Strategies and Advances in Interfacial Engineering for Electrochemical Nitrate Reduction to Ammonia Catalysts

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.

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Publication Details

Journal
Advanced Sustainable Systems
Published
2026-02-01
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1002/adsu.202501234
Primary Topic
Ammonia Synthesis and Nitrogen Reduction
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00

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article

Strategies and Advances in Interfacial Engineering for Electrochemical Nitrate Reduction to Ammonia Catalysts

Haoran Jin, Cui Lai, Peiyuan Zheng, Mingming Zhang
Advanced Sustainable Systems
Ammonia Synthesis and Nitrogen Reduction
article

Strategies and Advances in Interfacial Engineering for Electrochemical Nitrate Reduction to Ammonia Catalysts

Haoran Jin, Cui Lai, Peiyuan Zheng, Mingming Zhang
article en

Abstract

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.

Advanced Sustainable SystemsVol. 10(2)
Hunan University (CN), University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (CN)
National Natural Science Foundation of China, China Postdoctoral Science Foundation, Centre Scientifique et Technique du Bâtiment
Responsible consumption and production
Openalex Percentile: Top 68%
Ammonia Synthesis and Nitrogen Reduction
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