Selective electrocatalytic synthesis of urea with nitrate and carbon dioxide

Synthetic nitrogen fertilizer such as urea has been key to increasing crop productivity and feeding a growing population. However, the conventional production relies on energy-intensive processes, consuming approximately 2% of annual global energy. Here, we report more-sustainable electrocatalytic approach that allows for direct selective synthesis from nitrate carbon dioxide with an indium hydroxide catalyst at ambient conditions. Remarkably, Faradaic efficiency, selectivity reach 53.4%, 82.9% ~100%, respectively. The engineered surface semiconducting behaviour is found suppress hydrogen evolution reaction. step C–N coupling initiates through reaction between *NO2 *CO2 intermediates owing low energy barrier {100} facets. This work suggests appealing route provides deep insight into underlying chemistry could guide sustainable other indispensable chemicals. Urea one most-used synthetic fertilizers have its intensive. authors show