Selective Production of Glycolate through Photoelectrochemical Ethylene Glycol Valorization over an Earth‐Abundant Photoanode

Photoelectrochemical (PEC) production of highly valuable chemicals, such as glycolate (GLA) from ethylene glycol (EG), remains a challenge. Here, Zr‐doped α ‐Fe 2 O 3 (Zr: α ‐Fe 2 O 3 ) is successfully synthesized via chemical bath deposition, followed by hybrid microwave heating and demonstrated as an earth‐abundant photoelectrode for selective GLA production. By tuning the EG concentration and operating potential, and using the optimized Zr: α ‐Fe 2 O 3 photoanode, a faradaic efficiency of approximately 70% for GLA production can be achieved. The PEC EG valorization routes and mechanisms over Zr: α ‐Fe 2 O 3 photoelectrode are also proposed. Finally, an integrated photovoltaic‐PEC EG valorization system is established for the cogeneration of H 2 and value‐added chemicals, achieving product formation of 429 and 142 mmol m −2 for H 2 and GLA, respectively, within 4 h of operation. This work first demonstrates that an earth‐abundant photoanode can be used for selective PEC production of GLA via EG valorization and provides different perspectives on PEC‐based organic valorization.