Proton conductor

A proton conductor is an electrolyte, typically a solid electrolyte, in which movable hydrogen ions (protons) are the primary charge carriers.

Proton conductors are usually composed of polymer or ceramic because the pore size is small enough that larger negative ions are locked into the solid matrix, and only very small ions (positive hydrogen ions — bare protons) can participate in a direct current.

Proton conductors are usually solid materials. When in the form of thin membranes, proton conductors are an essential part of small, inexpensive fuel cells.

Water as ice is one example of a common proton conductor, albeit a poor one.

Proton conduction was first suggested by Alfred Rene Jean Paul Ubbelohde (14 December 1907 - 7 January 1988) and S.E. Rogers.