A group of international researchers led by the University of Adelaide has made a significant advance in the production of green hydrogen. The researchers were able to split seawater into hydrogen and oxygen with nearly 100% efficiency, eliminating the need for pre-treatment processes such as reverse osmosis, purification, or alkalization. In a commercial electrolyzer, the researchers used a non-precious and inexpensive catalyst, cobalt oxide with chromium oxide on its surface. The results were comparable to platinum/iridium catalysts operating in purified deionized water. Seawater is regarded as a nearly infinite resource and a natural feedstock electrolyte, making it suitable for areas with long coastlines and abundant sunlight. The team will work on commercializing the system, such as hydrogen generation for fuel cells and ammonia synthesis.
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