In its broadest definition, physical chemistry is the study of how matter behaves on a molecular and atomic level. It covers a wide range of topics from the very small (quantum mechanics) to the very large (thermodynamics). Physical chemists use this knowledge to develop new materials and processes, or to solve problems in areas such as energy production, environmental protection and pharmaceuticals.
One important application of physical chemistry is in the development of new materials. For example, nanotechnology – the manipulation of matter at the atomic and molecular level – is an area where physical chemists are playing a leading role. By understanding how matter behaves at this tiny scale, they are able to create materials with unique properties that have a range of applications in fields such as medicine, electronics and renewable energy.
Another key area where physical chemistry plays an important role is in developing more efficient methods of producing energy. Fossil fuels currently provide the majority of our energy needs but they are non-renewable and their combustion emits harmful greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Physical chemists are working on developing alternative sources of energy such as solar cells and fuel cells that are cleaner and more sustainable. They are also investigating ways to make current forms of energy production more efficient, for example by developing catalysts that can speed up chemical reactions or by finding new ways to store hydrogen fuel.
Finally, physical chemistry is also vital for improving our understanding of biological systems and developing new medicines. Proteins play a crucial role in many biological processes but their complex structure makes them difficult to study. Physical chemists use a range of techniques – including X-ray crystallography and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy – to determine the three-dimensional structure of proteins so that we can better understand how they work. This knowledge is then used to design drugs that target specific proteins involved in diseases such as cancer or Alzheimer’s disease