Recent progress in transition-metal-oxide-based electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction in natural seawater splitting: A critical review

Direct electrolytic splitting of seawater for the production of H2 using ocean energy is a promising technology that can help achieve carbon neutrality. However, owing to the high concentrations of chlorine ions in seawater, the chlorine evolution reaction always competes with the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) at the anode, and chloride corrosion occurs on both the anode and cathode. Thus, effective electrocatalysts with high selectivity toward the OER and excellent resistance to chloride corrosion should be developed. In this critical review, we focus on the prospects of state-of-the-art metal-oxide electrocatalysts, including noble metal oxides, non-noble metal oxides and their compounds, and spinel- and perovskite-type oxides, for seawater splitting. We elucidate their chemical properties, excellent OER selectivity, outstanding anti-chlorine-corrosion performance, and reaction mechanisms. In particular, we review metal oxides that operate at high current densities, near industrial application levels, based on special catalyst design strategies.

Automated summary

This critical review discusses the prospects of metal-oxide electrocatalysts for seawater splitting, focusing on their chemical properties, OER selectivity, anti-chlorine-corrosion performance, and reaction mechanisms. The review highlights metal oxides that operate at high current densities, near industrial application levels, based on special catalyst design strategies.