Protective Layer Research Articles

Sandwich-like high-performance Ti3C2Tx MXene/NiCo2O4 nanosphere composites for asymmetric supercapacitor application

NiCo2O4 is a promising electrode material for supercapacitors due to its low cost, high theoretical specific capacitance and good cycling stability. However, NiCo2O4 has the disadvantages of poor electronic and ionic conductivities and easy agglomeration. Moreover, the irreversible structural damage caused by the NiCo2O4 volume expansions during charging and discharging limits its use in supercapacitors. Herein, we fabricated sandwich Ti3C2Tx MXene/NiCo2O4 composites via an electrostatic self-assembly method. The problem of easy agglomeration of the NiCo2O4 nanospheres was solved by intercalating Ti3C2Tx MXene layers with the NiCo2O4 nanospheres. Furthermore, the Ti3C2Tx MXene layer was also utilized as a protective layer to limit serious volume expansion and protect the structure of NiCo2O4 nanospheres from destruction. The results showed that the prepared Ti3C2Tx MXene/NiCo2O4 composite exhibited a high specific capacitance of 1025 F g−1 at a current density of 1 A g−1 and had an initial capacity of 81 % when the current density was increased to 10 A g−1. The Ti3C2Tx MXene/NiCo2O4 composite cathode and activated carbon anode were assembled in an asymmetric supercapacitor, which showed an energy density of 36.67 Wh kg−1 at 800 W kg−1 and a capacity retention of 88.2 % after 5000 cycles.

Soil–Structure Interaction for Buried Conduits Influenced by the Coupled Effect of the Protective Layer and Trench Installation

Soil–Structure Interaction for Buried Conduits Influenced by the Coupled Effect of the Protective Layer and Trench Installation

Cy3-based nanoviscosity determination of mucus: Effect of mucus collection methods and antibiotics treatment.

The integrity of the protective mucus layer as a primary defense against pathogen invasion and microbial leakage into the intestinal epithelium can be compromised by the effects of antibiotics on the commensal microbiome. Changes in mucus integrity directly affect the solvent viscosity in the immediate vicinity of the mucin network, i.e., the nanoviscosity, which in turn affects both biochemical reactions and selective transport. To assess mucus nanoviscosity, a reliable readout via the viscosity-dependent fluorescence lifetime of the molecular rotor dye Cy3 is established and nanoviscosities from porcine and murine ex vivo mucus are determined. To account for different mucin concentrations due to the removal of digestive residues during mucus collection, the power law dependence of mucin concentration on viscosity is used. The impact of antibiotics combinations (meropenem/vancomycin, gentamycin/ampicillin) on ex vivo intestinal mucus nanoviscosity is presented. The significant increase in viscosity of murine intestinal mucus after treatment suggests an effect of antibiotics on the microbiota that affects mucus integrity. The presented method will be a useful tool to assess how drugs, directly or indirectly, affect mucus integrity. Additionally, the method can be utilized to analyze the role of mucus nanoviscosity in health and disease, as well as in drug development. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

PtPd Atomic Layer Shelled PdCu Hollow Nanoparticles on Partially Unzipped Carbon Nanotubes for Breaking the Activity-Stability Trade-Off toward the Hydrogen Oxidation Reaction in Alkaline Media.

Developing highly active yet stable catalysts for the hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR) in alkaline media remains a significant challenge. Herein, we designed a novel catalyst of atomic PtPd-layer shelled ultrasmall PdCu hollow nanoparticles (HPdCu NPs) on partially unzipped carbon nanotubes (PtPd@HPdCu/W-CNTs), which can achieve a high mass activity, 5 times that of the benchmark Pt/C, and show exceptional stability with negligible decay after 20,000 cycles of accelerated degradation test. The atomically thin PtPd shell serves as the primary active site for the HOR and a protective layer that prevents Cu leaching. Additionally, the HPdCu substrate not only tunes the adsorption properties of the PtPd layer but also prevents corrosive Pt from reaching the interface between NPs and the carbon support, thereby mitigating carbon corrosion. This work introduces a new strategy that leverages the distinct advantages of multiple components to address the challenges associated with slow kinetics and poor durability toward the HOR.

