Advanced development of anion-exchange membrane electrolyzers for hydrogen production: from anion-exchange membranes to membrane electrode assemblies

Abstract

Anion-exchange membrane water electrolysis (AEMWE) has attracted attention owing to its operation in alkaline environments, which offers the advantage of not requiring the use of precious metals. Additionally, AEMWE exhibits higher kinetics in the hydrogen evolution reaction, enabling higher hydrogen production efficiency. The anion-exchange membrane (AEM) fabrication, catalyst design, and membrane electrode assembly (MEA) are crucial for enhancing the total water electrolysis performance. There is an urgent need to summarize the advances in the development of AEMWE to pave the way for the commercialization of AEMWE. In this review, first, the fundamental principles of AEMWE technology are introduced. Second, the optimization of AEM with high ion conductivity and high stability through innovative synthetic methods are discussed in detail. Third, the designs of catalysts to increase the reaction rates by regulating the OH-adsorption environment and relieving OH blockage are introduced. Last but not least, a systematic summary of the concepts of 3D-ordered MEA, 3D-unified MEA, and 3D-self-supported MEA is presented. This review would be helpful to enhance the overall performance of AEMWE and promote the development of green hydrogen energy.