TY - JOUR
T1 - Recent Advances in the Application of Covalent Organic Framework–Based Ionic Conductors in Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells
AU - Lu, Yanli
AU - Zhou, Shengjie
AU - Zhu, Chenrui
AU - Zhou, Junwen
AU - Feng, Xiao
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© 2025 Wiley-VCH GmbH.
PY - 2025
Y1 - 2025
N2 - Covalent organic frameworks (COFs), known for their tunable porosity and functional versatility, have demonstrated exceptional ionic conductivity in proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). This review summarizes recent advancements in COF-based materials for PEMFC applications, emphasizing their roles as intrinsic proton conductors, host matrices for proton carriers, and additives in composite ionomers/membranes. Key strategies such as pore engineering, functional group modification, and hybrid designs with polymers are analyzed to highlight their influence on proton conductivity and mechanical stability. Recent developments reveal that functionalized COFs can achieve proton conductivities exceeding 0.89 S cm−1 at 90 °C under 100% relative humidity (RH), comparable to commercial Nafion membranes. Additionally, COF-modified ionomers applied to catalyst layers have enabled fuel cells to achieve peak power densities 1.6 times higher than those without COF incorporation. Despite these advancements, challenges persist in terms of membrane durability, scalability, and performance under low humidity or high-temperature conditions. Future research should prioritize structural optimization, interfacial compatibility, and cost-effective synthesis methods to fully realize the potential of COFs in next-generation PEMFCs. This review underscores the transformative potential of COFs in addressing the critical limitations of traditional proton-conducting materials, paving the way for innovative solutions in fuel cell technology.
AB - Covalent organic frameworks (COFs), known for their tunable porosity and functional versatility, have demonstrated exceptional ionic conductivity in proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). This review summarizes recent advancements in COF-based materials for PEMFC applications, emphasizing their roles as intrinsic proton conductors, host matrices for proton carriers, and additives in composite ionomers/membranes. Key strategies such as pore engineering, functional group modification, and hybrid designs with polymers are analyzed to highlight their influence on proton conductivity and mechanical stability. Recent developments reveal that functionalized COFs can achieve proton conductivities exceeding 0.89 S cm−1 at 90 °C under 100% relative humidity (RH), comparable to commercial Nafion membranes. Additionally, COF-modified ionomers applied to catalyst layers have enabled fuel cells to achieve peak power densities 1.6 times higher than those without COF incorporation. Despite these advancements, challenges persist in terms of membrane durability, scalability, and performance under low humidity or high-temperature conditions. Future research should prioritize structural optimization, interfacial compatibility, and cost-effective synthesis methods to fully realize the potential of COFs in next-generation PEMFCs. This review underscores the transformative potential of COFs in addressing the critical limitations of traditional proton-conducting materials, paving the way for innovative solutions in fuel cell technology.
KW - covalent organic framework
KW - fuel cell
KW - ionomer
KW - proton conductor
KW - proton exchange membrane
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=105004747553&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1002/chem.202501116
DO - 10.1002/chem.202501116
M3 - Review article
AN - SCOPUS:105004747553
SN - 0947-6539
JO - Chemistry - A European Journal
JF - Chemistry - A European Journal
ER -