fuel cells. Instead of infl uencing proton conductivity via the mobility offered by polymeric materials, the goal is to create organic molecules that control the proton-transport mechanism through supramolecular order. Therefore, a series of phosphonic acid-containing molecules possessing a carbon-rich hydrophobic core and a hydrophilic periphery was synthesized and characterized. Proton conductivity measurements as well as water uptake and crystallinity studies (powder and single-crystal X-ray analysis) were performed under various conditions. These experiments reveal that proton mobility is closely connected to crystallinity and strongly dependent on the supramolecular ordering of the compound. This study provides insights into the proton-conducting properties of this novel class of materials and the mechanisms responsible for proton transport.
Wegen ihrer Bedeutung in biologischen und chemischen Prozessen wurde die Protonenleitfähigkeit in der Vergangenheit intensiv erforscht.[1] In Brennstoffzellen wird elektrische Energie mit hoher Effizienz und geringer Umweltbelastung bereitgestellt. Die Leistungsfähigkeit von Brennstoffzellen könnte durch Protonenaustauschmembranen erhöht werden, die eine hohe und gleichbleibende Protonenleitfähigkeit gewährleisten. Nach Vorgaben des amerikanischen Energieministeriums sollte eine Membran für Anwendungen in Kraftfahrzeugen eine Leitfähigkeit von etwa 1 10 À1 S cm À1 bei 120 8C und 50 % relativer Feuchtigkeit (RH) aufweisen.
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