The surge in greenhouse gas emissions, predominantly in the form of carbon dioxide (CO2) spurred by the Industrial Revolution, has surpassed the critical threshold of 400 ppm, fueling global warming, ocean acidification, and climate change. To mitigate the adverse effects of these emissions and limit the global temperature rise to below 2 °C, the ambitious target of achieving net zero emissions by 2050 was established in the Paris Agreement. Current state-of-the-art technologies, such as amine scrubbing, remain problematic owing to their high energy requirements, susceptibility to corrosion, and other operational challenges. Owing to the lack of suitable technologies coupled with escalating energy demand, there is still a significant amount of carbon dioxide being released into the atmosphere. Accordingly, there is an urgent need for the development of alternative technologies that offer high efficiency, low energy consumption, cost-effective installation, and operation. In this review, we delve into the emerging technologies poised to address these challenges, evaluating their maturity levels in comparison to existing commercially available solutions. Furthermore, we provide a brief overview of ongoing efforts aimed at commercializing these innovative technologies.
在工业革命的推动下,以二氧化碳(CO2)为主要形式的温室气体排放量激增,已经超过了百万分之 400 的临界值,加剧了全球变暖、海洋酸化和气候变化。为了减轻这些排放的不利影响,并将全球气温升幅限制在 2 °C 以下,《巴黎协定》确立了到 2050 年实现净零排放的宏伟目标。目前最先进的技术,如胺类洗涤技术,由于能耗高、易腐蚀和其他操作难题,仍然存在问题。由于缺乏合适的技术,加上能源需求不断攀升,仍有大量二氧化碳被排放到大气中。因此,迫切需要开发高效率、低能耗、安装和运行成本效益高的替代技术。在本综述中,我们深入探讨了准备应对这些挑战的新兴技术,并与现有的商业解决方案进行了对比,评估了这些技术的成熟度。此外,我们还简要介绍了为实现这些创新技术的商业化而正在做出的努力。
{"title":"Carbon Dioxide Capture: Current Status and Future Prospects.","authors":"Timur Ashirov, Ali Coskun","doi":"10.2533/chimia.2024.415","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2533/chimia.2024.415","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The surge in greenhouse gas emissions, predominantly in the form of carbon dioxide (CO2) spurred by the Industrial Revolution, has surpassed the critical threshold of 400 ppm, fueling global warming, ocean acidification, and climate change. To mitigate the adverse effects of these emissions and limit the global temperature rise to below 2 °C, the ambitious target of achieving net zero emissions by 2050 was established in the Paris Agreement. Current state-of-the-art technologies, such as amine scrubbing, remain problematic owing to their high energy requirements, susceptibility to corrosion, and other operational challenges. Owing to the lack of suitable technologies coupled with escalating energy demand, there is still a significant amount of carbon dioxide being released into the atmosphere. Accordingly, there is an urgent need for the development of alternative technologies that offer high efficiency, low energy consumption, cost-effective installation, and operation. In this review, we delve into the emerging technologies poised to address these challenges, evaluating their maturity levels in comparison to existing commercially available solutions. Furthermore, we provide a brief overview of ongoing efforts aimed at commercializing these innovative technologies.</p>","PeriodicalId":9957,"journal":{"name":"Chimia","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2024-06-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141466541","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Chrysanthi Papadimou, Gaetano F Geraci, Marie-Désirée Schlemper-Scheidt
Switzerland's commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations is showcased in this article with concrete examples of actions taken so far in the private and public sector. To further highlight the involvement of the chemical scientists in the implementation of the SDGs in Switzerland to date, the young-SCS also interviewed various individuals.
{"title":"Switzerland and the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations from the youngSCS Perspective.","authors":"Chrysanthi Papadimou, Gaetano F Geraci, Marie-Désirée Schlemper-Scheidt","doi":"10.2533/chimia.2024.374","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2533/chimia.2024.374","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Switzerland's commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations is showcased in this article with concrete examples of actions taken so far in the private and public sector. To further highlight the involvement of the chemical scientists in the implementation of the SDGs in Switzerland to date, the young-SCS also interviewed various individuals.</p>","PeriodicalId":9957,"journal":{"name":"Chimia","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2024-06-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141466549","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
This piece discusses the importance of sustainable education within the framework of the UN's 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. We emphasize the need to foster a lifelong love for learning by instilling curiosity, emotional bonds, and joy in students. We suggest simplifying teaching methods to maximize depth of understanding, integrating wonder and emotion into scientific education, promoting vertical exploration rather than just covering knowledge horizontally, and fostering resilience and independence through experiential learning. We also advocate for collaborative learning environments and incorporating real-world projects into education. Ultimately, the goal is to create spaces where students can explore, experience joy, and develop a lasting passion for learning.
