Recent advances in electrocatalytic nitrate reduction to ammonia: mechanism insight and catalyst design

Abstract

Excessive discharge of nitrate pollutants has caused an imbalance in the nitrogen cycle, which has threatened human health and ecosystems. Clean electrocatalytic nitrate reduction technology can convert nitrate into high value-added ammonia to control water pollution, truly realizing “turning waste into treasure”. This review highlighted the latest mechanisms proposed by combining in-situ characterization and discussed the various intermediates produced during the reaction process and the key steps that determine the reaction rate. Meanwhile, four common catalyst synthesis strategies were systematically summarized. These strategies have exhibited preeminent results in terms of conductivity and active sites and inhibition of side effects. Finally, it is discussed that the challenges and difficulty of electrocatalytic nitrate reduction into ammonia (NRA) in the process of development and the main development direction in the future. The engineering strategies for increasing the electrocatalytic stability and performance are also discussed. This review aims to provide guidance for efficient electrocatalytic nitrate conversion and promotes the advancement of sustainable nitrogen chemistry.

文章链接：https://doi.org/10.1021/acssuschemeng.3c01084