65 Years of Electron Transfer

Sixty-five years ago Marcus published his first paper on the theory of electron transfer processes in The Journal of Chemical Physics [J. Chem. Phys. 24, 966 (1956)]. This contribution began a rapid transformation of the field that advanced through experimental work by Taube, Sutin and others, and detailed theoretical treatments by Marcus, Hush, Levitch, Dogonadze and Jortner. From the solution of a fundamental physical-chemistry problem, electron transfer theory has evolved to analyze, predict and design chemical systems for a wide range of applications, from biological energy conversion and DNA synthesis and repair to photoredox catalysis, solar energy conversion, and light-emitting systems. It has also been the basis for further theoretical work on proton-coupled electron transfer, non-equilibrium and electronic coherence effects, and single molecule conductance. This collection celebrates 65 years of work in electron transfer triggered by Marcus’ 1956 Nobel Prize-winning work.

Guest Editors: Leif Hammarström, Cherri Hsu, and Robert Cave with JCP Deputy Editor Emily Weiss