Seawater electrolysis represents a promising option for green hydrogen generation, especially considering the scarcity of fresh water. Therefore, the R&D invested in seawater electrolysis increases day after day which is reflected in the incremented number of articles published during the last years on this topic. However, a literature review showed that some critical aspects in the characterization of anodes for use in seawater have not been considered.

Most of the studies have used simulated seawater containing mostly Cl to test their anodes without considering elements that are present at lower concentrations than Cl, such as bromide, magnesium, calcium, and the presence of the microorganism. Additionally, a considerable part of the articles that mention it just stated them as a disadvantage of seawater electrolysis. Just a few works presented a method for handling and eliminating them. Furthermore, it was found that several methods for the detection of chloride species have been employed, among them iodometric titration, gas chromatography, electrochemical methods, UV-vis absorption and thermodynamic control. The use of one kind is hardly dependent of the pH of the solution where the electrolysis is carried on.

In some cases, the optimal method has not been employed. Finally, it was found that the parameters used in the determination of anode stability vary from work to work without allowing a correct comparison. Different current densities and times have been used, which has been observed in the characterization of anodes in pure water. Therefore, it is necessary to apply standard values to compare different materials.

Considering the points mentioned above, we provide some constructive suggestions and guidance in characterizing anodes for use in seawater to achieve a more realistic implementation of seawater electrolysis to obtain hydrogen. Moreover, standardizing the most relevant parameters involved in seawater electrolysis will result in a more collaborative framework that will speed up the discovery of new solutions that could be implemented at an industrial scale.