Chimia最新文献

This review article delves into the growing field of solid-state batteries as a compelling alternative to conventional lithium-ion batteries. The article surveys ongoing research efforts at renowned Swiss institutions such as ETH Zurich, Empa, Paul Scherrer Institute, and Berner Fachhochschule covering various aspects, from a fundamental understanding of battery interfaces to practical issues of solid-state battery fabrication, their design, and production. The article then outlines the prospects of solid-state batteries, emphasizing the imperative practical challenges that remain to be overcome and highlighting Swiss research groups' efforts and research directions in this field.

Nanomaterials hold immense potential for numerous applications in energy, health care, and environmental sectors, playing an important role in our daily lives. Their utilization spans from improving energy efficiency to enhancing medical diagnostics, and mitigating environmental pollution, thus presenting a multifaceted approach towards achieving sustainability goals. To ensure the sustainable and safe utilization of nanomaterials, a thorough evaluation of potential hazards and risks is essential throughout their lifecycle-from resource extraction and production to use and disposal. In this review, we focus on understanding and addressing potential environmental and health risks associated with nanomaterial utilization. We advocate for a balanced approach with early hazard identification, safe-by-design principles, and life cycle assessments, while emphasizing safe handling and disposal practices, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Our goal is to ensure responsible nanotechnology development, fostering innovation alongside environmental and community well-being, through a holistic approach integrating science, ethics, and proactive risk assessment.

EquipSent is a volunteer-based non-profit organization aiming at creating conditions for sustainable teaching, study, and academic research worldwide. Used, functional equipment is collected by its members, who are responsible for matching the donations with the receivers in need. After starting in 2017, nine big transfers were accomplished that significantly impacted the quality of local scientific and educational life. In this article, we show how EquipSent as an organization strives to align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) in Chemistry in Switzerland.

For this CHIMIA special issue on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the coincidental 10th anniversary of the association of Women in Natural Sciences (WiNS) at ETH Zurich, there is no better opportunity to share what we have achieved in the last decade. WiNS was originally founded by female PhD students and PostDocs at the Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences (D-CHAB) and has expanded to include three additional departments at ETH Zurich. Join us in celebrating our anniversary, reflecting on what we and other associations with the same mission have done to promote gender equality and reduced inequalities for all. We invite you to reflect on what yet has to be done to enact a systemic change towards achieving equal opportunities for all, rather than simply accommodating the female perspective to Switzerland's predominantly masculine working culture.

The UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provide a framework for addressing some of the most pressing global challenges, from rising inequalities to economic growth and environmental impact. Chemistry is relevant to these issues and this Editorial reviews the contributions in the chemistry community in Switzerland.

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.

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.

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.

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.