In Germany, researchers from the Institute for Solar Fuels at HZB has now investigated the influence of electrolytes on the efficiency of the glycerol oxidation reaction. The results can help to develop more efficient and environmentally friendly production processes.
Many studies have already investigated the role of photocatalysts in PEC electrolyzers, while the role of the electrolyte had not yet been systematically analysed. The team has now unveiled the influence of electrolyte composition on the efficiency and stability of the glycerol oxidation.
They used a PEC cell with photoanodes made of nanoporous bismuth vanadate (BiVO4). They tested acidic electrolytes (pH = 2) with various cations and anions, including sodium nitrate (NaNO3), sodium perchlorate (NaClO4), sodium sulphate (Na2SO4), potassium sulphate (K2SO4) and potassium phosphate (KPi).
Tags: electrolyes, Germany, glycerol oxidation
Category: Research