Achieving green synthesis of high-value-added chemicals via N-integrated CO2 co-reduction: a review

The acceleration of global industrialization and overuse of fossil fuels have caused the release of greenhouse gases and the disruption of the natural nitrogen cycle, leading to numerous energy and environmental problems. In response to the worsening situation, currently, achieving carbon neutrality and the nitrogen cycle is the most urgent task. In this case, reforming modern industrial production is of high importance and a great challenge as well. N-integrated carbon dioxide (CO₂) co-reduction has gained a lot of attention from the scientific community, particularly in recent years, and is considered a promising approach to turn waste into wealth and achieve carbon neutrality and a nitrogen cycle. In this review, a comprehensive review of the catalytic coupling of CO₂ and nitrogenous small molecules (such as N₂, NH₃ and NO_x) for the green synthesis of high-value chemicals is presented, including representative urea, amines, and amides. In these advances, in-depth discussions of C−N coupling are critically evaluated from the standpoints of catalyst design strategies and possible reaction mechanisms, highlighting the key factors and descriptors that affect the catalytic performance. Finally, the remaining challenges and further prospects are also proposed, with the aim of setting the trajectory for future development of green synthesis of high-value-added chemicals.