As an advanced electrochemical energy conversion device, solid oxide electrolytic cell (SOEC) can achieve the hydrogen/hydrocarbon fuel gas precipitation at the electrode side through reversible electrochemical process of solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC). SOEC is regarded as one of the most promising systems in promoting large-scale hydrogen production and energy structure optimization as well as realizing our "double carbon" goal due to its simplicity, fuel flexibility, low energy consumption and high system efficiencies (85%-95%). This review represented the research status on the material selection and service performance for the key components (i.e., fuel electrode, solid electrolyte and oxygen electrode) of SOEC. Moreover, the performance parameters (i.e., current density, voltage decay rate, impedance, conductivity and hydrogen production rate) were summarized. In addition, the application potential of SOEC technology in the future hydrogen production from electrolytic seawater as well as the future development of key component materials such as composite electrode were also proposed.