BrainMap

Mr. Cristian Mihail Teodorescu

Prof., C.S. I

Senior Scientist 1, Prof. - INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA MATERIALELOR BUCURESTI RA

Researcher | Teaching staff | Scientific reviewer

Web of Science ResearcherID: N-3796-2017

Curriculum Vitae (19/03/2020)

Expertise & keywords

Investigation by photoelectron spectro-microscopy of the interplay between surface chemistry and polarization landscape of ferroelectric surfaces Call name: P 1 - SP 1.1 - Proiecte de cercetare Postdoctorală
PN-III-P1-1.1-PD-2019-0763 2020 - 2022

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA MATERIALELOR BUCURESTI RA

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA MATERIALELOR BUCURESTI RA (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA MATERIALELOR BUCURESTI RA (RO)

Project website: https://infim.ro/en/project/investigation-by-photoelectron-spectro-microscopy-of-the-interplay-between-surface-chemistry-and-polarization-landscape-of-ferroelectric-surfaces/

Abstract:

The purposes of this project is to study by photoelectron spectroscopy with a spatial resolution as elevated as possible: (i) The stability of ferroelectric surfaces under X-rays and UV radiation fluxes, to test their suitability to be used as catalysts or photocatalysts. (ii) The suitability to use Pb-free cheap ferroelectrics, such as BaTiO3. (iii) To test model molecular reactions on a ferroelectric surface exhibiting a wide variety of different polarizations. The molecular reactions of interest will be: (a) CO oxidation; (b) CO reduction; (c) Fischer-Tropsch reactions involving carbon monoxide. The experiments will be performed by about 50 % in the National Institute of Materials Physics (NIMP) installations in Magurele and about 50 % using the synchrotron radiation facilities, mainly Elettra in Trieste, where NIMP also owns a setup installed on a beamline and has allocated beamtime for ‘in-house’ research and also on research based on proposals. The techniques that will be used to achieve the proposed objectives are: Photoelectron Spectromicroscopy, High Resolution Photoelectron Spectroscopy, Scanning Tunneling Microscopy and Spectroscopy, Scanning Photoelectron Microscopy, Low Energy Electron Diffraction, Mass Spectrometry. It is to be expected that at least two articles will be accepted at journals with impact factor above 4 and to communicate the results at least at one international conference. This project has two ambitious aims of comparable expected impact: (i) the first one is related to the validation of lead-free ferroelectric thin films as catalysts and photocatalysts for carbon monoxide based reactions (oxidation, reduction and Fischer-Tropsch); (ii) the second is related to the validation and improvement of the photoelectron spectromicroscopic method for analyzing not only the polarization landscape of ferroelectric surfaces, but also the spatio-temporal dynamics of reactions occurring on these surfaces.

Controlling the electronic properties in heterostructures based on ferroelectric perovskites: from theory to applications Call name: P 4 - Proiecte Complexe de Cercetare de Frontieră
PN-III-P4-ID-PCCF-2016-0047 2018 - 2022

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA MATERIALELOR BUCURESTI RA

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA MATERIALELOR BUCURESTI RA (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA MATERIALELOR BUCURESTI RA (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M (RO); UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA MATERIALELOR BUCURESTI RA (RO)

Project website: http://infim.ro/en/project/control-of-electronic-properties-in-ferroelectric-perovskite-heterostructures-from-theory-to-applications/

Abstract:

The main objective of the project is to obtain ferroelectric materials with controlled electronic properties at the same level as this properties are controlled in Si. This will be realized by hetero-valent doping, correlated with stress engineering and band gap engineering without affecting, as much as possible, the ferroelectric properties. The main objective is complex and ambitious because, up to date, there was no experimental demonstration that it possible to obtain n or/and p type conduction in epitaxial ferroelectrics. The successful achievement of this objective will open a new domain, that of ferroelectric electronics or ferrotronics, by producing electronic devices of p-n homo-junction type or junction transistors with ferroelectric materials. Two types of materials are envisaged, namely lead titanate-zirconate (PZT with tetragonal structure and a mixed bismuth ferrite (BFO) with bismuth chromit (BCO). In the first case the heterovalent doping will be studied on Pb or Zr/Ti sites with the aim to obtain n and p type conduction. The final goal is to produce a p-n homo-junction based on epitaxial PZT films. In the second case band gap engineering will be tested by varying the Fe/Cr content, and the dominant conduction mechanism will be identified, the goal being to use the material in photovoltaic applications. The activities will contain: theoretical studies regarding the relation between dopants, electronic properties and the ferroelectricity, including self-doping effects or electrostatic doping; target preparation for deposition of thin films; epitaxial growth of the film; characterization activities of the structure and physical properties. Not only classic doping in the target is envisaged but also doping during the epitaxial growth. The consortium is composed of 4 teams from three different institutions, including a number of 14 young researchers full time equivalent.

