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Electrophoretic Crystallization of Ultrathin High-performance Metal-organic Framework Membranes
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Ordered Dynamic Networks Proton Exchange Membrane for Humidity-Resilient High-Performance Fuel Cells
Xinming Du1, Yijia Lei2, Zhe Wang2
1College of Chemistry, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, China.
Small (Weinheim an Der Bergstrasse, Germany)
|July 3, 2025
Summary
This study developed a new proton exchange membrane using nanofibers and functionalized polymers. The membrane shows improved proton conductivity and water retention, crucial for fuel cells operating in low humidity conditions.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Electrochemistry
- Polymer Science
Background:
- Proton conductivity in sulfonated proton exchange membranes (PEMs) is limited under low humidity, hindering fuel cell performance.
- Developing humidity-resilient PEMs is critical for efficient and reliable fuel cell applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To engineer an innovative interfacial strategy for enhanced proton conductivity in PEMs under varying humidity.
- To create an ordered dynamic network membrane with improved water retention and proton transport pathways.
Main Methods:
- Integration of perfluorosulfonic acid nanofibers (PFSANF) with hydroxyl-functionalized Tröger's base polymer (HTB).
- Construction of synergistic 3D hydrogen-bond networks and acid-base interactions within the membrane architecture.
Main Results:
- Achieved a proton conductivity of 123 mS cm-1 at 90 °C and 30% RH, 1.9 times higher than commercial Nafion NC.
- Demonstrated enhanced water retention and additional proton-hopping sites due to hydroxyl and tertiary amine groups.
- Exhibited an outstanding peak power density of 1.2 W cm-2 in H2/O2 fuel cells.
Conclusions:
- The developed ordered dynamic network membrane exhibits remarkable humidity-adaptive proton conduction.
- This interfacial engineering approach offers a new paradigm for designing advanced, humidity-resilient proton exchange membranes.
- Synergistic molecular design and ordered nanostructure are key to optimizing PEM performance for fuel cells.
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