Freedom of movement: researchers track proton mobility to improve conductivity in new material

Researchers at Manchester and Nottingham Universities have mapped the structure of the material, known as a metal-organic framework, or MOF, and how charge flows through it.

The performance of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells, used in transportation, depends on the efficiency of the electrolyte material at their centre, which controls the flow of charge between the positive and negative electrodes.

So researchers are attempting to improve the efficiency of the devices by developing smart electrolyte membranes based on materials that facilitate the charge transfer more smoothly.

MOFs are hybrid materials made up of metals connected by organic ligands. They have a number of advantages that make them potential candidates for use as smart electrolyte materials, according to Dr Sihai Yang, a group leader from Manchester University.

Firstly, the organic ligands can be modified by adding groups of atoms - known as functional groups – such as those containing hydrogen donors, to improve the conductivity of the material, he said.