NanoDome · Project

Software That Predicts Nanomaterial Properties Before You Manufacture Them

manufacturingTestedTRL 5

Imagine you're a chef trying to bake a cake, but instead of tasting it after baking, you could simulate the exact flavor and texture on a computer before you even start. NanoDome built software that does this for nanomaterials — tiny particles used in coatings, batteries, and electronics. Instead of expensive trial-and-error in the lab, manufacturers can now model exactly what particle size, shape, and coating they'll get from their production process. The toolkit predicts the outcome of gas-phase manufacturing so companies can get the product right the first time.

By the numbers

EUR 3,999,110

EU funding for toolkit development and validation

consortium partners across 4 countries

TRL 4-6

technology readiness of validated production methods

day end-user workshop for toolkit testing

total project deliverables completed

industrial partners in the consortium

The business problem

What needed solving

Manufacturers producing nanomaterials through gas-phase synthesis waste significant time and money on trial-and-error experimentation. Getting the right particle size, coating, and composition requires running multiple production batches, each costing raw materials and machine time. Without predictive tools, development of new nanomaterials or optimization of existing processes is slow and expensive.

The solution

What was built

An open-source modelling and simulation toolkit (NanoDome software) that predicts nanoparticle properties — including size, surface area, morphology, core-shell structures, and coatings — during gas-phase synthesis. The toolkit was validated at lab and industrial scale and demonstrated at engineering trade shows.

Audience

Who needs this

Nanomaterial producers using gas-phase synthesis methodsCoatings and surface treatment companies working with nanoparticlesBattery and catalyst material manufacturersEquipment makers building gas-phase synthesis reactorsR&D departments developing new nanomaterial formulations

Business applications

Who can put this to work

Coatings & Surface Treatment

mid-size

Target: Manufacturers of industrial or protective coatings using nanoparticles

If you are a coatings manufacturer dealing with inconsistent nanoparticle quality from your gas-phase production line — this project developed an open-source simulation toolkit that predicts particle size, morphology, and coating structure before production. Instead of running dozens of costly test batches, you model the process digitally. The toolkit was validated at both lab and industrial scale across 6 partners in 4 countries.

Battery & Energy Storage

any

Target: Companies producing nanomaterial-based electrode or catalyst materials

If you are a battery materials company struggling to control particle composition and surface area in gas-phase synthesis — this project built modelling software that simulates nanoparticle formation including core-shell and multi-layer structures. It lets you optimize production parameters digitally, shortening your development cycle. The project worked with technologies at TRL 4-6 and released the software as open source.

Nanomaterial Production Equipment

SME

Target: OEMs building gas-phase synthesis reactors

If you are an equipment maker whose clients demand tighter control over nanomaterial output — this project created a design toolkit that integrates reactor-scale models with particle-level simulations. Your customers can use it to predict and optimize nanoparticle properties like size, chemical composition, and morphology directly from reactor settings. The consortium included 2 industrial partners who validated the tool in real production environments.

Frequently asked

Quick answers

What does the NanoDome toolkit actually cost to use?

The NanoDome software was released as open source (hosted on platforms like GitHub or SourceForge), so the toolkit itself is free to download and use. Costs would come from integration, training, and any custom modelling work needed for your specific production setup.

Can this handle industrial-scale production, not just lab experiments?

Yes. The project specifically conducted both lab-scale and industrial-scale validation. The modelling combines particle-level simulations with continuum-scale reactor models, meaning it was designed to work at real production volumes, not just benchtop setups.

What about intellectual property and licensing?

The toolkit was released as open source, which means you can use, modify, and integrate it freely. However, specific industrial applications or custom extensions developed by consortium partners may have separate IP arrangements. Contact the coordinator at Università di Bologna for licensing details.

How long would it take to integrate this into our existing production workflow?

The project ran a three-day end-user workshop specifically to test the toolkit with potential users and provide technical training. Based on available project data, the tool was designed to work with generic gas-phase synthesis processes, so integration depends on how closely your setup matches the validated configurations.

What types of nanomaterials does this actually work for?

The toolkit models nanoparticles produced via gas-phase synthesis, including complex structures like core-shell, multi-layer, and radially-dependent compositions. It predicts particle size, surface area, chemical composition, morphology, and functionalization coatings. The target materials were selected for their impact on EU industry.

Is there ongoing support or is this a dead project?

The project ended in September 2018. The open-source release means the code is available but ongoing development depends on community contributions. Product demonstrations were made at engineering trade shows, suggesting the consortium sought industrial adoption. Check the project website nanodome.eu for current status.

What regulations or standards does this comply with?

Based on available project data, the toolkit is a simulation and design tool, not a regulated product itself. However, it can help manufacturers meet quality standards by improving control over nanoparticle properties before production, reducing out-of-spec batches.

Consortium

Who built it

The NanoDome consortium brings together 6 partners from 4 countries (Belgium, Germany, Italy, UK), with a 33% industry ratio — 2 industrial partners including 1 SME, alongside 3 universities and 1 research organization. This mix of academic modelling expertise and industrial validation capability is strong for a simulation toolkit. The coordinator is Università di Bologna, a major Italian research university. The presence of industrial partners means the software was tested against real manufacturing requirements, not just theoretical benchmarks. With EUR 3,999,110 in EU funding, this was a well-resourced effort to build production-grade simulation tools.

ALMA MATER STUDIORUM - UNIVERSITA DI BOLOGNACoordinator · IT
THE CHANCELLOR MASTERS AND SCHOLARS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGEparticipant · UK
COMPUTATIONAL MODELLING CAMBRIDGE LIMITEDparticipant · UK
UNIVERSITAET DUISBURG-ESSENparticipant · DE
CONSIGLIO NAZIONALE DELLE RICERCHEparticipant · IT
UMICORE SAparticipant · BE

How to reach the team

Coordinator is ALMA MATER STUDIORUM - UNIVERSITA DI BOLOGNA (Italy). Use SciTransfer's contact service for a direct introduction to the research team.

Order a report on this consortium See ALMA MATER STUDIORUM - UNIVERSITA DI BOLOGNA profile →

Next steps

Talk to the team behind this work.

Want to evaluate NanoDome for your nanomaterial production line? SciTransfer can arrange a technical briefing with the development team and help assess fit for your specific gas-phase synthesis process.

Order a report on this topic More in Manufacturing & Industry 4.0