Recent Advances in Electrocatalytic Nitrate Reduction to Ammonia: Mechanism Insight and Catalyst Design

Various intermediatesproduced during the reaction process,key reaction rate determining steps, and four common catalyst synthesisstrategies are discussed. Excessivedischarge of nitrate pollutants has causedan imbalancein the nitrogen cycle, which has threatened human health and ecosystems.Clean electrocatalytic nitrate reduction technology can convert nitrateinto high value-added ammonia to control water pollution, truly realizingturning waste into treasure. This review highlightsthe latest mechanisms proposed by combining in situ characterization and discusses the various intermediates producedduring the reaction process and the key steps that determine the reactionrate. Meanwhile, four common catalyst synthesis strategies are systematicallysummarized. These strategies have exhibited preeminent results interms of conductivity and active sites and inhibition of side effects.Finally, the challenges and difficulty of electrocatalytic nitratereduction into ammonia (NRA) in the process of development and themain development direction in the future are discussed. The engineeringstrategies for increasing the electrocatalytic stability and performanceare also discussed. This review aims to provide guidance for efficientelectrocatalytic nitrate conversion and promotes the advancement ofsustainable nitrogen chemistry.

Automated summary

This article discusses various intermediates produced during the reaction process, key reaction rate-determining steps, and four common catalyst synthesis strategies. Excessive discharge of nitrate pollutants has caused an imbalance in the nitrogen cycle, threatening human health and ecosystems. Clean electrocatalytic nitrate reduction technology converts nitrate into high value-added ammonia to control water pollution, truly turning waste into treasure. The review highlights the latest mechanisms proposed by combining in situ characterization, and discusses the various intermediates produced during the reaction process and the key steps determining the reaction rate. It also systematically summarizes four common catalyst synthesis strategies, which have shown excellent results in terms of conductivity, active sites, and inhibition of side effects. Finally, the challenges and future development direction of electrocatalytic nitrate reduction into ammonia (NRA) are discussed, along with engineering strategies for increasing electrocatalytic stability and performance. This review aims to provide guidance for efficient electrocatalytic nitrate conversion and promote the advancement of sustainable nitrogen chemistry.