Engineering Tandem Catalysis for Amino Acid Synthesis From Nitrogen Oxides

Abstract

Amino acid synthesis from nitrogen oxides (NO x ) represents a transformative frontier in sustainable C─N bond formation, converting abundant small molecules into value‐added chemicals under mild conditions. However, this process faces significant challenges due to the complex orchestration of multistep proton/electron transfers, intermediate stabilization, and selective coupling within complex reaction networks. Tandem catalysis emerges as a powerful strategy to overcome these limits by spatially integrating distinct catalytic functions for the sequential conversion of reactive intermediates. In this review, we situate NO x to amino acid synthesis within the broader landscape of chemical, microbial, and electrocatalytic routes, emphasizing the unique merits of tandem systems. It summarizes the evolution of tandem catalysts, electrodes and systems while dissecting fundamental mechanistic pathways that govern intermediates transformation. Particular emphasis is placed on rational materials engineering strategies, including alloying, defect engineering, metal‐support interactions, metal‐semiconductor coupling, and heterostructure construction, which together regulate intermediate adsorption, charge/proton transfer, and interfacial coupling kinetics. Finally, we identify persistent challenges in activity and selectivity, highlighting opportunities in operando characterization, multiscale theory, and artificial intelligence assisted discovery. By bridging fundamental mechanisms with advanced materials design, this work establishes a forward‐looking framework for efficient amino acid production via tandem catalysis.