Recent Advances in Electrocatalytic Nitrate Reduction to Ammonia

Electrocatalytic nitrate reduction reaction (NO₃ ^-RR) offers a sustainable and energy-efficient alternative for green ammonia synthesis, with the added benefit of environmental remediation and resource recovery. In recent years, it has attracted significant attention. However, the challenges of achieving high selectivity and maintaining catalyst stability have substantially restricted its practical applications. To address these issues, researchers have proposed a variety of catalytic regulation strategies aimed at enhancing catalyst activity and product selectivity. This review systematically summarizes recent advances in catalyst design for NO₃ ^-RR from the perspectives of composition regulation, structural engineering, and support strategies. We highlight the underlying mechanisms and performance features of each strategy, emphasizing their roles in modulating electronic structure, constructing efficient active sites, and optimizing interfacial environments. In addition, we discuss the potential of integrating multiple strategies and deepening the understanding of structure-activity relationships. Finally, we outline future directions and key challenges for developing efficient, stable, and scalable NO₃ ^-RR catalytic systems, offering insights to guide continued progress in this emerging field.