BrainMap

Mr. Cristian Silvestru

Professor

Professor - UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI

Web of Science ResearcherID: A-3832-2010

Curriculum Vitae (31/07/2026)

Expertise & keywords

Chemo-catalytic paradigms in multiphase waste valorization ‒ Center of Excellence for Circular Chemistry and Economy Call name: PNCDI IV, SP 5.6.1 - Centre de excelență, CoEx2024
PN-IV-P6-6.1-CoEx-2024-0053 2026 - 2030

Role in this project: Partner team leader

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA BUCURESTI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA BUCURESTI (RO); UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI (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 MATERIALELOR BUCURESTI RA (RO); INSTITUTUL DE CHIMIE ORGANICĂ ŞI SUPRAMOLECULARĂ "COSTIN D.NENIŢESCU" (RO); ACADEMIA DE STUDII ECONOMICE (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI (RO)

Project website:

Abstract:

The project's objective is to implement the Circular Economy concept in the recycling of industrial wastes and to reduce energy consumption. This will be achieved through the recycling of waste products, thus reducing the depletion of natural resources, minimizing the impact on landscapes and habitats, reducing pollution and loss of biodiversity, and finally ensuring a green circular economy. To accomplish this goal, the project will focus on several operational objectives, such as minimizing waste and maximizing recycling, identifying environmental impacts in accordance with the national environmental legislation, promoting the circular economy as a key element in business, and generating new business eco-design. The project will merge the competencies of various fields, including inorganic, organic, organometallic, analytic chemistry, catalysis, physics, science of materials, mathematics, and economics. The Center will merge the expertise of well-recognized teams and highly specialized partners from the University of Bucharest, Babes-Bolyai University of Cluj-Napoca, Institute of Organic and Supramolecular Chemistry “C. D. Nenitescu” of the Romanian Academy, National Institute of Materials Physics and the National Institute of Isotopic and Molecular Technologies and Bucharest University of Economic Studies.

Organopnicogen (antimony, bismuth) alkoxides and related compounds – from fundamental molecular design to applied catalysis Call name: P 4 - Proiecte de Cercetare Exploratorie, 2020
PN-III-P4-ID-PCE-2020-2651 2021 - 2023

Role in this project: Project coordinator

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI (RO)

Project website: http://www.chem.ubbcluj.ro/~ccsoom/organometallic/pce2651.html

Abstract:

The present proposal is focused on the organometallic chemistry of heavy pnicogens (Pn = Sb, Bi) of high interest for their valuable potential in catalysis. The compounds envisaged are neutral or cationic, well defined molecular and/or cluster species from the less explored class of alkoxides and completely unexplored classes of related oxo ligands - boryloxides, siloxides and germyloxides. Our research objectives are focused on (i) preparation of molecular organopnicogen(III) alkoxides, including chiral ones, enough stable to be investigated both in solution and in solid state; (ii) preparation of first boryloxide, siloxide and germyloxide analogues; (iii) evaluation of the tetrel nature on the reactivity of Pn–O bond in the Pn–O–Tet unit (Tet = C, Si, Ge); (iv) preparation of monoorganopnicogen(alkoxo) cations stabilized through intramolecular coordination; (v) studies regarding the potential of the new organopnicogen(III) species with oxo ligands in catalysis, including C–H activation, and exploration of their active role in reversible CO2 fixation/activation.

Functionalized hierachical structures on graphene exhibiting magnetic, adsorption and catalytic properties Call name: P 4 - Proiecte Complexe de Cercetare de Frontieră
PN-III-P4-ID-PCCF-2016-0088 2018 - 2022

Role in this project: Partner team leader

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA BUCURESTI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA BUCURESTI (RO); UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI (RO); UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI (RO); UNIVERSITATEA BUCURESTI (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI (RO)

Project website: https://www.chimie.unibuc.ro/cercetare/anorganica/PN-III-P4-ID-PCCF-2016-0088/PCCF_M%20Andruh_2022.pdf

Abstract:

