The efficient valorization of CO2 and N2 from power plant flue gas represents a critical pathway toward advancing the low-carbon transition of energy systems. Electrochemical synthesis of urea by directly coupling CO2 and N2 in flue gas under ambient conditions offers dual benefits: converting greenhouse gases into high-value fertilizers while achieving carbon mitigation and resource recycling. This review systematically summarizes recent advancements in this field, highlighting optimized reaction pathways through novel catalyst designs such as heterojunction catalysts and conductive MOFs, which enhance the synergistic activation of N2 and CO2 and improve C-N coupling efficiency, achieving a record Faradaic efficiency of 48% for urea production. Future breakthroughs should focus on developing bioinspired catalytic materials, integrating photo-electrocatalytic systems, and innovating renewable-powered integrated processes for carbon capture-conversion-product separation. By analyzing technical principles, engineering challenges, and industrial linkages, this work underscores the pivotal role of electrocatalytic urea synthesis in coordinated carbon-nitrogen management for coal-fired power plants, providing a forward-looking strategic thinking for scaling up this transformative technology.

coal-fired flue gas  /  electrocatalysis  /  urea synthesis  /  carbon dioxide utilizaiton  /  nitrogen fixation