Urea synthesis via electrocatalytic oxidative coupling of CO with NH₃ on Pt

Electrochemical conversion of CO to chemicals containing C–N bonds offers an appealing route to store renewable electricity and mitigate CO₂ emission, as CO₂ can be efficiently transformed to CO. Previous electrocatalysis research has primarily focused on cathodic reactions, which are impeded by the competing hydrogen evolution reaction and limited electron efficiency. Here we present a urea synthesis approach via electrocatalytic oxidative coupling between CO and NH₃ on commercial Pt catalysts. We demonstrate an optimal selectivity of approximately 70% for urea and remain above 50% throughout a wide potential window with an electrocatalytic C–N bond formation rate of up to 100 mmol h⁻¹ g_catalyst⁻¹. In mechanistic investigations, we propose that the oxidative coupling of CO and NH₃ on Pt leads to cyanate formation, followed by the Wöhler reaction to form urea. This approach offers a practical route for urea production with high electron efficiency by enabling Pt-catalysed reactions between CO and NH₃.