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Adrian Calborean

Researcher - INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M

Researcher | Scientific reviewer | Manager

Adrian Calborean is a senior scientific researcher with extensive expertise in quantum modeling, molecular electronics, and materials engineering. He holds dual bachelor's degrees in Technological Physics and Project Management, a master's in Atomic and Nuclear Methods for Environmental Studies, and a PhD in Molecular Electronics with a specialization in quantum modeling of multilevel molecular memories. His doctoral and postdoctoral work spans prestigious institutions in France and Romania, including Université Joseph Fourier, CEA Grenoble, École Nationale Supérieure de Chimie de Paris, and Babeș-Bolyai University. With over a decade of experience at the National Institute for Research and Development of Isotopic and Molecular Technologies (INCDTIM) in Cluj, Adrian has led and coordinated multiple high-impact R&D projects funded by national and European agencies, each exceeding €100,000.

Curriculum Vitae (02/06/2025)

Expertise & keywords

Optimized grid design of lead-acid batteries for start-stop automobiles Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2021-0936 2022 - 2024

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M (RO)

Affiliation:

Project website: https://www.itim-cj.ro/PNCDI/mg-lab/

Abstract:

Despite decades of negative predictions about the demise of the industry or future existence, the lead-acid battery persists to lead the whole battery energy storage business around the world. They continued to be less expensive in comparison with the present-day technologies, being attractive in terms of robustness, tolerance to abuse, power-to-weight ratio, long lifetime, needed to provide high currents in starting car engines. Accumulating over time a well-established and evolved technology base, in particular in the automotive industry, they still emphasize a huge advantage. Nevertheless, during the last years, it was obvious that utilization requirements are changing rapidly, becoming more demanding than ever.

The huge interest in optimizing the metallic grids (MG) in the positive electrode originates in the large differences between the electric conductibility of the lead and that of the lead dioxide (i.e. active material). Thus, our aim is to fabricate an improved lead-acid battery, by following successive steps in the optimization of its electrodes. The final result of the project is the redesigned working battery for start and stop automobiles, in which the battery needs to support at least 2 times more cycles than all conventional ranges, and a high load capacity for faster energy recovery while driving. The results produced within the project will form a pool of knowledge to be translated into technological developments, allowing the shift to industrial scale.

Quantum Computation with Schrödinger cat states Call name: P 3 - SP 3.2 - Proiecte ERA.NET
ERANET-QUANTERA-QuCos 2020 - 2024

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M (RO); Universität Innsbruck (AT); École Normale Supérieure de Lyon (FR); ECOLE NORMALE SUPERIEURE DE PARIS (FR); Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (DE); Quantum Machines Technologies Ltd. (IL)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M (RO)

Project website: https://www.itim-cj.ro/pncdi/qucos/

Abstract:

This project seeks to establish a radically new, alternative approach to realizing the fundamental building blocks of quantum computers with superconducting qubits. In the next 3 years, we plan to employ only a handful of realistic components to realize robust error-corrected logical quantum bits. We aim to demonstrate the same level of protection provided by a few hundreds of qubits (with properties beyond the state of the art) in today’s mainstream approach of the so-called surface code architecture. Our alternative approach is known as cat codes, because it employs multiple interconnected high coherence cavity modes with non-linear dissipation, to encode a qubit in superpositions of Schrödinger cat states. Our project combines realizing the quantum processor architecture as well as the control system and the protocols that drive it, building towards a full-stack error-corrected quantum computer. The partners in our collaboration form a strong synergetic group that has the full range of expertise needed to design and realize these systems, and to obtain these challenging goals. Furthermore, all partners of our project, including both industry and academia, have worked together and published works in the fields of quantum computing and quantum information processing.. We aim to implement error protected qubits, fault tolerant operations, and demonstrate the scalability of this approach by realizing a repetition code. Our project will enable quantum experiments towards the ambitious and well-defined goal of constructing a logical qubit, on which we can perform gates, and most importantly, quantum error-correctio (QEC). All algorithms with theoretically proven quantum speedup require QEC, therefore, with this project we are realizing an essential building block of a European error corrected quantum processor.