Asymmetric Solid-State Lithium-Metal-Battery Electrolytes Featuring Na Superionic Conductor-Type Ceramic and Garnet-Type Ceramic Filled Composite Polymer

Abstract In this study, Li1.3Al0.3Ti1.7(PO4)3 (LATP)-based lithium metal battery (LMB) cells are prepared using two different protection layers against Li metal: a solid polymer electrolyte (SPE) containing polyethylene oxide and lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI), and a composite polymer electrolyte (CPE) filled with a 14 wt% Li6.4La3Zr1.4Ta0.6O12 (LLZTO). The CPE-containing symmetric cell exhibits a smaller overvoltage than that of its SPE-containing counterpart, which is maintained for ~1000 h at 0.1 mA·cm-2 at 60 °C, owing to enhanced Li-ion transport in the CPE and at the LATP–CPE interface as well as the uniform Li deposition induced by the CPE with a higher Li+ transference number. Post-material analyses reveal that the CPE imparts long-term (~1000 h) protection to the LATP against Li metal, whereas the SPE is effective over a shorter period (~100 h). The CPE-based full cell exhibits a higher capacity (~141 mAh·g-1; with a LiFePO4) and capacity retention (~95%) than those of the SPE-based full cell (~130 mAh·g-1 and ~ 55%, respectively), for 310 cycles at 60 °C. This study recommends utilizing asymmetric solid electrolytes containing a ceramic (LATP at the cathode) and composite polymer (PEO + LLZTO at the anode) to improve cyclability and suppress Li dendrite growth in solid-state LMBs.

Enhancing Corrosion Resistance of Mild Steel in 1M HCl: Investigation of New Benzoxazepine Derivatives Through Synthesis, Electrochemical Analysis, Surface Analysis, XPS, DFT, and Molecular Dynamics Simulation

AbstractThis research delineates the corrosion inhibitory efficiency of two newly synthesized benzoxazepine derivatives – [3,3‐dimethyl‐11‐phenyl‐3,4,5,11‐tetrahydrodibenzo[b,e] [1,4]oxazepine‐1(2 H)‐one (S1)] and [11‐(4‐chlorophenyl)‐3,3‐dimethyl‐3,4,5,11‐tetrahydrodibenzo[b,e][1,4]oxazepine‐1(2 H)‐one (S2)] – on mild steel in 1M HCl milieu. These derivatives were characterized by proton (1H NMR) and carbon (13C NMR) nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The experimental approach encompassed potentiodynamic polarization (PDP) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) techniques. The corrosion inhibition efficacy of S1 and S2 was concentration‐dependent, with their efficiencies peaking at 92.0 % and 92.1 %, respectively, at a 10−3 M concentration. Surface characterization, conducted using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy‐dispersive X‐ray analysis (EDS), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), contact angle measurements, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), corroborated the formation of a protective barrier layer on the mild steel surface. Additionally, using an inductive approach, UV‐visible spectrometry was employed to elucidate the adsorption behaviors of these inhibitors on the steel surface. Density functional theory (DFT) and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were utilized to decipher the interaction mechanisms and adsorption modalities, unveiling critical insights into the interactions of S1 and S2 with the mild steel surface. This comprehensive analysis highlights the robust corrosion inhibition potential of the newly synthesized benzoxazepine derivatives and illuminates their prospective utility as effective inhibitors for mild steel in corrosive environments.

Structure and replication cycle of a virus infecting climate-modulating alga Emiliania huxleyi.

The globally distributed marine alga Emiliania huxleyi has cooling effect on the Earth's climate. The population density of E. huxleyi is restricted by Nucleocytoviricota viruses, including E. huxleyi virus 201 (EhV-201). Despite the impact of E. huxleyi viruses on the climate, there is limited information about their structure and replication. Here, we show that the dsDNA genome inside the EhV-201 virion is protected by an inner membrane, capsid, and outer membrane. EhV-201 virions infect E. huxleyi by using fivefold vertices to bind to and fuse the virus' inner membrane with the cell plasma membrane. Progeny virions assemble in the cytoplasm at the surface of endoplasmic reticulum-derived membrane segments. Genome packaging initiates synchronously with the capsid assembly and completes through an aperture in the forming capsid. The genome-filled capsids acquire an outer membrane by budding into intracellular vesicles. EhV-201 infection induces a loss of surface protective layers from E. huxleyi cells, which enables the continuous release of virions by exocytosis.

Stable Zinc Anode Facilitated by Regenerated Silk Fibroin-modified Hydrogel Protective Layer.

