Issue 43, 2023

Recent advancements of covalent organic frameworks (COFs) as proton conductors under anhydrous conditions for fuel cell applications

Abstract

Recent electrochemical energy conversion devices require more advanced proton conductors for their broad applications, especially, proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) construction. Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are an emerging class of organic porous crystalline materials that are composed of organic linkers and connected by strong covalent bonds. The unique characteristics including well-ordered and tailorable pore channels, permanent porosity, high degree of crystallinity, excellent chemical and thermal stability, enable COFs to be the potential proton conductors in fuel cell devices. Generally, proton conduction of COFs is dependent on the amount of water (extent of humidity). So, the constructed fuel cells accompanied complex water management system which requires large radiators and airflow for their operation at around 80 °C to avoid overheating and efficiency roll-off. To overcome such limitations, heavy-duty fuel cells require robust proton exchange membranes with stable proton conduction at elevated temperatures. Thus, proton conducting COFs under anhydrous conditions are in high demand. This review summarizes the recent progress in emerging COFs that exhibit proton conduction under anhydrous conditions, which may be prospective candidates for solid electrolytes in fuel cells.

Graphical abstract: Recent advancements of covalent organic frameworks (COFs) as proton conductors under anhydrous conditions for fuel cell applications

Article information

Article type
Review Article
Submitted
19 Qad 2023
Accepted
11 Dit 2023
First published
16 Dit 2023
This article is Open Access
Creative Commons BY license

RSC Adv., 2023,13, 30401-30419

Recent advancements of covalent organic frameworks (COFs) as proton conductors under anhydrous conditions for fuel cell applications

V. Joseph and A. Nagai, RSC Adv., 2023, 13, 30401 DOI: 10.1039/D3RA04855A

This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported Licence. You can use material from this article in other publications without requesting further permissions from the RSC, provided that the correct acknowledgement is given.

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