Proton Conductivity of Water in Mesoporous Materials

Abstract

A model explaining a high proton conductivity of water in mesoporous materials has been proposed. The model is based on the theory of an intermediate phase of water with an ordered oxygen lattice and a destroyed proton lattice and involves various types of interaction of water molecules with an interface. The model is in fact based on an analogy of the interface and a liquid-like surface layer of ice. Possible methods for increasing the proton conductivity, experiments for testing the proposed model, and application of the results to the creation of efficient proton-exchange membranes have been discussed.