Issue 79, 2019

Electron bifurcation: progress and grand challenges

Abstract

Electron bifurcation moves electrons from a two-electron donor to reduce two spatially separated one-electron acceptors. If one of the electrons reduces a high-potential (lower energy) acceptor, then the other electron may proceed “uphill” to reduce a low-potential (higher energy) acceptor. This mechanism is now considered the third mode of energy transduction in biology, and offers promise for the development of novel bioinspired energy conversion strategies. Nature uses electron bifurcation to realize highly sought-after reactions: reversible CO2 reduction, nitrogen fixation, and hydrogen production. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of electron bifurcation, including both recent progress and outstanding questions in understanding and developing artificial electron bifurcation systems.

Graphical abstract: Electron bifurcation: progress and grand challenges

Article information

Article type
Feature Article
Submitted
19 jul 2019
Accepted
29 aug 2019
First published
30 aug 2019

Chem. Commun., 2019,55, 11823-11832

Author version available

Electron bifurcation: progress and grand challenges

J. L. Yuly, C. E. Lubner, P. Zhang, D. N. Beratan and J. W. Peters, Chem. Commun., 2019, 55, 11823 DOI: 10.1039/C9CC05611D

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