ARMS Project - News & Events

Latest ARMS publication highlights advances in flexible energy storage

Mon, 24 Aug 2026 12:19:00 +0000

A new publication from ARMS researchers highlights an innovative approach to improving flexible supercapacitors. Presented at IEEE FLEPS 2026 conference, the work demonstrates improved energy-storage performance and excellent long-term stability by using ultra-thin titanium dioxide coatings on activated carbon electrodes.

A new scientific publication, Charge-storage evolution of TiO₂ ALD-coated AC flexible supercapacitors over long-term cycling (DOI: 10.1109/FLEPS69128.2026.11645090), was published on 12 August 2026 in the proceedings of the 2026 IEEE International Conference on Flexible and Printable Sensors and Systems (FLEPS). The authors presented the study at the conference held 12-15 July 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. Authored by Remuel Isaac M. Vitto, Hamed Pourkheirollah, Jari Keskinen, Paul R. Berger (also affiliated with The Ohio State University, USA), and Matti Mäntysalo from the Faculty of Information Technology and Communication Sciences at Tampere University, Finland.

As flexible and wearable electronic devices become increasingly common, the need for efficient, reliable energy storage solutions is growing. Supercapacitors are particularly attractive because they can charge and discharge quickly while delivering high power. However, improving their energy-storage capacity without compromising durability remains a challenge.

In this study, the researchers explored activated carbon electrodes coated with an ultra-thin layer of titanium dioxide (TiO₂) deposited through atomic layer deposition (ALD). The coated electrodes achieved a capacitance of 34 F/g while retaining 98% of their performance after 10,000 charge-discharge cycles, demonstrating excellent long-term stability.

The researchers also observed improved charge-storage behaviour during long-term cycling. Increased surface accessibility and enhanced capacitive charge contributions improved capacitance by 16% initially and up to 32% after extended cycling, highlighting the effectiveness of ALD-deposited metal oxide coatings in enhancing the electrochemical performance of activated carbon while maintaining excellent cycling stability.

Overall, the findings demonstrate the strong potential of TiO₂-coated activated carbon supercapacitors for future flexible and wearable electronic applications, where reliable and long-lasting energy storage is essential.

The IEEE International Conference on Flexible and Printable Sensors and Systems (FLEPS) is a leading international forum dedicated to advances in flexible and printable electronics. The conference brings together researchers and industry experts working on flexible sensors, wearable devices, advanced materials, printed electronics, energy harvesting, energy storage, and smart systems, providing a platform for showcasing innovations that support the next generation of flexible technologies.

Thinking big in a nano-world

Wed, 12 Aug 2026 12:00:00 +0000

Dr. Aivars Zhurinh un Dr. Aleksandrs Volperts from the Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry demonstrate cassette with activation compartments. The oven is open for observation.

How do you turn a few grams of laboratory material into kilograms needed for real-world applications? The ARMS team is taking activated carbon production to the next level by developing a specialized biomass activation unit designed for safe, efficient, and large-scale processing.

Activation line in assembled state. Photo: Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry.

Activated carbons are the materials with nanoscale pores (1-5 nm, to be exact), which is just ten in the power of minus nine meters. To imagine how small it is you can imagine that smallest bacteria are around 500 nm, and even the tiniest of viruses are 20 nm or more. In another words 1 nm is to a bacterium as a marble is to a football stadium. Nevertheless, we need quite a lot of our precious activated carbons with nano-scale pores for our project development – we are talking about several kilograms here, which is a part of ARMS project to demonstrate how far can we go from just a dream and concept. This is exactly when we need to start thinking big and upscale from lab bench up to some serious machinery. Having this in mind our team at LSIWC is developing a special unit for the biomass activation. It will be a tunnel type equipped with various gadgets to provide safe and efficient processing. The materials will go through three zones divided by airlocks, and everything will be purged with relatively heavy gas argon to ensure that no other oxidation processes will take place inside. It will start with heating up the raw materials, then the main activation zone, followed by the cooling down – 700 ^oC is serious deal, after all. This is a crucial step and notable piece of equipment, that will show the path from several grams in nano-world to the technology of future ays to come.

