The reaction mechanism of electrocatalytic nitrate to ammonia process is summarized.Through doping appropriate heteroatoms,complexing different metals,and hybridizing metal and non-metal materials,the activity of catalyst is improved,and hydrogen evolution reaction is inhibited.The synthesis methods and performance exhibition of metal-based catalysts and carbon-based catalysts in recent years are reviewed,in order to provide reference for the development of environmentally friendly catalysts with high catalytic activity for electrochemical synthesis of ammonia from nitrates.