Durable alkaline seawater oxidation electrocatalysis over NiFe layered double hydroxide nanosheet array enabled by 2,5-dihydroxyterephthalic acid functionalization

Abstract

Offshore‑renewable‑powered seawater electrolysis is a viable approach for large‑scale hydrogen production. Nevertheless, developing durable anodes with anti-chlorine corrosion capacity under large current densities (j) remains challenging. Herein, 2,5-dihydroxyterephthalic acid (DHTA) functionalization is proposed to achieve high-efficiency and durable alkaline seawater oxidation electrocatalysis over NiFe layered double hydroxide nanosheet array, capable of achieving an industrial-scale j of 1000 mA cm−2 with an overpotential of only 370 mV and maintaining stable electrolysis for up to 900 h at this j. In situ Raman spectroscopy analysis shows that the DHTA player promotes NiOOH formation and forms an anionic passivation layer via carboxyl groups, repelling chloride ions to ensure stable seawater oxidation.