Chemical Physics Reviews,
Journal Year:
2025,
Volume and Issue:
6(1)
Published: Feb. 26, 2025
The
electrocatalytic
nitrate
(NO3−)
reduction
reaction
(NO3RR)
is
an
attractive
strategy
for
sustainable
ammonia
(NH3)
synthesis,
contributing
to
the
artificial
nitrogen
cycle
and
renewable
energy
storage.
However,
selective
conversion
of
NO3−
NH3
remains
challenging
due
complex
multi-electron
transfer
processes,
which
result
in
numerous
by-products,
low
yield
rate,
Faradaic
efficiency.
Additionally,
electrochemical
sensitivity
catalyst
structure
complicates
identifying
active
sites.
Herein,
we
introduce
mechanisms
situ
characterization
technologies
NO3RR
production.
Then,
a
summary
theoretical
research
advances
guide
design
catalyst,
including
density
functional
theory
calculations,
activity
descriptors,
machine
learning.
Furthermore,
discuss
strategies
optimize
performance
NO3RR,
focusing
on
nitrogenous-intermediate
adsorption,
proton
tandem
catalysis.
Finally,
challenges
opportunities
highly
efficient
are
summarized.
InfoMat,
Journal Year:
2023,
Volume and Issue:
6(1)
Published: Nov. 27, 2023
Abstract
Electrochemical
water
splitting
represents
a
promising
technology
for
green
hydrogen
production.
To
design
advanced
electrocatalysts,
it
is
crucial
to
identify
their
active
sites
and
interpret
the
relationship
between
structures
performance.
Materials
extensively
studied
as
electrocatalysts
include
noble‐metal‐based
(e.g.,
Ru,
Ir,
Pt)
non‐noble‐metal‐based
3d
transition
metals)
compounds.
Recently,
advancements
in
characterization
techniques
theoretical
calculations
have
revealed
novel
unusual
sites.
The
present
review
highlights
latest
achievements
discovery
identification
of
various
unconventional
electrochemical
splitting,
with
focus
on
state‐of‐the‐art
strategies
determining
true
establishing
structure–activity
relationships.
Furthermore,
we
discuss
remaining
challenges
future
perspectives
development
next‐generation
By
presenting
fresh
perspective
reaction
involved
this
aims
provide
valuable
guidance
study
industrial
applications.
image
Angewandte Chemie International Edition,
Journal Year:
2024,
Volume and Issue:
63(8)
Published: Jan. 5, 2024
Abstract
Electrocatalytic
reduction
of
nitrate
(NO
3
RR)
to
synthesize
ammonia
(NH
)
provides
a
competitive
manner
for
carbon
neutrality
and
decentralized
NH
synthesis.
Atomically
precise
nanoclusters,
as
an
advantageous
platform
investigating
the
NO
RR
mechanisms
actual
active
sites,
remain
largely
underexplored
due
poor
stability.
Herein,
we
report
4
9
[Ag
(mba)
]
nanoclusters
(Ag
NCs)
loaded
on
Ti
C
2
MXene
/MXene)
highly
efficient
performance
towards
ambient
synthesis
with
improved
stability
in
neutral
medium.
The
composite
structure
Ag
NCs
enables
tandem
catalysis
process
reduction,
significantly
increasing
selectivity
FE
.
Besides,
compared
individual
NCs,
/MXene
has
better
current
density
performed
no
decay
after
108
hours
reaction.
This
work
strategy
improving
catalytic
activity
atomically
metal
expanding
mechanism
research
application
NCs.
Advanced Science,
Journal Year:
2024,
Volume and Issue:
11(15)
Published: Feb. 12, 2024
Abstract
Ammonia,
a
vital
component
in
the
synthesis
of
fertilizers,
plastics,
and
explosives,
is
traditionally
produced
via
energy‐intensive
environmentally
detrimental
Haber–Bosch
process.
Given
its
considerable
energy
consumption
significant
greenhouse
gas
emissions,
there
growing
shift
toward
electrocatalytic
ammonia
as
an
eco‐friendly
alternative.
However,
developing
efficient
electrocatalysts
capable
achieving
high
selectivity,
Faraday
efficiency,
yield
under
ambient
conditions
remains
challenge.
This
review
delves
into
decades‐long
research
synthesis,
highlighting
evolution
fundamental
principles,
theoretical
descriptors,
reaction
mechanisms.
An
in‐depth
analysis
nitrogen
reduction
(NRR)
nitrate
(NitRR)
provided,
with
focus
on
their
electrocatalysts.
Additionally,
theories
behind
electrocatalyst
design
for
are
examined,
including
Gibbs
free
approach,
Sabatier
principle,
d
‐band
center
theory,
orbital
spin
states.
The
culminates
comprehensive
overview
current
challenges
prospective
future
directions
development
NRR
NitRR,
paving
way
more
sustainable
methods
production.
Advanced Functional Materials,
Journal Year:
2024,
Volume and Issue:
34(34)
Published: March 7, 2024
Abstract
The
manipulation
of
surface
catalytic
sites
has
rarely
been
explored
for
metal
borides,
and
the
subsurface
effects
on
electrocatalytic
activity
nitrogen
reduction
reaction
(NRR)
remain
unknown.
Herein,
this
work
develops
a
core–shell
nanoparticle
catalyst
with
Pd
core
that
ensures
high
electron
transfer
rates
an
16
B
3
atomical
shell
possess
tunable
active
regulating
NRR.
atomic
structural
evolution
from
to
is
investigated
by
precisely
controlling
atom
diffusion,
molecular
rearrangement,
d
–
sp
orbital
hybridization.
