This breakthrough nanocoating from the Hebrew University offers promising new avenues for enhancing the durability and sustainability of iron structures worldwide.
Researchers at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem
have developed a highly effective dual-layer nanocoating that dramatically enhances rust prevention on iron, potentially transforming industries reliant on the metal.
Published in the journal Angewandte Chemie, the study details a novel coating system that offers an impressive 99.6% protection against iron corrosion. The innovation could significantly lower maintenance costs and extend the lifespan of iron-based infrastructure
used in construction, transportation and manufacturing.
“This discovery offers a major leap forward in protecting iron from corrosion. By using a specially designed primer, we created a coating that is not only highly effective but also long-lasting. This could reduce maintenance costs, extend the lifespan of iron-based materials, and provide industries with a much more reliable solution,” has stated Elad Gross of the Hebrew University Institute of Chemistry and the Harvey M. Krueger Family Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology.
Iron, though essential across many industrial sectors, is notoriously vulnerable to rust when exposed to air and moisture, factors that contribute to structural degradation and costly repairs. Existing protective coatings often deteriorate over time, providing only limited long-term defence.
The new system developed by the research team comprises two layers: a molecular primer and a robust polymer topcoat. The primer, made from N-Heterocyclic Carbene (NHC) molecules, forms an exceptionally strong bond with the iron surface. This ensures superior adhesion of the second layer, a durable polymer coating, creating a resilient barrier that remains intact even under extreme conditions such as prolonged exposure to saltwater.
The project received funding from the European Research Council (ERC) under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme (Grant Agreement No. 802769, ERC Starting Grant “MapCat”), the Israeli Ministry of Energy (project no. 222–11–090), and the Israeli Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology (project no. 1001817851). Additional support was provided by the Harvey M. Krueger Family Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology.
About the Hebrew University of Jerusalem
Celebrating its centenary this year, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem stands as Israel’s leading institution of higher education and research. Renowned for a century of excellence in research, teaching, and innovation, the University is committed to advancing knowledge, fostering global leadership, and embracing diversity. It serves a vibrant community of over 23,000 students from more than 80 countries.
Home to the archives of its famed founder, Albert Einstein, the Hebrew University contributes nearly 40% of Israel’s civilian scientific research and holds over 11,000 registered patents. Its distinguished faculty and alumni have earned nine Nobel Prizes and a Fields Medal, underlining the University’s enduring impact on global academia and innovation.
About American Friends of the Hebrew University
American Friends of the Hebrew University (AFHU) is a national, non-profit organisation based in the United States, with its headquarters in New York and seven regional offices nationwide. AFHU works closely with the Hebrew University to engage supporters, alumni, and the wider public through educational events, special programmes, and missions to Israel.
For the past 100 years, AFHU has been instrumental in advancing the Hebrew University’s mission by funding groundbreaking research, creating scholarships, supporting the recruitment of top-tier faculty, and helping to develop world-class facilities.