Molecular reactions at aqueous interfaces

• Published in: Nature reviews. Chemistry Vol. 4; no. 9; pp. 459 - 475
• Main Authors: Ruiz-Lopez, Manuel F., Francisco, Joseph S., Martins-Costa, Marilia T. C., Anglada, Josep M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London Nature Publishing Group UK 01.09.2020; Nature Publishing Group
• Subjects: 639/638/169/824; 639/638/224; 639/638/440/950; 639/638/563/934; Acceleration; Analytical Chemistry; Biochemistry; Catalysis; Chemical Sciences; Chemistry; Chemistry and Materials Science; Chemistry/Food Science; Inorganic Chemistry; Molecular dynamics; or physical chemistry; Organic Chemistry; Physical Chemistry; Review Article; Solvation; Theoretical and
• ISSN: 2397-3358; 2397-3358
• DOI: 10.1038/s41570-020-0203-2

This Review aims to critically analyse the emerging field of chemical reactivity at aqueous interfaces. The subject has evolved rapidly since the discovery of the so-called ‘on-water catalysis’, alluding to the dramatic acceleration of reactions at the surface of water or at its interface with hydrophobic media. We review critical experimental studies in the fields of atmospheric and synthetic organic chemistry, as well as related research exploring the origins of life, to showcase the importance of this phenomenon. The physico-chemical aspects of these processes, such as the structure, dynamics and thermodynamics of adsorption and solvation processes at aqueous interfaces, are also discussed. We also present the basic theories intended to explain interface catalysis, followed by the results of advanced ab initio molecular-dynamics simulations. Although some topics addressed here have already been the focus of previous reviews, we aim at highlighting their interconnection across diverse disciplines, providing a common perspective that would help us to identify the most fundamental issues still incompletely understood in this fast-moving field. Enhanced chemical reactivity on-water has major implications in many fields, ranging from atmospheric to prebiotic chemistry. This Review analyses recent experimental and theoretical studies in this fast-moving research area and brings together some key findings across diverse fields.