Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 18, 2025

Creating Rapid Oxygen Oscillations in Microbial Single-cell Growth Analysis using a Microfluidic Double-layer Device
Published on: July 18, 2025
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.
Abstract:
Selective conversion of glycerol to lactic acid having critical economic and environmental value remains a challenge because it requires multiple reaction steps including oxidation, isomerization, and rearrangement, as well as the prevention of C-C cleavage. Herein, we achieved oxygen vacancy engineering in layered double hydroxide (LDH) modified BiVO4 photoelectrodes to yield a high selectivity for cascade conversion of glycerol to lactic acid in a neutral electrolyte. Operando Raman spectroscopy and in situ Fourier-transform infrared adsorption spectroscopy confirmed the dehydrogenation of the secondary hydroxyls of glycerol and the formation of a key intermediate 1,3-dihydroxyacetone via photoinduced Co2+-OH dynamic evolution. Theoretical calculations and time-resolved infrared spectra revealed that the adsorption of 1,3-dihydroxyacetone terminal hydroxyls on Co2+-OH sites adjacent to oxygen vacancy defects reduced the energy barrier of the dehydration step, leading to isomerization and hydration rearrangement to lactic acid. This study provides unique insights into the dehydrogenation-isomerization cascade of glycerol on the oxygen vacancies of LDH via a photoelectrochemical pathway, which directs an alternative means of alkali-free glycerol conversion to lactic acid.
Related Concept Videos
Fates of Pyruvate
In aerobic organisms, pyruvate is metabolized via the citric acid cycle to produce reduced coenzymes NADH and FADH2. These coenzymes are then oxidized in the electron transport chain to produce ATP and, in the process, regenerate the NAD+ and FAD. As seen in some cell types and organisms, fermentation...
Reactions of Aldehydes and Ketones: Baeyer–Villiger Oxidation
The carbonyl center is...
Preparation of Diols and Pinacol Rearrangement
The reaction begins with transferring a proton from the acid catalyst to one of the hydroxyl groups, producing an oxonium ion.
Loss of Carboxy Group as CO2: Decarboxylation of Malonic Acid Derivatives
Fermentation
Fermentation is a type of metabolic process that occurs in the absence of oxygen, where organic molecules such as glucose are broken down to produce energy. During this process, the...
Aldehydes and Ketones with Water: Hydrate Formation
The formation of hydrates is a reversible reaction. Hydrate formation is influenced by steric and electronic factors accompanying the alkyl substituents on the carbonyl group: The rate of hydrate formation increases with a decrease in the number of alkyl groups attached to the carbonyl carbon. Hence,...