Pd/Pd
nanocrystals
exhibit
exceptional
NRR
performance
NH
Faradaic
efficiency
30.8%,
which
superior
those
pristine
(1.2%)
B‐doped
(4.8%)
under
identical
conditions,
yield
rate
0.81
µmol
h
−1
cm
−2
.
This
discovers
could
promote
selectivity
separating
hydrogen
proceeded
hole
bridge
sites,
provide
excellent
conductivity
through
regulated
interactions.
Consequently,
controlled
chemical
ordering
palladium
boride
surfaces
provides
insight
into
synthesis
advanced
electrocatalysts.
Energy & Fuels,
Journal Year:
2024,
Volume and Issue:
38(8), P. 6701 - 6722
Published: April 8, 2024
Electrochemical
nitrate
reduction
is
the
process
of
converting
into
ammonia
or
nitrogen
using
electric
energy.
This
saves
energy,
protects
environment,
and
an
important
technology
for
resource
recovery
water
purification.
paper
examines
recent
advances
in
electrochemical
research
analyzes
reaction
mechanism
path
as
well
influence
various
factors
on
through
thermodynamic
kinetic
principles.
Second,
catalytic
performances
transition
metal
electrocatalysts
form
single
metals,
alloys,
oxides,
composites
are
analyzed
detail,
which
lays
foundation
rational
development
new,
efficient,
stable
electrocatalysts.
Finally,
future
directions
prospects
envisioned.
Angewandte Chemie International Edition,
Journal Year:
2024,
Volume and Issue:
63(15)
Published: Jan. 16, 2024
Abstract
Chemical
manufacturing
utilizing
renewable
sources
and
energy
emerges
as
a
promising
path
towards
sustainability
carbon
neutrality.
The
electrocatalytic
reactions
involving
nitrogen
oxides
(NO
x
)
offered
potential
strategy
for
synthesizing
various
nitrogenous
chemicals.
However,
it
is
currently
hindered
by
low
selectivity/efficiency
limited
reaction
pathways,
mainly
due
to
the
difficulties
in
controllable
generation
utilization
of
intermediates.
In
this
minireview,
focusing
on
intermediates
NO
‐involved
reactions,
we
discuss
newly
developed
methodologies
studying
controlling
generation,
conversion,
intermediates,
which
enable
recent
developments
that
yield
products,
including
ammonia
(NH
3
),
organonitrogen
molecules,
compounds
exhibiting
unconventional
oxidation
states.
Furthermore,
also
make
an
outlook
highlight
future
directions
emerging
field
reactions.
ACS Catalysis,
Journal Year:
2025,
Volume and Issue:
15(3), P. 1672 - 1683
Published: Jan. 16, 2025
The
electrochemical
nitrate
reduction
reaction
to
ammonia
(NRA)
is
gaining
increasing
attention
as
an
eco-friendly
approach
convert
harmful
pollutants
into
high-value
product
ammonia.
NRA
involves
two
critical
rate-determining
steps:
hydrogenation
of
the
*NO
and
*NOH
intermediates.
composite
Ni
Cu
has
been
demonstrated
exhibit
synergistic
catalytic
effects;
however,
research
on
combination
CuO
remains
limited.
Herein,
advanced
Ni-doped
copper
oxide
catalyst
with
a
hollow
square
morphology
(Ni–CuO)
reported
Faradaic
efficiency
95.26%
at
−0.8
V
vs
RHE
high
yield
rate
0.94
mmol
h–1
cm–2,
demonstrating
selectivity
stability.
Complementary
analyses
that
active
hydrogen
generated
sites
facilitates
*NOx
adsorbed
sites.
Theoretical
computations
further
confirm
thermodynamic
viability
this
bimetallic
mechanism.
Furthermore,
Al–NO3–
battery
open-circuit
voltage
was
constructed
by
using
Ni–CuO
cathode.
This
work
presents
synergistically
modulated
for
complex
processes
introduces
highly
efficient
capable
simultaneous
NH3
synthesis
electrical
energy
conversion,
underscoring
its
potential
in
catalysis
development
chemical
industries.
Small,
Journal Year:
2023,
Volume and Issue:
19(41)
Published: June 9, 2023
Excessive
accumulation
of
nitrate
in
the
environment
will
affect
human
health.
To
combat
pollution,
chemical,
biological,
and
physical
technologies
have
been
developed
recently.
The
researcher
favors
electrocatalytic
reduction
reaction
(NO3
RR)
because
low
post-treatment
cost
simple
treatment
conditions.
Single-atom
catalysts
(SACs)
offer
great
activity,
exceptional
selectivity,
enhanced
stability
field
NO3
RR
their
high
atomic
usage
distinctive
structural
characteristics.
Recently,
efficient
transition
metal-based
SACs
(TM-SACs)
emerged
as
promising
candidates
for
RR.
However,
real
active
sites
TM-SACs
applied
to
key
factors
controlling
catalytic
performance
process
remain
ambiguous.
Further
understanding
mechanism
is
practical
significance
exploring
design
stable
SACs.
In
this
review,
from
experimental
theoretical
studies,
mechanism,
rate-determining
steps,
essential
variables
affecting
activity
selectivity
are
examined.
terms
RR,
characterization,
synthesis
then
discussed.
order
promote
comprehend
on
TM-SACs,
finally
highlighted,
together
with
current
problems,
remedies,
way
forward.