sp2/sp3–Hybridized nitrogen–mediated electrochemical CO2 capture and utilization

Electrochemical carbon dioxide (CO₂) capture and utilization, powered by renewable energy, are essential to achieving net-zero emissions and CO₂ valorization. While remarkable progress has been made in catalysts, solution design, and system engineering, recent breakthroughs reveal that nitrogen-containing molecules—specifically sp²-hybridized structures (e.g., pyridine) and sp³-hybridized moieties (e.g., ethanolamine) —hold untapped potential to revolutionize both CO₂ capture and conversion. These structures have been demonstrated as the Holy Grail in facilitating CO₂ activation, stabilizing key intermediates, and streamlining reaction pathways—capabilities rarely achievable with conventional strategies. However, limited mechanistic understanding of their physicochemical properties and interactions with CO₂ hampers broader application. This review highlights recent advances in leveraging sp²/sp³-hybridized nitrogen structures, unpacks their molecular roles in electrochemical CO₂ management, and offers a unifying framework for their dual-functionality across capture and conversion. By illuminating these nitrogen-based motifs, we uncover practical design principles and open avenues for integrating expanded N-containing compounds into energy technologies—paving the way for next-generation carbon management strategies.