Hierarchical Self‐Assembly of Microphase‐Separated Membranes Enables Contiguous Low‐Resistance Channels for Exceptional Low‐Humidity Proton Conduction in PEMFCs

View at publisher
Authors: Juntao Li, Xinyue Li, Niu Hu, Mengqiong Jiao, T. X. Jiang, Meiqi Gao, Wenpen Li, Yarong Liu, Jing Cui, Zhirong Yang, Jingtao Wang
Cited by: 1
References: 46

Abstract

ABSTRACT Achieving high proton conduction in proton exchange membranes (PEMs) at low relative humidity (RH) remains challenging due to the suppression of the Grotthuss mechanism. Engineering microphase separation with aligned hopping sites is an effective strategy to drive the mechanism shift, yet simultaneously maintaining membrane durability remains difficult. Here, we propose a hierarchical self‐assembly strategy that precisely introduces guest hopping sites into the microphase‐separated region without damaging the membrane's durability. By regulating the polyimide (PI) doping level in sulfonated polyetheretherketone (SPEEK) membranes, an optimal balance of proton conduction and stability is achieved at a bridged ─N─…SO 3 H─ acid–base pair ratio of 13%. Precise hybridization of acid–base hydrogen‐bonded organic frameworks (ABHOFs) into microphase‐separated regions constructs guest acid–base pair sites and promotes the ordered arrangement of host sites. Spatial alignment of guest‐host hopping sites creates long‐range and low‐resistance channels. Both site and energy matching enable a transition from vehicle‐mediated to Grotthuss mechanisms under low RH. The resulting SP/PI@ABHOF membranes exhibit high proton conductivities of 193.6/50.8 mS cm − 1 at 80°C under 100%/20% RH, with peak power densities reaching 1221.2/419.6 mW cm − 2 . Significant enhancements in mechanical strength, cyclic stability, and hydrogen‐permeation current density were also achieved, surpassing the performance of benchmark PEMs, including Nafion 212 and GORE membranes.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Fuel Cells and Related Materials Advanced battery technologies research Membrane-based Ion Separation Techniques

Publication details

Journal / source
Small
Publisher
Wiley
Volume
22
Issue
23
Pages
e14790–e14790
Publication date
18 February 2026
Language
EN