BrainMap

Andrei Racu

Dr.

- INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU ELECTROCHIMIE SI MATERIE CONDENSATA - INCEMC TIMISOARA

Researcher

My research interests include rare-earth-doped optical materials as luminescent probes for investigating local symmetry and structure–property relationships. Particular attention is devoted to the analysis of Stark energy levels, spectroscopic correlations, and emerging machine-learning-based models for predicting optical properties.

Web of Science ResearcherID: GXH-8978-2022

Expertise & keywords

Visible-to-Ultraviolet Light Conversion Technology for the Cost-Effective Fight Against Infectious Diseases Call name:
C9-I8-C28 2023 - 2026

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU ELECTROCHIMIE SI MATERIE CONDENSATA - INCEMC TIMISOARA

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU ELECTROCHIMIE SI MATERIE CONDENSATA - INCEMC TIMISOARA ()

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU ELECTROCHIMIE SI MATERIE CONDENSATA - INCEMC TIMISOARA ()

Project website: https://lightechaid.ro/en/

Abstract:

In this project, we intend to develop novel up-conversion phosphors for UVC light-emitting diodes (UVC-LEDs), antimicrobial surface coatings, and membranes.

This could improve the antimicrobial ultraviolet C (UVC) radiation applications. The obtained results will form the basis for a future EU Horizon proposal to expand

the applicability of these technologies to devices for the successful combat of COVID-19 and other infectious diseases. In addition, the outcomes will improve the

quality of Romanian science in the field and contribute to the growth of the innovative competencies of students. The project envisions the creation of new Pr3+-doped

phosphors with an efficient upconversion of visible light to UVC radiation. The host materials will be chosen using a novel method that combines machine learning/artificial intelligence (ML/AI)

and high-throughput calculations. In the first step, an ML/AI model will be built from existing literature data using a combination of compositional and structural descriptors.

The calculations will then be applied to the large number of compositions stored in Pearson's Crystal Database, and the resulting descriptors will be fed into the ML/AI model,

which will predict the relevant optical properties. Finally, the best crystal hosts will be chosen based on chemical stability, bandgap, 4f2 → 4f15d1 Pr3+ transition energy,

and a few other parameters for synthesizing effective phosphors. The selected crystal hosts and Pr3+ combinations will be synthesized as fine crystalline powders using conventional chemical methods

and thoroughly characterized structural and optical. For the UVC-LED, surface coating, and membrane fabrications, three of the best Pr3+ phosphors will be used. The UVC-LEDs will be covered with Pr3+ phosphors

in UV transparent resin coating on the chip surface. Biodosimetry will be used to figure out how well UVC-LEDs, surface coatings, and membranes kill microorganisms.

Mobile pilot plant for wastewater treatment using solar energy Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA 2013 - call
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2013-4-1708 2014 - 2017

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU ELECTROCHIMIE SI MATERIE CONDENSATA - INCEMC TIMISOARA

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU ELECTROCHIMIE SI MATERIE CONDENSATA - INCEMC TIMISOARA (RO); UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA TIMIŞOARA (RO); INSTITUTUL DE CHIMIE (RO); BEESPEED AUTOMATIZARI SRL (RO); CLUSTERUL DE ENERGII SUSTENABILE DIN ROMANIA ROSENC/ROMANIAN SUSTAINABLE ENERGY CLUSTER ROSENC - ASOCIATIE (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU ELECTROCHIMIE SI MATERIE CONDENSATA - INCEMC TIMISOARA (RO)

Project website: http://solwatclean.incemc.ro/

Abstract:

Project Title: Mobile pilot plant for wastewater treatment using solar energy - SOLWATCLEAN

General objective: design and construction of a Modular Mobile Pilot Plant (MMPP) for wastewater treatment using solar energy.

Specific objectives:

1. Improving energy efficiency of wastewater treatment by electrocoagulation (EC) process, with the recovery of hydrogen (H2) produced at the cathode and its valorization (electricity production with H2-air fuel cell).

2. H2 production by photocatalysis using solar energy. Resulted H2 will be used in the fuel cell for electricity generation.

