The electro-oxidation of isotopically labeled glycerol on platinum: New information on C–C bond cleavage and CO 2 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 ( 13CH 2OH– 12CHOH– 13CH 2OH) we demonstrate the co-existence of 13CO 2 and 12CO 2 as products of electro-oxidation. Results indicate that glycerol completely dissociates on Pt surfaces and that both groups contribute to the production of CO 2. Moreover, terminal 13CH 2OH groups are easier to electro-oxidize than the central group, which is interpreted in terms of a more favorable position of – 13CH 2OH groups to react with Pt–OH ad species.