BrainMap

Mrs. Luminita Andronic

PhD Habil.

Professor - UNIVERSITATEA TRANSILVANIA BRASOV

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

Research interests • Environmental-friendly technologies for the removal of pollutants from gaseous and liquid effluents, • Photocatalytic production of fuels and chemicals • Water/waste reuse, recycling & valorization • Catalysis and Nanostructured Carbon Materials • Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) for Urban Infrastructure focus on reducing water consumption and minimizing soil and water contamination through native species and sustainable practices.

Web of Science ResearcherID: B-6474-2009

Curriculum Vitae (28/01/2025)

Expertise & keywords

Nature-Based Solutions for Demonstrating Climate-Resilient Critical Infrastructure Call name: PNCDI IV, P 5.8 - SP 5.8.1 - Orizont Europa - Premiere Instituții - Competiție 2024
PN-IV-P8-8.1-PRE-HE-ORG-2024-0230 2025 - 2026

Role in this project: Project coordinator

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA TRANSILVANIA BRASOV

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA TRANSILVANIA BRASOV (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA TRANSILVANIA BRASOV (RO)

Project website: https://nature-demo.unitbv.ro/

Abstract:

This project focuses on implementing Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) to demonstrate climate-resilient critical infrastructure in urban environments, with Brașov, Romania, as a case study. The main activities include identifying and mapping relevant urban areas in Brașov for NbS implementation, encompassing green spaces, parks, high-traffic zones, and other critical urban locations. The impact of NbS will be analyzed in terms of urban microclimate improvement, air pollution reduction, rainwater retention capacity, and biodiversity enhancement, providing data for adjusting and optimizing the implemented solutions. The project supports the development of innovative methods and services for managing urban green spaces, which can be replicated in other cities, thus improving urban environmental quality. The results will underpin scalable strategies for sustainable urban development, foster international collaboration through conference participation, and be disseminated through scientific publications.

Hybrid microreactors for the removal of pharmaceutical active compounds from wastewater Call name: P 4 - Proiecte de cercetare exploratorie - PCE-2021
PN-III-P4-PCE-2021-1020 2022 - 2024

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA TRANSILVANIA BRASOV

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA TRANSILVANIA BRASOV (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA TRANSILVANIA BRASOV (RO)

Project website: https://i5ntjd.webwave.dev/

Abstract:

Economic development has brought with it besides the positive effects related to the increase of life quality several negative effects related especially to the increase and diversification of pollutants from water, air and soil. An important class of pollutants with a significant effect on the environment and health are pharmaceutical active compounds (PhACs) and especially antibiotics. At global level, the consumption of PhACs has increased significantly, being encouraged by the permissive legislation. The PhACs are not completely absorbed by the body and over 30% are eliminated in the public wastewater system. From this point of view, there are studies showing that in the last 10 years the wastewater collected from households has an increase in the PhACs concentration of over 55%.

An alternative is represented by advanced oxidation processes (AOP) able of removing persistent organic compounds from the environment. This project aims the integration of heterostructures in polymeric microvesicles and the formation of hybrid microreactors that can be recovered by controlled dispersion,and are chemically stable in acid and alkaline pH. The heterostructures composition will allow a suitable positionof the energy bands using a broad light spectrum across the visible region, which increase the charge carrier’s concentration and induce the total degradation of pharmaceutical compounds. The microreactors have a selective membrane which trap the pollutant molecules (antibiotics).

New multifunctional hybrid composite materials based on waste designed to increase the thermal efficiency and sustainability of buildings Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2021-2071 2022 - 2024

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA TRANSILVANIA BRASOV

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA TRANSILVANIA BRASOV (RO); BRACOMA SPORT SRL (RO)

Affiliation:

Project website: https://sites.google.com/view/mathyb-waste36

Abstract:

The aim of the “New multifunctional hybrid composite materials based on waste designed to increase the thermal efficiency and sustainability of buildings” project is to develop composite materials from construction & demolition (C&D) wastes to obtain multifunctional insulation materials (thermo-, soundproofing, waterproofing and self-cleaning properties) for increasing energy efficiency and sustainability of buildings.

