Rethinking Chemistry

The following collection of articles (Special Collection: Rethinking Chemistry) presents a selection of contributions addressing questions that concern many chemists around the world. The use of new technologies opens exciting new opportunities in medical research, for example, to develop new drugs and treatments more quickly and more efficiently. New and more precise analytical techniques will increase both the speed and accuracy of research. Combining theoretical chemistry with ever-increasing computer power will help, as will improved methods of automation and data analysis. With the help of artificial intelligence, we can link different fields and create synergies. These developments bear promising potential for innovative advances in medical research, but also in the development of new recycling processes and other areas of science.

What kind of opportunities does this provide for scientists? In times of the Energy Transition (“Energiewende”), new ideas are essential as many conventional paths have been exhausted and no longer permit significant progress. However, this situation affords new opportunities as decision-makers and funders are well aware that new approaches are needed while at the same time some fundamentally new ideas already have been formulated. As a result, they are open to innovative concepts, which create space for new ideas to lead the way to a sustainable energy future. This allows researchers to have a fresh look at established processes whose potential may have been exhausted long ago. The paper by Ferdi Schüth, Steffen Reichle, and Michael Felderhoff (e202112095) shows that even a well-established process such as the Haber-Bosch synthesis can be improved significantly if researchers think outside the box and, for example, replace the established catalysts by a mechanocatalytic system.

Walter Leitner and Alexis Bordet describe another sort of innovative catalyst system for chemical energy conversion in a Scientific Perspective (e202301956). The variability associated with non-fossil energy and feedstock supplies poses many challenges for catalysts in dealing with the resulting reaction dynamics. The exciting concept of adaptive catalytic systems enables production processes under challenging conditions.

The examples show that Rethinking Chemistry is not about turning back the clock. Rethinking Chemistry means realigning all our research and development goals with sustainability in mind. For a sustainable approach, we must no longer only just consider the desired properties of a material, but also its recyclability and its carbon footprint throughout its life. It is not enough to simply develop increasingly better products and work out better syntheses. It is equally insufficient to replace our established methods of energy and raw material extraction based on fossil energies by sustainable alternatives.

We all know that many indispensable things today are made from plastics. Even if we can do without disposable cups and plastic bags, applications with plastic materials are vital and critically needed in the field of medical technology, for example. Therefore, we need to move away from downcycling and repurpose plastic waste as a valuable raw material. Achieving these goals requires a wise combination of cutting-edge science with established production methods.

Rethinking Chemistry is about remaining curious, supporting technological progress, and using chemistry innovations to improve the living conditions of people on our planet - in harmony with the environment. This approach is in line with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations in 2015. They provide a framework for addressing various social, economic, and environmental challenges in order to achieve sustainable development worldwide. The SDGs cover a broad range of interconnected issues and aim to create a more inclusive, equitable, and environmentally sustainable world by the year 2030. Several SDGs are connected with chemistry directly. Here are a few examples:

The article by Javier García-Martínez and Fernando Gomollón-Bel in this collection (e202218975), which presents IUPAC's approach, fits into this context. Starting in 2019, IUPAC annually identifies the “Top Ten Emerging Technologies in Chemistry” to connect chemical researchers with industry, bridging the gap between science and innovation, maintaining the current competitiveness of the chemical industry, as well as tackling our most pressing global challenges. The “Top Ten” listing recognizes technologies between early laboratory discoveries and industrial applications that have the potential to highlight the value of the chemical sciences in the transition to a sustainable economy and to accelerate the necessary transition.

With new, better chemistry, we can manage to live sustainably so that future generations can still enjoy a habitable planet. It is obvious that the major challenges of our time cannot be solved by national governments acting alone, but only together with the international community of states. As difficult as it is to find compromises that are accepted by all countries and then implemented: There is no alternative. Therefore, we should do everything in our power to set a good example. There is a lot to do, so let's get started!