A comprehensive review of recent advances in alkaline water electrolysis for hydrogen production.

Green hydrogen is typically produced by water electrolysis. In this process, water is split into hydrogen and oxygen by an electric current. Different technologies exist to produce hydrogen by electrolysis, including the four best recognized: Anion Exchange Membrane (AEM), Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cell (SOEC), Polymer Electrolyte Membrane (PEM) and Alkaline Water Electrolysis (AWE). While the latter two are commercially available, SOEC shows promise for efficient hydrogen production, and AEM combines advantages from both AWE and PEM systems. However, the most mature technology remains the most mature and cost-effective technology for industrial and large-scale hydrogen production. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent advances in alkaline water electrolysis (A-WE) for hydrogen production, including a comparative assessment of the four commonly used electrolysis technologies. The paper covers the current status, recent research advances, and commercialization challenges of A-WE technology, offering insight into its potential and outlining future research directions. • The paper comprehensively assesses A-WE, PEM, SOEC, and AEM technologies for green hydrogen production. • Alkaline Water Electrolysis (A-WE) is the most cost-effective and mature technology for large-scale hydrogen production. • A-WE's limitations include low current density, corrosivity, gas permeation, slow response, and sensitivity to impurities. • Advanced materials, optimized electrolytes, membranes, and innovative electrode designs enhance A-WE performance. • A-WE market saw 6.5% CAGR growth, driven by sustainable energy demand despite supply chain and geopolitical challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]