Fluorinated strategy of node structure of Zr-based MOF for construction of high-performance composite polymer electrolyte membranes

The dispersion and compatibility of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) in polymeric matrices significantly influence the properties of composite membranes . However, the modification and functionalization of the node structures of MOFs to improve their dispersion in the polymeric matrix have been rarely studied. In this work, the node structures of UiO-66-NH 2 frameworks were modified by the introduction of F species, and abundant Zr–F bonds and pore blocking effects were generated, which significantly affected the comprehensive performances of the composite membranes, including the dispersion, mechanical properties , proton conductivities, swelling ratios, and water uptake. Due to the good dispersion of the fluorinated MOF nanoparticles in the Nafion matrix, the composite membranes had high proton/methanol selectivity and low methanol permeability, which exhibited superior fuel cell performances in DMFCs (24.9–26.8 mW cm −2 ) to that of recast Nafion (20.4 mW cm −2 ). Notably, this was the first time that the node structures of MOF-based nanoparticles were fluorinated to improve their dispersion in a polymeric matrix, providing a simple strategy for developing high-performance composite membranes.