Electrochemical Conversion of Inert Small Molecules for Sustainable Chemistry

Abstract

The sustainable electrochemical conversion of inert small molecules, such as N₂, CH₄, and CO₂, is opening new frontiers in green chemistry and energy technologies. Each of these molecules can be individually converted into a valuable chemical, offering the potential to replace existing industrial processes. Electrochemical N₂ reduction to NH₃ could replace the Haber-Bosch process, avoiding the high-temperature and high-pressure conditions. Beyond NH₃, N₂ fixation is expanding toward diverse nitrogen-containing chemicals. The catalytic oxidation of CH₄ is referred to as the “Holy Grail” reaction, as it is difficult to activate the first C–H bond and control the product selectivity. Nevertheless, CH₄ oxidation under mild electro/photo-electrochemical conditions enables the facile activation of the inert C–H bond, and the selectivity can be efficiently adjusted by exquisitely designing the electrode interface. Electrocatalytic CO₂ reduction is a key technology for achieving carbon neutrality. Currently, the reaction continues to advance from mono-carbon toward multi-carbon products with improved activity and stability. In addition to the individual conversion of these inert small molecules, intermolecular coupling reactions such as C–N coupling reaction between N₂ and CO₂ provide further opportunities for electrochemical reactions. Collectively, these efforts represent a paradigm shift from fossil-based processes toward scalable, eco-friendly pathways for value-added chemicals.

Keywords

Electrosynthesis / Electrocatalysis / Nitrogen conversion / Methane oxidation / Carbon dioxide reduction / C–N coupling reaction

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