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Multi-Responsive Microrobots Enabled by Chemistry and Materials Design
Full text linkAt the microscale, robotic intelligence cannot rely on circuits or processors; instead, it must emerge directly from responsive materials. Chemistry provides the means: polymers, catalytic and magnetic materials enable single responsive mechanisms such as propulsion and sensing, forming the foundations of physical intelligence. Yet these functions remain limited in isolation. The next step is multiple responsiveness, where combined mechanisms create richer, autonomous behaviours. Conventional monolithic designs often suffer from interference and poor tunability, but modular assembly strategies now offer a solution by integrating discrete functional units without cross-talk. This review traces the progression from single to modular multi-responsive microrobots and highlights how such systems could achieve life-like adaptability for biomedical and environmental applications
International Chemistry Olympiad 2025: Switzerland and Liechtenstein Represented in Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Full text linkThe 57th International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO) in Dubai brought together 354 students from 90 countries, including full delegations of four students from both Switzerland and Liechtenstein. Following an intensive selection and preparation process, the teams competed in challenging theoretical and practical exams, participated in cultural activities and were given the opportunity to network with chemistry talents from all over the world. With three bronze medals and one honorable mention, Switzerland has achieved their best result in over 20 years. The next IChO will be hosted in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, in July 2026
Ligand Development for Asymmetric Catalysis from a Historical and Didactical Perspective: Chemical Education
No full textThe development of chiral ligands for enantioselective catalysis has been and still is characterized by some elements of rational design and a lot of trial-and-error experimentation
Interfacial Chemistry and Catalysis of Inorganic Materials
Full text linkHeterogeneous catalysis is essential to most industrial chemical processes. To achieve a better sustainability of these processes we need highly efficient and highly selective catalysts that are based on earth-abundant materials rather than the more conventional noble metals. Here, we discuss the potential of inorganic materials as catalysts for chemical transformations focusing in particular on the promising transition metal phosphides and sulfides. We describe our recent and current efforts to understand the interfacial chemistry of these materials that governs catalysis, and to tune catalytic reactivity by controlled chemical modification of the material surfaces and by use of interfacial electric fields
Inspiring Students to Explore Science Topics Since 2011: Chemical Education
No full textTo succeed in Science on the Move, the nationwide competition for Swiss high school classes, students are requested to work as a team on relevant research topics. The project shapes their notion of science as one of the foundations of our society and as a possible professional field for themselves
The Evolving Landscape of Neuroscience Therapeutics: an Interplay of Multiple Modalities: Medicinal Chemistry and Chemical Biology Highlights
No full textElectrocatalytic Conversion of Small Molecules Utilizing Concerted Proton-electron Transfer Mediators
Full text linkActivation of small molecules such as CO2, N2 or organic substrates and their subsequent transformation into complex value-added chemicals by electrocatalysis, utilizing renewable energy sources under ambient conditions, has gained considerable interest in the last few years. However, activation of these chemically inert molecules is hindered by their intrinsically high activation energy barrier presupposing the development of tailored catalytic systems, often precluding selective transformation to the desired target products. Recent studies have shown that the utilization of concerted proton-electron transfer (CPET) mediators (med-H) may facilitate these challenging electrocatalytic reactions
Using Instanton Theory to Study Quantum Effects in Photosensitization
Full text linkElectronic excitation is usually accomplished using light (photoexcitation) and is a key step in a vast number of important physical and biological processes. However, in instances where photoexcitation is not possible, a photosensitizer can excite the target molecule in a process called photosensitization. Unfortunately, full details of its mechanism are still unknown. This perspective gives an overview of the current understanding of photosensitization and describes how instanton theory can be used to fill the gaps, especially with regard tothe importance of quantum tunnelling effects
