Green hydrogen production methods are moving towards solutions that combine high performance, low cost, and reduced environmental impact. Among these, one of the most promising innovations is Anion Exchange Membrane Water Electrolysis (AEM WE). 

Advanced alkaline electrolysis has been used commercially for decades and remains the most mature technology for large-scale hydrogen production. It is currently used in some of the largest green hydrogen projects worldwide, as it can be deployed at gigawatt scale. It operates in concentrated alkaline environment, typically using a 30% w/w potassium hydroxide (KOH) solution.

While effective and relatively inexpensive, this approach requires highly caustic electrolytes and often faces limitations regarding integration with renewable energy sources. Alternatively, Proton Exchange Membrane Water Electrolysis (PEM) is more flexible and has a more compact design but relies on expensive noble metals, primarily iridium. 

As a novel technology whose design enables management of scarce minerals, AEM WE was conceived to limit reliance on scarce and expensive electrocatalysts such as platinum, palladium, and iridium. In fact, AEM systems are designed around catalysts and components based on earth-abundant raw materials such as nickel, iron, and other transition metals.

AEM electrolysis is built upon the alkaline concept but introduces an ion-conducting membrane instead of a conventional diaphragm to separate the anode and cathode of the electrochemical cell. The technology operates under milder alkaline conditions and uses significantly more dilute KOH solutions (typically 1 M KOH) than conventional alkaline electrolyzers. 

In terms of membrane materials, and to respect continuously evolving global regulatory requirements related to PFAS, the hydrogen industry is increasingly moving towards PFAS-free membranes to address growing scrutiny over these chemicals. As a result, AEM WE seeks to combine high electrochemical performance with improved credentials across its entire life cycle. 

Several recent EU-funded research programs focus on developing non-precious-metal catalysts and components for AEM electrolyzers. The ultimate aim is to deploy an electrolyzer that combines the operational advantages of membrane-based systems with the materials typically used in alkaline electrolysis, reducing both capital costs and supply-chain risks associated with geopolitical dependence on critical raw materials. In this context, De Nora is an active part of several research consortia, bringing its knowledge and well-established expertise in electrocatalyst design and formulations.  

For example, the ENDURION project focuses on delivering a highly efficient and durable pressurized AEM electrolyzer through innovations in cell and stack design. In parallel, the HyPrAEM project is developing a novel high-pressure AEM electrolyzer to improve system performance, durability, and industrial scalability. 

While reducing the use of critical metals is a major objective for AEM WE, sustainability extends beyond catalyst selection. One of the growing concerns surrounding large-scale hydrogen deployment is freshwater consumption. Conventional electrolysis systems generally require high-purity water, which can be challenging in regions facing water scarcity and drought. 

For this reason, a number of European research consortia, to which De Nora has contributed, have increasingly focused on enabling electrolysis using lower-quality feedstocks. 

For example, the ANEMEL project addressed one of the key challenges facing future hydrogen production: reducing dependence on ultra-pure water. This was achieved through the development of advanced membranes, catalysts, and system components capable of operating with lower-quality water streams. 

By enabling operation with less-purified water, ANEMEL helped pave the way for the ASTERISK project, which was also supported by European funding. In this case, researchers investigated new materials and system designs to enable the direct use of seawater as a feedstock for hydrogen production.

Altogether, limiting reliance on noble metals, adopting PFAS-free materials, and minimizing freshwater consumption reflect a broader commitment to developing hydrogen technologies that support decarbonization while anticipating future environmental and regulatory requirements. 

In conclusion, several electrolyzer and component manufacturers, including De Nora, are researching AEM WE and its industrial deployment to align with internal circular design principles and reduce dependence on scarce, geographically concentrated platinum-group metals. The aim is to develop systems that combine robustness and high performance while offering operational characteristics comparable to those of commercially available technologies today.