Energy Storage Science and Technology ›› 2024, Vol. 13 ›› Issue (11): 3856-3870.doi: 10.19799/j.cnki.2095-4239.2024.0553

• Energy Storage Materials and Devices • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Recent progress of anion exchange membrane for hydrogen production via water electrolysis

Xueqi XING(), Pengxiang SONG(), Aijing SHEN, Yanghui LU, Jun CHEN, Wei LIU   

  1. State Power Investment Corporation Research Institute, Beijing 102209, China
  • Received:2024-06-19 Revised:2024-07-01 Online:2024-11-28 Published:2024-11-27
  • Contact: Pengxiang SONG E-mail:xixuqi@tju.edu.cn;songpengxiang@spic.com.cn

Abstract:

Anion exchange membrane water electrolysis (AEMWE), which integrates the advantages of alkaline water electrolysis and proton exchange membrane water electrolysis, features high electrolysis efficiency, rapid response, and low cost. It is currently regarded as one of the most promising technologies for renewable and sustainable hydrogen production. The anion exchange membrane (AEM) is a critical component responsible for OH conduction and gas crossover prevention, directly influencing the performance and longevity of AEMWE systems. However, existing AEMs face challenges such as low ionic conductivity and poor stability. This review first introduces the role of AEMs in electrolysis cells, outlines the requirements and evaluation parameters for high-performance AEMs, and emphasizes the OH- transport mechanism and influencing factors in AEMs. The structural composition of AEMs, including common types of cationic groups and polymer backbones, is then detailed. The degradation mechanisms of various cationic groups and the characteristics of different polymer backbones are also discussed. We primarily focus on the design strategies for enhancing the stability of cationic functional groups, modification and preparation methods for polymer backbones, and the overall performance of AEMs. Finally, we address the challenges faced by AEM membranes and explore potential future research directions. This review suggests that high-performance AEMs suitable for practical applications should be developed through strategies such as crosslinking, block copolymerization, side-chain grafting, and composite membrane technology, based on the design of alkali-stable AEMs. These approaches provide valuable references and guidance for the advancement of AEMs in hydrogen production technologies.

Key words: hydrogen production by green electricity, anion exchange membrane water electrolysis, ionic conduction mechanism, ion conductivity, alkaline stability

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