Author: Laura Cyrne

Achieving optimal efficiency in electrodeposition coating is utmost important for high-quality and high-performance outcomes across a broad spectrum of applications, including but not limited to fuel-cell, catalysis, magnetic storage devices, corrosion protection and many others. The foundation of this efficiency/performance lies in the careful selection of the right electrolyte bath and coating parameters. While the wisdom gained from experienced researchers and extensive literature reviews is undoubtedly valuable, the complexity of real-world application often necessitates a deeper exploration into the multifaceted factors that exert influence on the coating process.   Modelling, by unraveling the complex coating mechanisms across a diverse spectrum of factors, including electrolytes, concentration, working environments, equips us with the ability to assess coating efficiency and predict the highest attainable level of performance. Notably, this is accomplished without incurring extra cost and with a relatively short timeframe. The ultimate validation of modeling results comes through a comparative analysis with experimental laboratory...

The energy sector is currently experiencing a continuous and unprecedented growth. Driven by demand for cleaner, more sustainable, and efficient solutions, it has produced a critical need for the development of new materials and innovative processes. From advanced fuel cells for new-generation vehicles to highly energy-efficient magnetic devices and beyond, materials science took the central role in shaping the future of the energy landscape.    One of the fundamental challenges lying between the innovative ideas of better materials and their integration in real-world applications is a transition from laboratory-scale synthesis to industrial-scale production. While the laboratory serves as a cradle of innovation, enabling researchers to explore novel materials and processes, it operates within controlled environments, often producing small quantities for experimental purposes. Industrial-scale production, on the other hand, demands a leap from grams to tons and even megatons. This transition in scale not only strains the resources but can also impact the...

Materials and their environmental impact are paramount for addressing sustainability challenges and ensuring the safety of both the environment and society.   Despite the urgent need to address end-of-life practices, material supply risks to ensure sustainable resource availability, the assessment of these requirements is a multifaceted and complex challenge. It requires comprehensive data on materials' environmental performance, manufacturing processes, safety considerations, and their implications for the circular economy. Integrating material intelligence into decision support tools assists in considering not only environmental factors and safety attributes but also their role in fostering a circular and sustainable economy.   Traditionally, information for material selection has been provided by physical characterization approaches. However, more and more organizations are looking at integrating computational models and physical experiment to drastically accelerate the material characterization, design and optimization in terms of performance; nevertheless this comes with additional complexity and challenges which will need to be tackled.   All the involved actors in...