Comb-like crosslinked polymer-polyoxometalate nanocomposite achieves unparalleled proton conduction/ mechanical robustness without water

https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1102155

"self-assembly enables precise control: polyoxometalate hybrid comb-like crosslinked polymer networks integrate polymer scaffolds with superacidic phosphotungstic acid clusters in PEM high-temperature fuel cells... overcomes: struggle with rapid conductivity loss under anhydrous conditions >100°C, trade-off between conductivity/ strength... proton conductivity: 8.5 × 10−4 S·cm−1 at 130 °C, up to 18.1 MPa mechanical strength, consistent operation >160 hours, thermal stability at >150 °C"