Advances in ammonia electrosynthesis from ambient nitrate/nitrite reduction

Designing genuine electrocatalysts that selectively reduce nitrate/ nitrite (NOx-) is becoming ever more vital to produce ammonia (NH3) sustainably, safeguard the environment, and even rebalance the Earth's nitrogen cycle. Since 2020, the aim of NH3 electrosynthe-sis from NOx- has been pursued, and with electrode design explosion, the field has been able to progressively distinguish effec-tive strategies. Collective knowledge of state-of-the-art catalytic systems is indisputably essential for implementing this clean tech-nology in industry. Hence, we present an overview of nicely con-structed denitrifying electrocatalysts along with structural features that are more favorable for turning NOx- into NH3, focusing on per-formance, mechanisms, upgraded devices, etc. Key NH3-evolving efficiency optimization ideas with critical insights are identified and highlighted. We discuss high-quality works that exemplify gaps separating studies from large-scale deployment and proposed relevant bridging solutions. Outlook on challenges faced by NOx-- to-NH3 electrolysis systems are emphasized to inspire future works.

Automated summary

Designing genuine electrocatalysts that can selectively reduce NOx- to produce NH3 is crucial for sustainable ammonia production, environmental protection, and nitrogen cycle rebalancing. Since 2020, research on NH3 electrosynthesis from NOx- has made progress, thanks to advancements in electrode design. Understanding state-of-the-art catalytic systems is essential for implementing this clean technology in industry. This overview provides insights into well-designed denitrifying electrocatalysts, focusing on performance, mechanisms, and upgraded devices, and identifies optimization ideas and challenges for future works in NH3 production.