Selective electrocatalytic oxidation of glycerol to high-value C1–C3 products: From chemistry to scalability

Glycerol is an underutilized waste product of the biofuel industry, and significant research efforts have been devoted to its utilization as a non-toxic, inexpensive, and renewable feedstock for value-added chemicals. Specifically, the potential of converting glycerol into high-value chemicals, such as dihydroxyacetone (DHA), formic acid (FA), glycolic acid (GCA), and lactic acid (LA), with economic values 100–1000 times higher than that of glycerol, is being increasingly recognized. Electrocatalytic oxidation represents a green technology for this conversion under milder conditions compared with conventional catalytic oxidation. However, the generation of unwanted byproducts remains a critical challenge in electrocatalytic glycerol oxidation (EGO). This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent advances in EGO for producing DHA, FA, GCA, and LA, focusing on the catalytic performance of various electrocatalysts, as well as reaction intermediates and mechanisms. Additionally, methods to separate DHA, FA, GCA, and LA from the product stream are discussed, as they directly influence the economic feasibility of EGO-based chemical production. The economic potential of EGO and future research avenues to enhance its application for the efficient production of DHA, FA, GCA, and LA are highlighted. • Electrocatalytic glycerol oxidation (EGO) makes C 1–3 chemicals from underutilized biofuel waste. • Comprehensive survey for EGO for high-value C 1–3 chemicals is made. • Electrocatalyst performance and reaction intermediates and mechanisms are particularly considered. • Separation of C 1–3 chemicals from product stream is discussed, related to economic feasibility. • Economic potential & future research avenues for enhancing EGO application are highlighted.