PNAS: In hydrogenase enzymes, the transports of protons and electrons have been considered to be separate events until now. However, coupling is the key to success here.

'Chemistry - A European Journal' asked 3 questions to solvation scientists Prof. E. Sanchez-Garcia (University of Duisburg-Essen) and Prof. W. Sander (RUB) about their new research on heavy-atom tunneling, which was featured with a cover picture in the journal.

Angew.Chem.: Until now, unwanted by-products have always been produced during the reactions. The catalyst opens up new applications.

ACS Cat.: Some catalysts show remarkable high activity. Thanks to water.

JPC Lett.: Studied in detail, the embedding of hydrophobic molecules in water looks quite different than previously assumed.

J.Mat.Chem.A: By combining light-collecting and photosynthesis proteins of different types, more energy can be produced.

Angew.Chem.: Water may look like a simple liquid. However, it is anything but simple to analyse. The unique properties of water are only understandable, if scientists observe the interaction of the molecules.

Nat.Comm.: Oxygen is the greatest enemy of biocatalysts for energy conversion. A protective film shields them – but only with an additional ingredient: iodide salt.

Angew.Chem.: Electrocatalysts can help to obtain chemicals from renewable raw materials or to use alternative energy sources. But testing new catalysts brings challenges.