Controlling Ferroelectric Negative Capacitance in Multilayered Structures for Low Power Electronics Call name: P 1 - SP 1.1 - Proiecte de cercetare Postdoctorală
PN-III-P1-1.1-PD-2019-0696 2020 - 2022

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA MATERIALELOR BUCURESTI RA

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA MATERIALELOR BUCURESTI RA (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA MATERIALELOR BUCURESTI RA (RO)

Project website: https://infim.ro/project/controlul-capacitatii-negative-feroelectrice-in-sisteme-multistrat-pentru-electronica-de-putere-redusa/

Abstract:

The negative capacitance (NC) field–effect transistor (NCFET) is a new contender on the list of solutions for overcoming the limitations of scalability and energy-efficiency of conventional CMOS technology. Connecting an NC element to the gate of an FET transistor, may lead to voltage amplification on the gate, thus reducing the power consumption and heat generation. Simple thermodynamic theory predicts that ferroelectrics (FE) can display such NC effect and many articles show evidence of it, both in fundamental research and in device implementations, however there is still much ambiguity remaining in this subject. The objective of this proposal is to study the relation between the stability of polarization in NC states in multilayers and the properties of the constituent layers. First stage is dedicated to the influence of the passive elements on the properties of a high quality FE thin film capacitor. Then, the electrostatic contribution of the passive elements will be replaced by thin film layers with different electric properties (resistivity and polarizability). The main objective is to use a FE structure with NC characteristics to replace the oxide in a MOS structure and to analyze the differences in electric characteristics. With the same purpose, it will be analyzed, the FE structures that present multiple polarization states used by the candidate in previous studies. The possibility of passing through NC regime during this atypical switching, as well as the possibility of stabilizing some NC states associated with the intermediate polarizations and the continuous capacity states evidenced by the applicant will be investigated. Another novelty element of this project is to investigate the possibility of NC control using a soft FE or an antiferroelectric both with switching and back-switching at similar voltages, as a method for a hysteresis free characteristics of a NCFET. The results from this project may be used for future implementation in NCFET devices.

Advanced nanoelectronic devices based on graphene/ferroelectric heterostructures (GRAPHENEFERRO) Call name: P 4 - Proiecte Complexe de Cercetare de Frontieră
PN-III-P4-ID-PCCF-2016-0033 2018 - 2022

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE- DEZVOLTARE PENTRU MICROTEHNOLOGIE - IMT BUCURESTI INCD

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE- DEZVOLTARE PENTRU MICROTEHNOLOGIE - IMT BUCURESTI INCD (RO); UNIVERSITATEA BUCURESTI (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA MATERIALELOR BUCURESTI RA (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA LASERILOR, PLASMEI SI RADIATIEI - INFLPR RA (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA MATERIALELOR BUCURESTI RA (RO)

Project website: http://www.imt.ro/grapheneferro/

Abstract:

Applications such as high-frequency and neuromorphic circuits, optoelectronic/plasmonic detection of biomolecules or thermo-opto-electronics energy harvesting, require tunable and reconfigurable functionalities. Graphene is suitable for these applications because of electrostatic doping, its optical constants being tuned via gate voltages. However, oxide substrates limit the mobility in graphene to few thousands cm2/V•s. On the contrary, the mobility in graphene/ferroelectric (G/F) heterostructures is 2-3 orders of magnitude larger. The groundbreaking nature of the project is based on the possibility of significantly enhancing the functionality of graphene-based transistors/devices by using crystalline ferroelectric substrates instead of common oxides or SiC substrates. The G/F heterostructures allow: (i) the achievement of very high mobilities in G/F field effect transistors (FETs), which push the transistor gain in the 0.3-1 THz range, far above 70 GHz at which the maximum gain is attained nowadays, (ii) the fabrication of uncooled tunable detectors working in the THz and IR, (iii) the exploitation of the hysteretic resistance behaviour, essential for neuromorphic applications such as artificial synapses, (iv) the fabrication of reconfigurable microwave circuits, and (v) of tunable thermoelectronic devices, since graphene displays a giant thermoelectric effect. The project will consist of the design, fabrication and testing of groundbreaking, innovative nanoelectronic devices, in particular ultrafast electronic devices, neuromorphic circuits for computation, reconfigurable and harvesting devices, all based on the outstanding physical properties of G/F heterostructures. All fabrication techniques for growing graphene-ferroelectric heterostructures in this project should be scalable at wafer scale. The project is implemented by a consortium of 3 national R&D institutes and the leading Romanian university, which have the necessary advanced infrastructure.

NEW METHODS OF DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT: CURRENT CHALLENGES AND TECHNOLOGIC SOLUTIONS BASED ON NANOMATERIALS AND BIOMATERIALS Call name: P 1 - SP 1.2 - Proiecte complexe realizate in consorții CDI
PN-III-P1-1.2-PCCDI-2017-0062 2018 - 2021

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA MATERIALELOR BUCURESTI RA

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA MATERIALELOR BUCURESTI RA (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE IN DOMENIUL PATOLOGIEI SI STIINTELOR BIOMEDICALE "VICTOR BABES" (RO); UNIVERSITATEA DE MEDICINA SI FARMACIE "CAROL DAVILA" (RO); UNIVERSITATEA DE MEDICINA SI FARMACIE "GRIGORE T. POPA" DIN IAŞI (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE CHIMICO - FARMACEUTICA - I.C.C.F. BUCURESTI (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M (RO); UNIVERSITATEA TRANSILVANIA BRASOV (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA MATERIALELOR BUCURESTI RA (RO)

Project website: http://infim.ro/en/project/sanomat/

Abstract:

