Deciphering the Role of Sulfonated Side-Chain Length in Modulating Proton Transport in TpBd-COFs

Key Points

• This research aims to understand how the length of sulfonated side chains affects proton transport in covalent organic frameworks.
• Functionalization of covalent organic frameworks with varying lengths of sulfonated side chains.
• Assessment of proton transport properties through ionic conductivity measurements.
• Characterization of nanoporous structures using advanced imaging techniques.
• Proton transport increases significantly with longer sulfonated side chains, showing a 35% enhancement in conductivity (p<0.01).
• Optimal side chain length identified at four carbons, resulting in maximum ion mobility and membrane efficiency.
• Ionic functionalities correlate positively with structural porosity, enhancing overall proton exchange rates.