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Chen L, Yu C, Dong J, Han Y, Huang H, Li W, Zhang Y, Tan X, Qiu J. Seawater electrolysis for fuels and chemicals production: fundamentals, achievements, and perspectives. Chem Soc Rev 2024. [PMID: 38855878 DOI: 10.1039/d3cs00822c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Seawater electrolysis for the production of fuels and chemicals involved in onshore and offshore plants powered by renewable energies offers a promising avenue and unique advantages for energy and environmental sustainability. Nevertheless, seawater electrolysis presents long-term challenges and issues, such as complex composition, potential side reactions, deposition of and poisoning by microorganisms and metal ions, as well as corrosion, thus hindering the rapid development of seawater electrolysis technology. This review focuses on the production of value-added fuels (hydrogen and beyond) and fine chemicals through seawater electrolysis, as a promising step towards sustainable energy development and carbon neutrality. The principle of seawater electrolysis and related challenges are first introduced, and the redox reaction mechanisms of fuels and chemicals are summarized. Strategies for operating anodes and cathodes including the development and application of chloride- and impurity-resistant electrocatalysts/membranes are reviewed. We comprehensively summarize the production of fuels and chemicals (hydrogen, carbon monoxide, sulfur, ammonia, etc.) at the cathode and anode via seawater electrolysis, and propose other potential strategies for co-producing fine chemicals, even sophisticated and electronic chemicals. Seawater electrolysis can drive the oxidation and upgrading of industrial pollutants or natural organics into value-added chemicals or degrade them into harmless substances, which would be meaningful for environmental protection. Finally, the perspective and prospects are outlined to address the challenges and expand the application of seawater electrolysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, Frontier Science Center for Smart Materials, School of Chemical Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China.
| | - Chang Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, Frontier Science Center for Smart Materials, School of Chemical Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China.
| | - Junting Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, Frontier Science Center for Smart Materials, School of Chemical Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China.
| | - Yingnan Han
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, Frontier Science Center for Smart Materials, School of Chemical Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China.
| | - Hongling Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, Frontier Science Center for Smart Materials, School of Chemical Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China.
| | - Wenbin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, Frontier Science Center for Smart Materials, School of Chemical Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China.
| | - Yafang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, Frontier Science Center for Smart Materials, School of Chemical Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China.
| | - Xinyi Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, Frontier Science Center for Smart Materials, School of Chemical Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China.
| | - Jieshan Qiu
- State Key Lab of Chemical Resource Engineering, College of Chemical Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China.
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Chen X, Zhao J, Zhao Z, Zhang W, Wang X. Surface reconstruction in amorphous CoFe-based hydroxides/crystalline phosphide heterostructure for accelerated saline water electrolysis. J Colloid Interface Sci 2024; 659:821-832. [PMID: 38218086 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2024.01.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/15/2024]
Abstract
Developing electrocatalysts with high activity and robust performance for large-scale seawater electrolysis to produce hydrogen holds immense significance. Herein, a highly active bifunctional electrode composed of amorphous cobalt-iron layered double hydroxides (CoFeLDH) and crystalline nickel phosphide (Ni2P) (denoted as CoFeLDH@Ni2P), is employed to boost hydrogen production through seawater electrolysis. The strong interface coupling effectively modifies the electronic structure at active sites, thereby accelerating the catalytic reaction kinetics. Impressively, in situ Raman and post-stability analyses demonstrate a unique reconstruction behavior on the CoFeLDH@Ni2P electrode. Bimetal co-incorporated NiOOH (CoFe-NiOOH) and Ni(OH)2 species are formed during the oxygen evolution reaction (OER), while CoFeLDH@Ni2P can transform into Ni(OH)2 species during the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) process. Furthermore, the highly negatively charged surface selectively rejects Cl- ions by formed PO43-, endowing CoFeLDH@Ni2P with excellent tolerance and promising durability in saline electrolytes. Consequently, the CoFeLDH@Ni2P electrode exhibits an overpotential of 106 mV for HER at 10 mA cm-2 and 308 mV for OER to achieve 100 mA cm-2 in 1.0 M KOH solution. Additionally, the CoFeLDH@Ni2P(+,-) electrolyzer requires a low cell voltage of 1.56 V to deliver 10 mA cm-2 in 1.0 M KOH + Seasalt. This work presents an appealing strategy for the rational design of advanced electrocatalysts with amorphous-crystalline interfaces, which reveals the source of the activity of transition-metal phosphating compounds in saline water electrolysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Chen
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Taiyuan University of Technology, 030024, PR China
| | - Jinyu Zhao
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Taiyuan University of Technology, 030024, PR China
| | - Zhenxin Zhao
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Taiyuan University of Technology, 030024, PR China
| | - Wensheng Zhang
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Taiyuan University of Technology, 030024, PR China
| | - Xiaomin Wang
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Taiyuan University of Technology, 030024, PR China.