The present research proposal aims to develop a series of directions which are less or non-explored to date in the chemistry of graphene. Its objectives rely on the experience of the four participants in organic synthesis, organometallic chemistry, molecular magnetism and catalysis. The project will stimulate not only the enhancement of the value of previously synthesized compounds by the partners, but also the development of an original chemistry. The hierarchical organization of organometallic – classical transition metal complexes on graphene surface is a step forward in materials science. The design of 3-D frameworks incorporating graphene is original and opens interesting perspectives for applications. The grafting of magnetic and luminescent complexes on graphene could bring an important added value in molecular magnetism. The catalytic processes to be investigated are carefully selected, in order to address important problems in organic synthesis, environmental protection and energy. The project will focus on the following major objectives: (i) design of networks by covalent connections between the decorated graphene sheets; (ii) design of graphene-based hybrid materials with appropriate organometallic/metalloid units as ligands for transition metals; (iii) single molecule magnets and luminescent molecules grafted on graphene; (iv) functionalization of graphene with macrocycles, cryptands and rotaxanes for organocatalytic reactions; (v) development of multifunctional catalysts for controlled cascade reactions; (v) applications in catalysis (the valorization of the CO2 emissions; the hydrogenation of nitro-alkenes and mixtures of acetylene-ethylene; C-C and C-N coupling reactions) and gas sorption. A special attention in these studies will be addressed to the investigation of the catalytic mechanisms.

Organopnicogen (Sb, Bi) compounds as catalysts and/or reagents in organic chemistry Call name: P 4 - Proiecte de Cercetare Exploratorie
PN-III-P4-ID-PCE-2016-0857 2017 - 2019

Role in this project: Project coordinator

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI (RO)

Project website: http://www.chem.ubbcluj.ro/~ccsoom/organometallic/pce0857.html

Abstract:

Based on the significant importance of the organopnicogen (Sb, Bi) compounds in different fields, including fundamental aspects of their coordination chemistry, catalysis and organic synthesis, we propose a research project focused on the following topics: (i) studies on CO2 fixation / activation by new organoantimony/bismuth species, including the screening as potential catalysts for the preparation of organic compounds using CO2 as a C1-source, (ii) studies on organopnicogen species as catalysts for one-pot Mannich reactions and Lewis acid-catalyzed C−C bond-forming reactions, and (iii) triarylpnicogen(III) and triarylpnicogen(V) species as arylating agents for different organic substrates.

The studies are related to new neutral or ionic, mono or multinuclear organopnicogen compounds, e.g. [2-{E(R′)CH}C6H4MO]n, [2-{E(R′)CH}C6H4M(R)]+[A]ˉ (M = Sb, Bi; E = Me2N, MeO; R′ = Me, i-Pr; R = Mes, 4-FC6H4, etc.) or organopnicogen(III) compounds with dendritic structure bearing azastibocine and azabismocine frameworks, which will be prepared either by new, original methods or by (adapted) literature procedures. Selected monoorganopnicogen(III) species will be used in reversible CO2 fixation and C−H bond activation, while multinuclear compounds with dendritic structures will be tested in one-pot Mannich reaction, Lewis acid-catalyzed C−C bond-formation or transition metal catalyzed cross-coupling reactions. Ionic species will be also tested in CO2 fixation in cyclic and/or polycarbonates and Mannich-type reactions.

The organic and organometallic compounds obtained within this project will be characterized in solution by multinuclear NMR, HRMS and IR spectroscopy. The molecular structure of the new compounds will be determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. DFT calculations will be used to predict or to explain the behavior of relevant compounds, including intermediates. The reaction products obtained in the catalysis tests will be investigated by GC-MS or HPLC-MS.

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: Partner team leader

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: UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI (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.

NEW ORGANOMETALLIC COMPOUNDS OF HEAVY GROUP 15 METALS (ANTIMONY, BISMUTH) – POTENTIAL USE IN CATALYSIS Call name: Exploratory Research Projects - PCE-2011 call
PN-II-ID-PCE-2011-3-0933 2012 - 2016

Role in this project: Project coordinator

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA BABES-BOLYAI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA BABES-BOLYAI (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA BABES-BOLYAI (RO)

Project website: http://www.chem.ubbcluj.ro/~ccsoom/organometallic/id933.html

Abstract:

The organometallic chemistry of antimony and bismuth raised considerably interest due to the important results obtained both in areas of fundamental and applied interest. The aim of the present proposal is to bring new dimensions to a topic (organometallic species stabilized through N→M intramolecular coordination) in which the research team involved in this project already has significant contributions, i.e. investigation of potential uses of such organometallic species.