Movement and heating control units. Photo: Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry.

From Graphene Fibres to Flying Drones: Jinhua Sun Explains His ARMS Research in New Graphene Flagship Video

Fri, 07 Aug 2026 11:25:00 +0000

From Graphene Fibres to Flying Drones: Jinhua Sun Explains His ARMS Research in New Graphene Flagship Video

In a new video published by the Graphene Flagship, Jinhua Sun from Chalmers University of Technology takes viewers inside the ARMS project and explains how his team is using graphene to develop lighter, smarter energy storage solutions.

The video was filmed during Graphene Week 2025, where members of the graphene and 2D materials community gathered to share the latest scientific breakthroughs and innovations.

In the interview, Jinhua introduces his work on enhancing carbon fibres with vertically aligned graphene. While carbon fibres are already valued for being strong and lightweight, they are not particularly effective at storing energy. By adding graphene to their surface, researchers can increase both the available surface area and electrical conductivity, creating new possibilities for high-performance supercapacitors.

The approach developed within ARMS could help create energy storage devices that do more than just store energy. Imagine a component that is both part of a structure and a power source at the same time. This is one of the exciting concepts being explored in the project through structural supercapacitors.

Jinhua also highlights one of the potential applications being investigated by the consortium: drones. Because every gram matters in flight, reducing the weight of energy storage systems can make a real difference. By combining structural functions with energy storage capabilities, future materials could help drones fly longer and operate more efficiently.

But the potential goes far beyond drones. From transport to consumer electronics and other advanced technologies, lightweight graphene-enhanced energy storage could play an important role in the transition towards more efficient and sustainable solutions.

Most importantly, the video offers a glimpse into the people behind the science. Through researchers like Jinhua Sun, we can see how fundamental materials research is being transformed into technologies that may power the future.

Watch the video here.

See You at Graphene Week 2026!

Want to learn more about ARMS and meet the researchers behind the project?

The ARMS consortium will be at Graphene Week 2026 in Porto, Portugal, sharing the latest project results and discussing the future of graphene-enabled energy storage. If you're planning to attend, stop by and say hello. We'd love to meet you and talk about the exciting developments happening across the project.

ARMS Showcased at ECCM22 in Oslo

Thu, 09 Jul 2026 15:00:00 +0000

Cintia Mateo (AIMEN Technology Centre) delivered a scientific presentation at the ECCM22 conference.

The ARMS project was represented at the 22nd European Conference on Composite Materials (ECCM22), held in Oslo, Norway, from 21–25 June, through the participation of project partner AIMEN Technology Centre.

During the conference, Cintia Mateo from ARMS partner organisation AIMEN Technology Centre delivered a scientific presentation titled “Development of Advanced Carbon Fibre-based Electrodes towards their Integration into High-performance Structural Supercapacitors” within the Functionality and Smart Systems session.

The presentation highlighted ongoing research on the development of advanced carbon fibre-based electrodes designed to enable multifunctional composite structures capable of both bearing mechanical loads and storing electrical energy. This work aligns closely with ARMS’ mission to advance next-generation multifunctional materials and energy-storage solutions for lightweight and high-performance applications.

ECCM22 provided an excellent platform to share ARMS research results with the international composites community, exchange knowledge with leading experts, and strengthen collaboration opportunities across academia and industry. As one of Europe’s leading conferences on composite materials and structures, ECCM brings together researchers, scientists, and industry professionals to discuss the latest scientific and technological developments in the field. The 2026 edition placed a particular focus on sustainability, disruptive technologies, and emerging applications across sectors such as aerospace, automotive, energy, maritime, infrastructure, and sports. Key themes included green and sustainable materials, recycling and repair technologies, advanced modelling and composite mechanics, digital and AI-assisted solutions, process monitoring and quality control, innovative characterization methods, and functional materials.

We thank AIMEN Technology Centre and Cintia Mateo for successfully representing the ARMS project at this prestigious event!

ARMS research results in a poster presentationat at FMNT 2026

Thu, 25 Jun 2026 13:52:00 +0000

Poster presentation at FMNT 2026 in Riga: Dāvis Kalniņš (ISSP UL) presents ARMS-related research on NaOH-activated birch-derived carbon materials for energy storage applications. Photo: Hamed Pourkheirollah.

