Carbon Oxyanion Self‐Transformation on NiFe Oxalates Enables Long‐Term Ampere‐Level Current Density Seawater Oxidation

Abstract

Abstract Seawater electrolysis is an attractive way of making H 2 in coastal areas, and NiFe‐based materials are among the top options for alkaline seawater oxidation (ASO). However, ample Cl − in seawater can severely corrode catalytic sites and lead to limited lifespans. Herein, we report that in situ carbon oxyanion self‐transformation (COST) from oxalate to carbonate on a monolithic NiFe oxalate micropillar electrode allows safeguard of high‐valence metal reaction sites in ASO. In situ/ex situ studies show that spontaneous, timely, and appropriate COST safeguards active sites against Cl − attack during ASO even at an ampere‐level current density ( j ). Our NiFe catalyst shows efficient and stable ASO performance, which requires an overpotential as low as 349 mV to attain a j of 1 A cm −2 . Moreover, the NiFe catalyst with protective surface CO 3 2− exhibits a slight activity degradation after 600 h of electrolysis under 1 A cm −2 in alkaline seawater. This work reports effective catalyst surface design concepts at the level of oxyanion self‐transformation, acting as a momentous step toward defending active sites in seawater‐to‐H 2 conversion systems.