Copper-Modified Gold Nanoparticles as Highly Selective Catalysts for Glycerol Electro-Oxidation in Alkaline Solution.

The C₃ selectivity of carbon-supported Au nanoparticles for glycerol electro-oxidation was significantly enhanced by the interaction of Au with electro-deposited Cu species. Notably, the C₃ selectivity of supported Au nanoparticles doubled after 90 min of Cu electro-deposition at +0.015 V. This result was obtained if glycerol electro-oxidation was performed at +0.1 V for 2 h. The most selective catalysts contained an Au⁺ species that was generated by an interaction between Au and electro-deposited Cu₂O. The presence of Au⁺ increased the selectivity to glycerate and tartronate and suppressed C−C bond cleavage to glycolate and formate simultaneously. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]