Chemosensors (Jun 2024)

A Review on Low-Temperature Protonic Conductors: Principles and Chemical Sensing Applications

  • Sofia R. Mendes,
  • Georgenes M. G. da Silva,
  • Evando S. Araújo,
  • Pedro M. Faia

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/chemosensors12060096
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 12, no. 6
p. 96

Abstract

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Proton conductors are ceramic materials with a crystalline or amorphous structure, which allow the passage of an electrical current through them exclusively by the movement of protons: H+. Recent developments in proton-conducting ceramics present considerable promise for obtaining economic and sustainable energy conversion and storage devices, electrolysis cells, gas purification, and sensing applications. So, proton-conducting ceramics that combine sensitivity, stability, and the ability to operate at low temperatures are particularly attractive. In this article, the authors start by presenting a brief historical resume of proton conductors and by exploring their properties, such as structure and microstructure, and their correlation with conductivity. A perspective regarding applications of these materials on low-temperature energy-related devices, electrochemical and moisture sensors, is presented. Finally, the authors’ efforts on the usage of a proton-conducting ceramic, polyantimonic acid (PAA), to develop humidity sensors, are looked into.

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