Anion Exchange Membrane Water Electrolyzer: Electrode Design, Lab-Scaled Testing System and Performance Evaluation

Abstract

Green hydrogen produced by water electrolysis is one of the most promising technologies to realize the efficient utilization of intermittent renewable energy and the decarbonizing future. Among various electrolysis technologies, the emerging anion-exchange membrane water electrolysis (AEMWE) shows the most potential for producing green hydrogen at a competitive price. In this review, we demonstrate a comprehensive introduction to AEMWE including the advanced electrode design, the lab-scaled testing system establishment, and the electrochemical performance evaluation. Specifically, recent progress in developing high activity transition metal-based powder electrocatalysts and self-supporting electrodes for AEMWE is summarized. To improve the synergistic transfer behaviors between electron, charge, water, and gas inside the gas diffusion electrode (GDE), two optimizing strategies are concluded by regulating the pore structure and interfacial chemistry. Moreover, we provide a detailed guideline for establishing the AEMWE testing system and selecting the electrolyzer components. The influences of the membrane electrode assembly (MEA) technologies and operation conditions on cell performance are also discussed. Besides, diverse electrochemical methods to evaluate the activity and stability, implement the failure analyses, and realize the in-situ characterizations are elaborated. In end, some perspectives about the optimization of interfacial environment and cost assessments have been proposed for the development of advanced and durable AEMWE.