Acid–Base Chemistry and Proton Conductivity

Acid–base chemistry deals with proton transfer from an acid to a base and represents an effective approach to the development of proton conducting materials. The acidity difference (ΔpKa) of the two components dictates the extent of proton transfer and therefore the ionicity and other properties of an acid–base system.

Only an appropriate acidity matching allows for formation of extensive hydrogen bond networks which in turn promotes the proton dynamics and Grotthuss mechanism of the proton conductivity. To frame the hypothesis initial effort is made to compile information of acid–base systems including aqueous solutions, ionic liquids, solid crystals, acid-doped basic polymers, base-doped acidic polymers as well as inorganic solid acids.

Upon further validation, the insight might open vision to avenues of material sciences in the field of proton conducting materials.