Inherent dendrite growth and side reactions of zinc anode caused by its unstable interface in aqueous electrolytes severely limit the practical applications of zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs). To overcome these challenges, a protective layer for Zn anode inspired by cytomembrane structure is developed with PVA as framework and silk fibroin gel suspension (SFs) as modifier. This PVA/SFs gel-like layer exerts similar to the solid electrolyte interphase, optimizing the anode-electrolyte interface and Zn2+ solvation structure. Through interface improvement, controlled Zn2+ migration/diffusion, and desolvation, this buffer layer effectively inhibits dendrite growth and side reactions. The additional SFs provide functional improvement and better interaction with PVA by abundant functional groups, achieving a robust and durable Zn anode with high reversibility. Thus, the PVA/SFs@Zn symmetric cell exhibits an ultra-long lifespan of 3150 h compared to bare Zn (182 h) at 1.0 mAh cm-2-1.0 mAh cm-2, and excellent reversibility with an average Coulombic efficiency of 99.04% under a large plating capacity for 800 cycles. Moreover, the PVA/SFs@Zn||PANI/CC full cells maintain over 20 000 cycles with over 80% capacity retention under harsh conditions at 5 and 10 A g-1. This SF-modified protective layer for Zn anode suggests a promising strategy for reliable and high-performance ZIBs.

Force Performance Analysis and Numerical Simulation of Assembled Ribbed-Slab Abutments

This study investigates the structural performance of assembled rib-plate bridge abutments (ARBAs) with two different connection methods: bull leg bolt and flange connections. In addition, we explored the bending and shear performance of the connection parts and related areas to assess the damage characteristics and modes of these ARBAs. Utilizing model testing, a numerical analysis was conducted to define the force performance of the ARBA, with reference to a cast-in-place rib-plate abutment. The research results indicate that the bearing capacity and deformation capacity of the cap part of the assembled ribbed slab abutment model with cow leg connections are lower than those of the cast-in-place structure. When the structure fails, a 45° diagonal crack develops from the cross-section at the mid-span joint to the connection between the rib slab and the cap, until the concrete protective layer at the joint is crushed, exhibiting a shear failure mode. The bearing capacity of the assembly rib plate type abutment cap connected by the flange plate is basically the same as that of the cast-in-place structure, and the deformation capacity is weaker than that of the cast-in-place rib plate type abutment. The expansion of structural cracks is consistent with that of the rib plate type abutment connected by the cow leg. When the flange plate at the mid span is damaged, the contact surface between the flange plate and the concrete is pried off, resulting in the inability of the structure to continue bearing, exhibiting a shear failure mode. Through numerical simulation, taking the stress performance of the integral cast-in-place ribbed slab abutment as a reference, the assembled ribbed slab abutment connected by the flange plate is basically consistent with the integral cast-in-place ribbed slab abutment in terms of ultimate load, concrete damage, and steel reinforcement skeleton stress, and the connection device has not yet reached the yield state. The ultimate displacement is slightly weaker than that of the integral cast-in-place ribbed slab abutment. By comparison, it can be seen that the ultimate bearing capacity of the assembled ribbed slab abutment connected by the flange is basically the same as that of the cast-in-place ribbed slab abutment, and the stress performance can reach an “equivalent cast-in-place”, making it the preferred solution for the assembled abutment structure. The finite element parameter analysis of the flanged ARBA revealed that the thickness of the stiffening ribs, the number of bolts, and length of the flange plate anchoring steel plate were proportional to the ultimate load-bearing capacity of the prefabricated ARBA. In the case of no change in the structural damage mode, considering the economic benefits and load-bearing capacity of the structure, the following parameter combinations of the flanged ARBA are recommended: a thickness of 30 mm of the stiffening ribs, the number of bolts is 12, and a length of 50 cm of the length of flange plate anchoring steel plate.