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Zhou H, Gu S, Lu Y, Zhang G, Li B, Dou F, Cao S, Li Q, Sun Y, Shakouri M, Pang H. Stabilizing Ni 2+ in Hollow Nano MOF/Polymetallic Phosphides Composites for Enhanced Electrochemical Performance in 3D-Printed Micro-Supercapacitors. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024:e2401856. [PMID: 38529841 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202401856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2024] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
Polymetallic phosphides exhibit favorable conductivities. A reasonable design of nano-metal-organic frame (MOF) composite morphologies and in situ introduction of polymetallic phosphides into the framework can effectively improve electrolyte penetration and rapid electron transfer. To address existing challenges, Ni, with a strong coordination ability with N, is introduced to partially replace Co in nano-Co-MOF composite. The hollow nanostructure is stabilized through CoNi bimetallic coordination and low-temperature controllable polymetallic phosphide generation rate. The Ni, Co, and P atoms, generated during reduction, effectively enhance electron transfer rate within the framework. X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) characterization results further confirm the existence of Ni-N, Ni-Ni, and Co-Co structures in the nanocomposite. The changes in each component during the charge-discharge process of the electrochemical reactions are investigated using in situ X-ray diffraction (XRD). Theoretical calculations further confirm that P can effectively improve conductivity. VZNPGC//MXene MSCs, constructed with active materials derived from the hollow nano MOF composites synthesized through the Ni2+ stabilization strategy, demonstrate a specific capacitance of 1184 mF cm-2, along with an energy density of 236.75 µWh cm-2 (power density of 0.14 mW cm-2). This approach introduces a new direction for the synthesis of highly conductive nano-MOF composites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huijie Zhou
- Institute of Innovation Materials and Energy, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, P. R. China
| | - Shunyu Gu
- Institute of Innovation Materials and Energy, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, P. R. China
| | - Yibo Lu
- Institute of Innovation Materials and Energy, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, P. R. China
| | - Guangxun Zhang
- Institute of Innovation Materials and Energy, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, P. R. China
| | - Bing Li
- Tourism Cooking Institute, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, P. R. China
| | - Fei Dou
- Institute of Innovation Materials and Energy, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, P. R. China
| | - Shuai Cao
- Institute of Innovation Materials and Energy, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, P. R. China
| | - Qian Li
- Institute of Innovation Materials and Energy, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, P. R. China
| | - Yangyang Sun
- Institute of Innovation Materials and Energy, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, P. R. China
| | - Mohsen Shakouri
- Canadian Light Source Inc., University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, S7N 2V3, Canada
| | - Huan Pang
- Institute of Innovation Materials and Energy, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, P. R. China
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Li Y, Xin T, Cao Z, Zheng W, He P, Yoon Suk Lee L. Optimized Transition Metal Phosphides for Direct Seawater Electrolysis: Current Trends. CHEMSUSCHEM 2024:e202301926. [PMID: 38477449 DOI: 10.1002/cssc.202301926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
Seawater electrolysis presents a viable route for sustainable large-scale hydrogen production, yet its practical application is hindered by several technical challenges. These include the sluggish kinetics of hydrogen evolution, poor stability, cation deposition at the cathode, electrode corrosion, and competing chloride oxidation at the anode. To overcome these obstacles, the development of innovative electrocatalysts is crucial. Transition metal phosphides (TMPs) have emerged as promising candidates owing to their superior catalytic performance and tunable structural properties. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of recent progress in the structural engineering of TMPs tailored for efficient seawater electrolysis. We delve into the catalytic mechanisms underpinning hydrogen and oxygen evolution reactions in different pH conditions, along with the detrimental side reactions that impede hydrogen production efficiency. Several methods to prepare TMPs are then introduced. Additionally, detailed discussions on structural modifications and interface engineering tactics are presented, showcasing strategies to enhance the activity and durability of TMP electrocatalysts. By analyzing current research findings, our review aims to inform ongoing research endeavors and foster advancements in seawater electrolysis for practical and ecologically sound hydrogen generation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Li
