Coupling Ferrocyanide-Assisted PW/PB Redox with Efficient Direct Seawater Electrolysis for Hydrogen Production

Direct seawater electrolysis is a promising approach for grid-scale hydrogen mass production. However, the low energy efficiency and detrimental anodic chlorine electrochemistry unlock its practical potential. Here, we present an efficient chlorine-free hydrogen production by coupling the rapid electrode reaction of ferrocyanide-assisted Prussian white (PW)/Prussian blue (PB) redox with an onset potential of 0.87 VRHE. The chloride oxidation in our cells is avoided by low cell voltages, enabling high-purity hydrogen production. Operando spectroscopic analysis coupled with theoretical calculations validates that the addition of the [Fe(CN)6]3-/4-redox mediator in the electrolyte can reduce the PB to PW instantaneously, thus completing the cycle of PW/ PB redox and making the system recyclable. The assembled electrolyzer exhibited unprecedented performance for direct seawater electrolysis (pH = 8.5), achieving a current density of 320 mA cm-2 at 1.7 V. Therefore, the electricity consumed per cubic meter of H2 produced in the electrolyzer is 3.8 kWh at 200 mA cm-2, and 42% lower energy equivalent input relative to commercial redox-free seawater electrolysis. This work offers a cost-competitive and energy-saving strategy for producing high-purity H2 directly from unlimited seawater.