Electron transfer bridging by porous seawater fluid

Abstract

Electron transfer between solid and gas phases in saline is of vital importance to electricity supply, energy storage and conversion, and catalysis. In most cases, seawater does not contribute greatly to the electron transfer process. Here we report a strategy to generate porous fluid by dispersing nanoporous coordination polymer into the seawater. In situ ultraviolet-visible and electrochemical spectroscopy confirms that the porous seawater fluid mediates electron transfer between the solid donor and the dissolved oxygen. The key factors in accelerating electron transfer are found to be (1) the porous electrode, (2) the connection between the porous seawater and the environmental air, and (3) the dynamic condition of the fluid. Enhanced electron transfer between the alloy and the dissolved oxygen leads to an efficient ocean electricity supply strategy based on the porous seawater fluid. • Porous seawater fluid is realized • Efficient solid-gas electron transfer mediated by porous seawater fluid • Potential for a stable electricity supply under the sea based on porous seawater fluid Electron transfer between solid and gas phases in saline is of vital importance for applications in electricity supply, energy storage and conversion, and catalysis. Li et al. realize a strategy to disperse coordination polymers into seawater to obtain a porous fluid, which actively prompts efficient solid-gas electron transfer for power supply under water.