Stability of the conjugated sulfonamides MOFs used as electrode materials for lithium-ion batteries Call name: P 4 - Proiecte de Cercetare Exploratorie, 2020
PN-III-P4-ID-PCE-2020-0824 2021 - 2023

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M (RO)

Affiliation:

Project website: https://www.itim-cj.ro/PNCDI/pce22/index.html

Abstract:

A broad variety of organic compounds have been proposed and studied as electrode materials for batteries over the last decades. However, to date, none of these chemistries are practically suitable for ready-to-assemble Li-ion battery applications. The conjugated sulfonamides (CSA) organic lithium ion cathode materials proposed recently pave the way to new avenues in the field or organic batteries; in particular, the MOFs fabricated using the CSAs have the potential to reach technological maturity..

Our investigations are focus on the study of the stability for a class of 25 structure of type CAS-MOF under cyclic voltametry. Chemical stability will be investigated by analyzing relevant information produced by density functional theory: Bader charges and bond-orders in different redox states, in bulk phase as well as in the molecular form; in this late case, we’ll take into account the presence of solvents. The thermodynamic stability will be investigated via the vibrational entropy of the CSA-MOFs as a function of temperature. Calculations will be done in two parts: ab-initio molecular dynamics, and the analysis of the atomic speeds by Fourier transform in the second part. The results are the vibrational density of states and thermodynamic potentials. The effect of our investigation is to speed up the progress in the field of CSA-MOF organic electrodes by using accurate predictions to narrow the spectrum of systems to be investigated in detail as cathode material.

Covalently bonded layers of phthalocyanine and porphyrin: a theoretical study Call name: P 4 - Proiecte de Cercetare Exploratorie
PN-III-P4-ID-PCE-2016-0217 2017 - 2019

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M (RO)

Project website: http://www.itim-cj.ro/pncdi/colt/index.html

Abstract:

The requirement for more stable surface-confined self-assembled structures to be used as building blocks in various nanotechnology applications has led to great interest in covalently bonded two-dimensional molecular networks. Bidimensional structures formed by polymeric metal-phthalocyanine (M-Pc)/ porphyrin (Pp) are realistic candidates for practical applications. The fabrication of such layers has been proven to be feasible only recently; for example, we mention the use of a heating evaporator combined with the control of the layers growth by the temperature variation only. First goal of our proposal is to produce accurate theoretical data of the the physical properties and stability of the 2D structures formed by M-Pc/M-Pf as free and as adsorbed structures by using DFT and Quantum Monte-Carlo simulations. Since any defect present in 2D structures can alter the transport properties, we investigate the stability and properties of multilayered molecular structures formed by M-Pc/M-Pp, as a possible solution to inherent defect formation during the fabrication process. Our second objective is to describe the dynamics and reaction pathways leading to the formation of the M-Pc / M-Pp sheets at noble metal surfaces. As tool, we recall here the Nudged Elastic Band (NEB) method that can provide us a comprehensive picture of the M-Pc / M-Pf reactivity at surfaces. We see this as a tool for the experimentalists aiming for a better control during the fabrication of 2D covalently bond structures.

Precise Laparoscopic Extralumenal Detection of Colorectal Tumors using Golden-Platinium coated Tacks and Augmented Sensors Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2016-0783 2017 - 2018

Role in this project: Partner team leader

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA DE MEDICINA SI FARMACIE "IULIU HATIEGANU"

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA DE MEDICINA SI FARMACIE "IULIU HATIEGANU" (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M (RO)

Project website: http://www.itim-cj.ro/pncdi/lapsens/

Abstract:

Introduction. Determining exact location of digestive tumors is crucial in oncologic surgery but lacks precision especially in laparoscopic surgery and for small-sized tumors. Endoscopic tatooing of tumors and syncronous intraoperative endoscopy are the actual methods that pin-point the location of these tumors to surgeons but both have their dissadvantges.

