Alloy Catalysts for Electrochemical Nitrate Reduction to Ammonia

Abstract

Electrochemical nitrate reduction reaction (NO₃⁻RR) represents a promising ammonia (NH₃) production approach and has garnered significant attention in recent years. Owing to the highly tunable electronic structures and physicochemical properties, alloy materials have emerged as highly efficient catalysts for electrochemical NO₃⁻RR. This review systematically examines the recent advancements in alloy catalysts including binary alloys and multi-metal alloys for electrochemical NO₃⁻RR, comprehensively analyzing their structure, catalytic activity, and the mechanisms for NO₃⁻RR. In addition, the relationship between alloy catalysts′ composition, active sites, and catalytic activity are described, aiming to elucidate the underlying principles for high catalytic activity and guide the rational design of future alloy catalysts. Finally, this review addresses the challenges of alloy catalysts and proposes directions for future research and development.