Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 16, 2026

Self-standing Electrochemical Set-up to Enrich Anode-respiring Bacteria On-site
Published on: July 24, 2018
Pulsed Electrocatalysis: A Novel Paradigm of Nitrate Reduction
Hao Liang1, Wei Meng1, Shuhan Qin1
1State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Engineering, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China.
Abstract:
Electrocatalytic nitrate (NO3 -) reduction reaction (eNO3RR) offers a promising route for NO3 - pollution control and nitrogen resource recovery. However, under conventional potentiostatic electrolysis, limited product selectivity and catalyst deactivation still hinder its practical application. Pulsed electrolysis provides a new strategy to dynamically regulate the complex interfacial reaction processes in eNO3RR. Nevertheless, its effectiveness strongly depends on rational parameter design, as inappropriate pulse settings may increase energy consumption and induce undesired catalyst structural evolution. More importantly, the relationship between pulse parameters and interfacial reaction mechanisms remains unclear. Thereby, current parameter optimization lacks generalizable design principles. In this review, we summarize recent advances in pulsed electrolysis for eNO3RR, focusing on its mechanistic roles in dynamic catalyst reconstruction, interfacial microenvironment regulation, and reaction pathway modulation. We then outline design considerations for key pulse parameters and analyze their effects on catalyst stability, mass transport, Faradaic efficiency, and product selectivity. We further discuss the potential of pulsed strategies for value-added C─N coupling transformations. Finally, we examine the key challenges facing pulsed eNO3RR in energy efficiency, stability, and practical scale-up. This review aims to provide mechanistic insights and design guidance for pulsed eNO3RR systems and to support their transition from laboratory studies toward sustainable practical applications.
Related Concept Videos
Voltaic/Galvanic Cells
Spontaneous redox reactions occur abundantly in nature. The chemical reaction occurring in a disposable AA battery powering our remote controls is one such example of a spontaneous redox reaction. Another example is the immersion of coiled copper wire into an aqueous silver nitrate solution. The reaction shows a gradual, visually impressive color change from colorless to bright blue and the formation of a grey precipitate on the copper wire. In this experiment,...
Electrochemical Cells
Processes at Electrodes
Thermal and Photochemical Electrocyclic Reactions: Overview
Electrodeposition
Electrodeposition can...
Oxidation and Reduction of Organic Molecules
The removal of an electron from a molecule, results in a...
