Recent advances in 2D structured materials with defect-exploiting design strategies for electrocatalysis of nitrate to ammonia

Ammonia has been used in a wide variety of applications, and with the recent interest in hydrogen energy as a green energy source, ammonia, with its three hydrogen atoms, is emerging as a cost-effective, high-density hydrogen carrier. Currently, ammonia is produced by the Haber-Bosch method at high temperatures and pressure, which is energy-intensive and emits large amounts of carbon dioxide. As a viable alternative, the electrochemical conversion of nitrate to ammonia has emerged as an efficient and eco-friendly synthesis method. To encourage further exploration in this field, this review offers insights into utilizing two-dimensional materials as electrochemical catalysts, focusing on designs that exploit defects for nitrate reduction to ammonia.