Some Thoughts on Magnetoelectrocatalysis of Small Molecules

Abstract

Electrons have properties of mass, charge, and spin. Spin engenders magnetic effects on electron transfer reactions. Many electron transfer reactions of small molecules such as oxygen, carbon dioxide and other molecules with a single carbon, and simple nitrogen species are slow.Electrochemical potentials characterize transition state for electron transfer processes. This includes gradients in electrical potential and magnetic fields at the electrode solution interface.Rates of reaction for small molecules at electrodes are considered in light of these gradients and recently developed quantitative models. Means to increase rates of electrocatalysis and magnetoelectrocatalysis are suggested. In some cases, slow electron transfer rates may be set by the inherent spin properties of the electrolysis reactants and products.Thanks to the National Science Foundation (CHE-0809745 and CHE-1309366) and Army Research Office (W911NF-19-1-0208)) for support of this work.