Facile Synthesis of Bumpy-Structured ZnO-ZnS Core-Shell Microspheres with Enhanced Photocatalytic Performance

Zinc oxide is considered an outstanding photocatalyst candidate, but its low photo-corrosion resistance is a problem to be solved. In the ZnO-ZnS core-shell structure, ZnS acts as a protective layer for the ZnO core, and thus, it can enhance stability and long-term performance. The ZnO-ZnS core-shell structure is synthesized into various nanoscale morphologies with high specific surface areas to improve photocatalytic efficiency. However, they are easily agglomerated and are hard to separate from reaction media. In this study, micro-sized bumpy spheres of ZnO-ZnS core-shell structure were prepared via facile chemical transformation of as-prepared ZnO. After sulfurization of the ZnO template, it was confirmed through SEM, TEM, EDS, and XPS analysis that a uniform ZnS shell layer was formed without significant change in the initial ZnO morphology. The ZnO-ZnS core-shell microsphere has shown superior efficiency and stability in the photocatalytic degradation of Rhodamine B compared with pristine ZnO microspheres

Self‐Polymerized Spiro‐Type Interfacial Molecule toward Efficient and Stable Perovskite Solar Cells

AbstractIn the pursuit of highly efficient perovskite solar cells, spiro‐OMeTAD has demonstrated recorded power conversion efficiencies (PCEs), however, the stability issue remains one of the bottlenecks constraining its commercial development. In this study, we successfully synthesize a novel self‐polymerized spiro‐type interfacial molecule, termed v‐spiro. The linearly arranged molecule exhibits stronger intermolecular interactions and higher intrinsic hole mobility compared to spiro‐OMeTAD. Importantly, the vinyl groups in v‐spiro enable in situ polymerization, forming a polymeric protective layer on the perovskite film surface, which proves highly effective in suppressing moisture degradation and ion migration. Utilizing these advantages, poly‐v‐spiro‐based device achieves an outstanding efficiency of 24.54 %, with an enhanced open‐circuit voltage of 1.173 V and a fill factor of 81.11 %, owing to the reduced defect density, energy level alignment and efficient interfacial hole extraction. Furthermore, the operational stability of unencapsulated devices is significantly enhanced, maintaining initial efficiencies above 90 % even after 2000 hours under approximately 60 % humidity or 1250 hours under continuous AM 1.5G sunlight exposure. This work presents a comprehensive approach to achieving both high efficiency and long‐term stability in PSCs through innovative interfacial design.

Optimization of Consumer Protection and Increase of Virtual Currency Trading in Indonesia: A Study on Financial Services Authority Regulation

This study aims to normatively analyze OJK Regulation Number 3 of 2024, focusing on consumer protection in the context of the increasing trade in virtual currency in Indonesia. This study uses a normative legal research method. The collected legal material is then qualitatively analyzed to describe the problem and answer the study objectives. The results show that OJK Regulation Number 3 of 2024 is crucial in optimizing consumer protection and increasing virtual currency trading in Indonesia. Through the general provisions in OJK Regulation Number 3 of 2024, which cover consumer protection and the sandbox mechanism, the regulation supports responsible testing and development of FinTech innovations. The practical implementation of OJK Regulation Number 3 of 2024, emphasizing personal data protection and transparency, adds a layer of consumer protection. Overall, OJK Regulation Number 3 of 2024 creates an environment conducive to safe and regulated virtual currency trading, enhancing investor and consumer confidence in the Indonesian FinTech ecosystem. Therefore, it is recommended that the government and OJK, FinTech innovators and virtual currency traders, as well as consumers and investors, take strategic steps to enhance consumer protection and optimize virtual currency trading in Indonesia. The Government and OJK need to ensure the effective implementation of OJK Regulation Number 3 of 2024 through widespread socialization, strict supervision, and firm law enforcement against violations. FinTech innovators and virtual currency traders should develop robust risk management systems, enhance operational transparency, and ensure compliance with personal data protection provisions. Consumers and investors are advised to improve their digital financial literacy, critically assess investment risks, and interact only with platforms and service providers that have been verified and comply with OJK regulations. The collaboration between regulators, the industry, and the community will create a safer, more transparent, and sustainable virtual currency trading ecosystem, supporting the growth of the FinTech sector in Indonesia while minimizing potential risks for consumers and investors.

Moisture‐Resistant Orange Emitters with Near‐Unity Quantum Yield from Mn2+ Alloyed Vacancy‐Ordered Quadruple Perovskites

AbstractMn2+‐doped metal halide perovskites present remarkable optical properties in optoelectronic applications, although the realization of high efficiency and stability is still a challenge. In this work, a series of highly efficient and stable orange‐emitting Mn2+ alloyed Cs4Cd1‐xMnxBi2Cl12 single crystals are successfully synthesized via a hydrothermal reaction. Combined with the crystal structure and spectral characterization at 7 K, the site occupation of Mn2+ and defect emission are systematically discussed. Benefiting from the effective [BiCl6]3−→[MnCl6]4− energy transfer and lattice distortion, these single crystals exhibit a maximum internal and external quantum yield of ≈97% and ≈65% at 35% heavy doping level. Interestingly, these Mn2+‐alloyed single crystals exhibit remarkably waterproof stability, no decrease in emission intensity is observed after immersion in deionized water for 4 h. After soaking in deionized water for 100 days, the internal quantum yield can still maintain 44%, implying good chemical stability and moisture resistance due to the formation of protective BiOCl layer. This work provides new insights into the optimization mechanism for Mn2+ luminescence and overcoming the downside of their waterproofing in humid conditions.

