InnAEM: Innovative Materials for Anion Exchange Membrane Water Electrolysis

The transition toward a green hydrogen economy is hindered by the cost and technological limitations of current electrolyzers. Anion exchange membrane (AEM) electrolysis is a promising alternative, but its large-scale deployment is limited by the durability and performance of key materials such as electrocatalysts and membranes. This project aims to develop a next-generation membrane electrode assembly (MEA) through a synergistic design strategy. Green perovskite-based electrocatalysts with reduced or no critical metals have been synthetized and employed for their enhanced alkaline stability and activity. In parallel, PFAS-free polybenzimidazole-based ion-solvating membranes have been manufactured via the electrospinning technique to achieve high ionic conductivity. The materials have been chemically, physically, and electrochemically characterized in the perspective of a joint application in AEMWE for sustainable hydrogen production.