Sustainable Electrosynthesis of N,N-Dimethylformamide via Relay Catalysis on Synergistic Active Sites

Electrified synthesis of high-value organonitrogen chemicals from low-cost carbon- and nitrogen-based feedstocks offers an economically and environmentally appealing alternative to traditional thermocatalytic methods. However, the intricate electrochemical reactions at electrode surfaces pose significant challenges in controlling selectivity and activity, especially for producing complex substances such as N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF). Herein, we tackle this challenge by developing relay catalysis for efficient DMF production using a composite WO₂-NiOOH/Ni catalyst with two distinctive active sites. Specifically, WO₂ selectively promotes dimethylamine (DMA) electrooxidation to produce strongly surface-bound (CH₃)₂N*, while nearby NiOOH facilitates methanol electrooxidation to yield more weakly bound *CHO. The disparity in binding energetics of the key C- and N-intermediates expedites C-N coupling at the WO₂-NiOOH interface. In situ infrared spectroscopy with isotope-labeling experiments, quasi-in situ electron paramagnetic resonance trapping experiments, and electrochemical operating experiments revealed the C-N coupling mechanism and enhanced DMF-synthesis selectivity and activity. In situ X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) and postreaction transmission electron microscopy (TEM) studies verified the stability of WO₂-NiOOH/Ni during extended electrochemical operation. A Faradaic efficiency of ∼50% and a production rate of 438 μmol cm^-2 h^-1 were achieved at an industrially relevant current density of 100 mA cm^-2 over an 80 h DMF production period. This study introduces a new paradigm for developing electrothermo relay catalysis for the sustainable and efficient synthesis of valuable organic chemicals with industrial potential.