Aim: In the present study we aim to develop and manufacture a new, innovative and highly efficient sensing laparoscopic instrument focused on precise non-invasive extralumenal intraoperative detection of small digestive tumors.

Matherial and method: Proof of concept. Based on previous work of our research team, we aim to design and manufacture a sensing instrument compatible with laparoscopic and robotic-assisted surgery equipped with an induction proximity sensor able to detect customly-modified endoscopic clips available in the standard endoscopic instrumentation. The clips will be coated with noble materials (Platinum-Gold) for enhanced detection senstitivity and adequate biocompatibility and attached endoscopically to the mucosa at the poles of the tumor. The clips should be detected by the sensing instrument when scanned from the serosal surface of the bowel with a minimum through-tissue detection range of 2 cm. Validity and detection accuracy will be evaluated in in-vitro laboratory experiments and in-vivo animal experiments. Foreseeing clinical use, the sensing device will be compatible with conventional sterilisation methods; testing will be performed to evaluate this property.

Results. We expect to be succesful in the functionality of the sensor-tags system at the parameters set by the project’s benchmarks.

Conclusion. Detection of small tumors, so difficult in certain situations in laparoscopic surgery, can be made easier for the surgeons by a simple and efficient detection system independent of the skills and availability of endoscopists, invention that may improve the long-term prognosis of patients.

The improvement of the manufacturing technology of lead-acid batteries to be used for start-and-stop automobiles Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA 2013 - call
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2013-4-1226 2014 - 2017

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M (RO); UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI (RO); ROMBAT S.A. (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M (RO)

Project website: http://www.itim-cj.ro/PNCDI/rombss/

Abstract:

We propose a methodology for the improvement of fabrication technology for the positive electrodes used as components in the lead-acid batteries produced at sc rombat sa . The final goal of our consortium is to improve the current technology used by industrial partner for fabrication of the batteries to be used for start-and-stop automobiles (i.e . To satisfy the j240 – sae and en 50342-6 quality tests) . The proposed approach is designed for the optimization of the scientific and technological steps involved in the fabrication of positive electrodes . It integrates the fundamental knowledge obtained from ab initio calculations, synthesis of new chemical compounds, fabrication of new alloys and structural characterization of the materials used to fabricate the electrode, at both nanoscopic and mesoscopic scale . The key element for the integration of all these activities is the fabrication and characterization of functional prototypes by the industrial partner.

The main problem to be solved is to control the corrosion of the positive electrode during the charge-discharge cycles, imposed by the requests of the start-and-stop technology . The solutions proposed by our consortium are: (i) fabrication of new alloys to be used for the production of the metallic grid that support for the active mass of the electrode (ii) improving the fabrication technology of the metallic grid (iii) improving the electrochemical properties of the active mass by new fabrication technology and by the use of new additives to the active mass. We note here that for the negative electrode as well as for the electrolyte the standard products fabricated by sc rombat sa will be used . The project’s goal will be achieved by using a feed-back loop: the design of materials and the fabrication steps involved by each prototype will be refined by successive fabrication of the prototypes that will gradually incorporate the information produced by each partner . At each step of our methodology the full characterization of the electrochemical and structural properties of the materials and prototypes already fabricated will be used as starting point for further refinement of the fabrication technology . A continuous exchange of data between the research Institutes and the industrial partner is foreseen for the whole duration of the project . This will allow us to tune the results obtained in the laboratory with those produced in industrial conditions . At project’s term we will discuss the technological steps needed for the implementation of the results by using the infrastructure available at sc rombat sa.