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Anhui Polytechnic University, Wuhu, 241000, Anhui, China
| | - Tianran Xin
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Anhui Polytechnic University, Wuhu, 241000, Anhui, China
| | - Zongcheng Cao
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Anhui Polytechnic University, Wuhu, 241000, Anhui, China
| | - Weiran Zheng
- Department of Chemistry, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Materials and Technologies for Energy Conversion, Guangdong Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Shantou, 515063, China
| | - Peng He
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Anhui Polytechnic University, Wuhu, 241000, Anhui, China
| | - Lawrence Yoon Suk Lee
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology and Research Institute for Smart Energy, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
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Zhang S, Xu W, Chen H, Yang Q, Liu H, Bao S, Tian Z, Slavcheva E, Lu Z. Progress in Anode Stability Improvement for Seawater Electrolysis to Produce Hydrogen. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024:e2311322. [PMID: 38299450 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202311322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2023] [Revised: 01/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
Seawater electrolysis for hydrogen production is a sustainable and economical approach that can mitigate the energy crisis and global warming issues. Although various catalysts/electrodes with excellent activities have been developed for high-efficiency seawater electrolysis, their unsatisfactory durability, especially for anodes, severely impedes their industrial applications. In this review, attention is paid to the factors that affect the stability of anodes and the corresponding strategies for designing catalytic materials to prolong the anode's lifetime. In addition, two important aspects-electrolyte optimization and electrolyzer design-with respect to anode stability improvement are summarized. Furthermore, several methods for rapid stability assessment are proposed for the fast screening of both highly active and stable catalysts/electrodes. Finally, perspectives on future investigations aimed at improving the stability of seawater electrolysis systems are outlined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sixie Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Materials and Related Technologies, Key Laboratory of Advanced Fuel Cells and Electrolyzers Technology of Zhejiang Province, Qianwan Institute of CNITECH, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, 315201, P. R. China
- College of Materials Science and Opto Electronic Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, P. R. China
| | - Wenwen Xu
- Key Laboratory of Marine Materials and Related Technologies, Key Laboratory of Advanced Fuel Cells and Electrolyzers Technology of Zhejiang Province, Qianwan Institute of CNITECH, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, 315201, P. R. China
| | - Haocheng Chen
- Key Laboratory of Marine Materials and Related Technologies, Key Laboratory of Advanced Fuel Cells and Electrolyzers Technology of Zhejiang Province, Qianwan Institute of CNITECH, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, 315201, P. R. China
| | - Qihao Yang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Materials and Related Technologies, Key Laboratory of Advanced Fuel Cells and Electrolyzers Technology of Zhejiang Province, Qianwan Institute of CNITECH, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, 315201, P. R. China
- College of Materials Science and Opto Electronic Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, P. R. China
| | - Hua Liu
- Department of Strategic Development, Zhejiang Qiming Electric Power Group CO.LTD, Zhoushan, 316099, P. R. China
| | - Shanjun Bao
- Department of Strategic Development, Zhejiang Qiming Electric Power Group CO.LTD, Zhoushan, 316099, P. R. China
| | - Ziqi Tian
- Key Laboratory of Marine Materials and Related Technologies, Key Laboratory of Advanced Fuel Cells and Electrolyzers Technology of Zhejiang Province, Qianwan Institute of CNITECH, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, 315201, P. R. China
- College of Materials Science and Opto Electronic Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, P. R. China
| | - Evelina Slavcheva
- "Acad. Evgeni Budevski" Institute of Electrochemistry and Energy Systems, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Akad. G. Bonchev 10, Sofia, 1113, Bulgaria
| | - Zhiyi Lu
- Key Laboratory of Marine Materials and Related Technologies, Key Laboratory of Advanced Fuel Cells and Electrolyzers Technology of Zhejiang Province, Qianwan Institute of CNITECH, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, 315201, P. R. China
- College of Materials Science and Opto Electronic Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, P. R. China
