A Universal and Robust Protocol for Accurate Urea Quantification in Electrochemical C─N Coupling Systems

ABSTRACT Electrochemical conversion of CO 2 and nitrate into urea offers a sustainable route for nitrogen fixation, yet the reliability of catalytic performance evaluation is frequently compromised by inaccurate product quantification. Current detection methodologies are susceptible to severe interferences from electrolyte pH fluctuations, byproduct accumulation (e.g., NO 2 − , NH 3 ), and complex electrolyte factors. In this study, we systematically decouple the interference mechanisms affecting these mainstream detection methods, revealing that extreme pH conditions lead to significant quantitative deviations in urease‐based assays due to enzymatic denaturation. To overcome these limitations, we establish a comprehensive calibration strategy and a multi‐method synergistic detection protocol. This approach integrates targeted pH optimization with a logic‐guided selection of analytical techniques based on specific concentration ranges and impurity profiles. Validated using a BiOCl‐catalyzed urea synthesis system, this integrated protocol demonstrates exceptional accuracy, stability, and cross‐method consistency. By offering a standardized, high‐throughput‐compatible workflow for eliminating false positives and measurement errors, this work provides critical methodological support for the objective assessment of electrocatalytic urea synthesis.

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Publication Details

Journal
Chemistry - A European Journal
Published
2026-09-11
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1002/chem.71686
Primary Topic
Ammonia Synthesis and Nitrogen Reduction
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00

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article

A Universal and Robust Protocol for Accurate Urea Quantification in Electrochemical C─N Coupling Systems

Chengxin Zhu, Rong Chen, Ying Liang, Wenjin Guo et al.
Chemistry - A European Journal
Ammonia Synthesis and Nitrogen Reduction
article

A Universal and Robust Protocol for Accurate Urea Quantification in Electrochemical C─N Coupling Systems

Chengxin Zhu, Rong Chen, Ying Liang, Wenjin Guo, Meiqi He, Wei Zhang
article en

Abstract

ABSTRACT Electrochemical conversion of CO 2 and nitrate into urea offers a sustainable route for nitrogen fixation, yet the reliability of catalytic performance evaluation is frequently compromised by inaccurate product quantification. Current detection methodologies are susceptible to severe interferences from electrolyte pH fluctuations, byproduct accumulation (e.g., NO 2 − , NH 3 ), and complex electrolyte factors. In this study, we systematically decouple the interference mechanisms affecting these mainstream detection methods, revealing that extreme pH conditions lead to significant quantitative deviations in urease‐based assays due to enzymatic denaturation. To overcome these limitations, we establish a comprehensive calibration strategy and a multi‐method synergistic detection protocol. This approach integrates targeted pH optimization with a logic‐guided selection of analytical techniques based on specific concentration ranges and impurity profiles. Validated using a BiOCl‐catalyzed urea synthesis system, this integrated protocol demonstrates exceptional accuracy, stability, and cross‐method consistency. By offering a standardized, high‐throughput‐compatible workflow for eliminating false positives and measurement errors, this work provides critical methodological support for the objective assessment of electrocatalytic urea synthesis.

Chemistry - A European Journal
Hubei University of Arts and Science (CN), Wuhan Textile University (CN)
National Natural Science Foundation of China, Science and Technology Department of Hubei Province
Responsible consumption and production
Openalex Percentile: Top 30%
Ammonia Synthesis and Nitrogen Reduction
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