Cascade Formamide Electrosynthesis from Air and Flue Gas
Abstract
Electrocatalytic C–N coupling offers an appealing approach for sustainable formamide synthesis, yet it suffers from unsatisfactory activity and selectivity. Herein, we propose a cascade strategy for efficient formamide electrosynthesis from plasma-derived NO x – and flue-gas-derived HCOOH, which involves plasma-assisted air-to-NO x – conversion, electrocatalytic reduction of flue gas to HCOOH, and electrocatalytic coreduction of plasma-derived NO x – and flue-gas-derived HCOOH to formamide. Impressively, by integrating cathodic formamide electrosynthesis with anodic hydroxymethylfurfural oxidation, we realize an outstanding formamide yield rate of 86.9 mmol g –1 h –1 and a Faradaic efficiency of 63.5%. A technoeconomic analysis further reveals the promising potential of our cascade strategy for green and energy-efficient formamide production at an industrial scale.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Ammonia Synthesis and Nitrogen Reduction
CO2 Reduction Techniques and Catalysts
Catalysis for Biomass Conversion
Publication details
- Journal / source
- ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering
- Publisher
- American Chemical Society (ACS)
- Volume
- 14
- Issue
- 25
- Pages
- 11508–11516
- Publication date
- 12 June 2026
- Language
- EN