Platinum group metals (PGM) are currently highly demanded due to their unique properties, making them indispensable in various strategic sectors such as renewable energy, electric mobility, and digital technologies. However, the high cost and dependence on importation from other countries pose significant risks for the development of strategic applications in key industrial sectors in Europe. Recognizing the critical nature of PGMs, categorized as critical raw materials (CRM) by the EC, the NICKEFFECT project has identified an opportunity to address these challenges.
In this context, NICKEFFECT aims to replace PGMs with nickel, an earth-abundant element with ferromagnetic properties. The project focuses on three key applications, such as: electrolyser electrodes, fuel cell catalysts, and magneto-electronic devices. To enhance the performance of Ni-based materials, NICKEFFECT employs innovative deposition techniques to develop coatings with ordered and pseudo-ordered porosity. The increased surface-to-volume ratio provided by these coatings is expected to enhance catalytic performance and contribute to the converse magnetoelectric effect (CME) in electronic devices. NICKEFFECT sets out to develop and validate at least three new materials, along with the corresponding coating methodologies, process modeling, and decision support tools for materials selection. These tools integrate safe and sustainable by design (SSbD) criteria and materials modeling to ensure the viability and eco-friendliness of alternatives.
The project aims to advance technology from the proof-of-concept (TRL3) to validation in real environments (TRL5). The partners elevate the technology further reaching higher TRLs and paving the way towards market-ready PGM-free coating materials and solutions in a variety of industrial applications. NICKEFFECT aligns with the objectives of the twin green and digital transformations, aiming to have a significant scientific and socio-economic impact on Europe's industrial landscape within the project duration, as well as in a long-term perspective. By focusing on safety and sustainability, NICKEFFECT seeks to contribute to resilient, sustainable, and secure raw materials value chains for EU industrial ecosystems.
