Publication

Hits:

DOI number:10.1016/j.ccr.2026.218352

Journal:Coordination Chemistry Reviews

Abstract:Electrocatalytic nitrate reduction to ammonia (NO3RR) is a promising strategy for sustainable ammonia (NH3) production and nitrate (NO3−) remediation. However, major challenges remain in achieving high efficiency and selectivity. This review provides a focused overview of the role of rare earth (RE) elements in NO3RR, highlighting their large ionic radii, unfilled 4f orbitals, strong oxygen affinity, and diverse coordination properties. These unique properties enhance NO3− adsorption, stabilise intermediates such as nitrite (NO2−) and hydroxylamine (NH2OH), and accelerate proton-coupled electron transfer (PECT), making RE-based catalysts highly effective for NO3RR. We systematically classify RE-based catalysts into three categories: RE-based oxide catalysts, RE-doped catalysts, and RE single-atom catalysts. RE elements tune the electronic structure of catalysts, shift the d-band centre, and lower activation barriers, improving NH3 selectivity and turnover rates. Furthermore, RE elements suppress unwanted side reactions, such as hydrogen evolution and Ntriple bondN coupling, enhancing stability and scalability. We also identify remaining challenges, such as mechanistic ambiguities and catalyst durability, and propose future research directions, such as exploring less-studied RE dopants, coupling with external stimuli (e.g., magnetic fields), and integrating NO3RR with renewable-energy-driven processes. This review provides new insights into RE-engineered electrocatalysts, advancing sustainable NH3 production and green chemistry innovation.

Indexed by:Journal paper

Translation or Not:no

Date of Publication:2026-07-31

Links to published journals:https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0010854526007885