BrainMap

Mr. Ionut-Marius Enculescu

Dr.

Director General, CS1 - INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA MATERIALELOR BUCURESTI RA

Researcher

Curriculum Vitae (25/11/2011)

Expertise & keywords

Excellence center of advanced responsive materials Call name: PNCDI IV, SP 5.6.1 - Centre de excelență, CoEx2024
PN-IV-P6-6.1-CoEx-2024-0187 2026 - 2030

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 LASERILOR, PLASMEI SI RADIATIEI - INFLPR RA (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE- DEZVOLTARE PENTRU MICROTEHNOLOGIE - IMT BUCURESTI INCD (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA SI INGINERIE NUCLEARA " HORIA HULUBEI " - IFIN - HH (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU MECATRONICA SI TEHNICA MASURARII (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA TEHNICA-IFT IASI (RO); UNIVERSITATEA NAȚIONALĂ DE ȘTIINȚĂ ȘI TEHNOLOGIE POLITEHNICA BUCUREȘTI (RO); UNIVERSITATEA DE VEST TIMISOARA (RO)

Affiliation:

Project website:

Abstract:

The main objective of the present project is the establishment of an “Excellence Center on Advanced Responsive Materials” by a consortium of National Research Institutes and Universities. The project brings together in a synergic manner research groups from high profile Romanian R&D organizations namely National Institute of Materials Physics, the coordinator (CO), National Institute of Lasers Plasma and Radiations Physucs (P1), National Institute of Microtechnology (P2), National Institute of Nuclear Physics and Engineering (P3) National Institute of Mechatronics and Measurement Technique (P4), National Institute of Technical Physics (P5), Polytechnica University of Bucharest (P6) and West University of Timisoara(P7). The center aims at becoming a European leading hub for academic research, industry collaboration, and training in the field of advanced responsive materials. The center will strongly influence the development of a clean industry by employing new materials, composites and devices based on these which shall enable a wide range of applications with characteristics such as lower environmental impact, high energy efficiency, reduce waste, streamline manufacturing processes, enable smart packaging, improve environmental monitoring, and advance green energy solutions.

Coaxial heterojunction nanowires based on ZnO and ZnSe for applications in flexible light emitting diodes Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2021-3984 2022 - 2024

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:

Project website: https://infim.ro/project/coaxial-heterojunction-nanowires-based-on-zno-and-znse-for-applications-in-flexible-light-emitting-diodes/

Abstract:

Nowadays flexible optoelectronic devices have a significant impact in many areas of research. Particularly, in the last years, flexible light emitting diodes (LEDs) focused the attention of the researchers, representing an energy efficient lighting technology due to their substantial role in reducing the global energy consumption, making them the perfect candidates for street lighting in Smart Cities. Compared to the conventional light sources, flexible LEDs present a series of advantages, like flexibility, lumen efficiency, low power consumption, long life time, controllable emission properties and the possibility to use wavelengths from ultraviolet to infrared. Such features recommend LED’s for applications in rollable displays, wearable intelligent electronics, light sources, sensors, optical fibers, digital displays, traffic lights, communications, medical treatments, etc. Thus, LED devices have become very important from scientific and socio-economic point of view. In this context, the scope of the project is the development proof-of-concept energy efficient flexible light emitting diodes with low power consumption and improved light extraction efficiency, the LEDs being based on vertically aligned coaxial ZnO-ZnSe heterojunction nanowires arrays and on single coaxial ZnO-ZnSe heterojunction nanowires. The coaxial ZnO-ZnSe heterojunction nanowire arrays will be prepared using Zn foils and Si/SiO2 wafers patterned with specific geometries as substrates, combining thermal oxidation in air with RF magnetron sputtering, two simple and low cost techniques. Fabricating flexible and nanoscale LEDs based on coaxial ZnO-ZnSe nanowires, will provide new insights in the field of light emitting diodes, expanding the possibilities for their implementation in applications such as rollable displays, street lighting and wearable intelligent electronics, energy efficient devices.

Highly conductive and transparent metallic electrodes for Organic Light-Emitting Diodes Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2021-0828 2022 - 2024

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:

Project website: https://infim.ro/project/electrozi-metalici-transparenti-si-conductori-pentru-diode-organice-electroluminescente/

Abstract:

The project describes fabricating transparent metallic electrodes (TCE) for Organic Light Emitted Diodes technologies, which enable increasing the charge transport across the OLED sandwich structures and increasing the light output through double side electroluminescence. Furthermore, as a novelty, applying a patent based on low-energy electron irradiation for metallic surfaces will facilitate the obtaining transparent anodes with higher electrical conductivity through the decrease in roughness, using nanozonal heating of metallic thin films under the electron beam. Concerning the transparent cathodes, the project develops a new strategy for the low work function electrodes obtained for alloys between an alkali earth metal (magnesium) with the more stable silver metal. The optimisation of Ag-Mg alloys as cathodes with uniform distribution and optimal Ag/Mg ratio represents the second challenge of this current project. This fact implies obtaining suitable quality alloy thin films using the thermal co-evaporation technique with two evaporation sources, which is compared with the thermionic vacuum arc deposition technique.

