The electrochemical reaction mechanism and applications of quinones

Abstract

This tutorial review provides a general account of the electrochemical behavior of quinones and their various applications. Quinone electrochemistry has been investigated for a long time due to its complexity. A simple point of view is developed that considers the relative stability of the reduced quinone species and the values of the first and second reduction potentials. The 9-membered square scheme in buffered aqueous solutions is explained and semiquinone radical stability is discussed in this context. Quinone redox reaction has also been employed in various studies. Diverse examples are presented under three broad categories defined by the roles of quinone: molecular tool for physical chemistry, versatile electron mediator, and charge storage for energy conversion devices.