Recent advances in Anion Exchange Membrane Water Electrolysis: catalysts, membranes, and MEA engineering
Year: 2026
Type: article
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 widely used anion-exchange membranes and ionomers. MEA strategies, from catalyst-coated membranes to hybrid CCM/CCS architectures and zero-gap operation, are evaluated for their effects on interfacial resistance, gas management, and scalable fabrication. We outline current achievements, remaining bottlenecks, and future research directions toward durable, scalable AEMWE. Graphical abstract
Source: JMST Advances
Authors: Paul Godel, Donggeun Eom, Sangwook Park
Institutions: Seoul National University, Institute of Engineering Research
Language: English
Subfield: Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $2,990
Award: G2886858709
OpenAlex ID: W7147554651