Proton conductivity enhancement by nanostructural control of poly(benzimidazole)-phosphoric acid adducts

Mesoporous polybenzimidazole doped with phosphoric acid shows enhanced proton conductivity compared to an equivalent, nonporous membrane. The introduction of a defined nanostructure into crosslinked poly(benzimidazole)/ phosphoric acid composites is thus a promising approach towards membranes of high temperature stability suitable for fuel cell applications.