New catalyst fights seawater corrosion for hydrogen production

Researchers at the Korea Institute of Materials Science (KIMS) have developed a novel MXene-based composite catalyst that significantly improves the durability and efficiency of seawater electrolysis for hydrogen production. Seawater electrolysis has been hindered by chloride ions that corrode electrodes, limiting system lifespan. By deliberately oxidizing MXene and combining it with nickel ferrite (NiFe₂O₄) through high-energy ball milling, the team created a catalyst that exhibits about five times higher current density and twice the durability compared to conventional catalysts. This composite also strongly repels chloride ions, reducing corrosion risks and enabling stable hydrogen output directly from seawater. The catalyst’s performance was validated not only in laboratory conditions but also in an actual electrolysis unit cell, demonstrating its practical viability. The process yields uniform and reproducible catalysts suitable for mass production, addressing the critical balance between conductivity, durability, and performance needed for scaling up hydrogen systems worldwide. Supported by Korean energy research institutions and published in the journal ACS Nano