CdPS <sub>3</sub> nanosheets-based membrane with high proton conductivity enabled by Cd vacancies
Xitang Qian, Long Chen, Lichang Yin, Zhibo Liu, Songfeng Pei, Fan Li, Guangjin Hou, Shuangming Chen, Li Song, Khalid Hussain Thebo, Hui–Ming Cheng, Wencai Ren
Abstract
Vacancies enhance proton conductivity Proton-exchange membranes (PEMs) allow for the transport of protons while acting as electrical insulators and ensuring that reactants are kept apart; therefore, they are a key component in devices such as low-temperature fuel cells. PEMs are typically made from polymers or materials embedded in a polymer matrix and need to operate in conditions of very high humidity. Starting with an inorganic, layered material, CdPS 3 , Qian et al. show that the removal of a small amount of cadmium introduces vacancies that greatly increase the proton conductivity of the PEMs (see the Perspective by Wang and He). The process works for manganese-based membranes as well, and high lithium ion transport was also observed. Science , this issue p. 596 ; see also p. 525