Efficient Proton Transport Within the Channels of an Ultra-Stable Hydrogen-Bonded Organic Framework.

This study successfully constructs an ionic liquid (IL)-confined hydrogen-bonded organic framework composite, designated as IL@PFC-1. The composite exhibits great proton conduction performance, achieving a high conductivity of 2.35 × 10-2 S cm-1 at 60 °C and 98% relative humidity. This represents an enhancement of approximately four orders of magnitude compared to pristine PFC-1. Furthermore, the material demonstrates good cyclic stability and long-term operational durability. Structural characterization and mechanistic analysis reveal that the confinement of the IL within the framework facilitates the formation of dense and continuous hydrogen-bonding networks, which cooperatively facilitate facile proton migration. This research provides an innovative strategy for the development of proton conductors that integrate efficient proton transport pathways with excellent structural and operational stability.