Seawater electrolysis: A critical review on fundamentals, recent progress, and future perspectives on sustainable hydrogen generation

The rapid pace of industrial growth has led to a substantial increase in global energy demand, which is currently being met predominantly through fossil fuels, resources that are not only depleting but also significantly contributing to climate change. In this context, green hydrogen has emerged as a promising alternative energy carrier, primarily produced via water electrolysis. However, conventional electrolysis technologies are dependent on ultrapure fresh water, an increasingly scarce resource. To address this challenge, converting seawater into hydrogen using hybrid renewable energy systems presents a sustainable and scalable solution. This review explores recent developments in catalyst and membrane design for seawater electrolysis, with a particular focus on key process parameters and innovations in electrode materials. Green hydrogen production from seawater is positioned as a critical pillar in the broader pursuit of clean, carbon-neutral hydrogen energy systems aimed at mitigating global warming and supporting a sustainable energy future.