BrainMap

Mrs. Marcela Socol

PhD

researcher - INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA MATERIALELOR BUCURESTI RA

Researcher

Web of Science ResearcherID: https://publons.com/researcher/2906810/marcela-socol

Curriculum Vitae (06/07/2020)

Expertise & keywords

Excellence Research Center for High Efficiency in Energy Use Call name: PNCDI IV, SP 5.6.1 - Centre de excelență, CoEx2024
PN-IV-P6-6.1-CoEx-2024-0154 2026 - 2030

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA DE VEST TIMISOARA

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA DE VEST TIMISOARA (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); UNIVERSITATEA TRANSILVANIA BRASOV (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU ELECTROCHIMIE SI MATERIE CONDENSATA - INCEMC TIMISOARA (RO)

Affiliation:

Project website:

Abstract:

The project will coagulate a national Centre of Excellence(HEfEU) made up of institutions with complementary competences that will perform frontier research aiming to offer solutions for increasing the efficiency in the use of energy throughout the chain of components of an energy system. The research starts with the basic materials, aiming to increase the efficiency of lightning and energy storage; it continues with energy production such to improve the efficiency of PV systems and ends with the exploitation of an energy system, by searching for improvements in intelligent network management and solutions for the efficient use of energy in buildings and urban communities. The expected impact aims to: -decrease electrical power consumption together with increasing lightening efficiency, especially for white light; - for PV applications, increasing power conversion efficiency coupled with high-density capacitors and highly efficient batteries; -bring smartness to the grid by forecasting of the grid load and the output power of solar plants and by using a novel solar tracking sensor; -develop new luminescent materials for limiting surface heating in urban communities; -increase the energy efficiency in urban area by developing thermo-chromic smart windows, and efficient and flexible solar cells based on polymers for indoor solutions; -implement of RRR concepts in design and fabrication of dye-sensitized solar cells/modules with more than two-thirds components being recyclables.

Ultra-sensitive optical sensor system for simultaneous, in-situ detection of multiple pesticides in surface and ground waters Call name: PNCDI IV, P 5.8 - SP 5.8.1 - COFUND-2023
COFUND-WATER4ALL-STARDUST-1 2024 - 2027

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); SINTEF AS (NO); INSTYTUT CHEMII FIZYCZNEJ POLSKIEJ AKADEMII NAUK (Institute of Physical Chemistry Polish Academy of Sciences) (PL); Dublin City University (IE); Technical University of Denmark (DK)

Affiliation:

Project website: https://infim.ro/en/project/ultra-sensitive-optical-sensor-system-for-simultaneous-in-situ-detection-of-multiple-pesticides-in-surface-and-ground-waters/

Abstract:

Hydro-climatic extremes, such as droughts and floods, have increased due to climate change and could lead to severe impacts on socio-economic, structural, and environmental sectors. Soil water assessment models have shown that pesticides are transported into waterways because of intense rainfall events. Current monitoring methods are not suited to the detection of such water quality impacts, which can deplete invertebrate populations and impact biodiversity and ecosystem health very rapidly. Many surface- and groundwaters are used as sources of drinking water, and therefore the occurrence of chemicals is problematic for water treatment facilities. Rapid, real-time sensing technologies do not exist yet but are urgently needed to address this. In October 2022 revisions to the priority pollutant Annex to the Water Framework Directive (WFD), saw the addition of noenicitinoid and pyrethroid pesticides, showing that pesticides are of growing concern. The STARDUST project aims to develop a first-of-its-kind, integrated optical system combined with smart spectral data processing methodology, for multiplexed monitoring of pesticides in surface and ground waters, and to understand the impact of extreme hydroclimatic events on water quality in the context of pesticides occurrence. We will develop a sensor based on surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy fully integrated with microfluidics targeting the detection of pesticides, pesticide mixtures, and metabolites in surface and ground waters. Secondly, we will use rainfall forecasts to identify sampling times for passive sampling and citizen scientist co-created events, to gather samples that are specifically linked to rainfall events. This will build on existing monitoring programmes, but, more critically, will identify the climate-related water quality impacts. The results of passive sampling will identify target pesticide compounds to be addressed with the developed

novel sensor and a database of detected pesticides will be compiled and shared publicly. The STARDUST project translates several technological advances into an innovative solution for discrimination between safe and contaminated water continuously and in real time. We envision that in the long run, any strategies for mitigation of the hydro-climatic extreme events will need to rely on digitalization and sensors. The proposed activities will benefit a wide range of “problem owners” and society by responding to the need for continuously clean water (SDG 6). Pesticide detection is only one of the existing problems. The proposed solution is also applicable to other harmful compounds adding value and impact. STARDUST primarily targets the topic 2 of the call by proposing physical and digital solutions for “smartening the water system”, but also contributes to the topic 1 as the development will be carried out in the context of adaptation and mitigation strategies to cope with hydro-climatic extreme events, and both experts on the analysis of surface and ground waters are involved.

