Coupling mechanism of N2 and CO2 to urea over artificial frustrated Lewis pairs

The simultaneous electrocatalytic conversion of N2 and CO2 into value-added urea is a top-challenging reaction. In this issue of Chem Catalysis, Zhang’s group reported a rice-like InOOH nanocrystal with the well-defined frustrated Lewis pairs (FLPs, i.e., In⋯In–OH), which promoting electrochemical C-N coupling reactions in urea production. This work provides an in-depth understanding of urea synthesis by achieving the integration of the active site.