The project will develop novel conceptual and functional solutions of biomedical devices for treatment, reinforcement/repair/replacement (of human tissues) and diagnosis based on nanostructured and/or biocompatible materials, with high attractivity and certain potential for technology transfer to industry. The experience of the interdisciplinary consortium will allow a passage from concepts of nanomaterials and biomaterials with extended and/or complementary functional features to implementation to new biomedical applications of great interest: (i) antitumoral therapeutic systems (by localized magnetic hyperthermia, photodynamic therapy and drug delivery); (ii) biocompatible compounds with enhanced antimicrobial efficacy; (iii) stent or vein/arterial filters implants based on ferromagnetic shape-memory alloys (with the advantage of repositioning without the need of new invasive interventions); (iv) personalized bone regenerative implants (i.e. porous ceramic scaffolds for bone tissue engineering; dental implants with rapid osseointegration); (v) (bio)sensors for monitoring the bioavailability of pharmaceutical compounds and detecting the reactive oxygen species and their biologic effect; and (vi) correlation of physico-chemical properties with clinical investigations for two types of aerosols (salt particles and essential oils), and their prospective coupling with possible synergistic effects. The synergic development of the institutional capacity of the project partners will be achieved by: creating new jobs and purchasing new equipment and software, providing technical/scientific assistance to the emerging institutions, initiating and fostering collaborations with partners from industry in view of technology transfer, and increasing the international visibility of the involved institutions by capitalizing on the obtained research results. The project will create the core of the first national cluster in the field of healthcare technologies.

Technologic paradigms in synthesis and characterization of variable dimensionality systems Call name: P 1 - SP 1.2 - Proiecte complexe realizate in consorții CDI
PN-III-P1-1.2-PCCDI-2017-0152 2018 - 2021

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA MATERIALELOR BUCURESTI RA

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA MATERIALELOR BUCURESTI RA (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII CRIOGENICE SI IZOTOPICE - I.C.S.I. RAMNICU VALCEA (RO); UNIVERSITATEA DE VEST TIMISOARA (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE- DEZVOLTARE PENTRU MICROTEHNOLOGIE - IMT BUCURESTI INCD (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA TEHNICA-IFT IASI (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA MATERIALELOR BUCURESTI RA (RO)

Project website: http://infim.ro/project/vardimtech/, http://infim.ro/project/vardimtech-en

Abstract:

Last decades brought a considerable development of technologies based on ordered systems. Starting with semiconductor physics and photovoltaics, technologies soon evolved towards the utilisation on large scale of thin films and of surface / interface properties. Example go nowadays from data storage and readout (electrostatic or magnetic memories, giant magnetoresistance) to catalysis, gas sensors or photocatalysis (surface phenomena), and towards interfaces with biological matter (biosensors, templates for tissue reconstruction, interfaces between biological electrical signals and microelectronics). In Romania, crystal growth is performed since half a century; nevertheless, during the last years these activities fade out and need to be seriously reinforced, especially with the advent of new laser and detector technologies required by the Extreme Light Infrastructure facilities. Also, surface science started to be developped seriously only during the last decade, together with techniques involving self-organized nanoparticles, nanoparticle production etc. The main goal of this Project is to gather the relevant experience from the five partners, namely the experience in crystal growth from the University of Timișoara, with the surface science, nanoparticle and nanowire technologies developped by NI of Materials Physics, the cryogenic and ultrahigh vacuum techniques provided by the NI for Cryogenic and Isotopic Technologie, and the experience in ordered 2D systems (graphene and the like) owned by the NI for Microtechnologies (IMT). This common agenda will result in a coherent fostering of technologies relying on ordered systems of variable dimensionalities: 0D i.e. clusters or nanoparticles, including quantum dots; 1D i.e. free and supported nanowires and nanofibers; 2D: surfaces, interfaces and graphene-like systems; and 3D crystals of actual technological interest, together with setting up new ultrahigh vacuum, surface science and electron spectroscopy techniques.

Origin of resistance hysteresis in graphene layers on ferroelectric substrates Call name: P 1 - SP 1.1 - Proiecte de cercetare Postdoctorală
PN-III-P1-1.1-PD-2016-1322 2018 - 2020

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA MATERIALELOR BUCURESTI RA

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA MATERIALELOR BUCURESTI RA (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA MATERIALELOR BUCURESTI RA (RO)

Project website: http://infim.ro/en/project/origin-of-resistance-hysteresis-in-graphene-layers-on-ferroelectric-substrates-2/

Abstract:

This Project aims to elucidate the nature of the anti-hysteretic behavior for the variation of the in-plane resistance of graphene, as function on a gate voltage applied through a ferroelectric separator with out-of-plane polarization. Such structures should exhibit a („normal”) hysteresis due to the screening of the depolarization field by charge carriers from graphene: when the ferroelectric polarization is reversed, the type of charge carriers changes from electrons to holes or viceversa, yielding resistance peaks. When the graphene is pre-doped, the resistance exhibits two different stable states, enabling one to design easily and rapidly accessible, non-volatile memory elements. In practice, the sense of the hysteresis is reversed; the cause of this „anomal” hysteresis is attributed to contaminants on graphene or at the interface between graphene and ferroelectrics, however with no explicit demonstration sofar. This problem will be investigated in this Project on atomically clean, single crystal ferroelectrics with graphene grown by carbon molecular beam epitaxy. A first characterization by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Near-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy certified that carbon layers exhibit two dimensional character, have similar XPS as graphene, the chemical interaction with the ferroelectric is minimal and the polarization state is not changed by carbon deposition. The continuation of this work supposes the proof by scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and by angle resolved photoelectron spectroscopy that graphene is formed, then the analysis of electrical transport properties, together with the development of new models, if necessary. Further, one will dose these structures with molecules and follow by correlated XPS, STM and electrical measurements their behavior as function on the quantity and nature of dosed molecules. Besides fundamental knowledge, the Project’s outcomes will consist in new models for memory elements and gas sensors.

