Challenges and Recent Advances in Hydrogen Production Through Direct Seawater Electrolysis
To achieve"carbon peak"and"carbon neutrality"targets,the sustainable production of hydrogen through water electrolysis to replace fossil fuel utilization has gradually become a research hotspot.Currently,mature electrolytic hydrogen-production technologies use pure water as the raw material.With the increasing freshwater crisis,direct electrolytic hydrogen production using seawater,which is abundant on Earth,has become a promising alternative.However,the low conductivity of seawater and complex composition lead to electrode corrosion,poisoning,and active-site blockage,which greatly increase the difficulty of the direct electrolysis of seawater for hydrogen production.Therefore,focusing on the challenges of direct seawater electrolysis,this article summarizes recently reported solutions and advancements.First,methods to optimize the performance of electrocatalysts through doping,defect construction,and interface engineering are described,aiming to enhance the activity and selectivity of electrocatalysts so that they can catalyze hydrogen and oxygen evolution reactions efficiently in low-conductivity environments.Next,techniques for fabricating corrosion-resistant or ion-blocking layers on electrode surfaces are discussed to achieve high erosion resistance against corrosive ions in seawater to prolong the service life of the elec-trodes.In addition,schemes to establish a favorable local environment for electrochemical reactions by designing specific electrode structures to facilitate ion transport and inhibit competitive reactions are presented.Results reveal that the rational designing of electrocatalysts,optimization of electrode structures,and construction of effective pro-tective layers are expected to overcome challenges posed by seawater characteristics and promote the commercializa-tion of direct electrolytic hydrogen production using seawater.Finally,development prospects are analyzed and high-lighted,offering a reference basis for catalyst design in seawater electrolysis,which will provide strong support for global energy transition and achievement of"carbon peak"and"carbon neutrality"targets.
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