Alternative Proton-Conducting Materials Based on Calixarenes and Low Molecular Acids for Low-Temperature Fuel Cells and Sensors

Abstract

Crystalline electrolytes in the system of calixarenesulfonic acids and low molecular weight acids were synthesized and the features of their structure and parameters of proton transfer were studied in a wide range of relative humidity (RH = 20–75%) and temperature (+50 to –80°C). It was shown that the introduction of acids into a nanosized calixarene bowl leads to the formation of supramolecular complexes of three types. The structural features of the materials obtained affect the electrical transport properties of such systems. The highest proton conductivity, reaching 0.08 S/cm at RH = 75% and 25°C, have complexes that are close in structure to the initial calixarenesulfonic acid.