On 16 June, the day following the ARMS workshop at the Functional Materials and Nanotechnologies (FMNT 2026) conference in Riga, Latvia, the ARMS project maintained its presence by showcasing research through a poster presentation that highlighted innovative ideas on sustainable materials for energy applications.

A poster presentation by Dāvis Kalniņš, a representative of the Energy Materials Laboratory of the Institute of Solid State Physics, University of Latvia (ISSP UL), highlighted how everyday natural resources, such as birch wood, can be transformed into advanced materials for energy storage.

The presented research, “Structure–Driven Electrochemical Behavior of NaOH-Activated Birch Carbons for Energy Storage,” explores how carefully engineered biomass-derived carbon materials can enhance the performance of energy storage devices such as supercapacitors. By tailoring the structure and surface properties of these materials, the team demonstrates a pathway toward greener, high-performance alternatives to conventional electrode materials.

This work reflects the core ambition of the ARMS project: to develop sustainable, high-impact materials that support the transition to cleaner and more efficient energy technologies. By turning renewable resources into functional materials, ARMS partners are contributing to a circular approach in materials science—where waste and natural feedstocks become valuable components in future energy systems.

Participation in FMNT 2026 also provided an opportunity to connect with researchers from across Europe and beyond, exchange ideas, and showcase ARMS achievements to a broader scientific audience.

Read more about the FMNT 2026.
Read about the ARMS workshop at FMNT 2026.

Advancing Sustainable Energy Storage: Highlights from the ARMS Workshop at FM&NT 2026

Mon, 15 Jun 2026 16:26:00 +0000

ARMS team (from left: Inese Jansone, Gints Kučinskis, Remuel Vitto, Aleksandrs Voļperts, Jūlija Hodakovska, Dāvis Kalniņš, Tero Pilvi, Hamed Pourkheirollah). Photo: ARMS

On 15 June 2026, the ARMS project hosted a dedicated workshop at the FM&NT international conference in Riga, providing a platform to discuss the latest advances in supercapacitor materials and technologies.

The session showcased how ARMS is driving innovation in sustainable, high-performance energy storage solutions, focusing on combining graphene-based materials with atomic layer deposition (ALD) to create next-generation supercapacitors. The project aims to deliver environmentally friendly devices with improved energy density while maintaining high power and long cycle life.

The workshop opened with a presentation by Hamed Pourkheirollah (Tampere University, Finland), who introduced the ARMS project and highlighted its progress in developing graphene-rich porous carbon materials, scalable fabrication routes, and eco-friendly electrolytes.

The focus on sustainability was further developed by Dr. Aleksandrs Voļperts (Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry), who presented advances in biomass-derived activated carbons. His talk demonstrated how renewable feedstocks, such as wood and other biomass sources, can be transformed into high-performance electrode materials, thereby supporting circular and environmentally responsible energy storage solutions.

Providing essential scientific context, Dāvis Kalniņš (Institute of Solid State Physics, University of Latvia) guided participants through the principles of supercapacitors and electrochemical measurement techniques, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive performance evaluation to ensure reliable, comparable results.

Advances in material engineering were highlighted by Remuel Isaac M. Vitto (Tampere University), who presented how atomic layer deposition (ALD) can be used to enhance electrode performance. His work demonstrated that ultra-thin, conformal coatings can significantly increase capacitance by introducing additional charge-storage mechanisms while preserving the porous structure of carbon materials.

Bringing an industry perspective, Tero Pilvi (Beneq, Finland) addressed the crucial step from laboratory research to real-world applications. His presentation focused on the scaling up of ALD technologies, outlining how advanced coating processes can be translated into large-scale manufacturing for supercapacitors and batteries.

Overall, the ARMS workshop provided a dynamic platform for knowledge exchange, underlining the importance of collaboration between academia and industry. The presentations demonstrated strong progress across the value chain—from sustainable raw materials to scalable production technologies—reinforcing the project’s ambition to deliver next-generation supercapacitors that can compete with conventional energy storage solutions.

