Chinese Journal of Catalysis ›› 2024, Vol. 66: 53-75.DOI: 10.1016/S1872-2067(24)60126-9

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Anode design principles for efficient seawater electrolysis and inhibition of chloride oxidation

Long Songa, Jingqi Chia,*(), Junheng Tanga, Xiaobin Liua,c, Zhenyu Xiaoa,b, Zexing Wua,b, Lei Wanga,b,*()   

  1. aKey Laboratory of Eco-chemical Engineering, International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Eco-chemical Engineering and Green Manufacturing, College of Chemical Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266042, Shandong, China
    bCollege of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266042, Shandong, China
    cCollege of Environment and Safety Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266042, Shandong, China
  • Received:2024-07-10 Accepted:2024-08-28 Online:2024-11-18 Published:2024-11-10
  • Contact: *E-mail: chijingqi@qust.edu.cn (J. Chi),inorchemwl@126.com (L. Wang).
  • About author:Jingqi Chi received her B.S. degree and Ph.D. degree from the State Key Laboratory of Heavy Oil Processing, China University of Petroleum (East China). She is currently an associate professor at Qing dao University of Science and Technology. Her research interests focus on the design and synthesis of transition metal-based nanostructures and porous MOFs materials for electrochemical applications.
    Lei Wang was awarded a Ph.D. in chemistry from Jilin University in 2006 under the supervision of Prof. Shouhua Feng. He worked as a Postdoctoral Scholar in Shandong University, the State Key Laboratory of Crystal Materials from 2008 to 2010. He is currently a professor at Qingdao University of Science and Technology. His research interests mainly focus on the design and synthesis of functional organic-inorganic hybrids and porous MOFs materials, as well as their applications in photocatalysis, electrocatalysis, lithium-ion battery, etc.
  • Supported by:
    National Natural Science Foundation of China(52072197);National Natural Science Foundation of China(52174283);National Natural Science Foundation of China(22301156);Natural Science Foundation of Shandong Province(ZR2021QE165);Youth Innovation and Technology Foundation of Shandong Higher Education Institutions, China(2019KJC004);Major Scientific and Technological Innovation Project(2019JZZY020405);Major Basic Research Program of Natural Science Foundation of Shandong Province(ZR2020ZD09);Shandong Province "Double-Hundred Talent Plan"(WST2020003);Taishan Scholar Young Talent Program(tsqn201909114);University Youth Innovation Team of Shandong Province(202201010318)

Abstract:

At present, seawater electrolysis powered by renewable energy stands as a crucial method for the industrial production of hydrogen. Given the abundance of seawater and its inherently high conductivity, seawater electrolysis earns an increasing interest. Nonetheless, challenges remain, such as the competitive chloride oxidation reaction (COR) caused by chloride ions (Cl-) and the corrosion of active sites, which hinder the industrial seawater electrolysis. In this review, we initially outline four design strategies aimed at avoiding the occurrence of COR: designing selective oxygen evolution reaction (OER) active sites, anti-corrosion strategies, small molecules oxidize reaction (SMOR) and adjusting electrolyte. Specifically, we compile approaches to enhance the OER selectivity and corrosion resistance in seawater electrolysis, including introducing anion buffer layer. Subsequently, we categorize reported OER catalysts based on their composition and summarize the mechanism underlying their high activity and stability. In conclusion, we address the future challenges and prospects of industrializing seawater electrolysis.

Key words: Chloride oxidation reaction, Chloride ions, Oxygen evolution reaction selectivity, Seawater electrolysis, Anti-corrosion strategies