Sustainable electrosynthesis of ethylamine at an industrial scale
2026-02-05
(Press-News.org) From dyes to pharmaceuticals to emulsifiers - ethylamine (EA) is a versatile component used in many industries. The downside of EA is that its production is terribly complicated and energy intensive. However, it is not a simple task to simplify EA production in a way that can also be scaled up to industrial levels.
Researchers at Tohoku University's WPI-AIMR may have found an answer to this problem. Rare earth Eu atoms were modified on Cu2O nanoneedles to produce a catalyst (Eu-Cu2O) that can increase the efficiency of the chemical reaction that produces EA. This means it no longer consumes such a large amount of energy to produce. Remarkably, the reaction achieves an EA Faradaic efficiency of 98.1% and can operate continuously for up to 420 hours. To date, this finding holds the record for the longest reported activity whilst maintaining stability - all under industrial conditions.
This research introduces a unique rare‐earth atom-mediated strategy to achieve industrial-scale electrosynthesis of ethylamine under mild conditions. By precisely tuning the electronic structure of Cu2O through atomic europium incorporation, the method enables a unique switch in acetonitrile adsorption configuration that overcomes long-standing challenges of selectivity loss and instability at ampere-level currents.
The importance of these findings extends beyond the laboratory, as the developed catalyst supports continuous, energy-efficient production of EA - an essential precursor in pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and more - using electricity and water instead of fossil-derived hydrogen. This advancement represents a vital step toward sustainable, electrified chemical manufacturing for a low-carbon future.
The findings were published in Advanced Materials on January 20, 2026.
About the World Premier International Research Center Initiative (WPI)
The WPI program was launched in 2007 by Japan's Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) to foster globally visible research centers boasting the highest standards and outstanding research environments. Numbering more than a dozen and operating at institutions throughout the country, these centers are given a high degree of autonomy, allowing them to engage in innovative modes of management and research. The program is administered by the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS).
See the latest research news from the centers at the WPI News Portal: https://www.eurekalert.org/newsportal/WPI
Main WPI program site: www.jsps.go.jp/english/e-toplevel
Advanced Institute for Materials Research (AIMR)
Tohoku University
Establishing a World-Leading Research Center for Materials Science
AIMR aims to contribute to society through its actions as a world-leading research center for materials science and push the boundaries of research frontiers. To this end, the institute gathers excellent researchers in the fields of physics, chemistry, materials science, engineering, and mathematics and provides a world-class research environment.
AIMR site: https://www.wpi-aimr.tohoku.ac.jp/en/
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[Press-News.org] Sustainable electrosynthesis of ethylamine at an industrial scale
