Work

Advancing green hydrogen production: Technological and economic perspectives on saltwater electrolysis

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Saline water electrolysis provides a sustainable route for hydrogen production by directly utilizing saltwater without desalination. We report a custom-built electrolyzer employing a corrosion-resistant hierarchical titanium anode coated with RuO₂–IrO₂ and a Ni–SS cathode. The oxygen-selective anode effectively suppressed chlorine evolution in chloride-rich media, enabling stable operation. Electrolysis of 3 % NaCl solution produced 140.7 mmol h⁻¹ hydrogen at 17.89 mA cm⁻² in a 1-L reactor, with cell performance strongly dependent on salinity and current density. Continuous operation for 72 h under 5 V demonstrated durability, while optimization algorithms improved system efficiency. These results highlight the potential of saline water electrolysis as a scalable pathway for green hydrogen generation.

Source: Next Sustainability

DOI: 10.1016/j.nxsust.2025.100187

Authors: Sehba Anjum Mumtaz Ahmed, Kushagra Gabhane, Aparna Deshpande, Shilpa Kumari, Penumaka Nagababu, Sadhana Rayalu

Institutions: National Environmental Engineering Research Institute, Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Pune

Language: English

Topic: Electrocatalysts for Energy Conversion

Subfield: Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment

Field: Energy

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Affordable and clean energy, Clean water and sanitation, Climate action, Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,280