Wang Genxiang, Chen Junxiang, Qiao Fen, Wang Junfeng, Wen Zhenhai
School of Energy and Power Engineering, Jiangsu University Zhenjiang 212013 China
CAS Key Laboratory of Design and Assembly of Functional Nanostructures, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Materials and Techniques Toward Hydrogen Energy, Fujian Institute of Research on the Structure of Matter, Chinese Academy of Sciences Fuzhou Fujian 350002 China
Chem Sci. 2025 Jun 19. doi: 10.1039/d5sc02411k.
Integrating the glycerol oxidation reaction (GOR) into aqueous electrochemical systems, such as fuel cells and electrolyzers, offers a promising strategy for utilizing the oxidized energy of glycerol to generate electricity and valuable chemicals. However, challenges remain in optimizing GOR selectivity, reducing electrolysis energy consumption, and enhancing fuel cell voltage and energy density. Recent advancements in GOR electrocatalysis have demonstrated its potential to efficiently convert glycerol into valuable products or electrical energy, even achieving dual functionality in some cases. Additionally, the integration of hybrid dual-electrolyte systems, where a pH gradient is established with a higher pH at the anode than at the cathode, has been shown to significantly improve the performance of GOR-based aqueous devices by harnessing electrochemical neutralization energy (ENE) and creating optimal reaction conditions for both the anode and cathode. In this perspective, we provide a comprehensive exploration of the electrochemical GOR and its integration into hybrid dual-electrolyte systems. Given the strong correlation between various factors and GOR performance in hybrid systems, we first provide a brief overview of GOR pathways, catalytic mechanisms, and key performance determinants (including potential, current density, electrolyte selection, and electrocatalyst design) to deepen the understanding of fundamental processes and guide catalyst design. We then highlight the integration of the GOR into aqueous advanced hybrid dual-electrolyte devices, emphasizing recent breakthroughs and issues warranting further research. Finally, we discuss the current challenges and future prospect concentrating on optimizing hybrid dual-electrolyte systems for large-scale application. This perspective aims to deepen the fundamental understanding of GOR application in hybrid dual-electrolyte systems, stimulate scientific curiosity, and guide future research in this emerging field.
将甘油氧化反应（GOR）整合到诸如燃料电池和电解槽等水性电化学系统中，为利用甘油的氧化能来发电和生产有价值的化学品提供了一种很有前景的策略。然而，在优化GOR选择性、降低电解能耗以及提高燃料电池电压和能量密度方面仍然存在挑战。GOR电催化的最新进展已证明其有潜力将甘油高效转化为有价值的产品或电能，在某些情况下甚至能实现双重功能。此外，混合双电解质系统的整合已显示出通过利用电化学中和能（ENE）并为阳极和阴极创造最佳反应条件，可显著提高基于GOR的水性装置的性能，该系统在阳极处建立的pH梯度高于阴极处。从这个角度出发，我们对电化学GOR及其整合到混合双电解质系统中进行了全面探索。鉴于混合系统中各种因素与GOR性能之间的紧密关联，我们首先简要概述GOR途径、催化机制和关键性能决定因素（包括电位、电流密度、电解质选择和电催化剂设计），以加深对基本过程的理解并指导催化剂设计。然后，我们重点介绍GOR在水性先进混合双电解质装置中的整合，强调近期的突破和值得进一步研究的问题。最后，我们讨论当前的挑战和未来前景，重点是优化混合双电解质系统以实现大规模应用。这一观点旨在加深对GOR在混合双电解质系统中应用的基本理解，激发科学好奇心，并指导这一新兴领域的未来研究。
