Research Progress on Electrochemical Oxidation of Aldehydes Coupled With Hydrogen Production From Water Electrocatalysis

Abstract Replacing the traditional oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in water electrolysis with more energetically favorable electrooxidation reactions offers a valuable alternative for the clean and energy‐efficient production of hydrogen (H ₂ ). Specifically, the electrocatalytic oxidation of aldehyde molecules, which can produce H ₂ at the cathode as well as value‐added chemicals and fuels at the anode, has garnered widespread attention from researchers. This review briefly examines the economic feasibility of substituting OER with electrocatalytic aldehyde oxidation. It focuses on reviewing the selection of typical aldehyde molecules, activity descriptors, and strategies for catalyst design. Moreover, the role of in situ characterization techniques in elucidating reaction pathways and mechanisms is discussed, and the principles of electrochemical reactor design are emphasized. Finally, the challenges and future prospects in this field are addressed.