The NICKEFFECT consortium is proud to highlight a significant milestone achieved within its research community. On 27 November, Aitor Arredondo, researcher at the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), successfully defended his PhD – work that sheds new light on how magnetic materials can be controlled using electric fields instead of electric currents.
His thesis, “Oxygen Magneto-Ionic Effects in NiCo-Based Structures,” examines how ions such as oxygen can be moved within a material using small voltages, triggering changes in its magnetic behaviour. This line of research – known as magneto-ionics – is attracting growing attention because it offers a route to electronic devices that consume far less energy than those used today. Aitor’s findings come at an important moment for the NICKEFFECT project, which aims to develop alternatives to Platinum Group Metals (PGMs) for use in energy and digital technologies. Magneto-ionic materials based on nickel and cobalt oxides have emerged as one of the most promising families for creating low-power magnetic memories, including future MRAM devices.
Why does this matter? Firstly, it reduces dependence on critical raw materials. Many magnetic devices rely on platinum – a scarce, expensive metal on the EU’s Critical Raw Materials list. Aitor’s work shows the potential of Pt-free Ni/Co multilayers, an approach that could eventually lessen Europe’s reliance on imported PGMs.
Furthermore, it opens the door to more energy-efficient computing. Traditional magnetic memories require high electric currents to operate. By contrast, magneto-ionic devices can be switched using voltage alone, dramatically lowering energy consumption – a key goal as Europe prepares for data-intensive technologies like artificial intelligence and neuromorphic computing.
Last but not least, it strengthens European expertise in advanced materials. Aitor’s research feeds directly into NICKEFFECT’s ambition to position Europe at the forefront of sustainable, high-performance materials for strategic technologies.
Aitor defended his thesis before a jury of respected scientists, joined by his supervisors at UAB. The work reflects years of dedicated research and collaboration, including contributions from partners across the NICKEFFECT consortium. Doctoral research such as Aitor’s is a key part of NICKEFFECT’s impact. These scientific contributions not only help advance the state of the art but also anchor the project’s mission in real laboratory achievements – bringing Europe closer to next-generation, energy-efficient technologies built on sustainable materials. NICKEFFECT is also delighted to share that Roger de Paz Castany will defend his PhD on 26 February 2026, continuing the project’s track record of training talented young researchers who will shape the future of European science.
NICKEFFECT extends its warmest congratulations to Aitor and looks forward to the breakthroughs that will follow!