Nanowerk January 23, 2019
Researchers in Japan have observed quantum tunneling effect in proton-transfer (PT) during potential-induced transformation of dioxygen on a platinum electrode in a low overpotential region at 298 K. This process is converted to the classical PT scheme in the high overpotential region. This observation indicates that the quantum tunneling governs the multistep electron-proton-driven transformation of dioxygen in the low overpotential condition. It shows the involvement of QTE in proton transfer during the basic energy conversion processes. The discovery may facilitate investigations of microscopic mechanisms of electrochemical reactions and stimulate the development of highly efficient electrochemical energy conversion technology…read more. TECHNICAL ARTICLEÂ
Proton tunneling through the barrier (quantum). (B) proton transfer via the transition state (classical); In the electrochemical system the relative contribution of the two mechanisms can be tuned by the applied potential. Credit: Image: NIMS