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Updated: Aug 5, 2026

Synthesis and Performance Characterizations of Transition Metal Single Atom Catalyst for Electrochemical CO2 Reduction
Published on: April 10, 2018
Electrocatalytic nitrate reduction to ammonia: bimetallic-site catalysts, mechanistic insights, and performance
Abstract:
Electrocatalytic nitrate reduction to ammonia (eNO3RR) offers a sustainable route for simultaneous green NH3 synthesis and nitrate wastewater remediation. However, the complex eight-electron/proton-coupled process and competing side reactions (e.g., hydrogen evolution and N-N coupling) severely challenge catalyst activity, selectivity, and stability. Bimetallic active-site catalysts address these issues through electronic and geometric synergies, optimizing the adsorption of key intermediates and enabling functional division of labor across multi-step pathways. This review critically examines the design strategies, mechanistic roles, and performance optimization of bimetallic catalysts for eNO3RR. The reaction network, rate-determining step, and key branch points are first outlined. Catalyst classification into precious-metal-based (Pt, Pd, Au) and non-precious-metal-based (Cu, Fe, Co) systems is then summarized. The core focus is on the tuning mechanism and the synergistic mechanism. By integrating in situ spectroscopic techniques (DEMS, IR, and Raman) and density functional theory, the experiment-theory synergy for unraveling reaction pathways and structure-performance relationships is highlighted. Finally, challenges in catalyst stability, selectivity control, reactor design, and economic viability are discussed, along with perspectives on novel bimetallic architectures, multi-technology coupling, and industrial-scale demonstration. This review provides a theoretical foundation for the rational design of high-performance, selective eNO3RR catalysts toward practical application.
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