A Perspective on Cu‐Based Electrocatalysts for Nitrate Reduction for Ammonia Synthesis

Abstract

Compared to the Haber–Bosch (H–B) process for ammonia synthesis with massive emission of greenhouse CO2 and necessary harsh reaction conditions, the electrocatalytic NO3− reduction (NO3RR) for ammonia synthesis under ambient temperature and pressure driven by renewable electricity has attracted great attention. NO3RR is also a promising route to construct nitrogen cycles utilizing NOx produced from industrial and agricultural operations. Cu‐based catalyst is one of the most promising platforms for this reaction. This perspective shows the latest understanding and research advances on the NO3RR by Cu‐based electrocatalysts. Through a deep analysis on the rate‐limiting step of NO3RR, the strategies of overcoming the deactivation and enhancing the performance of Cu‐based catalysts are discussed. The great significance of synergistic NOx and H activation in promoting the key kinetic step of electrocatalytic NO3RR by single‐atom, oxide, bimetallic of Cu on the catalytic reaction site construction with tunable adsorption of N‐containing intermediate and active H is stressed. Also, future challenges and perspectives toward coupling reaction of nitrate reduction catalyzed by Cu‐based catalysts are proposed. This perspective can move forward the future research on electrocatalytic NO3RR to ammonia synthesis over advanced Cu‐based electrocatalysts.