The project proposes a viable and sustainable solution for the development of new hybrid composite materials based on waste, by introducing C&D waste powder into a mixture of recycled rubber-plastic material, adapted for specific construction applications.

The novelty of the project consists of a new concept of inserting C&D waste in a matrix of tire rubber – plastic waste (TRL2) to obtain hybrid composite materials (TRL3) as insulating material. TiO2 dispersion (TRL2) will be deposited on the surface of the hybrid composite materials (TRL3) for self-cleaning properties under the influence of UV-Vis radiation. For the technological transfer, the final products will be implemented, tested and validated on a demonstrator model of sustainable building type (TRL4) at the laboratory level.

Unlike conventional and natural insulation materials, insulation materials obtained from waste are will not expensive and will have multifunctional properties. The tire rubber - C&D waste composite will present multifunctionality with properties such thermo-, sound-proofing, waterproofing and self-cleaning properties. At least two types of insulating materials will be developed to realize an experimental model at the laboratory level.

Achieving the project objectives requires complex and modern methods of characterization, respectively advanced interdisciplinary knowledge in materials science and engineering, construction, chemistry and environmental engineering. A team of 7 members in partnership with SC Bracoma Sport SRL will implement the project.

Automated microfluidic platform for screening VIS-active TiO2 photocatalysts for organic pollutants degradation Call name: P 1 - SP 1.1 - Proiecte de cercetare Postdoctorală - PD-2021
PN-III-P1-1.1-PD-2021-0387 2022 - 2024

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA TRANSILVANIA BRASOV

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA TRANSILVANIA BRASOV (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA TRANSILVANIA BRASOV (RO)

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

Abstract:

The demand for drinking water is rising due to population growth, urbanisation, and industry development. Efficient TiO2-based photocatalytic technologies can meet this requirement. The most significant deficiency of TiO2 is that it can be activated by UV radiation which represents only 5% of the total solar radiation. Therefore, we propose VIS-active photocatalysts such as reduced TiO2 (TiO2-x) coloured from grey to black with superior photocatalytic activity compared to pristine white TiO2, with oxygen vacancies and Ti3+ defects at the surface, leading to the modification of the band-gap energy in the VIS region. Screening the activity of multiple photocatalysts across a wide range of conditions by conventional batch reactors implies an extensive experimental effort. The photocatalysts testing can be intensified using photo microreactors coupled to analytical tools and automatically operated. This project aims to accelerate the screening of photocatalytic activity via an automated microfluidic platform. A set of coloured defective TiO2-x materials will be synthesised with tailored properties and tested as thin films to degrade the pesticides. The photocatalytic reactions will be conducted in parallel microreactors illuminated by a light source equipped with UV, blue, green, and red LEDs. This novel screening platform can create future standardised databases which will enable the rational design of visible-light photocatalysts and efficient water treatment processes.

Multifunctional 3D photocatalytic systems for environmentally friendly sustainable technologies Call name: P 3 - SP 3.2 - Proiecte ERA.NET
ERANET-M-3D-Photocat-1 2020 - 2023

Role in this project: Project coordinator

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA TRANSILVANIA BRASOV

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA TRANSILVANIA BRASOV (RO); University of Alicante (ES); Universidade Federal de Sao Paulo (BR)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA TRANSILVANIA BRASOV (RO)

Project website: https://sites.google.com/view/3d-photocat/

Abstract:

The main goal of the proposal is the development of highly extended 3D carbonaceous@TiO2 heterojunctions with the improved photocatalytic performance for environmentally friendly reactions. High-surface area activated carbons modified with graphene (or graphene derivatives) will be used as 3D platforms to grow a thin TiO2 nanofilm so that the final composite will give rise to an optimal photocatalytic performance based on the Z-scheme heterojunction model. These composites will be designed to take advantage of the excellent photocatalytic performance of TiO2 and graphene, and the superior conversion of light of activated carbon materials. The development of a controlled porous network and well-defined surface porosity (including well-dispersed TiO2 nanofilms) will provide a bifunctional system able to adsorb and convert simultaneously or in pulsed-mode, i) CO2 into valuable fuels and ii) air and water pollutants into harmless compounds.

