Work

Relationships among structure, composition, and selectivity in the electrocatalytic reduction of nitrate ions

Year: 2025

Type: review

Abstract: Electrochemical nitrate reduction reaction (NO₃RR) is crucial in converting wastewater nitrate sources into value-added products under mild, low-cost conditions. Metals with highly occupied d-orbitals, such as Au, Ag, Cu, and Pt, are promising materials for high-performance electrocatalytic NO 3 - reduction due to their favorable surface electronic properties . While many metals are effective catalysts for NO₃RR, their limited ability to favor specific products often hinders practical application. This short review analyzes recent understanding of the reaction mechanisms and pathways of NO₃RR, focusing on the structural and electronic effects of the catalysts such as underpotential deposition systems and single-atom catalysts on product selectivity.

Source: Current Opinion in Electrochemistry

DOI: 10.1016/j.coelec.2025.101643

Authors: Yixiao Zhang, Qingdian Liao, Elena L. Gubanova, Aliaksandr S. Bandarenka

Institution: Technical University of Munich

Language: English

Topic: Electrocatalysts for Energy Conversion

Subfield: Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment

Field: Energy

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,630

Funder: European Commission