Electrocatalytic C─N Coupling in Aqueous Solutions for High‐Value Product Synthesis

Abstract

ABSTRACT Organic nitrogen‐containing compounds, such as urea, amines, amides, and amino acids, play a crucial role in global biogeochemical cycles and industrial systems. Electrocatalytic C─N coupling, enabling reactions under mild conditions (room temperature/pressure) and utilizing a range of feedstocks (CO 2 , CO, N 2 , NO 3 − , and NH 3 , etc.), has emerged as a sustainable alternative for the synthesis of these chemicals. Recent advancements in diversifying product scopes via C─N coupling methodologies have significantly enhanced reaction versatility and conversion efficiency. These developments enable novel reaction pathways while addressing critical challenges, such as slow kinetics (e.g., high bond dissociation energies in N≡N or C═O bonds) and competing reactions. This review comprehensively examines the progress in electrochemical C─N coupling, with a focus on reaction mechanisms across diverse systems and the advanced catalysts driving these transformations. Furthermore, we summarize the integrated electrolytic cell design to bridge laboratory‐scale breakthroughs with sustainable large‐scale production. By overcoming existing limitations, electrocatalytic synthesis holds the potential to transform chemical manufacturing while mitigating environmental impacts.