Seo, Bora Lee, Woong Hee Sa, Young Jin Lee, Ung Oh, Hyung-Suk Lee, Hyunjoo 2024-01-19T16:02:34Z 2024-01-19T16:02:34Z 2021-09-02 2020-12 0169-4332 https://pubs.kist.re.kr/handle/201004/117779 Benzaldehyde is much easier to be oxidized than toluene, which makes the selective oxidation of toluene to benzaldehyde highly challenging. Here, we investigated the electrochemical oxidation of toluene to benzaldehyde via direct electron transfer at a carbon electrode. Selectivity to benzaldehyde depended on the current and electrode type, being highest (92%) for a graphite rod. The higher selectivity to benzaldehyde at graphite rod attribute to its high electrochemically active surface area and the large number of defect sites, which favorably absorb benzaldehyde, thereby preventing further oxidation to benzoic acid. Tafel analysis revealed the rate-determining step in the electrochemical toluene oxidation reaction, which has been underexplored previously. The developed method was successfully applied to other para-substituted toluene and was therefore well suited for the sustainable production of benzaldehyde derivatives. English Elsevier BV Electrochemical oxidation of toluene with controlled selectivity: The effect of carbon anode Article 10.1016/j.apsusc.2020.147517 1 Applied Surface Science, v.534 Applied Surface Science 534 N scie scopus 000582367700009 2-s2.0-85089820510 Chemistry, Physical Materials Science, Coatings & Films Physics, Applied Physics, Condensed Matter Chemistry Materials Science Physics Article N-HYDROXYPHTHALIMIDE CATALYTIC-OXIDATION BENZYLIC ALCOHOLS AEROBIC OXIDATION MOLECULAR-OXYGEN EFFICIENT SOLAR BENZALDEHYDES METHYLARENES EXFOLIATION EVOLUTION Direct electrochemical oxidation Toluene Benzaldehyde Selectivity control Carbon electrode