Magnetic field alignment of stable proton-conducting channels in an electrolyte membrane

Proton exchange membranes with short-pathway through-plane orientated proton conductivity are highly desirable for use in proton exchange membrane fuel cells. Magnetic field is utilized to create oriented structure in proton exchange membranes. Previously, this has only been carried out by proton nonconductive metal oxide-based fillers. Here, under a strong magnetic field, a proton-conducting paramagnetic complex based on ferrocyanide-coordinated polymer and phosphotungstic acid is used to prepare composite membranes with highly conductive through-plane-aligned proton channels. Gratifyingly, this strategy simultaneously overcomes the high water-solubility of phosphotungstic acid in composite membranes, thereby preventing its leaching and the subsequent loss of membrane conductivity. The ferrocyanide groups in the coordinated polymer, via redox cycle, can continuously consume free radicals, thus helping to improve the long-term in situ membrane durability. The composite membranes exhibit outstanding proton conductivity, fuel cell performance and durability, compared with other types of hydrocarbon membranes and industry standard Nafion^® 212.