{"title":"Towards Mass Production: Quantifying Equipment-Induced Wet-Film Thickness Deviations During High-Speed Roll-to-Roll Slot-Die Coating of Fuel Cell Catalyst Layers","authors":"Zhihu Wang, Caiwei Fan, Qiao Lu, Meng Shao, Diankai Qiu, Linfa Peng","doi":"10.1002/fuce.70123","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/fuce.70123","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Scalable manufacturing of proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) catalyst layers (CLs) requires stable and uniform wet-film formation during high-speed roll-to-roll (R2R) slot-die coating. However, finite equipment precision inevitably introduces process fluctuations that can induce wet-film thickness deviations during the coating stage. In this study, an equipment–process–product framework is established to quantify equipment-induced wet-film thickness deviations during CL coating. For cathode-side coating, transverse-direction (TD) wet-film deviation is analyzed by coupling an analytical internal flow field model with finite-element die-deformation analysis, where pressure-induced die-lip deformation is introduced as a static equipment disturbance that modifies the transverse outlet-flow distribution. For anode-side coating, machine-direction (MD) wet-film deviation is examined using a two-phase VOF external flow field model, where roller radial runout is introduced as a dynamic equipment disturbance that generates periodic coating-gap fluctuation and drives the transient coating-bead response. The effects of coating speed, die width, shim thickness, fluctuation amplitude, and fluctuation period are then evaluated. The results show that increasing coating speed raises the internal cavity pressure and induces convex die-lip deformation, leading to center-thick wet-film distribution in TD. In MD, excessive gap fluctuation causes upstream ink accumulation at small gaps and meniscus instability with gas invasion at large gaps. The influence of fluctuation period depends on whether the coating process remains within the stable operating window, while higher coating speed reduces tolerance to gap fluctuation. This work quantitatively links practical equipment fluctuations to coating-stage wet-film thickness deviation and provides guidance for precision control in scalable PEMFC CL manufacturing.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":12566,"journal":{"name":"Fuel Cells","volume":"26 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2026-07-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148615752","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Optimizing Energy Management in Fuel Cell Hybrid Electric Vehicles for Efficient Power Distribution and Enhanced Performance Across Different Driving Conditions","authors":"Elango Kannan, Prabhjot Kaur Sidhu, Uma Maheswari Gnaniyan Ponnusamy, Bharathi Govindaraj Palanichamy, Sathya Narayanan Velmurugan, Rajarajeswari Indiran, Panneer Selvam Manickam","doi":"10.1002/fuce.70128","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/fuce.70128","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Rising concerns over global warming, emissions, and fossil fuel depletion are driving the adoption of fuel cell hybrid electric vehicles (FHEVs). By integrating a fuel cell with an ultracapacitor, they enhance efficiency and performance, but nonlinear behavior under demanding conditions challenges voltage and speed control. This paper presents a novel control approach that synergistically combines the single-candidate optimizer (SCO) and the Chien-physics-informed neural network (CPINN), referred to as the SCO-CPINN method. The proposed framework aims to effectively regulate the DC bus voltage and improve the speed tracking accuracy by minimizing the steady-state error and reducing the response time. A proportional derivative–proportional integral derivative second derivative (PDPID2) controller is designed to stabilize the DC bus voltage and ensure smooth vehicle speed tracking under the European extra-urban driving cycle (EUDC). The SCO algorithm optimizes power consumption, while the CPINN model predicts vehicle range under varying driving conditions. Implemented in MATLAB, the proposed technique is benchmarked against existing techniques such as the contrastive self-supervised graph neural network (CSGNN), multi-objective particle swarm optimization (MOPSO), and soft actor-critic algorithm (SACA). The SCO-CPINN controller achieves the lowest steady-state error of 0.3 V, outperforming CSGNN (3.2 V), MOPSO (4.5 V), and SACA (6.7 V). These results demonstrate the superior accuracy, faster response, and enhanced energy management capability of the proposed method, promoting more efficient and reliable control strategies for FHEVs.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":12566,"journal":{"name":"Fuel Cells","volume":"26 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2026-07-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148466997","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Fuel CellsPub Date : 2026-07-11DOI: 10.1002/fuce.70136
