Influence of Cation on Nitrate-to-Ammonia Synthesis over NiO:SnO2: Insights from Differential Electrochemical Mass Spectrometry

Abstract

The electrochemical conversion of nitrate to ammonia is crucial for nitrogen upcycling. This study investigates the effect of electrolyte cations (K+, Na+, Li+) on nitrate electroreduction using NiO:SnO₂ nanofibers. Among other products, in-situ differential electrochemical mass spectrometry (DEMS) confirms that NH3 formation strongly depends on cation identity, inducing a shift in product selectivity from NH3 to H2. These results highlight the importance of cation-mediated pathways in aqueous systems and provide insight into ammonia synthesis.