To limit climate change, we need to compensate not only for future emissions, but also for historical ones. One solution would be the "atmospheric vacuum cleaner": we remove the excess CO₂ from the atmosphere. But what do we do with it? Instead of extracting the carbon for polymers, medicines, fibers, fuels and the like from crude oil, we use atmospheric CO₂. This is the simple – yet extremely challenging in technical terms – idea behind Empa's new research initiative, Mining the Atmosphere.

Read the Empa Quarterly online or download the pdf-version.

Being able to store energy is a central pillar of a sustainable energy system, since solar and wind energy are not always available in sufficient quantities when they are needed. Good batteries are indispensable for the energy transition, and thus for a more sustainable world. Empa researchers are developing batteries for different applications, from stationary energy storage to electromobility. They are also working on analyzing and recycling end-of-life batteries.

Read the Empa Quarterly online or download the pdf-version.

The young people of today are the decision-makers of tomorrow. In this issue, the focus is therefore not (only) on materials and technologies, but also on the people who make them possible: Researchers, founders, apprentices and students. Through support at all professional and academic levels, these talents can reach new heights in science or enter the Swiss economy as urgently needed skilled workers.

Read the Empa Quarterly online or download the pdf-version.

They fly through fire, sneak past birds, and collect data from the heart of rainforests without leaving a trace: In the current issue, we feature drones with unusual capabilities. In the planned "DroneHub," researchers want to develop and test even more versatile flying robots. And for those who prefer to keep their feet firmly on the ground, the issue also features research projects on quantum technology, medicine, building materials and green electronics.