Proton-conductive properties of a stable three-dimensional aluminum(III)-organic framework constructed by porphyrinlcarboxylate

The proton conductivity (σ) of the highly stable metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) built by carboxylic acid ligand and aluminum metal has not been fully investigated. Herein, a three-dimensional aluminum-based MOF, [(AlOH)₂TCPP]_n (namely Al-TCPP) with exceptional structural stability was solvothermally synthesized using an organic multifunctional bridging ligand, meso-tetra(4-carboxyphenyl)porphine (H₄TCPP) with a large stiff ring structure and Al(NO₃)₃⋅9H₂O as raw materials. The dependency of σ on temperature and relative humidity (RH) was surveyed using the AC impedance test after the MOF's thermal, water, and chemical stabilities, as well as nitrogen and H₂O vapor adsorptions, were all characterized. Experimental results demonstrated that this highly stable MOF with a high specific surface area exhibited impressive proton conductivity, with an optimal σ of 3.2 × 10⁻⁴ S/cm under 100 °C/98 % RH. Furthermore, the proton-conducting mechanism inside the framework was highlighted using computed activation energy and structural analysis. This study provides new inspiration for designing and searching for high-performance proton-conductive materials.