• Phosphoric acid is a key charge transporter in biological systems and fuel cells. • Researchers at Fritz Haber Institute studied phosphoric acid dimers to probe proton transport. • Dimers reveal a “proton highway” mechanism, enabling rapid proton hopping between molecules. • Findings provide molecular-level understanding of phosphoric acid’s exceptional conductivity. • Insights could improve design of efficient proton-exchange membranes for energy applications. • Study published in The Journal of Physical Chemistry A, highlighting interdisciplinary relevance.
Article Summaries:
- Researchers at the Fritz Haber Institute’s Department of Molecular Physics have uncovered new details about how phosphoric acid transports protons, a key process in both biological systems and fuel cells. By studying phosphoric acid dimers at the molecular level, the team revealed the structural features that enable efficient charge movement, often described as a “proton highway.” Their findings, published in The Journal of Physical Chemistry A, provide a deeper understanding of proton conduction mechanisms and could inform the design of more effective energy‑conversion devices.
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