New Heterostructured Catalyst Achieves Record Durability for Hydrogen Production via Direct Alkaline Seawater Oxidation

New NiFe-LDH/Ce(OH)CO3 catalyst prevents chloride corrosion in seawater electrolysis, enabling 450+ hours of stable hydrogen production at low costs.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 23, 2026, 6:19 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from EurekAlert!

Engineering a Solution for Seawater Electrolysis

The quest for sustainable hydrogen production has long been hindered by the scarcity of freshwater, yet direct seawater electrolysis has remained elusive due to the destructive nature of chloride ions. A collaborative research team from the Chinese Academy of Sciences and partner universities has developed a heterostructured catalyst designed to withstand these harsh conditions. By focusing on interfacial engineering, the researchers have created a system that selectively promotes oxygen evolution while effectively repelling the salt components that typically degrade electrolytic hardware at industrial scales.

Addressing the Mechanics of Chloride Corrosion

Standard catalysts, such as NiFe-layered double hydroxides, often succumb to rapid corrosion when exposed to high chloride concentrations found in seawater. These chloride ions compete with hydroxide ions for active sites on the catalyst surface, triggering unwanted chemical reactions that destroy the anode. The team mitigated this by incorporating Ce(OH)CO3 into the catalyst framework, creating a Lewis acid-tuned system. This modification ensures that the surface environment favors the adsorption of essential hydroxide ions over harmful chlorides, protecting the integrity of the electrode during prolonged use.

Interfacial Engineering and Atomic Distribution

The structural integrity of the new NiFe-LDH/Ce(OH)CO3 catalyst was verified through density functional theory and X-ray absorption spectroscopy. The incorporation of cerium creates a Ce–O–Fe–O–Ni bridging framework that facilitates electron transfer away from the nickel and iron sites. This shift elevates the oxidation states of these metals, enhancing their Lewis acidity and making the adsorption of hydroxide ions thermodynamically easier. Simultaneously, the energy required for chloride to bind to the surface increases significantly, rendering the corrosive process unfavorable and keeping the active sites clear for hydrogen production.