Homogenous immunoassay technique based on functionalized nanoparticles. Application to detection of pesticide contaminant 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid from alimentary and environmental samples Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA-2011 call, Type 1
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2011-3.1-0402 2012 - 2016

Role in this project: Partner team leader

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA SI INGINERIE NUCLEARA " HORIA HULUBEI " - IFIN - HH

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA SI INGINERIE NUCLEARA " HORIA HULUBEI " - IFIN - HH (RO); UNIVERSITATEA "ALEXANDRU IOAN CUZA" IASI (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M (RO)

Project website: http://proiecte.nipne.ro/pn2/138-proiecte.html

Abstract:

Immunological methods such as enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) are increasingly becoming important for pesticides residual analysis due to the high specificity of detecting molecules like antibodies. These immunoassay methods are highly specific, sensitive (nanogram or picogram) and accuracy for the detection of low molecular weight contaminants presents in our environment. ELISA is a technique based on the ability of non-labeled antigen (e.g. pesticide) in a specific volume of standard solution or in an unknown sample to compete with a fixed of amount of enzymatic labeled antigen for a limited number of binding sites of a specific binding antibody protein. The objective of the project is to develop a new and innovative immunochemical technique based on functionalized nanoparticles, homogenous enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (HnELISA) technique for detection of pesticide contaminant 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4D) from alimentary and environmental samples. 2,4D is one of the most used herbicide in agriculture to control and destroy of the weeds that can affect agricultural crops. The remanence of this organochlorurate compound in alimentary products, transfer and contamination of ground water in the areas where this pesticide is used require the analysis of this chemical in order to establish the contamination level of the alimentary products and the environmental factors (water, soil).

The objective of the project is to develop an immunoassay technique with improved qualities in comparison with traditionally ELISA technique existed on the market for detection of pesticide contaminants from alimentary and environmental factors. Qualitative characteristics as sensitivity, accuracy, stability of the nanoimmunosorbent and low cost per assay are finally taken in account. Development of HnELISA technique would have practical application in monitoring of the pesticide contaminant 2,4D from alimentary and environmental samples.

Rational design and generation of synthetic, short antimicrobial peptides. Linking structure to function Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA-2011 call, Type 1
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2011-3.1-0595 2012 - 2016

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA "ALEXANDRU IOAN CUZA" IASI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA "ALEXANDRU IOAN CUZA" IASI (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA SI INGINERIE NUCLEARA " HORIA HULUBEI " - IFIN - HH (RO); UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M (RO)

Project website: http://www.science.research.uaic.ro/biopep/

Abstract:

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are an integral part of the immune system and protect a host from invading pathogenic bacteria. To overcome the problem of antimicrobial resistance, AMPs are being considered as potential alternatives for antibiotics. Although over 1000 AMPs have been isolated and characterized from various hosts, only limited successes have so far been achieved in clinical trials. The major hurdles for converting them into drugs lie in the high cost of production, toxicity to host cells, and susceptibility to proteolytic degradation. Therefore, a better understanding of the structure–activity relationships of AMPs is required to facilitate the design of novel antimicrobial agents. Herein we plan to focus our effort on designing and optimizing novel short, cationic amphiphilic peptides. We will undertake rational design, synthesis, and extensive testing of a series of short cationic peptides, we envision proteolityc and salt resistant. They will be made of a limited set of L- and D-aminoacids based on an elementary amphipathic templates of up to to 11 aminoacids, searching for the minimum number of aminoacids and optimal architecture able to confer the peptide optimal lytic activity and specificity against various pathogens. In order to enhance antimicrobial activity with no additional hemolytic activity, peptide synthesis will be considered by using non-natural amino acid analogs that will substitute hydrophobic residues leucine, isoleucine and phenylalanine. This group of peptides will be designed and synthesized with shorter sequence and simpler molecular structure and could be easily modified upon a particular requirement. The structural simplicity also offer technological advantages for mass production and purification.

