Photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting offers the capability of harvesting, storing, and converting solar energy into clean and sustainable hydrogen energy. Metal oxides are appealing photoelectrode materials because of their easy manufacturing and relatively high stability. In particular, metal oxides prepared by electrochemical anodization are typical of ordered nanostructures, which are beneficial for light harvesting, charge transfer and transport, and the adsorption and desorption of reactive species due to their high specific surface area and rich channels. However, bare anodic oxides still suffer from low charge separation and sunlight absorption efficiencies. Accordingly, many strategies of modifying anodic oxides have been explored and investigated. In this review, we attempt to summarize the recent advances in the rational design and modifications of these oxides from processes before, during, and after anodization. Rational design strategies are thoroughly addressed for each part with an aim to boost overall PEC performance. The ongoing efforts and challenges for future development of practical PEC electrodes are also presented.

光电化学（PEC）分解水具有收集，存储太阳能并将其转换为清洁且可持续的氢能的能力。金属氧化物由于易于制造和相对较高的稳定性而成为有吸引力的光电极材料。特别地，通过电化学阳极氧化制备的金属氧化物是有序纳米结构的典型代表，由于其高的比表面积和丰富的通道，它们有利于光的收集，电荷转移和运输以及反应性物质的吸附和解吸。然而，裸露的阳极氧化物仍然具有低电荷分离和日光吸收效率的缺点。因此，已经探索和研究了许多修饰阳极氧化物的策略。在这篇评论中 我们试图总结阳极氧化之前，之中和之后的工艺在合理设计和改性这些氧化物方面的最新进展。合理地设计了每个零件的设计策略，旨在提高整体PEC性能。还介绍了实用PEC电极未来发展的持续努力和挑战。