Magnetism and catalysis join forces
The use of magnetic nanomaterials as highly selective and active catalysts is a growing field of research. The magnetic nanocomposite catalysts are a green alternative to many other routes and they can be recovered and recycled thanks to their magnetic properties. Recognising the importance of integrating research on magnetic materials and catalysis, the EU funded the project ECAMM (European structured research area for catalytic and magnetic nanomaterials). The goal was to foster innovation for industry and rapid exploitation of research and development outcomes building on the synergy of the two individual areas. The plan involved uniting and providing a sustainable funding scheme for two virtual institutes created by earlier EU financing of two networks of excellence. The European Research Institute of Catalysis (ERIC) and the European Institute of Molecular Magnetism (EIMM) were created by the previous EU-funded projects. The integrated structure can cover more systematically the industrial field and the synergy of competences as well as the critical mass, enabling a stronger position inside the European Research Area (ERA) with a positive outlook for financial visibility. Both ERIC and EIMM offer a single reference point and solutions for industrial needs. These include exploratory and scouting studies on areas such as use of renewable raw materials, carbon emission mitigation, patent scouting and intellectual property protection, management and organisation of projects, industrially oriented education activities and lobbying. The project team aspired to fully establish the financial sustainability of ERIC and EIMM in the ERA and to support integration and effective interaction. In addition to providing expertise on catalysis and molecular magnetism, ECAMM outcomes can offer integrated approaches to new areas requiring interdisciplinary competences such as materials for nanomedicine, healthcare and diagnostics, environmental protection and nanomaterial risk.
Keywords
Magnetism, catalysis, virtual institutes, magnetic nanomaterials, ECAMM
