Recent progress in electrochemical C–N coupling reactions
Yuan Zhong,
Hailong Xiong,
Jingxiang Low,
Ran Long,
Yujie Xiong
Affiliations
Yuan Zhong
Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, National Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
Hailong Xiong
Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, National Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
Jingxiang Low
Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, National Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
Ran Long
Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, National Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China; Corresponding authors.
Yujie Xiong
Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, National Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China; Institute of Energy, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, 350 Shushanhu, Rd., Hefei, Anhui 230031, China; Corresponding authors.
Electrochemical C–N coupling has generated intense research interest as a promising approach to reduce carbon and nitrogen emissions and store excess renewable electricity in valuable chemicals (e.g., urea, amides, and amines). In this review, we discuss the emerging trends in electrocatalytic C–N coupling reactions using CO2 and inorganic nitrogenous species (i.e., dinitrogen (N2), nitrate (NO2−), nitrite (NO3−), and ammonia (NH3)) as raw materials. The related reaction mechanisms and potential design principles for advanced electrocatalysts are outlined. In addition, the effects of different reactors, including H-cells, membrane-based flow reactors, and membrane electrode assembly electrolyzers, on the coupling reactions are emphasized. Finally, the current challenges and future opportunities in this field are described. We aim to provide an up-to-date overview of the electrochemical C–N coupling system to advance progress toward its practical application.
