Recent advances and prospects of non-fluorinated proton exchange membranes in PEMWE

Proton exchange membrane water electrolysis (PEMWE) is a cornerstone technology for advancing a hydrogen-based economy. Non-fluorinated proton exchange membranes (PEMs) are currently considered inexpensive and efficient alternatives to perfluorosulfonic acid (PFSA) membranes. This review focuses on recent research trends in non-fluorinated PEMs for PEMWE applications. First, we briefly discuss the components and cost of PEMWE, the challenges facing commercialization, and the degradation mechanism during real operating conditions PEM electrolysis. Next, we provide detailed representative examples of non-fluorinated PEMs that have been applied in PEMWE, focusing specifically on four dominant composite membranes (SPEEK, SPAES, sPPS, and sPPB-H + ) that have reached Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 4–6. Finally, we summarize the latest strategies for improving PEM performance of non-fluorinated PEMs and stability, and we identify future development challenges. The continued development of non-fluorinated PEMs is widely expected to accelerate the commercialization of PEMWEs and reduce hydrogen production costs.