Around two out of three technical innovations are based on novel materials – such as silicon, without which today's ubiquitous microelectronics would be unthinkable, or lithium-ion batteries, which currently power everything from smartphones to electric cars.

Or – and this brings us to the current issue of Empa Quarterly – perovskites. Pero-what? This extremely diverse class of materials is characterized by its special crystal structure and can be expanded practically at will by slightly changing the chemical "recipe". A chemical construction kit to perfectly suit the taste of curious materials scientists.

For instance, quantum dots made from perovskite nanocrystals only emit light of a certain wavelength and are thus suitable for innovative screens and displays; perovskites might also be applied in new image sensors and ultra-efficient tandem solar cells.

Another "miracle material" is graphene, layers of carbon just one atom thick, which Empa researchers are investigating for future applications in quantum technology and nanoelectronics, for example. However, the potential impact of new, hitherto unknown materials on humans and the environment should also be investigated from the outset. This is precisely what Empa researchers have been working on as part of the EU's Graphene Flagship project.

If you would like to experience the fascinating world of materials live, you are cordially invited to our open lab day on September 14 at our new research campus in Dübendorf – more on this in the next Quarterly.