{"title":"Finding Joy in Science.","authors":"Werner Rickhaus, Michel Rickhaus","doi":"10.2533/chimia.2024.423","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2533/chimia.2024.423","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This piece discusses the importance of sustainable education within the framework of the UN's 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. We emphasize the need to foster a lifelong love for learning by instilling curiosity, emotional bonds, and joy in students. We suggest simplifying teaching methods to maximize depth of understanding, integrating wonder and emotion into scientific education, promoting vertical exploration rather than just covering knowledge horizontally, and fostering resilience and independence through experiential learning. We also advocate for collaborative learning environments and incorporating real-world projects into education. Ultimately, the goal is to create spaces where students can explore, experience joy, and develop a lasting passion for learning.</p>","PeriodicalId":9957,"journal":{"name":"Chimia","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2024-06-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141466545","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Marie-Francine Lagadec, Sharon Mitchell, Jérôme Waser, Javier Pérez-Ramírez
Curious about how chemistry can contribute to sustainable development? In this overview, we explain the essence of NCCR funding, the research focus and structural goals of NCCR Catalysis, and how these align with the sustainable development goals (SDGs). Additionally, we highlight opportunities for getting involved with our program.
{"title":"NCCR Catalysis at a Glance: A National Research Program on Sustainable Chemistry.","authors":"Marie-Francine Lagadec, Sharon Mitchell, Jérôme Waser, Javier Pérez-Ramírez","doi":"10.2533/chimia.2024.384","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2533/chimia.2024.384","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Curious about how chemistry can contribute to sustainable development? In this overview, we explain the essence of NCCR funding, the research focus and structural goals of NCCR Catalysis, and how these align with the sustainable development goals (SDGs). Additionally, we highlight opportunities for getting involved with our program.</p>","PeriodicalId":9957,"journal":{"name":"Chimia","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2024-06-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141466547","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Chemical innovation plays a key role to support the agrifood system with the final goal to deliver secure, healthy food for a growing population. The underlying link between chemical innovation, agrifood system and the 2030 sustainable agenda may have received less attention than it deserves. Here we provide an overview of the agrifood system and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), alongside distinct aspects of the innovation with a focus on the Swiss reality are presented. Finally, the critical and unspoken role of soil for a wide range of SDGs is underlined. Some major axes on how chemical research and technologies can set new pathway to innovate through soil are discussed.
{"title":"Chemical Innovation and Agrifood Systems in Switzerland: A Short Perspective of the Sustainable Development Goals.","authors":"Claudio Screpanti","doi":"10.2533/chimia.2024.390","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2533/chimia.2024.390","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Chemical innovation plays a key role to support the agrifood system with the final goal to deliver secure, healthy food for a growing population. The underlying link between chemical innovation, agrifood system and the 2030 sustainable agenda may have received less attention than it deserves. Here we provide an overview of the agrifood system and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), alongside distinct aspects of the innovation with a focus on the Swiss reality are presented. Finally, the critical and unspoken role of soil for a wide range of SDGs is underlined. Some major axes on how chemical research and technologies can set new pathway to innovate through soil are discussed.</p>","PeriodicalId":9957,"journal":{"name":"Chimia","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2024-06-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141466542","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Sustainability has become indispensable - and so has the role chemistry plays in reaching the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Swiss Academy of Sciences (SCNAT) and its Platform Chemistry (PFC) can be a partner of the Swiss chemistry community in reaching (some of) these goals through their umbrella network. Next to all existing initiatives, SCNAT PFC recommends the chemistry community to support increasing scientific literacy such that for example students who want to contribute to a better environment in their future career become aware of the impact that chemistry has on sustainability and every day lives. The SDGs are a formalism that can be used to help communicating the impact of chemistry. It is important to keep on advertising also fundamental research, as this is the essential basis for any sustainable development.
