The application of membrane electrode assemblies is considered a promising approach for increasing the energy efficiency of conventional alkaline water electrolysis. However, previous investigations have mostly focused on improving membrane conductivity and electrocatalyst activity. This study reports an all-in-one membrane electrode assembly obtained by de novo design. The introduction of a porous membrane readily enables the oriented intergrowth of ordered catalyst layers using solvothermal methods, leading to the formation of an all-in-one MEA for alkaline water electrolysis. This all-in-one MEA features ordered catalyst layers with large surface areas, a low-tortuosity pore structure, integrated catalyst layer/membrane interfaces, and a well-ordered OH^- transfer channel. Owing to this design, a high current density of 1000 mA cm⁻² is obtained at 1.57 V in 30 wt% KOH, resulting in a 94% energy efficiency. This work highlights the prospects of all-in-one membrane electrode assemblies in designing next-generation high-performance alkaline water electrolysis.

膜电极组件的应用被认为是提高传统碱性水电解能源效率的有前途的方法。然而，以前的研究主要集中在提高膜电导率和电催化剂活性上。本研究报告了一种通过从头设计获得的一体式膜电极组件。多孔膜的引入很容易使用溶剂热法实现有序催化剂层的定向共生，从而形成用于碱性水电解的一体式 MEA。这种一体式 MEA 具有大表面积的有序催化剂层、低曲折孔结构、集成催化剂层/膜界面和有序的 OH ^-传输通道。由于这种设计，在 30 wt% KOH 中可在 1.57 V 下获得 1000 mA cm ^-2的高电流密度，从而实现 94% 的能量效率。这项工作突出了一体式膜电极组件在设计下一代高性能碱性水电解方面的前景。