Breakthrough Catalyst Simplifies Sustainable Ethylamine Production
Researchers at Tohoku University's WPI-AIMR have developed a groundbreaking catalyst designed to significantly simplify the production of ethylamine (EA). EA is a crucial component used across various industries, including dyes, pharmaceuticals, and emulsifiers, but its conventional manufacturing processes are notoriously complex and energy-intensive.
Catalyst Unveiled: Eu-Cu2O
The innovative catalyst, designated Eu-Cu2O, was created by meticulously modifying rare earth Europium (Eu) atoms on copper(I) oxide (Cu2O) nanoneedles. This specific modification plays a key role in enhancing the efficiency of the chemical reaction required for EA production, directly leading to a notable reduction in the energy input previously needed.
Record-Setting Performance and Stability
The Eu-Cu2O catalyst has demonstrated exceptional performance, achieving a remarkable Faradaic efficiency of 98.1% for EA. Furthermore, it maintained continuous operation for an impressive duration of up to 420 hours.
This sustained activity and stability under industrial conditions represent a reported record in the field, showcasing its robustness and potential for real-world application.
Strategic Electrosynthesis for Industrial Scale
This research introduces a novel strategy for the industrial-scale electrosynthesis of ethylamine under mild conditions, uniquely mediated by rare-earth atoms. The method involves precisely tuning the electronic structure of Cu2O through atomic europium incorporation, which ingeniously facilitates a favorable change in acetonitrile adsorption configuration. This process is engineered to overcome significant challenges related to selectivity loss and instability, often encountered when operating at ampere-level currents.
Paving the Way for a Low-Carbon Future
The findings are considered profoundly important for sustainable chemical manufacturing. The developed catalyst enables continuous, energy-efficient production of EA, crucially utilizing electricity and water as inputs, thereby moving away from reliance on fossil-derived hydrogen. This advancement is positioned as a significant step toward sustainable, electrified chemical manufacturing, contributing to a vital low-carbon future.
The research was officially published in Advanced Materials on January 20, 2026.