Electron-transfer reactions in polymer matrices

This paper discusses the dark reactions and photoreactions that occur with transfer of an electron from a donor to an acceptor in polymer matrices under electron tunnelling conditions and when forming change-transfer complexes. The main emphasis is on an analysis of the factors that determine the rate of electron transfer, which, in accordance with the advanced theory of electron transfer, are the magnitude of the exchange interaction, the free energy of the process, and the reorganisation energies of the medium and the reacting donor and acceptor molecules.
The existing models for the movement of charge carriers between single-type transport sites are discussed. The limits of applicability of the different models have been determined. The reorganisation energy of a polymer matrix is shown to have a considerable effect on the rate of movement of charge carriers on introduced transport molecules. The effect of the dielectric properties and free volume of polymer matrices on the characteristics of electron phototransfer in donor-acceptor complexes is discussed.
The bibliography includes 126 references.