A novel proton conducting hybrid organic-inorganic nanoporous opal membranes were prepared. Self-assembled nanoporous silica membranes (opals) comprised of 200-nm-diameter silica spheres have been suface-sulfonated with 1,3-propanesultone. The sulfonated opals demonstrate proton-conducting properties as revealed by their high proton conductivity of 0.014 S/cm at 100°C and 98% relative humidity.

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