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Magnetic nanowires take hydrogen production to the next level

Magnetic nanowires take hydrogen production to the next level

As the world looks for cleaner ways to produce energy, green hydrogen (fuel made from water and renewable electricity) is gaining attention as a promising solution. To make green hydrogen affordable and efficient, better catalysts are needed to speed up the chemical reactions involved. Researchers at INL – International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory have developed a new type of magnetic catalyst that could change the game. Their findings, recently published in ACS Nano, reveal how these magnetic nanowires efficiently catalyse the oxygen evolution reaction, a key reaction in hydrogen production from water. The research team led by Yury Kolen’ko created cobalt ferrite (CoFe2O4) nanowires using a technique called electrospinning, which forms ultra-thin fibres by using an electric field to draw solid threads from a liquid solution; imagine sugar being spun into cotton candy, but at the nanoscale. By precisely controlling the calcination temperature, the team transformed the fibres into nanowires with excellent magnetic properties, critical for their catalytic performance. Why does magnetism matter? The oxygen molecules, which are formed during the water-splitting process, have a special triplet spin state. When the catalyst is magnetic, it can influence the spin alignment of the reaction intermediates, guiding the reaction to proceed faster and […]

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INL’s Dr. Andrea Capasso Appointed Co-Lead of IAM-I Electronics Working Group 

INL’s Dr. Andrea Capasso Appointed Co-Lead of IAM-I Electronics Working Group 

INL is proud to announce that Dr. Andrea Capasso, Principal Investigator in the Alpuim Research Group, has been recently appointed co-leader of Working Group 4 (WG4) – Electronics within the Innovative Advanced Materials Initiative (IAM-I). This appointment reflects INL’s continued leadership in the European advanced materials ecosystem and its commitment to shaping the future of electronics through cutting-edge research and collaboration. IAM-I is a major European association that brings together nearly 300 members from universities, research and technology organisations (RTOs), and industry players to accelerate the development and deployment of Innovative Advanced Materials (IAMs). It plays a key role in implementing the Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda (SRIA) under the IAM4EU partnership, supporting Europe’s industrial leadership and sustainability goals. Working Group 4 – “Electronics” plays a strategic role in advancing materials for next-generation electronic technologies, including semiconductors, flexible devices, and quantum components. It fosters collaboration across disciplines to address challenges in performance, sustainability, and EU technological autonomy.  Capasso’s appointment comes at a time of growing momentum for INL in this field. INL has been actively involved in the IAM-I initiative since its inception, and its Director-General, Prof. Dr. Clivia M. Sotomayor Torres, is a member of the European Commission’s Technology […]

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Eco-friendly sensor developed at INL enables rapid detection of pharmaceutical contaminants in water

Eco-friendly sensor developed at INL enables rapid detection of pharmaceutical contaminants in water

Pharmaceutical waste in water sources is becoming a growing environmental concern. Among the most common pollutants are paracetamol and 4-aminophenol, a related compound that can appear as a contaminant or breakdown product. These substances persist in urban wastewater and surface waters, potentially harming aquatic ecosystems and human health. Detecting them accurately and efficiently is crucial for environmental protection and risk management. Researchers at INL from Espiña’s research group have designed an innovative electrochemical sensor that can simultaneously detect both pharmaceuticals at very low concentrations. The sensor uses carbon screen-printed electrodes modified with specially functionalised carbon nanofibers, which enhance sensitivity and selectivity. This study published in the journal Sensing and Bio-Sensing Research, describes a solution for portable, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly tool for water quality monitoring. Traditional methods for identifying pharmaceutical contaminants often rely on complex laboratory techniques such as chromatography and spectrometry. While highly precise, these require expensive equipment, trained personnel, and time-consuming sample preparation, limiting their use for routine or on-site testing. In contrast, electrochemical sensors like the one developed by the INL team led by Raquel Queirós, provide rapid, real-time results with minimal costs. The research team compared different transducer materials, finding that carbon-based ones performed better than […]

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INL welcomes Ciência Viva students for a week of hands-on science

INL welcomes Ciência Viva students for a week of hands-on science

For the first time, the International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL) is opening its doors to young For the first time, INL joined the programme Ciência Viva no Laboratório. Over the course of a week, five secondary school students experienced what it truly means to be a scientist, working side by side with researchers in high-tech labs, not as observers, but as active participants in real scientific projects. Promoted by Ciência Viva – Agência Nacional para a Cultura Científica e Tecnológica, the initiative aims to bridge the gap between school-based learning and the real world of science. At INL, the students took part in hands-on activities related to nanotechnology, nanosafety, and electron microscopy, while engaging with cutting-edge scientific equipment and researchers from diverse scientific backgrounds. Filipa Lebre, a postdoctoral researcher at INL, mentored one of the students in a project simulating how researchers assess the health impacts of new nanomaterials. “Participating in this program has been a wonderful experience,” Filipa shared. “It’s inspiring to meet young, inquisitive minds and watch them grow from their initial shyness to confidently working in the lab and asking insightful questions. School gives you theory, but hands-on experience in a real lab can be transformative.” Filipa […]

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Braga Mayor Honoured with Galicia Medal for Strengthening Scientific Ties

Braga Mayor Honoured with Galicia Medal for Strengthening Scientific Ties

The International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL) extends its warm congratulations to the Mayor of Braga, Ricardo Rio, on being awarded the Medal of Galicia on 24 July. This prestigious honour, also granted to the Mayor of Porto, celebrates the deepening of cross-border cooperation within the Galicia–Northern Portugal Euroregion. The ceremony, led by the President of the Xunta de Galicia, Alfonso Rueda, highlighted not only the cultural and linguistic bonds between the regions but also their growing scientific collaboration. INL was prominently mentioned during the event as a symbol of this scientific unity. Founded as a result of the 2005 Iberian Summit, the laboratory was envisioned as a pioneering initiative in European science and technology cooperation. Located in Braga, INL owes much of its foundation to Galician physicist Prof. Dr. José Rivas Rey, who led its creation and served as its first director until 2014. Today, INL stands as one of the largest scientific research centres in the Iberian Peninsula, embodying the shared vision and innovation that the Galicia Medal seeks to honour.

