Researchers at Empa found that industrial chemicals, used in refrigerants and plastics, escape into the atmosphere at a rate of 3-4%, delaying ozone layer recovery by 7 years. These substances also emit significant greenhouse gases, posing a dual threat to the climate.
A team of scientists and industry experts investigated the challenges of developing new solar cells, including copper indium gallium diselenide and perovskite. They recommend focusing on material resilience, stability, and sustainability to ensure long-term success.
Researchers at Empa's Mechanics of Materials and Nanostructures laboratory are working to improve the insulation material used in satellites and space probes. They have developed a new intermediate layer that makes the material more elastic and resistant to cracks and flaking, enabling better superinsulation for future satellites.
Researchers at Empa successfully X-rayed the entire satellite EURECA, revealing cracks in composite struts and deformations in scientific instruments. The study highlights the potential of high-energy X-ray imaging for non-destructive analysis of satellites.
A study by Empa researchers found that electric car sharing can reduce emissions by up to 82%, but achieving cost savings and low-emission charging simultaneously is rare. The optimal charging strategy would require real-time tariff models, automated systems, and incentives like CO₂ prices.
Researchers at Empa successfully attached porphyrins to a graphene nanoribbon, combining magnetism and conductivity in a single system. This coupling opens doors for quantum technology applications, where spin acts as an information carrier.
Researchers at Empa successfully simulated amorphous alumina thin films using machine learning, providing insights into their atomic arrangement and properties. The breakthrough model considers hydrogen atoms and paves the way for new applications in green hydrogen production.
The researchers developed a five-level pyramid model to assess energy supply security, taking into account dynamic effects and higher resolution. Switzerland can increase its energy security by diversifying its energy sources and increasing domestic production, with additional storage facilities also contributing.
A recent study published in Nature reveals that over 16,000 chemicals are present in plastics, with at least 4,200 posing health and environmental hazards. The research outlines three key strategies for making plastics safer: removing hazardous chemicals, increasing transparency, and designing simpler chemically assessed plastics.
Researchers from Empa's Soft Kinetic group studied the rare scaly-tailed squirrels' unique bodily structure, discovering that their thorn-covered scales help them maintain position and grip onto tree bark. The study aims to inform robotics by adopting morphological structures and behaviors honed through millions of years of evolution.
The Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (Empa) has developed a proposal for the
Empa researchers have developed a novel deposition process for piezoelectric thin films using HiPIMS, producing high-quality layers on insulating substrates at low temperatures. The technique overcomes the challenge of argon inclusions by timing the voltage application to accelerate desired ions.
Researchers from Empa developed machine learning algorithms to optimize laser-based manufacturing techniques, reducing preliminary experiments by two-thirds. They also implemented real-time optimization using field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) for improved welding processes.
Empa researchers have developed a bio-based, biodegradable material from fungal mycelium that avoids chemical processing. The material has versatile functional properties, including emulsification capabilities, and is suitable for various applications. Its biodegradability makes it an attractive alternative to traditional materials.
Aerial robots can access rough terrain and great heights, reducing material consumption and making construction sites safer. Future drones will need to overcome technological hurdles, including interdisciplinary coordination and autonomy, to be used for industrial purposes.
Researchers at Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA) have developed an artificial skin model using a non-swelling hydrogel made from cold-water fish gelatin. The hydrogel can be 3D printed and contains cells, emulating the layered structure of human skin.
Empa researchers successfully realized a one-dimensional alternating Heisenberg model with a synthetic material, demonstrating strongly entangled spins and long-range correlations. In contrast, an evenly connected homogeneous chain develops an energy gap, exhibiting strong pairwise bonds and rapidly decreasing correlations.
Scientists at Empa have developed a method to produce complex soft actuators using 3D printing, overcoming challenges of elasticity, softness, and material properties. The actuators, made from silicone-based materials, can be used in various applications, including robotics, cars, and potentially even medical devices.
Researchers at Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA) solve the molecular einstein problem, revealing a unique arrangement of chiral molecules on silver surfaces. The discovery sheds light on the properties of these molecules and their potential applications in physics.
Empa researchers suggest that building materials like concrete can absorb enormous quantities of carbon, offering a viable solution for reducing CO₂ levels. The concept of 'Mining the Atmosphere' aims to create a new global economic model using CO₂ as a raw material, with concrete accounting for a significant share of carbon storage.
Researchers at Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology have developed a functioning fungal battery that generates electricity, powered by two types of fungi. The biobattery is non-toxic and biodegradable, making it an attractive alternative to conventional batteries.
Researchers from Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA) conducted a comprehensive material flow analysis of wood in Switzerland to shed light on its availability and usage. The study found that recycling rate for wood is around 8% compared to 70% for paper, highlighting the need for sustainable use.
Scientists at the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology have successfully created luminous wood by combining fungal threads with hardwood. The process involves a two-stage enzymatic reaction that stimulates the production of luciferin, emitting green light from the treated wood.
Researchers have developed sensitive ceramic sensors that can selectively respond to pressure or temperature, which are integrated into a prosthetic hand and a robotic skin. The goal is to enable safe collaboration between humans and machines, with applications in medicine and industry.
Researchers at Empa's nanotech@surfaces laboratory have developed a method to link many spins in a controlled manner, enabling precise measurement of their interactions. This achievement brings theoretical models of quantum physics one step closer to reality.
Scientists have successfully imaged superspreader fibrils in the brain tissue of Alzheimer's patients, shedding light on their role in spreading the disease. The study, published in Science Advances, uses advanced imaging techniques to visualize the fibrils' formation and spread.
