Study of Electrosynthesis of Glyoxylic Acid

Glyoxylic acid was produced by electroreduction of oxalic acid in a parallel flow electrochemical reactor by means of circulating electrolyte operation.The cathodic electrolyte was super saturated oxalic acid separated by a strong acid ion exchange membrane from the anodic electrolyte hydrochloric acid.The current efficiency of synthesis of glyoxylic acid without catalyst was studied under various concentrations of hydrochloric acid,current densities and flow rates of electrolyte.In addition,effect of catalyst on the reduction was observed.The results indicateed that with electrodes of carbon board under 20 ℃,flow rate of 26 12 mL·min -1 and current density of 66 7 A·m -2 the current efficiency of synthesis of glyoxylic acid could reach 80% and over.