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GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
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PUBLIC SUMMARY
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Challenges of direct seawater electrolysis are summarized.
Optimization strategies of catalysts for direct seawater electrolysis are summarized.
Innovative electrolyzer architectures for direct seawater electrolysis are summarized.
The superiority of direct over indirect seawater electrolysis is provided.
The application of direct seawater electrolysis for energy storage is summarized.
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ABSTRACT
Hydrogen production through water electrolysis represents one of the most promising low-carbon energy alternatives. However, current water electrolysis technologies depend on high-purity water feedstocks and their large-scale commercialization could exacerbate global freshwater scarcity. Direct seawater electrolysis (DSE) not only addresses this water resource challenge but also offers a potential solution for integrating deep-sea renewable energy sources. In this review, we first examine the challenges of DSE. Subsequently, we emphasize DSE technology and associated modification strategies, followed assessed the feasibility and economic viability of DSE. Finally, we summarize the potential applications of DSE in energy storage systems. These insights are intended to inform and guide future advancements in hydrogen production. We posit that on-site hydrogen production via DSE represents an optimal model for future renewable energy utilization and continuous research in this field should be actively promoted. -
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Ran S., Zhao C., Yan X., et al. (2025). Recent advancements in direct seawater electrolysis. The Innovation Energy 2:100110. https://doi.org/10.59717/j.xinn-energy.2025.100110
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Ran S., Zhao C., Yan X., et al. (2025). Recent advancements in direct seawater electrolysis. The Innovation Energy 2:100110. https://doi.org/10.59717/j.xinn-energy.2025.100110
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Figure 1.
Challenges of DSE.5
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Figure 2.
Competing OER and CER Pourbaix graphs.8
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Figure 3.
CER reaction mechanism under different pH.9
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Figure 4.
Strategies to improve catalyst performance.
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Figure 5.
(A) Comparison of HER and other small molecule oxidation reactions with low onset potentials, (B) Advantages of small molecule assisted oxidation for hydrogen production.
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Figure 6.
Innovations in electrolysis tanks
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Figure 7.
Redox-mediated seawater direct decoupling electrolyzers.95
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Figure 8.
In-situ direct seawater electrolysis using floating platform in ocean with uncontrollable wave motion.86
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Figure 9.
Process scheme of producing fresh water and energy storage based on seawater electrolysis.
