Fabrication of hybrid membranes by incorporating acid–base pair functionalized hollow mesoporous silica for enhanced proton conductivity

Abstract

Hollow mesoporous silica microspheres are synthesized, functionalized by three different acid–base pairs, and then incorporated into a Nafion matrix to prepare novel hybrid membranes. Hydrophilic ionic channels are adjusted by inorganic fillers, as a result, the membranes display greatly improved proton conductivity, especially under low humidity.