Nitrate electroreduction: mechanism insight, in situ characterization, performance evaluation, and challenges

Abstract

In this review, we summarize the reaction mechanism, in situ characterization, theoretical simulation, and kinetics analysis. The performance evaluation parameters, standard test methods, and an outlook for nitrate electroreduction are discussed.

Strategies for designing more efficient electrocatalysts towards the urea oxidation reaction

“…187 A flow cell, which continuously tranfers the feedstock to the electrode, and removes the products from the electrode, can address the mass transport issues. 188–190 Moreover, flow cells can be easily scaled up to larger stacks, which is advantageous for the large-scale application of urea oxidation. 191 Therefore, the successful application of urea-based technologies requires multidisciplinary efforts from chemistry, materials science, environmental science, chemical engineering, etc.…”

Recent advances in electrocatalytic nitrite reduction

“…Nitrogen is a key element required by all living organisms. 1–5 The transformation of inorganic nitrogen in nature is controlled by the nitrogen cycle, 6 which is of tremendous importance due to its ability to regulate the availability of fixed nitrogen to the biota. 7 But, the excessive use of nitrogen-rich fertilizers, combustion of fossil fuels and other sources of anthropogenic nitrogen overwhelm the natural nitrogen cycle, 8–12 leading to the accumulation of nitrogen oxyanions (NO 3 − and NO 2 − ) with an adverse effect on the environment.…”

N-Doped Graphene as an Efficient Metal-Free Electrocatalyst for Indirect Nitrate Reduction Reaction

“…The electrochemical reduction of nitrate has attracted huge interest thanks to its controllable process and relatively low costs [8]. However, the sluggish kinetics of the nitrate reduction reaction (NORR) leads to an extreme demand for robust electrocatalysts [9][10][11].…”

“…However, the possible release of metal ions during operation also limits their usefulness for practical applications, especially under acidic conditions. Despite many efforts devoted to developing electrocatalysts for the NORR, few of these studies involved the NORR under strongly acidic conditions [8]. By comparison, cheap and earth-abundant metal-free electrocatalysts with high activity and good stability in acidic conditions are highly desired.…”