Green hydrogen from seawater electrolysis: Recent developments and future perspectives

Electrochemical splitting of seawater, especially when powered by renewable energy, presents a promising avenue for generating clean hydrogen without relying on highly pre-processed water from freshwater sources. In this mini-review, we present the fundamental principles of seawater electrolysis, including reaction mechanisms and various electrolyzer configurations, while addressing challenges. The most recent advancements in the field are highlighted, focusing on design strategies for electrocatalysts with high oxygen and hydrogen evolution reaction selectivity, electrolyte optimization, and membrane technologies. Additionally, the economic viability and scalability of seawater electrolysis are discussed, evaluating its feasibility for large-scale implementation. Collectively, this review offers insights into future developments and guides future research in the field, particularly in the rational design of corrosion-resistant seawater splitting technologies.