As the ARMS project continues, the insights shared during this workshop will help advance sustainable energy storage solutions, with the full session soon to be available on the ARMS YouTube channel.

From Master’s Thesis to ARMS research: a story from Tampere University

Wed, 20 May 2026 12:00:00 +0000

Muhammad Huzaifa Awais (right) at Tampere University, working in a controlled glovebox environment as part of the ARMS project, supporting materials development for energy storage applications.

As part of the MSc Materials Science and Engineering programme at Tampere University, Muhammad Huzaifa Awais contributed to the ARMS project through his master’s thesis, working as a Research Assistant at the Faculty of Information Technology and Communication Sciences (ITC).

His work was carried out within Work Package 3 (WP3) of the ARMS project and focused on investigating TiO₂ thin films deposited on bio-based activated carbon using atomic layer deposition (ALD). The aim of this research was to enhance the electrochemical properties of the material for supercapacitor applications.

By systematically varying the ALD deposition parameters, Awais examined how these changes influenced the performance of the resulting materials. The study combined electrochemical testing with advanced materials characterization methods to better understand the relationship between the structure of the oxide-decorated carbon and its electrochemical behaviour.

The results contribute to ARMS’ broader research approach, which integrates advanced carbon materials with metal oxide decoration via ALD. This work supports the project’s goal of developing scalable, cost-effective energy storage solutions based on graphene-rich, bio-based carbon materials.

Through this work, Awais’ master’s thesis demonstrates how student research can directly advance material development within collaborative European research projects such as ARMS.

Muhammad Huzaifa Awais Master thesis.

ARMS researchers featured in GRAPHERGIA podcast filmed at Graphene Week 2025

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 09:56:00 +0000

ARMS researchers participated in a GRAPHERGIA podcast episode, filmed during Graphene Week 2025 and subsequently released on YouTube and Spotify. The podcast was organised by GRAPHERGIA, a sister project within the Graphene Flagship, and produced by the Graphene Flagship. The series provides a platform for European researchers to share and discuss advances in graphene-enabled sustainable energy technologies.

The episode, titled “Charging the Future: How Graphene Fuels Sustainability”, is part of the GRAPHERGIA Podcast Series. It is hosted by Maria Abrahamsson, Director at the Graphene Flagship, and features contributions from:

Athanasios Masouras, Chief Operations Officer at Pleione Energy (GRAPHERGIA)
Hamed Pourkheirollah, Postdoctoral Researcher and Technical Project Manager at Tampere University (ARMS)
Jinhua Sun, Associate Professor at Chalmers University of Technology (ARMS)

In the discussion, the ARMS representatives share insights from project ARMS on the development of structural and multifunctional energy storage systems. From around minute 20 onward, they explain how ARMS integrates energy storage directly into load-bearing composite structures, highlighting the potential to reduce weight, improve efficiency, and enable new system architectures beyond conventional battery-based designs.

The episode places ARMS research within the broader Graphene Flagship collaboration, linking it with GRAPHERGIA’s work on graphene- and 2D‑material‑enhanced Li‑ion batteries and sustainable energy solutions. The conversation underlines the importance of cross‑project cooperation to bridge fundamental materials research and real‑world applications.

Watch or listen to the podcast episode on YouTube or Spotify.

By contributing to this collaborative podcast, ARMS strengthens its engagement with the Graphene Flagship community and helps bring complex research topics to a wider audience through accessible communication formats.

Project ARMS showcases structural supercapacitors at JEC World 2026

Mon, 23 Mar 2026 10:00:00 +0000

ARMS information and demonstrator at the JEC World 2026. Photo: Cintia Mateo, AIMEN Technology Center

In March 2026, project ARMS was presented at the Spain Pavilion at the AIMEN Technology Center stand during JEC World 2026, the leading global trade fair for composite materials and their industrial applications, held in Paris, France.

The project was showcased by Cintia Mateo from AIMEN Technology Center, a consortium partner in the ARMS project. During the event, she presented high-performance composite-based energy storage solutions developed within the project, demonstrating how multifunctional composites can combine structural and energy-storage capabilities in a single material system.

