Advancing Membrane Materials for Alkaline Water Electrolysis: Challenges, Opportunities, and Future Directions

Alkaline Water Electrolysis (AWE) has emerged as a leading technology for sustainable hydrogen production; however, the efficiency and safety of AWE systems are still heavily limited by the shortcomings of current membrane materials. These membranes must concurrently provide high ionic conductivity, minimize gas crossover, and preserve long-term chemical and mechanical stability under severe alkaline environments. This review critically and quantitatively examines the progress of advanced membranes for AWE, stressing structure–property–performance correlations. A wide-ranging comparison of novel membrane categories, including alkaline-stable polymers, ion-conductive membranes, gel electrolytes, and composite systems, is presented to pinpoint the crucial performance compromises associated with porosity, wettability, gas permeability, and area resistance. Approaches for refining membrane architectures through crosslinking, surface modification, and nanostructuring are analyzed together with practical examples and material benchmarks. Particular focus is placed on renewable, scalable, bio-based options, such as cellulose, chitosan, and lignin-derived membranes, which offer both ecological and economic benefits but still face challenges in terms of long-term durability and ion selectivity. Ultimately, the article identifies future avenues for membrane advancement, emphasizing the need for chemically robust, affordable, and recyclable materials, as well as environmentally friendly manufacturing techniques that align with the principles of a circular economy. This review seeks to direct the design and application of next-generation membranes that can ensure the industrial feasibility and environmental sustainability of AWE systems.

کلیدواژه ها:

Alkaline water electrolysis ، membrane materials ، Separator membranes ، Hydrogen production ، Green Hydrogen