Metal-oxide-metal nanowires for sensors development Call name: P 4 - Proiecte de Cercetare Exploratorie, 2020
PN-III-P4-ID-PCE-2020-2291 2021 - 2023

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:

Project website: https://infim.ro/en/project/metal-oxide-metal-nanowires-for-sensors-development/

Abstract:

In this project we aim to obtaining multisegment nanowires with an architecture consisting of metal I-(metal II oxide)-metal I (MOM), starting from nanowires of type metal I-metal II-metal I, by combining electrodeposition in a template with a selective oxidation process using electrochemical, thermal or plasma techniques. Finally, we will aim to modulate the electrical properties of MOM nanowires by the preparation process parameters and identify the possible applications. The transport characteristics of the devices based on MOM nanowires shall be influenced by the electrodeposition process’ parameters but also by the oxidation process parameters. Moreover, by conveniently tailoring the processes the amount of point defects will be controlled, this being an essential parameter in the transport properties. Another one is the quality of the contact. The transport characteristics of the devices based on MOM nanowires will be influenced by the electrodeposition process’ parameters but also by the oxidation process parameters and by their conveniently tailoring, the amounts of point defects will be controlled. It is expected that by using nanowires of this structure type to enhance the functionality and performance of the devices.

3. Complex training facility for development, testing and validation of reaction means of special intervention forces against asymmetrical threats and risks in urban areas Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Soluţii - 2021
PN-III-P2-2.1-SOL-2021-2-0167 2021 - 2023

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); Academia Tehnică Militară „FERDINAND I” (RO); INSTITUTUL NAŢIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE PENTRU SECURITATE MINIERĂ ŞI PROTECŢIE ANTIEXPLOZIVĂ - INSEMEX PETROŞANI (RO); EXATEL S.R.L. (RO); DELTAMED SRL (RO)

Affiliation:

Project website: https://infim.ro/project/33SOL-AsimRisc/

Abstract:

An innovative prototype for a complex simulator aimed to the training, development, testing and validation of the reaction means specific to the Special Police Forces belonging to the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Romania, with respect to asymmetrical risks and threats in urban areas is proposed to be realized within this project. According to specific requests and imposed reference terms, the proposed training simulator will include as main components: (i) a simulation module specific to interventions to dynamic asymmetric threats, (ii) a simulation module for manual intervention (defusing) on explosive devices, (iii) a proper system for intervention in urban area aimed to neutralization of the improvised explosive devices, by using reduced charges. The specific objectives are related to the development of each component of the complex simulator.

Molecularly imprinted nanofluidic biosensors for the detection of human derived proteins Call name: P 3 - SP 3.2 - Proiecte ERA.NET
ERANET-MANUNET-III-MINaFBioS 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); UNIVERSITATEA TEHNICĂ "GHEORGHE ASACHI" IAŞI (RO); INTELECTRO IAŞI SRL (RO); NAITEC (FUNDACION I+D AUTOMOCION Y MECATRONICA) (ES); MATEPRINCS SL (ES)

Affiliation:

Project website: https://infim.ro/en/project/molecularly-imprinted-nanofluidic-biosensors-for-the-detection-of-human-derived-proteins/

Abstract:

MINaFBioS intends to develop nanofluidic architectures embedded within nanoelectrodes in order to fabricate a biosensor for human proteins. MINaFBioS will simulate nanofluidic architectures of assemblies of conducting polymers doped with ceramic nanotubes able to enhance optimal delivery of the target molecule from the bulk solution to the sensing surfaces. The project will perform 2D and 3D design of nanofluidic architectures associated to ceramic nanotubes assemblies’ technology and formulate recommendation for micro-manufacturing. Physico-chemical characterization of the nanofluidic architectures associated to ceramic nanotubes assemblies will be performed. MINaFBioS will use, for generating the nanochanels features, special ceramic nanotubes and their assemblies to be produced and tailored by the project partners and used for biosensors applications. The project will develop tailored electrodes by assembling conducting polymers doped with ceramic nanotubes with tailored nanofluidic features and graphene. The project intends to associate the assemblies of conducting polymers and graphene, and to generate specificity to certain human derived proteins. MINaFBioS will perform the electrochemical simulation, design and evaluation of integrated nanofluidic sensing technology and achieve the laboratory proof of concept. Finally, the project will develop a biological sensor for the detection of human derived proteins with innovative aiming to develop and to validate at laboratory level.

Biomimetic sensor based on high performance field effect transistors with nanowire channels Call name: P 4 - Proiecte de Cercetare Exploratorie
PN-III-P4-ID-PCE-2016-0602 2017 - 2019

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/project/senzori-biomimetici-pe-baza-de-tranzistori-performanti-cu-efect-de-camp-avand-canal-nanofir/

Abstract:

Recent advances in nanotechnology and nanofabrication methods lead to huge advances in the field of biosensors, mostly because the dimensions of the detector building blocks tend to become closer to the dimensions of the analytes. Further, specific receptor biomolecules are available and may be chosen to bind to the analyte with great selectivity, while on the other hand transducers with great sensitivity are available.

