Interstitial boron-triggered electron-deficient isolated Pd-In active-sites in ordered intermetallic metallene for enhanced electrosynthesis of urea.

A B-doped Pd-In intermetallic bimetallene was synthesized for urea electrosynthesis from CO2 and NO3-. The ordered arrangement of Pd and In sites in the intermetallic structure can meet the distinct requirements for NO3-/CO2 adsorption and activation. Moreover, the interstitial doping of B atoms can regulate the electronic structure of Pd and In active sites and promote the generation of key intermediates and C-N coupling reactions.