Quantum Field Approaches to Chemical Systems

Abstract Quantum-matter theory (QMT), based on the Schrödinger or Dirac equations, is firmly established for both intra- and intermolecular interactions. However, there are two key issues with QMT. First, its applicability to large molecular complexes is hindered by the relatively high computational cost of the calculations required to achieve high accuracy. Second, fields are also quantum objects that produce many intriguing effects beyond standard QMT approaches to molecular systems. This review focuses on recent developments in quantum-field theory (QFT) approaches to both covalent and noncovalent interactions for molecules in vacuum and subject to environments such as cavities and solvents. QFT provides a rich playground for novel chemical theories and insights. For example, chemical reactions and van der Waals interactions can be manipulated by cavities, boundaries, and optical excitations; novel interactions emerge when molecules interact with quantized fields; systems with millions of atoms could soon be treated with coarse-grained QFT formalisms; and unexpected scaling laws for atomic and molecular properties can emerge when QFT is applied to sets of chemical systems. This review sets the stage for an exciting QFT-driven path for further development of chemical theory.