Scalable method efficiently squeezes hydrogen from seawater

Researchers have developed a novel, scalable method to efficiently produce hydrogen directly from seawater, overcoming longstanding challenges such as corrosion and performance degradation caused by chloride ions. The key innovation is a custom-designed, multi-layered electrode featuring carbonate (CO₃²⁻) Lewis base sites anchored on cobalt layered double hydroxides (Co LDH) embedded within a nickel borate (NiBOx) nanostructure supported by a Ni(OH)₂/NF microarray. This structure creates a protective microenvironment that resists chloride-induced corrosion by forming a metaborate film, preventing metal dissolution and non-conductive oxide formation, thereby enhancing durability and efficiency in saline conditions. The electrode achieves an industrially relevant current density of 1.0 A cm⁻² at 1.65 V under standard conditions without requiring desalination or chemical additives, marking a significant advance toward sustainable, large-scale green hydrogen production. The carbonate-functionalized Co sites facilitate continuous water splitting and localized acidification, which improves oxygen evolution reaction kinetics and protects against chloride attack. This technology holds particular promise for arid coastal regions like the UAE, where abundant seawater and sunlight but limited freshwater resources could enable solar-powered hydrogen farms, potentially revolutionizing hydrogen production by reducing reliance on freshwater and energy-intensive desalination processes.