Anion exchange membrane electrolysis beyond the lab scale: a review on research and industry stacks

This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current state-of-the-art in anion exchange membrane (AEM) water electrolysis stacks, bridging advances from both academic research and main supplier companies. On the one hand, academic studies address the key components and operating conditions of AEM stacks, including electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction and oxygen evolution reaction, with particular emphasis on catalysts synthesis optimization, scalability, and the transition toward noble-metal-free alternatives. The selection and development of durable AEMs and porous transport layers, as well as parameters such as temperature, electrolyte composition, and concentration, are also examined as key factors that govern stack performance and stability. On the other hand, the principal AEM stacks that are commercially available were also reviewed to compare and evaluate industrial-scale AEM stack operation, thereby contextualizing academic advances within real-world performance.