Bismuth as a modifier of Au-Pd catalyst: Enhancing selectivity in alcohol oxidation by suppressing parallel reaction

► AuPd on carbon catalyst has been deeply modified by the addition of Bi. ► Bi has a detrimental effect on the activity of AuPd/AC catalyst in alcohol oxidation. ► Bi on AuPd suppresses parallel reaction thus enhancing desired selectivity. ► AuPd/AC modified by Bi has been used for producing tartronic acid directly from glycerol.