Mechanism-Oriented Catalyst Design Strategies for Ethylene Glycol Electrooxidation

Electrochemical reforming of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) waste into high-value chemicals provides a promising pathway for achieving circular carbon utilization. Under alkaline conditions, PET can be hydrolyzed to ethylene glycol (EG), which can then undergo electrooxidation to realize simultaneous pollutant degradation and synthesis of oxygenated products, such as glycolic acid (GA) and formic acid (FA). Consequently, the ethylene glycol oxidation reaction (EGOR) is regarded as a key bifunctional process that integrates environmental remediation with electrochemical valorization. Improving EGOR performance relies on the rational design and precise modulation of electrocatalysts to optimize both activity and product selectivity. This Perspective systematically summarizes recent progress in EGOR, covering mechanistic understanding and catalyst engineering strategies. Structural regulation approaches, including defect engineering, heterostructure construction, alloying, and phase control, are discussed in detail, with emphasis on their effects on charge redistribution, intermediate adsorption, and exposure of active sites. The complete C1 and partial C2 oxidation pathways are compared to elucidate the structure–activity relationships. In addition, in situ characterization and kinetic analysis are highlighted as powerful tools for revealing the reaction mechanisms. Finally, current challenges and future opportunities are outlined to guide the development of efficient, durable, and economically viable EGOR catalysts for plastic upcycling.