<p>Using abundant saline water for electrolysis, rather than limited freshwater, presents a promising technique for generating clean hydrogen energy. However, high concentration of corrosive chloride ions in saline water poses a great challenge in the stability of anode. In this study, we present a straightforward strategy to protect the anode from corrosion by patching the catalyst layer through a treatment of the anode with a sodium sulfide (Na₂S) solution followed by electrochemical activation. The rapid sulfurization of the Ni electrode in Na₂S results in the formation of a Na₂S layer, which can subsequently be converted to NiOOH upon electrochemical activation, thereby shielding the inner Ni electrode from corrosion. The as-prepared electrode (P-NiFe-LDH/Ni) based on the strategy demonstrated stability over 3,500&#xa0;h at an industrial current density of 0.5&#xa0;A&#xa0;cm⁻² in a 0.5&#xa0;M NaCl and 1&#xa0;M KOH solution. This study presents an effective strategy to significantly enhance the stability of anodes for saline water electrolysis by effectively patching the cracks in the catalyst layer.</p> Graphical abstract <p></p>