By implementing an unique methodology that increases the number of guest molecules inside MOF pores, they accomplished improved hydrogen ion conductivity.Hydrogen Fuel Cells and Current LimitationsHydrogen fuel cells are environmentally friendly and highly effective power generation gadgets that straight convert chemical energy derived from reactions between hydrogen and oxygen into electrical energy. Sulfamic acid, a guest molecule with extraordinary hydrogen bonding abilities in different types, effectively operates as a medium for transferring hydrogen ions. These products exhibited impressive durability as they maintained hydrogen ion conductivity over a prolonged period.The research findings hold immense pledge for advancing the efficiency and performance of hydrogen fuel cells through the utilization of metal-organic frameworks.
Scientists have attained a breakthrough in hydrogen fuel cell innovation by establishing strong electrolyte products using metal-organic structures (MOFs). This technique considerably enhances hydrogen ion conductivity. The groups ingenious use of low-acidity visitor particles within MOFs has actually caused materials with high conductivity and toughness. This improvement promises to enhance the performance of hydrogen fuel cells, adding to sustainable energy solutions.A group of researchers connected with UNIST has attained a considerable advancement in improving the effectiveness of hydrogen fuel cells, which are gaining significant attention as eco-friendly next-generation energy sources.Led by Professor Myoung Soo Lah in the Department of Chemistry at UNIST, the group effectively established strong electrolyte products utilizing metal-organic structures (MOFs). This ingenious technique significantly enhances the conductivity of hydrogen ions within the solid electrolyte used in hydrogen fuel cells. Furthermore, the research study group introduced guest molecules with low acidity– marking a pioneering achievement among intermediaries used for this function. By carrying out a novel method that increases the variety of guest particles inside MOF pores, they achieved improved hydrogen ion conductivity.Hydrogen Fuel Cells and Current LimitationsHydrogen fuel cells are ecologically friendly and highly efficient power generation devices that directly transform chemical energy obtained from responses between hydrogen and oxygen into electrical energy. Currently, Proton-Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells predominantly use Nafion as an electrolyte material due to its thermal, mechanical, and chemical stability together with high hydrogen ion conductivity. However, these systems face limitations concerning their operating temperature range and absence clarity on their mechanisms for performance enhancement.The research group turned their attention to MOFs as possible options. MOFs are products composed of metal clusters interconnected by organic ligands to form a porous structure. With outstanding chemical and thermal stability properties, MOFs have recently gathered considerable interest for use in fuel cell applications. When created, MOFs possess pores of differing sizes that can be made use of for establishing materials with high hydrogen ion conductivity by presenting guest molecules through these channels.Groundbreaking Methodology and ResultsIn this research study carried out by the research team at UNIST led by Professor Myoung Soo Lahs group members, zwitterionic sulfamic acid– a low-acidity amphoteric ionic substance possessing both positive and negative charges– was presented as visitor molecules into two types of MOFs, specifically MOF-808 and MIL-101. Sulfamic acid, a guest particle with remarkable hydrogen bonding abilities in numerous forms, effectively operates as a medium for transferring hydrogen ions. By increasing the quantity of sulfamic acid within the pores of MOFs, the group effectively established materials demonstrating high hydrogen ion conductivity (achieving levels of 10-1 Scm-1 or greater). Moreover, these materials displayed exceptional durability as they maintained hydrogen ion conductivity over a prolonged period.The research findings hold immense pledge for advancing the effectiveness and efficiency of hydrogen fuel cells through the utilization of metal-organic structures. This advancement adds to accelerating progress towards sustainable energy solutions in line with international efforts towards decarbonization.Reference: “Superprotonic Conductivity of MOFs Confining Zwitterionic Sulfamic Acid as Proton Source and Conducting Medium” by Amitosh Sharma, Jaewoong Lim, Seonghwan Lee, Seungwan Han, Junmo Seong, Seung Bin Baek and Myoung Soo Lah, 9 May 2023, Angewandte Chemie International Edition.DOI: 10.1002/ anie.202302376.
