Selective electro-oxidation of glycerol to tartronate or mesoxalate on Au nanoparticle catalyst via electrode potential tuning in anion-exchange membrane electro-catalytic flow reactor

- Au/C catalysts with a small diameter of 3.5 nm were synthesized.
- Glycerols were selectively electro-oxidized to tartronate and mesoxalate.
- High selectivity to tartronate or mesoxalate was tuned by anode potential.
- 78% tartronate selectivity (at 35% glycerol conversion) was achieved at 0.4 V.
- 55% mesoxalate selectivity (at 78% glycerol conversion) was achieved at 0.65 V.