Digging deeper

New technology can collect CO2 from a truck's exhaust pipe

Published:21.11.23 — EPFL spin-off Qaptis has developed a system that can cut freight trucks’ carbon emissions by up to 90%. The company just installed a prototype of its technology at a freight carrier based in Tolochenaz in order to conduct pilot tests locally.

Ultrathin films achieve record hydrogen separation

Published:04.10.23 — Scientists at EPFL have synthesized the first ever metal-organic frameworks membrane with thickness of just one unit cell. The ultrathin film yields record-high separation performance of hydrogen–nitrogen.

Computational Model Paves the Way for More Efficient Energy Systems

Published:24.08.23 — EPFL researchers make theoretical breakthrough in thermoelectric material to better harness waste heat for sustainable energy.

EPFL Carbon Team aims to capture CO2 with sieves and sponges

Published:21.07.23 — The team of students is working on a unique prototype that uses graphene membranes combined with a porous, sponge-like material to pull carbon from the atmosphere. The technology will soon be tested on an EPFL campus, with the captured CO2 used to produce carbonated water.

An Organic Semiconductor PEC Tandem Cell for Solar Water Splitting

Published:23.09.22 — LIMNO reports major advance in the photoelectrochemical (PEC) splitting of water into H2 and O2 using organic semiconductors.

Pathways to Net zero CO2 and security supply – new report by SAAS

Published:26.08.22 — Switzerland has committed to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, an ambitious target that can only be reached thanks to rapid and concerted action, as shown in a new report by the Swiss Academies of Arts and Sciences co-authored by Prof. Jean-Louis Scartezzini.

With new solar modules, greenhouses run on their own energy

Published:26.08.22 — Plants use light waves from only a portion of the spectrum for photosynthesis – the remainder can be recovered and used to generate solar power. That’s the idea behind the solar modules developed by EPFL startup Voltiris. Following encouraging preliminary results, a new pilot installation was recently installed in Graubünden.

Ebtikar Technology Challenge

Published:16.08.22 — An innovation challenge designed to empower refugees in the Azraq Refugee Camp in Jordan through the use of digital fabrication technology to solve different refugee-identified issues in the camp: water management, education, transportation, security measures, and energy/power. 

Turning plastic waste into building bricks

Published:25.07.22 — SUMMER SERIES – Master's project (4). For her Master’s project in civil engineering, Selina Heiniger took on a challenge that’s aligned with her desire to help preserve the environment. She’s developing a new building material that’s made from plastic waste, concrete and terracotta.

Middle East and Africa Energy Innovation Virtual Hackathon

Published:06.05.21 — Take part in this global hackathon! 48 hours to turn the 15 finalist ideas into real prototypes. Win the $5.000 prize for the best idea. Submit your idea individually or in a team of up to 4 people. You can apply as many times as you have innovative ideas.