{"title":"Contribution of the Swiss Chemistry Community to SDGs - Perspective of the SCNAT Platform Chemistry.","authors":"Sandra Hofmann, Leo Merz","doi":"10.2533/chimia.2024.379","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2533/chimia.2024.379","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Sustainability has become indispensable - and so has the role chemistry plays in reaching the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Swiss Academy of Sciences (SCNAT) and its Platform Chemistry (PFC) can be a partner of the Swiss chemistry community in reaching (some of) these goals through their umbrella network. Next to all existing initiatives, SCNAT PFC recommends the chemistry community to support increasing scientific literacy such that for example students who want to contribute to a better environment in their future career become aware of the impact that chemistry has on sustainability and every day lives. The SDGs are a formalism that can be used to help communicating the impact of chemistry. It is important to keep on advertising also fundamental research, as this is the essential basis for any sustainable development.</p>","PeriodicalId":9957,"journal":{"name":"Chimia","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2024-06-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141466543","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
The comprehension of molecular structure is pivotal in chemistry education. Over the past decade, Mahidol University International College has employed various teaching tools for the introductory chemistry laboratory class. This paper outlines our evolutionary shift from traditional tools, such as plastic and plasticine models, to the integration of computer software, and ultimately to augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) tools-specifically, MoleculARweb and MolecularWebXR developed by École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne researchers. In this paper, we detail the implementation of these tools in our classes and present the outcomes of student surveys. Our instructional focus encompasses VSEPR, Atomic Orbitals, Molecular Orbitals, Skeletal Formula, and Enantiomers. This paper not only serves as a model for educators in general chemistry at secondary school or university levels to incorporate technology into their classrooms but also showcases a collaborative endeavor between Swiss and Thai researchers.
{"title":"From Plastic Models to Virtual Reality Headsets: Enhancing Molecular Structure Education for Undergraduate Students.","authors":"Chaleena Pimpasri, Taweetham Limpanuparb","doi":"10.2533/chimia.2024.439","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2533/chimia.2024.439","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The comprehension of molecular structure is pivotal in chemistry education. Over the past decade, Mahidol University International College has employed various teaching tools for the introductory chemistry laboratory class. This paper outlines our evolutionary shift from traditional tools, such as plastic and plasticine models, to the integration of computer software, and ultimately to augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) tools-specifically, MoleculARweb and MolecularWebXR developed by École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne researchers. In this paper, we detail the implementation of these tools in our classes and present the outcomes of student surveys. Our instructional focus encompasses VSEPR, Atomic Orbitals, Molecular Orbitals, Skeletal Formula, and Enantiomers. This paper not only serves as a model for educators in general chemistry at secondary school or university levels to incorporate technology into their classrooms but also showcases a collaborative endeavor between Swiss and Thai researchers.</p>","PeriodicalId":9957,"journal":{"name":"Chimia","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2024-06-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141466546","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Marin Nikolic, Alessia Cesarini, Ali J Saadun, Eric R Carrein Ruiz, Andreas Borgschulte, Pavel Trtik, Pierre Boillat
In the past, neutron imaging has been the little brother of advanced neutron spectroscopy techniques due to its apparent simplicity. However, this simplicity allows the studying of complex chemical and electrochemical processes and related devices even under harsh reaction conditions such as high pressure, high temperature, corrosive and/or air sensitive environments. We review a number of highly relevant case studies as archetypal examples of modern energy technology; that is heat storage, power-to-X, batteries, fuel cells, and catalysis. The promising results trigger the further development of neutron imaging towards a chemical imaging method.
{"title":"Operando Neutron Imaging.","authors":"Marin Nikolic, Alessia Cesarini, Ali J Saadun, Eric R Carrein Ruiz, Andreas Borgschulte, Pavel Trtik, Pierre Boillat","doi":"10.2533/chimia.2024.333","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2533/chimia.2024.333","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>In the past, neutron imaging has been the little brother of advanced neutron spectroscopy techniques due to its apparent simplicity. However, this simplicity allows the studying of complex chemical and electrochemical processes and related devices even under harsh reaction conditions such as high pressure, high temperature, corrosive and/or air sensitive environments. We review a number of highly relevant case studies as archetypal examples of modern energy technology; that is heat storage, power-to-X, batteries, fuel cells, and catalysis. The promising results trigger the further development of neutron imaging towards a chemical imaging method.</p>","PeriodicalId":9957,"journal":{"name":"Chimia","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2024-05-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141185768","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Deciphering the structural intricacies of catalysts is essential to advance their atomic-scale engineering. Solid catalysts are complex, with structural features spanning multiple length scales and involving dynamics, which possess challenges in understanding structure-performance relationships. However, advanced operando X-ray characterization techniques, including X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS), diffraction (XRD), and pair distribution function analysis (PDF) allow elucidation of structural features under working conditions, discovering transitions from supported nanocrystals to dispersed sites, from solid solutions to supported nanoparticles, or structural changes at the local level. In this mini-review, we discuss case studies exploring the structure of catalysts over different lengths and time scales under different applications, such as CO2 hydrogenation to methanol or the dry reforming of methane, using a combination of operando XAS, XRD and PDF.
