ChimiaPub Date : 2024-06-26DOI: 10.2533/chimia.2024.390
Claudio Screpanti
{"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":"78 6","pages":"390-396"},"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}
ChimiaPub Date : 2024-06-26DOI: 10.2533/chimia.2024.379
Sandra Hofmann, Leo Merz
{"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":"78 6","pages":"379-383"},"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}
ChimiaPub Date : 2024-06-26DOI: 10.2533/chimia.2024.439
Chaleena Pimpasri, Taweetham Limpanuparb
{"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":"78 6","pages":"439-442"},"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}
ChimiaPub Date : 2024-05-29DOI: 10.2533/chimia.2024.333
Marin Nikolic, Alessia Cesarini, Ali J Saadun, Eric R Carrein Ruiz, Andreas Borgschulte, Pavel Trtik, Pierre Boillat
{"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":"78 5","pages":"333-338"},"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}
ChimiaPub Date : 2024-05-29DOI: 10.2533/chimia.2024.326
Jörg Fischer, Mikhail Agrachev, Jörg Forrer, Rene Tschaggelar, Oliver Oberhänsli, Gunnar Jeschke
{"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":"78 5","pages":"326-332"},"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}
ChimiaPub Date : 2024-05-29DOI: 10.2533/chimia.2024.297
Paula Abdala, Christoph Müller
{"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":"78 5","pages":"297-303"},"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}
ChimiaPub Date : 2024-05-29DOI: 10.2533/chimia.2024.313
Filippo Buttignol, Luca Maggiulli, Ilia Kochetygov, Ivo Alxneit, Davide Ferri
{"title":"Operando Spectroscopy of Catalysts Exploiting Multi-technique and Modulated Excitation Approaches.","authors":"Filippo Buttignol, Luca Maggiulli, Ilia Kochetygov, Ivo Alxneit, Davide Ferri","doi":"10.2533/chimia.2024.313","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2533/chimia.2024.313","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Operando spectroscopy combines the in situ determination of material structure by spectroscopy/diffraction techniques with the measurement of material performance, which is conversion/selectivity in the field of heterogeneous catalysis. A central question in operando spectroscopy is whether the signatures visible by the characterization methods are responsible for catalyst performance. Individual analytical methods can provide useful information, but their combination (multi-technique approach) is essential to obtain a complete perspective on molecular reaction mechanisms. This approach must be coupled to experimental protocols and mathematical algorithms enabling the ability to disentangle the contribution of the active structure from the unresponsive one. Here, we report an account with examples from our own research activities in catalysis science.</p>","PeriodicalId":9957,"journal":{"name":"Chimia","volume":"78 5","pages":"313-319"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2024-05-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141185770","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}
ChimiaPub Date : 2024-05-29DOI: 10.2533/chimia.2024.344
Gustav K H Wiberg, Rebecca K Pittkowski, Stefanie Punke, Olivia Aalling-Frederiksen, Kirsten M Ø Jensen, Matthias Arenz
{"title":"Design and Application of a Gas Diffusion Electrode (GDE) Cell for Operando and In Situ Studies.","authors":"Gustav K H Wiberg, Rebecca K Pittkowski, Stefanie Punke, Olivia Aalling-Frederiksen, Kirsten M Ø Jensen, Matthias Arenz","doi":"10.2533/chimia.2024.344","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2533/chimia.2024.344","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Presented here is an electrochemical three-electrode Gas Diffusion Electrode (GDE) cell tailored for operandoand in situ investigations of electrocatalytic processes, with a particular focus on X-ray scattering studies. The optimized cell is engineered to accommodate the minimal sample-detector distances requisite for comprehensive X-ray total scattering investigations. An in-depth understanding of catalytic processes requires their study under 'working' conditions. Configured as a flow-cell, the setup therefore enables the examination of electrocatalysts under high current densities and associated gas evolution phenomena, particularly pertinent for reactions like the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Notably, its transparency simplifies cell alignment, troubleshooting, and facilitates scans through the catalyst layer, crucial for background corrections. Demonstrating its versatility, we showcase its utility through Small Angle X-ray Scattering (SAXS), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and X-ray Pair Distribution Function (PDF) analyses of total scattering data.</p>","PeriodicalId":9957,"journal":{"name":"Chimia","volume":"78 5","pages":"344-348"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2024-05-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141185742","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}
ChimiaPub Date : 2024-05-29DOI: 10.2533/chimia.2024.320
Emiliana Fabbri, Thomas J Schmidt
{"title":"Operando X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy as a Powerful Tool for Uncovering Property-Activity Relationships for Oxygen Evolution Transition Metal Oxide Catalysts.","authors":"Emiliana Fabbri, Thomas J Schmidt","doi":"10.2533/chimia.2024.320","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2533/chimia.2024.320","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The development of a sustainable and environmentally friendly energy economy encompasses efficient hydrogen production from renewable energy via electrolysis. In this context, great efforts have recently been dedicated to the development of more efficient and cost-effective electrocatalysts. Understanding the mechanism of the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) on transition metal oxide catalysts is of great interest, but the reaction and system complexity render the characterization of active sites and the understanding of reaction mechanisms challenging. Time resolved Quick X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy (XAS) can provide dynamic snapshots of the electronic and local structure of nanocatalysts, revealing the 'real active phase' of the catalyst, which can substantially differ from the as-prepared catalyst powder or the catalyst in form of an electrode under non-operating conditions. In this contribution, several examples will be presented showing how operando XAS can reveal catalyst-support interactions, changes in the reaction mechanism, and dynamic reversible/irreversible changes in the electronic and local structure of OER catalysts.</p>","PeriodicalId":9957,"journal":{"name":"Chimia","volume":"78 5","pages":"320-325"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2024-05-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141185775","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}
ChimiaPub Date : 2024-05-29DOI: 10.2533/chimia.2024.304
Aram Bugaev, Adam H Clark, Nina S Genz, Olga V Safonova, Grigory Smolentsev, Maarten Nachtegaal
{"title":"X-ray Spectroscopy at the SuperXAS and Debye Beamlines: from in situ to Operando.","authors":"Aram Bugaev, Adam H Clark, Nina S Genz, Olga V Safonova, Grigory Smolentsev, Maarten Nachtegaal","doi":"10.2533/chimia.2024.304","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2533/chimia.2024.304","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Understanding structure-performance relationships are essential for the rational design of new functional materials or in the further optimization of (catalytic) processes. Due to the high penetration depth of the radiation used, synchrotron-based hard X-ray techniques (with energy > 4.5 keV) allow the study of materials under realistic conditions (in situ and operando) and thus play an important role in uncovering structure-performance relationships. X-ray absorption and emission spectroscopies (XAS and XES) give insight into the electronic structure (oxidation state, spin state) and local geometric structure (type and number of nearest neighbor atoms, bond distances, disorder) up to ~5 Å around the element of interest. In this mini review, we will give an overview of the in situ and operando capabilities of the SuperXAS beamline, a facility for hard X-ray spectroscopy, through recent examples from studies of heterogeneous catalysts, electrochemical systems, and photoinduced processes. The possibilities for time-resolved experiments in the time range from ns to seconds and longer are illustrated. The extension of X-ray spectroscopy at the new Debye beamline combined with operando X-ray scattering and diffraction and further developments of time-resolved XES at SuperXAS will open new possibilities after the Swiss Light Source upgrade mid 2025.</p>","PeriodicalId":9957,"journal":{"name":"Chimia","volume":"78 5","pages":"304-312"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2024-05-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141185790","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}