POS4-1235
Dual-Functionalization Strategies for Enhancing Proton Conductivity in Sulfonated Covalent Organic Frameworks
Topic
S4. Colloids, Interfaces, and Molecular Assemblies for Functional Soft Materials
When and Where
Sep 29, 2026
08:30 - 09:30
Room 301 (Grand Ballroom)
Session Chairs
Hae Jung SON
Boseok KANG
Presenter(s)
Yong Moon Hong (Korean Institute of Science and Technology)
Co-Author(s)
Abstract
Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are crystalline porous materials with ordered channels, tunable structures, and readily functionalizable frameworks, making them promising for ion-transport and energy applications. Their modular building-block design enables precise control over pore size, chemical environment, and transport pathways. In this study, –SO₃H-functionalized COFs were prepared through both pre-functionalization and post-functionalization. Pre-functionalization involved the direct incorporation of sulfonated monomers during COF synthesis, whereas post-functionalization introduced –SO₃H groups into a preformed COF framework. The incorporated –SO₃H groups provided proton-conduction sites and facilitated proton transport through hydrogen-bonded networks. The functionalized COFs exhibited higher proton conductivity than the pristine COF, showing up to approximately 30% improvement as the temperature increased. These results confirm that both pre- and post-functionalization effectively enhance proton transport and demonstrate the potential of –SO₃H-functionalized COFs for improving polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell performance.
