Membrane electrode assembly (MEA) systems hold promise as a technology capable of achieving high stability and current density for electrochemical CO 2 reduction (ECR). The fabrication techniques, including the selection of MEA components, the defined technological route, and the activation process, determine both the normal operation of the system and the proper performance of catalysis. Besides, the mass transfer of ions and water within the membrane directly impacts the local microenvironment, ultimately leading to variations in product distribution. In this article, we elucidate the characteristics and functionalities of each component within the MEA electrolyzers. Additionally, the fabrication techniques and activation processes of MEA are emphasized for their practical production. Besides, the developments and challenges of MEA for ECR are concluded, along with proposed solutions. Finally, we concentrate on the ions transport and water management within MEA, which directly impacts the availability of MEA electrolyzers and the distribution of products for ECR.
Zheng et al. (Sat,) studied this question.