Recent advances in Anion Exchange Membrane Water Electrolysis: catalysts, membranes, and MEA engineering

Abstract Anion Exchange Membrane Water Electrolysis (AEMWE) offers a promising pathway to low-cost green hydrogen by combining the Platinum Group Metal (PGM) free catalyst compatibility of alkaline systems with the compact, high-current-density architecture of Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) electrolyzers. However, deployment remains constrained by membrane degradation, ionomer oxidation at high potentials, and dissolution-redeposition of metal species that limit long-term durability. This study provides an overview of recent advances across catalysts, membranes, and cell engineering. We highlight state-of-the-art low-PGM catalysts, defect-engineered structures, and electronically coupled heterointerfaces that deliver high activity and conductivity. We also discuss key membrane requirements such as hydroxide ion conductivity, chemical robustness, and gas-crossover suppression, along with …