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NICKEFFECT aims to develop novel ferromagnetic Ni-based coating materials to replace the scarce and costly Platinum and ensure high efficiency in key applications.

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In recent decades, both Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) and Elsyca have independently developed multiple software tools for simulating Multi-Ion Transport and Reaction (MITRe) models. Originally utilized by VUB for corrosion-related simulations, the MITRem code has been revitalized under the NICKEFFECT project. It is now geared towards microscopic 3D electrodeposition simulations of porous structures. Additionally, various single-metal and alloy plating processes have been successfully modelled.   The workflow for MITRe model simulations involves several key steps. Initially, there's a need to identify the relevant species present in the electrolyte, followed by establishing a plausible electrode reaction mechanism. Subsequently, obtaining relevant kinetic parameters for the electrode reactions involved in the plating process is essential. Within the framework of the NICKEFFECT project, this was accomplished for a nickel alloy plating process of interest by retrofitting polarization curves using Elsyca PIRoDE software. These curves were based on polarization experiments conducted at Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB)...

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Aitor Arredondo and Jordi Sort from Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, NICKEFFECT’s project partners, participated at the 22nd International Conference on Magnetism (ICM2024) in Bologna Congress Center. This event is the largest gathering of the magnetism community worldwide and promises to showcase the resilience and excellence of the field, from fundamental research to innovative applications.   At ICM2024, Aitor Arredondo and Jordi Sort presented their work titled "Composition-dependent voltage-driven OFF-ON switching of ferromagnetism in Co-Ni oxide microdisks.” This research represents a significant advancement in the field of magnetism, exploring innovative methods to manipulate ferromagnetic properties through compositional changes and applied voltage.   The presentation highlighted the intricacies of OFF-ON ferromagnetism switching in Co-Ni oxide microdisks. The ability to control ferromagnetic states with precision opens new windows for applications in data storage, spintronics, and magnetic sensing technologies. Attendees expressed a strong interest in the technical aspects of the work, wanting to know more about the mechanisms...

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The NICKEFFECT project participated in the Artificial Intelligence for Advanced Materials Conference (AI4AM 2024), held from July 2nd to 4th in the city of Barcelona, Spain. This cross-disciplinary international event brought together top experts from industry and research institutions who utilise Artificial Intelligence (AI) to advance discoveries in materials science. The conference's main goal is to refine automated designs for both structural and electronic material models in engineering, focusing on improving interoperability among material databases and enabling reverse material engineering.   Konrad Eiler, from NICKEFFECT's project partner Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, did a presentation on the active learning approach used to accelerate experiments as part of the project. Konrad gave some insights on the practical benefits of the Active Learning methodology in guiding experimentalists to find the best conditions for growing Ni-W films for catalysis.     Active Learning in Materials Science   Konrad's presentation highlighted how AI, particularly Active Learning, significantly aids experimentalists in determining optimal...

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The NICKEFFECT consortium got together for the 5th General Assembly meeting on June 13-14, 2024, at the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona. This gathering marked the midpoint of the 48-month project, bringing together all partners for two full days of updates, discussions, and strategic planning.   The meeting focused on a series of presentations that provided a comprehensive overview of the project's progress. Key presentations included:   Project Management and Coordination Sustainable-by-Design approach Advancements in developing Coating Materials with tuned porosity and characterization Modelling of Electrodeposition Process Upscale of the production processes, deposition on demonstrators Dissemination, Exploitation, and Guiding & Standardization Materials validation in relevant environments   The General Assembly also counted with an exciting visit to the laboratories at the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona's science faculty. Attendees had the opportunity to observe innovative research facilities and ongoing experiments related to the NICKEFFECT project.   As the meeting concluded, the partners had a clear roadmap for the next...

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In the evolving landscape of development for new chemicals and materials, the principles of safety and sustainability have become paramount. Innovations need to be driven not only by the requirement for an effective function of new products, but also towards minimizing the harm to both human health and the environment. This is evidenced by a gradual shift from the traditional considerations of “Safe by Design” and “Sustainable by Design” towards a new, holistic approach: the concept of “Safe and Sustainable by Design” (SSbD).   SSbD aims to integrate safety and sustainability concerns from the inception of a new chemical or material, and, in an iterative approach, along the innovation pathway towards commercialization. To ensure the adoption of safety and sustainability criteria, and the implementation of the SSbD approach in a standardized manner, the European Commission and Joint Research Center have developed an SSbD framework, offering detailed guidance on the methodology and appropriate...

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The impact of additives on aqueous metal electrodeposition has fascinated the electroplating community for several decades. Additives can be classified into organic and inorganic compounds. The former are most common as they act as hydrogen permeation inhibitors, crystal growth modifiers, brighteners, levellers, wetting agents, and stress relievers. Even if added to the electrolyte in small amounts, their effect on coatings’ morphology and structure is remarkable, often without changing their chemical composition. For example, saccharine, a well-known sweetener to sprinkle onto food or added to coffee, is a typical grain-refining agent in metal electrodeposition. Saccharine is thus widely used in nickel plating as a brightener. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is also added to nickel electrolytes to reduce surface roughness, refine grains, and promote twinning. In turn, the mechanical properties of the resulting coatings such as hardness greatly improve. Caution must be taken, though, regarding the incorporation of sulphur and carbon impurities that...

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The NICKEFFECT project has been awarded the prestigious GREEK GREEN AWARD 2024 in the Best European Project in the Environment category. This recognition validates the project's innovative efforts and its role in driving sustainable change within the green energy sector.   The GREEK GREEN AWARD is proof of the dedication and innovative spirit of the NICKEFFECT project team. NICKEFFECT partners aim to push the boundaries of traditional materials science, and also set a new standard for environmental stewardship in the field of green technology.   At its core, the NICKEFFECT project seeks to revolutionise green energy by replacing platinum, a scarce and expensive resource, with innovative nickel structures. This strategic shift not only addresses the limitations of traditional energy technologies but also opens up new avenues for sustainable development and environmental impact reduction.   The recognition was received at the 6th International VERDE.TEC exhibition serves as a testament to the project's impact and significance within the...

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In the ever-evolving landscape of industrial processes, environmental consciousness has become paramount. Industrial plating, a vital process in various manufacturing sectors, often relied on the use of hazardous chemicals and consumed vast amounts of energy to meet the growing demands in metal coatings. However, the recent market dynamics, largely affected by the sustainability policies, pave the way for greener alternatives that ensure the environmentally friendly aspects of materials and processes without compromising their efficiencies.   Effective development of eco-friendly plating begins with addressing sustainability issues early on. Chemical risk management is essential for development of electrolytes free from toxic to the environment and human health components, and for establishment of the process-specific guidelines to maximize the safety of personnel especially under conditions when the electrolyte formulation cannot be further modified. Utilizing computer aided engineering facilitates the design optimization of plating processes, reducing reliance on trial-and-error approaches and guiding efficient resource utilization. Furthermore,...

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