New Technique to Extract Urea from Urine

In March 2025, scientists proposed an electrochemical method which involves an energy-efficient way to extract urea from urine, turning it into a solid peroxide derivative called percarbamide, offering a sustainable approach to wastewater treatment and fertilizer production.

Key Points

Percarbamide: Percarbamide is a nitrogen-rich crystalline compound with oxidative properties.
Historical Context: The discovery builds on the 17th-century work of German alchemist Hennig Brandt, who first isolated phosphorus while searching for gold in urine.
Sustainable Solution: This method addresses urban wastewater management while enabling nutrient recovery for agriculture.
The Chemistry: Urea binds with hydrogen peroxide in the presence of a graphitic carbon catalyst, forming percarbamide with nearly 100% purity.
Agricultural Impact: Percarbamide serves as a slow-release nitrogen fertilizer while promoting root respiration and crop growth.