Electrocatalytic nitrate to ammonia conversion: from mechanistic insights to catalyst engineering for practical applications

Excessive nitrate (NO 3 – ) discharge disrupts the nitrogen cycle and threatens ecosystems and human health. Electrocatalytic nitrate reduction (NO 3 RR) to ammonia (NH 3 ) offers a sustainable route for pollution control and resource recovery. However, achieving high efficiency and selectivity remains challenging due to competing reactions and complex intermediates. This review summarizes recent advances in electrocatalytic nitrate reduction, emphasizing mechanistic insights into key intermediates, catalyst design, reaction conditions, and performance evaluation. Special attention is devoted to emerging studies of NO 3 RR in single-cell systems, demonstrating its potential for practical, real-world applications. Finally, we discuss the remaining challenges and future prospects, highlighting innovative catalyst strategies for sustainable and stable NH 3 production. This review provides a framework for the rational design of electrocatalysts and systems for NO 3 RR, driving progress in the nitrogen cycle.