Toward effective electrocatalytic C–N coupling for the synthesis of organic nitrogenous compounds using CO 2 and biomass as carbon sources

Abstract

Thermochemical conversion of fossil resources into fuels, chemicals, and materials has rapidly increased atmospheric CO 2 levels, hindering global efforts toward achieving carbon neutrality. With the increasing push for sustainability, utilizing electrochemical technology to transform CO 2 or biomass into value‐added chemicals and to close the carbon cycle with sustainable energy sources represents a promising strategy. Expanding the scope of electrosynthesis technology is a prerequisite for the electrification of chemical manufacturing. To this end, constructing the C─N bond is considered a priority. However, a systematic review of electrocatalytic processes toward building C─N bonds using CO 2 and biomass as carbon sources is not available. Accordingly, this review highlights the research progress in the electrosynthesis of organic nitrogen compounds from CO 2 and biomass by C─N coupling reactions in view of catalytic materials, focusing on the enlightenment of traditional catalysis on C─N coupling and the understanding of the basis of electrochemical C─N coupling. The possibility of C─N bond in electrocatalysis is also examined from the standpoints of activation of substrates, coupling site, mechanism, and inhibition of hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Finally, the challenges and prospects of electrocatalytic C─N coupling reactions with improved efficiency and selectivity for future development are discussed.