The present project aims at developing a biomimetic biosensor (bioFET) based on a nanowire channel field effect transistor. The device shall exploit (i) the excellent performance of nanowire field effect transistors, (ii) their particular channel geometry with high surface to volume ratios and (c) a biomimetic detection mechanism enabling sensing of low concentrations of specific target molecules. The bio-detector’s architecture will combine three key elements – (i) a high performance FET based on quasi one dimensional semiconducting nanowires; (ii) a thin film gate insulator which enables both operation in liquid/wet environment and biofunctionalization with odorant (olfactory) receptor proteins (OR) (iii) a specific bioactive functional hydrogel layer containing odorant binding proteins (OBP) with the role of locally increasing the analyte molecule concentration. Such a device will mimic living organisms smell physiology and may be an excellent tool in the fast and precise measurement and analysis of specific molecules with applications ranging from medical diagnosis to environmental monitoring. The architecture employed and the detection mechanisms will mimic olfaction by combining both odorant binding proteins and odorant receptor proteins and will aim at surpassing state of the art similar devices.

Hydrogel-contacted flexible (bio)sensors at epidermal level for non-invasive quantitative analysis of biomarkers in sweat Call name: P 4 - Proiecte de Cercetare Exploratorie
PN-III-P4-ID-PCE-2016-0580 2017 - 2019

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/epidermsense/

Abstract:

Acest proiect de cercetare are ca obiectiv dezvoltarea de (bio)senzori flexibili și purtabili la nivelul epidermei ca dispozitive non-invazive de detecție și cuantificare de biomarkeri în transpirație pentru monitorizarea stării fiziologice a unui organism.

Planul de cercetare în cadrul acestui proiect prezintă trei obiective specifice.

Primul obiectiv se referă la fabricarea de electrozi pe suport flexibil de politereftalat de etilenă nanostructurat cu nanofibre de polimeri sintetici metalizate cu electrocatalizatori de Pd, Pt, Rh, Ru, Ag or Au. Contactul dintre suprafața electrodului și epidermă se va realiza într-o manieră non-invazivă prin intermediul unui hidrogel care captează/absoarbe transpirația, transportă analiții la suprafața senzorului și protejează suprafața acestuia de factori externi.

Al doilea obiectiv constă în producerea de senzori selectivi de ioni prin utilizarea de ionofori încorporați în matricea de hidrogel ceea ce va permite analiza conductimetrică selectivă a ionilor Na+ și Cl- în transpirație.

Al treilea obiectiv se referă la fabricarea de biosenzori electrochimici pentru analiza cantitativă a glucozei, acidului uric și a ureei. Glucozoxidaza și uricaza vor fi imobilizate la suprafața electrodului flexibil pentru determinarea electrochimică la suprafața electrodului modificat cu electrocatalizatori metalici a peroxidului produs în timpul reacției enzimatice. In plus, sistemele de tip metal/oxid metalic la suprafața electrodului sunt sensibile la pH ceea ce permite utilizarea acestora și la determinarea ureei cu ajutorul enzimei urează.

Suprafața senzorului va fi caracterizată prin metode voltametrice, spectroscopie de impedanță electrochimică (EIS), microscopie electronică de baleiaj (SEM), de transmisie de înaltă rezoluție (HRTEM), spectroscopie de fotoelectroni cu raze X (XPS), difracție de raze X (XRD), spectroscopie Raman si de infraroșu cu reflexie totală atenuată şi transformată Fourier (ATR-FTIR) precum și UV-Vis-NIR.

Miniaturized photodetectors based on metal oxides nanowires Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2016-1249 2017 - 2018

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://www.infim.ro/projects/miniaturized-photodetectors-based-metal-oxides-nanowires

Abstract:

Recently, the trend in opto-electronic technologies has been moving towards the nanoscale for minimized material consuming and improvement of devices performances by tuning of the material properties via size reduction. Photodetectors are of great importance in meeting the demands of high speed computing, switching and sensing. Besides, when beyond state-of-the-art performances are reached for ozone and pollution sensing or missile warning systems they have direct applications to Energy, environment and climate changes and also within the field of Eco-nano-technologies and advanced materials.

Within the framework of this project we will develop novel visible-blind photodetectors based on single CuO-ZnO core - shell nanowires, using CuO synthesized by thermal oxidation in air covered with a ZnO shell by radio-frequency magnetron sputtering and by chemical deposition. The shell will form a radial p-n junction with the core that will be exploited in single nanowire devices for monitoring air pollution or air security.

The proof of concept p-n junction based photodector relies on the experience of the research team on growing nanowires, contacting them by lithographic techniques such as photolithography, electron beam lithography and focused ion beam induced deposition and inserting them in electronic and opto-electronic devices. We will optimize the growth process of CuO nanowires and ZnO shells in order to maximize light trapping. Ohmic metallic electrodes will be used for contacting single nanowires for emphasizing the characteristics of the p-n junction. Figures-of-merit of the fabricated photodetectors will be evaluated and correlated with the properties systematically analyzed.