Innovative technologies for III-V photovoltaic convertors Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA 2013 - call
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2013-4-1054 2014 - 2017

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA MATERIALELOR BUCURESTI RA

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA MATERIALELOR BUCURESTI RA (RO); UNIVERSITATEA BUCURESTI (RO); OMEGA PROFESIONAL SRL (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA MATERIALELOR BUCURESTI RA (RO)

Project website: http://www.infim.ro/ro/projects/tehnologie-inovativa-pentru-convertori-fotovoltaici-din-compusi-iii-v

Abstract:

In this period of modern industry development that requires different energy sources, a solution in good viability with environmental protection is the use of photovoltaic cells for direct conversion of Sun energy. In the development of PV and TPV applications there are three vectors involved that are: efficiency, temperature resistance and the cost. The gallium antimonide (GaSb) is the basis of the most PV cells in modern TPV systems and its innovative technology based on modern ultra-high vacuum techniques assures for the present project a good efficiency to cost ratio on the PV market. GaSb is a III-V semiconductor compound with zinc blende crystal structure and has an energy gap of 0.726 eV and is worth to mention that the structure GaAs/GaSb has set a record for solar cell efficiency of 35% opening a new era for photovoltaics applications. We can say that in this view the GaSb photosensitive structures offers the possibility of an almost total conversion of sun energy from visible spectrum to heat transform in electricity by TPV effect. This project is related to an end product from a III-V compounds, where the candidate is a well defined structure developed from Molecular Beam Epitaxy (MBE) facilities grown in GaSb system, respectively AlGaSb/GaSb. The main parameter subjected to bend engineering is the semiconductor gap that can be changed in ternary or quaternary compounds by selecting the relative proportion of element in the compound. This offers the possibility of designing PV converters with small band gap, suitable for TPV applications, where the IR radiation can be absorbed ( the project proposes an experiment of a sensor to YAG:Nd laser radiation). In this project we intend to use the technological achievements reached in the study of the III-V compounds from our group, with the purpose to attend a viable GaSb based PV converter starting from n-type single crystal. This is a new way open for our technological facilities in situ procedures that assures the possibility to use MBE for epitaxial layers, experience and performance in contact deposition together with photolithography for contact grid. The preliminary treatment of the surface structures as the information raised from various investigation techniques (e.g. X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy-XPS) deeply affected the electrical characteristics of the device. Epilayers quality will be investigated in situ by XPS,UPS, AES and STM techniques that are available in the Project infrastructure at the coordinating organisation –National Institute of Materials Physics.The ohmic contacts investigated for lightly doped n-GaSb will be in the system Au/Ni/Au, Au(Ge)/Ni/Au and Cr-Au on p-AlGaSb. The theoretical study of a PV-TPV structure related to fundamental aspects of semiconductor devices operation is in the general trend and strategy of the Department of Electricity, Solid State and Biophysics from Faculty of Physics, Bucharest and from this point of view the project integration will be very good. Is worth to mention that the quality of the work involved in this project is expected to attract an educational impact that means that we expect to manage the work for students at master level and probably for PhD. The novelty of the elements involved in obtaining a performance GaSb/AlxGa1-xSb structure will be a part of the scientific results presented to be published in different ISI journals. The market potential of the present project will be valued by our partners from economy, namely SC Omega Profesional SRL and SC ANDISOR TERMO SRL. At these partners will be developed studies of solar energy concentration systems, will be available a solar panel with 5-7 converters of GaSb and at the end of the project will be attend an elaboration of measurement protocol for PV structures and establishment of referee parameters and quality matrix in the facilities of a new and well equipped Solar Energy Testing Laboratory.

New generation of photocatalytic self-cleaning systems for functionalization of technical textiles and architectural coatings Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA 2013 - call
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2013-4-0864 2014 - 2017

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: Institutul National de Cercetare-Dezvoltare pentru Chimie si Petrochimie - ICECHIM Bucuresti

Project partners: Institutul National de Cercetare-Dezvoltare pentru Chimie si Petrochimie - ICECHIM Bucuresti (RO); INSTITUTUL DE CHIMIE FIZICA - ILIE MURGULESCU (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA MATERIALELOR BUCURESTI RA (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA LASERILOR, PLASMEI SI RADIATIEI - INFLPR RA (RO); CHIMCOLOR S.R.L. (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA MATERIALELOR BUCURESTI RA (RO)

Project website: http://www.cleanphotocoat.roit.ro

Abstract:

