Significant Enhancement on the Proton Conduction Performance of Composite Membrane by Photoacid Molecules

Abstract

devices to work under tough conditions. There are reports about artificial ATP synthesis and biomimetic power generation through proton gradients. [3] These abiotic ones have potential applications for electronic devices, fuel cell, and chemical sensors. [4] However, significant challenges remain for developing high performance and dynamic regulation of proton conduction. A class of material that is possibly able to improve the proton conduction performance in fuel cells is metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). [5] MOFs are organicinorganic composite porous materials, constructed from metal ions or clusters, and organic ligands through coordination bonds. [6] MOFs have such advantages as high porosity, large specific surface area, and enormous chemical variety. [7]

Two Proton Conductive Coordination Polymers Constructed by an Unprecedented Structural Transformation of a Phosphine-Based Tricarboxylate Ligand

“…Over the past decade, functionalized coordination polymers (CPs) have proven to be promising candidates in the field of proton conduction. − CPs have some incomparable characteristics over Nafion membranes, such as high specific surface area, adjustable framework structure and pore environment, extremely high chemical stability, and simple material manufacturing and can be blended with other materials. − More importantly, the regular structure of CPs provides opportunities to study proton transfer pathways and mechanisms and provides inspiration for constructing proton conductors with excellent performance. , Starting from the designability of CPs, many different schemes have been developed to improve their proton conductivity. (i) On introducing guest molecules (such as imidazole, water, or water clusters), the proton conductivity of MOF materials can be greatly improved by utilizing the rich hydrogen bond network formed between the guest molecule and the framework. − However, if the guest molecules are lost at high temperature, the proton conductivity will be severely affected.…”

Functionalization of Cluster-Nodes in a Metal–Organic Framework for Light-Manipulating Proton Conduction

“…Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have emerged as a distinctive class of crystalline porous materials, showing remarkable traits, such as high porosity, extensive chemical diversity, and modifiable functionality. − Over the past decade, intensive research has been dedicated to investigating MOFs as potential candidates for proton-conducting materials. − However, the stimuli-responsive proton conduction of MOFs has garnered relatively limited attention. − Notably, light stimulus possesses rapid, noninvasive, and remotely controllable advantages, thereby sparking significant interest in the development of light-responsive proton conductors. Kitagawa et al pioneered the field of optically switchable proton conducting MOFs by incorporating the photoacid molecule pyranine into the melted [Zn­(HPO 4 )­(H 2 PO 4 ) 2 ]­(ImH 2 ) 2 .…”