New stainless steel can survive conditions for hydrogen production in seawater

Researchers found that adding manganese can unexpectedly improve stainless steel’s corrosion resistance in seawater during hydrogen-production conditions.

The result challenges the long-held view that manganese weakens stainless steel durability.

A cheaper, more reliable material for seawater electrolysis could help lower one of the biggest cost barriers to green hydrogen.

The finding may make offshore hydrogen production more practical by improving performance in salty, oxidizing environments.