Strategies for designing metal–organic frameworks with superprotonic conductivity

Abstract

The use of metal ions and organic linkers to generate metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) with various functionalities, porosity, and dimensionality has attracted the attention of researchers. MOFs may serve as possible proton conductors in fuel cells. Introducing guest molecules inside the pores of MOFs, which can work as either proton carriers or proton-conducting media due to the resulting hydrogen bonding network, significantly enhances proton conductivity. This review summarizes various key strategies implemented previously to achieve superprotonic conductivity in MOFs. It categorizes the strategies, identifying prominent features needed to attain superprotonic conductivity in MOFs. The role of proton carriers and proton-conducting media, along with MOFs’ framework and functionalization, is briefly discussed to clarify the significance of applied strategies. Finally, the review concludes with remarks on the prospects for future development of MOFs as proton conductors, categorizing them in terms of strategies and conceptual approaches.