Abstract

Oxidation/reduction reactions at metal oxide surfaces are important to emerging solar energy conversion processes, photocatalysis, and geochemical transformations. Here we show that the usual description of these reactions as electron transfers is incomplete. Reduced TiO(2) and ZnO nanoparticles in solution can transfer an electron and a proton to phenoxyl and nitroxyl radicals, indicating that e(-) and H(+) are coupled in this interfacial reaction. These proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET) reactions are rapid and quantitative. The identification of metal oxide surfaces as PCET reagents has implications for the understanding and development of chemical energy technologies, which will rely on e(-)/H(+) coupling.

Links

Publisher Full Text

Authors

Schrauben JN, Hayoun R, Valdez CN, Braten M, Fridley L, Mayer JM

Institution

Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle WA 98195, USA.

Source

Science (New York, N.Y.) 336:6086 2012 Jun 8 pg 1298-301

MeSH

Electrons
Free Radicals
Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
Metal Nanoparticles
Nitrogen Oxides
Oxidation-Reduction
Phenols
Protons
Thermodynamics
Titanium
Zinc Oxide

Pub Type(s)

Journal Article
Research Support, American Recovery and Reinvestment Act
Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

Language

eng

PubMed ID

22679095