BrainMap

Mrs. Hermine Stroescu

Ph.D.

Researcher - INSTITUTUL DE CHIMIE FIZICA - ILIE MURGULESCU

Researcher

Dr. Hermine Stroescu is a Researcher of the Institute of Physical Chemistry - Ilie Murgulescu, Bucharest, Romanian Academy. She earned her PhD in Chemistry in 2013. Her research covers optical, electrical and piezoelectric characterization of a wide variety of thin films, surfaces and interfaces. Dr. Stroescu has published over 40 peer-reviewed papers with an H-index of 13.

Web of Science ResearcherID: M-8102-2013

Curriculum Vitae (29/04/2025)

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:

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA TRANSILVANIA BRASOV

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

Affiliation:

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: Key expert

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: Key expert

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 NATIONAL DE CERCETARE- DEZVOLTARE PENTRU MICROTEHNOLOGIE - IMT BUCURESTI INCD (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.

NEW DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT TECHNOLOGIES FOR THE CONSERVATION AND REVITALIZATION OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL COMPONENTS FROM NATIONAL CULTURAL HERITAGE Call name: P 1 - SP 1.2 - Proiecte complexe realizate in consorții CDI
PN-III-P1-1.2-PCCDI-2017-0476 2018 - 2021

Role in this project: Key expert

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); UNIVERSITATEA OVIDIUS (RO); INSTITUTUL DE CHIMIE FIZICA - ILIE MURGULESCU (RO); UNIVERSITATEA "VALAHIA" TARGOVISTE (RO)

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

Project website: https://icechim.ro/project/tehnologii-noi-de-diagnoza-si-tratament-pentru-conservarea-si-revitalizarea-componentelor-arheologice-ale-patrimoniului-cultural-national-arheocons/

Abstract:

The cultural heritage, as a source of national historical and cultural authenticity, is subjected to deterioration, and for stopping it, some specific procedures are required: cleaning, replacement of old materials and application of new protective materials compatible with the original, and advanced monitoring with sustainability assessment. The consortium of the present project has a unique expertise in Romania, recognised in Europe, through the many published papers, essential projects in Romania (Basarabi Churches, Potlogi Palace, etc.), OSIM and EPO patents, technology transfer, nanomaterials in chemical and biological preservation for cultural heritage objects and objectives; the partner institutions complement each other on a regional basis in the working plan of the whole project.

The overall objective of the project is to develop new materials, new methods and technologies that obey the principles of authenticity, reversibility and value, with a strong impact on immobile cultural heritage objects (fresco, basreliefs and mosaic) and mobile (decorative artefacts from ceramics, glass, metal, bone, objects of art and archaeology). Specific objectives: Developing innovative technologies for protecting national cultural heritage, multidisciplinary cross-sectoral approach, encouraging young professionals as leaders in heritage preservation, exploitation of research results for new jobs, promoting heritage education, professional expertise among all factors involved in the patrimony protection system.

The project, with a high degree of innovation and originality, applies unique technologies in Romania based on new materials compatible with the original materials and develops new techniques practical applied to: Roman Mosaic and Hypogeum Tomb, Constanta, Adamclisi Museum (basreliefs), Constanta County, Corvin’s Castle (Fresca Loggia Mathia) and Archaeology Museum, Hunedoara.

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: Key expert

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.

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: Key expert

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: Key expert

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:

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: Key expert

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.

Molecular control over single-crystalline GaAs(hkl) surface electronic properties by using bio-thiols Call name: Exploratory Research Projects - PCE-2011 call
PN-II-ID-PCE-2011-3-0304 2012 - 2016

Role in this project: Key expert

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/PN-II-ID-PCE-2011-3-0304.pps

Abstract:

The project aims to explore the control exerted by the adsorbed cysteine over the electronic properties of the GaAs (hkl) surfaces. Beside the thiol group that binds to substrate with high affinity, this small highly polar molecule owns carboxyl and amino functional groups whose intramolecular and intermolecular interactions with themselves or other ions present in its environment play a key role in determining adsorbate conformation and overlayer structure. The complexity of the interfacial phenomena accompanying its binding to GaAs (hkl) requires an interdisciplinary approach. This is mainly achieved by correlating the information concerning the interplay of the semiconductor surface states- and field-effects supplied by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy with that referring to the changes in the surface chemistry furnished by XPS and surface morphology provided by the fractal analysis of the AFM / STM images. UV-VIS-NIR and IR spectroellipsometry investigations on the surface morphology are also considered. Special attention will be focused on pH and doping effects as well as on the influence exerted by the metal cations (e.g. Ca2+/Mg+/ Ni2+), anions (e.g. Cl-) and redox probes (e.g. Fe(CN)63-/4- on the electrochemical properties of the self-assembled monolayer of cysteine on GaAs(hkl) electrodes. Electrochemical response of the cysteine-modified GaAs (hkl) electrodes in the presence of two important neurotransmitters (dopamine / epinephrine) will be also examined.

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: Key expert

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 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