A team of researchers from Empa and the University of Bristol used a novel tracer gas method to accurately measure HFC-23 emissions from a Teflon factory. The study found that abatement measures were effective in reducing emissions, but discrepancies between reported and actual emissions suggest need for independent verification.
The MEASURES project in Ghana provides insights into the impact of informal economy, climate migration, and rising temperatures on energy system planning. The researchers developed an energy system model for Accra, which yielded cost-, carbon- and resilience-optimized energy system capacity and operational planning decisions.
Empa researchers have developed a system to investigate up to ten different reaction conditions for producing synthetic fuels from CO2. The system accelerates the discovery process by generating a large number of high-quality datasets, enabling scientists to make accelerated discoveries.
Researchers developed medical fibers with a liquid core to administer painkillers, antibiotics, and insulin precisely over time. The fibers can be controlled to release drugs at specific rates, making them suitable for various applications, including surgical suture material and wound dressings.
The study reveals a significant decline in hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), potent greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change. HCFC emissions peaked in 2021 and have been decreasing since, with the US National Atmospheric and Oceanic Administration (NOAA) measuring a drop of less than 1% between 2021 and 2023.
Research suggests nanoparticles can disrupt placental function and affect embryonic development, leading to potential health issues such as low birth weight and respiratory diseases. The study used human placentas and found that nanoparticles can inhibit blood vessel formation via messenger substances.
Scientists developed a printable, bio-based aerogel using cellulose that is biocompatible, has high porosity, and excellent heat-insulating properties. Its anisotropy allows for controlled thermal conductivity and precise applications in medicine and microelectronics.
A comprehensive review of graphene and related materials' health and ecological risks has been published, with no serious acute cell-damaging effects observed. The study investigated various applications and life cycles of graphene-containing materials, finding that stress reactions can occur in lung cells but recover quickly.
Scientists discover magnetic effects trigger preferential binding of molecules to surface, filtering out 'wrong' spins. This finding could have implications for understanding the origins of life's homochirality.
Researchers found that a large proportion of nanoparticles released during washing were not nanoplastics, but oligomer particles. These particles are smaller than nanoplastics and have unknown toxicity levels. The study suggests that repeated washes can decrease the amount of particles released.
Researchers used psycho-acoustic simulations and auralization to assess the noise emissions of new aircraft designs, including a blended wing body. The results show that the new design is rated significantly less noisy than conventional passenger jets, with take-offs leaving a more unfamiliar sound impression.
Researchers at Empa's Concrete & Asphalt lab have developed a process for integrating biochar into concrete, achieving net zero emissions. The process involves processing biochar into pellets and incorporating them into concrete, resulting in a 20% by volume carbon content that offsets all emissions produced during production.
Researchers at Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology have developed a new rechargeable battery technology that can be charged and discharged within one minute, lasts ten times as long as a lithium-ion battery, and is insensitive to temperature fluctuations. The thin-film solid-state battery has the potential t...
Researchers from Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA) have developed a fully recyclable, flame-retardant epoxy resin-based plastic. The new material retains excellent thermomechanical properties while being reshaped like a thermoplast due to the addition of a special phosphonate ester molecule.
Researchers successfully contacted individual long and atomically precise graphene nanoribbons, enabling the study of fundamental quantum effects and potential applications in quantum switching, sensing, and energy conversion. The breakthrough was achieved through a collaborative effort involving multiple international research groups.
A new study reveals that nearly half of traded hazardous chemicals are imported without consent, posing a significant threat to human health and the environment. The report highlights the need for strengthened national and international action to address global trade of highly hazardous chemicals.
A new sensor patch detects digestive fluid leaks in the abdominal cavity through a sensitive reaction to changes in pH value and proteins. The patch can also visualize gas bubbles using ultrasound, reducing reliance on physical reactions or laboratory tests.
Researchers developed a model to predict microplastic concentrations in Swiss waters, finding that around half of the microplastics remain in the country. The Rhine river near Basel has the highest concentration of microplastics, with major cities contributing significantly to pollution.
The study found that emissions of five CFCs increased after the production for most uses was phased out in 2010, reaching record-high abundance in 2020. The researchers warned that these emissions could contribute substantially to global warming and negate some benefits gained under the Montreal Protocol.
A study by Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology found that daylight-saving time can reduce cooling energy by up to 6%, while increasing heating demand by 4.4%. This overall effect contributes to climate protection and highlights the importance of considering office building energy balances.
Researchers developed novel memristors with halide perovskite nanocrystals, enabling complex calculations similar to brain processes. The new memristors are faster, more energy-efficient, and easier to manufacture than predecessors.
Researchers have developed a new low-temperature deposition process that reduces the formation of detrimental gallium oxide in bifacial CIGS solar cells. This allows for improved energy conversion efficiency, with values of 19.8% for front illumination and 10.9% for rear illumination.
A recent study identifies over 10,000 chemical substances used in plastic production, highlighting the complexity of plastics and their negative impacts on human and ecosystem health. The diversity of chemicals makes it difficult to achieve standardized plastic formulations, posing challenges to recycling and pollution solutions.
Scientists at EMPA have developed a miniaturized Fourier-transform waveguide spectrometer with subwavelength photodetectors, enabling rapid detection of hazardous chemicals and greenhouse gases without laboratory equipment. The ultra-compact design allows for integration into consumer electronics and space devices.