The valorization of urine through the electro-oxidation of urea offers a promising alternative for industrial wastewater treatment plants. This operation, implemented at room temperature, allows, in addition to the depolluting action, the generation of hydrogen at the cathode. Using inexpensive electrodes and photo-assisting the process, this method has potential for industrial application. This review delves into the recent advancements in the electrochemical treatment of urea and ammonia from urine, understanding and optimizing the electrolysis process under various conditions. Notably, the electrolysis of urea and ammonia in alkaline medium over nickel oxyhydroxide (NiOOH) catalyst, has emerged as a promising avenue, offering enhanced selectivity and efficiency. The exploration extends to urine management, urea degradation, catalyst deactivation, reaction selectivity, and the detection of reaction products, as well as photoelectrochemical processes in a future reactor perspective, where the synergistic combination of photocatalysis and electrochemical oxidation opens new pathways for urine valorization.
Progress on Electrochemical and Photoelectrochemical Urea and Ammonia Conversion from Urine for Sustainable Wastewater Treatment
Applied Catalysis B: Environment and Energy - Volume 362
2024
