Israeli Researchers Develop Electrochemical Process to Produce Green Urea from CO2 and Nitrates
Urea, widely used as an agricultural fertilizer and in plastics manufacturing, is traditionally produced via the energy-intensive Bosch-Meiser process, which requires extreme conditions of high pressure and temperature. This conventional method consumes 1-3% of global energy and contributes about 1.4% of worldwide carbon emissions. Seeking greener alternatives, scientists have explored electrochemical production of urea using renewable energy to convert carbon dioxide and nitrates under mild conditions.
A research team led by Professor Alex Schechter and doctoral student Landi Dardha at Ariel University's Department of Chemistry has developed a novel copper-sulfur catalyst (Cu2S/CuS) that enables efficient and selective electrochemical synthesis of urea. Published recently in the Chemical Engineering Journal, their catalyst promotes the coupling of carbon and nitrogen atoms while significantly suppressing competing hydrogen evolution reactions, which typically reduce urea production efficiency.
The catalyst's unique crystalline structure incorporates sulfur to modify copper's electronic properties, enhancing CO2 adsorption and reduction while facilitating nitrogen fixation from nitrates, which are more soluble and reactive than gaseous nitrogen. This approach also addresses environmental concerns by utilizing nitrates, common pollutants in water, and capturing CO2 emissions.
Laboratory tests demonstrated that 80% of the electrical current applied was effectively converted into urea, indicating minimal energy loss to side reactions. Advanced isotopic labeling confirmed that the nitrogen in the produced urea originated directly from the nitrate feedstock. Professor Schechter highlighted the catalyst's low cost and sustainability compared to precious metal alternatives.
This breakthrough offers a promising sustainable pathway for decentralized, eco-friendly fertilizer production directly in agricultural fields, potentially transforming environmental pollutants into valuable resources and advancing circular energy and nitrogen economies.
