BrainMap

Mrs. Florica Mariuca Gartner

Dr

Head of Department, senior researcher - INSTITUTUL DE CHIMIE FIZICA - ILIE MURGULESCU

Researcher | Teaching staff | Scientific reviewer | Manager | PhD supervisor

Dr. Mariuca Gartner is: - the Head of the “Surface Chemistry and Catalysis” department; coordinator of the “Science of Surfaces and Thin Layers” group; - PhD supervisor. She provides teaching, courses and laboratories for PhD students - expert evaluator of national projects. - Director in 5 European projects: one DAAD, two DFG, one RIMDAC, 4 M-ERA.net and in 14 national projects. - coordinator of inter-academic projects with: Bulgaria (20 years), Hungary (6 years) Belarus, Slovenia, Korea and France - organizer of annual international workshop for 8 years. Her scientific activities resulted in more than 170 papers published in scientific journals, 1 book, 15 book chapters, 2270 citations in ISI journals, 1 patent and 2 patent applications , Hirsch factor 28 (Scopus) and 71 scientific reports for industry (unpublished). Her area of expertise includes surface and optical characterization of thin films, superficial and interfacial layers; fundamental research in ellipsometry

Curriculum Vitae (22/10/2019)

Expertise & keywords

Continuous flow demonstrator and technology with VIS/solar-active photocatalyst on spherical bead substrates for advanced wastewater treatment Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2021-2928 2022 - 2024

Role in this project: Partner team leader

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA TRANSILVANIA BRASOV

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA TRANSILVANIA BRASOV (RO); INSTITUTUL DE CHIMIE FIZICA - ILIE MURGULESCU (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA TRANSILVANIA BRASOV (RO)

Project website: http://photocatbead.unitbv.ro

Abstract:

The project’s scope is to design, develop and validate at laboratory level a continuous flow, efficient technology, based on VIS/solar-active TiO2-GO and TiO2-gC3N4 composite photocatalytic (PC) beads, in suspension, for the advanced wastewater treatment with low organic pollutants load targeting the water reuse.

The demonstration technology has 3 key components: (a) the VIS/solar-active composite thin films based on TiO2 - 2D carbon derivatives with controlled properties, deposited on glass or silica-gel beads with a diameter of 3–5mm (TRL start=2, TRL end=3) integrated in (b) a continuous flow, tubular photocatalytic reactor (1–3 L) (TRL start=2, TRL end=3) to develop (c) the laboratory demonstration technology when the PC beads will be tested in the photocatalytic reactor for the advanced wastewater treatment, for methylene blue and imidacloprid (10 ppm) removal, under simulated (300-1000 W/m2) or natural solar radiation (TRL start=2, TRL end=4). The PC beads’ stability will be tested in up to 3 photocatalytic consecutive cycles (each: 1h dark + 8h irradiation), monitoring the changes in the structural, morphological, optical and photocatalytic properties of the thin films. A regeneration protocol based on multiple rinsing cycles using deionized water (with or without UV radiation) will also be formulated.

The project’s activities correspond to 3 scientific objectives and 1 support objective, leading to the design and development of the individual components and their integration in the major outcome of this project: the novel technology that will be validated at laboratory level.

The dissemination activities target the scientific community: 3 (submitted) ISI papers, 4 conference presentations; the stakeholders (1 patent proposal and 1 workshop); the general public (the web-site).

Micro-nanotechnologies for monitoring of greenhouse gases Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2019-2073 2020 - 2022

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL DE CHIMIE FIZICA - ILIE MURGULESCU

Project partners: INSTITUTUL DE CHIMIE FIZICA - ILIE MURGULESCU (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE- DEZVOLTARE PENTRU MICROTEHNOLOGIE - IMT BUCURESTI INCD (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL DE CHIMIE FIZICA - ILIE MURGULESCU (RO)

Project website: http://www.icf.ro/pr_2019/TECH4GREEN/index.html

Abstract:

The main purpose is the monitoring of greenhouse gases which are directly linked with the human activities. To this scope the project will develop a new technology for the fabrication of smart, miniaturized sensor array for greenhouse gases monitoring. A microsensors array based on alumina transducers and MOx (metal oxides) and polymer materials will be developed. The targeted gases considered as main contributors to the greenhouse effect, are methane, ozone, carbon dioxide and water vapors. The microtransducers are made up of alumina µ-chips with interdigitated gold electrodes on top (front side of the transducer) and platinum microheater on the backside. The microsensors array will contain undoped and doped MOx sensitive films (SnO2, ZnO, SnO2-ZnO, CuO) and polymers deposited by safe and low-cost chemical routes (sol-gel and hydrothermal method).

