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New sustainable graphene production developed at INL

The rising demand for portable electronics, e-textiles, and IoT devices has driven the need for lightweight technologies and miniaturized energy storage solutions. Graphene-based nanomaterials are at the forefront of extensive research due to their chemical stability, high surface area, strength, flexibility, and superior thermal and electrical conductivity. Supercapacitors, known for their fast charge-discharge rates, long lifespan, and simple structure, are becoming essential for energy storage in electronics, electric vehicles, and biomedical devices. They operate by storing charges through the adsorption and desorption of ions at electrode interfaces, achieving power densities over 10,000 W/kg. Microsupercapacitors, which are smaller and lighter versions, are particularly suitable for portable and wearable electronics, offering even higher power densities. The high electrical conductivity and surface area of specific graphene materials make them ideal for these applications. However, current production methods present toxicity and scalability issues that have limited their widespread use. Additionally, the materials need to comply with the requirements of deposition techniques able to guarantee reasonable production throughput. Now, INL researchers have developed a sustainable approach to produce an electrically conductive, graphene-based paste suitable for fabricating flexible devices. The results are reported today in the journal Nano Energy, in a paper by INL researchers, in collaboration with the […]

INL Open Day 2024: A Celebration of Science and Community

On Saturday, May 18, 2024, the INL Open Day turned into an extraordinary adventure, thanks to the enthusiastic participation of visitors and the dedicated efforts of our volunteers and researchers. The event welcomed over 1,000 visitors from all corners of the globe, offering them a unique opportunity to experience the thrill of being a scientist for a day. Throughout the day, attendees engaged in 30 hands-on experiments, guided by more than 100 volunteers, researchers, and INL staff members. This immersive experience allowed visitors to explore the vast potential of scientific inquiry and innovation within an environment that nurtures greatness. Participants had the chance to meet our researchers and delve into our state-of-the-art facilities, gaining insights into our unique ecosystem and vibrant community. This event not only showcased the exciting work happening at INL but also reinforced our commitment to enhancing the communities we serve. The INL Open Day was a testament to the power of science to inspire and connect people from diverse backgrounds. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who joined us on this exceptional and enriching day. Your presence and enthusiasm made the event truly memorable. Thank you for celebrating with us, and we look forward to […]

INL researchers are integrating light and AI to advance nanotechnology

‘What if the brains of future robots are powered by light?’ This was one of the questions INL researcher Bejoys Jacob has been trying to answer during the past years at INL. As artificial intelligence, also known as AI, continues to revolutionise society, scientists are exploring innovative ways to power the brains of future robots. Traditional computer architectures, such as the von Neumann architecture, demand substantial energy consumption to execute AI algorithms. In light of the increasing demand for AI tools and the global push for sustainable energy solutions, researchers are seeking alternative computational architectures inspired by the human brain. At INL, the focus has been on developing a revolutionary architecture powered by light. This ambitious project involves the creation of miniaturised light sources, detectors, and photonic interconnects for a novel photonic integrated circuit architecture. As part of this initiative, Bejoys, who is pursuing a PhD at INL, in the Ultrafast Bio- and Nanophotonics group, in collaboration with Charles III University of Madrid (UC3M), is developing nano- and micro-LEDs based on GaAs III-V semiconductor materials. These LEDs mimic neuronal activity through optical/electrical signals, paving the way for advanced brain-inspired computational architectures. Bejoys explains that “the devices developed through this research […]

12th Congress of SciComPt Network Addresses Accessibility in Science Communication

Yesterday, the halls of the INL – International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory echoed the vibrant discussions of scientists, communication professionals, and engaged citizens. The occasion? The highly anticipated 12th Congress of the SciComPt network, themed “Accessibility in Science Through Diverse Languages and Voices.” With a packed auditorium, the congress marked a significant milestone in the ongoing quest for inclusivity in the scientific arena. The event aimed to confront the urgent need for improved accessibility in science communication, recognizing that the responsibility of science extends far beyond the confines of laboratory walls. In today’s fast-paced society, merely granting access to scientific publications is insufficient in empowering citizens to fully engage with scientific knowledge. As science ventures into increasingly intricate and ethically nuanced territories, bridging the gap between scientific expertise and public comprehension becomes paramount. Against this backdrop, the congress emerged as a beacon of hope, shedding light on the pivotal role of science communication in nurturing a more inclusive scientific community. From fostering ongoing dialogues between scientists and society to addressing sensory limitations and diversifying communication channels, the congress explored a myriad of strategies to enhance accessibility in science. Tomorrow, May 10th, the congress enters its final day at the University of […]

INL researchers awarded funding to develop an automated sensor to detect emerging viruses

Zoonotic infectious diseases, i.e. diseases that transmit from animals to humans, are on the rise, and the potential for a new pandemic is more significant than ever. It is imperative to develop advanced technologies capable of continuous monitoring to identify high-risk zones for pathogen transmission between animals and humans. This requirement is essential to mitigate the potential human, socio-political, and economic impact of pandemics. The global initiative ‘One Health’ advocates collaboration among human, animal, and environmental health professionals to address health challenges. Its goal is to comprehend and prevent zoonotic diseases, while fostering a holistic approach to global health. Although the European Parliament calls for continuous surveillance and harmonised data collection from animal farms, current practices fall short for continuous and automatic detection, limiting detection to specific and already known pathogens. FLUFET, which stands for ‘FLow detection of virUses by graphene Field Effect Transistor microarrays’, is the new EIC Pathfinder project with a goal to develop a novel approach for the detection of viruses. It will be the first automated sensor capable of continuously detecting a broad spectrum of viral targets, including unknown viruses. This revolutionary sensor, combining technologies and knowledge from different fields, such as graphene field effect transistors […]

