Single-Pass Electrooxidation of Glycerol on Bismuth-Modified Platinum Electrodes as an Anodic Process Coupled to the Continuous CO2 Electroreduction toward Formate

CO2 electroreduction has emerged as a promising strategy for reducing emissions while simultaneously generating valuable products, particularly formic acid/formate. To further enhance the sustainability of this process, the traditional oxygen evolution reaction at the anode can be replaced by a more interesting reaction like glycerol oxidation to high value-added products, in a covalorization approach. In this study, the effect of the presence of a bismuth (Bi) atom supplier (Bi2O3 particles) in the anolyte solution during the glycerol electrooxidation process on platinum (Pt) electrodes coupled with the electroreduction of CO2 to formate is investigated for the first time, operating in a continuous mode with a single pass through the reactor. The results reveal that in the cathode, significant HCOO– production, with Faradaic efficiencies reaching 93%, and modest energy consumption of 208 kW h·kmol–1 were obtained in the continuous CO2 electroreduction to formate using Bi gas diffusion electrodes. On the other hand, in the anode, the presence of Bi2O3 particles leads to a significant alteration in the distribution of high-value-added oxidation products obtained. For instance, the anode demonstrates remarkable dihydroxyacetone (DHA) production of 283 μmol·m–2·s–1, surpassing the results obtained with the nonmodified Pt electrodes. The performance of this system offers a promising pathway for the simultaneous coproduction of high-value-added products from both CO2 and glycerol.The authors gratefully acknowledge the financial support through MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 projects PID2019-108136RB-C31 and PID2019-108136RB-C32

Continuous carbon dioxide electroreduction to formate coupled with the single-pass glycerol oxidation to high value-added products

CO2 electroreduction has been considered a promising alternative to simultaneously reduce CO2 emissions and produce value-added products. Among others, the production of formic acid/formate is particularly attractive. Although promising results have already been obtained in the literature, one of the recent approaches to improve the process deals with the use of an alternative reaction at the anode instead of the traditional oxygen evolution reaction (OER). In this context, this work reports, for the first time, the study of the CO2 electroreduction to formate coupled with the electrooxidation of glycerol to high-added value products where both half-reactions operate in a continuous mode with a single pass of the reactants through the electrochemical cell. Interestingly, at the cathode, similar results to those previously reported were obtained, reaching formate concentrations of about 18 g·L-1 at a 200 mA·cm-2. In addition, at the anode, promising dihydroxyacetone productions of 196 µmol·m-2·s-1 were simultaneously achieved in the output stream of the anodic compartment. These findings represent a significant step forward for the development and application of the technology.The authors gratefully acknowledge financial support through projects PID2019–108136RB-C31, PID2019–108136RB-C32 and PID2020–112845RB-I00 (AEI/10.13039/501100011033)

Continuous carbon dioxide electroreduction to formate coupled with the single-pass glycerol oxidation to high value-added products

CO2 electroreduction has been considered a promising alternative to simultaneously reduce CO2 emissions and produce value-added products. Among others, the production of formic acid/formate is particularly attractive. Although promising results have already been obtained in the literature, one of the recent approaches to improve the process deals with the use of an alternative reaction at the anode instead of the traditional oxygen evolution reaction (OER). In this context, this work reports, for the first time, the study of the CO2 electroreduction to formate coupled with the electrooxidation of glycerol to high-added value products where both half-reactions operate in a continuous mode with a single pass of the reactants through the electrochemical cell. Interestingly, at the cathode, similar results to those previously reported were obtained, reaching formate concentrations of about 18 g·L-1 at a 200 mA·cm-2. In addition, at the anode, promising dihydroxyacetone productions of 196 µmol·m-2·s-1 were simultaneously achieved in the output stream of the anodic compartment. These findings represent a significant step forward for the development and application of the technology.The authors gratefully acknowledge financial support through projects PID2019–108136RB-C31, PID2019–108136RB-C32 and PID2020–112845RB-I00 (AEI/10.13039/501100011033)

Trabeculoplastia selectiva con láser en glaucoma primario de ángulo cerrado Use of selective laser trabeculoplasty in primary closed angle glaucoma

OBJETIVOS: Determinar eficacia y seguridad de la trabeculoplastia selectiva láser en pacientes portadores de glaucoma primario de ángulo cerrado, operados de cataratas y/o glaucoma, e identificar la frecuencia de los principales efectos adversos. MÉTODOS: Investigación observacional descriptiva prospectiva en 35 pacientes (50 ojos) portadores de glaucoma primario de ángulo cerrado sometidos a cirugía de cataratas y/o glaucoma, en el Instituto Cubano Oftalmológico "Ramón Pando Ferrer" entre mayo y noviembre de 2007. Se utilizó equipo Tango LT 5106-T, de Laserex. RESULTADOS: Predominaron pacientes femeninas, mayores de 60 años y piel no blanca, hipermétropes, elevada frecuencia de enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles. Se logró un 41,2 % de reducción de la presión intraocular a los 6 meses. La técnica en pacientes con antecedentes de cirugía filtrante previa mostró resultados muy similares a los no intervenidos. La terapia mostró efectividad en 88 % de los ojos, se logró disminuir la terapia médica hipotensora. Eventos adversos: picos tensionales, epiteliopatía corneal y dispersión de pigmentos. CONCLUSIONES: La técnica láser resultó ser eficaz para lograr control tensional y/o reducción de terapia médica antihipertensiva ocular en este tipo de pacientes.<br>OBJECTIVES: To determine the efficiency and safety of selective laser trabeculoplasty in patients who suffered primary close angle glaucoma and were operated from cataract and/or glaucoma, and to identify the frequency of the main adverse effects. METHODS: Prospective descriptive and observational research study of 35 patients (50 eyes) carrying primary close angle glaucoma, who were operated on from cataract and/or glaucoma at "Ramón Pando Ferrer" Cuban Institute of Ophthalmology from May to November 2007. The equipment called Tango LT 5106-T from Laserex was used. RESULTS: Female patients, people over 60 years-old, Caucausians, hypermetropics, high frequency of non-communicable chronic diseases prevailed. After six months, the reduction of intraocular pressure amounted to 41,2%. In those patients with a history of previous filtering surgery, the use of this technique showed results very similar to those of the non-operated patients. The therapy proved to be effective in 88% of eyes and the medical hypotensive treatment was reduced. Some adverse events were blood pressure peaks, corneal epitheliopathy and pigment dispersion. CONCLUSIONS: Laser technique was effective to control blood pressure and/or reduction of ocular anti-hypertensive medical therapy in this type of patients