The novelty of the project consists of: a) the significant improvement of properties of the proposed materials by controlling the nanometer-level architecture oxide (nanowires) and by utilizing the multilayered mixed structure containing MOx and polymeric films; b) new technology for microsensors fabrication on thin alumina with very low power consumption. A laboratory platform and a mobile apparatus for gas detection will be tested. In Romania a project focused on monitoring of greenhouse gases, comprising detection, correlated with geographical and environmental conditions, data acquisition and interpretation is new. The two years duration will allow to optimize and to demonstrate the technology up to TRL 4, to fabricate the sensors (TRL 4), to start the data acquisition and interpretation. All these developments will allow a long-term prediction algorithm for pollution evolution, geographical mapping of areas with the highest pollution, prediction of local and global warming, under different RCP scenarios (Representative Concentration Pathways), monitoring of local evolution of these gases.

Smart Portable System for VOCs detection Call name: P 3 - SP 3.2 - Proiecte ERA.NET
ERANET-M.-VOC-DETECT 2019 - 2022

Role in this project: Partner team leader

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); INSTITUTUL DE CHIMIE FIZICA - ILIE MURGULESCU (RO); NANOM MEMS SRL (RO); Institute for Technical Physics and Materials Science (MFA), Centre for Energy Research, Hungarian Academy of Sciences (HU)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL DE CHIMIE FIZICA - ILIE MURGULESCU (RO)

Project website: https://www.imt.ro/voc-detect

Abstract:

Most human environments are characterised by the presence of a large number of chemical substances which mainly belong to the group of volatile organic compounds (VOC). Numerous studies revealed the toxic and carcinogenic effects of these VOCs which usually can be found in indoor air, but the tools for the detection of VOCs are still not very precise and too expensive.

The project will develop new sensors based on nano MOX and CNT materials for VOC detection, integrated into a smart portable system providing quantitative information about the concentration of Formaldehyde and Benzene in indoor air.

The results will be:

- Technology demonstrator and Smart, portable system prototype and new formaldehyde and benzene sensors;

- Technology for thin sensitive films deposition and integration in the microtechnology steps flow for sensors fabrication on silicon – Demonstration;

- E-Nose system, including sensor array, data processing algorithms and software for VOCs accurate detection.

Sensors and Integrated Electronic and Photonic Systems for people and Infrastructures Security Call name: P 1 - SP 1.2 - Proiecte complexe realizate in consorții CDI
PN-III-P1-1.2-PCCDI-2017-0419 2018 - 2021

Role in this project: Partner team leader

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 POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO); INSTITUTUL DE CHIMIE FIZICA - ILIE MURGULESCU (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA LASERILOR, PLASMEI SI RADIATIEI - INFLPR RA (RO); UNIVERSITATEA PITESTI (RO); Ministerul Apararii Nationale prin Centrul de Cercetare Stiintifica pentru Aparare CBRN si Ecologie (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL DE CHIMIE FIZICA - ILIE MURGULESCU (RO)

Project website: http://www.sensis-ict.ro

Abstract:

The Complex Project “Sensors and Integrated Electronic and Photonic Systems for people and Infrastructures Security” aims to develop new sensors, new integrated electronic and photonic systems for detection of explosives used in terrorist attacks or accidentally released in military bases or industrial sites.

The Complex Project is developed through four distinct projects, called “components” which are converging to the Project goals by detection of explosive substances and increasing the security of people and infrastructures, as follows:

1) Design and development of a portable microsystem, based on TF BAR sensors arrays, for multiple detection of explosives (TATP, HMTD, TNT, RDX, NG, EGDN) used in terrorist attacks; 2) SiC-based hydrocarbons sensors for measuring the hydrogen and hydrocarbons in hostile industrial environments; 3) Infrared sensors for dangerous gases detection, such as explosive gases (methane) or pollutants (carbon dioxide / monoxide); 4) Design and development of a piezoelectric energy micro-harvester, able to generate electric power in the 100µW range, used for powering up sensors and portable microsystems used in explosive gases and substances detection.

The complex project description includes the novelty elements, detailed activities description, the working procedures within the consortium, expected results and deliverables. The deliverables has an average TRL 5, which means all four component projects will have a high technological level and the result’s maturity will reach at least successful laboratory testing.

The project will deliver the sensors and integrated systems along with the energy micro-harvester as physical objects and technologies, functional and laboratory- and real conditions tested, scientific papers and patents. The project’s high impact on the participants and also the social impact are detailed.