Orhan Yilmaz, Aylin Aytaç
{"title":"Experimental Investigation and Parametric Optimization of a Photovoltaic–Electrolyzer–Fuel Cell–Battery Hybrid System","authors":"Orhan Yilmaz, Aylin Aytaç","doi":"10.1002/fuce.70136","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/fuce.70136","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>This study presents the experimental investigation and parametric optimization of a photovoltaic–electrolyzer–fuel cell–battery hybrid energy system for sustainable hydrogen production and utilization. The proposed system integrates a photovoltaic module, an alkaline electrolyzer, a proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell, a battery unit, and an electronic energy management system (EMS) to ensure stable, reliable, and efficient operation. The effects of electrolyte type, electrolyte concentration, and operating temperature on hydrogen production and overall system performance were systematically investigated. Key performance indicators, including hydrogen production rate, energy efficiency, Faradaic efficiency, and power output, were evaluated under different operating conditions to identify the optimal operating parameters. The results indicate that increasing electrolyte concentration enhances hydrogen production through improved ionic conductivity and reduced internal resistance, while operating temperature significantly influences electrochemical reaction kinetics. Among the tested conditions, a 1.5 M KOH electrolyte at 60°C provided the best overall performance, yielding the highest hydrogen production rate and energy efficiency. KOH consistently outperformed NaOH because of its higher ionic mobility and lower internal resistance. The study adopts an experimental parametric optimization approach rather than a numerical optimization framework, enabling the identification of optimal operating conditions within safe and practical limits. The implemented EMS effectively contributes to stable system operation by regulating voltage and current fluctuations, thereby improving operational reliability. The findings provide experimentally validated insights into the design, optimization, and operation of hybrid renewable hydrogen energy systems and highlight the importance of electrolyte selection and operating conditions in achieving efficient system performance. The results provide practical guidance for the design and optimization of sustainable hydrogen-based hybrid energy systems.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":12566,"journal":{"name":"Fuel Cells","volume":"26 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2026-07-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148466971","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Fuel CellsPub Date : 2026-07-08DOI: 10.1002/fuce.70107
Carsten Cosse, Keno Leites
{"title":"PEMFC-System Model for BOP Configuration Analysis","authors":"Carsten Cosse, Keno Leites","doi":"10.1002/fuce.70107","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/fuce.70107","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>A suitable design for the balance of plant (BOP) of fuel cell systems is essential and depends on the specific requirements of the stack, or stacks, as well as the application. System models can help to analyze the feasibility of different system designs during the preliminary design phase and offer the basis to derive the requirements for the different components making up the final system design. This paper will present the development of such a system model for a stationary fuel cell system, which will be built up in the project H2OptiLifeCycle. The system model is a coupling of the individual component models, with a focus on the fuel cell stack model and the humidifier models. A 1D finite element model of a fuel cell membrane electrode assembly (MEA) is simplified to a Simscape-Block to model the behavior of the MEA, including reaction kinetics, diffusion, ionic conductivity, and water transport. This model is also the starting point for the development of the humidifier models, which are then validated against measurement data from the manufacturer. This system model is subsequently used to study three different designs regarding the humidification of the stack. The reference system design uses a single humidifier in the cathode subsystem of the stack, while the second configuration consits of two humidifiers, where the anode humidifier is supplied with a portion of the cathode exhaust in order to humidify the fuel flow to the stack. Finally, the third configuration uses only one humidifier in the anode subsystem. All three configurations are tested in simulation with the Autostack Industry load cycle, to confirm that the achieved humidification of the fuel cell is sufficient. Furthermore, the efficiency of all three configurations is evaluated.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":12566,"journal":{"name":"Fuel Cells","volume":"26 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2026-07-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148463175","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Fuel CellsPub Date : 2026-07-08DOI: 10.1002/fuce.70134
