Received: 1 January 2024 | Revised: 24 January 2024 | Accepted: 30 January 2024 | Ziyang Wu, Yanhui Song, Haocheng Guo, Fengting Xie, Yuting Cong, Min Kuang, Jianping Yang
The electrochemical nitrate reduction reaction (NO₃RR) is a promising method for eco-friendly nitrate removal, but achieving high selectivity and efficiency remains a significant challenge. Tandem catalysts, which consist of multiple catalytic components working synergistically, offer a promising solution to enhance the efficiency and selectivity of NO₃RR. This review highlights recent advancements in designing tandem catalysts for electrochemical NO₃RR, including noble metal-related systems, transition metal electrocatalysts, and pulsed electrocatalysis strategies. The optimization of active sites, interface engineering, synergistic effects between catalyst components, various in situ technologies, and theoretical simulations are discussed in detail. Challenges and opportunities in scaling up electrochemical NO₃RR, such as stability, durability, and reaction mechanisms, are also addressed. By outlining possible solutions for future tandem catalyst design, this review aims to open avenues for efficient nitrate reduction and provide comprehensive insights into the mechanisms for energy sustainability and environmental safety.The electrochemical nitrate reduction reaction (NO₃RR) is a promising method for eco-friendly nitrate removal, but achieving high selectivity and efficiency remains a significant challenge. Tandem catalysts, which consist of multiple catalytic components working synergistically, offer a promising solution to enhance the efficiency and selectivity of NO₃RR. This review highlights recent advancements in designing tandem catalysts for electrochemical NO₃RR, including noble metal-related systems, transition metal electrocatalysts, and pulsed electrocatalysis strategies. The optimization of active sites, interface engineering, synergistic effects between catalyst components, various in situ technologies, and theoretical simulations are discussed in detail. Challenges and opportunities in scaling up electrochemical NO₃RR, such as stability, durability, and reaction mechanisms, are also addressed. By outlining possible solutions for future tandem catalyst design, this review aims to open avenues for efficient nitrate reduction and provide comprehensive insights into the mechanisms for energy sustainability and environmental safety.