This concept highlights the recent advances in PEC selective glycerol oxidation for the preparation of multiple high value-added products, and discuss the reaction mechanism and selective production strategies in detail.

Abstract

The catalytic oxidation of glycerol, a surplus byproduct of biodiesel, has received increasing attention due to the popular applications of its oxidation products, such as aldehydes, ketones, and carboxylates. Photoelectrochemical (PEC) methods provide a clean and sustainable pathway for glycerol oxidation and upgrading. However, selective oxidation of glycerol is a challenge due to its complex oxidation path, where the cleavage of C−O or C−C bonds at different positions can lead to a variety of products. This concept aims to describe the recent advances in PEC selective glycerol oxidation for the preparation of multiple high value-added products, and discuss the reaction mechanism and selective production strategies in detail. Finally, the remaining challenges and future prospects for the PEC glycerol oxidation system are presented.