A Critical Challenge for Anion Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (AEMFCs): Insufficient Stability of Non‐Precious Cathode Catalyst

ABSTRACT Non‐precious metal (NPM) catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) are promising alternatives to platinum, crucial for affordable anion‐exchange membrane fuel cells (AEMFCs). Although NPM‐based AEMFCs now achieve power densities exceeding 1.0 W cm ⁻² , a critical barrier remains: insufficient durability for real‐world use. This review analyzes the scientific underpinnings of this durability challenge. We pinpoint four key degradation mechanisms, including carbon corrosion, Fenton reactions, water mismanagement and active‐site loss, and synthesize recent strategies to combat them. To bridge the lab‐to‐industry gap, we recommend a dual focus: developing synergistic multi‐active‐site catalysts and innovating electrode designs for superior water management. Cross‐disciplinary collaboration is urgently needed to mature these high‐stability NPM catalysts for commercial deployment.