Ionothermal synthesis of a highly crystalline zirconium phosphate proton conductor

Abstract

A highly crystalline one-dimensional zirconium phosphate, (NH₄)₂[ZrF(PO₄)(HPO₄)] (ZrP-3), was facilely synthesized by the ionothermal method. The robust structure and rich hydrogen-bonded network make ZrP-3 an excellent proton conductor by having a proton conductivity higher than 10⁻² S cm⁻¹ at 90 °C and 95% RH. The remarkable stability makes ZrP-3 a promising solid electrolyte material for proton exchange membrane fuel cells.