破解催化剂结构的复杂性对于推进其原子尺度工程至关重要。固体催化剂结构复杂,其结构特征跨越多个长度尺度并涉及动力学,这给理解结构-性能关系带来了挑战。然而,先进的操作性 X 射线表征技术,包括 X 射线吸收光谱 (XAS)、衍射 (XRD) 和对分布函数分析 (PDF),可以阐明工作条件下的结构特征,发现从支撑纳米晶体到分散位点、从固溶体到支撑纳米颗粒的转变,或局部的结构变化。在这篇微型综述中,我们将讨论在不同应用条件下,如二氧化碳加氢制甲醇或甲烷干转化过程中,结合使用操作型 XAS、XRD 和 PDF,探索催化剂在不同长度和时间范围内结构的案例研究。
{"title":"Uncovering Atomic-scale Dynamics in Solid Catalysts via X-ray-based Methods.","authors":"Paula Abdala, Christoph Müller","doi":"10.2533/chimia.2024.297","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2533/chimia.2024.297","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Deciphering the structural intricacies of catalysts is essential to advance their atomic-scale engineering. Solid catalysts are complex, with structural features spanning multiple length scales and involving dynamics, which possess challenges in understanding structure-performance relationships. However, advanced operando X-ray characterization techniques, including X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS), diffraction (XRD), and pair distribution function analysis (PDF) allow elucidation of structural features under working conditions, discovering transitions from supported nanocrystals to dispersed sites, from solid solutions to supported nanoparticles, or structural changes at the local level. In this mini-review, we discuss case studies exploring the structure of catalysts over different lengths and time scales under different applications, such as CO2 hydrogenation to methanol or the dry reforming of methane, using a combination of operando XAS, XRD and PDF.</p>","PeriodicalId":9957,"journal":{"name":"Chimia","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2024-05-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141185751","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Jörg Fischer, Mikhail Agrachev, Jörg Forrer, Rene Tschaggelar, Oliver Oberhänsli, Gunnar Jeschke
Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy is a powerful tool for in situ/operando tracking of catalytic reactions that involve paramagnetic species either as a catalyst (e.g. transition metal ions or defects), reaction intermediates (radicals) or poisoning agents such as coke. This article provides a summary of recent experimental examples and developments in resonator design as well as detection schemes that were carried out in our group. Opportunities for applying this technique are illustrated by examples, including studies of transition metal exchanged zeolites and metal-free zeolites as well as metal oxide catalysts. The inherent limitations of EPR applied at high temperatures are discussed, as well as strategies in reducing or lifting these restrictions are evaluated and ideas for future improvements and methodologies are discussed.
{"title":"Current Developments in Operando Electron Paramagnetic Resonance Spectroscopy.","authors":"Jörg Fischer, Mikhail Agrachev, Jörg Forrer, Rene Tschaggelar, Oliver Oberhänsli, Gunnar Jeschke","doi":"10.2533/chimia.2024.326","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2533/chimia.2024.326","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy is a powerful tool for in situ/operando tracking of catalytic reactions that involve paramagnetic species either as a catalyst (e.g. transition metal ions or defects), reaction intermediates (radicals) or poisoning agents such as coke. This article provides a summary of recent experimental examples and developments in resonator design as well as detection schemes that were carried out in our group. Opportunities for applying this technique are illustrated by examples, including studies of transition metal exchanged zeolites and metal-free zeolites as well as metal oxide catalysts. The inherent limitations of EPR applied at high temperatures are discussed, as well as strategies in reducing or lifting these restrictions are evaluated and ideas for future improvements and methodologies are discussed.</p>","PeriodicalId":9957,"journal":{"name":"Chimia","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2024-05-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141185735","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}