Processes for converting nitrate to ammonia are described. Nitrate is electrochemically converted in the presence of a catalyst to form a product comprising ammonia. The catalyst comprises cobalt on a support, where the support is in the form of a foil, mesh, cloth, gauze, sponge, and combinations thereof. The catalyst may alternatively comprise a cobalt in the form of a foil, mesh, cloth, gauze, sponge, and combinations thereof.