Lattice Expansion Triggers an N -End Adsorption Pathway for Electrocatalytic Nitrate Reduction to Ammonia

Electrocatalytic nitrate reduction offers a sustainable route for ammonia synthesis and environmental nitrate removal, yet its practical implementation is hindered by a high overpotential and sluggish reaction kinetics. Herein, we propose a rare-earth-mediated strategy using a typical Co3O4 electrocatalyst that addresses these limitations through deliberate lattice expansion and electronic restructuring. By incorporating rare-earth Gd3+ ions into the Co3O4 lattice, it induces pronounced Co–Co bond elongation (from 2.5 to 2.8 Å) and elevates the cobalt oxidation state. These structural and electronic modifications promote charge density redistribution and facilitate interfacial electron transfer. Consequently,…

• NN
  National Natural Science Foundation of China

  Awards: 22172068, 22402082
• NS
  Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province

  Awards: BK20221485, BK20241450
• FR
  Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities

  Award: 2025201006