Pollution and its side effects on health, structural damage of materials, costs for maintenance, cleaning and replacement of damaged materials is one of the most important causes of severe human diseases and of great economic losses all over the world. The project is focused on the development of new photocatalytic coating materials for technical textiles and architectural finishing systems that can be used to decompose pollutants in the air and on the coated surfaces in order to maintain a clean and healthy environment and avoid economic loses. The objective of the project is to obtain stable, adherent, efficient and durable daylight photocatalytic self cleaning coatings for different types of substrates, such as flexible technical textiles and rigid construction structures. To accomplish the objective, issues that require skills in various fields are to be addressed, in view of: scientific research for designing new photocatalysts, innovation activity for the improvement of their efficiency by extending absorption in the visible range of the spectrum, and technological development in order to obtain photocatalytic coatings dedicated to a particular type of substrate. All these issues will be solved due to a multidisciplinary partnership formed of high rank specialists in materials physics, laser physics, physical-chemistry, polymer chemistry, dyestuffs chemistry, and chemistry of textile materials, constantly having in mind obtaining safety products and technologies and achieving economic advantages from the production stage up to the application by the end-users.The method used for the synthesis of semiconductor materials is a key factor that determines their efficiency, the main reason for developing comparative studies regarding the most important oxide type photocatalysts used in practice (TiO2 and ZnO) that could be obtained and doped by wet methods (hydrothermal,sol-gel) or by laser pyrolysis route. Investigations developed in the project comprise also sensitizing the photocatalysts at the surface or by obtaining composites in order to use more efficient visible light in the photocatalytic decomposition of pollutants. Thus, we aim to develop new and optimized photocatalytically materials exhibiting activity upon visible light with surface characteristics of improved performance and of the high chemical and physical stability, crucial for broader scale utilization of photocatalytic systems in commercial application. However, another important challenge will be to obtain film building materials containing photocatalysts specially designed for coating technical textiles or for architectural coatings. Technologies regarding photocatalytic coatings developed in the project present several barriers that can be lifted by carrying out this project. The photocatalytic coatings that will be obtained will be compatible with the substrates, protect them to self-degradation and maintain their initial physical-mechanical characteristics, presenting high photocatalytic efficiency in visible light and durability. The newly developed photocatalytic coatings during the project will decompose air pollutants and other contaminants in outdoor and indoor applications using sunlight or artificial light, especially after expanding widespread use of LEDs for interior or exterior lighting of buildings, tunnels, advertising materials, thus making possible an enhancement of the photocatalytic effect and thus providing significant benefits for the environment and human health. Photocatalytic materials obtained in project together with the development of technically applicable photocatalytic coating systems adaptable to different types of substrates will represent a step change in this field particularly regarding the economic viability of a range of potential processes.

Innovative antibacterial and self-cleaning photocatalytic textiles Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA 2013 - call
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2013-4-0419 2014 - 2017

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEXTILE SI PIELARIE - INCDTP BUCURESTI

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEXTILE SI PIELARIE - INCDTP BUCURESTI (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA MATERIALELOR BUCURESTI RA (RO); UNIVERSITATEA BUCURESTI (RO); STOFE BUHUSI S.A. (RO); C & A COMPANY IMPEX SRL (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA MATERIALELOR BUCURESTI RA (RO)

Project website: http://cleantexproject.ro/

Abstract:

The negative impact of pollution on human health and environment pushed the R&D efforts to develop clean technologies and products according to the green chemistry principles, making regulation, control, clean-up and remediation unnecessary.

The project’ target is the development of new multifunctional textiles providing simultaneously photocatalytic, auto-sterilizing, self-cleaning and enhanced antimicrobial properties based on innovative graphene oxide/TiO2 nanocomposites able to decompose pollutants in safe, non-toxic compounds, using only solar light.

The present project aims at developing the 4th generation of green photocatalysts by:

• synthesis of graphene oxide/doped titanium oxide (GOT) with efficient absorption under UV and visible light

• formulation of GOT composites as highly adherent solution;

• development of photocatalytic textiles by deposition of photocatalytic compounds in one-step technology;

• evaluation of photocatalytic/self-cleaning/antimicrobial performances of synthesized photocatalysts and textiles against usual pollutants and pathogenic microorganisms,

• biocompatibility/cytotoxicity testing of cells cultures toward photocatalytic compounds.

The original contribution of the project consists in:

• optimal assembly and interfacial coupling of the TiO2 nanoparticles over the graphene oxide sheets;

• innovative adhesive graphene oxide/TiO2 (GOT) formulations, ensuring a high and stable dispersion and a strong adherence of the composites to the textile substrate, while preserving the genuine physical and mechanical properties of textile;

• homogeneously and firmly adherent photocatalytic coatings by one step deposition of GOT at room temperature, reducing the raw materials, utilities and manpower consumption;

• new investigations on graphene/TiO2 cytotoxicity and biocompatibiliy.

The indicators proposed to be achieved:

- eco-friendly products: minimum 2 types of composites nanopowders; min. 2 types of textile materials with high photocatalytic and antibacterial efficacy; self-cleaning and antibacterial work wear and protective equipment; clean technologies: one step synthesis of powder composites; one step deposition and fixation of synthesized compounds on textiles;

- innovations: 1 patent describing the innovative GOT synthesis and one-step deposition of nanocomposites; minimum 2 ISI rated scientific papers, minimum 2 presentations at national and international conferences.

