Abstract:
Hydrogen energy, known for its high energy density, renewability and environmental friendliness, is considered an important part of the future energy system. Among the various hydrogen production technologies, water electrolysis stands out by utilizing electrochemical processes to split water into hydrogen and oxygen. Compared with traditional fossil fuel-based methods, water electrolysis achieves zero carbon emissions and yields hydrogen in exceptional purity. Nevertheless, most established electrolytic techniques depend heavily on ultrapure water, driving up production costs and posing risks to already limited freshwater resources in large-scale applications. Seawater electrolysis, a technique that directly uses seawater without requiring reverse osmosis or extensive filtration, has emerged as a promising alternative to overcome these limitations. However, the process faces significant challenges, such as electrode corrosion caused by chloride ions and the competing evolution of chlorine and oxygen. Therefore, electrode materials must exhibit superior catalytic activity, selectivity, stability, and corrosion resistance. In recent years, researchers have focused on these aspects, offering detailed insights into the performance of electrode materials in the seawater electrolysis applications. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent advancements in electrode materials for seawater electrolysis, including their design, mechanisms, performance, and challenges. Starting from the basic theories, the review discusses the scientific principles of seawater electrolysis, evaluates the advantages and limitations of different electrode materials, and forecasts their future development directions. Through a comprehensive analysis of the existing literature, this review aims to serve as a valuable resource for researchers and policymakers seeking an informed technical perspective and strategic guidance.