Anion-conducting polyelectrolytes for energy devices

Anion-conducting polyelectrolytes (ACPs) are vital materials for alkaline energy devices such as anion-exchange membrane (AEM) fuel cells and AEM water electrolyzers. These polyelectrolytes determine the electrochemical performance and durability of these low-cost energy storage and conversion devices, which are intended to replace currently costly acid energy devices. Although numerous ACPs have been developed in the past two decades, only a few of them display promising properties for future applications. Here, we provide a timely review on the typical progress of ACPs and ACP-based alkaline devices covering durable cationic groups, promising polymer backbones, and state-of-the-art AEMs and ionomers, thereby highlighting the importance of ACPs in alkaline devices and clearly guiding future research.