In a groundbreaking development that could reshape the landscape of hydrogen production, Dr. Ji-Hyung Han and her research team at the Korea Institute of Energy Research (KIER) have successfully created a high-performance carbon cloth-based electrode specifically designed for seawater electrolysis. This innovative electrode has shown remarkable stability even under high current conditions, making it a significant contender for future commercialization in hydrogen production technologies. Their research not only emphasizes the importance of utilizing alternative water sources but also addresses the pressing global challenge of freshwater scarcity.
Seawater electrolysis, which hinges on the chemical process of splitting water to generate hydrogen, is gaining increasing attention as a sustainable solution for hydrogen production. Traditional electrolysis systems primarily depend on freshwater sources, but with the escalating concerns about water availability, researchers are now seeking to utilize seawater directly for hydrogen generation. This transition not only addresses water scarcity but also opens up new avenues for renewable energy solutions.
The catalyst plays a crucial role in seawater electrolysis, impacting both the efficiency and lifespan of the electrolytic systems. Historically, precious metals such as platinum and ruthenium have been the gold standards for catalysts, thanks to their excellent electrochemical properties. However, the high cost and scarcity of these materials have prompted scientists to explore alternative approaches. Non-precious metal catalysts and innovative support materials are being actively researched to minimize reliance on expensive metals while maintaining performance standards.
A substantial challenge has been the electrode support used within these systems, especially metal-based supports that are prone to corrosion when exposed to chloride ions. This corrosion limits the operational lifespan of conventional electrodes. In response to this concern, carbon cloth has emerged as a viable alternative, exhibiting benefits in electrical conductivity, corrosion resistance, and production costs. Nevertheless, the journey to commercialize carbon cloth-based catalysts has been hindered by their tendency to lose performance rapidly during prolonged operation under high current and over extended durations.
Dr. Han’s team tackled these existing challenges by developing a novel carbon cloth-based electrode through an innovative approach. By optimizing an acid treatment process, the research team significantly boosted the hydrogen production efficiency of the electrode. The optimized treatment involved immersing the carbon cloth in a concentrated nitric acid solution at elevated temperatures, specifically 100°C. This critical step not only enhanced the electrode’s performance but also allowed for a remarkable reduction in the overpotential required during operation.
Employing state-of-the-art methodologies, the research team devised a specialized acid treatment vessel designed to maintain consistent acid concentrations throughout the process. This design innovation effectively mitigated fluctuations in the acid concentration that could have undermined the treatment efficacy. As a result of this meticulous approach, the acid-treated carbon cloth achieved a dramatic increase in hydrophilicity, enhancing the uniform distribution of metal ions across its surface—particularly cobalt, molybdenum, and the precious metal ruthenium.
The incorporation of ruthenium into the cobalt-molybdenum (CoMo) catalyst presents a significant advancement in the field. The team was able to demonstrate that, despite using only about 1% ruthenium by weight, the ruthenium-modified CoMo catalyst achieved an impressive reduction in overpotential compared to traditional catalysts. This enabled a hydrogen evolution reaction that was approximately 1.3 times more efficient at equivalent current densities, representing a fundamental shift in the capabilities of seawater electrolysis technology.
Remarkably, the catalyst-coated electrode demonstrated outstanding durability. It maintained its initial performance levels after enduring over 800 hours of continuous operation at a high current density of 500 mA/cm²—an achievement previously deemed difficult for conventional electrodes in seawater electrolysis. Rigorous post-operation evaluations confirmed that there was no significant leaching of metal ions into the electrolyte, indicating the electrode’s superb corrosion resistance and structural integrity.
The implications of this research extend far beyond laboratory findings. Dr. Ji-Hyung Han noted that their achievement marks a world-first in demonstrating successful long-term operation exceeding one month under industrial-level high current conditions using a carbon cloth-based electrode for seawater electrolysis. This breakthrough holds promising prospects for upscaling technology, as it signifies a step toward practical applications in large-area cell modules and stacks, potentially revolutionizing the hydrogen energy sector.
Recognition of the necessity for ongoing advancements in the field is clear. The KIER research team intends to build upon their findings by conducting extended durability testing targeting beyond the 1,000-hour mark. Their commitment to discovering scalable solutions that are applicable in real-world settings reflects a broader trend in energy research aimed at delivering economically and environmentally sustainable technologies.
Support for this innovative research came from the National Research Council of Science & Technology (NST) under the auspices of the Ministry of Science and ICT, underscoring the collaborative efforts behind such impactful scientific inquiries. The study’s findings were duly published in the prestigious international journal Applied Surface Science in May 2025, signifying its contribution to the scientific discourse surrounding energy research.
As interest mounts in seawater electrolysis technologies, this pioneering work presents a compelling case for the feasibility of carbon cloth-based electrodes in providing a cleaner and more sustainable approach to hydrogen production. The research not only underscores the urgent need for alternative water source utilization but also exemplifies the transformative potential of innovative materials in driving advancements in green technologies.
Through the lens of Dr. Han’s research, what emerges is a glimpse into a future where the potential of seawater as a resource for renewable energy can be fully realized. By transforming how we produce hydrogen, such advancements signal a significant milestone in humanity’s quest to harness clean energy and address global challenges associated with climate change and resource availability.
Given the context of Dr. Han’s work, the future looks bright, promising a horizon filled with possibilities. This innovative approach to seawater electrolysis through carbon cloth technology might not only spur advancements in hydrogen production efficiencies but also set a paradigm shift in how we view and exploit our natural resources.
The integration of cost-effective materials, along with robust engineering designs, leads the way toward an era where efficient energy production can coexist with environmental sustainability, ultimately contributing to a cleaner and greener planet.
Subject of Research: Seawater Electrolysis using Carbon Cloth-based Electrode
Article Title: Ru-modified CoMoOx catalyst on carbon cloth for efficient HER in alkaline seawater electrolysis at high current densities
News Publication Date: 30-May-2025
Web References: Applied Surface Science
References: Published in Applied Surface Science
Image Credits: KOREA INSTITUTE OF ENERGY RESEARCH (KIER)
Keywords
Seawater Electrolysis, Hydrogen Production, Carbon Cloth Electrodes, Cobalt-Molybdenum Catalyst, Renewable Energy, Electrochemical Performance, High Current Density, Sustainable Technology, Materials Science, Innovative Research.
