New proton conducting materials for technical applications: what can we learn from solid state NMR studies?

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Solid-State Chemistry
• Physical Chemistry

Background:

• Proton conducting materials are crucial for energy applications.
• Complex hydrogen bonding networks govern proton transport.
• Understanding proton dynamics is key to material design.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent solid-state NMR studies on proton conducting materials.
• To discuss experimental methods for studying proton dynamics.
• To highlight insights into hydrogen bonding and proton transfer.

Main Methods:

• 1H solid-state NMR spectroscopy under fast magic angle spinning (MAS).
• Variable temperature 1H MAS NMR for dynamic behavior analysis.
• Pulsed field gradient NMR for macroscopic proton mobility measurements.

Main Results:

• NMR techniques provide site-specific dynamic information.
• Thermodynamics of hydrogen bonding and activation energies for proton transfer are determined.
• Proton mobility and contributions of different conduction mechanisms are quantified.

Conclusions:

• Solid-state NMR is a powerful tool for characterizing proton conducting materials.
• Detailed insights into proton conduction mechanisms are achievable.
• NMR studies guide the development of advanced proton conductors.