Proton Conduction in 2D Aza-Fused Covalent Organic Frameworks

This paper describes the first demonstration of a general concept for achieving facile proton conduction within a class of layered two-dimensional aza-fused π-conjugated covalent organic frameworks (COFs). The built-in phenanthroline moieties promote efficient adsorption of water and acidification by H₃PO₄ to produce excellent proton conductivities of 10^–5 and 10^–3 S/cm for the pristine and acidified analogues, respectively. These molecular design concepts are poised for development of highly stable proton-conducting materials.