2023/11/14 by Bueno, Paulo Roberto
Chemistry · Physics and Astronomy · #Advanced Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics #Electrochemical Analysis and Applications #FOS: Physical sciences #General Physics (physics.gen-ph) #Spectroscopy and Quantum Chemical Studies
paper · pdf · doi:10.48550/arxiv.2312.09465
openalex publication_date 2023/11/14 · openalex created_date 2023/12/19 · openalex updated_date 2026/08/01
It has been shown that both the electron-transfer rate constant of an electrochemical reaction and the conductance quantum are correlated with the concept of quantum capacitance. This simple association between the two separate concepts has an entirely quantum rate basis that encompasses the electron-transfer rate theory as originally proposed by Rudolph A. Marcus whether the statistical mechanism is properly taken into account. Presently, it is conducted a concise review of the quantum mechanical rate theory principles focused on its relativistic quantum electrodynamics character to demonstrate that it can reconcile the conflicting views established on attempting to use the super-exchange (supported on electron transfer) or `metallic-like' (supported on conductance quantum) mechanisms separately to explain the highly efficient long-distance electron transport observed in the respiratory processes of living cells. The unresolved issues related to long-range electron transport are clarified in light of the quantum rate theory with a discussion focused on Geobacter sulfurreducens films as a reference standard of the respiration chain. Theoretical analyses supported by experimental data suggest that the efficiency of respiration within a long-range electron transport path is intrinsically a quantum mechanical event that follows relativistic quantum electrodynamics principles as addressed by quantum rate theory.