Enhanced Corrosion Resistance and Stability in Seawater Electrolysis via In Situ Generated CeO₂ Layer on the Ce–Co(OH)₂@FeOOH Electrode, Sustaining 2500 h at 2 A cm–²

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Seawater electrocatalysis offers a promising pathway for renewable energy generation, yet the issue of chloride-induced electrode corrosion urgently requires resolution. This study presents a highly durable and corrosion-resistant Ce–Co(OH) 2 @FeOOH electrocatalyst, where an in situ generated CeO 2 nanoparticles’ layer effectively blocks chloride ions, thereby protecting the catalyst. The system demonstrates remarkable stability, maintaining electrolysis for 2500 h at 2 A cm –2 and for 400 h in high-salinity environments (2 M NaCl). In an assembled anion exchange membrane device, it needs a voltage of just 1.75 V to reach 500 mA cm –2 and operates stably over 500 h in both alkaline and highly alkaline environments (1M/6 M KOH + seawater), showcasing high efficiency (71% at 500 mA cm –2 ). Notably, the calculated hydrogen production cost reaches as low as $0.93 per gallon of equivalent gasoline (GGE), significantly below the $2 benchmark. This in situ oxidation mechanism enhances corrosion resistance during seawater electrolysis, positioning this catalyst as a commercially viable candidate material.