Sustainable catalytic oxidation of glycerol: a review

Valorization of biomass-derived feedstocks for the supply of high-value chemicals, clean fuel and electricity is gaining importance in the context of the circular economy. In particular, raw chemicals can be produced by electrocatalytic, photocatalytic and photoelectrochemical oxidation of glycerol, a by-product of biodiesel manufacturing. Nonetheless, controlling the selectivity of the oxidation of glycerol, a C₃ compound, is challenging. Indeed, a wide range of C₁ to C₃ products containing carbonyl or carboxyl groups are produced, thus limiting the development of catalytic glycerol transformation. Here, we review electrooxidation, photooxidation and photoelectrooxidation of glycerol with emphasis on sustainability, and selectivity in catalytic systems. We also discuss co-electrolysis and fuel cells that present promising strategies involving glycerol oxidation.