Theoretical and Experimental Study of TransItion Metal Oxyhydride NanomaterIals for supErconductivity and photocatalysiS Call name: P 3 - SP 3.2 - Proiecte ERA.NET
ERANET-M.-TESTIMONIES 2019 - 2022

Role in this project: Project coordinator

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA TRANSILVANIA BRASOV

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA TRANSILVANIA BRASOV (RO); Institute for Energy Technology (NO); Lithuanian Energy Institute (LT); Institute of Experimental Physics, Slovak Academy of Sciences (SK); Sunphade AS (NO); KeraNor AS (NO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA TRANSILVANIA BRASOV (RO)

Project website: https://sites.google.com/view/photocatalysis/home

Abstract:

During the last three decades it was established that theoretical modelling plays an important role not only in fundamental research, but also has strong impact on engineering disciplines and technical challenges. The main focus of the project is multiscale modelling of transition metal oxyhydrides – an emerging class of materials - combined with experimental verification of the theoretically predicted material properties and evaluate applications in superconductivity, energy saving, and photocatalysis for breakdown of contaminants in water. This is a multidisciplinary project combining expertize of specialists in materials science, environmental technologies, physicists, chemists, and engineers. The consortium consists of experts from education- and basic research-oriented Institutions, an applied research Institution, and SMEs. It will form a platform for enhancing the ongoing collaboration, provide training of young scientists, exchange of infrastructure, new ideas, and competence.

Hybrid and composite photocatalytic structures for indoor air and wastewater decontamination Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2019-2028 2020 - 2022

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA TRANSILVANIA BRASOV

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA TRANSILVANIA BRASOV (RO); BRACOMA SPORT SRL (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA TRANSILVANIA BRASOV (RO)

Project website: https://w36m9y.webwave.dev

Abstract:

The project aims to develop a new technology for the indoor air and wastewater decontamination which will provide a sustainable alternative to traditional pollutant removal methods. To achieve this goal the project is structured on development stages provided with verification methods to prevent any delays.

These stages are divided into four categories: (1) material development and optimization, (2) testing the decontamination material properties, (3) technology development and optimization, and (4) technology validation. Therefore the project starts from the level of TRL 2 and develops until TRL4. The project team contains members with expertise in the fields necessary to achieve the proposed objectives.

The method of implementing the project stipulates the attributions and responsibilities of each member so that the probability of syncopes occurrence is reduced. The project also provides a list of possible risks as well as the mitigation methods. In order to implement the proposed objectives, the team benefits from a modern infrastructure and all the necessary equipment. In this way the younger members of the team have the opportunity to specialize and learn from the experienced researchers.

The project impact includes (a) increasing the quality of living and working environment, (b) eliminating persistent organic substances from indoor air and wastewater, (c) development of new research directions regarding the depollution technologies, (d) sustainability by reduced energy consumption and (e) avoiding the production of toxic by-products.

As dissemination activities, the project aims to publish a minimum of 5 articles in ISI journals with IF> 5 and 10 oral presentations at prestigious international conferences.

Nanostructured carbon based materials for advanced industrial applications Call name: P 1 - SP 1.2 - Proiecte complexe realizate in consorții CDI
PN-III-P1-1.2-PCCDI-2017-0619 2018 - 2021

Role in this project:

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 NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA LASERILOR, PLASMEI SI RADIATIEI - INFLPR RA (RO); UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO); UNIVERSITATEA TRANSILVANIA BRASOV (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU ELECTROCHIMIE SI MATERIE CONDENSATA - INCEMC TIMISOARA (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA TRANSILVANIA BRASOV (RO)

Project website: http://www.imt.ro/nanocarbon+/

Abstract:

Our proposal (NANOCARBON+) is focused on a highly technologically relevant unifying topic: the exploitation of the recently demonstrated extreme properties of a specific class of carbon nanomaterials - nanostructured graphene, used in specific morphologies and compositional categories - towards the development of innovative technologies for essential eco-industrial areas (failure monitoring, pollutant detection/decontamination in air/water, green energy). The proposal is split in four composing projects, all of them aiming at exploring the use of these unique nanomaterials for the development of innovative and/or improved sensing devices in a range of applications with strong industrial impact.

