Physical Chemistry (PYC)

Section Information

Physical Chemistry studies the fundamental principles that govern chemical systems, focusing on energy, structure, dynamics, and the relationships between matter and its transformations. It combines chemistry with physics and mathematics to explain how molecules behave and how reactions occur.

Modern physical chemistry uses spectroscopy, thermodynamics, kinetics, quantum chemistry, statistical mechanics, and computational tools to investigate molecular interactions, reaction pathways, materials, and emergent phenomena across different scales.

This section will publish research articles, short communications, and reviews on chemical kinetics, thermodynamics, quantum chemistry, spectroscopy, surface and materials chemistry, molecular simulations, and advanced theoretical and experimental approaches.

Scope

Thermodynamics and Energetics
- Equilibrium, phase behavior, and thermodynamic properties
- Free energy, enthalpy, entropy, and state functions
- Non-equilibrium and irreversible thermodynamics
- Thermodynamics of solutions, mixtures, and interfaces
Chemical Kinetics and Reaction Dynamics
- Reaction rates, mechanisms, and transition states
- Fast reactions, catalysis, and dynamic processes
- Energy transfer, collision theory, and reaction pathways
- Experimental and computational studies in kinetics
Quantum Chemistry and Electronic Structure
- Quantum mechanical models of atoms and molecules
- Electronic structure methods and potential energy surfaces
- Spectroscopy and photochemistry from a quantum perspective
- Prediction of chemical reactivity and properties
Spectroscopy and Molecular Probing
- Infrared, Raman, NMR, EPR, and UV–Vis spectroscopy
- Laser spectroscopy and ultrafast techniques
- Vibrational, rotational, and electronic spectra
- Structure determination and dynamic studies
Statistical Mechanics and Molecular Simulation
- Microscopic interpretation of thermodynamic behavior
- Molecular dynamics and Monte Carlo simulations
- Coarse-grained and multiscale modeling
- Properties of liquids, solids, and complex systems
Surface, Interface, and Colloid Chemistry
- Adsorption, catalysis, and interfacial phenomena
- Colloids, nanoparticles, and soft matter systems
- Wetting, self-assembly, and surface modification
- Physical chemistry of membranes and thin films
Materials and Solid-State Physical Chemistry
- Electronic, optical, and magnetic properties of materials
- Crystallinity, defects, and transport phenomena
- Energy materials, semiconductors, and nanostructures
- Structure–property relationships in functional materials
Electrochemistry and Photochemistry
- Electron transfer, redox behavior, and electrochemical systems
- Photophysical and photochemical processes
- Light–matter interactions and energy conversion
- Photoactive and electroactive materials
Theoretical and Computational Methods
- Approximation methods, algorithms, and simulations
- Quantum dynamics and reaction path analysis
- Machine learning and data-driven physical chemistry
- Large-scale modeling of complex chemical systems