Surface engineering of 1-D nanocatalysts for value-added selective electrooxidation of organic chemicals

Electrolytic water splitting by renewable energy is a technology with great potential for producing hydrogen (H2) without carbon emission, but this technical route is hindered by its huge energy (electricity) cost, which is mainly wasted by the anode oxygen evolution reaction (OER) while the value of the anode product (oxygen) is very limited. Replacing the high-energy-cost OER with a selective organic compound electrooxidation carried out at a relatively lower potential can reduce the electricity cost while producing value-added chemicals. Currently, H2 generation coupled with synthesis of value-added organic compounds faces the challenge of low selectivity and slow generation rate of the anodic products. One-dimensional (1-D) nanocatalysts with a unique morphology, well-defined active sites, and good electron conductivity have shown excellent performance in many electrocatalytic reactions. The rational design and regulation of 1-D nanocatalysts through surface engineering can optimize the adsorption energy of intermediate molecules and improve the selectivity of organic electrooxidation reactions. Herein, we summarized the recent research progress of 1-D nanocatalysts applied in different organic electrooxidation reactions and introduced several different fabrication strategies for surface engineering of 1-D nanocatalysts. Then, we focused on the relationship between surface engineering and the selectivity of organic electrooxidation reaction products. Finally, future challenges and development prospects of 1-D nanocatalysts in the coupled system consisting of organic electrooxidation and hydrogen evolution reactions are briefly outlined.