The consortium behind this proposal has a good regional coverage and suitable research and development resources, both in terms of researchers and appropriate equipment. The consortium comprises of four National R&D Institutes and two Universities, distributed in three adminstrative regions.

The central objective of this complex proposal is an efficient integration of the scientific expertise and experimental capabilities, complementarities and synergies of the six consortium member organizations, towards augmenting their overall organizational performance.

The objectives of the proposal go well beyond the academic research; from the very begining of the execution, we aim at achieving a very good connection with SMEs and other industrial partners in order to understand market requirements and to be able to transfer suitable innovatibe technologies and further support the development of new products. Developing new technologies and services is one part of the expected output, contributing to the development of the partner's capabilities by opening new research areas; in addition, a special attention is devoted to the increase and development of the human resources involved in research. In this respect, the consortium does commit to creating 11 new research positions.

Mobilitate cercetător LUMINITA ANDRONIC Call name: P 1 - SP 1.1 - Proiecte de mobilitate pentru cercetatori, 2019
PN-III-P1-1.1-MC-2019-0210 2019 - 2019

Role in this project: Project coordinator

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA TRANSILVANIA BRASOV

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA TRANSILVANIA BRASOV (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA TRANSILVANIA BRASOV (RO)

Project website:

Abstract:

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

Role in this project:

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: UNIVERSITATEA TRANSILVANIA BRASOV (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.

Continuous flow advanced wastewater treatment demonstration technology based on thin film photocatalysis and adsorption reactor Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2016-0514 2017 - 2018

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA TRANSILVANIA BRASOV

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA TRANSILVANIA BRASOV (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA TRANSILVANIA BRASOV (RO)

Project website: http://old.unitbv.ro/photocatflow/Project.aspx

Abstract:

The scope of the PhotocatFlow projects is to design, develop and validate at laboratory scale a continuous flow, sustainable and efficient technology, based on thin film simultaneous photocatalysis and adsorption (PC&A), for the advanced treatment of wastewater with organic toxic pollutants and heavy metals load.

The VIS-active photocatalytic (PC) thin films follow the concept of aqueous stable photovoltaic structures (TRL = 2) and are developed as plates, at demonstrator level (TRL=3), using spray pyrolysis, starting from precursors that avoid critical materials. Plates with adsorption (A) thin films are obtained by cold spray deposition from zeolite-type structures obtained from fly ash (TRL=3).

The reactors follow the concept of simultaneous mineralization of toxic organics (phenol), emergent organic contaminants (imidacloprid) and heavy metals removal (Cd2+); this is insured by the active areas ratio of the PC and A plates, that match the ratio of the photocatalysis and adsorption rates (TRL=2). Fluid and kinetic modelling will support the reactors design. The continuous flow PC and PC&A demonstrator reactors will be developed and tested at laboratory level (TRL=3).

The advanced wastewater treatment continuous flow technology based on simultaneous removal of (emergent) organic contaminants and heavy metals will be validated at laboratory level (TRL=4) on the demonstrator that has as key components the PC and PC&A reactors, for two operation modes: depollution and regeneration.

Dissemination of the project’s outcomes will target the scientific community (3 papers in ISI journals, 3 international conferences), stakeholders (1 workshop) and general public (website). One patent proposal will be submitted.

The project interdisciplinary team has 6 senior researchers, 2 postdoctoral researchers and 2 Ph.D. students and the workload is estimated at 20.5 PM. The project’s budget is 600000 Lei.

