Recent advances in electrocatalytic upgrading of nitric oxide and beyond

Abstract

Turning the harmful NO into value-added chemicals is a promising alternative to achieve the electrocatalytic NO upgrading and maintain the global N-balance. However, the reaction mechanisms and electrochemical performances and are still needed to be further investigated. Herein, the development of electrochemical NO reduction and oxidation reaction (NORR and NOOR) were respectively summarized. In the NORR part, we summarized the electrocatalytic reaction systems, including directly NORR (NO to NH3/NH2OH) and the C-N coupling reactions with COx for urea, and organic molecules for amino acid, oxime. The reaction mechanisms and design principles of electrocatalysts for different reaction systems were reviewed, combining theoretical calculations and advanced characterization techniques. The NO reaction is also a potential approach to replace others cathodic reduction. Finally, the challenges and outlooks in this fields have been proposed. The electrocatalytic NO reaction not only realizes the efficient green utilization, but also provides guidance for nitrogen economy.