The Chemical Problem of Energy Change: Multi-Electron Processes

Joseph L. Hughes; Elmars Krausz

doi:10.1071/CH12105

RESEARCH FRONT (Open Access)

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The Chemical Problem of Energy Change: Multi-Electron Processes

Joseph L. Hughes ^A ^B and Elmars Krausz ^A

+ Author Affiliations

- Author Affiliations

^A Research School of Chemistry, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 0200, Australia.

^B Corresponding author. Email: hughes@rsc.anu.edu.au

Joseph Hughes completed his PhD in the group of Professor Elmars Krausz at the Research School of Chemistry, Australian National University, in 2006. He has held postdoctoral positions in France at CEA Saclay and École Polytechnique. His recent research interests lie in light-induced processes and mechanisms of solar energy conversion.

Elmars Krausz, a graduate of the University of Sydney, is currently Group Leader at the Research School of Chemistry Australian National University. He has worked in key areas of chemical spectroscopy and photophysics in the condensed phase, most recently concentrating on fundamental processes in natural and artificial photosynthesis.

Australian Journal of Chemistry 65(6) 591-596 https://doi.org/10.1071/CH12105
Submitted: 17 February 2012 Accepted: 5 March 2012 Published: 10 May 2012

Abstract

This special issue is focussed on arguably the most important fundamental question in contemporary chemical research: how to efficiently and economically convert abundant and thermodynamically stable molecules, such as H₂O, CO₂, and N₂ into useable fuel and food sources. The 3 billion year evolutionary experiment of nature has provided a blueprint for the answer: multi-electron catalysis. However, unlike one-electron transfer, we have no refined theories for multi-electron processes. This is despite its centrality to much of chemistry, particularly in catalysis and biology. In this article we highlight recent research developments relevant to this theme with emphasis on the key physical concepts and premises: (i) multi-electron processes as stepwise single-electron transfer events; (ii) proton-coupled electron transfer; (iii) stimulated, concerted, and co-operative phenomena; (iv) feedback mechanisms that may enhance electron transfer rates by minimizing activation barriers; and (v) non-linearity and far-from-equilibrium considerations. The aim of our discussion is to provide inspiration for new directions in chemical research, in the context of an urgent contemporary issue.

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