Efficient piezoelectric energy harvesters to power supply inaccessible sensors networks and low power devices foe aerospace applications Call name:
STAR 164/2017 2017 - 2019

Role in this project: Partner team leader

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); INSTITUTUL DE CHIMIE FIZICA - ILIE MURGULESCU (RO); NANOM MEMS SRL (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL DE CHIMIE FIZICA - ILIE MURGULESCU (RO)

Project website:

Abstract:

Sustainable autonomous system for nitrites/nitrates and heavy metals monitoring of natural water sources Call name: P 3 - SP 3.2 - Proiecte ERA.NET
M-ERA.NET-WaterSofe 2016 - 2018

Role in this project: Project coordinator

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL DE CHIMIE FIZICA - ILIE MURGULESCU

Project partners: INSTITUTUL DE CHIMIE FIZICA - ILIE MURGULESCU (RO); NANOM MEMS SRL (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE- DEZVOLTARE PENTRU MICROTEHNOLOGIE - IMT BUCURESTI INCD (RO); UNIVERSITATEA TRANSILVANIA BRASOV (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL DE CHIMIE FIZICA - ILIE MURGULESCU (RO)

Project website: http://www.icf.ro/pr_2016/WaterSafe/index.html

Abstract:

The project sets to develop a new energy autonomous system based on (photo)electrochemical sensors for detection of different ionic species in natural water sources and ultra-thin solar cells (UTSC). It focuses on three directions: high efficiency, new materials in solar energy harvesting and fabrication of small UTSC and the power stabilizing device able to supply the needed voltage to the sensors and electronic module; new microsensors for detection of nitrites/nitrates and heavy metals in water; low cost autonomous energy system integration and fabrication.

The harvester will include a UTSC, a dedicated storage and a power stabilizing device. SnO2, TiO2, ZnO materials will be optimised for sensors and (TiO2, ZnO,CuxS)or(CZTS, CuxS, TiO2) for the solar cells. Bacterial flagellar filaments will be investigated and engineered as sensitive biolayer for heavy metal detection. The project will provide a technology demonstrator and water monitoring system prototype.

Piezoelectric MEMS for efficient energy harvesting Call name: P 3 - SP 3.2 - Proiecte ERA.NET
ERA-M-PiezoMEMS 2015 - 2018

Role in this project: Partner team leader

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); INSTITUTUL DE CHIMIE FIZICA - ILIE MURGULESCU (RO); ROMELGEN S.R.L. (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL DE CHIMIE FIZICA - ILIE MURGULESCU (RO)

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

Abstract:

The project proposes to develop a new piezoelectric harvester based on micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) devices and piezoelectric materials together with storage module and power circuitry. It focuses on small-scale power energy harvesting techniques (1-100µW) for autonomous operation of portable or embedded micro devices and systems. The harvester will include a MEMS device based on 10÷20 micrometric structures, covered with a piezoelectric thin film (ZnO/doped ZnO or KNN), connected together for increasing the power density.

Expected results: New technology and Prototype of a piezoMEMS harvester for powering portable biomedical devices or sensor networks, tested in real environment applications. Potential benefits: Green and cheap energy, reduction of CO2 emissions, improving quality of life. The project will impact the field of MEMS and piezomaterials manufacture, portable medical devices, sensors networks and green energy production.

Novel hybrid structures based on enzymes/1D oxide nanostructures for soil fertility increasing via accelerating bio-degradation rate Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2016-1395 2017 - 2018

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL DE CHIMIE FIZICA - ILIE MURGULESCU

Project partners: INSTITUTUL DE CHIMIE FIZICA - ILIE MURGULESCU (RO); INSTITUTUL DE BIOLOGIE (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL DE CHIMIE FIZICA - ILIE MURGULESCU (RO)

Project website: http://www.icf.ro/pr_2017/BIONANOTUBENZ/index.html

Abstract:

The project aim is to obtain hybrid materials in form of enzymes/1D oxide nanostructures for enhancement of biodegradation process rates, leading to increased soil fertility. In order to achieve this scope, SiO2 (SiO2_NT) and sodium titanate nanotubes (TiNTs) will be functionalized with extracellular proteases, lipases and amylases of halophilic/halotolerant microorganisms isolated from Romanian saline environments, i.e. saline soils and lakes. Exoenzymes will be isolated, purified, biochemically characterized and immobilized on inorganic support (SiO2_NT and TiNTs). The efficiency of the hybrid materials will be tested for their biologically activity in native enzymatic form. The ability of the novel hybrid structures to contribute at the accelerating rate of biodegradation in experimental soil models will be also evaluated. The project is looking for obtaining reproducible data regarding the enhancement of enzymatic activity obtained by immobilization of extracellular protease, amylase, and lipase on tubular matrix of SiO2 and TiNTs. These results are meant to be a useful support for the biofertilization of intensively exploited or salted soils. Our project proposal is focusing on: (a) optimization of the textural properties of inorganic matrices (SiO2_NT and TiNTs) with respect to the further enzymatic immobilization; (b) modification of tubular surfaces with chemical active species in order to improve the enzymatic immobilization; (c) isolation of halophilic strains for targeted exoenzymes extraction; (d) tests regarding the adherence/adsorption of enzymes; (e) enzymatic tests with application in soils biofertilization.