Flexible hybrid photovoltaic cell structures Call name: PNCDI IV, SP 5.7.1 - Proiect experimental demonstrativ
PN-IV-P7-7.1-PED-2024-0884 2025 - 2026

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); APEL LASER S.R.L. (RO)

Affiliation:

Project website: https://infim.ro/en/project/flexible-hybrid-photovoltaic-cell-structures/

Abstract:

The solar energy is an inexhaustible and CO2-free source involving relatively low-cost in its production.

Lately, there is an increased interest to replace the silicon solar panels because they are rigid and require fixed installation points. The hybrid structures based on polymers and inorganic nanostructures featured by properties such as: high absorption coefficients, mechanical flexibility, low production costs, higher charge carrier mobility, thermal stability, represent a viable alternative in the PV cells area.

The project scope is to improve the efficiency of some flexible organic and hybrid photovoltaic cells structures involving different donor-acceptor (D-A) systems and inorganic nanostructures (NS) in order to assure a better covering of the solar-spectrum. The optimization of the layers deposition process will be envisaged by a careful selection of the deposition parameters. New synthesized D-A polymers having arylenvinylene-ethynylene structure containing alternating donor units (triphenylamine or carbazol) and acceptor units (-CN or benzothiadiazole) in their backbone will be integrated in the PV cell structures. A special attention will be paid to the influence of the semiconducting ZnO NS (with different size and morphology) addition on the parameters of the obtained HPV cell structures.

The output of the project will be flexible OPV and HPV structures based on D-A organic compounds and on ZnO NS for applications in photovoltaic cells field.

Photovoltaic cells with multilayer transparent conductive electrode developed on rigid and flexible substrates Call name: P 5.2 - SP 5.2.1 - Proiecte de cercetare pentru stimularea tinerelor echipe independente - Competiția 2023
PN-IV-P2-2.1-TE-2023-0909 2025 - 2026

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/photovoltaic-cells-with-multilayer-transparent-conductive-electrode-developed-on-rigid-and-flexible-substrates/

Abstract:

The project is focused on the development of indium-free organic (OPV) and hybrid photovoltaic (HPV) cell structures on flat and nanopatterned multilayer transparent conductive electrode (MTCE) on rigid and flexible substrates. Thus, the expensive indium tin oxide (ITO), the most used transparent conductive electrode in the OPV/HPV cell structures, will be replaced by low-cost MTCE based on metallic oxide/ metal/ metallic oxide (ZnO/Ag(Au)/ZnO) films with lower thickness than the classical single layer ITO but with similar properties to this. In addition, low quantity of material will be used (compared to the silicon based systems) to prepare the active films (organic/inorganic nanostructures in organic) of the OPV/HPV cells. The inorganic nanostructures based on copper sulphides will be inserted in the organic matrix for improving the optical and electrical properties of the developed structures and also to increase their stability. Patterned surfaces obtained by UV nanoimprint lithography will be involved in order to increase efficiently the light harvesting in the active layers and in this way enhancing the electrical parameters of the fabricated PV cells. The fabricated OPV/HPV devices within this project can be further used in niche applications (ex. small electronic devices, wearable electronics, etc.).

Engineering of gate-dielectrics for high-performance organic light emitting transistors Call name: P 5.2 - SP 5.2.1 - Proiecte de cercetare pentru stimularea tinerelor echipe independente - Competiția 2023
PN-IV-P2-2.1-TE-2023-1626 2025 - 2026

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/engineering-of-gate-dielectrics-for-high-performance-organic-light-emitting-transistors-nanolet/

Abstract:

The multifunctional devices based on organic materials, including flexible integrated optoelectronics serve as a promising technology to realise user-friendly integrated electronic systems. Organic light emitting transistors/OLETs represent a relatively new technology platform in the field of organic electronics and have gained interest owing of unique integrated architecture which match electrical switching characteristics with the capability of generating light. High-performance is one of the key consideration for OLETs implementation and the research are devoted to studies of various physical processes implied in this organic devices and optimization of manufacturing techniques. In this regards, the project proposes a new configuration for OLET structures by dielectric/organic interface modification using a 2D nanostructures periodic arrangement and how this can be exploited as an active tool for light manipulation. Engineering of the surface provides a simple route for improved performance and/or increased functionality of OLETs structures and a step forward to overcome the limiting factors of their use in commercial electronics. The originality of the project derives from the nanotechnology method, UV-nanoimprint lithography proposed to be used for surface modification while the innovative aspect is covered by the new OLET configuration based on nanostructured surfaces.

