LAUSR

Significance We report a concept catalyst of graphdiyne/rhodium/graphdiyne (GDY/RhOx/GDY) with bi-layer hetero-interface. The high activity and selectivity of the microstructure formed on the interface results from uncomplete charge transfer between electron donor and acceptor in the system. The high activity and selectivity of catalytic systems due to incomplete charge transfer at the interface is a new concept in the field of catalysis. The catalytic system achieves high-performance overall seawater electrolysis at room temperature and ambient pressure with high current densities of 10 and 500 mA cm−2 at 1.42 and 1.52 V, respectively. In the next 5–10 years, such a catalytic system may lead to a big development in the field of catalysis, especially in the direction of electrocatalysis.