BrainMap

Irina Atkinson

PhD

- INSTITUTUL DE CHIMIE FIZICA - ILIE MURGULESCU

Researcher | PhD supervisor

Web of Science ResearcherID: not public

Curriculum Vitae (24/03/2025)

Expertise & keywords

One–Pot Catalytic Conversion of Cellulose into Platform Molecules: Lactic Acid Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2021-4171 2022 - 2024

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA NAŢIONALĂ DE ŞTIINŢĂ ŞI TEHNOLOGIE POLITEHNICA BUCUREŞTI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA NAŢIONALĂ DE ŞTIINŢĂ ŞI TEHNOLOGIE POLITEHNICA BUCUREŞTI (RO); INSTITUTUL DE CHIMIE FIZICA - ILIE MURGULESCU (RO)

Affiliation:

Project website: https://celmollac.wordpress.com/

Abstract:

Lactic acid(LA) has attracted a significantly attention of the researchers due to its wide application in food processing and preservation, pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries and mainly in the synthesis of the polylactic acid. The production of LA in the presence of the heterogeneous acid catalysts attracted the attention of researchers because they are environmentally more sustainable according to the principles of green chemistry. Taking into account the previous studies published, the water-tolerant nature of niobium(V) Lewis acid sites, the strong metal support interaction properties of titanium oxide with transition metals, the existence of Lewis and Brønsted acid sites on the surface of niobium oxide as well as the catalytic activity of titanosilicates in the production of lactic acid derivatives from sugars we propose in this project to validate the process for the synthesis of Nb-based catalysts for the first time to the best of our knowledge, such as niobium doped titanium oxide prepared by solution combustion synthesis, Ti-silicalite-1 with MFI framework and bimodal pore systems (micro-/mesoporosity) supported niobia and activated carbon (obtained from spent ground coffee) supported titanium and niobium oxides and to develop also an experimental model for one-pot conversion of cellulose into lactic acid over Nb-based catalysts,aforementioned, at laboratory scale.

The prepared materials will be exhaustively characterized by using different several techniques such as Pyridine-FTIR, NH3- TPD, XRD, BET, XPS, SEM-EDX, TEM, TG/DTA with the aim to establish a physico-chemical characteristics - catalytic performances correlation in the synthesis of LA from cellulose. Parameters such as: the effect of the amount of catalysts tested, reaction time, reaction temperature will be explored in order to optimize the cellulose conversion to LA.

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).

Transfer of innovative co-crystallization technologies for the development of nutraceutical functional products Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect de transfer la operatorul economic
PN-III-P2-2.1-PTE-2021-0393 2022 - 2024

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: TERACRYSTAL SRL

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

Affiliation:

Project website: https://teracrystal.com/research/

Abstract:

The project proposal "Transfer of innovative co-crystallization technologies for the development of nutraceutical functional products -INOCRYSTAL", aims to (i) validating a functional model for the preparation of nutraceutical functional products obtained by (ii) innovative technologies based on the co-crystallization of resveratrol and piperazine and (iii) strengthening TeraCrystal's innovation capacity in obtaining new products with nutraceutical properties for the livestock sector, both for the domestic and foreign markets. This project proposal capitalizes on the results of its own research, obtained through the collaboration between the two partners (TeraCrystal srl and the Institute of Physical Chemistry of the Romanian Academy) and materialized by obtaining an international patent (US 20210032210A1). Based on the results obtained at laboratory scale, a functional model (TRL5) is proposed, which involves cocrystals obtained by the homogenization/milling technique of resveratrol and piperazine in the presence of ethyl alcohol. A discontinuous technological process is used with 2 kg rods. It can be estimated that the product thus obtained possesses nutraceutical functions and generates a profit of 30.000 euro/month for a 100kg production. It is also proposed to patent the technology for obtaining the nutraceutical product and to disseminate the results by participating in two international conferences and publishing three ISI listed papers.