The proposed research activities will be focused on (i) the design of hypervalent organometallic compounds of the type R2MOH, (R2M)2O, R2MOR´, (RMO)n (M = Sb, Bi; R = one or two pendant arm ligand) and their reaction with CO2 (CO2 fixation); (ii) study of the catalytic activity of such organometallic species for synthesis of polycarbonates and/or cyclic carbonates from CO2 and epoxides (CO2 activation); (iii) study of the reaction of new hypervalent dibismuthanes R2Bi-BiR2 (R = one or two pendant arm ligand) with dioxygen – potential use in selective oxidation of organic substrates; (iv) study of the catalytic activity and the stereoselectivity of new chiral hypervalent organometallic species, R2MOR and [R2M]+Xˉ (M = Sb, Bi) for the Mannich reaction; (v) design of transition metal complexes of new chiral organoantimony species and study of the catalytic activity for metal-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions.

DESIGN OF ORGANIC SPACERS FOR CONSTRUCTING METAL-ORGANIC FRAMEWORKS (MOFs) – TOWARDS A BETTER CONTROL OF THE POROUS ARCHITECTURE AND ACTIVE CATALYTIC SITES Call name: Complex Exploratory Research Projects - PCCE-2011 call
PN-II-ID-PCCE-2011-2-0050 2012 - 2016

Role in this project: Partner team leader

Coordinating institution: University of Bucharest

Project partners: University of Bucharest (RO); University of Bucharest (RO); Babes Bolyai University (RO); Babes Bolyai University (RO)

Affiliation: Babes Bolyai University (RO)

Project website: http://www.chimie.unibuc.ro/cercetare/anorganica/PCCE_M%20Andruh.pdf

Abstract:

The project aims to obtain a new generation of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) using novel families of made-by-design spacers (Cyclophane and cyclophane-like spacers with pre-formed cavities; C3-symmetry cryptand-based ligands; Tetrahedral synthons; Organometallic spacers featuring robust metal-carbon bonds, e. g. Organometallic halides, with appropriate organic groups attached to the metal centre to provide stability of the organometallic unit and/or potential to develop 3D architectures. The efforts will be concentrated towards compounds with the metal in lower oxidation state bearing a lone pair of electrons and thus higher reactivity). The construction of MOFs using organometallic tectons is a field largely unexplored. A special emphasis will be given to the post-synthesis processing of the MOFs (removal of solvent and weakly coordinated ligands; functionalization of selected MOFs by nanoconfinement with metal nanoparticles and functionalization for generation of acidic and basic sites). The sorption of various gases (H2, CO2, C2H2, etc.) as well the catalytic properties of the newly synthesized MOFs will be investigated. Enantioselective organic reactions catalyzed by chiral MOFs will be studied as well. In this scope MOFs functionalized with acid and base functions will be investigated in the asymmetric aldol reaction between representative ketones with various aromatic aldehydes under solvent-free conditions. The luminescence properties of some MOFs as well as the influence of the host molecules on the luminescence (especially for those containing lanthanide cations) will be investigated. The ability of the new MOFs for decontamination processes will be tested - more specifically, MOFs will be used as adsorbents for the molecules resulted from the degradation of pharmaceutical compounds via either liquid phase catalytic oxidation or plasma.

project title Call name: P 1 - SP 1.1 - Proiecte de mobilitate pentru cercetători cu experiență din diaspora
PN-III-P1-1.1-MCD-2017-0141 2017 -

Role in this project: Project coordinator

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI (RO)

Project website:

Abstract:

project title Call name: P 1 - SP 1.1 - Proiecte de mobilitate pentru cercetători cu experiență din diaspora
PN-III-P1-1.1-MCD-2017-0123 2017 -

Role in this project: Project coordinator

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI (RO)

Project website:

Abstract:

project title Call name: P 1 - SP 1.1 - Proiecte de mobilitate pentru cercetatori cu experienta din diaspora
PN-III-P1-1.1-MCD-2016-0068 2016 -

Role in this project: Project coordinator

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI (RO)

Project website:

Abstract:

FILE DESCRIPTION	DOCUMENT
List of research grants as project coordinator	Download (439.78 kb) 09/04/2017
List of research grants as partner team leader	Download (418.33 kb) 09/04/2017
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