Silvia Nasarre Artigas, Florian Mack
{"title":"Impact of Cell Drying on Fuel Cell Performance Over Lifetime","authors":"Silvia Nasarre Artigas, Florian Mack","doi":"10.1002/fuce.70134","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/fuce.70134","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Drying of the membrane electrode assembly (MEA) during fuel cell (FC) operation is a well-known water management issue that limits long-term durability. Although drying effects have been widely studied using pristine MEAs, this work investigates their impact on industrial-scale MEAs at two distinct lifetime stages: beginning of life and after 8000 h of prior stack operation (middle of life, MoL). Drying was induced through an accelerated stress test (AST), which was based on real-life conditions in automotive and heavy-duty applications. The effects on the membrane were fully reversible in both MEAs; however, the harsh dry conditions caused an irreversible increase in mass transport resistance, as well as irreversible voltage losses and electrochemical surface area (ECSA) reduction, particularly in the MoL MEA. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) analysis revealed ionomer redistribution and agglomeration after the AST, with the MoL MEA showing stronger degradation due to previous long-term operation combined with the AST exposure. These findings show that the lifetime stage of the FC strongly influences the vulnerability to dry operation and provide novel insights into long-term performance under realistic conditions.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":12566,"journal":{"name":"Fuel Cells","volume":"26 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2026-07-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148463176","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Fuel CellsPub Date : 2026-07-06DOI: 10.1002/fuce.70133
Jianming Wang, Youcai Liang, Jiehui Zheng, Xunjie Ling, Shunchun Yao
{"title":"Numerical Analysis of Multi-Field Coupling Transient Response Mechanism in Mode-Switching Process of Reversible Solid Oxide Cell","authors":"Jianming Wang, Youcai Liang, Jiehui Zheng, Xunjie Ling, Shunchun Yao","doi":"10.1002/fuce.70133","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/fuce.70133","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>In this article, a three-dimensional (3-D) dynamic model of a single repeating unit of reversible solid oxide cell (RSOC) is developed and validated. On the basis of the model, the spatiotemporal evolution of key parameters—including current density, power density, gas concentration, and temperature—is systematically analyzed during both solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC)–solid oxide electrolysis cell (SOEC) (fuel cell mode to electrolyzer mode) and SOEC–SOFC (electrolyzer mode to fuel cell mode) switching processes, elucidating the multiphysics coupling mechanisms involved. The effects of boundary conditions and control parameters such as hydrogen mole fraction (<span></span><math>\u0000 <semantics>\u0000 <msub>\u0000 <mi>X</mi>\u0000 <msub>\u0000 <mi>H</mi>\u0000 <mn>2</mn>\u0000 </msub>\u0000 </msub>\u0000 <annotation>${{X}_{{{{mathrm{H}}}_{mathrm{2}}}}}$</annotation>\u0000 </semantics></math>), operating temperature (<i>T</i><sub>in</sub>), operating voltage (<i>V</i><sub>FC</sub>/<i>V</i><sub>EC</sub>), and switching time (Δ<i>τ</i>) on transient performance are further analyzed. The results show that the SOFC–SOEC switching shows current and power overshoot, while the SOEC–SOFC switching responds faster without overshoot but fluctuates. In the gas concentration response, H<sub>2</sub>O is prone to overshoot, and there is an obvious concentration gradient in the electrode. The temperature response is slower than the electrochemical response, and the temperature change in the central area is the most significant. Parameter analysis shows that properly increasing <span></span><math>\u0000 <semantics>\u0000 <msub>\u0000 <mi>X</mi>\u0000 <msub>\u0000 <mi>H</mi>\u0000 <mn>2</mn>\u0000 </msub>\u0000 </msub>\u0000 <annotation>${{X}_{{{{mathrm{H}}}_{mathrm{2}}}}}$</annotation>\u0000 </semantics></math>, <i>V</i><sub>FC</sub> and prolonging Δ<i>τ</i> can effectively improve the switching stability. Although increasing <i>T</i><sub>in</sub> can help to improve the power density, it will aggravate the temperature gradient and weaken the response stability. This study offers critical insights into the dynamic behavior of RSOC during mode switching and lays a theoretical foundation for optimizing its operational strategy and system design.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":12566,"journal":{"name":"Fuel Cells","volume":"26 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2026-07-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148462761","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Fuel CellsPub Date : 2026-07-02DOI: 10.1002/fuce.70131
