Stability challenges of anion-exchange membrane water electrolyzers from components to integration level

Abstract

In the face of the imminent challenges of climate change, hydrogen holds the potential to replace fossil fuels as a green and sustainable energy resource. Anion-exchange membrane water electrolyzer (AEMWE) is a quickly rising technology for hydrogen production due to various advantages, including an inexpensive membrane, non-precious metal catalysts, compact size, easy integration with and adaptation to green power, etc. AEMWE involves a typical combination of electrocatalysts, an anion-exchange membrane, membrane electrode assembly, flow channel design, system integration, and green power fluctuation working condition adaptability. However, AEMWE suffers from unsatisfactory operational durability from both individual components and system integration levels, restricting its large-scale application. The development of highly durable AEMWE requires rational and systematic analysis and evaluation of each component for practical integration. This review discusses the durability-limiting factors and common strategies to improve stability based on each level of the AEMWE system, thus fostering future academic and industrial development of highly durable AEMWEs.