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Hu H, Wang X, Attfield JP, Yang M. Metal nitrides for seawater electrolysis. Chem Soc Rev 2024; 53:163-203. [PMID: 38019124 DOI: 10.1039/d3cs00717k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
Electrocatalytic high-throughput seawater electrolysis for hydrogen production is a promising green energy technology that offers possibilities for environmental and energy sustainability. However, large-scale application is limited by the complex composition of seawater, high concentration of Cl- leading to competing reaction, and severe corrosion of electrode materials. In recent years, extensive research has been conducted to address these challenges. Metal nitrides (MNs) with excellent chemical stability and catalytic properties have emerged as ideal electrocatalyst candidates. This review presents the electrode reactions and basic parameters of the seawater splitting process, and summarizes the types and selection principles of conductive substrates with critical analysis of the design principles for seawater electrocatalysts. The focus is on discussing the properties, synthesis, and design strategies of MN-based electrocatalysts. Finally, we provide an outlook for the future development of MNs in the high-throughput seawater electrolysis field and highlight key issues that require further research and optimization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huashuai Hu
- School of Environmental Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China.
| | - Xiaoli Wang
- School of Environmental Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China.
| | - J Paul Attfield
- Centre for Science at Extreme Conditions and School of Chemistry, University of Edinburgh, King's Buildings, Mayfield Road, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Minghui Yang
- School of Environmental Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China.
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Zhu Z, Lin Y, Fang P, Wang M, Zhu M, Zhang X, Liu J, Hu J, Xu X. Orderly Nanodendritic Nickel Substitute for Raney Nickel Catalyst Improving Alkali Water Electrolyzer. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2307035. [PMID: 37739409 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202307035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023]
Abstract
The development of nonprecious metal catalysts to meet the activity-stability balance at industrial-grade large current densities remains a challenge toward practical alkali-water electrolysis. Here, this work develops an orderly nanodendritic nickel (ND-Ni) catalyst that consists of ultrafine nanograins in chain-like conformation, which shows both excellent activity and robust stability for large current density hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in alkaline media, superior to currently applied Raney nickel (R-Ni) catalyst in commercial alkali-water electrolyzer (AWE). The ND-Ni catalyst featured by a three-dimensional (3D) interconnecting microporous structure endows with high specific surface area and excellent conductivity and hydrophilicity, which together afford superior charge/mass transport favorable to HER kinetics at high current densities. An actual AWE with ND-Ni catalyst demonstrates durable water splitting with 1.0 A cm-2 at 1.71 V under industrial conditions and renders a record-low power consumption of 3.95 kW h Nm-3 with an energy efficiency close to 90%. The hydrogen price per gallon of gasoline equivalent (GGE) is calculated to be ≈$0.95, which is less than the target of $2.0 per GGE by 2026 from the U.S. Department of Energy. The results suggest the feasibility of ND-Ni substitute for R-Ni catalyst in commercial AWE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zexuan Zhu
- College of Physics Science and Technology, and Center for Interdisciplinary Research, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225002, China
| | - Yuxing Lin
- Department of Physics, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
| | - Peng Fang
- College of Physics Science and Technology, and Center for Interdisciplinary Research, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225002, China
| | - Minshan Wang
- College of Physics Science and Technology, and Center for Interdisciplinary Research, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225002, China
| | - Mingze Zhu
- Jiuchang New Energy Technology Co. LTD, Yangzhou, 225001, China
| | - Xiuyun Zhang
- College of Physics Science and Technology, and Center for Interdisciplinary Research, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225002, China
| | - Jianshuang Liu
- College of Physics Science and Technology, and Center for Interdisciplinary Research, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225002, China
| | - Jingguo Hu
- College of Physics Science and Technology, and Center for Interdisciplinary Research, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225002, China
| | - Xiaoyong Xu
- College of Physics Science and Technology, and Center for Interdisciplinary Research, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225002, China
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