The electro-oxidation of isotopically labeled glycerol on platinum: New information on C–C bond cleavage and CO2 production

Abstract

In this work we investigate the electro-oxidation of glycerol reaction on polycrystalline platinum in acidic media. By using in situ FTIR and isotopically labeled glycerol (13CH2OH–12CHOH–13CH2OH) we demonstrate the co-existence of 13CO2 and 12CO2 as products of electro-oxidation. Results indicate that glycerol completely dissociates on Pt surfaces and that both groups contribute to the production of CO2. Moreover, terminal 13CH2OH groups are easier to electro-oxidize than the central group, which is interpreted in terms of a more favorable position of –13CH2OH groups to react with Pt–OHad species.