While the self-assembly of small peptides has been widely investigated for a myriad of biomaterials applications, their ionic transport properties remain largely underexplored, particularly within the Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) realm. This presentation explores the self-assembly and conductivity properties of Fmoc-supported, Histidine- and Aspartic Acid-based tripeptides, as more sustainable, greener alternatives to catalyst ink layers. These small molecules self-assemble into gels held together via hydrogen bonds, charge, and hydrophobic interactions. Characterization data indicate the presence of β-sheets, therefore facilitating the formation of proton wires.  Additionally, impedance studies in bulk and thin films show promising conductivity values, which present an opportunity for re-imagining perfluorinated PEMFC catalyst ink layers through N- and O-accepting/donating, side chain moieties, leading to vehicular transport at high relative humidity. While the ionic transport properties of H- and Asp- peptides are still to be fully understood, a relationship between β-sheets, proton transfer and humidity presents a positive outlook for the future of engineering self-assembled peptides for energy applications.

Self-assembly and conductivity studies of Fmoc-tripeptides containing histidine and aspartic acid: An investigation of structure, morphology, and applications

ACS Spring 2022

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