Recent Advances in Transition Metal-Based Catalysts for Electrocatalytic Nitrate Reduction Reaction

Abstract

The accumulation of excessive nitrate in the atmosphere not only jeopardizes human health but also disrupts the balance of the nitrogen cycle in the ecosystem. Among various nitrate removal technologies, electrocatalytic nitrate reduction reaction(eNO₃RR)has been widely studied for its advantages of being eco-friendly, easy to operate, and controllable under environmental conditions with renewable energy as the driving force. Transition metal-based catalysts(TMCs)have been widely used in electrocatalysis due to their abundant reserves, low costs, easy-to-regulate electronic structure and considerable electrochemical activity. In addition, TMCs have been extensively studied in terms of the kinetics of the nitrate reduction reaction, the moderate adsorption energy of nitrogen-containing species and the active hydrogen supply capacity. Based on this, this review firstly discusses the mechanism as well as analyzes the two main reduction products(N₂ and NH₃)of eNO₃RR, and reveals the basic guidelines for the design of efficient nitrate catalysts from the perspective of the reaction mechanism. Secondly, this review mainly focuses on the recent advances in the direction of eNO₃RR with four types of TMCs, Fe, Co, Ni and Cu, and unveils the interfacial modulation strategies of Fe, Co, Ni and Cu catalysts for the activity, reaction pathway and stability. Finally, reasonable suggestions and opportunities are proposed for the challenges and future development of eNO₃RR. This review provides far-reaching implications for exploring cost-effective TMCs to replace high-cost noble metal catalysts(NMCs)for eNO₃RR.

Keywords

electrocatalysis / nitrate reduction reaction / transition metal-based catalyst(TMC) / reaction mechanism / nitrogen cycle

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Funding

National Natural Science Foundation of China(52172291)

National Natural Science Foundation of China(52122312)

“Dawn” Program of Shanghai Education Commission, China(22SG31)