Transdermal drug delivery system based on metallic nanofiber webs and thermoresponsive gels Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2016-1060 2017 - 2018

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://www.infim.ro/ro/projects/dispozitiv-pentru-administrarea-transdermala-medicamentelor-bazat-pe-plase-de-nanofibre

Abstract:

The project has as a main objective the development of a “smart” transdermal drug delivery patch using thermoresponsive gels and nanometric metallic webs. The metallic webs will be employed as a flexible electrode for heating the gel which will further release the active element. The local increase of temperature will also improve the penetration of the active element through the stratum corneum, the barrier which usually limits these drug delivery paths. The system enables by this approach a facile control of drug delivery.

The project is based on the results already obtained by the working team in the field. Thus, the metallic webs will be fabricated through electrospinning of polymer fibers which are further covered with metal through evaporation or sputtering. The Joule effect will be employed for easily controlling the temperature of the metallic web both by direct current and by induction, allowing the automatization of the drug delivery process. The approach is an original one with high lucrative potential related to market tendencies.

New approaches in the achieving of ultracompact polarization components for high efficiency infrared imaging Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA 2013 - call
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2013-4-0780 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); PRO OPTICA SA (RO); INSTITUTUL DE OPTOELECTRONICA S.A. (RO)

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

Project website: http://www.infim.ro/ro/projects/noi-abordari-realizarea-componentelor-de-polarizare-ultracompacte-domeniul-infrarosu-pent-0

Abstract:

The metamaterials (MTM) for making optical components gives new insights in many applications. Infrared imaging polarimetry in 8 ÷ 12 μm band (Long Wave Infrared: LWIR) allows performance enhancement of observation, supervision, detection and identification devices in low visibility conditions (night, fog, smog, haze, smoke, heavy rainfall), both for civil applications, which aims to reduce the risk of traffic accidents, as well as defense and security, where a tactical advantage is achieved in the field. Other applications aimed at improving the performance of imaging systems: in underwater conditions, spatial scanning, optical flaw detection, environmental monitoring, medical tomography or cancer diagnostics systems, communication systems, industrial systems, etc. The IR polarimetric imaging can improve the purchased image contrast. With metamaterials can be obtained optical components for near-field or far-field applications with an optical resolution beyond the diffraction limit. Advanced research is needed to show which of these concepts will prevail in the market.

The project proposes the design, development, testing ultracompact polarization optical components and their integration into a functional model of polarization state analyzer (PSA) for imaging systems with high efficiency in LWIR. Integrated optical components in PSA are an achromatic quarter-wave plate and a linear polarizer. For these will be used anisotropic metamaterials with controlled structure and composition. For ultracompact quarter waveplate with the thickness of optical active structure smaller than the wavelength the birefringence will be proven for the interest range: 8 ÷ 12 μm. There will be selected the best technologies for achieving, the both polarization components will be characterized structurally and optically, and the whole will be optimized functionally. The fine-tuning of surface structures at micrometer and even nanometer scale, using advanced technologies such as electron beam lithography, focused ion beam, nanoimprint lithography, interferential lithography, antireflective coatings, is expected to make essential progress in improving contrast, in increasing the field of view and in removal of aberrations compared to traditional optical materials and devices. Metamaterials are synthesized and structured through advanced thin film deposition and micro- or nanolithographies. All micro and nanostructured metamaterials and components will be characterized by morphostructural techniques: X-ray diffraction (XRD) and microscopies (AFM, SEM, STM), spectroscopic methods (Raman, XPS, FTIR, and EW-CRDS), spectroellipsometry (SE). The performances of the polarization components made by micro-and nanostructuring will be modeled and investigated as optical elements for IR (MTF, MRTD). The PSA will be evaluated in terms of feasibility. The antireflection (AR) coatings for the IR wavelengths greater than 3 μm are made with toxic compounds, so it will be necessary to provide special procedures and specific protective measures, even a dedicated facility for these coatings. Polarimetric and radiometric calibration procedures will be developed. The surfaces with micro- and nanostructures will be evaluated so as to identify the most promising components for high efficiency thermal imaging. The targeted technical goal is the development of a functional model for PSA consisting of ultracompact polarization components in IR with micro- and nanostructures on surface, with improved performances in the far-field. To achieve these objectives, in the two years of the proposal, a well-balanced and multidisciplinary consortium of three partners was created. All participants have a well established reputation in the material physics , structural and optical analysis, in obtaining of advanced materials for special applications, in microlithography techniques, the realization of optical components, their characterization and integration in electro-optical systems.