Bio-inspired semiconducting fibers for field effect transistors Call name: P 4 - Proiecte de cercetare exploratorie - PCE-2021
PN-III-P4-PCE-2021-1131 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/en/project/bio-inspired-semiconducting-fibers-for-field-effect-transistors/

Abstract:

The project is focused on designing bio-inspired semiconducting fibers using natural polymers as bio-templates, further these semiconducting webs being integrated as fiber networks or as single fibers in field effect transistors (FETs) devices which can be applied in chemical sensing area. Thus, using eggshell membranes (ESM) and electrospun egg albumen (EA) as bio-templates, semiconducting fibers based on metal oxides or/and metal sulfides (as monocomponents or as composites) will be prepared by immersion, electrospinning and calcination techniques. The obtained bio-inspired semiconducting fibers will be characterized by morphological, structural and optical point of view. Further, FETs based on semiconducting fiber networks and FETs based on single semiconducting fibers will be fabricated by combining physical deposition techniques (radio frequency magnetron sputtering, thermal vacuum evaporation) and lithography techniques (photolithography, electron beam lithography). Finally, the electrical performance of the FETs will be investigated after their exposure to various chemical vapours for evaluating the potential applications of these devices in the chemical sensing field. The strategy used in the preparation of the bio-inspired semiconducting fibers can be regarded as a bio-inspired solution for fabricating electronic devices from renewable sources.

Flexible and nanostructured Organic Field Effect Transistor for UV-VIS detection Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2021-3165 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); INSTITUTUL DE CHIMIE MACROMOLECULARA "PETRU PONI" (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA LASERILOR, PLASMEI SI RADIATIEI - INFLPR RA (RO)

Affiliation:

Project website: https://infim.ro/project/tranzistor-cu-efect-de-camp-organic-flexibil-si-nanostructurat-pentru-detectie-uv-vis/

Abstract:

The organic phototransistors (OPTs) are optical transducer with many applications in industrial, military, environmental and biological sectors, based on organic field effect transistors (OFETs) showing good absorption in a specific domain and high efficiency of photocurrent generation.

The project is focused on obtaining OFET structures on flexible substrate with improved properties, sensitive to UV-VIS illumination, avoiding the use of expensive and limited resources raw materials (indium). In the frame of this project will be developed original ideas concerning: the active layer for OFET from oligomers/polymers based on arylaminic derivatives; transistor channel type bulk heterojunctions (BHJs), mixed layers from the above mentioned donors and a non-fullerene perylene diimide derivative acceptor; transparent gate electrode indium-free made from Al doped ZnO; control of the surfaces/interfaces properties by nanostructuring.

For an increase from TRL 2 (concept of OFET sensible to UV-VIS radiation) to TRL 3 (experimental demonstrator of a flexible OFET with reproducible electrical parameters in dark and response under illumination) are proposed the following objectives: 1. Preparation of active layers from new organic compounds and transparent gate electrode for OFET structures. 2. Realization of new nanostructured flexible OFET structures sensible to UV-VIS radiation

The project feasibility is sustained by the preliminary experimental results, expertise concerning the synthesis of the compounds (PPIMC/P1), transparent conductor electrodes (INFLPR/P2), organic thin film (CO+P2) and nanostructuring (CO), research strategy and infrastructure of the partners. CO will be in charge with the realization of the OFETs and their characterization in dark and at illumination, P1 with the synthesis, purification and characterization of the compounds for channel material and P2 with the deposition of transparent conductor electrode and of the mixed layer (BHJ).

