Abstract: The anode operation mode of proton exchange membrane fuel cell（PEMFC） mainly includes open-end mode, dead-end mode and recirculation mode. Different working anode modes lead to different ways of hydrogen emission from anode outlet. The emission study of PEMFC under different anode operation modes was summarized. The results show that in the anode open-end mode, the tail hydrogen is directly discharged from the outlet, resulting in serious waste of hydrogen. The hydrogen efficiency can be improved by blending and anode cascade operation mode. The dead-end anode PEMFC has the advantages of simple structure and high hydrogen efficiency. However, ″water flooding″ and nitrogen accumulation seriously affect the performance and durability of PEMFC. The disadvantage can be improved by optimizing anode emission strategy. The anode recirculation mode has the advantages of both high performance and high efficiency. The recirculation mode includes active recirculation based on mechanical recirculation pump or electrochemical hydrogen pump and passive recirculation based on ejector, and the anode discharge mode is mainly based on periodic blowing discharge.