Improving the efficiency of seawater desalination and hydrogen production: Challenges, strategies, and the future of seawater electrolysis

Addressing water shortages has spurred the growth of seawater desalination technologies, with electrochemical desalination techniques emerging as an innovative and eco-friendly solution for pretreatment. Simultaneously, the concurrent generation of hydrogen during this process signals a significant departure from conventional freshwater electrolysis, offering a promising route to advance decarbonization in both energy and industrial sectors. How to improve the efficiency of electrolysis, achieve seawater desalination and ensure the sustainable production of green hydrogen is a formidable challenge. This review offers an exhaustive examination of the latest technological innovations in hydrogen generation by seawater electrolysis and desalination processes, catering to the urgent requirements for environmentally friendly energy production and enduring water provision. The findings elucidate the energy, economic, and environmental dimensions of hydrogen generation via seawater electrolysis and desalination, uncovering the associated synergies and challenges. Ultimately, the review underscores the role of seawater desalination electrolysis technology in addressing acute water shortages, considering energy demands and environmental implications to foster a more sustainable energy-water nexus. Overall, this research contributes to the hydrogen production and seawater desalination, providing strategic planning, policy-making, and technological advancement insights for a greener, more sustainable future.