The industrial SO2-induced corrosion: Investigation of the corrosion onset

The stability of the passivation film on reinforcing steel is significantly influenced by the internal chemical environment of concrete under industrial sulfur dioxide (SO2) corrosion. This study aimed to investigate the electrochemical state of the reinforcing steel and the internal chemical environment (corrosion products, phase composition, and pore structure) of concrete by conducting indoor simulations of reinforced concrete specimens exposed to industrial SO2 environment. The results indicated a consistent trend in open circuit potential (OCP) and corrosion current density (icorr) of steel rebar in different types of concrete. A sudden reduction in OCP is accompanied by a significant increase in icorr when the rebars reach an active state. At this time, the ratio of sulphation depth to protective layer thickness ranges from 0.47 to 0.63. The main sulphation products were gypsum and ettringite, with their content decreasing as the cover layer depth, water-to-binder ratio, and fly ash content increased. Due to crystallization pressure and expansion, the impact of SO2 corrosion on the capillary pores of concrete was the most significant, followed by its effect on larger pores. After 96 days of corrosion, there was an increase of 191.7 % and 116.2 % in the quantity of pore sizes, respectively. Furthermore, the porosity growth rate in concrete with the incorporation of fly ash is lower than that of Portland concrete. This suggests that the rational use of fly ash to partially replace Portland cement is beneficial for enhancing the resistance of concrete to SO2 corrosion.

Water‐Soluble Multifunctional Binder with Extraordinary Bonding Strength for High‐Voltage Sodium‐Ion Batteries

AbstractWith the ever‐increasing demand for low‐cost energy storage systems, sodium‐ion (Na‐ion) batteries have received great attention. However, the large volume change, sluggish reaction kinetics, and unstable electrode/electrolyte interphase during cycling inevitably deteriorate the performance of Na‐ion batteries. Herein, a high‐voltage water‐soluble multifunctional binder with an extraordinary bonding strength is investigated. Such water‐soluble binder not only exhibits an excellent adhesion strength to maintain the mechanical integrity and enhance the Na‐ion diffusion across the interfac but also constructs a robust protective layer to prevent side reactions and improve the cycle durability at high voltages. As a result, a specific capacity of 91.3 mAh g−1 at 10.0C and high capacity retention of 92.3% for 1000 cycles are achieved. A good cycle stability and rate performance between 2.5 and 4.4 V can be observed after pairing with a high‐voltage electrode, and the practical application of the high‐voltage water‐soluble multifunctional binder is further confirmed by a 0.95 Ah Na‐ion pouch cell.

Robust ZTO reinforced AgNW hybrid transparent conductive thin films with absorption-enhanced EMI shielding property.

Evolving technology advancements has accelerated the pursuit of transparent conducting thin films (TCF) with superior mechanical properties, durability, efficient opto-electrical performance and substrate compatibility as a pivotal focus in the realm of flexible transparent electronics. With this concern, this work delves the fabrication of multilayer silver nanowire (AgNW) thin films reinforced by zinc tin oxide (ZTO) thin film encapsulation on polycarbonate substrates by the combination of sputtering and spin-coating techniques. Investigation on the influence of AgNW percolation networks on the opto-electrical properties of ZTO/AgNW/ZTO hybrid thin films was carried out. The impact of ZTO protective layers on the enhancement of electrical properties, adhesivity, flexibility and environmental stability of the multilayer TCF was elucidated. Additionally, to explore the compatibility of the fabricated TCF in integrated device and stealth applications, its electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding property was investigated. The hybrid TCF showed 99.47% EMI shielding efficiency with absorption-dominant EMI shielding effectiveness of 22.7 dB in the x-band region.&#xD.

Bioinspired Bottlebrush Polymers Effectively Alleviate Frictional Damage Both In Vitro and In Vivo.