Cintia Mateo showcases the ARMS structural supercapacitor at the JEC World 2026. Photo: AIMEN Technology Center.

The structural supercapacitor demonstrators showcased at the event highlighted the potential of these technologies across applications ranging from consumer electronics to electric vehicles and advanced mobility systems. By integrating mechanical strength and electrical functionality, these solutions support lighter, more efficient designs, in line with the ARMS project’s goals of enhanced energy efficiency and system integration.

About JEC World

JEC World 2026 in Paris, France. Photo: Cintia Mateo, AIMEN Technology Center

JEC World is recognized globally as the largest and most influential event for the composite materials industry. It brings together the entire value chain, including materials producers, technology providers, researchers, industrial end‑users, and innovators, serving as a key meeting point for knowledge exchange, business development, and technology transfer.

The 2026 edition took place from 10–12 March 2026 at Paris Nord Villepinte Exhibition Center and reached an unprecedented scale:

Over 1,300–1,400 exhibitors from more than 50 countries
Approximately 40,000–45,000 professional visitors representing over 100 countries
Applications spanning sectors such as automotive, aerospace, energy, construction, marine, electronics, and mobility

JEC World is primarily aimed at industry professionals, researchers, engineers, technology developers, and decision-makers, making it an ideal platform for presenting advanced research results with strong industrial relevance.

Strengthening Visibility for Project ARMS

Cintia Mateo promoting the ARMS project at JEC World 2026. Photo: AIMEN Technology Center.

Participation in JEC World 2026 increased Project ARMS' visibility within the global composites and advanced materials community. By presenting structural supercapacitor demonstrators in such a high‑profile setting, the project contributed to discussions on multifunctional materials, lightweight design, and next‑generation energy storage technologies.

The event also offered valuable opportunities to network with industry stakeholders, explore potential application pathways, and align ARMS innovations with emerging market needs in sustainable mobility and energy systems.

More information about the event is available on the official JEC World website.

Project ARMS showcases research strength at LOPEC 2026

Tue, 03 Mar 2026 10:48:00 +0000

The ARMS project marked a strong presence at LOPEC 2026, the world’s leading exhibition and conference for flexible, organic, and printed electronics, held from February 24–26 at the ICM–International Congress Center in Munich. The event gathered 158 exhibitors from 29 countries and more than 2,400 visitors, reinforcing its role as a premier global platform for innovation in printed electronics. Representing Tampere University and the ARMS consortium, Prof. Matti Mäntysalo, ARMS Project Coordinator, took part in the conference to strengthen international collaborations and highlight ongoing advances in sustainable and next-generation electronic materials.

A central scientific contribution from ARMS was delivered by Remuel Isaac Vitto (Tampere University), who presented his Poster Pitch titled “Atomic layer deposited TiO₂ nanofilms with dominant surface pseudocapacitance for increased capacitance of AC supercapacitors.” His team demonstrated a 61% increase in specific capacitance using ALD-grown TiO₂ nanofilms integrated with porous activated carbon—an important step toward high-performance supercapacitors. In the Poster Pitch session, Remuel had the opportunity to captivate the interest of researchers working directly in the same field and the curiosity of attendees from other domains. He said he was "grateful for the meaningful discussions during the session, which provided interesting ideas and insightful feedback that could strengthen the results of my ongoing research. Visiting the exhibition booths was also very interesting, as it offered demonstrations of state-of-the-art equipment and emerging technologies shaping the future of printed electronics."

The ARMS project was also represented at the event by Prof. Paul R. Berger (Ohio State University / Tampere University), leader of Work Package 3. In the conference, Prof. Berger contributed to the scientific program by chairing one of the LOPEC 2026 technical sessions, underscoring his leadership role in the printed electronics community.

Summarizing his overall experience, Remuel reflected: “I had a wonderful time connecting with fellow researchers and engaging with companies that could become valuable partners for future collaborations within the ARMS project.” This sentiment captures the collective impact of ARMS’ participation: strengthened international partnerships, increased visibility of the project’s scientific achievements, and new opportunities for collaboration in the rapidly advancing field of flexible and printed electronics.

LOPEC 2026 website