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Updated: Feb 10, 2026
08:23
Seawater Sampling and Collection
Published on: June 17, 2009
20.8K
Phosphate-Mediated Cl- Repulsion and B2O3-Assisted Hydroxylation Synergize Ionic Interface Stability in Seawater
Suraj Loomba1,2, Muhammad Waqas Khan1,2, Muhammad Haris1,2
1School of Engineering, RMIT University, Victoria 3000, Australia.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
|February 9, 2026
Summary
A new electrocatalyst with dual ionic bonds enables stable, chlorine-free seawater electrolysis for hydrogen production. The system also captures carbon dioxide, reducing environmental toxicity and advancing circular hydrogen systems.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Electrochemistry
- Environmental Science
Background:
- Ionically bonded interfaces are vital for direct seawater electrolysis but degrade under harsh conditions.
- Achieving stable and selective seawater electrolysis requires robust interfaces resistant to corrosion and high currents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel electrocatalyst with enhanced interfacial properties for durable and selective seawater electrolysis.
- To investigate the role of ionic bonds in stabilizing the catalyst structure and performance.
- To explore the potential for integrated carbon capture using the spent electrolyte.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of a two-dimensional Fe-MOF@PW8O26.B2O3 heterostructured electrocatalyst using a solid-liquid interfacial growth strategy.
- Characterization using NEXAFS, XPS, and DFT calculations to analyze interfacial bonding and electronic structure.
- Electrochemical testing in alkaline seawater to evaluate performance, stability, and corrosion rates.
- CO2 mineralization experiments and cytotoxicity assays to assess environmental impact.
Main Results:
- The Fe-MOF@PW8O26.B2O3 catalyst demonstrated chlorine-suppressive oxygen evolution with 97.93% Faradaic efficiency.
- Achieved a high current density of 1.75 A cm-2 at 2.0 V and sustained operation above 1.5 A cm-2 for over 500 hours.
- Exhibited an exceptionally low corrosion rate of 0.016 μm per year.
- Repurposed spent electrolyte for CO2 mineralization, achieving 88.76% conversion to carbonates with reduced environmental toxicity.
Conclusions:
- The developed ionically engineered platform provides a durable and efficient solution for chlorine-free seawater electrolysis.
- The integrated approach advances circular hydrogen systems by combining energy production with carbon capture.
- The robust interfacial design offers a promising strategy for next-generation electrochemical systems operating in corrosive environments.
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