Anisotropic Water-Mediated Proton Conductivity in Large Iron(II) Metal-Organic Framework Single Crystals for Proton-Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells

Herein we present a new proton-conducting iron(II) metal–organic framework (MOF) of an unusual structure formed by chains of alternating bistriazolate-p-benzoquinone anions and iron(II) cations with four axially coordinated water molecules. These chains assemble via π–π stacking between the aromatic units to form a three-dimensional grid-like network with channel pores filled with water molecules. The material was structurally characterized by single-crystal XRD analysis, and its water and thermal stability was investigated. The proton conductivity was studied by impedance measurements on needle-like single crystals. A simple but efficient measurement setup consisting of interdigital electrodes was used. The influence of the crystal orientation, temperature, and humidity was investigated. The iron(II)-MOF showed the highest proton conductivity of 3.3·10–3 S cm–1 at 22 °C and 94% relative humidity. Contrary to most known structures, the conductivity in this material is controlled by chemical properties of ...