Electrochemical synthesis of high entropy alloys with superior tribological and corrosion resistance characteristics Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2019-0022 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 METALE NEFEROASE SI RARE - IMNR (RO)

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

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

Abstract:

The goal of the HEASYNTCORR project is the development of a new

technology for the electrochemical synthesis of high-entropy alloys

(HEAs) coatings with superior corrosion resistance and mechanical

characteristics, for applications in marine environments. The HEA thin

films will be electrodeposited on copper and steel, for the protection of

ship propellers and propeller shafts against galvanic corrosion,

cavitation erosion and wear. By the project implementation, the

electroplated parts obtained will present an extended lifetime, at

lower fabrication costs than the current repair technologies. The

project will start from the technology readiness level 2 (TRL2) and end

with the demonstration model of the new technology validated at

laboratory level (TRL4). The HEA coatings will be obtained by

electrochemical codeposition of the component elements in

non-aqueous electrolytes, using various complexing agents. The

obtained thin films will be physical, structural, tribological and

mechanical characterized. The corrosion tests will be done in the

operational environment (sea water). The thin films properties will be

improved by heat treatment process. The main project objectives are:

1. Electrochemical studies. Selection of HEA compositions and

electrolyte systems. 2. Establishing of the technological parameters

for the synthesis of HEA thin films. 3. HEA thin films complex

characterization. 4. Technology validation.5. Patent application.

Dissemination. The novelty of the project consist in: a. HEA thin films

obtaining by electrodeposition b. fundamental electrochemical studies

of the electrolytes-HEA systems; c. systematic study of the process

p a r a m e t e r s i n f l u e n c e o n t h e e f f i c i e n c y o f t h e a l l o y

obtaining/properties; d. development/validation of a laboratory

technology for the HEA thin films synthesis. The main project results

are: ● validated technology for HEA coatings obtaining ● patent

application ● dissemination by ISI indexed art

Functionalized mesoporous bioglass based 3D scaffolds for hard tissue regeneration Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2019-0598 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 STIINTE BIOLOGICE (RO)

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

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

Abstract:

The project proposal “Functionalized mesoporous bioglass based 3D scaffolds for hard tissue regeneration“, aims to improve the well-being of people by treating them with new biomaterials. The objective of the project is to restore and improve the function of hard tissue by using functional bioactive scaffolds. These scaffolds will provide good mechanical properties in a suitable environment for tissue regeneration and repair. Sodium free mesoporous bioglasses (MBGs) doped with cerium will be used for scaffold manufacture using a combination of structure-directing agents and a polymer foam replication method. The BIOSCAFTIS project is based on our early results demonstrating that MBGs doped with cerium have good bioactivity and biocompatibility properties. In order to improve the growth and remodelling of bone tissue the surface of the scaffold will be functionalized with vitamin D3. The properties of the scaffolds e.g. bioactivity, mechanical strength, antimicrobial activity and drug delivery profile will be evaluated using adequate characterization techniques. The performance integration of 3D scaffolds to native tissues will be investigated using in vitro experimental models mimicking interaction with osteoblast cells. As a result of the research the project aims to disrupt the area of biomaterials by developing a new class of materials for medical applications.

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:

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.

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.

Advanced optimisation process of cement manufacturing in condition of waste recovery Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA 2013 - call
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2013-4-1808 2014 - 2017

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: CEPROCIM S.A.

Project partners: CEPROCIM S.A. (RO); UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO); INSTITUTUL DE CHIMIE FIZICA - ILIE MURGULESCU (RO); HEIDELBERGCEMENT ROMÂNIA S.A. (RO)

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

Project website: http://www.ceprocim.ro/activitati/proiecte/aware/

Abstract:

The AWARE project topic is to establish an advanced conducting technique of controlling a clinker kiln operation in condition of waste recovery. The project topic lies within the 7.2 research area – advanced technologies to conduct industrial processes in the framework of the 7th domain – materials, processes and innovative products.

