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Oxygen Vacancy Engineering in Layered Double Hydroxides Modulates Cascade Conversion of Glycerol to Lactic Acid
Yang Liu1, Huishan Shang2, Bing Zhang2
1State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, P. R. China.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
|June 24, 2025
Summary
Researchers developed a novel photoelectrochemical method using engineered BiVO4 electrodes to selectively convert glycerol into lactic acid. This process avoids alkali and multiple reaction steps, offering an efficient and environmentally friendly pathway.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Catalysis
- Electrochemistry
Background:
- Selective conversion of glycerol to lactic acid is economically and environmentally significant but challenging due to complex reaction pathways.
- Existing methods often involve multiple steps and can lead to undesired C-C cleavage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To achieve selective, alkali-free conversion of glycerol to lactic acid using a photoelectrochemical approach.
- To engineer oxygen vacancies in layered double hydroxide (LDH) modified BiVO4 photoelectrodes for enhanced catalytic activity.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of LDH-modified BiVO4 photoelectrodes with engineered oxygen vacancies.
- Utilized operando Raman spectroscopy and in situ Fourier-transform infrared adsorption spectroscopy to monitor reaction intermediates.
- Employed theoretical calculations and time-resolved infrared spectra to elucidate reaction mechanisms.
Main Results:
- Achieved high selectivity for glycerol to lactic acid conversion in a neutral electrolyte.
- Identified photoinduced Co2+-OH dynamic evolution leading to 1,3-dihydroxyacetone intermediate.
- Demonstrated that oxygen vacancies facilitate the dehydration and isomerization steps by lowering energy barriers.
Conclusions:
- Oxygen vacancy engineering in LDH-modified BiVO4 enables efficient cascade conversion of glycerol to lactic acid.
- The photoelectrochemical pathway offers a promising alternative for alkali-free glycerol valorization.
- Understanding the role of oxygen vacancies provides insights into catalytic mechanisms for selective chemical transformations.
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