Advances in Nanostructured Catalysts for Urea‐Assisted Water Splitting and Zn‐Urea Batteries

Yiming Luo; Huiying Zhou; Yun Tong

doi:10.1002/cssc.202502504

journal article Jan 29, 2026

Advances in Nanostructured Catalysts for Urea‐Assisted Water Splitting and Zn‐Urea Batteries

Yiming Luo

Huiying Zhou Yun Tong

ChemSusChem Vol. 19 No. 3 · Wiley

View at Publisher Save 10.1002/cssc.202502504

Abstract

Electrochemical water splitting driven by renewable energy provides a sustainable route for generating high‐purity hydrogen, yet its efficiency is hampered by the sluggish and economically unfavorable oxygen evolution reaction (OER) at the anode. Replacing OER with the urea oxidation reaction (UOR) has emerged as an attractive strategy to reduce energy input and simultaneously achieve wastewater remediation. Nevertheless, the six‐electron transfer process of UOR still suffers from kinetic limitations, highlighting the urgent need for robust and cost‐effective electrocatalysts. Recent progress has demonstrated that nanostructure‐engineered catalysts enable precise regulation of surface electronic structures, optimization of intermediate adsorption energies, and enhancement of catalytic activity. In this review, we systematically summarize the recent advancements of nanostructural catalysts for UOR‐assisted hydrogen evolution, highlighting how rational nanostructuring and compositional engineering contribute to improved intrinsic performance and energy efficiency. The underlying reaction mechanisms are critically discussed based on both experimental and theoretical perspectives. In addition, the practical application of the Zn‐urea battery system is introduced, encompassing its electrochemical performance and potential for integrated energy storage and hydrogen production. Finally, we present the current challenges and propose future research directions aimed at bridging the gap between laboratory‐scale studies and practical implementation.

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Details

Published: Jan 29, 2026
Vol/Issue: 19(3)
License: View

Authors

Y

Yiming Luo

School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Zhejiang Sci‐Tech University Hangzhou Zhejiang China

H

Huiying Zhou

School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Zhejiang Sci‐Tech University Hangzhou Zhejiang China

Y

Yun Tong

School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Zhejiang Sci‐Tech University Hangzhou Zhejiang China

Funding

National Natural Science Foundation of China Award: 22472151

Cite This Article

Yiming Luo, Huiying Zhou, Yun Tong (2026). Advances in Nanostructured Catalysts for Urea‐Assisted Water Splitting and Zn‐Urea Batteries. ChemSusChem, 19(3). https://doi.org/10.1002/cssc.202502504

Advances in Nanostructured Catalysts for Urea‐Assisted Water Splitting and Zn‐Urea Batteries

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