Preface

Redox (reduction and oxidation) is a key element in a wide variety of fields of chemistry, ranging from synthesis, reactions to materials, and analytical applications. Due to the recent and future demand for sustainable development goals (SDGs), chemists are becoming conscious of sustainability in synthesis and of functionality in applications. Therefore, redox chemistry toward sustainability and functionality is an essential idea for next-generation chemistry to be shared among researchers in both academia and industry. In this context, a research group of young redox chemists (Amaya, Ooyama, Inagi, Mitsudo, Nokami, Shimakoshi, Shimizu) started under the support of the Chemical Society of Japan in 2016. Through activities such as international symposiums, we explored possibilities of sustainable and functional redox chemistry involving international young and energetic researchers. Some of them and their collaborators kindly contributed to the book project.

This book is part of the RSC Green Chemistry series and aims to share hot topics in redox chemistry sustainability and functionality. In Part 1, Sustainable Redox Reaction, the chapters summarize recent developments in redox reactions and synthesis toward sustainability (e.g. green but powerful electrosynthesis, novel electrode processes). In Part 2, Sustainable Redox Catalysis, chapters describing recent progress in redox catalysis (electrocatalysis, photoredox reactions, synergy of electrosynthesis and metal catalysis) are presented. Part 3, Functional Redox System, is composed of chapters describing the applications of redox systems for functionality such as organic batteries, photofunctionality, redox-active polymeric materials, chiral electrodes, and electrogenerated chemiluminescence. I believe that this collection of chemical processes and systems with redox chemistry as a core technology inspires readers toward SDGs.

I am very thankful for the time spent and the energy contributed by all authors and their collaborators, as well as very thankful for the support given by the RSC team (especially Drew Gwilliams and Liv Towers).

Shinsuke Inagi

Department of Chemical Science and Engineering

Tokyo Institute of Technology

Yokohama, Japan