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Updated: Oct 29, 2025
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Electrochemically and Bioelectrochemically Induced Ammonium Recovery
Published on: January 22, 2015
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Electrochemically Selective Ammonia Extraction from Nitrate by Coupling Electron- and Phase-Transfer Reactions at a
Jianan Gao1,2, Ning Shi1, Xiaobin Guo1
1School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Qingdao University of Technology, Qingdao 266033, P. R. China.
Environmental Science & Technology
|July 14, 2021
Summary
This study presents an electrochemical method for converting nitrate to ammonia, simultaneously recovering ammonia from wastewater. The novel system efficiently removes nitrate and extracts ammonia, offering a sustainable solution for wastewater treatment and ammonia recovery.
Area of Science:
- Electrochemistry
- Environmental Science
- Catalysis
Background:
- The Haber-Bosch process is energy-intensive.
- Electrochemical nitrate reduction to ammonia is a promising alternative.
- Simultaneous ammonia separation and recovery from wastewater remain challenging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an electrochemical system for simultaneous nitrate reduction to ammonia and ammonia recovery from wastewater.
- To overcome the limitations of existing electrochemical systems in ammonia separation and recovery.
Main Methods:
- Design of electrochemical three-phase interfaces using a CoP cathode and a flat-sheet gas membrane.
- Utilizing the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) as a driving force for ammonia separation.
- Employing gas stripping and membrane separation for ammonia recovery.
Main Results:
- Achieved partial current density for ammonia yield of 37.3 mA cm-2.
- Reached an ammonia recovery rate of 306 g NH3-N m-2 day-1.
- Demonstrated 100% nitrate removal and 99.7% ammonia extraction.
Conclusions:
- The developed electrochemical system enables efficient nitrate reduction to ammonia and simultaneous ammonia recovery from wastewater.
- Ammonia separation via HER and membrane technology enhances the overall process efficiency.
- This approach offers a sustainable strategy for addressing energy and environmental issues through ammonia recovery.
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