Cathode and anode catalysis mechanism and design principle of water all splitting in chlorinated neutral environment: A review

Human activities in daily life and industrial production generate a significant volume of substandard water with high salt content, organic compounds, and other pollutants, often exhibiting a neutral pH. Electrochemical oxidation is a widely applied technique for the purification of water sources. By integrating electrochemical oxidation reactions with electrolytic hydrogen evolution reactions, the potential arises to enhance energy utilization efficiency and reduce cost implications. This study describes the advantages and challenges of neutral aqueous chlorine solutions as electrolytes for hydrogen production from electrolyzed water. The cathodic and possibly anodic reactions in the electrolysis of neutral chlorinated electrolytes are also investigated. Finally, we present the progress of research on cathode and anode catalysts used in electrolyzing neutral chlorine-containing electrolytes. The aim is to inspire the research of industrialized low-cost and high-yield integrated hydrogen production systems.