A synergistic strategy of Fe doping and anion protection enables efficient and robust seawater electrolysis

Abstract

Seawater electrolysis is a promising method for producing hydrogen, but the generation of corrosive chlorine species (e.g., chloride and hypochlorite) at anodes remains a critical challenge. Herein, with the use of Ni foam (NF) as a catalyst support, we developed a FeNiP/MoO_x/NiMoO₄/NF as the anode for alkaline seawater oxidation. The incorporation of Fe enhances charge transfer and promotes the generation of active sites, and the in situ generated PO₄³⁻ and MoO₄²⁻ species effectively repel Cl⁻, thereby significantly enhancing the electrode's corrosion resistance. This electrode demands a low overpotential of 349 mV to drive 1000 mA cm⁻² and is capable of continuous operation for 500 h in alkaline seawater.