Air

Turning carbon dioxide into valuable substances: That is the goal of Empa researcher Carlota Bozal-Ginesta. In her research project, she wants to combine machine learning and high-throughput experiments to develop better electrodes for CO₂ electrolysis. For this, she has now been awarded the two-year Empa Young Scientist Fellowship.

At CERN, the European Organisation for Nuclear Research in Geneva, an international research team led by the Paul Scherrer Institute PSI has conducted especially precise measurements of atmospheric chemistry. Through this study the researchers were able to show how harmful particulate matter arises from vehicular emissions and biomass combustion. Their findings are helping to make existing models of particle formation more accurate.

In a major joint project with top Indian scientists, PSI researchers have determined why smog forms at night in the Indian capital New Delhi, contrary to all the rules of atmospheric chemistry. Their results have now been published in the journal Nature Geoscience.

When professional scientists and interested amateurs work together, it is a rewarding experience for both groups. Such cooperation can deliver important new insights, as shown by the results of a campaign to research winter Saharan dust events.

For over 25 years PSI has been conducting an uninterrupted series of measurements on the Jungfraujoch, studying the impact of aerosols on our climate at 3,580 metres above sea level. The measurements are taken in the Sphinx Observatory, the landmark building on the Jungfraujoch, inaugurated in 1937. This is Europe’s highest research station that can be reached throughout the year via the legendary mountain railway, the Jungfraubahn.

Researchers have measured the composition of fine dust at 22 locations in Europe. The result of this international study, led by the Paul Scherrer Institute PSI, is a European map of the most important aerosol sources. The researchers have now published their findings in the journal Environment International.