Caizhi Zhang, Shixin Shi, Qiao Yang, Jin Huang, Jiajun Chen, Ruibin Kong, Gang Lei, Jun e Zhu, Živojin Stamenkovic
{"title":"Modeling and Control Strategy Research of Fuel Cell Vehicle Thermal Management System for Waste Heat Utilization","authors":"Caizhi Zhang, Shixin Shi, Qiao Yang, Jin Huang, Jiajun Chen, Ruibin Kong, Gang Lei, Jun e Zhu, Živojin Stamenkovic","doi":"10.1002/fuce.70131","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/fuce.70131","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The thermal management of fuel cell vehicles (FCVs) is challenged by complex powertrain heat coupling and increasing demands for performance and integration. This study proposes a waste-heat-recovery thermal management strategy. A vehicle-level thermal model integrating the fuel cell, powertrain, and cabin is developed on the basis of experimental data, and a control strategy coordinates actuators, including the water pump, thermostat, radiator, and heater core to regulate fuel cell and cabin temperatures. Low-temperature warm-up simulations show that the strategy meets target requirements. During warm-up, the fuel-cell-priority heating mode and the hybrid mode achieve the lowest energy consumption; under driving conditions, the economy and balance modes minimize consumption. The proposed framework provides a reference for integrated thermal management design of fuel cell hybrid vehicles under low temperatures.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":12566,"journal":{"name":"Fuel Cells","volume":"26 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2026-07-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148386276","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Fuel CellsPub Date : 2026-06-26DOI: 10.1002/fuce.70118
S. R. Dhanushkodi, S. Sangeetha, M. W. Fowler
{"title":"Review on Data Science Models Used in Diagnosis of Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells","authors":"S. R. Dhanushkodi, S. Sangeetha, M. W. Fowler","doi":"10.1002/fuce.70118","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/fuce.70118","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) are important in the move towards clean energy and decarbonization of automotive power systems around the world. Adoption faces challenges such as changing component performance and degradation in real-world conditions. Data science models and artificial intelligence (AI) methods, including machine learning, neural networks, and hybrid physics-informed approaches, are applied to improve the reliability and efficiency of PEMFCs. Neural networks help with fault detection, spatial mapping of current distribution, and prediction of performance decline. Learning reinforcement is used to optimize cell humidity and identify thermal hotspots in single cell and fuel-cell stacks, which show the need for standardized and benchmarked AI-based diagnostic protocols. This review examines and compares current data science models for diagnosis in different operating scenarios, evaluates their success in forecasting chemical, electrochemical, and thermal failures, and explores the challenges and performance of these predictive tools in automotive fuel-cell applications. The findings support the development of regulatory standards and help speed up the industrial adoption of AI-driven and data science–based diagnostic solutions for fuel-cell technologies.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":12566,"journal":{"name":"Fuel Cells","volume":"26 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2026-06-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148324804","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Fuel CellsPub Date : 2026-06-26DOI: 10.1002/fuce.70129
Bo Yang, Wang Gao, Dacheng Zhang, Zhengang Zhao
