Mon, 02 June, 2025
Adamantini Loukodimou graduated from the University of Patras, Greece, with a degree in Chemistry in 2016. After graduating, she undertook an MSc in Synthetic Chemistry and Advanced Polymeric and Nanostructured Materials at the same university, graduating in 2018. She received sponsorship by Lloyd’s Register Foundation (LRF) in 2018 to carry out a PhD with the University of Leicester while being based at the National Structural Research Centre (NSIRC) at TWI Ltd. This programme was in collaboration with the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) Centre for Doctoral Training in Innovative Metal Processing (IMPaCT). Her PhD research title was, “Development of novel coating systems for mitigating corrosion of offshore wind turbines” and she successfully defended her PhD viva in 2023. Adamantini is now working as a Research Associate at the Materials Innovation Centre (MatIC), focusing on the development of superhydrophobic coatings for the PowerPath project.
The Materials Innovation Centre (MatIC) – a long-term strategic partnership between TWI and the University of Leicester - was established in 2016 and is at the forefront of metallic materials research into how properties and performance relate to the processing-dependent microstructures, and the development of computational models to explain these interdependencies.
We took some time to speak with Adamantini about her work and the PowerPath project…
Why did the Materials Innovation Centre (MatIC) join the PowerPath project?
The University's expert team is working on coatings for maximising efficiency of photovoltaic (PV) panels and will expand their expertise in renewable energy. MatIC joined this collaborative project because it aligns with our core mission of advancing knowledge and applying research to address real-world challenges. As part of a research-intensive university, we actively seek opportunities to translate fundamental research into practical solutions, particularly those with immediate benefits for communities. This project, focused on improving long-term electricity access in rural Madagascar, embodies a vision that resonates deeply with the University of Leicester’s motto, “Ut vitam habeant” – so that they may have life. Beyond the technical contributions, participation in such initiatives fosters interdisciplinary collaboration, allowing MatIC researchers to learn from industry experts and professionals from diverse backgrounds. This enriches our collective expertise while strengthening our network within the global research and innovation ecosystem.
PV panels can experience reduced total energy output because of shading. This could be attributed to various factors, such as soiling. Soiling-induced shading is classified into two types: (i) soft shading, caused by air pollution, and (ii) hard shading. The latter results from solid obstructions like dust accumulation that block the sunlight. Maintaining the cleanliness of the front glass of the solar unit is crucial to fully benefit from its properties, such as light transmittance. However, cleaning techniques can be expensive, time-consuming, impractical or unsafe. Hence, our vision is to implement a simple methodology to reduce the maintenance cost and create a water repellent coating with self-cleaning properties.
How do you hope your organisation will benefit from participating in the project and its outcomes?
MatIC will benefit from the outcomes of this ambitious and social innovation project for rural Africa as collaboration with the project partners - that are experts in their field - to ensure the implementation of the latest trends in renewables. The project aims to develop the next generation of solar coating technology, plus a smart energy management system and business model that will optimise local value creation through an award-winning patented lateral electrification model. It features a horizontal industry organisation powered by local entrepreneurship and a marketing concept that rests on a hybrid commercial offer with a device fee and a service fee.
Starting from the severely under-served country of Madagascar, the PowerPath project aims to develop and demonstrate innovative, affordable, reliable and low-carbon rural electrification solutions for Sub-Saharan Africa.
How do these challenges relate to the expectations of the UK Industrial Policy?
The challenges addressed by the PowerPath project align closely with the expectations of both EU and UK industrial policies, particularly in the context of their commitment to the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 7—ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all. Both the EU Green Deal and UK Net Zero Strategy emphasise the need for clean, resilient, and inclusive energy solutions. While energy access challenges are more pronounced in underdeveloped and developing countries, the transition to sustainable energy is a global priority. PowerPath presents a potential scalable and replicable model for addressing these challenges, making it relevant beyond its immediate target region of Madagascar. By supporting renewable energy mini-grids for rural communities, PowerPath directly contributes to the EU and UK’s policy goals by fostering sustainable development, economic inclusion, and technological advancement while reinforcing their commitment to global energy equity and climate resilience.
How is your experience in R&D and engineering informing your current work within the project?
My background in chemistry and my PhD research on engineered coatings have been useful in my contributions to the project. My expertise in the synthesis, development, and characterisation of coatings for industrial application has provided a strong foundation for identifying and formulating superhydrophobic coatings. The research methodologies I developed during my PhD are directly applicable to this work, allowing me to systematically evaluate and optimise coatings for water repellence applications. In addition, the analytical techniques I employed in my previous research are proving valuable in understanding the behaviour of these coatings for solar PV applications.
Does your organisation have aspirations to participate in future funded programmes – whether a continuation of the project and the current research – or in addressing other research to solve industrial challenges?
This collaboration between TWI Ltd and the University of Leicester provides great opportunity for MatIC to be at the interface between industry and academia. The Centre brings together the expertise of the two organisations and focuses on the fundamental understanding of materials, both theoretical and experimental, and how the properties and performance are related to processing-dependent microstructure.
In this project, MatIC is focusing on the development of superhydrophobic coatings. The development of superhydrophobic coatings will not only support the current project but also generate valuable knowledge applicable to industries that might benefit from water repellent coatings.