Anhydrous proton-conducting glass membranes doped with ionic liquid for intermediate-temperature fuel cells

Proton-conducting glass membranes based on SiO2 monoliths and a protic ionic liquid (diethylmethylammonium trifluoromethanesulfonate, [dema][TfO]) as the anhydrous proton conductor were studied. The [dema][TfO]/SiO2 hybrid glass membranes were prepared via a sol–gel process. The stability and ionic conductivity of the glass membrane were investigated. The [dema][TfO]/SiO2 hybrid glass monoliths exhibit very high anhydrous ionic conductivities that exceed 10−2 S cm−1 at 120–220 °C.

► Homogeneous [dema][TfO]/SiO2 hybrid glass electrolyte membranes are prepared. ► The conductivity of the hybrid glass membrane exceeds 10−2 S cm−1 in the temperature range of 120–220 °C. ► After annealing at 120 °C for 180 h, no decrease in conductivity can be observed.