Innovative Sustainable System for Photocatalytic Self-Decontamination of CBRN Protection Equipment Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA 2013 - call
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2013-4-0747 2014 - 2017

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA TRANSILVANIA BRASOV

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA TRANSILVANIA BRASOV (RO); Ministerul Apararii Nationale prin Centrul de Cercetare Stiintifica pentru Aparare CBRN si Ecologie (RO); UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO); STIMPEX S.A. (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEXTILE SI PIELARIE - INCDTP BUCURESTI (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA TRANSILVANIA BRASOV (RO)

Project website: http://www.unitbv.ro/cb-photodeg

Abstract:

The Lisbon NATO Summit (November 2010) concluded that the proliferation of chemical, biological and radiological (CBR) mass destruction weapons represents the major threat that NATO members will face in the next 10-15 years, therefore the NATO’s General Secretary recommended the development of national chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) detection, protection and decontamination capabilities.

The project “Innovative Sustainable System for Photocatalytic Self-Decontamination of CBRN Protection Equipment” (CB-PhotoDeg) answers to a problem of major interest – the protection against the mass destruction weapons, stated as obligation in the Romanian Strategy for Security. The aim is to develop a sustainable, integrated solution (materials-technology-operation) for the photocatalytic self-decontamination of military suits under chemical warfare agents and biological threats. It proposes industrial research for developing the integrated sustainable product consisting of: (1) a new photocatalytic ink formulation (based on TiO2/CuxS/Ag nanocomposite with VIS- and biological-active photocatalytic properties which will decontaminate CWA from the military suit); (2) a military suit with CBRN protection and self-decontamination properties (obtained by using the photocatalytic ink deposited on the existing suit); (3) energy autonomous decontamination unit (facilitating the decontamination in the battlefield – based on photocatalytic decomposition/demineralization of the chemical warfare agents). The technological solutions with original contributions will be the novel ink formulation, its deposition technology and the PV-based self-decontamination unit. The new military suit, with protective and self-decontaminating properties, together with the modular decontamination unit can be further developed for scaling up and exploited in real situations, and will lead to a reduction in the waiting time, to increased operational level and protection/safety to the users. Thus, the project fills a technology gap in operational decontamination and aims at an air-permeable CBRN individual protection equipment with autonomous self-decontamination capabilities.

The partnership synergically valorizes the competencies of five institutions: (CO) Transilvania University of Brasov, with competencies in developing efficient materials and systems for solar energy conversion through up-scalable processes and for identifying the novel technologies able to give full use to these materials and systems; (P1) Research Center for CBRN Defense and Ecology (CCSACBRNE) experienced in design, development and testing of CBRN protection equipment and decontamination solutions; (P2) Politechnica University of Bucharest, UPB – CPMTE, experienced in developing of soft-nanotechnology techniques for obtaining new multifunctional materials and nano-structures; (P3) S.C. Stimpex S.A., the industrial partner involved in fabrication of military equipment; (P4) The National Research-Development Institute for Textile and Leather having experience related to the development and implementation of clean textile chemical processing for all types of fibers, development of technologies for the digital application of nanodispersed inks. The teams consist of 98 members out of which 14 Post-doctoral researchers and 9 Doctoral students.

The project is structured in 4 work packages (WP) focusing on industrial research: Photocatalytic nano-composites (WP1), Photocatalytic ink deposition (WP2), CBRN-protection suit (WP3), Sustainable energy powering (WP4) and one support work package dedicated to Dissemination and economic impact (WP5). The budget is of 662192 EUR, including 91336 EUR co-financing.

Innovative Integrated Materials - Technology - Equipment System for simultaneous photocatalysis and adsorption applied in sustainable wastewater treatment Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA 2013 - call
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2013-4-0726 2014 - 2017

Role in this project: Partner team leader

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA TRANSILVANIA BRASOV

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA TRANSILVANIA BRASOV (RO); UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO); EDAS-EXIM SRL (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA TRANSILVANIA BRASOV (RO)

Project website: http://www.unitbv.ro/simphotoad

Abstract:

The Water Framework Directive (WFD) is the most important EU document in the water field and requires “good water status” by 2015, including recycling; this requires novel concepts, novel materials and technologies along with the appropriate equipment.

