 Green hydrogen has been identified as a potential solution to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels due to its ability to produce clean energy with minimal environmental impact. However, the complexities associated with the design, preparation, and characterization of electrocatalysts have hindered the progress of this technology. This review discusses the current state of research into the design and preparation of electrocatalysts for water splitting, focusing on the thermodynamic, kinetic, and electronic properties of these materials. It also examines the challenges faced by researchers in developing more efficient and cost-effective electrocatalysts. This article was authored by Fan Lu, Qin Xiangshu, Xiaoligua, and others.