Electrochemical Pathways for Nitrate Conversion to Ammonia: From Environmental Challenges to Ammonia Economy

ABSTRACT Nitrate pollutants in water systems pose significant health risks and contribute to eutrophication. The electrochemical nitrate reduction reactions (eNO 3 RR) is a promising approach to address nitrate pollutants while generating wealth‐adding products. In this review, we explore the potential for applying eNO 3 RRs to reduce nitrate levels in real wastewater. First, we identify the importance of reducing nitrate concentrations in water. Next, we discuss the advances of electrocatalysts for eNO 3 RR based on the reaction mechanisms, highlighting the adoption of various catalytic systems in low‐concentration wastewaters, providing new insights for applying eNO 3 RR in real pollutant systems. We also discuss the key challenges and technologies related to the development of scaling up eNO 3 RR devices and ammonia collection materials. Finally, we outline future research perspectives essential for realizing sustainable, high‐performance, and cost‐effective electrochemical nitrate removal and the generation of wealth‐adding products. This review provides insights into catalyst design for nitrate reduction and strategies for converting nitrate pollutants to wealth‐adding products.