The effect of cathode materials on the electrochemical reduction of nitric acid

Electrochemical or chemical reduction of nitric acid is a well studied area in literature due to the importance of the products formed. The present work focuses on the effect of conventional cathode materials including PbO₂, amalgamated Cu, graphite, Pb, Pt and a modified electrode material Ti/TiO₂ on the reduction of nitric acid. Ammonia and hydroxylamine are the main products which are estimated by conventional titration methods. Other conditions being similar, the product distribution varies quite drastically as a function of the electrode material and Ti/TiO₂ is found to favor a higher ratio of hydroxylamine to ammonia formation compared to other electrodes. The conditions have also been optimized based on the maximum yield of the product.