biostudies-literatureSun HProject of Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Cooperation ZoneResearch Grants Council of Hong KongKorea Research Council for Industrial Science and TechnologyNational Natural Science Foundation of ChinaNational Research Foundation of Koreae2204800https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC9731696biostudies-literatureUnknown9(34)Urea oxidation reaction (UOR) with a low equilibrium potential offers a promising route to replace the oxygen evolution reaction for energy-saving hydrogen generation. However, the overpotential of the UOR is still high due to the complicated 6e^- transfer process and adsorption/desorption of intermediate products. Herein, utilizing a cation exchange strategy, Ni-doped CuO nanoarrays grown on 3D Cu foam are synthesized. Notably, Ni-CuO NAs/CF requires a low potential of 1.366 V versus a reversible hydrogen electrode to drive a current density of 100 mA cm^-2 , outperforming various benchmark electrocatalysts and maintaining robust stability in alkaline media. Theoretical and experimental studies reveal that Ni as the driving force center can effectively enhance the ureaAdvanced science (Weinheim, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany)Ni-Doped CuO Nanoarrays Activate Urea Adsorption and Stabilizes Reaction Intermediates to Achieve High-Performance Urea Oxidation Catalysts.PMC9731696KS2222‐102022M3H4A1A0100891822109169HZQB-KCZYB-2020083KS2222-101620182016206019Jung WLiu JKim HHu ZCiucci FChen CTSong SLin HJSun HFei LfalseNi-Doped CuO Nanoarrays Activate Urea Adsorption and Stabilizes Reaction Intermediates to Achieve High-Performance Urea Oxidation Catalysts.Urea oxidation reaction (UOR) with a low equilibrium potential offers a promising route to replace the oxygen evolution reaction for energy-saving hydrogen generation. However, the overpotential of the UOR is still high due to the complicated 6e^- transfer process and adsorption/desorption of intermediate products. Herein, utilizing a cation exchange strategy, Ni-doped CuO nanoarrays grown on 3D Cu foam are synthesized. Notably, Ni-CuO NAs/CF requires a low potential of 1.366 V versus a reversible hydrogen electrode to drive a current density of 100 mA cm^-2 , outperforming various benchmark electrocatalysts and maintaining robust stability in alkaline media. Theoretical and experimental studies reveal that Ni as the driving force center can effectively enhance the urea2022-01-01T00:00:00Z2022 Dec2025-04-04T22:14:58.672Z2025-04-04T22:14:58.672ZS-EPMC97316963626698410.1002/advs.202204800