Rational regulation of Cu species in N-doped carbon-hosted Cu-based single-atom electrocatalysts for the conversion of nitrate to ammonia

Nitrate (NO3-) pollution in the ecological environment cause a substantial threat to ecosystem equilibrium and human health. The electrocatalytic nitrate reduction reaction (NO3RR) emerges as an efficacious method for addressing NO(3)(-)pollution. Single-atom catalysts (SACs) exhibit prominent activity, selectivity, and stability, attributed to their efficient atomic utilization, adaptable coordination environment, and precisely defined active sites. Notably, N-doped carbon-based Cu single-atom catalysts (Cu SACs) have evolved into prospective materials for advancing electrocatalytic NO3RR. However, a discernible scholarly gap exists, particularly the absence of a comprehensive review on carbon materials-based Cu SACs dedicated to electrocatalytic NO3RR. In this review article, we introduced the milestones of development of Cu SACs for electrocatalytic NO3RR. Key aspects including the development of Cu SACs, the electrocatalytic mechanism of NO3RR to NH3 and advanced characterizations are summarized. The discussion extends to the applications of Cu SACs for electrocatalytic NO3RR to ammonia (NH3) production. In conclusion, the review articulates the challenges and future perspectives intertwined with Cu SACs, aiming to contribute advanced insights to the intricate realm of designing SACs.