A novel metal-organic framework (MOF), [{(Zn(0.25))(8)(O)}Zn(6)(L)(12)(H(2)O)(29)(DMF)(69)(NO(3))(2)]n (1){H(2)L = 1,3-bis(4-carboxyphenyl)imidazolium} has been synthesized under solvothermal conditions in good yields. It shows a {Zn(8)O}O cluster that is coordinated to six ligands and forms an overall three-dimensional structure with channels along the crystallographic a & b axes. The imidazolium groups of the ligand moiety are aligned in the channels. The channels are not empty but are occupied by a large number of DMF and water molecules. Upon heating, these solvent molecules can be removed without breakdown of the overall structure of the framework as shown by variable temperature PXRD patterns. Of great interest, is the fact that this compound exhibits high proton conductivity with low activation energy that is comparable to Nafion used in fuel cells.