• Carbon-based catalysts and supports enable simultaneous organic electro-oxidation and HER, offering a more energy-efficient and atom-economical alternative to traditional water splitting.
• The review covers both outer-sphere and inner-sphere electrooxidation mechanisms, providing insights into reaction pathways in acidic and alkaline media.
• Key challenges include enhancing the efficiency and stability of electrocatalysts, with carbon-based materials showing promise due to their high surface area and tunable properties.
• Future research directions focus on designing advanced electrocatalytic materials, understanding structure-property relationships, and exploring industrial applications.