Analysis and optimization of material physical characteristics for electrolytic air dehumidifier with a PEM

•Influences of material physical characteristics on PEM dehumidifier was investigated.•CLA’s material has great effect on dehumidification rate, followed by PEM’s and DLA’s.•Mass transfer resistance changed greatly with CLA’s material, and electrical resistance mainly changed with PEM.•Thermal/economic optimization was conducted to obtain optimal material parameters.•Optimization of CLA materials is key to improve the system performance.