Bismuth–Palladium Catalyst with Orbital Hybridization for Electrochemical Oxidation of Ethylene Glycol to Glycolic Acid

Selective electrooxidation of ethylene glycol to glycolic acid offers a green route for value-added transformation and coupled hydrogen production. However, the long-term stability of the active sites and precise transformation toward C2 products still remain challenges. Herein, a BiPd electrocatalyst with d-f orbital hybridization is reported, which induces electron transfer from Bi to Pd, optimizes the adsorption capability of OH- and other key intermediates, and increases the proportion and stability of active Pd0 species. Thus, the catalyst requires a potential of 0.614 V vs RHE to achieve 100 mA·cm-2, and the coupled EGOR||HER system remains stable over 20 h of continuous operation under 200 mA·cm-2.