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Cristiana Alves: Revealing the Invisible Through Materials Science

Cristiana Alves: Revealing the Invisible Through Materials Science

Meet Cristiana Alves, Facility Lead at the Electron Microscopy and X-Rays (EMX) Facility at INL. With a lifelong curiosity for how things work and a deep passion for uncovering the unseen, Cristiana’s journey into materials engineering and nanotechnology has been driven by both precision and wonder. From exploring bioactive coatings for dental implants during her PhD to working in one of the most advanced electron microscopy facilities in the Iberian Peninsula, she combines technical excellence with a commitment to discovery. At the heart of her work is a drive to understand materials at their most fundamental level, and to help others do the same. Can you tell us a bit about your path, your main area of work, and the importance of your work?Since I was a child, I have always loved to explore and discover things in nature, get to know how things work, and why they work in such a way. I also loved math because for me, math is simple; there are no doubts or misinterpretations. This combination brought me to an engineering course (materials engineering).While pursuing my master’s, I naturally became passionate about research and science, and I pursued a PhD to study nanomaterials for biomedical applications. When you […]

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Science, Innovation and Society: INL attends the Science 2025 Meeting

Science, Innovation and Society: INL attends the Science 2025 Meeting

Between the 9th and 11th of July, the International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory was represented at Encontro Ciência 2025, Portugal’s largest science and technology meeting. This year, the event took place at the NOVA SBE Campus in Carcavelos, Lisbon, and centred around the theme “Science, Innovation and Society”. Part of the “Science, Technology, Innovation” exhibition, INL was present throughout the three-day event, fostering engagement with policymakers, researchers, students, and the broader public, in a clear celebration of the importance of science in the public sphere. Professor Ado Jório, INL’s Deputy Director-General, participated in the opening session, where several key figures opened the event by addressing priorities in science and innovation. First, Nuno Piteira Lopes, Vice-President of the Cascais City Council, and Dr Isabel Rocha, Vice-Rector of Nova University, welcomed participants, stressing the contemporary nature of societal concerns and how science and innovation contribute to their resolution, while Dr Vera Aldeias, Commissioner of Encontro Ciência 2025, highlighted the increasing need to reduce bureaucracy. Rosalia Vargas reinforced the role of the Ciência Viva network and Professor Madalena Alves, President of the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT), emphasised the impact of digital tools, the agency’s support for research careers, gender equality, and its ongoing restructuring. Finally, Dr Helena Canhão, Secretary of State for Science and Innovation, outlined goals to reform the fragmented science system, boost industrial innovation, continue U.S. partnerships, and enhance funding opportunities in Portugal, […]

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Innovation in Motion with Duarte Mota

Innovation in Motion with Duarte Mota

What happens when industry expertise meets cutting-edge research? At INL, Duarte Mota, Engineering Lead in the M. Martins Research Group, brings this fusion to life. With a background in Mechanical Engineering, a track record as Director of R&D at Edaetech, and over four years at INL evolving from Research Engineer to team leader, Duarte now drives innovation through the development of advanced mechanical systems, intelligent manufacturing processes, and industry-ready prototypes. In this conversation, he shares key milestones, emerging technologies, and his vision for the future of engineering. What innovative mechanical systems or production techniques are you currently exploring at INL, and what impact do you hope they will have? The Technology Engineering Group, of which I am a part, has the primary mission of supporting research teams by increasing the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of their projects and facilitating technology transfer to industry. Within this scope, I have been developing projects that integrate innovative mechanical systems across a wide range of application areas. As an example, the integration of power optimized rotary and stackable pinch valves are currently integrated into several projects with several units deployed in various pilot cases.The establishment of our Manufacturing Workshop, with the introduction of new additive and […]

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INL Joins Global Dialogue on Innovation and IP at WIPO General Assemblies

INL Joins Global Dialogue on Innovation and IP at WIPO General Assemblies

The International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL) is proud to participate as an observer at the 66th session of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) General Assembly, held from 8 to 17 July 2025 at WIPO Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. This participation reaffirms INL’s commitment to international cooperation in science and its active contribution to the global dialogue on innovation, intellectual property, and technology for sustainable development. The 66th session brought together more than 1,600 delegates representing all 194 WIPO member states, including over 40 ministers and deputy ministers, and nearly 100 heads of national patent offices. The assembly served as a vital forum for exchanging expertise, sharing achievements, and shaping global strategies to enhance intellectual property systems in support of innovation-driven growth. During the opening session, WIPO Director General Daren Tang welcomed the Federated States of Micronesia, WIPO’s newest member state. He highlighted the resilience and dynamism of the global innovation ecosystem, noting that more than 40 intellectual property applications are filed every minute worldwide. INL’s presence in Geneva underscores the importance of aligning nanotechnology and advanced science with international policy frameworks, ensuring that emerging technologies contribute meaningfully to global sustainable development goals.

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