3. Generation of electricity directly from sunlight (photovoltaic).

4. Electricity storage (obtained from H2 in fuel cell and photovoltaics) and its use in EC process.

5. Modular design and construction on a mobile platform of MMPP which will include:

• module for EC treatment with hydrogen recovery;

• module for H2 production by photocatalysis using sunlight;

• module for H2 (resulted from electrocoagulation and photocatalysis) valorization into electricity (fuel cell)

• module for direct electricity production by solar energy (photovoltaic)

• module for power supply and storage,

• mechanical and electrical connections between modules, automation.

Implementation: Consortium of five institutions (three research organizations, one SME with R&D activities and one NGO).

The project final products will be:

1. MMPP for water purification using EC process with recovery of hydrogen produced in the process and use of sunlight to increase efficiency.

2. Prototype system of capture and use of sunlight for:

a) hydrogen production by photocatalysis;

b) electrical energy production (photovoltaic);

3. Innovative service for determining the optimal parameters of wastewater treatment by EC technique using the MMPP, transportable to the beneficiary site.

Measurable criteria for success:

• Decrease by more than 85% of suspended solids and turbidity in wastewater by using EC process for treatment.

• Recovery of more than 90% of the H2 produced at the cathode of EC cell and its oxidation of in a fuel cell with getting a part of electricity needed to run the EC cell.

• Publication of at least 2 scientific papers in ISI journals with a cumulative impact factor of minimum 2, the submission of at least one patent application and development of at least one dissertation that use part of the project research results.

Sustenability of the proposed technology:

- The project promotes clean energy technologies, environmental protection measures and reduction of greenhouse gases emissions.

- The processes proposed to be realized in the project are sustainable (using solar energy, the recovery and use of H2 wastes.

Expressed interests for application of project results on the market:

1. The company co-financing the project intends to develop this type of facility for the market after IPMM functional model constructed in the project will be effective.

2. There is interest in the SOLWATCLEAN project results from Romanian textile industry potential beneficiaries (3 letters of intent attached to "other documents").

Advanced Light Emissive Device Structures Call name:
STCU 4610 2009 - 2012

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: Institute of Applied Physics

Project partners: Institute of Applied Physics (); Institute of the Electronic Engineering and Nanotechnologies "D. Ghitu" (); JOINT-STOCK COMPANY MEZON ()

Affiliation: Institute of Applied Physics ()

Project website: http://cdn.intechopen.com/pdfs/41740/InTech-Advanced_light_emissive_device_structures.pdf

Abstract:

Three objectives of the project: 1) the development of new technologies for the preparation of nanocrystalline composite and GaP films; 2) the fabrication of

novel optical planar light emissive structures for light emissive devices based on GaP/polymers nanocomposites; and 3) the generalization of experimental results from light emissive

GaP bulk crystals, nanoparticles and nanocomposites.

Spin and Orbital Physics : Research of Advanced New Oxides Call name: EC-FP7
FP7-87682-214040 2008 - 2012

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE CNRS

Project partners: CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE CNRS (FR); UNIVERSIDAD COMPLUTENSE DE MADRID (ES); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU ELECTROCHIMIE SI MATERIE CONDENSATA - INCEMC TIMISOARA (RO); UNIVERSITAT ZU KOLN (DE); THE UNIVERSITY OF LIVERPOOL (GB); NXP Semiconductors France (FR); MAX-PLANCK-GESELLSCHAFT ZUR FORDERUNG DER WISSENSCHAFTEN EV (DE)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU ELECTROCHIMIE SI MATERIE CONDENSATA - INCEMC TIMISOARA (RO)

Project website:

Abstract:

Mobilitate cercetător Andrei Racu Call name: PNCDI IV, SP 5.2.2 - Proiecte de mobilitate pentru cercetatori, MC-2024
PN-IV-P2-2.2-MC-2024-0736 2024 -

Role in this project: Project coordinator

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU ELECTROCHIMIE SI MATERIE CONDENSATA - INCEMC TIMISOARA

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU ELECTROCHIMIE SI MATERIE CONDENSATA - INCEMC TIMISOARA (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU ELECTROCHIMIE SI MATERIE CONDENSATA - INCEMC TIMISOARA (RO)

Project website:

Abstract:

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