Enhanced CO 2 Activation Through Spin States Engineering Boosting Urea Electrosynthesis From Co‐Reduction of CO 2 and NO 2 −

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Authors: Lu‐Hua Zhang, Junjie Zhou, Jiayu Zhan, Xiaolin Zhu, F S Li, Fengshou Yu
Cited by: 1
References: 37

Abstract

ABSTRACT Electrocatalytic urea synthesis through co‐reduction of CO 2 and NO 3 − /NO 2 − has been considered as a sustainable alternative for urea production. However, the challenge for inert CO 2 activation results in inefficient C‐containing species coverage, leading to low urea yield and dominant NH 3 production. Herein, we design a Cu‐Mn dual‐site catalyst by co‐embedding CuO x clusters and single‐atomic Mn sites on C 3 N 4 ‐coated carbon nanotubes (CuO x /Mn 1 ‐C 3 N 4 @CNT) for urea electrosynthesis through co‐reduction of CO 2 and NO 2 − . Experimental and theoretical results show that the electron transfer from CuO x clusters to single‐atomic Mn sites induces Mn 3d electron delocalization and further spin configuration transformation from low spin states to high spin states. The electronic states regulation improves electron‐donation ability of Mn sites to substrates and enables the enhanced CO 2 activation and C‐containing intermediates adsorption behavior, facilitating coupling with N‐intermediates. Consequently, the CuO x /Mn 1 ‐C 3 N 4 @CNT catalyst achieves 60.2% urea Faradaic efficiency at −0.4 V (vs. RHE), 100% carbon selectivity over a record‐wide potential range of 300 mV, and exceptional 336 h cycling stability with 202.4 mg urea production. This work reveals a clear mechanism for performance enhancement through electronic interactions of dual sites and provides a dual‐substrate conversion catalyst design strategy.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Ammonia Synthesis and Nitrogen Reduction CO2 Reduction Techniques and Catalysts Electrocatalysts for Energy Conversion

Publication details

Journal / source
Angewandte Chemie International Edition
Publisher
Wiley
Volume
65
Issue
28
Pages
e6197518–e6197518
Publication date
25 May 2026
Language
EN