Proton Coupled Electron Transfer

化学结构、动力学和机制计划支持北卡罗来纳大学教堂山分校的Thomas J.Meyer教授在两个领域研究质子耦合电子转移(PCET)和协同电子-质子转移(EPT)。第一个项目的重点是PCET和EPT在电化学反应和电催化中的作用。该小组的结果证明了PCET和EPT在电极反应中的重要作用，并可能对溶液和表面结合催化剂的电催化产生重要影响。第二个研究领域集中在激发态、光驱动的EPT反应，这些反应产生高活性的中间体，用于进行太阳能燃料和绿色化学反应。质子耦合电子转移反应是一种既有电子又有质子转移的反应，在化学和生物学领域都有很大的研究价值。这些反应是生物系统和人工光合作用的核心，用于水的氧化和二氧化碳的减少。这项研究考察了这些反应的机理细节，并可能导致替代能源系统的发展。研究生和博士后参与指导本科生的研究，在北卡罗来纳大学和当地学校的演示和演讲中，参加为扩大参与而开发的暑期计划。

The Chemical Structure, Dynamics and Mechanisms Program supports the efforts of Professor Thomas J. Meyer of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill for the investigation of proton coupled electron transfer (PCET) and concerted electron-proton transfer (EPT) in two areas. The first project focuses on the role of PCET and EPT in electrochemical reactions and electrocatalysis. The group's results document a significant role for PCET and EPT in electrode reactions with potentially important implications for electrocatalysis by solution and surface-bound catalysts. The second research area focuses on excited state, light-driven EPT reactions that produce highly reactive intermediates for carrying out solar fuel and green chemical reactions. Proton coupled electron transfer reactions, reactions in which both electrons and protons are transferred, are of considerable interest in both chemistry and biology. These reactions are at the core of biological systems and artificial photosynthesis and are utilized in both water oxidation and carbon dioxide reduction. This research examines the mechanistic details of these reactions and may lead to the development of alternative energy systems. Graduate and postdoctoral students participate in the supervision of undergraduate research, in demonstrations and presentations at UNC and at local schools, in a summer programs developed to broaden participation.