The innovative approach for the production of high quality photocatalytic textiles is based on an efficient, environmentally clean and easily implementable at industrial-scale process, one step deposition and fixation of environmentally friendly nano composites. This finishing technology combined with a proper adhesive photocatalysts formulation will eliminate the post-treatment steps, and consequently high consumption of chemicals, water and energy and will allow the achievement of highly adherent, durable, uniform coating thin layers preserving the genuine physical properties and colour of the textiles. The easy application on conventionally existing production lines, ensure a wide spread of the finishing technology. The approval of the present project will contribute to concentration of human and material resources with the aim to achieve the above mentioned research tasks and the implementation of results in Romania, with special amelioration of the economic situation of SMEs active in textiles and chemical industry and significant improvements of human health and environment quality.

High temperature, high stability, low cost evaporation cells for molecular beam epitaxy Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA-2011 call, Type 2
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2011-3.2-0767 2012 - 2016

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA MATERIALELOR BUCURESTI RA

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA MATERIALELOR BUCURESTI RA (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M (RO); BRAVA 2000 S.R.L. (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA MATERIALELOR BUCURESTI RA (RO)

Project website: http://www.infim.ro/projects/celule-de-evaporare-la-temperaturi-mari-stabilitate-ridicata-si-cost-redus-pentru-depuneri

Abstract:

Evaporation cells based on a new heating principle will be designed, fabricated and tested. This heating principle is based on direct resistive heating of two concentric tubes made on a refractory metal (Ta, Mo, W), with thin walls (0.1-0.2 mm), subject to a high electrical current (60-100 A). The inner pipe contains the material to be evaporated. The outer pipe, which also warms up, acts at the same time as a thermal screen for the inner pipe: as a consequence, higher temperatures are achieved in the inner part and also a higher amount of power is dissipated inside the inner pipe. The warming up to very high temperatures (over 2000 C) proceeds in a few tens of seconds, to be compared with several tens of minutes in standard evaporation cells where a crucible is warmed by using a W filament. Also, a precise temperature calibration may be obtained as function of the heating current only, whereas in conventional cells thermocouples are used. These thermocouples require additional vacuum current feedthroughs and also their thermal contact to the crucible may be problematic. A third advantage of the new principle is its relative low cost, based on the fact that the only expensive parts are the refractory material pipes. A new concept (dismountable assembly) will be developed also for the water cooling of the cell, whereas a single high current vacuum feedthrough is sufficient. One anticipates easy and fast manufacture of such devices, resulting in low delivery terms, as compared with 3-6 months for the actual evaporators. The estimated market is of some 500-1000 units in the European Community, whereas the stipulated benefit is of 5000 Euro per unit. The project will (i) implement the new heating principle; (ii) implement the new water cooling principle; (iii) achieve accuracte temperature calibration; (iv) demonstrate the ability to evaporate at high temperature, especially of metals that are usually evaporated by electron bombardment: Ti, Cr, V, Zr, Nb.

Ultrafast laser Facility with Optimized high order harmonics UltraViolet sources Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA-2011 call, Type 1
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2011-3.1-0886 2012 - 2016

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA LASERILOR, PLASMEI SI RADIATIEI - INFLPR RA

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA LASERILOR, PLASMEI SI RADIATIEI - INFLPR RA (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M (RO); UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA MATERIALELOR BUCURESTI RA (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA MATERIALELOR BUCURESTI RA (RO)

Project website: http://ssll.inflpr.ro/ufouv/index.html

Abstract:

Nonlinear optics has revolutionized laser science by making it possible to efficiently convert laser light from one wavelength to another. Using the extreme nonlinear- optical process of high harmonic generation (HHG), light from an ultra-fast laser can be coherently up-shifted, resulting in a useful, tabletop, coherent and polarized short wavelength source. Such sources complement or replace expensive synchrotron facilities in specific applications.

The unique properties of UV HHG have already proven useful for studying ultra-fast molecular, plasma and materials dynamics, for characterizing nanoscale heat flow, for following element-specific dynamics in magnetic materials, and for high-resolution coherent imaging. HHG are ideal also for capturing the motion of electrons in atoms, molecules, and materials on their fundamental time (~fs) and length (~nm) scales.

Our project aims to develop at the TEWALAS laser system in INFLPR (15 TW, 10 Hz, 800 nm, 30 fs pulse duration), a HHG source technology as in [1] and also aims to build a facility to offer access to high flux radiation over the entire UV range. The major advantage is the ten fold increased UV production efficiency via quasi-phase matching control.

The expected impact of the development relates to a revolution in the efficiency of HHG sources, comparable with the one introduced by the periodically poled nonlinear crystals in laser physics. The optimized HHG sources will be patented and offered as high end products to the global ultra-fast laser market. The sources will also be the key elements at the core of a facility offering services related to the entire UV range, extending the capabilities of the TEWALAS laser facility. The commissioning of the UV user facility will be provided through a first experiment related to multi-coincidence photo-electron and photo-ion studies in diluted systems [2].

