<b></b><p>Molecular confinement within a limited space induces unique behaviour not seen in bulk systems. In
particular, the proton diffusion in conducting medium under confined conditions
is significantly affected by the surrounding environment.H<sub>2</sub>O, efficient conducting medium,
confined in hydrophobic channels forms unique clusters allowing rapid
diffusion, whereas confined NH<sub>3</sub>, having a similar degenerate system
(Fig. 1a), has not been reported. Herein, we show NH<sub>3</sub>-mediated
proton conduction in microporous metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), MIL-53(Al)
functionalized with (-COOH)<sub>2</sub>, -NH<sub>2</sub>, -OH and -H. Anhydrous
NH<sub>3 </sub>gas is trapped in the pore by proton donation of frameworks and
forms hydrogen bonding networks exhibiting a remarkably enhanced proton
conductivity. The crystallographic analysis and solid-state NMR clarify the
veiled proton diffusion mechanism and unique dynamic behaviour of confined NH<sub>3</sub>.</p><br>
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