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

The electrochemical CN coupling, utilizing carbon dioxide or bio-derived carbonaceous molecules and nitrogenous small molecules (N₂, 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 CN 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 CN 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 CN 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 CN coupling systems are discussed.