Precise structural regulation of copper-based electrocatalysts for sustainable nitrate reduction to ammonia

The electrocatalytic reduction of nitrate to ammonia (NRA) technology not only achieves the effective removal of nitrates in the environment but also produces value-added products-NH₃. In recent years, copper-based materials have shown tremendous application prospects in this field due to their excellent conductivity, moderate cost, and their proximity of d orbital energy levels to the LUMO π∗ molecular orbitals of nitrate. This review starts with copper-based catalysts to elucidate the reaction mechanisms of NRA and its influencing factors, while summarizing and analyzing the principles and pros and cons of various modification strategies. Then, we will explore the impact of different modification strategies on improving NRA performance and the underlying theoretical mechanisms. Finally, this review proposes the current challenges and prospects of copper-based materials, aiming to provide a reference for the further development and industrial application of copper-based catalysts.