A Chinese research team has proposed the first full-chain framework for direct seawater electrolysis, aiming to bridge the gap between laboratory research and real-world deployment. The work, led by Xie Heping's team from Sichuan University and Shenzhen University, was published as a Perspective article in Nature Reviews Clean Technology.
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The study, for the first time, integrates coupled multi-factor effects in real marine environments into seawater electrolysis research, linking microscopic reaction mechanisms with macroscopic engineering considerations. It also proposes a systematic evaluation framework for large-scale deployment.
Direct seawater electrolysis is widely regarded as a promising route for green hydrogen production, particularly in coastal regions rich in renewable energy. However, it faces persistent challenges, notably the competition between the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and the chlorine evolution reaction (ClER), as well as corrosion and catalyst degradation caused by complex seawater chemistry.
In addition, most previous studies rely on controlled laboratory conditions, while real marine environments involve fluctuating salinity, wave-induced disturbances, salt spray corrosion, and variable renewable energy input – factors that significantly affect system stability and scalability.
To address these issues, the study systematically analyzes key mechanisms, including competing anodic reactions, calcium and magnesium scaling, and interfacial mass transport. It further evaluates mainstream technical routes and, for the first time, establishes a linkage framework between microscopic mechanisms and system-level performance.
The work extends the research scope from ideal laboratory systems to real marine scenarios, constructing a multidimensional framework covering materials, device design, environmental factors, and renewable energy coupling, providing quantifiable guidance for engineering design and scale-up.
Experts say the study clarifies the development pathway from "microscopic mechanisms to system-scale deployment and environmental adaptability," laying a theoretical foundation for advancing direct seawater electrolysis toward industrial application.