Recent Advances in Solar‐Driven Artificial Photocatalytic Synthesis of Urea

Abstract Urea (CO(NH 2 ) 2 ), a nitrogen‐rich compound, is widely used as nitrogen fertilizer in agriculture, key component in medicine, and raw material in chemical production. The continuously growing demand for urea has spurred an escalation in production. Considering the impacts of byproducts during urea production, it is urgent to explore cost‐effective and environmentally benign urea synthesis methods. Artificial photosynthesis, which utilizes renewable solar power to convert carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) and nitrogen (N 2 ), not only provides a sustainable alternative for urea synthesis but also reduces carbon emissions and fixes nitrogen simultaneously. This review delves into the C−N coupling pathways, key intermediates, and their detection methodologies in photocatalytic urea production. It also discusses the rational design and selection of targeted photocatalysts toward urea synthesis, highlighting their key characteristics that determine the rate‐limiting steps. Furthermore, it systematically examines the challenges in photocatalytic urea synthesis and evaluates viable solutions to overcome these limitations. By identifying current obstacles and proposing potential strategies, this review aims to advance artificial photosynthesis as a sustainable and eco‐friendly approach for urea production. The insights presented herein seek to bridge fundamental research with practical applications, ultimately fostering progress toward energy‐efficient and environmentally benign nitrogen fixation technologies.

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Publication Details

Journal
Advanced Functional Materials
Published
2025-05-24
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1002/adfm.202500944
Citations
4
Primary Topic
Advanced Photocatalysis Techniques
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
1.45

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article

Recent Advances in Solar‐Driven Artificial Photocatalytic Synthesis of Urea

Bingquan Xia, Ziyi Lu, Rundong Chen, Kun Fan et al.
4 citations
Advanced Functional Materials
Advanced Photocatalysis Techniques
1.45
article

Recent Advances in Solar‐Driven Artificial Photocatalytic Synthesis of Urea

Bingquan Xia, Ziyi Lu, Rundong Chen, Kun Fan, Bo You, Yang Xia, Teng Liu, Gaoxiong Liu, Shantang Liu
article en
4 citations

Abstract

Abstract Urea (CO(NH 2 ) 2 ), a nitrogen‐rich compound, is widely used as nitrogen fertilizer in agriculture, key component in medicine, and raw material in chemical production. The continuously growing demand for urea has spurred an escalation in production. Considering the impacts of byproducts during urea production, it is urgent to explore cost‐effective and environmentally benign urea synthesis methods. Artificial photosynthesis, which utilizes renewable solar power to convert carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) and nitrogen (N 2 ), not only provides a sustainable alternative for urea synthesis but also reduces carbon emissions and fixes nitrogen simultaneously. This review delves into the C−N coupling pathways, key intermediates, and their detection methodologies in photocatalytic urea production. It also discusses the rational design and selection of targeted photocatalysts toward urea synthesis, highlighting their key characteristics that determine the rate‐limiting steps. Furthermore, it systematically examines the challenges in photocatalytic urea synthesis and evaluates viable solutions to overcome these limitations. By identifying current obstacles and proposing potential strategies, this review aims to advance artificial photosynthesis as a sustainable and eco‐friendly approach for urea production. The insights presented herein seek to bridge fundamental research with practical applications, ultimately fostering progress toward energy‐efficient and environmentally benign nitrogen fixation technologies.

Advanced Functional MaterialsVol. 35(44)
Huazhong University of Science and Technology (CN), Wuhan Institute of Technology (CN)
National Natural Science Foundation of China, Natural Science Foundation of Hubei Province, Wuhan Institute of Technology
Openalex Percentile: Top 19%
Advanced Photocatalysis Techniques
1.45
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