Natural Sciences

A bone-like composite developed at EPFL uses naturally occurring enzymes to accelerate mineralization through an energy-efficient, room-temperature process. The strong, lightweight material shows promise for bone repair applications.

Methanol is a key starting material for chemical products. Researchers from ETH Zurich can now produce this precursor from CO₂ and hydrogen with high efficiency by using isolated metal atoms as catalysts. 

Solid-state batteries do not use flammable liquid electrolytes and are therefore safer than conventional lithium-ion batteries. researchers have developed a solid electrolyte based on a stretchable polymer. The scalable material could allow the development of better solid-state batteries and be used in flexible batteries for medical applications.

It is not easy to bring new technologies from the laboratory to market. Researchers and companies face very different demands for new developments and do not always find common ground. Scientists at Empa and other institutions have analyzed two emerging solar cell technologies to identify the greatest risks. Their conclusion: Research and industry must start collaborating much earlier.