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IMAGE: Schematic representation of the dependence of the main proton transport pathway in polymer thin films on the carboxylic acid group concentration.
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Credit: Yuki Nagao
Ishikawa, Japan - Protons--subatomic particles with a positive electric charge--are one of the first particles to have formed after the universe began and are a constituent of every atom today out there. The movement of protons plays a key role in energy conversion processes, such as photosynthesis and respiration, in biological systems. In addition, proton conduction is an important factor for hydrogen fuel cells, which are often touted as the ideal clean energy source for the next generation.