Abstract: Coal, as a crucial component of the global energy structure, plays a vital role in the sustainable development of both the environment and energy resources. Water-coal slurry electrolysis, as an energy conversion technology that integrates coal and water electrolysis, aims to achieve efficient and clean utilization of coal while reducing the energy consumption of water electrolysis. However, the low current density and poor stability during the water-coal slurry electrolysis process severely limit its industrial application. To address this challenge, this study introduces surfactants SDS (Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate) and MIBC (Methyl Isobutyl Carbinol) to modify the water-coal slurry, to enhance the efficiency and stability of hydrogen production via electrolysis. This research systematically analyzes the electrochemical performance and surface characteristics of HQH raw coal and samples treated with SDS and MIBC through various characterization methods, including electrochemical experiments, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), contact angle measurements, Zeta potential analysis, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The experimental results indicate that the SDS-treated samples exhibit the highest current density and stability during the hydrogen production process, while the effect of MIBC treatment is relatively weaker. The SDS treatment enhances the electrochemical activity of coal by promoting the exposure of carbon atoms on the coal surface and masking some oxidized carbon and carboxylate groups. In contrast, MIBC treatment is more effective in removing carbonates from the coal surface. Furthermore, the SDS-treated samples demonstrate optimal dispersion stability and changes in hydrophilicity and hydrophobicity. This study not only reveals the significant role of surfactant treatment in improving the efficiency of hydrogen production from water-coal slurry electrolysis but also provides new theoretical foundations and experimental support for the practical application of water-coal slurry electrolysis technology. These findings hold important scientific significance and application prospects for the development of more efficient and economical hydrogen production technologies from water-coal slurry electrolysis.