Scope
Electron transfer reactions between a solid electrode and individual atoms or molecules at or near its surface play a key role in applications such as electrochemistry, batteries, corrosion, field evaporation, field ionisation and others. Understanding and controlling these reactions provides a powerful means of controlling atomic-scale reactions at the electrochemical interface by applying a voltage. Electron transfer involves several fundamental mechanisms, such as the presence of mobile carriers, polarisation due to reorientation and movement of atoms and molecules near the reaction centre, thermal fluctuations of the surrounding local polarisation fields, and external driving forces. Despite the importance of these reactions, a detailed fundamental understanding beyond phenomenological theory is still largely lacking, especially when it comes to quantifying this process for specific cases. Major methodological breakthroughs in recent years have opened up the possibility of using completely parameter-free ab initio-based computer simulations to gain unprecedented insight into these mechanisms. Interestingly, many of these aspects have been independently discovered and addressed in a previously unrelated field of semiconductor physics. They show fascinating similarities to phonon-driven ("dark") carrier trapping by electrically active defects in semiconductors and insulators. Bringing the two communities together in this workshop promises new approaches, synergistic solutions and new collaborations.
In order to foster this development, it is critical to bring together leading scientist from both theory and experiment to identify outstanding challenges, missing pieces, and novel directions. Our established format of tutorial-style presentations by the invited speakers, which are followed by ample possibilities for discussions allow for an in-depth insight into the various approaches and future directions. All participants will have the possibility to highlight their current research in short talks or a poster session.