We
synthesized a molecule-based proton–electron mixed conductor
(PEMC), a Pt(III) dithiolate complex with 1,4-naphthoquinone skeletons.
The π-planar Pt complex involves a π-stacking column,
which is connected by one-dimensional hydrogen bonding chains composed
of water molecules. The room-temperature (RT) proton conductivity
is 8.0 × 10–5 S cm–1 under
ambient conditions, which is >2 orders of magnitude higher than
that
of the isomorphous Ni complex (7.2 × 10–7 S
cm–1). The smaller activation energy (0.23 eV) compared
to that of the Ni complex (0.42 eV) possibly originates from the less
dense water, which promotes the reorientational dynamics, in the Pt
complex with an expanded lattice, namely, negative chemical pressure
upon substitution of Ni with the larger Pt. In addition, the Pt complex
shows a relatively high RT electronic conductivity of 1.0 × 10–3 S cm–1 caused by the π-columns,
approaching an ideal PEMC with comparable proton and electron conduction.