Switched Proton Conduction in Metal-Organic Frameworks

Stimuli-responsive materials can respond to external effects, and proton transport is widespread and plays a key role in living systems, making stimuli-responsive proton transport in artificial materials of particular interest to researchers due to its desirable application prospects. On the basis of the rapid growth of proton-conducting porous metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), switched proton-conducting MOFs have also begun to attract attention. MOFs have advantages in crystallinity, porosity, functionalization, and structural designability, and they can facilitate the fabrication of novel switchable proton conductors and promote an understanding of the comprehensive mechanisms. In this Perspective, we highlight the current progress in the rational design and fabrication of stimuli-responsive proton-conducting MOFs and their applications. The dynamic structural change of proton transfer pathways and the role of trigger molecules are discussed to elucidate the stimuli-responsive mechanisms. Subsequently, we also discuss the challenges and propose new research opportunities for further development.