Scientists Reveal How Phosphoric Acid Efficiently Transports Protons in Nature and Technology

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 04:08:00 +0200

Researchers at the Fritz Haber Institute of the Max Planck Society have uncovered critical details about how phosphoric acid moves protons, which are vital for many biological processes. By cooling a key molecular pair of phosphoric acid molecules to nearly absolute zero, they discovered that it forms a single stable structure. This structure relies on a specific hydrogen-bond network, which was previously thought to allow for two possible configurations. Their findings may help explain how phosphoric acid efficiently conducts protons, a process critical in both biological systems, like energy production in cells, and in technologies such as fuel cells and batteries. The discovery also offers insight into the molecular foundations of proton transport and may inspire innovations in energy materials and technologies. The research challenges existing theoretical models and reinforces the importance of experimental verification in scientific discoveries.