Alkaline Hydrogen Evolution Reaction Electrocatalysts for Anion Exchange Membrane Water Electrolyzers: Progress and Perspective

For the aim of achieving the carbon-free energy scenario, green hydrogen (H₂) with non-CO₂ emission and high energy density is regarded as a potential alternative to traditional fossil fuels. Over the last decades, significant breakthroughs have been realized on the alkaline hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), which is a fundamental advancement and efficient process to generate high-purity H₂ in the laboratory. Based on this, the development of the practical industry-oriented anion exchange membrane water electrolyzer (AEMWE) is on the rise, showing competitiveness with the incumbent megawatt-scale H₂ production technologies. Still, great challenges lie in exploring the electrocatalysts with remarkable activity and stability for alkaline HER, as well as bridging the gap of performance difference between the three-electrode cell and AEMWE devices. In this perspective, we systematically discuss the in-depth mechanisms for activating alkaline HER electrocatalysts, including electronic modification, defect construction, morphology control, synergistic function, field effect, etc. In addition, the current status of AEMWE is reviewed, and the underlying bottlenecks that impede the application of HER electrocatalysts in AEMWE are summarized. Finally, we share our thoughts regarding the future development directions of electrocatalysts toward both alkaline HER and AEMWE, in the hope of advancing the commercialization of water electrolysis technology for green H₂ production.