How to get to best oxygen evolution behavior from the electrolysis practice of the seawater.

Direct seawater electrolysis is the main method of hydrogen energy production in the future. However, due to the competition of anode chlorine evolution and the phenomenon of cathode fouling, direct seawater electrolysis faces great challenges. Alkali treatment of seawater is the treatment method for most work at present, but there is currently no uniform standard for the amount of alkali. Obviously, excessive alkali treatment will increase operating costs. Here, the NiFe LDH material, which is considered to have the best catalytic OER performance, is grown on carbon cloth, and the optimal amount of alkali treatment seawater is explored. By determining the amount of alkali by the amount of precipitation, it can reduce the operating cost of industrial production. It can also prevent the impact of sedimentation on the life of the equipment. We believe that this treatment method will make a great contribution to the future standard seawater pretreatment method. [Display omitted] • The effect of alkaline treatment on the catalyst's performance for OER was revealed. • Economical alkali treatment of seawater reduced the competition of CER during OER. • A reasonable seawater pretreatment method for seawater electrolysis was provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]