Electrosynthesis of lactic acid on copper and lead cathodes in aqueous media

The present study concerns the electrochemical reduction of pyruvic acid in different aqueous media on lead and copper electrodes. Some parameters such as electrode material, nature of the electrolyte, reduction potential and concentration of the organic substrate were systematically studied. The cathodic behavior of pyruvic acid was studied by cyclic voltammetry and suitable conditions were found in order to optimize the conversion of pyruvic acid during prolonged electrolyses. The results obtained showed that the pH of the solution (pH 10), the electrode material (Pb) and potential of electrode (−2.0 V (MSE)) allowed to enhance the selectivity of lactic acid which reached 90% with a conversion yield of 92%.