Kinetically matched C–N coupling toward efficient urea electrosynthesis enabled on copper single-atom alloy

Abstract Chemical C–N coupling from CO 2 and NO 3 – , driven by renewable electricity, toward urea synthesis is an appealing alternative for Bosch–Meiser urea production. However, the unmatched kinetics in CO 2 and NO 3 – reduction reactions and the complexity of C- and N-species involved in the co-reduction render the challenge of C–N coupling, leading to the low urea yield rate and Faradaic efficiency. Here, we report a single-atom copper-alloyed Pd catalyst (Pd 4 Cu 1 ) that can achieve highly efficient C–N coupling toward urea electrosynthesis. The reduction kinetics of CO 2 and NO 3 – is regulated and matched by steering Cu doping level and Pd 4 Cu 1 /FeNi(OH) 2 interface. Charge-polarized Pd δ– -Cu δ+…

• NN
  National Natural Science Foundation of China

  Awards: 22005268, 22206042
• TU
  Taiyuan University of Technology
• NS
  Natural Science Foundation of Zhejiang Province

  Award: LQ22B060007