Advancements in Single Atom Catalysts for Electrocatalytic Nitrate Reduction Reaction

Due to the urgent demand for nitrate wastewater treatment, the quest for an efficient and environmentally friendly treatment method has emerged as a new research focus. The utilization of single-atom catalysts (SACs) in electrocatalytic nitrate reduction reaction (NO3RR) for ammonia production is presently recognized as an effective strategy to address pollution issues and obtain high value-added products. In this review, we summarized the recent research advancements in NO3RR based on SACs. This review includes a comprehensive analysis of the identification and structural determination techniques for SACs, as well as the mechanism of NO3RR over SACs. Furthermore, this review investigates the impact of regulating single atom structures on NO3RR, providing valuable insights for enhancing reaction efficiency. It explores the application of in-situ technology in real-time monitoring and control of NO3RR. Finally, perspectives and challenges regarding the application of SACs in NO3RR are presented. Overall, this extensive review offers valuable insights for researchers and industry professionals in the field of nitrate reduction and environmental catalysis. This review analyzes strategies for enhancing electrocatalytic nitrate reduction reaction performance from the central structure of single-atom catalysts and explores the mechanisms of nitrate reduction reaction based on in-situ characterization techniques. image