Reaction kinetics and dynamics articles from across Nature Portfolio

Thermodynamically-stable layered cation-ordered 2D-like nitrides can be synthesized using kinetically-limited thin-film deposition methods.

The role of electronic states in catalytic performance remains a topic of debate. In this study, the authors show that electronic interactions between active sites can facilitate the coupling of two half-reactions, thereby enhancing reaction rates.

The ability to slow down or enhance chemical reactions inside a cavity made of two parallel mirrors is fascinating but remains somewhat enigmatic. Here, the author presents a theoretical concept aimed at helping experimentalists select chemical reactions whose rates can be enhanced inside a dark microwave cavity.

Networks of chemical reactions exhibit emergent properties under out-of-equilibrium conditions and can be utilized to emulate properties important for neuromorphic computing. Here, the authors report a strategy that uses metal ions (Ca²⁺, La³⁺, and Nd³⁺) to control the rate of a trypsin catalysed autocatalytic reaction network, with temporal and history dependent outputs that can be mapped onto a variety of mathematical functions.

Thermodynamically-stable layered cation-ordered 2D-like nitrides can be synthesized using kinetically-limited thin-film deposition methods.

The rates of all enzymatic reactions vary with temperature. Now, it is shown how this temperature sensitivity can be exploited to construct oscillating reaction networks that are able to detect temperature changes with remarkable precision.

Unravelling the key parameters that govern the activity of oxygen evolution reaction catalysts is an essential step towards efficient production of green hydrogen. Now, the repulsion between adsorbates on the electrocatalyst surface has been identified as a powerful promoter for the rate-limiting O–O coupling step.

Trans–cis photoisomerization is a fundamental photochemical reaction that is thought to proceed through an intermediate with a perpendicular conformation. However, unambiguous identification of this state has proved challenging. The combination of state-of-the-art ultrafast spectroscopy and quantum chemical calculations now provides evidence for its structural observation in stilbene photoisomerization.

When atoms first appeared in the Universe, molecules were needed to help coalesce them into stars. The trihydrogen cation H₃⁺ is among the prime candidates for that process, and now two independent studies provide detailed insight into the ultrafast dynamics of the formation of this important ion from two hydrogen molecules.

Although Li–O₂ batteries offer high theoretical energy storage capacities, few approach these limits. Now, a class of redox mediators is shown to send the discharge reaction from the electrode surface into the electrolyte solution, boosting device capacities and providing selection criteria for future efforts.