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Updated: Jan 29, 2026

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Controlling the Size, Shape and Stability of Supramolecular Polymers in Water
Published on: August 2, 2012
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Proton Conduction in Metal-Containing Supramolecular Polymers and Hybrid Materials: Recent Advance and Future
Satabdi Mazumder1, Devesh Kumar Shukla1, Sumit Kumar Gupta1
1Department of Chemistry, National Institute of Technology Silchar, Silchar, India.
Chempluschem
|January 28, 2026
Summary
Metal-based supramolecular polymers offer improved processability and durability for proton exchange membranes (PEMs) in fuel cells. This review highlights their potential as efficient proton conductors, addressing challenges and future prospects in the field.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Electrochemistry
- Renewable Energy
Background:
- Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) are promising renewable energy devices.
- Proton exchange membranes (PEMs) require high proton conductivity and low electrical conductivity.
- Existing PEM materials like MOFs and COFs face challenges in processability and fabrication.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review advancements in metal-based supramolecular polymers and soft hybrid materials for PEM applications.
- To highlight key design strategies and structure-property correlations for proton conduction.
- To identify challenges and future research directions in this field.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of research published over the last 12 years.
- Analysis of material properties related to proton conductivity.
- Focus on metal-based supramolecular polymers and soft hybrid materials.
Main Results:
- Metal-based supramolecular polymers exhibit high processability, durability, and stimuli-responsive properties.
- These materials show potential as efficient proton conductors for PEMFCs.
- Structure-property relationships for enhanced proton conduction are identified.
Conclusions:
- Metal-based supramolecular materials are emerging as viable alternatives for PEMs.
- Further research is needed to overcome fabrication challenges and optimize performance.
- These materials hold significant promise for the future of fuel cell technology.
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