Qingshuang Xu, Libin Zeng*
Chin. J. Struct. Chem., 2026, 45(2), 100799. DOI: 10.1016/j.cjsc.2025.100799
February 1, 2026
ABSTRACT
Collectively,
these directions establish a coherent roadmap linking mechanistic understanding
with advancement and system-scale feasibility. Positioning ERNH alongside N2 and NO electroreduction highlights its distinct advantage: it couples nitrate
remediation with the sustainable production of nitrogen-based chemicals under
comparatively accessible energetic and mechanistic conditions. By uniting
interfacial microenvironment control, cascade catalysis, and integrated reactor
engineering, ERNH can progress beyond proof-of-concept demonstrations toward
deployment in nitrate remediation and value-added nitrogen chemical
manufacturing. Realizing this vision would not only provide a safer and
sustainable route to nylon and pharmaceutical precursors, but would also
position electro-synthetic NH2OH as a strategic pillar in circular
nitrogen management and global carbon-neutral chemical production.