Generation of Pure Oxygen from Briny Water by Binary Catalysis

Whereas the emphasis of water splitting is typically on hydrogen generation, there is value in the oxygen produced, especially in the undersea environment and for medicinal applications in the developing world. The generation of pure and breathable oxygen from abundant and accessible sources of water, such as brine and seawater, is challenging owing to the prevalence of the competing halide oxidation reaction to produce halogen and hypohalous acids. We show here that pure O2 may be generated from briny water by using an oxygen evolution catalyst with an overlayer that fulfills the criteria of (i) possessing a point of zero charge that results in halide anion rejection and (ii) promoting the disproportionation of hypohalous acids.

Automated summary

While water splitting is mainly focused on hydrogen generation, the oxygen produced has value in undersea environments and medical applications in developing countries. Generating pure and breathable oxygen from abundant water sources like brine and seawater is challenging due to the competing halide oxidation reaction. This study demonstrates that pure O2 can be produced from briny water through the use of an oxygen evolution catalyst with an overlayer that rejects halide anions and promotes the disproportionation of hypohalous acids.