65 Years of Electron Transfer

Marcus published his first paper on the theory of electron transfer processes in The Journal of Chemical Physics in 1956 [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 will conclude publication in 2021 to celebrate 65 years of work in electron transfer triggered by Marcus’ 1956 Nobel Prize-winning work.