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Shedding light on ultrafast heat transport in graphene

Shedding light on ultrafast heat transport in graphene

Managing heat efficiently is one of the great challenges in the development of next-generation electronic and optoelectronic devices. At the nanoscale, energy moves in ways that defy classical descriptions of heat transfer. Houssem Rezgui, researcher from the Sotomayor research group at INL, has now provided new insights into how energy flows in graphene when excited with ultrafast laser pulses. Their work, published as a Letter in Journal of Physics D: Applied Physics, explores how electrons and vibrations in the lattice (known as phonons) interact in timeframes shorter than a trillionth of a second. Graphene, with its remarkable electronic and thermal properties, is an ideal platform for probing these processes. When struck by a femtosecond laser pulse, graphene enters a highly non-equilibrium state: electrons absorb the incoming energy almost instantly, and only afterward begin to share it with the lattice. Traditionally, this sequence has been described by the two-temperature model, which assumes that electrons and phonons equilibrate in a straightforward way. However, the INL researcher shows that reality is more complex. Using an extended temperature model, Rezgui revealed that different phonon branches respond at distinct timescales, with longitudinal acoustic phonons playing a key role in energy absorption and redistribution. Strikingly, their […]

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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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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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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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Empowering the Next Generation: INFRACHIP Research Accelerator Kicks Off at INL

Empowering the Next Generation: INFRACHIP Research Accelerator Kicks Off at INL

The International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL) is proud to host an edition of the INFRACHIP Research Accelerator, a high-impact, short-term training programme designed to introduce early-career researchers to the cutting-edge technologies and facilities available through the INFRACHIP network. Over the course of two and a half days, 6 to 8 selected participants, PhD students and early-stage postdoctoral researchers—will gain hands-on exposure to advanced nanofabrication and nanocharacterization techniques. The immersive programme blends lectures by INL experts with live demonstrations inside two of INL’s state-of-the-art Research Core Facilities: the Micro and Nanofabrication (MNF) and Electron Microscopy and X-Rays (EMX). Participants will explore fundamental processes in micro- and nanofabrication such as deposition, patterning (optical and electron beam lithography), and etching (RIE). The programme also includes a deep dive into structural and chemical analysis techniques, including: + Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM): Imaging, diffraction, and spectroscopy + Focused Ion Beam – Scanning Electron Microscopy (FIB-SEM) + X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) With a strong emphasis on practical training, participants will enter INL’s cleanroom and microscopy labs to directly observe and engage with the equipment and processes discussed in the lectures. This initiative is part of the broader INFRACHIP vision to democratize access to nanoelectronics infrastructure and strengthen the European research ecosystem. By sponsoring these researchers, INFRACHIP aims to accelerate their scientific progress […]

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FORTIFy: ERC Project on Tendon Regeneration Led by Rui Domingues

FORTIFy: ERC Project on Tendon Regeneration Led by Rui Domingues

A new video is now available to introduce FORTIFy, a project funded by the European Research Council (ERC) and led by Rui Domingues, Group Leader at INL – International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory. FORTIFy aims to develop wireless nanoswitches to control PIEZO channels—specialised cell force sensors—to restore tendon function. By advancing tools to probe mechanobiology in human tissues, the project opens new possibilities for treating tendinopathy and related disorders. Watch the video to learn more about the scientific approach and goals of the FORTIFy project.

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From Nanoparticles to Sustainability: A Conversation with Monica Quarato

From Nanoparticles to Sustainability: A Conversation with Monica Quarato

Welcome to this inspiring conversation with Monica Quarato, a passionate scientist whose work bridges nanotechnology, environmental sustainability, and cutting-edge research. With a background in Biotechnology and hands-on experience across Europe, from Turin to Dublin, Ispra, and Braga, Monica has dedicated her career to advancing our understanding of nanoparticles, microplastics, and their impact on both health and the environment. Today, she shares insights from her academic journey, her current projects at the International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL), and her vision for the future of water purification and environmental monitoring. How did your academic and professional journey lead you to INL and the Espiña Research Group? During my academic and professional journey, I have been committed to advancing knowledge in the field of nanotechnology and its applications in the medical and environmental sectors, by joining different universities and research institutions. Driven by a growing interest in sustainability and the environmental impact of materials, I became involved in the detection and quantification of emerging contaminants, such as nanoparticles and microplastics, in both consumer products and marine organisms. The hands-on experience in applied environmental research helped shaping my scientific vision and reinforced my dedication in developing practical solutions to address global challenges. Motivated to further […]

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INL Researchers Contribute to Advancing Tendon Science at the 3rd TENET COST Action General Meeting and Conference

INL Researchers Contribute to Advancing Tendon Science at the 3rd TENET COST Action General Meeting and Conference

The International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL) proudly participated in the 3rd TENET COST Action General Meeting and Conference, held in Porto and online, under the theme “Innovative Tools and Developments in Tendon Regeneration.” The event brought together leading experts to share progress in tendon biology, regenerative medicine, and emerging medical technologies. INL Research Group Leader Dr. Lorena Diéguez was invited as a plenary speaker, presenting her work on “Using Microfluidics and Nanotechnology to Develop Novel Medical Devices.” Her talk highlighted how microfluidic lab-on-chip platforms are shaping the future of personalised medicine by enabling rapid diagnostics and innovative healthcare solutions. Under the scope of FORTIFy, two additional INL researchers presented pioneering work in bioengineering: + Dr. Rui Domingues, Research Group Leader, delivered a keynote lecture titled “Miniaturised Human Tendons: A Bioengineering Perspective on On-Chip Models.” His talk introduced biofabricated microtendon systems that mimic native tissue properties, offering a valuable platform for disease modeling and therapeutic development. + And Postdoctoral Researcher, in the Domingues Research Group, Simão Teixeira, presented an oral contribution on “Guiding Stem Cell Mechanosensing Responses with PIEZO-Imprinted Nanoswitches.” His research—developed through the ERC FORTIFy and FCT Wi-Pi projects—demonstrates how nanoscale biomaterials can actively steer stem cell responses through mechanical cues. The FORTIFy project, funded by the European Research Council (ERC), […]

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Celebrating 5 years of Nanosafety excellence at INL: the legacy of the SINFONIA Project

Celebrating 5 years of Nanosafety excellence at INL: the legacy of the SINFONIA Project

The International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL) proudly celebrates the successful conclusion of the SiNfONiA Project, marking five years of groundbreaking progress in nanosafety research under the leadership of Dr. Ernesto Alfaro-Moreno, ERA Chair in Nanosafety. Launched in 2020 and co-funded by the Horizon Europe programme, SINFONIA laid the foundation for a dedicated Nanosafety Research Group at INL — now recognized for its scientific excellence, regulatory relevance, and global reach. Over its five-year trajectory, the project has: + Established a state-of-the-art nanosafety research infrastructure at INL; + Achieved OECD Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) accreditation, the first for our institution; + Built a robust international network across Europe, Latin America, Asia, and North America; + Coordinated and participated in major EU-funded projects aligned with responsible innovation in nanotechnologies; In a closing interview, Dr. Alfaro-Moreno reflects on the project’s transformative impact: “SINFONIA was not just about scientific output. It was about creating a lasting ecosystem for nanosafety, combining capacity building, regulatory standards, and international cooperation.” The video offers a behind-the-scenes look at the project’s evolution, milestones, and what lies ahead for INL’s Nanosafety Group, including a continued focus on human health, environmental risk assessment, and emerging regulatory frameworks. SINFONIA’s legacy is one of excellence, leadership, and vision — […]

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