Investigating Proton Conduction using Guest-Loaded Metal-Organic Frameworks

Abstract

Two Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs), ZIF-65 and ZIF-90 were loaded with phosphate esters and investigated for their abilities as proton conductors at temperatures ranging from 23ºC to 200ºC, with the goal being the achievement of superprotonic conduction at increased temperatures. Polybenzimidazole, a conductive polymer, was synthesized and incorporated with the MOFs to aid in proton transport. The following results do not achieve superprotonic conduction at high temperatures, but are promising for future investigation.