Multilayered Photovoltaic Structures for Space Applications Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA 2013 - call
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2013-4-0776 2014 - 2017

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA BUCURESTI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA BUCURESTI (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA MATERIALELOR BUCURESTI RA (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA SI INGINERIE NUCLEARA " HORIA HULUBEI " - IFIN - HH (RO); MGM STAR CONSTRUCT S.R.L. (RO)

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

Project website: http://mdeo.eu/MDEO/Proiecte/PN288-2014/

Abstract:

Thin film based PV structures are well fitted for space technology, due to their reduced mass. This proposal aims at investigating technological routes for fabricating thin film based multiple junction photovoltaic (PV) structures of the type ZnS/ZnSe/CdTe in superstrate configurations and to study their endurance to energetic (2-10 MeV) protons and alpha particles, which are the main components of cosmic rays, at 10^10 - 10^14 cm^-2 fluencies. In the superstrate configuration one starts with depositing the transparent front-electrode onto the glass substrate which supports the entire structure, and then, on top of it the ZnS, ZnSe, CdTe layers and finally the back-electrode. The efficiencies of the cells in superstrate configurations will be characterized, and also their endurance to irradiation. Special attention will be paid to the physical properties and the electrical response of the back-contact metal/CdTe. CdTe, an excellent photon absorber with a forbidden gap of 1.4 eV and a large light absorption coefficient, is known as a “difficult” semiconductor: due to its rather large work function, a special care must be taken to prepare a quasi-ohmic low-resistance contact with a metal. Ion implantation will be used to control electrical properties of CdTe layer, by doping with properly selected electrically active impurities. A special attention will be paid to the quality of interfaces; an optimization of the PV structures will be performed. The nature of the defects introduced by irradiation will be studied and their influence on the performance of the structures will be indicated.

Surface wettability control using self-assembled nanostructures Call name: Projects for Young Research Teams - TE-2012 call
PN-II-RU-TE-2012-3-0148 2013 - 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)

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

Project website: http://www.infim.ro/projects/surface-wettability-control-using-self-assembled-nanostructures

Abstract:

The present project proposal focuses its attention on the preparation and characterization of surfaces with controllable wettability by using self-assembled nanostructures aiming potential applications in various fields (for example self-cleaning surfaces or “smart” surfaces). As the wetting properties of the nanostructured materials depend directly on their morphology and chemical composition, the proposal will combine in an original manner different preparation methods (electrospinning technique with chemical routes like polymerization reactions, chemical bath deposition and electroless deposition) for modelling these parameters. Thus, self-assembled nanostructures (based on polymer and ZnO) containing as building blocks particles like spheres, rods, fibers, etc. will be obtained and investigated by different techniques, such as scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, X-ray diffraction, energy dispersive X-ray analysis, UV-Vis absorption, reflection, infrared absorption, photoluminescence. A special attention will be accorded to the wetting properties of these structures. Another goal of the proposal is to investigate the switching of surface wettability of self-assembled nanostructures using different external stimuli (oxygen plasma or electric field - this being known as electrowetting). Switching the wettability of a surface is a completely new concept for preparing “smart” films and may open up new perspectives in interfacial engineering.

Charge and spin control in field effect transistors with nanowire channel Call name: Exploratory Research Projects - PCE-2012 call
PN-II-ID-PCE-2012-4-0255 2013 - 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)

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

Project website: http://www.infim.ro/projects/spin-and-charge-control-nanowire-field-effect-transistors

Abstract:

In the present project we aim at developing field effect transistors with multi-segment nanowire channels and studying their charge and spin transport properties. The channel material will be either CdTe or pure and doped ZnO. The structures will be obtained using a combination of electrochemical deposition in ion track membranes for fabricating multi-segment metal –semiconductor – metal nanowires, nanowire manipulation, lithographic techniques and/or focused ion beam induced metalization for electrode patterning. We aim at replacing uniform nanowires as transistor channels with nanowires with a modulated composition along their length. We successfully employed such multi-segment nanowires in our research regarding nanowire diodes, the present project representing a natural step forward. Field effect control of ferromagnetic properties is of extreme importance for technological applications and we aim to fabricate a nanowire channel transistor based on ZnO doped with magnetic impurities. We assume that in a field effect transistor containing diluted magnetic semiconducting segments, i.e. the source, drain and the channel we will be able to control spin transport by the field applied through the gate. Practically, the source and drain segments of the nanowire will be higher Curie temperature ferromagnetic doped ZnO segments while the channel will consist in a doped ZnO segment with a lower Curie temperature.

COMPLEX LANDSLIDE MONITORING SYSTEM USING TRANSDUCERS BASED ON NEW MATERIALS AND TECHNOLOGIES Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA-2011 call, Type 2
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2011-3.2-0975 2012 - 2016

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA TEHNICĂ "GHEORGHE ASACHI" IAŞI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA TEHNICĂ "GHEORGHE ASACHI" IAŞI (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA TEHNICA-IFT RA (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA MATERIALELOR BUCURESTI RA (RO); UNIVERSITATEA "ALEXANDRU IOAN CUZA" IASI (RO); QUARTZ MATRIX SRL (RO)

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

Project website: http://www.landslide.tuiasi.ro

Abstract:

The project objective is conceiving, design, realization and testing of a complete and complex system devoted to continuously monitoring the displacement under three axes of the geomorfological structures and of other specific parameters in order to detect and monitor landslides by using smart sensors based on special micro and nanostructured materials and advanced information processing techniques. The system is able to automatically acquire data on the filed, locally processing information and storing and remotely data transmitting by means of a wireless sensor communication network to a central server. The system comprises three parts: i) instrumentation part, ii) communication part and iii) data processing and user interface part. The instrumentation part consists of a complex set of new transducers devoted to measure very small spatial soil displacements, pore water pressure, conductivity and temperature at different levels under ground. The communication part is a wireless sensor network working under protocols specially designed for this application. The third part is the database continuously updated available for all users by means of a web interface. The project will have a coordinator and 4 partners from which one is a medium enterprise. The project activities are divided into four phases: the first phase devoted to building the instrumentation part, the second, to laboratory testing and calibration of all sensing devices, the third to system assembly and to realization and testing of wireless sensor network and the fourth to testing the monitoring system on the field working under real conditions. There are previewed a series of concrete deliverables materialized on four new types of sensors, the complex smart transducer, the sensor network, the assembly system ready to be implemented on the field and a database contained date collected on a high natural hazard risk area and a user friendly interface on which people may watch on the web the phenomenon.

High efficiency electrospinning Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA-2011 call, Type 2
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2011-3.2-1017 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 FIZICA LASERILOR, PLASMEI SI RADIATIEI - INFLPR RA (RO); UNIVERSITATEA TEHNICĂ "GHEORGHE ASACHI" IAŞI (RO); UNIVERSITATEA BUCURESTI (RO); ADINA S.R.L. (RO)

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

Project website: http://www.infim.ro/projects/high-efficiency-electrospinning

Abstract:

The main objective of the project is to develop a highly efficient alternative of the electrospinning method for preparing polymer nanofibers. The fabrication process we develop aims at using, instead of the classical spinnerets (syringes and pipettes), arrays of metallic micronic and submicronic tubules.

Secondary objectives will be the fabrication of functional metallic fibers, fabrics and products based on it for shielding applications and of complex fibers and fabrics for photovoltaic applications.

The process of electrospinning has numerous advantages. Properties of the fibers can be well controlled. The fibers are very thin and have a high length to diameter ratio, thereby providing a very large surface area per mass unit. A wide range of polymers can be processed in this manner including here natural polymers such as collagen, fibrinogen or polysaccharides. Is a method that allows one to deposit very thin polymer fibers, diameter down to few tens of nanometers.

Although the process is studied since long time ago, a scan through recent scientific literature presents the main shortcoming of the method, the low yield in terms of quantity of material produced.

Thus, the consortium approaches a problem of high technical and scientific interest, namely to develop an alternative to the method in order to increase the efficiency of nanofiber fabrication through electrospinning. We aim at replacing the classic syringe needle, pipette or other capillary with an array of metallic micrometer or submicrometer tubules prepared by a template approach.

The main objective of the groups involved in the present project is related to making the transition from the simple preparation of nanostructures towards fabricating functional nanostructures , namely of polymer, metallic and complex semiconducting fibers with high application potential. The research which will be performed is channeled in a direction strongly connected to the tendencies at international scale.

The study of the effect of organic complexing agents of Fe(III) or Fe(II) on iron monosulfide oxidative dissolution Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA-2011 call, Type 1
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2011-3.1-0683 2012 - 2016

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA DIN CRAIOVA

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA DIN CRAIOVA (RO); UNIVERSITATEA "ALEXANDRU IOAN CUZA" IASI (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://www.chem.uaic.ro/files/file/ecafe/index.html

Abstract:

The iron monosulfides (FeS) oxidative dissolution is a process that produces various environmental problems. Although the dissolved oxygen is the final acceptor of the electrons (and most common oxidant in natural environments), the actual species that takes electrons from mineral sulfides is ferric iron (Fe(III)). Accordingly, the control of Fe(III) concentration can suppress the oxidation of FeS. A study in quasi-environmental conditions, in the presence of Fe(III) or Fe(II) (ferrous iron, the species that generates Fe(III) in the presence of oxygen) complexing agents (ligands), can lead at a better understanding of FeS oxidative dissolution process, as well as at the proposal of adequate strategies for its suppression. Taking into account the importance and complexity of this subject, the study that will be realized is focused on two directions: a theoretical direction of fixing of the main aspects of FeS oxidative dissolution and, respectively, a practical direction, materialized by experimental studies, having as objectives achievement of our own results and their interpretation regarding to literature data. The main purposes of this study are the accurate characterization of FeS oxidative dissolution process in presence of Fe(III) and Fe(II) complexing agents, determining the temporal evolution of some indicators of FeS oxidation degree (pH, Eh, total iron concentration, total dissolved sulfur concentration, corrosion current densities, polarization resistances, etc.), surface analysis of reacted mineral samples by X-ray diffraction (XRD), FTIR spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, Atomic Force Microscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy and the selection of ligands having an adequate inhibition efficiency of FeS oxidative dissolution, in order to create effective strategies of the suppression of the environmental contamination.

