The electroreduction nitrate reduction (NO3-RR) provides an environmentally friendly alternative to the traditional Haber-Bosch technology for ammonia (NH3) production. Herein, cupric oxide (CuO) nanobelts (NBs) were synthesized by a simple one-pot method and applied as NO3-RR electrocatalysts. Due to the nanobelt-like structure and large specific surface area, the CuO NBs electrocatalysts exhibited excellent NO3-RR performance. The electrocatalyst experienced in-situ reconstruction and its phase partly changed from CuO to Cu/Cu2O in the process of NO3-RR. The formed Cu/Cu2O/CuO mixed valence state promoted its catalytic activity for NO3-RR. At -0.7 V potential, the Faradaic efficiency and NH3 yield could reach 94% and 28.76 mg·h-1·mgcat-1, respectively, along with excellent durability for 10 h.

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