Energy-saving hydrogen production by chlorine-free hybrid seawater splitting coupling hydrazine degradation

Abstract

Seawater electrolysis represents a potential solution to grid-scale production of carbon-neutral hydrogen energy without reliance on freshwater. However, it is challenged by high energy costs and detrimental chlorine chemistry in complex chemical environments. Here we demonstrate chlorine-free hydrogen production by hybrid seawater splitting coupling hydrazine degradation. It yields hydrogen at a rate of 9.2 mol h–1 gcat–1 on NiCo/MXene-based electrodes with a low electricity expense of 2.75 kWh per m3 H2 at 500 mA cm–2 and 48% lower energy equivalent input relative to commercial alkaline water electrolysis. Chlorine electrochemistry is avoided by low cell voltages without anode protection regardless Cl– crossover. This electrolyzer meanwhile enables fast hydrazine degradation to ~3 ppb residual. Self-powered hybrid seawater electrolysis is realized by integrating low-voltage direct hydrazine fuel cells or solar cells. These findings enable further opportunities for efficient conversion of ocean resources to hydrogen fuel while removing harmful pollutants.