Most of the wastewater treatment processes are based on concentrating the pollutants, by adsorption, (membrane) filtration, etc. but this is not a fully sustainable solution. Therefore, advanced oxidation processes (AOP) targeting pollutants’ mineralization represents a viable path and heterogeneous photocatalytic AOPs using semiconductors are under research all over the world. Although intensively studied, there are not industrial wastewater treatment plants based on heterogeneous AOP installed, the main limits being related to the VIS-activation and to the in-field efficiency of the continuous flow processes. Thus, there is a need, sensed at international level, for integrated solutions of materials – technology - equipment able to support the extended implementation of heterogeneous photocatalytic AOP processes as feasible solutions for the advanced wastewater treatment of the industrial wastewaters with complex pollutant load (e.g. from the textile and from the food industries). The SimFotoAd project addresses this need through its major outcome: an integrated sustainable system supporting the implementation of heterogeneous photocatalysis at industrial level. The integrated system consists of VIS-active photocatalytic materials, developed for processes that allow simultaneous photocatalysis and adsorption in a continuous flow, a sustainable photocatalytic reactor powered by a PV-wind hybrid system. The driving concept of the integrated product is industrial implementation.

The project is structured on five work packages, following the major steps in developing the integrated product: Materials; Technology; Photocatalytic Reactor; Green Energy – Hybrid System and Innovation Related Activities. The project fills a gap at industrial level by providing an integrated solution to a practical problem therefore, dissemination towards the potential beneficiaries represents a key activity, well addressed within the project, through the website, attending specific events organised by professional networks and by organizing a thematic workshop at CO. The projects results will be published in main stream journals (at least 5 in ISI journals), will be communicated in international conferences (min. 6) and two patent proposals will be submitted.

The consortium has three members (one small enterprise and two universities) with broad and complementary experience: Transilvania University of Brasov (CO) – advanced photocatalytic materials, including VIS-active composites, photocatalytic technologies, wastewater treatment technologies addressing waters with complex pollutants’ load, solar energy conversion systems and hybrid systems; Politehnica University of Bucharest – metal and core-shell nanoparticles, chemical reactors, modelling continuous flow (catalytic) reactors; SC EDAS EXIM SRL, with experience in the design and development of wastewater treatment plants and equipment. The interdisciplinary teams in the project have the full set of competencies to run the project and offer the opportunity to improve the skills and competencies of the doctoral students and postdoctoral researchers through integration in working groups with senior researchers and through dedicated training sessions run during the project.

The total project budget is of 534237 EUR (including 69767 EUR co-financing).

Complex high surface area photoactive nano-materials for environmentally-friendly energy production and organic pollutants degradation Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA-2011 call, Type 2
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2011-3.2-1235 2012 - 2016

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA LASERILOR, PLASMEI SI RADIATIEI - INFLPR RA

Project partners: 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); UNIVERSITATEA TRANSILVANIA BRASOV (RO); MGM STAR CONSTRUCT S.R.L. (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA TRANSILVANIA BRASOV (RO)

Project website: http://lspi.inflpr.ro/Contracts/Contracts.html

Abstract:

The extension of absorption range of commercial photoactive oxide semiconductor catalysts from the UV, representing only about 4 % of the solar radiation, to the visible region, about 42 % of the solar spectrum will be achieved by nanostructuring leading to the increase of the active surface area, addition of noble metal nanoparticles as well as anion and cation dopant inclusion. The influence of dopants concentration, noble metal nanoparticles size, density, and shape, as well as active surface area on pollutant removal efficiency will be systematically investigated.

