Electrocatalytic Hydrogen Generation from Seawater: Advances, Opportunities, Challenges and Future Roadmap

Abstract

Shifting from pure to seawater for electrocatalytic hydrogen production is key to advancing a futuristic, zero-carbon energy landscape. Intensive research fuels 21st-century breakthroughs that could revolutionize green hydrogen production, though practical implementation remains limited by catalyst degradation, high overpotentials, and poor stability. In this focused review, we present fundamental mechanistic insights of both cathodic and anodic electrodes in seawater electrolysis and highlight recent advances in electrocatalyst development that enhance the hydrogen and oxygen evolution reactions. We emphasize theoretical principles guiding electrode design and parametric optimization, including active site configuration, interface modulation, charge transfer pathways, and electrolyte-electrode interactions.Innovative strategies such as localized pH control, selective HER/OER pathway promotion, and chloride-blocking protective architectures are critically examined. Continued innovation in these directions, coupled with the rational design of next-generation electrocatalysts, is indispensable for bridging the gap between laboratory research and scalable seawater electrolysis. Accordingly, this review not only elucidates the mechanistic understanding essential for electrode design but also showcases diverse electrocatalysts, performancedetermining factors, and electrolyzer design strategies that accelerate the translation of this technology toward practical commercialization, contributing directly to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals for affordable and clean energy (SDG 7) and climate action (SDG 13).