Promotion of proton conduction in polymer electrolyte membranes by 1H-1,2,3-triazole.
We report 1H-1,2,3-triazole as an active group to dramatically enhance proton conduction in a polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM). The conductivities of a poly(4-vinyl-1H-1,2,3-triazole) membrane without any acidic dopants are about 105 times greater than those of poly(4-vinylimidazole) in dry air at 50-150 degrees C. Polymers with groups promoting proton conduction attached to the backbone have great potential to offer excellent mechanical properties and long-term stability. Further, 1H-1,2,3-triazole and PEMs containing 1H-1,2,3-triazole are stable in a wide potential range, implying excellent electrochemical stability under fuel cell operating conditions.
Zhou
Zhen
Z
School of Materials Science and Engineering, and School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332-0245, USA.
Li
Siwen
S
Zhang
Yuelan
Y
Liu
Meilin
M
Li
Wen
W