Elettro-ossidazione del glucosio catalizzata dal sistemi 3D NiFe

The selective electro-oxidation of D-glucose represents a promising way for the synthesis of many platform molecules, currently produced from non-renewable fossil fuels. Electrocatalysis is gaining considerable interest as an alternative to the thermochemical process, since it allows the process to be sustainable by operating at room temperature and pressure, as well as using green solvents and electricity produced from renewable sources. In this work, different parameters are studied for the electrocatalytic oxidation of glucose by using standard nickel foams and calcined ones with different porosities or when these foams are used as a support for the active phase deposition. The performance of nickel foams with different electrolytes will be compared (Na2CO3, NaHCO3 e NaOH 0,10M) and then, the effect of the porosity of two commercial foams having a cell size of 450μm and a pore diameter of 400μm will be verified. Subsequently, Fe/Ni electrocatalysts prepared by electrodeposition or impregnation are compared after modifying the synthesis conditions. The comparison of the performances will be carried out through pysical-chemical analyses (SEM, EDS, XRD and Raman), electrochemical analyses (cyclovoltammetries) and analysis of the reaction product by HPLC. When compared to electrodeposited and impregnated foams, the use of Ni-based catalyst for oxidation of a 0,05M D-glucose solution at 0,80V vs SCE and with 0,10M NaOH provided better results.