Efficient Solar-Thermal Systems with Increased Urban Acceptance Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA-2011 call, Type 2
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2011-3.2-0512 2012 - 2016

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA TRANSILVANIA BRASOV

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA TRANSILVANIA BRASOV (RO); UNIVERSITATEA TEHNICA DE CONSTRUCTII BUCURESTI (RO); UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO); CENTRUL DE TEHNOLOGII,INVENTICA SI BUSINESS SA (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA TRANSILVANIA BRASOV (RO)

Project website: http://www.unitbv.ro/estinurba

Abstract:

The EST IN URBA project proposes a complex, highly interdisciplinary approach for extending the implementation of solar-thermal systems in urban areas. The project gradually develops novel solutions for: flat-plate solar thermal collectors (FPSTC) – solar thermal arrays (STA) –solar thermal systems (STS) implemented in buildings (facades, balconies, roofs), architectural objects (fountains, decorative walls), parks, focusing on locations with cold/temperate climate.

Novel solutions in the FPSTC are proposed for: the collector’s shape (case geometry), coloured solar absorber plate, multiple (coloured) glazing, ducts, tracking system, tracking algorithm based on thermal response, to avoid overheating. Testing and standardisation methodologies (saline environments) are proposed for the FPSTC and for the absorber plate, and will be submitted for inclusion in the new standard EN-12976.

The STA will be modelled in various geometries of the implemented area. The inter-connection will be optimised for the FPSTCs with the best thermal efficiency, respecting the built integration restrictions (geometry, colour). Tracking mechanisms optimised for STA and tracking algorithms will be developed. Model implementation projects will be developed for the STS with collectors arrays, as transferrable solutions to the market/users.

The laboratory/virtual prototyping optimised solutions will be manufactured as prototypes and tested on indoor and outdoor testing rigs. Small series production will develop the FPSTCs for the façade integrated array, then installed/operated in a functional STS. Maintenance issues focus on façade integrated STS. Cost-performance analysis of the FPSTC and STS allow benchmarking and possible simplifications.

The partnership involves three universities and one industrial partner with broad and complementary expertise in developing solar energy conversion systems. The results will be disseminated by publications in main stream journals (13),and patenting (5)

New adsorbents of zeolite type obtained from waste fly ash collected from Romanian Combined Heat and Power Plants Call name: Projects for Young Research Teams - TE-2012 call
PN-II-RU-TE-2012-3-0177 2013 - 2016

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA TRANSILVANIA BRASOV

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA TRANSILVANIA BRASOV (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA TRANSILVANIA BRASOV (RO)

Project website: http://www.unitbv.ro/fa-ro-zeolit

Abstract:

The project proposes the development of novel adsorbent/photocatalytic materials by converting the fly ash into zeolite-type materials, for further implementation in industrial, low cost wastewater treatment. Following the sustainability over the entire lifecycle, the project proposes novel synthesis mechanisms allowing to obtain zeolite-type materials, with competitive adsorbent properties, obtained in environmental friendly conditions: temperature: 80-1000C, atmospheric pressure and mineralizing agents NaOH 2-3 mol/L. The project will comparatively investigate the zeolites’ development and properties correlated with the initial properties of fly ash and will propose an algorithm for the zeolites synthesis, depending on the silica/alumina/carbon ratio in fly ash, based on the results obtained when using these second raw materials from five Romanian CHP. The new zeolites materials will be tested for the treatment of industrial wastewaters with complex pollutant load (heavy metals, dyes and surfactants). For increasing the depollution efficiency of dyes and surfactants, zeolite-type adsorbents will be combined with photocatalysts (TiO2 and WO3) in nano-multi–structures, for a single step wastewater treatment process. Bedside the project leader, the team consists of B.Sc, M.Sc. and Ph.D students, along with a senior researcher and a young researcher. The results of project will be disseminated through six papers submitted to ISI journals and two patent proposals.

International Scientific Conferences on Earth & Geo Science-SGEM Vienna GREEN 2017 Call name: P 1 - SP 1.1 - Proiecte de mobilitate pentru cercetatori
PN-III-P1-1.1-MC-2017-0861 2017 -

Role in this project: Project coordinator

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA TRANSILVANIA BRASOV

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA TRANSILVANIA BRASOV (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA TRANSILVANIA BRASOV (RO)

Project website:

Abstract:

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	Download (160.62 kb) 20/11/2022