Electrochemical Synthesis of Hydroxylamine

Abstract

Hydroxylamine (NH₂OH) serves as an important industrial feedstock. The conventional production and transportation of NH₂OH requires harsh conditions. Recently, electrochemical hydrogenation of nitrogen-containing oxidative species, such as nitrate, nitrite, and nitric oxide (NO₃⁻/NO₂⁻/NO), into NH₂OH has been developed as a sustainable strategy. However, the over-hydrogenation product of ammonia is preferentially obtained under electroreduction condition. Thus, the rational design of catalysts structure is crucial to selective electrosynthesis of NH₂OH. In this minireview, we summarize recent advances in electrochemical synthesis of NH₂OH with emphasis on the design of catalysts structure. Electrochemical synthesis strategy we discussed is categorized by the existence form of product, including indirect electrosynthesis and direct electrosynthesis. Finally, the techno–economic analysis (TEA) of electrochemical NH₂OH production and outlook of performance improvement strategies are carried out to further guide the optimization of reaction system.