BrainMap

Andrei Racu

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

Other affiliations

Research assitent - UNIVERSITATEA DE VEST TIMISOARA (Romania)

Researcher

My scientific interests include the development and spectroscopic investigations of various optical materials in the form of powders, crystals, and ceramics. The focus is on understanding processes that take place during light-matter interactions in erbium or praseodymium doped materials. To study the potential application of dopants as a luminescent probe of host materials in correlations with structural characteristics.

Web of Science ResearcherID: not public

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: Key expert

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://www.incemc.ro/lighTechAID/start.html

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.

Optoelectronic neural network based on dye-sensitized solar cells for zero electric power consumption Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2021-0624 2022 - 2024

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)

Affiliation:

Project website: https://incemc.ro/MM/728PED_2022/start.html

Abstract:

For the first time worldwide, AIDSSC project proposes to develop and validate an optoelectronic neural network prototype based on dye-sensitized solar cells for zero electric power consumption in the outdoor and indoor lighting conditions. The European Green Deal 2021 proposes ambitious environmental goals which require a green transformation of many sectors of society, in especially a sustainable development of urban areas, “smart city”, being a challenge of key importance. The transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) to contribute to the achievement of the goals of a green transition have been increasingly and prominently highlighted. At the same time, digital technologies such as AI considerably increase energy and resource consumption and create risks of adverse environmental effects. In this context, the solar cells open a new perspective as the most suitable candidate for zero electric power consumption. The dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) has the essential characteristics that could make these cells the ideal candidate for artificial intelligence system with zero electric power consumption. A singular preliminary proof of the DSSCs’ learning capabilities was highlighted by Gratzel, the inventor of DSSC, using the exposure time as a cue for learning under 1 sun-simulated conditions. This new perspective for AI devices which are the optically learning solar cells, have the potential to serve as building blocks for intelligent optoelectronics enabling visually interacting machines that operate at minimal power and zero electric power consumption, in both outdoor and indoor lighting conditions.
In this context, AIDSSC project aims to demonstrate that the optoelectronic neural network working prototype based on dye-sensitized solar cells is a technically and economically credible concept for the artificial intelligence devices.

Wavelength-selective Greenhouse 4.1– Towards Energy Independent and Combined Fully Automated Arboretum Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2019-2091 2020 - 2022

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); SYMPH ELECTRONICS SRL (RO)

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

Project website: http://getica.upt.ro

Abstract:

For the first time, GETICA project proposes to develop and validate an energy independent and combined fully automated greenhouse standalone prototype based on dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), as an ongoing and complementary research of the project team. As an important part of Agriculture 4.0 strategy, agrivoltaics can achieve synergistic benefits by growing agricultural plants under raised solar panels. The main limitations of the integration in greenhouse concern the fact that classical PV cells do not transmit sunlight and form a permanent shadow region which has negative effects on production, reducing the crop growth or the amount of biomass. Simple manufacturing process, the low fabrication cost, flexibility in scaling, low material usage and low light level sensitivity, but mainly the variation in color and transparency of the dye sensitized solar cell (DSSC), one of the third generation of PV cells, are essential characteristics that could make these cells the ideal candidate for greenhouse application. To our knowledge (as far as we are aware), no DSSC has been applied in greenhouse for plant growth and energy saving worldwide. We propose the solar radiation manipulation using DSSCs based on UV dye for the protection cells and DNA from damaging UV radiation as well as scavenge free radicals, preventing further cellular damage or IR dye for reducing the temperature of the greenhouse air which leads to an increase in crop production. Moreover, it will be sought reducing production cost of the greenhouse using 3D printing of the modular roofs and DSSCs based on the natural dyes and a low-cost maintenance given by near zero energy input from conventional sources and decreasing the water consumption in irrigation. In this context, GETICA project aims to demonstrate the economic sustainability of this smart greenhouse based on DSSC in the real agriculture.

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 - 2011

Role in this project: Key expert

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.

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