FURI | Spring 2025

Optimizing Bimetallic Cu/Ag Electrocatalyst for the Selective and Rapid Conversion of Nitrate Pollution into Ammonia

Nitrate is one of the most common drinking water pollutants in the United States due to the overapplication of fertilizer. The electrochemical reduction of nitrate (ERN) is a promising technology for treating nitrate-polluted water by selectively transforming nitrate into ammonia to enable resource recovery. Utilizing a Cu/Ag bimetallic electrocatalyst, we can achieve 95% nitrate conversion with 95% selectivity toward ammonia formation under environmentally relevant conditions. These performance metrics were achieved through a modular, chemical-free, and economically feasible resource recovery system.