Issue

Vol. 18 (2026)

Perspective on Modular Electrocatalysis for Carbon and Nitrogen Cycling

https://doi.org/10.1007/s40820-026-02231-7
Xiaokang Wang
Intelligent Polymer Research Institute, Australian Institute for Innovative Materials, University of Wollongong, Squires Way, North Wollongong, NSW 2500, Australia
Sirui Tang
Intelligent Polymer Research Institute, Australian Institute for Innovative Materials, University of Wollongong, Squires Way, North Wollongong, NSW 2500, Australia
Qilong Wu
Intelligent Polymer Research Institute, Australian Institute for Innovative Materials, University of Wollongong, Squires Way, North Wollongong, NSW 2500, Australia
Peter C. Innis
Intelligent Polymer Research Institute, Australian Institute for Innovative Materials, University of Wollongong, Squires Way, North Wollongong, NSW 2500, Australia
Jun Chen
Intelligent Polymer Research Institute, Australian Institute for Innovative Materials, University of Wollongong, Squires Way, North Wollongong, NSW 2500, Australia

Corresponding Author: Jun Chen

junc@uow.edu.au

Nano-Micro Letters, Vol. 18 (2026), Article Number: 373

Abstract

The carbon–nitrogen (C–N) cycle is a pivotal natural process for maintaining an ecological balance. However, excessive nitrogen pollution and greenhouse gas (GHGs) emissions have disrupted this equilibrium. The many complex reaction pathways of carbon and nitrogen, along with fragmented research into these, have hindered practical application. Electrocatalysis as a transformative approach is expected to restore this balance. This perspective proposes the innovative concept of “Modular Electrocatalysis” as a highly efficient system designed to integrate the numerous segmented electrocatalytic C–N reactions. Here the underpinning aim is to deconstruct the complex C–N conversion process into controllable, simplified reaction steps achieved through the customized module unit combination and adjustable modular routes, facilitating the transformation of carbon- and nitrogen-containing pollutants into high-value-added chemicals such as amines and amides. In this perspective, the related challenges and potential solutions for the design of feasible modular catalytic routes will be presented. The significance of catalyst tailoring and reactor customization will be explored with a goal to reduce the underlying difficulties of integration in a functional industrial implementation, providing systematic guidance for artificial C–N cycling processes.


Highlights:
1 A “Modular Electrocatalysis” (ME) framework is proposed to integrate fragmented research into a unified platform for global carbon and nitrogen cycling.
2 Customized design strategies for module units are established to enable precise control over feedstock, conversion, and energy supply.
3 Systemic integration strategies are formulated to ensure operational robustness and scalability for industrial application.

Keywords

Modular electrocatalysis Carbon and nitrogen cycling High-value-added chemicals
Wang, Xiaokang, Sirui Tang, Qilong Wu, Peter C. Innis, and Jun Chen. 2026. “Perspective on Modular Electrocatalysis for Carbon and Nitrogen Cycling”. Nano-Micro Letters 18 (May):373. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40820-026-02231-7.
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