A review on continuum modeling of membrane electrode assembly for CO₂ electrocatalytic reduction

The electrocatalytic reduction of carbon dioxide (eCO₂RR) presents significant potential for mitigating global carbon emissions. Membrane electrode assembly (MEA) exhibits industrial promise due to its scalability and operational stability. Continuous multiphysics simulations enable precise modeling of the complex interactions within MEA reactors, facilitating the development of optimized design and operational strategies to enhance eCO₂RR performance. This review summarizes the guidance provided by simulations for designing key MEA components, evaluating the strengths and limitations of existing models. Additionally, the application of modeling across various electrolyte and CO₂ feed methods is explored while examining the effects of operating conditions on local microenvironments, including discussions on thermal and water management and the impact of crossover reactions, offering references for developing integrated capture and utilization models. Finally, the future directions and challenges in developing models capable of accurately describing and predicting reactor performance are outlined.