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Protein Film Infrared Electrochemistry Demonstrated for Study of H2 Oxidation by a [NiFe] Hydrogenase

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Proton-coupled electron transfer in solution, proteins, and electrochemistry.

Sharon Hammes-Schiffer¹, Alexander V Soudackov

¹Department of Chemistry, 104 Chemistry Building, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, USA. shs@chem.psu.edu

The Journal of Physical Chemistry. B

|October 10, 2008

Summary

Recent theoretical advances unify the treatment of proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET) and hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) reactions. A new diagnostic distinguishes HAT from PCET based on electronic nonadiabaticity, crucial for understanding energy conversion and biological processes.

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Area of Science:

Physical Chemistry
Theoretical Chemistry
Chemical Dynamics

Background:

Proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET) reactions are vital in biological systems and energy technologies like fuel and solar cells.
Understanding the mechanisms of PCET and hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) is crucial for optimizing these processes.

Purpose of the Study:

To review recent theoretical advancements in treating PCET reactions.
To present a unified theoretical framework for sequential and concerted PCET, and HAT.
To introduce a quantitative method for differentiating between HAT and PCET.

Main Methods:

Development of a unified theoretical framework for PCET and HAT.
Proposal of a quantitative diagnostic based on electronic nonadiabaticity to distinguish HAT from PCET.
Derivation of rate constant expressions considering solvent response and vibrational motion.
Application of theoretical treatments to solution and protein environments, including explicit molecular dynamics.

Main Results:

A unified theory now describes sequential PCET, concerted PCET, and HAT.
A diagnostic tool differentiates HAT (electronically adiabatic proton transfer) from PCET (electronically nonadiabatic proton transfer).
Rate constant expressions were derived, accounting for solvent and vibrational effects.
Theoretical models were successfully applied to various PCET systems in solution and proteins.

Conclusions:

The developed theoretical framework provides a comprehensive understanding of PCET and HAT mechanisms.
The electronic nonadiabaticity diagnostic offers a clear distinction between these reaction types.
The derived rate expressions are applicable to diverse chemical and biological systems, including electrochemical applications.