Oxophilic Elements in Hydrogen and Oxygen Electrocatalysis: Design, Mechanisms, and Prospects

ABSTRACT The rapid advancement of hydrogen energy and clean energy conversion technologies urgently requires the electrocatalysts to break through current performance limits. Oxophilic elements with strong affinity for oxygen‐containing species have become the pivotal components in enhancing electrocatalytic activity. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the application of oxophilic elements in hydrogen and oxygen electrocatalysis, particularly emphasizing the core mechanism by which oxophilic elements can optimize the reaction pathway by regulating the binding of electrocatalysts with key oxygen‐containing species (e.g., H ₂ O, OH, O, OOH), thereby overcoming the inherent scale relationship limitations and achieving performance breakthroughs. This review first introduces the design strategies across multiple scales, precise synthesis methodologies, and advanced characterization techniques of electrocatalysts with oxophilic elements. Subsequently, the mechanistic roles of oxophilic elements in hydrogen and oxygen electrocatalysis are explored in detail, and the representative examples in the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR), oxygen evolution reaction (OER), and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) are discussed. Finally, we critically assess current challenges and propose promising future research directions. In conclusion, this review highlights the central role of oxophilic elements, aiming to provide a foundational roadmap for the rational design of electrocatalysts.