Searching bioalcohols for more sustainable fuel cells: On the electrochemical oxidation of a glycerol platform molecule on gold

In this work, the electrochemical oxidation of a bio-based platform molecule derived from glycerol, namely glycidol, was investigated on gold electrodes and compared to the electrooxidation of glycerol, since both are C 3 -based alcohols derived from the same renewable biomass source. Cyclic voltammetry, chronoamperometry, and in situ Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) experiments were performed in alkaline and acidic media at room temperature to analyze reaction mechanisms and products formation. Both glycerol and glycidol exhibited high reactivity in alkaline conditions. Nevertheless, glycerol oxidation on gold electrodes showed higher activity than glycidol, which can be attributed to the highly stable cyclic structure of glycidol and differences in the acidity of their alcohol groups. FTIR analysis and in situ infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy of glycidol electrooxidation revealed the formation of various carboxylate anions and also carbonate, indicating that in some cases the complete cleavage of the C C bond has taken place. These findings provide valuable insights into the electrochemical behavior of glycerol-derived molecules on gold, contributing to the development of more sustainable bio-based fuels. • This work provides insights into evaluating sustainable fuels from renewable sources. • Glycerol and glycidol exhibit high oxidation activity on gold electrodes in alkaline media. • Higher electrooxidation activity is displayed by glycerol than glycidol on gold electrodes. • In situ-FTIR analysis reveals formation of carboxylates and carbonate during glycidol oxidation.