Electrosynthesis of Urea: A Key to a More Sustainable Agriculture?
ICONIC researchers from ICN2 analyse the challenges and potential benefits of the electrochemical production of urea, one of the most common fertilisers. This method could help reduce CO₂ emissions and manage nitrogenous contaminants, making the process more efficient and sustainable.
Urea is a molecule widely used in agriculture as a fertiliser. However, its production is based on polluting processes that alter the natural nitrogen and carbon cycles. In a recent perspective article published in JACS Au, ICREA Prof. María Escudero-Escribano and Dr Gabriel F. Costa (ICN2 Nanoelectrocatalysis and Sustainable Chemistry Group) have evaluated this problem, as well as alternative methods that could help produce this valuable product more efficiently and sustainably.
Electrosynthesis vs. Traditional Methods
The Bosch-Meiser process is currently the most common method of producing urea. However, it requires large quantities of ammonia, whose production generates significant CO₂ emissions. In contrast, urea electrosynthesis offers a more sustainable alternative by using CO₂ and nitrates as precursors and electricity, potentially from renewable sources, to drive the reaction. In addition to reusing CO₂, this approach could help reduce nitrate pollution in rivers and lakes.
The study also highlights the importance of designing efficient catalysts to optimise the reaction and minimise unwanted products. To achieve this, the researchers propose the use of in-situ spectroscopic techniques that allow real-time analysis of the electrochemical reactions and help select the most suitable catalytic conditions. The article calls for a better understanding of the importance of the structure of catalysts and electrolyte composition of nitrate and carbon dioxide reduction reactions. This approach would help the scientific community to develop more efficient systems to produce urea by facilitating the bonding between carbon and nitrogen atoms.
In summary, although urea electrosynthesis still faces significant technical challenges, its highly strategic development could revolutionize the fertiliser industry, making it cleaner and more sustainable.
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News source: ICN2
Reference: Costa, G.F; Escudero-Escribano, M. Electrode-Electrolyte Engineering and in-situ Spectroscopy for Urea Electrosynthesis from Carbon Dioxide and Nitrate Co-Reduction. JACS Au. (2025). https://doi.org/10.1021/jacsau.5c00065