Converting Glycerol into Valuable Trioses by Cuδ+‐Single‐Atom‐Decorated WO3 under Visible Light

Abstract

Photocatalytic selective oxidation under visible light presents a promising approach for the sustainable transformation of biomass‐derived wastes. However, achieving both high conversion and excellent selectivity poses a significant challenge. In this study, two valuable trioses, glyceraldehyde and dihydroxyacetone, are produced from glycerol over Cuδ+‐decorated WO3 photocatalyst in the presence of H2O2. The photocatalyst exhibits a remarkable five‐fold increase in the conversion rate (3.81 mmol·g‐1·h‐1) while maintaining a high selectivity towards two trioses (46.4% to glyceraldehyde and 32.9% to dihydroxyacetone). Through a comprehensive analysis involving X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements with and without light irradiation, electron spin resonance spectroscopy, and isotopic analysis, the critical role of Cu+ species has been explored as efficient hole acceptors. These species facilitate charge transfer, promoting glycerol oxidation by photoholes, followed by coupling with OH‐, which are subsequently dehydrated to yield the desired glyceraldehyde and dihydroxyacetone.