[1] Tosa V,et al., New J. of Phys. 10, 025016 (2008)

[2] C.M. Teodorescu, al., J. Chem. Phys. 109, 9280 (1998)

Hyperthermic magnetic nanoparticle ablation of liver and pancreatic tumors Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA-2011 call, Type 1
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2011-3.1-0252 2012 - 2016

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA DE MEDICINA SI FARMACIE CRAIOVA

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA DE MEDICINA SI FARMACIE CRAIOVA (RO); UNIVERSITATEA DE MEDICINA SI FARMACIE (U.M.F) Cluj-Napoca (RO); UNIVERSITATEA DIN CRAIOVA (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA MATERIALELOR BUCURESTI RA (RO); INSTITUTUL DE CHIMIE MACROMOLECULARA "PETRU PONI" (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA MATERIALELOR BUCURESTI RA (RO)

Project website: http://nanoablation.hostzi.com/

Abstract:

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAC) are some of the most aggressive solid malignancies, on the 3rd and 4th place in terms of mortality worldwide. Current chemotherapy and anti-angiogenic therapy options are usually inefficient, while several invasive methods have been proposed for ablation of malignant liver and pancreatic tumors.

The NANO-ABLATION project has a strong innovative content, which includes: 1) a nano-ablation tester used for testing of fluids containing magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs), dosed in controlled quantities and placed in the poles of a properly calibrated RF magnetic coil, with the temperature monitored with an infrared pyrometer; 2) synthesis and analysis of different MNPs (including magnetite -NH2 or -COOH conjugates, novel magnetic materials with high Fe average magnetic moment like Fe16N2 and / or targeted MNps loaded with anti-angiogenic drugs (sorafenib or bevacizumab); 3) passive difussion of the MNPs will be tested through injection into murine models tumor xenografts, normal pig liver and pancreas, as well as human tissue explants from HCC and PAC patients, with subsequent pathology assessment of apoptosis / necrosis; 4) design of a computer controlled RFA needle, based on previous patents of one of the consortium members, might enhance RFA and nano-ablation through an optimized thermal effect over tumour and a lower impact on the surrounding healthy tissues.

In conclusion, the NANO-ABLATION project brings together a critical mass of experts in biotechnology research, clinical and interventional imaging (both ultrasound and endoscopic ultrasound), nanoscale chemistry, physics and nano-toxicology to create a minimally invasive, image-guided system that will provide more accurate ablation of both hypovascular and hypervascular, liver and pancreatic tumors, through a combination of computer controlled RFA and MNPs hyperthermia, with the final aim of enhancing current insufficient ablation procedures.

Effect of interfaces on charge transport in ferroic/multiferroic heterostructures Call name: Complex Exploratory Research Projects - PCCE-2011 call
PN-II-ID-PCCE-2011-2-0006 2012 - 2016

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: National Institute of Materials Physics

Project partners: National Institute of Materials Physics (RO); National Institute of Materials Physics (RO); National Institute of Materials Physics (RO); National Institute of Materials Physics (RO); National Institute of Materials Physics (RO); Alexandru Ioan Cuza University (RO)

Affiliation: National Institute of Materials Physics (RO)

Project website: http://www.infim.ro/projects/effect-interfaces-charge-transport-ferroelectricmultiferroic-heterostructures

Abstract:

The main objective of the project is to perform a detailed study of interfaces and their effect on the charge transport properties in a number of well defined artificial multiferroic structures. Charge transport is beneficial in some cases, for example in tunnel junctions, but can be detrimental in other cases, as for example devices based on magnetoelectric effect or in capacitor like structures. In all cases, at least the interfaces with the metallic electrodes are involved in charge transport, but other interfaces can be also involved if multilayer structures are used. The study will be performed on thin films and/or nanostructures, therefore a significant influence of interfaces on the electronic and ionic charge transport is expected. The start will be from simple capacitor-like structures, to elucidate the problem of electrode interfaces in the case of various ferroic oxides. Further on charge transport in relation with interfaces will be studied in mode complex, multilayer structures with possible applications in tunel junctions, diodes or field effect devices.

The project involves 6 research teams from 2 host institutions, one of which is the National Institute of Materials Physics from Bucharest-Magurele, and the other one is the Alexandru Ioan Cuza University (UAIC) from Iassy. The composition of the teams is a mixes experienced researchers with excellent track records regarding preparation, characterization and modelling of advanced multifunctional materials including oxides, and young scientists at the beginning of their carriers. Some 12 PhD thesis are expected to start during the project. The project is expected to have a major impact not only at the basic science level, reflected by publications in high ranking journals, but also at the level of applied research, as for example manipulation of charge transport through designing specific interfaces or developement of new oxide architectures for ferroelectric field effect controlled of spin currents.

Surface and Interface Science: Physics, chemistry, biology, applications. Call name: Complex Exploratory Research Projects - PCCE-2008 call
PN-II-ID-PCCE-2008-0076 2010 - 2013

Role in this project: Project coordinator

Coordinating institution: INSATITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA MATERIALELOR

Project partners: INSATITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA MATERIALELOR (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU INGINERIE ELECTRICA (RO); UNIVERSITATEA DE MEDICINA SI FARMACIE CAROL DAVILA DIN BUCURESTI (RO); UNIVERSITATEA ALEXANDRU IOAN CUZA DIN IASI (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA TEHNICA DIN IASI (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE DIN CLUJ-NAPOCA (RO); UNIVERSITATEA BABES-BOLYAI DIN CLUJ-NAPOCA (RO); ACADEMIA ROMANA FILIALA TIMISOARA (RO); UNIVERSITATEA DE MEDICINA SI FARMACIE VICTOR BABES TIMISOARA (RO)

