Safe and Sustainable by Design—An Interdisciplinary Challenge for Future‐Proof Chemistry

Abstract

Advanced materials (such as the TiO2 fibers shown) are important building blocks for a post‐fossil circular economy that is fostered by the Horizon Europe research framework programme from 2021 to 2026. Rolf Packroff and Romy Marx outline how this increases the need for scientists in material development to address issues of safe and sustainable design, as well as interdisciplinary cooperation with experts in toxicology, exposure sciences, and chemicals regulation.

Connecting chemical worlds for a sustainable future

“…With dynamic bonds and adaptive chemistry, combined with comprehensive studies, including computational simulations and life-cycle analyses (LCA), chemists could make molecules safe and sustainable by design. 13 The reimagination of chemical bonds is one of the cornerstones to circularity. It's time to transcend the chemistry of transformation, and establish the foundations for the chemistry of re-use, which will enable the circular economy.…”

Sustainable design of high-performance multifunctional carbon electrodes by one-step laser carbonization for supercapacitors and dopamine sensors

“…[1][2][3] Many research groups are striving to improve the performance of electrochemical systems, while there is a growing trend towards sustainable productiona concept referred to as safe and sustainable by design. [4][5][6] A more sustainable design of electrochemical devices can be achieved through careful precursor selection, recyclability and reusability, efficient energy consumption, or empowering by renewable energy.…”