Global research dynamics in green urea: Emerging technologies, scientific networks, and sustainability pathways

Abstract

This study presents a bibliometric analysis of research trends on renewable urea production and its uses between 2006 and 2025. Initially, a comprehensive search was conducted in the Web of Science database using keywords related to the topic of interest. Subsequently, a set of 1279 relevant scientific documents was selected and analyzed using VOSviewer and R-Bibliometrix to examine statistical patterns. In this context, it was identified that over the past 20 years, research has shifted from developing the fundamentals of urea use for improving nitrogen levels in the soil as a high-value fertilizer, to a new trend toward decarbonized production and carbon capture as a sustainability strategy, implementing catalytic and electrocatalytic technologies. Finally, in the development of the methodology and the results, different relevant aspects within the social structure of this scientific sector are presented, highlighting its main representatives, which allow the reader to orient themselves within this ecosystem vital for the sustainable development and food security of humanity.