A Review on Low-Temperature Protonic Conductors: Principles and Chemical Sensing Applications
Round 1
Reviewer 1 Report
Comments and Suggestions for Authorsplease see the review report
Comments for author File: 
Comments.pdf
Author Response
Please see the attachment.
Author Response File: Author Response.pdf
Reviewer 2 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsThis review paper highlights the potential of proton-conducting ceramic materials, particularly polyantimonic acid, in energy-related devices and humidity sensors, emphasizing their sensitivity, stability, and low-temperature operation, and details the authors' advancements in developing effective humidity sensors through binder manipulation. I think a more detailed investigation is needed to consider the submitted manuscript as a review paper.
Abstract:
1- Merge 2 paragraphs in one paragraph.
Introduction:
2- Provide a clearer definition of "low temperatures" as used in the context of this review.
3- Expand on the different proton conduction mechanisms (e.g., Grotthuss vs. vehicle).
4- Add these discussions to an introduction: Material Comparison, Technological Challenges, Interfacial Effects.
Proton conductors:
5- When discussing the properties of proton-conducting ceramics, include specific examples of their structural and chemical stability, surface area, and reactivity. Providing quantitative data or comparative studies would be helpful.
6- Include more detailed examples or case studies of how these materials are used in energy conversion, storage devices, and electrochemical sensors.
7- The introduction mentions various fabrication methods for proton-conducting materials. It would be beneficial to discuss the advantages and limitations of each method, and how they contribute to the overall performance of the materials.
8- The aim of historical context clarification should be to understand material evolution, technological milestones, highlight technological progress and comparative performance.
9- Provide a more detailed explanation of how different cations (e.g., H3O+, NH4+) and their interactions with the crystal structure of proton conductors influence their conductivity and stability.
10- Mention the key differences between the proton transport mechanisms in humid conditions. Provide a detailed description of the temperature-dependent proton transport mechanisms, emphasizing the role of water adsorption, hydrogen bonding, and chemical adsorption at different temperature ranges.
11- How do grain boundary and bulk contributions to proton conduction differ in terms of their activation energies and conduction efficiencies in ceramic materials?
12- What are the main factors affecting interfacial proton conduction in nanostructured oxides, and how do they influence the overall conductivity of these materials?
13- Discuss how controlling the sintering temperature and grain size in materials affects their protonic and ionic conductivities and the implications for practical applications.
14- How do the chemical composition of polyantimonic acid (PAA) and its composite materials influence the proton conduction mechanisms?
15- Do the Microstructural Characterization analyses provide detailed insights into the crystallinity, phase composition, grain boundaries, and porosity of the materials?
16- Provide data that uses accelerated aging tests to predict the lifespan of the sensors.
17- Conduct comparative studies with well-established proton conductors like Nafion, zirconium sulfophenyl phosphonates, and non-fluorinated polymers.
18- Study the effects of different binder compositions on the overall performance of PAA-based sensors.
Author Response
Please see the attachment.
Author Response File: Author Response.pdf
Round 2
Reviewer 2 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsThe authors have responded in detail to my comments. This article can now be considered as a review paper for publication.
- legend, line and text are unclear in Fig 5.
- Check the dictation in line 743.
Author Response
Please see the attachment.
Author Response File: Author Response.pdf
