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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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Professor Jordi Sort, an ICREA Professor from the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB) and a key partner in the NICKEFFECT project, delivered a compelling Plenary Talk at the international conference “Donostia is Science”, held from May 28–30, 2025. The event, proudly co-organised by project coordinator CIDETEC, celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Faculty of Chemistry at the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), a cornerstone of scientific research and innovation in the region.   The Donostia is Science conference brought together a distinguished assembly of scientists and professionals from across Europe and beyond, fostering a vibrant exchange of ideas across diverse research areas, including energy efficiency, biomedical applications, spintronics, catalysis, sustainable materials, polymer science, and neuromorphic computing. Notable attendees included Nobel Laureate Albert Fert, a pioneer in spintronics, and vice-directors from CIDETEC, a leading technological centre renowned for its cutting-edge applied research.   In this dynamic scientific environment, Jordi Sort presented his latest innovative...

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The NICKEFFECT project successfully showcased its innovative work at the EU-flagship EUIndTech 2025 event, held in Krakow, Poland, from June 2nd to 4th, 2025. Representing the project were Danijel Pavlica and Laura Cyrne from F6S Innovation, who engaged with a diverse audience of researchers, industry professionals, and policymakers.   NICKEFFECT's participation was prominently featured in the event's Poster Session, specifically within Session V: "Advanced Materials and Innovative Technologies for Sustainable Development", which took place on June 3rd. This session provided an excellent platform for NICKEFFECT to present its advancements alongside other innovative European projects dedicated to fostering sustainable solutions.     The team at the poster session engaged in fruitful discussions, sharing insights into the project's objectives, methodologies, and preliminary results. The interest and positive feedback received further validate the importance and potential impact of NICKEFFECT's contributions to advanced materials and sustainable development.   The EUIndTech 2025 event was a good opportunity for networking, knowledge exchange, and...

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NICKEFFECT project partner IRES just launched a new webinar focused on "Life Cycle Assessment: methodology and practical application in metal coating development." This insightful session is a key deliverable within IRES's responsibilities in the NICKEFFECT project, where they are leading the development of the Decision Support Tool incorporating a sustainable by design approach.   As a crucial partner in NICKEFFECT, IRES plays a vital role in ensuring the project's commitment to sustainability and safety. Their objectives within the project include:   Thoroughly assessing the chemical risks associated with the production of selected materials; Rigorous evaluation of the environmental impact and economic aspects of the developed products throughout their entire life cycle; In-depth investigation into the recovery and valorisation of the innovative Ni-X materials; Implementation of advanced high-throughput computational methods to design materials with enhanced performance and durability, meeting specific project targets; Development of a user-friendly online decision support tool to guide material...

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Electroplating plays a vital role in industries such as electronics, automotive, and aerospace. However, traditional electroplating methods often involve harmful chemicals and create waste that has significant environmental consequences. We are pleased to invite you to the upcoming webinar on Industrial Sustainable Plating organised by two prominent EU-funded projects, NICKEFFECT and MOZART, scheduled for December 5, 2024, at 12:00 CET. This session will focus on presenting the latest innovations in sustainable electroplating technologies, showcasing solutions that contribute to reducing the environmental impact of industrial processes.   Agenda: 12:00 – 12:05: Welcome & Introduction Opening remarks and a brief overview of the session. 12:05 – 12:30: NICKEFFECT Project Presentation (Dr. Asier Salicio, CIDETEC) NICKEFFECT’s achievements in developing nickel-based technologies for applications in electrolysers, electrodes, and fuel cells, focusing on cost-effectiveness and sustainability. 12:30 – 12:55: MOZART Project Presentation (Prof. Luca Magagnin, Politecnico di Milano) MOZART’s contributions to advancing eco-friendly electrochemical processes, particularly in industrial plating, reducing toxic...

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In a period where sustainability is crucial, innovative solutions are necessary for establishing a safer and more sustainable future. And the 4SEE Cluster was born with this premise – a dynamic collaboration between 4 different projects, funded under the HORIZON-CL4-2021-RESILIENCE-01-12 topic, that aim to revolutionise metallic coatings and engineered surfaces for the European economy. NICKEFFECT, FreeMe, MOZART, and NOUVEAU are the members of this cluster that is set to redefine industry standards, and drive innovation.   The 4SEE Cluster is a collaborative initiative focusing on safe and sustainable-by-design metallic coatings and engineered surfaces. By combining resources, expertise, and knowledge, the cluster aims to address shared challenges, enhance collaboration, and accelerate progress towards safer and more sustainable solutions.   Central to the cluster's strategy are joint communication and dissemination activities. These efforts include organising workshops, webinars, and other events to share insights, foster dialogue, and promote the adoption of sustainable practices. By bringing together resources...

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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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