Bottlebrush polymers (BB) have emerged as compelling candidates for biosystems to face tribological challenges, including friction and wear. This study provides a comprehensive assessment of an engineered triblock BB polymer's affinity, cell toxicity, lubrication, and wear protection in both in vitro and in vivo settings, focusing on applications for conditions like osteoarthritis and dry eye syndrome. Results show that the designed polymer rapidly adheres to various surfaces (e.g., cartilage, eye, and contact lens), forming a robust, biocompatible layer for surface lubrication and protection. The tribological performance and biocompatibility are further enhanced in the presence of hyaluronic acid (HA) both in vitro and in vivo. The exceptional lubrication performance and favorable interaction with HA position the synthesized triblock polymer as a promising candidate for innovative treatments addressing deficiencies in bio-lubricant systems.

Exploring the Influence of Nanocrystalline Structure and Aluminum Content on High-Temperature Oxidation Behavior of Fe-Cr-Al Alloys.

The present study examines the high-temperature (500-800 °C) oxidation behavior of Fe-10Cr-(3,5) Al alloys and studies the effect of nanocrystalline structure and Al content on their resistance to oxidation. The nanocrystalline (NC) alloy powder was synthesized via planetary ball milling. The prepared NC alloy powder was consolidated using spark plasma sintering to form NC alloys. Subsequently, an annealing of the NC alloys was performed to transform them into microcrystalline (MC) alloys. It was observed that the NC alloys exhibit superior resistance to oxidation compared to their MC counterparts at high temperatures. The superior resistance to oxidation of the NC alloys is attributed to their considerably finer grain size, which enhances the diffusion of those elements to the metal-oxide interface that forms the protective oxide layer. Conversely, the coarser grain size in MC alloys limits the diffusion of the oxide-forming components. Furthermore, the Fe-10Cr-5Al alloy showed greater resistance to oxidation than the Fe-10Cr-3Al alloy.

Innovative design of silicon-core mesoporous carbon composite for high performance anode material in advanced lithium-ion batteries

Silicon is widely recognized as an exceptionally auspicious anode material for lithium−ion batteries due to its remarkable specific capacity, suitable operational potential, and ecologically innocuous characteristics. This study presents a novel silicon@void@FC (fibrous carbon) composite anode material for lithium-ion batteries. Utilizing a one-step synthesis approach, the resulting hollow core–shell structure, combined with a mesoporous carbon shell, demonstrates exceptional electrochemical performance. The Si@Void@FC electrode exhibits remarkable cycle stability and rate performance, maintaining structural integrity over 500 cycles without observable degradation. The outer carbon shell acts as a protective layer and accommodates silicon volume expansion during cycling, preventing excessive contact with the electrolyte. The rich mesoporous structure facilitates efficient lithium-ion diffusion, enhancing lithiation and delithiation processes. The simplified one-step synthesis method further streamlines the preparation process, eliminating the need for complete silica template formation. This innovative Si@Void@FC composite material holds promise for advancing lithium-ion battery technology, addressing challenges associated with silicon-based anode materials, and offering insights into the design and synthesis of high-performance energy storage materials.

A silicon photoanode protected with TiO2/stainless steel bilayer stack for solar seawater splitting

Photoelectrochemical seawater splitting is a promising route for direct utilization of solar energy and abundant seawater resources for H2 production. However, the complex salinity composition in seawater results in intractable challenges for photoelectrodes. This paper describes the fabrication of a bilayer stack consisting of stainless steel and TiO2 as a cocatalyst and protective layer for Si photoanode. The chromium-incorporated NiFe (oxy)hydroxide converted from stainless steel film serves as a protective cocatalyst for efficient oxygen evolution and retarding the adsorption of corrosive ions from seawater, while the TiO2 is capable of avoiding the plasma damage of the surface layer of Si photoanode during the sputtering of stainless steel catalysts. By implementing this approach, the TiO2 layer effectively shields the vulnerable semiconductor photoelectrode from the harsh plasma sputtering conditions in stainless steel coating, preventing surface damages. Finally, the Si photoanode with the bilayer stack inhibits the adsorption of chloride and realizes 167 h stability in chloride-containing alkaline electrolytes. Furthermore, this photoanode also demonstrates stable performance under alkaline natural seawater for over 50 h with an applied bias photon-to-current efficiency of 2.62%.