A Perspective on Cu‐Based Electrocatalysts for Nitrate Reduction for Ammonia Synthesis
Mian Wei, Sijun Li, Xunlu Wang, Guifu Zuo, Hua Wang, Xianguang Meng, Jiacheng Wang
Abstract
Compared to the Haber–Bosch (H–B) process for ammonia synthesis with massive emission of greenhouse CO 2 and necessary harsh reaction conditions, the electrocatalytic NO 3 − reduction (NO 3 RR) for ammonia synthesis under ambient temperature and pressure driven by renewable electricity has attracted great attention. NO 3 RR is also a promising route to construct nitrogen cycles utilizing NO x produced from industrial and agricultural operations. Cu‐based catalyst is one of the most promising platforms for this reaction. This perspective shows the latest understanding and research advances on the NO 3 RR by Cu‐based electrocatalysts. Through a deep analysis on the rate‐limiting step of NO 3 RR, the strategies of overcoming the deactivation and enhancing the performance of Cu‐based catalysts are discussed. The great significance of synergistic NO x and H activation in promoting the key kinetic step of electrocatalytic NO 3 RR by single‐atom, oxide, bimetallic of Cu on the catalytic reaction site construction with tunable adsorption of N‐containing intermediate and active H is stressed. Also, future challenges and perspectives toward coupling reaction of nitrate reduction catalyzed by Cu‐based catalysts are proposed. This perspective can move forward the future research on electrocatalytic NO 3 RR to ammonia synthesis over advanced Cu‐based electrocatalysts.