{"title":"Gradient-Porosity Metal Foam Flow Fields for Uniform Mass and Heat Transfer in PEMFCs","authors":"Bo Yang, Wang Gao, Dacheng Zhang, Zhengang Zhao","doi":"10.1002/fuce.70129","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/fuce.70129","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Nonuniform distributions of reactants, liquid water, and temperature constrain the performance and durability of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), especially at high current densities. This study numerically evaluates a novel flow field design where metal foam is symmetrically embedded in both the anode and cathode of straight channels, focusing on the effect of porosity grading on multiphysics transport and overall cell performance. A three-dimensional, nonisothermal, two-phase PEMFC model is developed and validated against published polarization data. Nine porosity configurations are examined, comprising four uniform foams and five with a linear porosity gradient from the channel side (with higher porosity) to the gas diffusion layer (GDL) side (with higher density). Compared to a conventional parallel channel, the optimized graded foam channel increases the peak power density from 0.494 to 0.588 <span></span><math>\u0000 <semantics>\u0000 <mrow>\u0000 <mi>W</mi>\u0000 <mo>/</mo>\u0000 <msup>\u0000 <mi>cm</mi>\u0000 <mn>2</mn>\u0000 </msup>\u0000 </mrow>\u0000 <annotation>$mathrm{W/cm^{2}}$</annotation>\u0000 </semantics></math> (a 19.0% improvement), raises the total current by 22.3%, and reduces the average membrane temperature by approximately 10% while improving temperature uniformity. Field analyses reveal that the graded structure enhances under-rib oxygen supply, directs liquid water toward high-porosity regions for removal, and strengthens lateral heat spreading. These mechanisms collectively expand the effectively utilized reaction zone and mitigate flooding and local hot spots. The findings provide preliminary numerical guidance for the further development of gradient-porosity metal foam flow fields in PEMFCs.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":12566,"journal":{"name":"Fuel Cells","volume":"26 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2026-06-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148324706","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Microbial Electrosynthesis for Efficient CO2 Conversion Using MXene: Materials, Mechanisms, and Future Perspectives—A Short Review","authors":"Yashawini Phriya Rauichandran, Wai Yin Wong, Mimi Hani Abu Bakar, Ebrahim Mahmoudi, Peer Mohamed, Eileen Yu, Hassan Mohamed, Swee Su Lim","doi":"10.1002/fuce.70125","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/fuce.70125","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Microbial electrosynthesis (MES) has emerged as a promising bioelectrochemical technology for sustainable carbon dioxide (CO<sub>2</sub>) utilization, enabling the direct conversion of CO<sub>2</sub> into value-added fuels and chemicals using electroactive microorganisms under mild operating conditions. MES provides a unique pathway for carbon recycling by coupling microbial metabolism with renewable electricity while preventing high complexity, temperature, and pressures associated with conventional thermochemical and electrochemical CO<sub>2</sub> conversion technologies. Despite its good potential, the practical implementation of MES remains restricted by slow microbial activity, electrode instability, low electron transfer efficiency, and challenges in long-term system performance. Among the various electrode materials explored for addressing these limitations, MXene-based electrodes have attracted increasing attention due to their high electrical conductivity, large surface area, and tunable surface chemistry. These properties position MXenes as strong candidates for enhancing electron transfer, promoting microbial attachment and improving overall MES performance. Nevertheless, the application of MXene-based electrodes in MES is still emerging, primarily constrained by their susceptibility to degradation in aqueous media that may affect electrode durability under prolonged operation. This review provides a comprehensive overview of MES systems, followed by critical examination of MXene-based electrodes for MES applications, with particular emphasis on studies reported in recent years. Key aspects discussed include the fundamentals of MES, recent progress in electrode materials, MXene synthesis, modifications, composite electrode designs, and their catalytic roles in enhancing CO<sub>2</sub> reduction performance. In addition, development in reactor configurations, performance metrics such as current density and product yield relevant to MXene-enhanced MES systems are evaluated. Furthermore, the remaining challenges related to long-term stability, scalability, microbial compatibility is identified, and potential strategies to overcome these limitations are proposed. Overall, this study provides comprehensive insights into the role of MXene-based electrodes in advancing MES technologies and outlines future research directions focused at facilitating their integration into efficient and sustainable CO<sub>2</sub> conversion systems.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":12566,"journal":{"name":"Fuel Cells","volume":"26 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2026-06-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148324705","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}