Comprehensive analysis of advanced stable anode electrocatalysts for proton exchange membrane water electrolyzer

Abstract

Proton exchange membrane water electrolysis (PEMWE) demonstrates significant potential for renewable hydrogen production. However, its large-scale application remains limited by the durability challenges of core components such as catalysts, membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) and bipolar plates (BPPs) under acidic and high potential conditions. While substantial progress has been achieved in electrocatalyst design, synthesis, and mechanistic understanding, the persistent activity-stability trade-off continues to hinder PEMWE industrialization. Therefore, this review systematically summarizes recent advances in high-performance electrocatalysts and device optimization for PEMWE, examining the mechanisms of the acidic oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and their intrinsic connections, and analyzing multifaceted degradation behaviors within PEMWE electrolyzers and in situ characterization techniques for elucidating decay pathways. Furthermore, it discusses strategies for enhancing catalyst performance and durability, including morphology engineering, doping, interfacial engineering, and surface dynamic reconstruction. The coverage extends beyond materials to device optimization, encompassing MEA, BPPs design, and extending to stack structural design, balance of plant (BOP) integration. A comprehensive analysis of the full life-cycle costs of each component is further explored. Finally, concluding with an outlook on unresolved challenges, this review aims to deliver multidimensional design guidelines for developing high-efficiency, stable PEMWE systems and provide actionable insights for clean energy infrastructure development.