Reactive and inhibiting species in the electrocatalytic oxidation of glycerol on gold. A study combining in-situ visible reflectance and ATR-SEIRAS

• Visible reflectance measurements allow to monitor the formation of gold oxide. Glycerol oxidation occurs by reaction between adsorbed glycerol and other intermediates OH. Consumption OH retards gold. Oxidation blocks surface for reaction. ATR-SEIRAS allows detect adsorption products. Reversible carboxylate products results in inhibition By combining cyclic voltammetry potentiostatic current transients with potential dependence gold’s at 520 nm, we provide unambiguous evidence that compete OH, whereby oxide is retarded presence inactivates glycerol. Potentiostatic coupled potentials close onset also suggest carboxylates generated upon leads a progressive decrease electrocatalytic activity. However, both experiments using rotating-disk electrode these an equilibrium process. Therefore, high flow rates should keep acceptable level. These are relevant design fuel cells capable generating electricity plus value-added chemicals from