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Many studies have investigated the conversion of biomass derivatives to value-added products. However, the influence of different factors on the reaction outcomes of these often-complex systems is not well understood. Herein, a statistical design of experiments—specifically, response surface methodology—is applied to the glycerol electrooxidation reaction in a flow electrolyzer. Four operational variables (glycerol concentration, NaOH concentration, flow rate, and catalyst loading) were investigated for their effects on measurable responses of the electrochemical reaction: current density and Faradaic efficiency to a given product. Independent optimizations of current density and Faradaic efficiency, as well as simultaneous optimization of both, were investigated. Each optimization was evaluated using response surface coefficients to analyze sensitivity and simulated runs to visualize the parameter space. These evaluations revealed contradictions in operating conditions required to simultaneously maximize current density and Faradaic efficiency to C₃products glycerate and lactate, leading to low current densities and Faradaic efficiencies. However, simultaneously maximizing current density and Faradaic efficiency to C₁product formate led to high current densities and Faradaic efficiencies. These insights guide tuning GEOR production to maximize overall reactor performance. Furthermore, this study outlines a framework for experimental evaluation and optimization of other electrolysis chemistries. 

Abstract The ability to modulate polyacrylamide hydrogel surface morphology, rheological properties, adhesion and frictional response is demonstrated by combining acrylic acid copolymerization and network confinement via grafting to a surface. Specifically, atomic force microscopy imaging reveals both micellar and lamellar microphase separations in grafted copolymer hydrogels. Bulk characterization is conducted to reveal the mechanisms underlying microstructural changes and ordering of the polymer network, supporting that they stem from the balance between hydrogen bonding in the substrate‐grafted hydrogels, electrostatic interactions, and a decrease in osmotically active charges. The morphological modulation has direct impacts on the spatial distribution of surface stiffness and adhesion. Furthermore, lateral force measurements show that the microphase separations lead to speed and load‐dependent lubrication regimes as well as spatial variation of friction. A proof of concept via salt screening demonstrates the dynamic control of surface morphology and adhesion. This work advances the knowledge necessary to design complex hydrogel interfaces that enable spatial and dynamic control of surface morphology and thereby of friction and adhesion through modulation of hydrogel composition and surface confinement, which is of significance for applications in biomedical devices, soft tissue design, soft robotics, and other engineered tribosystems.