Electronic Nose for detection of low concentration pollutant and explosive gases Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA 2013 - call
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2013-4-1487 2014 - 2017

Role in this project: Project coordinator

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL DE CHIMIE FIZICA - ILIE MURGULESCU

Project partners: INSTITUTUL DE CHIMIE FIZICA - ILIE MURGULESCU (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE- DEZVOLTARE PENTRU MICROTEHNOLOGIE - IMT BUCURESTI INCD (RO); ROMELGEN S.R.L. (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL DE CHIMIE FIZICA - ILIE MURGULESCU (RO)

Project website: http://www.icf.ro/pr_2014/PN-II-PT-PCCA-2013-4-1487/

Abstract:

The aim of the project is the realization of an „electronic nose” for detection of very low concentration of pollutants and explosive gases. To obtain such a device, a microsensor array will be fabricated using integrated and miniaturized silicon based microtransducers. The microtransducers containing a microheater and interdigitated electrodes on top are built on a thin Si3N4 membrane suspended on four arms. The microsensor array will contain metallic-oxide based sensors, namely TiO2, ZnO and HfO2 nanostructured materials with special morphologies, with large surface areas, patterned on top of the interdigitated electrodes. These are one order of magnitude more sensitive than „normal materials” and able to detect very small quantity of gases. The novelty of the project consists: a) the significant improvement of properties of the proposed materials by controlling the nanometer-level architecture oxide (nanostructures) by forming ordered nanoporous structures, nanorods, nanotubes, spheres, and thin films with controlled morphology and porosity; b) new technology for microsensors fabrication with very low power consumption; c) using HfO2 nanotubes obtained by chemical methods for sensor application. The microsensor array based on TiO2, ZnO and HfO2 nanostructured materials will be tested as sensors for 7 gases: H2, CO, propane, NOx, NH3, CH4, H2S. The microsensor arrays will be encapsulated and coupled with an electronic module which will allow interfacing with a computer. A laboratory platform and a mobile apparatus for gas detection will be elaborated and tested especially for interior microclimates. The use of the microsensors together with information technology will improve these microclimates and will reduce their energy consumption.

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 DE CHIMIE FIZICA - ILIE MURGULESCU (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.

Improved TCO materials for the next generation transparent electronics and their complex investigation by wide range ellipsometry from UV to Mid IR Call name: Exploratory Research Projects - PCE-2011 call
PN-II-ID-PCE-2011-3-0446 2011 - 2016

Role in this project: Project coordinator

Coordinating institution: Institutul de Chimie Fizica Ilie Murgulescu al Academiei Romane

Project partners: Institutul de Chimie Fizica Ilie Murgulescu al Academiei Romane (RO)

Affiliation: Institutul de Chimie Fizica Ilie Murgulescu al Academiei Romane (RO)

Project website: http://www.icf.ro/pr_2011/MG/index.html

Abstract:

Transparent conductive oxides (TCO) are materials that exhibit electrical conductivity and high optical transparency together with a wide band-gap. The traditional applications of these materials are flat-panel displays, light-emitting diodes, solar cells, and imaging sensors.

The aim of this project is the preparation by low-cost sol-gel methods of improved TCO (ITO, ZnO) and of new generation of TCO (Nb or V doped TiO2, SrCu2O2) n and p type films with various morphologies on different substrates (silicon, glass and plastics), having a very stable surface. A complete optical and microstructural characterization of the TCO samples will be performed by ellipsometry in a wide spectral range, from UV to Mid-IR (our IR ellipsometer being the only one available in Romania) and the results will be corroborated with those obtained by complementary methods (UV-VIS, IR and Raman spectroscopy, XRD, XPS, AFM, SEM, TEM, electrical measurements).

A database for optical constants of the TCO investigated materials in the IR range (2-33 microns), which for the moment is lacking in the literature, will be provided.

In the frame of this project the best films obtained will be used in specific tests for solar-cell application.

FILE DESCRIPTION	DOCUMENT
List of research grants as project coordinator
List of research grants as partner team leader
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