A group around Tadashi AKIAKI of Kyushu University found that titanium dioxide catalyst was effective for the electrochemical synthesis of glycolic acid from oxalic acid. A membrane-electrode assembly with enhanced substrate permeability and a solid polymer-type electrode covered with TiO2 were used to transform oxalic acid continuously into glycolic acid.
JST news, December 13, 2017
Kyushu group develops bioreactor for continuous production of glycolic from oxalic acid