Strategies and Advances in Interfacial Engineering for Electrochemical Nitrate Reduction to Ammonia Catalysts
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Electrochemical conversion of nitrate into ammonia represents a sustainable strategy for mitigating nitrogen‐related environmental burdens while enabling green ammonia production. Electrochemical nitrate reduction to ammonia (eNitRR) involves a sequence of electron transfer steps and reaction intermediates that are difficult to stabilize and control under ambient conditions. This review focuses on recent progress in interfacial engineering approaches that enhance the catalytic activity, improve product selectivity, and maintain structural and operational stability throughout the reaction process. Four main ideas are summarized: i) designing active sites from single atoms to larger structures; ii) adjusting the electronic structure by changing coordination and d‐band properties; iii) controlling surface atoms and crystal faces to guide reaction phases; iv) using defects and stress to change charge movement during the reaction. It is further demonstrated how these strategies have been applied across representative material systems, including metal oxides, MOF‐based frameworks, and π‐conjugated carbon materials. These designs help improve the reaction process and the final performance. Finally, some new directions are discussed, including vacancy control, combining multiple catalysts, and using light to help the reaction, which may lead to better and scalable eNitRR systems.
Source: Advanced Sustainable Systems
Authors: Peiyuan Zheng, Haoran Jin, Mingming Zhang, Cui Lai
Institutions: Hunan University, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences
Language: English
Subfield: Catalysis
Field: Chemical Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $4,430
OpenAlex ID: W7127347732