Recent Advances in Pt-Based Ordered Intermetallic Catalysts for Glycerol Oxidation

Glycerol is a significant byproduct in the biorefining process of biodiesel, and it can serve as a cost-effective, eco-friendly, and sustainable source for high-value chemicals by selective oxidation. The key is to develop high-efficient catalysts. This review briefly outlines the field of Pt-based intermetallic catalysts in selective glycerol oxidation. Essentially, Pt-based intermetallic catalysts with specific crystal structures not only better maintain the active center structure but also regulate the electronic structure of Pt due to the introduction of a second metal, improve the adsorption capacity to toxic intermediate species, and control the reaction pathway by geometric effects. Specifically, the rich electrons on the Pt surface and the broadening of the d-band can promote O2 and H2O to generate OH-, enhancing the activity of O-H and C-H bonds at various carbon positions of glycerol. This review places particular emphasis on the effects of structures of catalysts and the resulting catalytic properties and reaction pathways for thermo- and electrocatalytic oxidation, with the aim of establishing a theoretical basis and reference for the potential application of low-carbon polyol oxidation in the high-end chemical industry.