Copper-based electro-catalytic nitrate reduction to ammonia from water: Mechanism, preparation, and research directions
Jinshan Wei, Yi Li, Yi Li, Hexing Lin, Xihui Lu, Chucheng Zhou, Yayun Li, Yayun Li
Abstract
Global water bodies are increasingly imperiled by nitrate pollution, primarily originating from industrial waste, agricultural runoffs, and urban sewage. This escalating environmental crisis challenges traditional water treatment paradigms and necessitates innovative solutions. Electro-catalysis, especially utilizing copper-based catalysts, known for their efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and eco-friendliness, offer a promising avenue for the electro-catalytic reduction of nitrate to ammonia. In this review, we systematically consolidate current research on diverse copper-based catalysts, including pure Cu, Cu alloys, oxides, single-atom entities, and composites. Furthermore, we assess their catalytic performance, operational mechanisms, and future research directions to find effective, long-term solutions to water purification and ammonia synthesis. Electro-catalysis plays a crucial role in mitigating nitrate pollution and has strategic importance in sustainable environmental management.