Recent progress in energy-saving hydrogen production by coupling with value-added anodic reactions

Abstract

Replacement of the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) by energetically more favorable electrooxidation reactions opens up an innovative pathway for energy-saving hydrogen (H₂) production. In particular, the electrooxidation of biomass molecules, plastic wastes, and organic compounds has attracted escalating interest in recent years, owing to its potential for simultaneous H₂ production at the cathode and value-added chemical and fuel generation at the anode. This review article does not aim to provide a comprehensive overview of these reactions but rather to highlight the key advancements in the strategies of reaction design, activity enhancement, and selectivity regulation based on the features and challenges in each type of reaction. Through this review of key advancements, we offer mechanistic insights that guide the design of more efficient coupling systems. Lastly, the challenges and future prospects in this field are discussed.