Recent Advances in Anodic Electrocatalysts for High‐Current‐Density Hybrid Water Splitting <sup>†</sup>

Comprehensive Summary Electrochemical water splitting for hydrogen (H 2 ) production represents a promising technology to achieve carbon neutrality. However, its widespread application is severely limited by the sluggish kinetics and high theoretical potential (1.23 V) of the anodic oxygen evolution reaction (OER), which dominates the overall energy consumption. Hybrid water splitting (HWS) systems, which integrate thermodynamically more favorable anodic oxidation reactions of small molecules with the cathodic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), provide an innovative approach for efficient and energy‐saving H 2 production. Crucially, achieving operation at industrially relevant high current densities (&gt; 200 mA·cm −2 ) is paramount for the practical implementation of these HWS systems. This review systematically summarizes recent advances in the development of high‐performance anodic electrocatalysts for high‐current‐density applications. Key design strategies of anodic electrocatalysts are elaborated, including (i) surface chemistry engineering ( e.g ., elemental doping, defect/strain/phase engineering, heterostructure construction) to optimize electronic structure and intermediates adsorption energetics; (ii) micro‐/nano‐structure design ( e.g ., nanowires, nanosheets, microspheres, aligned‐ channel electrodes) to enhance mass transport and expose active sites; and (iii) catalyst‐electrolyte interface tuning ( e.g ., leveraging local electric fields, pH effects, introducing adsorbed anions) to regulate reactant concentrations and reaction pathways. We then comprehensively discuss the coupling of various small molecules ( e.g ., urea, hydrazine, methanol, ethanol, glycerol, aldehyde, glucose, amine and sulfion) oxidation reactions with the HER for efficient and energy‐saving H 2 production under high current density conditions, with a particular focus on mitigating the competition from the OER. Finally, we present perspectives on the remaining challenges and future research directions, including the rational design of catalysts with high intrinsic activity and selectivity, in‐depth mechanistic investigations using advanced in situ /operando techniques, the development of efficient flow reactors and membrane electrode assemblies for industrial operation, and strategies to enhance long‐term stability. This review aims to provide valuable insights for the advancement of hybrid water splitting systems toward large‐scale, cost‐efficient and energy‐saving H 2 production. Key Scientists

Authors

Institutions

Publication Details

Journal
Chinese Journal of Chemistry
Published
2025-11-27
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1002/cjoc.70334
Primary Topic
Electrocatalysts for Energy Conversion
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
Controls
|||
ALL TIME
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
article

Recent Advances in Anodic Electrocatalysts for High‐Current‐Density Hybrid Water Splitting †

Guanchao He, Huilong Fei, Gonglan Ye, Minmin Yan et al.
Chinese Journal of Chemistry
Electrocatalysts for Energy Conversion
article

Recent Advances in Anodic Electrocatalysts for High‐Current‐Density Hybrid Water Splitting †

Guanchao He, Huilong Fei, Gonglan Ye, Minmin Yan, Zhichao Gong
article en

Abstract

Comprehensive Summary Electrochemical water splitting for hydrogen (H 2 ) production represents a promising technology to achieve carbon neutrality. However, its widespread application is severely limited by the sluggish kinetics and high theoretical potential (1.23 V) of the anodic oxygen evolution reaction (OER), which dominates the overall energy consumption. Hybrid water splitting (HWS) systems, which integrate thermodynamically more favorable anodic oxidation reactions of small molecules with the cathodic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), provide an innovative approach for efficient and energy‐saving H 2 production. Crucially, achieving operation at industrially relevant high current densities (&gt; 200 mA·cm −2 ) is paramount for the practical implementation of these HWS systems. This review systematically summarizes recent advances in the development of high‐performance anodic electrocatalysts for high‐current‐density applications. Key design strategies of anodic electrocatalysts are elaborated, including (i) surface chemistry engineering ( e.g ., elemental doping, defect/strain/phase engineering, heterostructure construction) to optimize electronic structure and intermediates adsorption energetics; (ii) micro‐/nano‐structure design ( e.g ., nanowires, nanosheets, microspheres, aligned‐ channel electrodes) to enhance mass transport and expose active sites; and (iii) catalyst‐electrolyte interface tuning ( e.g ., leveraging local electric fields, pH effects, introducing adsorbed anions) to regulate reactant concentrations and reaction pathways. We then comprehensively discuss the coupling of various small molecules ( e.g ., urea, hydrazine, methanol, ethanol, glycerol, aldehyde, glucose, amine and sulfion) oxidation reactions with the HER for efficient and energy‐saving H 2 production under high current density conditions, with a particular focus on mitigating the competition from the OER. Finally, we present perspectives on the remaining challenges and future research directions, including the rational design of catalysts with high intrinsic activity and selectivity, in‐depth mechanistic investigations using advanced in situ /operando techniques, the development of efficient flow reactors and membrane electrode assemblies for industrial operation, and strategies to enhance long‐term stability. This review aims to provide valuable insights for the advancement of hybrid water splitting systems toward large‐scale, cost‐efficient and energy‐saving H 2 production. Key Scientists

Chinese Journal of ChemistryVol. 44(3)
Hunan University (CN)
Openalex Percentile: Top 73%
Electrocatalysts for Energy Conversion
AI Navigator

Ask Laika to Summarize, Analyze, and Connect papers live on the map.

Summarize Papers & Methodologies

Extract key findings, datasets, and comparative methods across publications.

Benchmark Rankings & Visual Analytics

Rank top research institutions, authors, funders, topics, and journals by Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) and paper volume with instant charts.

Connect Distant Disciplines

Bridge topological clusters on the map to find hidden collaborative intersections.