General Introduction

This section delves into the groundbreaking discovery of proton conduction in free-standing coordination polymer membranes (PCPs). These PCPs are crafted through the intricate self-assembly process of metal ions with organic linkers, resulting in exceptional crystallinity and adjustable porosity. The study zeroes in on the pivotal Grotthuss and Vehicle mechanisms for proton transfer, meticulously evaluating their conductivity using AC impedance spectroscopy and single-crystal analysis. The innovation is underscored by the development of supple yet robust PCP membranes, designed to uphold their performance even under mechanical strain, thereby highlighting their immense potential for application in the next wave of protonic devices.