Photoelectrochemical Selective Oxidation of Glycerol to Glyceraldehyde with Bi-Based Metal-Organic-Framework-Decorated WO3 Photoanode

The conversion of glycerol to high-value-added products via photoelectrochemical (PEC) oxidation has emerged as a promising approach for utilizing a sustainable and clean energy source with environmental and economic benefits. Moreover, the energy requirement for glycerol to produce hydrogen is lower than that for pure water splitting. In this study, we propose the use of WO3 nanostructures decorated with Bi-based metal-organic frameworks (Bi-MOFs) as the photoanode for glycerol oxidation with simultaneous hydrogen production. The WO3-based electrodes selectively converted glycerol to glyceraldehyde, a high-value-added product, with remarkable selectivity. The Bi-MOF-decorated WO3 nanorods enhanced the surface charge transfer and adsorption properties, thereby improving the photocurrent density and production rate (1.53 mA/cm(2) and 257 mmol/m(2)center dot h at 0.8 V-RHE). The photocurrent was maintained for 10 h, ensuring stable glycerol conversion. Furthermore, at 1.2 V-RHE, the average production rate of glyceraldehyde reached 420 mmol/m(2)center dot h, with a selectivity of 93.6% between beneficial oxidized products over the photoelectrode. This study provides a practical approach for the conversion of glycerol to glyceraldehyde via the selective oxidation of WO3 nanostructures and demonstrates the potential of Bi-MOFs as a promising cocatalyst for PEC biomass valorization.

Automated summary

In this study, WO3 nanostructures decorated with Bi-MOFs were used as the photoanode to oxidize glycerol and simultaneously produce hydrogen, selectively converting glycerol to the high-value-added product glyceraldehyde. The Bi-MOF-decorated WO3 nanorods enhanced surface charge transfer and adsorption properties, resulting in improved photocurrent density and production rate. This study provides a practical approach for glycerol conversion to glyceraldehyde and demonstrates the potential of Bi-MOFs as a promising cocatalyst for PEC biomass valorization.