Challenges and progress in oxygen evolution reaction catalyst development for seawater electrolysis for hydrogen...

Area of Science:

• Electrochemistry
• Materials Science
• Sustainable Energy

Background:

• Large-scale green hydrogen production poses risks to freshwater resources.
• Direct seawater electrolysis is a promising alternative, reducing reliance on freshwater and lowering costs.
• The oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in seawater presents significant challenges, including sluggish kinetics and competing reactions, primarily due to catalyst limitations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the benefits and challenges associated with direct seawater electrolysis.
• To summarize recent research on cost-effective and durable electrocatalysts for the OER in seawater.
• To highlight promising nickel-based electrocatalyst modifications for further investigation.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of direct seawater electrolysis.
• Analysis of recent advancements in OER electrocatalyst research.
• Focus on modification strategies for nickel-based electrocatalysts.

Main Results:

• Seawater electrolysis is viable but requires efficient OER catalysts.
• Various modification methods for nickel-based electrocatalysts have been explored.
• Several promising nickel-based electrocatalysts show potential for improved OER performance in seawater.

Conclusions:

• Developing robust and efficient OER electrocatalysts is crucial for the success of direct seawater electrolysis.
• Nickel-based catalysts, with strategic modifications, are key candidates for addressing OER challenges in seawater.
• Further research into specific catalyst designs is warranted to optimize performance and durability.