Objective
Frictional losses in moving components consume ~20% of global energy, imposing vast economic costs and CO2 emissions. Lubricant-derived ultralow-friction tribofilms formed on component surfaces could dramatically cut these losses and advance carbon neutrality. However, ultralow-friction microstructures of tribofilms are mechanically fragile, highly sensitive to humidity and oxidation, and require long running-in periods. Their predominantly physiosorbed adhesion restricts load-bearing capacity and wear resistance under demanding conditions. LIFT confronts these barriers by introducing ionic liquid analogues (ILAs): lubricant complexes that self-assemble in situ through molecular interactions. By tailoring polarity and amphiphilicity, ILAs are engineered to drive interfacial migration and efficient delivery of tribochemical precursors for in situ-formed carbon-based tribofilms that combine ultralow friction with robust wear protection. LIFT integrates advanced molecular design with systematic studies of the migration, adsorption, and tribochemical transformation on representative surfaces. In situ Raman tribometry, AFM, QCM, and modelling will unlock multiscale insights into tribofilm evolution and friction behaviour. LIFT pioneers the convergence of supramolecular lubricant formulation, interfacial tribochemistry, and tribofilm architecture design - transforming lubrication science from empirical additive blending to function-driven molecular engineering. It will deliver a deep mechanistic understanding on how molecular interactions govern nucleation and multilayered tribofilm growth, establishing design rules that link ILA chemistry and interfacial behaviour to friction and durability. By enabling scalable, sustainable, and durable ultralow-friction technologies, and through strong academic-industrial collaboration, LIFT aims to accelerate real-world adoption in transport and renewable energy systems, supporting the EU Green Deal and Sustainable Development Goals.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- engineering and technology mechanical engineering tribology lubrication
- engineering and technology environmental engineering energy and fuels renewable energy
- natural sciences chemical sciences electrochemistry electrolysis
- social sciences economics and business economics sustainable economy
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Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2025-PF
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
69134 Ecully
France
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.