Chemistry and chemical engineering
Chemistry investigates the composition, structure, properties, and behavior of matter at the molecular and atomic level, while chemical engineering applies this knowledge to design processes and materials for practical use. The field bridges fundamental science with technological applications, from understanding how atoms bond to developing new drugs, materials, and energy systems.
Key challenges include designing molecules and materials with precisely controlled properties, developing sustainable chemical processes, and creating artificial systems that can perform complex chemistry with the precision of biological systems. Modern chemistry increasingly relies on computational modeling and automation to accelerate discovery and synthesis.
The 10 chemistry and chemical engineering problems
* These are just preliminary ideas and do not represent final problems of the Berkeley 100 Challenge. The final problems will be determined by our Scientific Committees.
Scalable Artificial Photosynthesis
Room-Temperature Superconductor Synthesis
Targeted Protein Degradation Platform
Carbon Dioxide to Value Catalysis
Universal Chemical Synthesis Machine
Dynamic Adaptive Materials
Complete Enzymatic Pathway Design
Quantum Chemistry at Biological Scale
Programmable Chemical Assembly
Chemical Nervous System
Chemistry and chemical engineering problem sample
* These are just preliminary ideas and do not represent final problems of the Berkeley 100 Challenge. The final problems will be determined by our Scientific Committees.
Room-Temperature Superconductor Synthesis
Problem Statement:
Synthesize and characterize a chemical compound that exhibits superconductivity at room temperature (≥298K) and ambient pressure, with critical current density sufficient for practical applications.
Evaluation Criteria:
Verified superconductivity at ≥298K and atmospheric pressure
Critical current density exceeding 105 A/cm2
Complete structural and compositional characterization
Reproducible synthesis protocol
Stability in atmospheric conditions for at least 1 year
Theoretical explanation of the superconducting mechanism
Feasibility Assessment:
Extremely challenging, likely requiring 15-25 years. Requires revolutionary advances in materials design and synthesis. Progress in understanding high-temperature superconducting mechanisms, computational prediction of novel materials, and high-throughput synthesis and characterization methods would be important precursors.
Impact on the Field:
Would revolutionize materials science and enable transformative technologies in energy transmission, transportation, and computing. Would likely reveal new fundamental understanding of electron pairing mechanisms. May establish new paradigms for designed quantum materials with implications for other quantum phenomena.
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