Electrocatalytic urea synthesis from NO and CO₂ on In₁Pd single atom alloys

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Catalysis

Background:

• Electrocatalytic urea synthesis from carbon dioxide/nitrogen oxide co-electrolysis (EUCN) presents a sustainable method for urea production.
• This process also aids in mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and nitrogen oxide pollutants.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a high-performance catalyst for EUCN.
• To investigate the synergistic effects of single-atom indium and palladium for enhanced catalytic activity and selectivity.

Main Methods:

• Development of a single-atom In1 alloyed Pd (In1Pd) catalyst.
• Performance evaluation in a membrane electrode assembly electrolyzer.
• In situ spectroscopic measurements and theoretical calculations to elucidate reaction mechanisms.

Main Results:

• The In1Pd catalyst achieved a Faradaic efficiency for urea (FEurea) of 45.9%.
• A high urea yield rate of 55.2 mmol h-1 g-1 was obtained.
• Synergistic effects between In1 and Pd were confirmed, enabling efficient co-activation of CO2/NO and C-N coupling.

Conclusions:

• Single-atom In1 alloyed Pd is a highly effective catalyst for EUCN.
• The catalyst demonstrates superior activity and selectivity by promoting desired reactions and suppressing side reactions.
• This work paves the way for efficient and sustainable urea synthesis using CO2 and NO.