Characterization by IBA (Ion Beam Analysis) and other advanced techniques of hydrogen and other light elements in thin films of materials used in nuclear industries Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA-2011 call, Type 1
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2011-3.1-1510 2012 - 2016

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA SI INGINERIE NUCLEARA " HORIA HULUBEI " - IFIN - HH

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA SI INGINERIE NUCLEARA " HORIA HULUBEI " - IFIN - HH (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA LASERILOR, PLASMEI SI RADIATIEI - INFLPR RA (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://proiecte.nipne.ro/pn2/139-proiecte.html

Abstract:

The need to characterize hydrogen in materials is very important to many areas including the semiconductor, transportation and nuclear industries. Among all the elements the structure of the H atom is the most simple but its detection and chemical analysis in materials (qualitatively and quantitatively) is anything but simple. H is the most difficult atomic species to analyses with many traditional methods. Because of its low Z, methods based on X ray or Auger emission do not work, and, because of its low Z and mass RBS can not be used. Nuclear physics methods of non-destructive elemental analysis of materials including the determination of hydrogen and its isotopes are now intensively used. Because the concentration and depth distribution of light elements such as H, C, N and O play an important role in many processes, different accelerator techniques such as NRA and resonance reactions have been developed to detect and profile these elements. However, more than one reaction or resonance is needed to profile several elements. For the detection and profiling of H, ERDA is an often used technique.

In this project we propose the construction of a performant experimental setup for the characterization of H isotopes and of other light elements using IBA techniques in thin films of materials used in nuclear industries. The thin films will be also characterized by additional advanced techniques such as SEM,XRD, EDX and FTIR.The materials which will be investigated in this project are composite materials and multilayers structures. These will be produced using a novel deposition technique in plasma (the sequential deposition method) developed recently by the INFLPR partner. Using a combination of MS and PECVD there will be deposited mixtures and multilayered films of W/C, with different elemental concentrations of W, C, H and D(as replacement for tritium), similar with the codeposited layers obtained in the tokamak reactors.

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.

DUAL EMITTERS FOR DISPLAYS BASED ON OLED COMPOUNDS Call name: Exploratory Research Projects - PCE-2011 call
PN-II-ID-PCE-2011-3-0620 2011 - 2016

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: Institutul National de Cercetare-Dezvoltare pentru Fizica Materialelor

Project partners: Institutul National de Cercetare-Dezvoltare pentru Fizica Materialelor (RO)

Affiliation: Institutul National de Cercetare-Dezvoltare pentru Fizica Materialelor (RO)

Project website: http://www.infim.ro/NationalProjects/idei78_2011/

Abstract:

The main goal of this project is an improvement in OLED technology through a series of elements that leads to a greater stability of OLED’s, eliminating the molecular aggregation phenomena, increasing the lifetime of displays and controlling the charge carriers injection through the following innovations: a) the synthesis of organometallic compounds with dual emission (red and green), b) changing the anode structure by adding ZnO nanowires over the ITO layer, c) the inclusion in the emissive layer of magnetic nanoparticles that leads to an increasing of electroluminescence efficiency by controlling the charge carriers in the OLED device. The nanoparticles acts as traps for the charge carriers. These traps balances the currents of holes and electrons, resulting in an increase of the critical voltage and a significant enhancement of electroluminescence quantum efficiency. The effect of an external magnetic field is to align the spins of magnetic nanoparticles, which increases the fraction of singlets and thus the quantum efficiency via a spin-polarized charge transfer process. The dual emission will be obtained in organometallic compounds with two types of ligands and the ZnO nanowires can be obtained by electrochemical deposition.

A decrease of applied voltages to the OLED devices will be expected.

High control of pure and doped ZnO nanostructures properties through complex/multistep electrodeposition processes Call name: Postdoctoral Research Projects - PD-2012 call
PN-II-RU-PD-2012-3-0117 2013 - 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: http://www.infim.ro/projects/high-control-pure-and-doped-zno-nanostructures-proprierties-through-complexmultistep

Abstract:

The present project aims in developing complex/multistep electrochemical methods for the electrodeposition of ZnO nanostructured films with tailored properties. Electrochemical deposition has several major advantages on preparing ZnO nanostructured films such as: scalability, low cost and high control of properties. The technique is suited especially to tasks where high areas and low costs are demanded. The state of the art in the field corresponds to simple, constant voltage or constant current processes. What I aim in the present project is to develop more complex processes, where several steps with different purposes are combined. The purpose of this project is to capitalize on the results already obtained by the principal investigator and to increase the possibilities of control, opening in this way the possibility to increased functionalities.

Not only morphological characteristics can be tuned by deposition conditions but also optical, structural and compositional properties can be tailored by appropriately choosing the experimental variables. The project is related to the development of nanostructured materials or to nanostructures which can be further used in a wide range of applications such as electrodes for optoelectronic devices including both energy harvesting, i.e. solar cells and light emitting i.e. LEDs and OLEDs, smart electrodes for electrochemical sensors or building blocks for spintronic applications.

