Electrooxidation of Glycerin by Potential Sweep Technique and Controlled Potential Electrolysis

In this study, potential sweep technique and controlled potential electrolysis were used to analyze the electrochemical oxidation of glycerin in a three electrode system using platinum as a working electrode. Electrochemical experiments were performed at different concentrations of glycerin and manganese dioxide (0.015-0.124 M) to analyze the reaction order of reactant and oxidant. Voltammograms were studied at different positive and negative potential limits (-1.5 to 1.5 V vs Ag/AgCl), sweep rates (0.01 to 0.08 V/s) and temperatures (27 to 60 degrees C). The influence of each parameter on the voltammogram shape is discussed. Prolonged electrolysis at controlled potential yield glyceraldehyde, glyceric acid and glycolid acid as the main products.