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Plasma-electrocatalytic synthesis of urea from air and CO2

Author

Listed:
  • Zeyi Sun

    (Lanzhou Jiaotong University)

  • Rui Niu

    (Lanzhou Jiaotong University)

  • Shiyao Shang

    (Lanzhou Jiaotong University)

  • Yali Guo

    (Lanzhou Jiaotong University)

  • Hu Zhang

    (Guangxi University)

  • Xijun Liu

    (University of Science and Technology Beijing)

  • Libang Feng

    (Lanzhou Jiaotong University)

  • Ke Chu

    (Lanzhou Jiaotong University)

Abstract

Electrochemical C-N coupling of CO2 with nitrogenous sources (e.g., N2, NO3−) provides a promising method for urea production, whereas the current electrochemical methods are limited by low conversion efficiency or reliance on fossil fuel-derived NO3− feedstock. Here, we develop a plasma-electrocatalytic route for urea synthesis from ambient air and CO2, which starts with plasma-assisted air activation to generate reactive NOx− (92.1% NO2−), followed by electrocatalytic co-reduction of CO2 + NOx− to urea. By using a single-atom Ru1/CuOx catalyst in double chamber membrane electrode assembly, we achieve a urea yield rate of 106.9 mmol h−1 gcat−1 and a Faradaic efficiency of 86.7%. This plasma-electrocatalytic route demonstrates a paradigm-shifting strategy for revolutionizing urea synthesis, making a great leap toward decarbonized nitrogen economy.

Suggested Citation

  • Zeyi Sun & Rui Niu & Shiyao Shang & Yali Guo & Hu Zhang & Xijun Liu & Libang Feng & Ke Chu, 2025. "Plasma-electrocatalytic synthesis of urea from air and CO2," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-10, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-63923-z
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-63923-z
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