Quasi one-dimensional photonic crystals based on refractive index control of polymer nanofibers Call name: Projects for Young Research Teams - TE-2011 call
PN-II-RU-TE-2011-3-0107 2011 - 2014

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: Institutul National de Cercetare-Dezvoltare pentru Fizica Materialelor

Project partners: Institutul National de Cercetare-Dezvoltare pentru Fizica Materialelor (RO)

Affiliation:

Project website: http://www.infim.ro/projects/quasi-one-dimensional-photonic-crystals-based-refractive-index-control-polymer-nanofibers

Abstract:

The scientific goal of the project is to obtain quasi one-dimensional photonic crystals based on polymer nanofibers. One characteristic of a photonic crystal is the periodicity over one or more axes. In principle, photonic crystals are periodic optical nanostructures that affect and change the propagation of photons. The aim of the project is to produce by electrospinning dye-doped polymer nanofibers incorporating uniformly dispersed metal or semiconductor nanoparticles. By doping the polymer with dyes and further co-doping with nanoparticles we will be able to tailor both the refractive index and the luminescent properties of the material. A photonic crystal band gap will be produced, similar to the semiconductor band gap. The features of the electrospinning process allow us (by the process parameters, such as applied voltage, distance from the anode to cathode, viscosity of the polymer solution etc.) to vary the geometrical parameters of the polymer nanofibers. That will influence the optical properties of the material. Moreover, by varying the concentration of the dopants (particles/dye) and the size of the doping particles we can achieve periodic modulation of the refractive index. Thus, nanostructuring the dye-doped polymer into beaded nanofibers we will be able to produce a photonic band-gap material and to obtain a quasi one dimensional photonic crystal out of a single doped polymer nanofiber.

Perovskites for Photovoltaic Efficient Conversion Technology Call name: EEA Research Programme under EEA Financial Mechanism 2009-2014
EEA-JRP-RO-NO-2013-1-0116 2013 -

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); University of Oslo (NO); Science Institute, University of Iceland (IS); Reykjavík University (IS); UNIVERSITATEA BUCURESTI (RO); OPTOELECTRONICA - 2001 S.A. (RO)

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

Project website:

Abstract:

The perovskites, having general formula ABO3, with A and B cations of different valences, are multifunctional materials. Depending on the composition they can behave very differently, having properties specific to metals, dielectrics, ferroelectrics, ferro(ferri)magnetics or super- and semiconductors. Most of these materials are inorganic, as for example the well-known ferroelectrics BaTiO3 or PbTiO3. Other perovskites can be hybrid, if the cation A is replaced with an organic radical. This is the case for halide perovskite compounds (CH3NH3PbX), with X=Br, Cl, I, found recently to possess excellent light absorbing properties in the visible-near infrared spectrum. The use of these materials in solar cells had led to a rapid increased of the photovoltaic conversion efficiency (PCE) in the last year up to about 15 %. The typical solar cell is including a transparent electrode (ITO or FTO, both quite expensive and with deficient materials), a TiO2 layer as electron transporter, a halide perovskite as light absorber, a hole transporter (e.g. spiro-OMeTAD), and a counter electrode (e.g. Ag). All these layers can be deposited by low cost technologies. The combination of the relatively high PCE with the low cost technologies makes this type of hybrid photovoltaic solar cell very attractive for future development.

The main objective of the project is to develop perovskite-based photovoltaic devices towards “all perovskite” solar cells with power conversion efficiencies approaching 20% and fabricated with affordable, environmental friendly materials and technologies. The specific objectives are: 1) to understand the mechanisms behind the high efficiency obtained using a hybrid halide perovskite as visible-light absorber; 2) to increase the PCE by using oxide perovskites with ferroelectric properties (e.g. BaTiO3) as carrier transporter; 3) to develop flexible solar cells by replacing the ITO/FTO transparent electrode with metallic nanowebs. The project goals go well beyond the present state-of-the art by trying to integrate a ferroelectric layer as carrier transporter, taking advantage of the presence of its spontaneous polarization, and by replacing the ITO or FTO electrodes with a metallic nanoweb offering more robustness and flexibility.

The final goal is to have an efficient structure with transparent electrodes on both sides, able to collect not only the sun-light but also the light coming from the artificial sources used, especially during the winter, inside office buildings or large malls. Therefore, the project has a very high innovative potential. On the other hand, in-depth studies will be performed in order to understand the physical phenomena in perovskite solar cells. Ways to enhance the performances can be found if the physics behind the functioning of these devices is well understood and if the fabrication technologies are well mastered.

A broad range of complementary experimental techniques – all available within the consortium - will be used to prepare and characterize these structures. Regarding the preparation, the goal is to use low cost printing like methods for deposition of the component layers in the final device. Other methods (e.g. sputtering, vapour deposition or laser ablation) will be used to prepare samples for investigating the physical properties in relation with the structural, electrical and optical quality. The feedback will be used to improve the deposition methods and the structure architecture. Also, the experimental results will be used as inputs in theoretical models allowing predictions for further enhancement of the PCE. The consortium is composed by 6 partners: 3 from Romania (a national research institute as coordinator, an university and a SME as end-user); 2 from Iceland (2 universities), and 1 from Norway (university). The consortium members have all the necessary skills, expertise and infrastructures to successfully fulfill the project objectives within the requested budget.

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