Restoring the Nitrogen Cycle by Electrochemical Reduction of Nitrate: Progress and Prospects. Issue 12 (29th September 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zeng, Yachao; Priest, Cameron; Wang, Guofeng; Wu, Gang
• Is Part Of: Small methods. Volume 4:Issue 12(2020)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2020-09-29
• Subjects: electrochemical kinetics -- electrochemical nitrate reduction -- electrode materials -- electrolytic cells -- nitrogen cycle; Nanotechnology -- Methodology -- Periodicals; Nanotechnology -- Periodicals; Periodicals; 620.5028
• DOI: 10.1002/smtd.202000672
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2366-9608

Abstract

Abstract: The increasing amount of anthropogenic nitrogen has resulted in alarming levels of nitrate in bodies of water and caused a cascade of damage to the environment and human health. Electrochemical nitrate reduction is an efficient strategy ancillary to biological nitrogen cycle management, which utilizes electrons as green reductants and rebalances the N2 cycle. In this review, the fundamental principles and implementation of electrochemical nitrate reduction are described to lay the foundation for the eventual large‐scale application in the remediation of nitrate‐laden wastewaters. Factors that influence the activity and selectivity of electrochemical nitrate reduction are also discussed. Moreover, electrolytic cell design and construction are discussed via a rational choice of critical components and assembly. Finally, a roadmap for the development of highly selective nitrate reduction catalysts is proposed. This review attempts to provide a practical strategy for electrochemical nitrogen cycle management and aims to stimulate future research for final implementation. Abstract : Electrochemical nitrate reduction is viewed as an efficient strategy in restoring the imbalanced nitrogen cycle, which has caused a cascade of damage to environment and human health. In this review, the fundamental principles and practical implementations of electrochemical nitrate reduction methods are summarized. A roadmap for the development of highly selective nitrate reduction catalysts is outlined.