Electrocatalytic C−N bond coupling to convert CO2 and N2 molecules into urea under ambient conditions is a promising alternative to harsh industrial processes. However, the adsorption and activation of inert gas molecules and then the driving of the C–N coupling reaction is energetically challenging. Herein, novel Mott–Schottky Bi‐BiVO4 heterostructures are described that realize a remarkable urea yield rate of 5.91 mmol h−1 g−1 and a Faradaic efficiency of 12.55 % at −0.4 V vs. RHE. Comprehensive analysis confirms the emerging space–charge region in the heterostructure interface not only facilitates the targeted adsorption and activation of CO2 and N2 molecules on the generated local nucleophilic and electrophilic regions, but also effectively suppresses CO poisoning and the formation of endothermic *NNH intermediates. This guarantees the desired exothermic coupling of *N=N* intermediates and generated CO to form the urea precursor, *NCON*.
This letter describes the fabrication of three-dimensional particulate-like hydrogel microstructures using a combination of soft lithography and volume expansion induced self-folding. Bilayer structures are produced by solvent casting and photocuring of liquid resins. They curl into three-dimensional (3D) structures upon contacting with water due to differential swelling of the two layers. The curvature can be controlled by adjusting the polymer composition of the primary swelling layer. A simple semiempirical mathematical model is used to predict this self-folding behavior. By designing the two-dimensional (2D) shapes of the bilayers, this technique can lead to complicated 3D microstructures.
Precisely fabricated frustrated Lewis pairs in the Ni3(BO3)2 nanocrystal achieve integration of the active sites and effective electrocatalytic C–N bond coupling to synthesize urea.
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