Affiliation:
1. Laboratoire de Physique de la Matière Condensée, CNRS—Ecole Polytechnique, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, 91120 Palaiseau, France
Abstract
We review the milestones in the century-long development of the theory of diffusion-controlled reactions. Starting from the seminal work by von Smoluchowski, who recognized the importance of diffusion in chemical reactions, we discuss perfect and imperfect surface reactions, their microscopic origins, and the underlying mathematical framework. Single-molecule reaction schemes, anomalous bulk diffusions, reversible binding/unbinding kinetics, and many other extensions are presented. An alternative encounter-based approach to diffusion-controlled reactions is introduced, with emphasis on its advantages and potential applications. Some open problems and future perspectives are outlined.
Funder
Alexander von Humboldt Foundation
Subject
Chemistry (miscellaneous),Analytical Chemistry,Organic Chemistry,Physical and Theoretical Chemistry,Molecular Medicine,Drug Discovery,Pharmaceutical Science