Ion sensing and separation through modified cyclic peptides, cyclodextrins and protein pores Call name: Complex Exploratory Research Projects - PCCE-2011 call
PN-II-ID-PCCE-2011-2-0027 2012 - 2016

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University

Project partners: “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University (RO); National Research and Development Institute of Isotopic and Molecular Technologies (RO); “Babes-Bolyai” University (RO); “Horia Hulubei” National Institute for Physics and Nuclear Engineering (RO); “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy (RO)

Affiliation: National Research and Development Institute of Isotopic and Molecular Technologies (RO)

Project website: http://science.research.uaic.ro/biosens/

Abstract:

Development of nanostructures capable of detecting and separating individual molecules and ions has become an important field of research. Particularly, protein-based nanostructures are attractive due to their ability for tunable molecular recognition and ease of chemical modification, which are extremely important factors on various applications. In this project, self-assembly functionalization will be approached, aimed at providing an efficient design for molecular recognition, ion sensing and separation, through new host-guest chemical methodologies, bio-nanofabrication and physicochemical manipulations methods. New crown ether type macrocycles, functionalized cyclodextrins and cyclic peptides will be engineered to work as specific molecular adaptors for the -hemolysin protein, giving rise to hybrid molecular superstructures possessing ion sensing and selectivity properties. The size and functionality of the macrocycles are targeted to ensure the anchorage in the pores and the selectivity of specific host-guest complexation processes. A surface detector array device suitable for use with a biosensor is envisioned, through ink printing nanotechnologies. The device architecture will be formed of a substrate having a surface defining a plurality of distinct bilayer-compatible surface regions separated by one or more bilayer barrier regions. Custom designed nanoscale bilayers containing selected receptors through cyclodextrins derivatives and macrocyclic peptides, self-assembled on different micro-nano arrays surfaces (polymers, Au or Si) will be fabricated. Further engineering of such functionalized nanomaterials based on molecular recognition and host-guest methodologies, in conjunction with flexible and mechanically robust enough substrate platforms, have the great potential for applications such as separation of nanoparticles, sensors, drug delivery, removal of heavy metals from aqueous solutions and chiral separation.

First-Principles Modeling of SrTiO3 based Oxides for Thermoelectric Applications Call name: Projects for Young Research Teams - TE-2011 call
PN-II-RU-TE-2011-3-0085 2011 - 2014

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: Institutul National de Cercetare Dezvoltare pentru Tehnologii Izotopice si Moleculare Cluj Napoca

Project partners: Institutul National de Cercetare Dezvoltare pentru Tehnologii Izotopice si Moleculare Cluj Napoca (RO)

Affiliation: Institutul National de Cercetare Dezvoltare pentru Tehnologii Izotopice si Moleculare Cluj Napoca (RO)

Project website: http://www.itim-cj.ro/PNCDI/ru87/index_files/home_en.htm

Abstract:

The identification of alternative and renewable sources of energy is one of the most important challenges that modern society faces, and has become more urgent and intense in the past few years. One of the most promising technologies is that of thermoelectric (TE) devices, which allow one to transform heat into electrical energy or vice-versa. Several technological problems still need to be solved before TEs become a competitive energy source. In particular, the efficiency of TE materials will have to be roughly doubled before large-scale applications can be envisaged. New perspectives on TEs have been opened recently by their structuring at the nanoscale. This has allowed experimentalists to obtain impressive efficiencies in thin film samples in the lab, but transfering these new ideas to a nanostructured bulk material suitable for mass production remains a challenge. Theoreticians have played a central role proposing new material and explaining how the intrinsic limits of bulk TE materials can be overcome or bypassed.

The present project aims to study and optimize the TE properties of promising SrTiO3 based oxides for high temperature TE applications by performing electronic and transport calculations. Engineering the electronic band structure of SrTiO3 alloys with Nb(V) and that of LaVO3(KNbO3) nanostructures embedded in a SrTiO3 matrix, the project aims to design new oxide materials with high TE efficiency and new ideas which can be used to achieve this high efficiency.

FILE DESCRIPTION	DOCUMENT
List of research grants as project coordinator or partner team leader
Significant R&D projects for enterprises, as project manager
R&D activities in enterprises
Peer-review activity for international programs/projects