Cross‐Scale Design of Electrocatalytic Systems for Steering Alcohol Oxidation Toward High‐Value‐Added Chemicals

Abstract

ABSTRACT Electrocatalytic oxidation of alcohols offers a sustainable route to high‒value chemicals under the “Power‑to‑Chemicals” vision. Progress, however, is hindered not only by complex reaction networks but also by the fragmentation of research efforts across isolated scales. This review argues that further advances require deliberate cross‑scale integration rather than relying solely on parallel, scale‐isolated optimization. We first focus on three currently disconnected streams: atomic‑site engineering, micro‑nano architecture construction, and interfacial microenvironment regulation. At the atomic scale, single/dual‑atom configurations, defects, and alloying tailor electronic and geometric structures to steer selectivity toward C 1– C 3 products. At the nano–micro scale, morphological and dimensional control enhances mass transport and active‑site accessibility, while heterointerfaces generate built‑in electric fields that accelerate kinetics. At the mesoscale, the dynamic interfacial microenvironment (including local pH, hydrogen‑bond networks, and ion effects) governs the actual catalytic performance and can be actively engineered through catalyst and electrolyte design. Finally, we outline future directions toward robust, low‐carbon, and cascade catalytic systems, highlighting the transformative potential of cross‐scale system integration in advancing the broader “Power‑to‑Chemicals” agenda.