Sustainable and High‐Rate Electrosynthesis of Nitrogen Fertilizer

Abstract

AbstractThe conventional industrial production of nitrogen‐containing fertilizers, such as urea and ammonia, relies heavily on energy‐intensive processes, accounting for approximately 3 % of global annual CO2 emissions. Herein, we report a sustainable electrocatalytic approach that realizes direct and selective synthesis of urea and ammonia from co‐reduction of CO2 and nitrates under ambient conditions. With the assistance of a copper (Cu)‐based salphen organic catalyst, outstanding urea (3.64 mg h−1 mgcat−1) and ammonia (9.73 mg h−1 mgcat−1) yield rates are achieved, in addition to a remarkable Faradaic efficiency of 57.9±3 % for the former. This work proposes an appealing sustainable route to converting greenhouse gas and waste nitrates by renewable energies into value‐added fertilizers.