ABSTRACT
Proton exchange membrane (PEM) water electrolysis can efficiently producing high-purity hydrogen, which has great commercial application value. Nevertheless, the widespread application of PEM water electrolysis (PEMWE) on a large scale is still limited, primarily due to factors such as cost, performance, and lifespan. Regarding the three factors mentioned above, this paper particularly emphasizes the cost aspect by focusing on strategies to reduce catalyst loading and their impact on PEMWE performance. In terms of performance, the paper highlights research and optimization of the microstructure, mass transport, and polarization of PTL and CL. Lastly, regarding lifetime, the paper sheds light on the occurrence and effects of degradation processes in PTL and CL within the membrane electrode assembly (MEA). This review primarily focuses on the anode aspect of the MEA due to the predominant overpotential occurrence at the anode in PEMWE. This review provides an introductory overview of the principle and preparation of PEMWE, focusing on its core component, the MEA. It then summarizes the research and optimization efforts on the porous transport layer (PTL) and catalyst layer (CL) within the MEA, followed by an analysis of the degradation of PTL and CL in the MEA.
