Main description:

Volume 1 of this Series is intended to give the reader a fundamental understanding of the key areas deemed essential to the study of bioelec trochemistry. A thorough grasp of the theory and methodology of these basic topics is vital to cope successfully with the complex phenomena that currently face investigators in most bioelectrochemical laboratories. Chapter 1 outlines the nonequilibrium thermodynamics and kinetics of the processes involved, stressing the connection between the two ap proaches. Particular emphasis is placed on the enzymes catalyzing cytosolic reactions and membrane transport. The techniques discussed are sufficient for the study of systems in the steady state, but systems that are evolving towards the steady state, or show some other time-depen dent behavior, require in addition the techniques of mathematical modelling. These are dealt with in some detail in Chapter 2, where network representation of the system is treated at length as the method of choice in carrying out appropriate simulations. In Chapter 3 attention is directed to the twin problems of water structure and ionic hydration.

Contents:

1. Nonequilibrium thermodynamics and kinetics.- * Introduction.- * Thermodynamic systems.- * Nonequilibrium thermodynamics.- * Kinetics of chemical reactions and transport.- * Connection between thermodynamics and kinetics.- 2. Methods of mathematical modelling.- * Introduction.- * Design of a model and its use for simulations.- * Translation of a model into a form suitable for SPICE.- * Elements of SPICE and their use in modelling.- * Illustrative examples.- 3. Structure of water and ionic hydration.- * Introduction.- * Pure water.- * Aqueous solutions.- * The solvation of biomolecules.- 4. Electrochemistry of colloidal systems: Double layer phenomena.- * The electrical double layer of biocolloidal surfaces.- * Effects of the double layer potential on biological membrane systems.- * Discrete charge and charge distribution effects on double layer potential.- * Relation between surface potential and Donnan potential.- * Effect of double layer on interaction of biocolloidal particles.- 5. Adsorption and surface reactions.- * Introduction.- * Adsorption at interfaces.- * Adsorption of polymers.- * Experimental methods for determining surface concentration and surface structure.