Iron foam-derived nickel–iron hydroxide nanosheets via solution etching as robust catalysts for alkaline seawater oxidation

Abstract

Seawater electrolysis represents a highly promising approach for hydrogen production, but the generation of corrosive chlorine remains a critical challenge. Thus, the development of highly efficient and corrosion-resistant electrocatalysts has emerged as a key research focus. In this work, we present an innovative room-temperature solution corrosion approach for the facile synthesis of nickel–iron hydroxide (NiFe(OH)_x) nanosheets utilizing five distinct nickel salt precursors to achieve efficient alkaline seawater oxidation. The NiFe(OH)_x/FF electrode demonstrates exceptional electrocatalytic performance toward the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in alkaline seawater, achieving industrially relevant current densities at minimal overpotentials while maintaining outstanding long-term stability. This groundbreaking methodology not only establishes a scalable and energy-efficient paradigm for the design of cost-effective electrocatalysts but also paves the way for sustainable hydrogen production through seawater electrolysis, thereby addressing critical challenges in renewable energy technologies.