Materials of Value-Added Electrolysis for Green Hydrogen Production

Abstract

The increasing energy consumption and resulting environmental pollution present a major challenge for society. This has led to a global demand for ultrapure energy and valuable chemical products. Therefore, a sustainable and ecofriendly approach to green energy production is essential. Recently, combining anodic oxidation reactions with hydrogen evolution reactions has shown potential in transforming low-grade molecules such as alcohols (such as ethanol, methanol, ethylene glycol, and glycerol), iodide, and biomass-derived compounds. This method could replace the sluggish oxygen evolution reaction in sustainable electrochemical energy systems. This review summarizes electro-oxidation reactions that produce green hydrogen with low electricity consumption and valuable chemicals from inexpensive small-molecule oxidants. It also explores rational design approaches for catalysts, including late transition metals on carbon-based supports, metal oxides, surface engineering, and interface engineering. Finally, the current challenges and future perspectives for developing material catalysts for value-added electrolysis technologies (power-to-green hydrogen production).