| Sumario: | A novel metal—organic framework, [{(Zn)(O)}Zn(L)(HO)(DMF)(NO)] (1) {HL = 1,3-bis(4-carboxyphenyl)imidazolium}, has been synthesized under solvothermal conditions in good yield. It shows a ZnO cluster that is coordinated to six ligands and forms an overall three-dimensional structure with channels along the crystallographic a and b axes. The imidazolium groups of the ligand moiety are aligned in the channels. The channels are not empty but are occupied by a large number of DMF and water molecules. Upon heating, these solvent molecules can be removed without breakdown of the overall structure of the framework as shown by variable-temperature powder X-ray diffraction patterns. Of great interest is the fact that the compound exhibits high proton conductivity with a low activation energy that is comparable to those of Nafion presently used in fuel cells.
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