Mechanical Catalysis: Methods of Enzymatic, Homogeneous, and Heterogeneous Catalysis

Biomimetic chemistry and rate studies of organic intramolecular reactions have, to date, considered only the possibility of thermodynamically-driven ("energy-dependent") catalysis. Clear cognizance has not been taken of the possible influence of catalyst - reactant dynamism. A clear and systematic description of this effect is provided by this book. It will help chemists, biochemists, and chemical engineers to understand how such dynamism may lead to mechanically-driven ("time-dependent") catalysis. This is the central intention and impetus of this work. This book discusses the fundamental processes at work in mechanical catalysis, the origin of its general and physical features, the way it has evolved in many enzymes, and how it relates to catalysis in man-made systems (including "biomimetic" ones). It ties together the thirty-plus existing theories of enzymatic catalysis, covers design issues in the creation of biomimetic catalysts (such as requirements, problems, approaches, and solutions), explains the difference between energy- and time-dependent catalysis, and interfaces with the hot ideas of complexity and complex systems science. This book has large implications and could revolutionize our present understanding of the concept of catalysis. More Reviews and Recommendations

Gerhard F. Swiegers, PhD, earned his doctorate at the University of Connecticut in 1991 and then worked at the Australian National University and the University of Wollongong, Australia. In 1998, he joined the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO), the major government laboratory in Australia. From 1998 to 2006, he was involved with designing anti-counterfeiting devices for bank notes. In 2005, one of his inventions was commercialized as a spin-off company known as Datatrace DNA Pty Ltd, and in 2006, Dr. Swiegers joined the firm as Vice President, Strategic Research. Several of Dr. Swiegers's inventions are currently used by national governments and major companies around the world.

Tags: mechanical catalysis