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Seawater as a sustainable feedstock for hydrogen production: Problems, solutions, and potential insights

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  • Abdullah, Norulsamani
  • Zaed, Md Abu
  • Han, Tan Kim
  • Saidur, R.

Abstract

Seawater electrolysis offers a sustainable and scalable approach for green hydrogen production by utilizing the Earth's most abundant water resource. However, unlike freshwater electrolysis, it is hindered by the complex chemistry of seawater. This review provides a comprehensive assessment of the fundamental electrochemical principles, key challenges, recent technological advances, and future directions for seawater electrolysis. Major barriers include chloride-induced parasitic chlorine evolution reactions, electrode corrosion, pH-driven scaling from divalent ions, and membrane degradation caused by mass transfer limitations and fouling. Recent breakthroughs have focused on developing Cl−-resistant electrocatalysts, advanced membranes with improved ion selectivity, and innovative electrolyzer architectures. Complementary strategies in electrolyte engineering and interfacial environment optimization have further enhanced system performance and stability. The review also highlights the broader potential of seawater electrolysis in the hydrogen economy, emphasizing emerging trends, innovation opportunities and remaining research gaps. With continued interdisciplinary collaboration, seawater electrolysis has the potential to become a key technology for large-scale, carbon neutral hydrogen production, supporting global decarbonization and long-term energy security.

Suggested Citation

  • Abdullah, Norulsamani & Zaed, Md Abu & Han, Tan Kim & Saidur, R., 2026. "Seawater as a sustainable feedstock for hydrogen production: Problems, solutions, and potential insights," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 229(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:rensus:v:229:y:2026:i:c:s1364032125012924
    DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2025.116619
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