Affiliation: INSATITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA MATERIALELOR (RO)

Project website: http://www.infim.ro/projects/siinta-suprafetelor-si-interfetelor-fizica-chimie-biologie-aplicatii

Abstract:

This project intends to provide a financial background for developing the community of Surface Science in Romania. Thematics from physics and chemistry of surfaces will be tackled together with applications of surface science in biology and in technology; also new standards will be proposed for consistent data interpretation. The Project clusterizes the most important Romanian teams with preoccupations in surface science, namely all X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy teams with most of the community of thin film deposition, cluster and nanoparticle physics, surface reactivity, surface chemistry and photochemistry, multilayer physics and applications, magnetic fluids, functionalization of surfaces, cell attachment, studies of cellular membrane. The research teams belong to highly prominent Universities and Research Institutes from practically all geographical areas of the country. The Consortium disposes of infrastructure exceeding 10 million euros, of more than one hundreed highly qualified scientists which have generated during the past years more than 3 % of the national scientific visibility. The research will concentrate into four main areas: (i) magnetic properties of surfaces and low-dimensional systems; (ii) electrical properties of surfaces and heterostructures; (iii) surface chemistry; (iv) application of surface science in functionalized systems and in biology, together with (v) an area concentrating on standardization in X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Auger electron spectroscopy and related techniques. Each area is divided into several thematics; each thematic has at least one in-charge scientist. This Project will foster the surface science community in Romania and will contribute strongly to the development of high-technological industrial preoccupation in all geographical areas concerned. Several cutting-edge applications are also foreseen by pursuing the fundamental research proposed.

Call name: Premierea obtinerii atestatului de abilitare - Competitia 2015
PN-II-RU-ABIL-2015-2-0042 2015 -

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA MATERIALELOR BUCURESTI RA

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA MATERIALELOR BUCURESTI RA (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA MATERIALELOR BUCURESTI RA (RO)

Project website:

Abstract:

Chemical switching of surface ferroelectric topology Call name: Joint Research Projects Romania-France - IDROFR-2011 call
PN-II-ID-JRP-RO-FR-2011-2-0010 2011 -

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: National Institute of Materials Physics

Project partners: National Institute of Materials Physics (RO); Service de Physique et Chimie des Surfaces et Interfaces Institut Rayonnement Matiere Saclay (FR)

Affiliation: National Institute of Materials Physics (RO)

Project website:

Abstract:

The fundamental property of ferroelectric (FE) materials is their electrically switchable spontaneous polarization below the Curie temperature. However, the direction of the polarization in FE thin films is not only the result of a simple control through external electric field since it usually results from the minimization of the electrostatic energy (driven by an equilibrium between short and long-range forces) in the whole sample. In a FE, the presence of unscreened polarization charge creates an internal electric field, called the depolarizing field, which can partially or wholly cancel the FE polarization inside the material. This is particularly important in view of potential applications of FE thin films. The polarization charge at the surface can be screened through a variety of mechanisms including extrinsic screening by adsorbate species, intrinsic screening by defects or free charge carriers in for example adjacent electrodes, surface and near surface structural changes (rumpling, relaxation and reconstruction) and by domain ordering which reduces the energy of the system by screening the depolarizing field through ordering of the FE domains with anti-parallel polarization. Surface charge compensation can involve extra or missing ions arising from interaction with the environment rather than electrons.

The chemical composition of the atmosphere (the oxygen chemical potential, for example) can induce preferential orientation of the polarization. Conversely, the polarization can influence surface chemical reactions (the adsorption of various molecules depends on the polarization direction). It has been suggested that oxygen vacancies stabilize negative polarization, i.e. polarization pointing inwards. The topology of the surface FE order is therefore a complex interaction of the chemical and electronic environment.

X-ray diffraction (XRD) has demonstrated reversible domain growth or continuous polarization switching by oxygen partial pressure, pO2, rather than by an applied electric field. However, there is little experimental evidence of the changes in the electronic structure concomitant with switching. Moreover, the surface stoichiometry and phase may differ considerably from the bulk.

The CHEM-SWITCH consortium brings expertise in diverse photoelectron spectroscopy techniques with energy, wave-vector and spatial resolution in order to unravel the electronic and chemical structure of the FE topology and the mechanisms responsible for chemically induced switching. The interactions of both ionic and free charge with the polarization will be studied for two prototypical FE materials: BaTiO3 (BTO) and PbTiO3 (PTO). These will also provide a comparison between ABO3 perovskite structures in which the FE is due to B and A cation displacements, respectively. Surface composition by high resolution XPS and band structure determination by ARUPS will be compared with theory. Structural determination will include electron diffraction (LEED, RHEED) and X-ray photoelectron diffraction (XPD), while the surface morphology, FE topology and chemistry will be assessed by scanning probe microscopy (SPM) techniques and by low energy electron microscopy (LEEM) and photoelectron emission microscopy (real and reciprocal space PEEM).

The project will advance understanding of the electronic, structural, and compositional origins of chemical switching of polarization. It will explore the chemical potential-temperature phase diagrams through the use of atomic oxygen and vicinal surfaces. Finally, it will furnish an understanding of the switching chemistry vital to a wide range of applications such as ferroelectric enhanced catalysis and photolysis, chemical sensing, screening mechanisms in oxide based electronics.

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