Selective Electrochemical NO <sub>x</sub> Reduction to N <sub>2</sub> for Sustainable Ammonia Energy Systems
ABSTRACT Ammonia‐based energy systems offer a pathway toward carbon‐free energy, yet NO x emissions from ammonia combustion hinder the realization of a sustainable closed‐loop. Electrochemical NO x reduction reaction (eNO x RR) provides a promising route to convert NO x to benign N 2 under mild conditions. However, under the low NO x concentrations typical of practical exhaust streams, N 2 selectivity is limited by competing hydrogenation, hydrogen evolution, and inefficient intermediate utilization. Here, we present a mechanistic perspective on selective NO x ‐to‐N 2 conversion, highlighting that eNO x RR proceeds through *NO‐mediated pathways with N 2 O as a key intermediate, while low surface coverage restricts N–N coupling. We propose that integrating tandem catalysis with interfacial microenvironment regulation offers a unified strategy to enhance N 2 selectivity. Finally, we outline key challenges for practical implementation under gas‐phase and dilute conditions, providing design principles for efficient electrochemical denitrification. This framework has the potential to enable scalable NO x removal and support a closed‐loop ammonia energy system.
Authors
- Xianbiao Fu (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5172-3354)
- Yuehua Chen (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0006-1343-7449)
- Zeliang Wu (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9779-0982)
- Zuxin Wen
Institutions
- National University of Singapore (SG)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Advanced Materials
- Published
- 2026-07-25
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1002/adma.74253
- Primary Topic
- Ammonia Synthesis and Nitrogen Reduction
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00
Funders
- National University of Singapore