Citation: Yanqin Wang, Kang Wang, Chen Sun, Zhexi Yang. Comprehensive Experiment of Materials Chemistry: Directional Conversion of Urea to Nitrite by Electrochemical Method[J]. University Chemistry, ;2026, 41(6): 415-424. doi: 10.12461/PKU.DXHX202603025 shu

Comprehensive Experiment of Materials Chemistry: Directional Conversion of Urea to Nitrite by Electrochemical Method

College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot 010021, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China

Corresponding author: Yanqin Wang, yqwang_chem@imu.edu.cn
Received Date: 10 March 2026
Revised Date: 15 April 2026

This study introduces an undergraduate teaching experiment that employs electrochemical methods to directionally convert urea into high-value nitrite. A Co-doped Ni₃S₂ (Co-Ni₃S₂) catalyst was designed for the catalytic conversion of urea molecules. Using Co-Ni₃S₂ as the anode catalyst in an alkaline urea electrolyte, the electrocatalytic performance was evaluated via a three-electrode testing system. The effects of applied potential and Co-doping strategy on product selectivity were systematically investigated to identify optimal reaction conditions. Quantitative detection of NO₂^- was performed, and key evaluation metrics such as Faradaic efficiency and yield rate were calculated. This experiment integrates inorganic material preparation, electrochemical testing, and analytical chemistry techniques, enabling students to appreciate the significance of urea resource utilization (“turning waste into wealth”) and the economic value of NO₂^- in the chemical industry. The experiment enhances students’ scientific thinking, experimental design, and research innovation capabilities, demonstrating strong feasibility and educational value.
- Comprehensive experiment,
- Electrochemistry,
- Urea oxidation reaction (UOR),
- Nitrite,
- Turn waste into wealth
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