Due to a large number of variables which has an effect on both kiln operation and the quality of the clinker, is difficult to optimise the kiln operation, particularly due to variations in the feed material, fuel quality, burning conditions and other variables. Optimization is thus simply difficult to achieve manually or partially automated. The difficulty in manual or partially automated control is partly due to the difficulty in ascertaining what is going on inside the kiln, from both a process and a metallurgical point of view. This is practically a general problem, which is especially accentuated in high temperature systems where direct continuous industrial temperature measurement does not exist. Since, remnant features present in the clinker microstructure depend on the kiln feed variations and the burning conditions is understandable the strength of descriptive methods for particle shape and morphology quantification in optimization the clinkering process.

In order to overcome the above-mentioned issues CEPROCIM, UPB, ICF and CARPAT decided to join their efforts and skills in order to develop a solution to the problem of optimisation a process with a large number of variables which affect the operation of the kiln and the quality of the clinker. The practical purpose of the AWARE project is to implement the developed solution in a cement plant, which is the 3rd partner in the consortium.

In the AWARE project the research effort will be focused in the development of two end-products: a clinker microstructure model for high level control and an empirical relationship for prediction of 28-days compressive strength derived from experimental results of the first mentioned end-product.

The AWARE team decided to split the control of the clinker kiln in a multi-layered control levels where various control objectives are evaluated, the high level control consisting of clinker microstructure analysis using shape and morphology descriptors.

By cooperation between project partners, using the technique developed in this project, industrial partner CARPAT will be able to optimise the clinker burning process and in this way expand the environmental and economic benefits alongside the growth of the company. The estimated economic benefits measures in energy savings that could vary between 2.5% and 10% or in reducing CO2 emissions for environmental benefits.

The Work Plan is structured to lead all participants in a period of 24 months to carry out their activities with the best profitable resources management so to achieve the common objectives. The methodology followed during the project will be to put in close collaboration the industrial participant with the research performers, in order to develop the two end-products of the project.

Drug delivery systems based on mesoporous inorganic matrix Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA-2011 call, Type 2
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2011-3.2-0437 2012 - 2016

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO); UNIV.DE MEDICINA SI FARMACIE - CAROL DAVILA (RO); INSTITUTUL DE CHIMIE FIZICA - ILIE MURGULESCU (RO); POLIPHARMA INDUSTRIES S.R.L. (RO)

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

Project website: http://www.chim.upb.ro/uploads/cafe/pages/mesodrug.html

Abstract:

The project Drug delivery systems based on mesoporous inorganic matrix approaches a very complex research in a topic of great interest for the human health and will be execute by a consortium. The complex project is structured in 3 stages as modules, with a total duration of 31 months.

The main challenge of this proposal is to convert some injectable cytostatic drugs in oral targeted drug delivery systems with controlled release. Besides this, another challenge of the project is to perform a complete investigation of interactions between inorganic matrix and pharmaceutical active compounds by various techniques, the interactions between both obtained drug delivery systems (DDS) and inorganic carriers with cells and cellular membrane, as well as the drug release form the obtained DDS in biological synthetic fluids according to pharmaceutical standards. None of the participant institution is able to complete alone this multidisciplinary, complex research. The consortium, consisting in two prestigious universities, University Politehnica of Bucharest (coordinator), “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, together with Institute of Physical Chemistry - Romanian Academy and S.C. Polypharma Industries Sibiu the end user, can fulfill these challenges.

It is proposed to investigate DDS based on three type mesoporous carriers, with adequate surface modification, silica, titania and ceria, as well as magnetic core-shell mesoporous silica. The DDS efficiency will be studied via cell viability and Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) production, as well as by United Pharmacopeia Standards (UPS).

Expected results should be of high scientific level and could be valorized in valuable publications in high ranked journals, one patent and technology transfer towards the end user.

FILE DESCRIPTION	DOCUMENT
List of research grants as project coordinator or partner team leader	Download (5.4 kb) 24/03/2025
Significant R&D projects for enterprises, as project manager
R&D activities in enterprises
Peer-review activity for international programs/projects	Download (3.29 kb) 24/03/2025