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 g_cat^–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.