Photoelectrocatalytic highly selective oxidation of glycerol to C3 products on Mo:BiVO4/NiOOH photoanodes

The extensive adoption of biomass diesel has resulted in a notable increase in glycerol production as a by-product, thereby underscoring the significance of glycerol oxidation into high-value derivatives. This research focuses on the development of NiOOH-modified Molybdenum-doped Bismuth vanadate (Mo:BiVO 4 /NiOOH) photoanodes for the purpose of glycerol oxidation. The results indicate that the Mo:BiVO 4 /NiOOH configuration markedly improves the efficiency of electron-hole separation. Through adsorption and desorption experiments, it was observed that the Mo:BiVO 4 /NiOOH photoanode demonstrates a low affinity for glyceraldehyde (GLAD) and 1,3-dihydroxyacetone (DHA), thereby facilitating their desorption from the surface. Mechanistic studies revealed that the surface of the Mo:BiVO 4 /NiOOH photoanode generates carbon and hydroxyl radicals via holes. The hydroxyl group subsequently oxidizes the carbon radical, leading to the formation of GLAD and DHA. In this study, the synergistic effect of NiOOH loading and Mo doping on BiVO 4 was analyzed, and a photoanode with high selectivity in the glycerol conversion process was prepared, which provided important support for the progress of photoelectrocatalytic glycerol conversion. • The synergistic effects of Mo doping and NiOOH loading, which significantly enhance electron-hole separation efficiency. • Mo doping promotes rapid hole transport to the BiVO 4 surface and facilitates the formation of NiOOH on the surface. • Mo:BiVO 4 /NiOOH has strong adsorption to glycerol and strong desorption to GLAD and DHA.