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Updated: Jun 9, 2026
09:50
Electrochemically and Bioelectrochemically Induced Ammonium Recovery
Published on: January 22, 2015
Surface engineering and local electron structure modulation to accelerate electroreduction of low-concentration
Zhifeng Gao1, Jianxing Liang2,3, Mingdi Sun1
1Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, School of Environmental and Biological Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology Nanjing 210094 Jiangsu Province PR China hwqnjust@aliyun.com.
Chemical Science
|June 8, 2026
Summary
A novel NiFe-layered double hydroxide (VO-NiFe-LDH/CF) effectively removes low-concentration nitrate via electroreduction. This material enhances nitrate adsorption and selectivity for ammonia production, outperforming traditional methods.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Electrochemistry
- Environmental Science
Background:
- Electroreduction of low-concentration nitrate is challenging due to competing hydrogen evolution and slow reaction kinetics.
- Developing efficient electrocatalysts is crucial for nitrate removal from wastewater.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel electrocatalyst for efficient nitrate electroreduction.
- To enhance nitrate removal efficiency and ammonia selectivity while suppressing hydrogen evolution.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of VO-NiFe-LDH/CF via *in situ* electrochemical intercalation of sodium dodecylbenzene sulphonate.
- Characterization using *in situ* FTIR to confirm the nitrate electroreduction pathway.
- Electrochemical performance testing for nitrate removal and ammonia selectivity.
Main Results:
- The VO-NiFe-LDH/CF catalyst exhibited 96.8% nitrate removal efficiency and 96% ammonia selectivity at 50 mg L-1 NO3--N.
- The VO-NiFe-LDH/CF showed a 2.1-fold higher nitrate removal rate compared to NiFe-LDH/CF.
- Demonstrated practicality for industrial nitrate wastewater, reducing total nitrogen from 114.7 mg L-1 to 7 mg L-1.
- The catalyst displayed excellent stability and anti-interference performance.
Conclusions:
- VO-NiFe-LDH/CF effectively electrocatalyzes nitrate reduction, offering a promising solution for nitrate-contaminated water.
- The catalyst's design, incorporating hydrophobicity and oxygen vacancies, optimizes adsorption and reaction kinetics.
- This material shows significant potential for practical applications in industrial wastewater treatment.
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