Memory storage is a defining component of modern computing. It is a key issue because it determines system costs and power consumption. The ability to increase memory storage relies on the discovery, understanding, and improvement of new memory-storage materials. Recently, a third fundamental state for magnetism was experimentally realized in a novel class of matter: the spin-liquid state, after finding a way to synthesize herbertsmithite which is now prospected as a promising memory-storage material. Hydrothermal methods to grow herbertsmithite are available, but they have low production rates and yields and focus on the production of macroscopic crystals, while it is known that nano-scale dimensioned particles do have superior or different properties. Using heterogeneous (electro)catalytic routes, the main problems of the thermal synthesis can be solved. Gas-diffusion electrocrystallization (GDEx) is a new electrochemical process developed at the host organization. It is a rapid one-pot reaction crystallization process, electrochemically steered at the three-phase junction of a porous gas-diffusion cathode. The main objective of this project is to develop, optimize and validate the GDEx technology for the bottom-up synthesis of micro and nano-scaled Zn4-xCux(OH)6Cl2 particles. The project aims to obtain single-phase (pure) herbertsmithite and its polymorphs via GDEx, understanding the mechanism of formation. The project also aims to obtain these materials as solid particles, colloidal dispersions, and thin films, all with preciselly-controlled properties which can result in tailored magnetic functionalities that may result in revolutionized memory storage possibilities. Furthermore, it is aimed to obtain these particles in gram-quantities per day and at least 70% yield, obesides pening the way to a greener synthesis route, operating at mild conditions and reducing the need for hazardous reagents.

The advent of plastics to society has entailed a global dependence on this material. Special attention should be paid to nanoplastics, which are present in bottled drinking water due to weathering during usage. From a scientific point of view, it is important to get an insight into the risks that nanoplastics may bring to human health. Analytical Chemistry is called to provide a response to this actual problem with new methodologies to characterise nanoplastics that are released to water from commercial bottles. The main goal of CE4Plastics project is to advance the-state-of-the-art methods for identification and quantification of nanoplastics released to drinking water from single-use and reusable plastic bottles in the short and long-term and raise awareness in the population about nanoplastic risks. The feasibility of capillary electrophoresis to characterise nanoplastic particles will be investigated. Next, bottle weathering during normal usage and its implications in nanoplastic release to bottled water will be assessed. The project will be carried out at Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), in Belgium, with an European researcher resuming his path in research and innovation. CE4Plastics will give him an excellent opportunity to be engaged in a wide range of transferable and scientific skills and to lead a necessary breakthrough to promote nanoplastic separation, quantification and position himself as a leading researcher in the future.