Palladium-based nanocatalysts for NH3 synthesis through nitrate electroreduction: nanocomposites, alloys, and atomically precise nanoclusters

Abstract

The electrochemical nitrate reduction reaction (NO₃RR) to produce NH₃ has become a sustainable route for contaminant removal and producing value-added chemical and/or green energy carriers simultaneously. Pd-based nanocatalysts have been attracting increasing attention thanks to their high activity, excellent stability, and potential practical applications. This review first introduces the fundamentals of the NO₃RR and explains the unique advantages of using Pd-based nanocatalysts for the NO₃RR. Then, it summarizes the recent progress regarding nitrate electroreduction catalyzed by Pd-based nanocatalysts, including Pd nanomaterials, Pd-based composites, Pd alloys, and atomically precise Pd-based nanoclusters. Finally, the major challenges and future perspectives are proposed.