Researchers find high concentrations of heavy metals and restricted brominated flame retardants in mixed plastics from disassembled electrical and electronic equipment. The study emphasizes the importance of implementing strict quality management to prevent substance release into the environment or new products.
An international team of researchers recommends regulating the most potent fluorinated greenhouse gases to avoid negating the positive effects of the Montreal Protocol. Long-lived HFCs, such as R-134a, pose a significant threat to the climate due to their high global warming potential.
Researchers at ETH Zurich successfully created two-dimensional polymers for the first time using a novel synthesis method. The resulting 'molecular carpets' have potential applications in filtering tiny molecules and could lead to the development of new materials with unique properties.
Researchers have successfully created a nano-bio PEC electrode, consisting of iron oxide conjugated with a protein from blue-green algae, which is twice as efficient in water splitting as iron oxide alone. The use of phycocyanin, a light-harvesting protein, improves the electrode's ability to absorb photons and generate photocurrent.
Researchers at Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA) have developed a method to treat wood with a white-rot fungus, resulting in instruments with tonal qualities comparable to Stradivarius. The goal is to standardize the process to mass-produce violins with guaranteed quality.
Researchers at Empa have successfully designed a molecule with four rotating motor units that can travel straight ahead in a controlled manner. The smallest electric car in the world, measuring approximately 4x2 nanometres, requires refueling with electricity after every half revolution of its wheels.
Green algae exposed to carbon nanotubes exhibit reduced growth rates and photosynthetic activity, primarily caused by increased shadowing and agglomeration. However, the absence of absorption by the plants indicates that CNTs do not pose a direct toxic threat.
Researchers at Empa have developed self-healing membranes for inflatable structures that can plug up holes on their own, inspired by the rapid wound sealing process of climbing plants. The technology has shown promising results in lab tests, with a membrane able to hold for eight hours after being punctured.
Researchers at Empa have developed record-breaking flexible CIGS solar cells with an 18.7% efficiency, overcoming performance limitations on polymer films by reducing deposition temperatures. The innovation enables cost-effective roll-to-roll processing and lower manufacturing costs.
Empa researchers found significant discrepancies in greenhouse gas emissions reports, particularly from Western European countries. The study reveals that countries like Italy and the Netherlands underreported their HFC-23 emissions, while others like France and Germany reported accurate figures.
Researchers from the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA) have developed a new curtain fabric that is lightweight yet absorbs sound. The new textiles absorb five times more sound than conventional translucent curtains, making them suitable for various rooms such as offices and auditoriums.
Researchers have developed a novel transparent flexible woven electrode for thin-film solar cells, which is more stable and cost-effective than traditional indium tin oxide (ITO)-based electrodes. The new electrode uses a woven polymer material with embedded metal wires to ensure electrical conductivity.
Researchers Marta Rossell and Rolf Erni developed a new technique to study the 3D structure of nanoparticles, enabling the determination of their atomic arrangement. This breakthrough could improve understanding of nanoparticle properties, reactivity, and toxicity.
Researchers have shown that nanosilver is not a new discovery but has been used for over 100 years to prevent bacterial growth. Nanoparticles have different properties than larger particles, making them more reactive and toxic to bacteria.
Empa researchers have successfully fabricated small fragments of graphene, known as nanographenes, using a surface chemical route. The reaction pathway consists of six steps with five intermediate products, which can be stabilized on semiconductor surfaces, enabling the fabrication of tailored nanographenes.
A Swiss study by Empa found that energy-saving lamps have a larger ecological footprint due to electronic circuitry, but recycling reduces environmental effects. The production of incandescent bulbs has a negligible impact on the environment, while usage and power source are major factors.
Studies have shown that hybrid cars achieve up to twice the efficiency in city driving, resulting in significant fuel consumption and CO2 emission reductions. Natural gas fueled vehicles also offer a comparable alternative with additional economy benefits.
Researchers have developed a new method to create nanostructured surfaces using polystyrene spheres and zinc oxide, which can efficiently absorb sunlight and convert it into electricity. The 'sea-urchin'-shaped structures
Researchers successfully grow graphene ribbons with adjustable properties by creating narrow ribbons with well-defined edges. The new method enables the production of components with specific optical and electronic properties, paving the way for the development of future nanoelectronics.
The complete genome of the split gill mushroom has been published, revealing a unique enzyme-based digestive apparatus that enables it to decompose wood. This knowledge can be used to genetically modify the fungus to optimize decomposition processes and improve the properties of wood.
Empa researchers create simple networks of organic nanowires with perfectly monocrystalline structure. The nanowires can be combined to form complex electronic circuits, including solar cells and transistors.
A study by Empa found that car air conditioning systems account for up to 30% of fuel consumption in hot climates, but turning off the system when the temperature drops below 18°C can save two-thirds of this extra consumption. The study also found that diesel vehicles consume less fuel with air conditioning on than petrol engines.
Researchers from Empa have successfully synthesized a graphene-like polymer with well-defined pores using a 'bottom-up' synthesis method. The new material boasts finer pores than traditional lithographic processes, opening up new possibilities for applications in electronics and other fields.