Oxygen evolution reaction electrocatalysts for green hydrogen production in seawater: enhancement mechanism in catalytic activity and durability

Abstract

Seawater electrolysis is a renewable, low-carbon hydrogen production technology, with the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) being a crucial half-reaction in the process. However, due to the complex nature of seawater, the activity and durability of catalysts for the seawater OER face significant challenges. In recent years, metal (hydro)oxides, sulfides, and phosphides have garnered substantial attention as promising catalytic materials for the OER in seawater, owing to their unique electrocatalytic properties and favorable electronic structures. This paper reviews progress made in research on the main seawater oxidation electrocatalysts for the OER, focusing on strategies to enhance their catalytic activity and durability in seawater. The article first outlines the main challenges of the OER in seawater, particularly the competing reaction from chloride ions. It then summarizes design strategies for improving the OER activity, including element doping, heterostructure construction, crystal phase control, and defect engineering. Furthermore, the paper discusses strategies for enhancing catalyst selectivity and durability from both physical and chemical perspectives. Finally, it looks ahead to future research directions for the main seawater oxidation electrocatalysts, offering insights into the large-scale, commercial production of hydrogen from seawater and advancing the application of the main seawater oxidation electrocatalysts in green hydrogen technology.