Advances in the Structure-Activity Relationship of Electrocatalytic C-N Coupling: From Nanocatalysis to Single Metal Site Catalysis.

Abstract

C-N coupling is crucial for constructing amides and amines and involves various fields, including medicine, chemical industries, agriculture, and energy. With the rapid development of electrocatalytic C-N coupling and the continuous improvement of catalytic performance, this field has aroused extensive research interest. A comprehensive review is urgently needed to summarize the structure-activity relationship, key challenges, and future development directions. This review provides a concise overview of the recent advancements from nanocatalysis to single metal site catalysis for electrocatalytic C-N coupling reactions. We summarize the C-N coupling mechanisms using different nitrogen sources and further analyze the influences of various active metal centers and different coordination environments on the C-N coupling performance, thereby elucidating the structure-activity relationship. Moreover, we discuss the dynamic structural evolution of active metal sites during the reaction. Finally, we present current challenges and perspectives in this field. This review aims to provide valuable insights into the development of advanced nano/single metal site catalysts for electrocatalytic C-N coupling reactions along with a deeper understanding of catalytic mechanisms.