C-N electro-coupling of CO2/bio-derived carbonaceous molecules and nitrogenous small molecules: Mechanism, catalysts, and applications

The electrochemical C-N coupling, utilizing carbon dioxide or bio-derived carbonaceous molecules and nitrogenous small molecules (N-2, NO3-, NO2-, NO and NH3, etc.) as C and N reactants, offers a sustainable and environmentally friendly strategy for the production of high-value-added organonitrogen chemicals. Understanding the C-N electro-coupling mechanism and designing high-performance electrocatalysts are crucial for achieving highly selective and efficient electrosynthesis of organonitrogen chemicals. In this regard, the latest advances in electrochemical C-N coupling reactions in the product selectivity and electrocatalytic activity are firstly summarized. Then, mechanistic studies from the perspective of C and N coupling intermediates are investigated, offering insights into design catalysts. Strategies for devising electrocatalysts that facilitate key elementary steps in organonitrogen chemicals production are further presented. Additionally, various applications of C-N coupling for synthesizing organonitrogen chemicals such as urea, amides, amines, amino acids, and oximes are also summarized. Finally, crucial challenges and promising opportunities in the future development of electrochemical C-N coupling systems are discussed.