Redoxformers

Redoxformers is a term used to describe substances that can undergo reversible redox transformations and thereby mediate electron transfer in chemical and electrochemical processes. The concept encompasses a broad range of species, including inorganic and organometallic coordination complexes, organic molecules, and solid-state materials. Redoxformers function as electron mediators by cycling between oxidation states: they accept electrons from a donor or electrode, change oxidation state, and subsequently transfer those electrons to an acceptor.

Common classes of redoxformers include organometallic compounds such as ferrocene/ferrocenium, organic mediators based on quinones or viologens, inorganic transition-metal complexes, and solid-state materials like metal oxides and conductive polymers. In practice, redoxformers are chosen for properties such as tunable redox potential, reversibility of the redox couple, chemical and electrochemical stability, and compatibility with the operating solvent or electrolyte. They may act as soluble mediators in solution, as solid catalysts that shuttle electrons at surfaces, or as components in energy storage devices.

Applications of redoxformers span catalysis, electrochemical synthesis, sensors, and energy technologies. In energy storage, redoxformers underpin redox flow batteries and certain supercapacitor chemistries by enabling efficient charge and discharge cycles. In catalysis and sensing, they facilitate electron transfer steps that drive reactions or signal detection.

Design and practical use of redoxformers face challenges such as unwanted side reactions, degradation over time, cost, and environmental or safety considerations. Ongoing research aims to optimize redox potential, stability, and compatibility for specific applications.