Natalia Spera, developing self-healing materials to enhance corrosion protection capabilities

Natalia joined INL – International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory as a Research Engineer in the Nanochemistry Research Group. She is currently working on synthesising, characterising, and applying sustainable coatings with self-healing solutions. Can you give us an update on what you’re currently working on? I am currently working on the development of self-healing materials to enhance corrosion protection capabilities and extend the longevity of offshore structures within the MAREWIND Project. My responsibilities encompass researching and developing core-shell nanofibers and microcapsules feasible for application in liquid coating formulations. Our solution entails having an autonomous healing response when the coating is damaged. Recently, we achieved a significant milestone by successfully scaling up our innovative self-healing materials for application in a 100-litre batch, marking a crucial step forward in transitioning laboratory technology to industry. Could you briefly describe what a typical day looks like for you, Natalia, and what aspects of your work and the INL organization excite you the most? Certainly! A typical day for me involves a dynamic mix of laboratory experiments, data analysis, and collaboration with colleagues. I usually begin with hands-on lab activities that occupy a significant portion of my day. Subsequent data analysis is also an exhilarating aspect, as […]

INL researchers innovating in next-generation solar power

Solar cells, also known as photovoltaic cells, directly convert sunlight into electricity. The most prevalent type, crystalline silicon photovoltaic cells, found in commercially available solar panels, benefit from extensive expertise and synergies with the microelectronics industry. Despite their cost competitiveness, silicon photovoltaic cells have limitations, such as poor sensitivity to low light, rigid modules, conservative aesthetics, and limited flexibility in dimensions. If photovoltaics are to be deployed in a larger number of applications, these limitations need to be addressed. The Nanofabrication, Optoelectronics, and Energy Applications (NOA) research group is exploring novel thin-film solar cell concepts – or next-generation photovoltaics – to enhance performance while meeting environmental standards. They are particularly focused on developing solutions that merge conversion efficiency, durability, and aesthetics for building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV), targeting stakeholders in the construction industry. BIPV offers a practical means of integrating photovoltaic systems into buildings, potentially facilitating the installation of hundreds of gigawatts worldwide without the need for additional land. This approach aligns well with the current trend of urbanisation. Pedro Salomé, NOA’s group leader, elaborates “We are engaged in various projects, funded by Portuguese and European programmes, to devise solutions that overcome the challenges posed by conventional silicon modules. Most of our […]

A microfluidic platform that simulates human digestion

In a recently published study, INL researchers developed an innovative microfluidic platform that is capable of replicating key human gastrointestinal processes, offering a game-changing tool for the assessment of newly-developed drugs and/or food supplements. The innovation combines a ‘Digestion-Chip’ and a ‘Gut-Chip’, each enabling sequentially the simulation of digestion through the gastrointestinal tract and the evaluation of intestinal permeability. The study ‘From mouth to gut: microfluidic in vitro simulation of human gastro-intestinal digestion and intestinal permeability’, introduces a miniaturised setup that allows studies of sample bioaccessibility and simplified bioavailability using minimal sample amounts. In addition, the outflow from the ‘Digestion-chip’ can be exposed to the cell-based Gut-Chip, which replicates the intestinal epithelium, using unprecedentedly low sample dilutions thus allowing the detection of ‘rare’ compounds. Both devices work in continuous flow requiring very little user interfacing. In this work, casein – a milk protein that is widely used as a supplement in sports nutrition – was tested as a model compound. And critically, the Gut-Chip can be used to evaluate intestinal permeability offering reference permeability values that are in line to those found using human ex vivo models. Miguel Xavier, one of the first authors of the research study adds “the […]

12th SciComPt Congress in Braga

In the pursuit of an inclusive scientific landscape, the 12th Congress of the SciComPt network will convene between May 8-10, 2024, in Braga, Portugal. Themed “Accessibility in Science Through Diverse Languages and Voices”, this landmark event aims to address the pressing need for enhanced accessibility in science communication. In today’s society, the responsibility of science extends beyond the laboratory walls. Merely providing access to scientific publications falls short of empowering citizens to fully engage with scientific knowledge. As science delves into increasingly complex and ethically nuanced realms, it becomes imperative to bridge the gap between scientific expertise and public understanding. Recognizing this imperative, the Congress will spotlight the critical role of science communication in fostering a more inclusive scientific community. From promoting ongoing dialogue between scientists and society to addressing sensory limitations and diversifying communication channels, Congress will delve into multifaceted strategies to enhance accessibility in science. The event will happen at INL – International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory, Centro Ciência Viva de Braga, and the University of Minho, and will serve as a platform for interdisciplinary dialogue, collaboration and will share insights, best practices, and innovative approaches to science communication between researchers, policymakers, communication professionals, and engaged citizens. With a […]

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INL in the Media

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October 24, 2025

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