Catalyst Design and Progresses for Urea Oxidation Electrolysis in Alkaline Media.

Urea, as a significant molecule in biology, chemistry and agriculture, is extensively present both in industrial production and daily life. However, its excessively releasing into water and soil could bring about a serious threat to the environment and ecology due to the potential eutrophication. Considering the potential hydrogen content in urea, urea-rich wastewater is also regarded as a strategic energy storage resource. Among all technologies, the electrochemical treatment of urea wastewater behaves superior advantages both on environment protection and energy recovery, causing tremendous attention in recent years. Herein, this review summarized electrochemical methods for urea conversions for pollutant control and energy harvesting. As the kernel role in the electrochemical systems, the latest development of advanced electrodes is presented with the basic design principles described. The relationships between the electrocatalysts and their urea oxidation performance have been discussed thoroughly. Additionally, recent advances about novel applications for energy production and resource recovery are also displayed. Finally, the prospects and challenges are still to be addressed, orienting a clear direction for the electrochemical hydrogen harvesting from urea-containing wastewater in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]