Structure-improved current collector for performance enhancement of electrolyte membrane dehumidifiers: 3D simulations and in-situ measurements

•Effects of collector pattern on electrolytic dehumidifier were clarified with 3D simulation and in-situ measurement.•A significant dehumidification enhancement (>50%) can be achieved using optimized anode collectors.•The best performance occurred with anode collector of “” pattern (opening/total area: 9/12.25).•The enhancement effect is mainly due to the improvement of current and humidity distribution.•The collector pattern resulted in a more significant optimization effect than the opening area.