Memristive multiferroic junctions Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2021-0378 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/en/project/memristive-multiferroic-junctions-mms/

Abstract:

Versatile multi-level memristive elements based on multiferroic tunnel junctions have outstanding features determined by the possibility to modulate the junction’s current by independently controlling the magnetization orientation of the ferromagnetic electrodes and the ferroelectric polarization of the tunnel barrier. The coupling of these magneto-electric properties is one of the most active field of research in materials sciences opening a large spectrum of technological applications from nonvolative memory, to elements in logic circuits, sensing devices, energy harvesting, biological synapses models in the emerging area of neuromorphic computing and artificial intelligence. Herein, we will demonstrate the multi-memristive spintronic states behavior of multiferroic tunnel junctions in elements with two terminals composed of nanoscale tunneling barrier consisting on organic ferroelectric films and for the first time of biomolecules, sandwiched between two different magnetic Heusler alloys electrodes. The realization of these resistive states – a transition from TRL2 to TRL3 level - will be controlled by the dependence of the tunneling current through this heterostructure on the electrical polarization of the ferroelectric film (the tunneling electroresistance) and on the relative orientation of the magnetization of the magnetic electrodes (the tunneling magnetoresistance). Moreover, a reciprocal influence between the electric and the magnetic properties can be realized by the control of the magneto-electric coupling at the interfaces using multifunctional effects associated to temperature or mechanical changes, i.e. the pyro- and piezo-electric properties of the ferroelectrics and the magneto-caloric, magneto-restrictive and the strong spin-polarization effects of the chosen compounds of the magnetic electrodes.

Waterproof deformable hybrid solar cells Call name: P 4 - Proiecte de Cercetare Exploratorie, 2020
PN-III-P4-ID-PCE-2020-1691 2021 - 2023

Role in this project: Key expert

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: https://infim.ro/en/project/waterproof-deformable-hybrid-solar-cells/

Abstract:

Combinând problemele majore legate de încălzirea globală datorită gazelor cu efect de seră ce implică găsirea de noi metode de producere de energie curată, regenerabilă cu cele legate de progresul în domeniul electronicii, direcțiile recente urmăresc dezvoltarea de noi metode și materiale care pot: oferi a sursă alternativă fezabilă pentru energie regenerabilă bazată pe radiația solară, (ii) oferi performanțe ridicate ale dispozitivelor și (iii) susține deformarea mecanică. Prezentul proiect propune un nou tip de celulă organică hibridă flexibilă, care combină proprietățile materialelor organice cu cele ale siliciului. Structura propusă constă într-o celulă solară elastomerică bazată pe nanopaterni de Si sub formă de trunchi de con incorporați într-un amestec de donor/acceptor de material organic, plasat între doi electrozi metalici transparenți și flexibili. Obiectivele principale sunt: (i) realizarea trunchiurilor de con inversate de Si; (ii) depunerea de material organic peste nanopaternii de Si; (iii) incorporarea structurii într-o membrane elastomerică; (iv) depunerea electrozilor metalici și caracterizarea structurilor. Principalele tehnologii folosite în realizarea obiectivelor sunt: tehnica de nano-imprimare folosind radiația ultravioletă- pentru realizarea paternilor, evaporare laser pulsate asistată de o matrice-pentru depunerea stratului organic; spinare pentru depunerea PEDOT:PSS-ului și tehnica de electrospinare pentru realizarea electrozilor metalici.

Elastomeric tuneable metasurfaces for efficient spectroscopic sensors for plastic detection Call name: EEA Grants - Proiecte Colaborative de Cercetare
EEA-RO-NO-2018-0438 2019 - 2023

Role in this project: Key expert

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); SINTEF AS (NO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE- DEZVOLTARE PENTRU MICROTEHNOLOGIE - IMT BUCURESTI INCD (RO); UNIVERSITATEA BUCURESTI (RO)

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

Project website: https://elastometa.ro

Abstract:

If current production and waste management trends continue, it is projected that roughly 12 billion metric tons of plastic waste will be in landfills or in the natural environment by 2050. Plastics represent a significant environmental problem: They are for the most part not biodegradable, cause problems for terrestrial and aquatic life, and enter the food chain in the form of microplastics. A shift towards a circular economy has been proposed to meet these challenges, in which production, circulation and consumption do not leave behind negative footprints and do not deplete natural resources. An essential component in the transition to a circular economy involves turning waste into value, thereby giving incentives to reduce, reuse and recycle. Simplified and low-cost methods of sorting materials are currently making a great impact on the environment: It is estimated that the reverse vending machines of the company TOMRA alone capture 35 billion beverage containers every year, and thereby reduce greenhouse gas emissions by an equivalent of 2 million cars driving 10'000km annually.

Photonic sensors are ideally suited for material sorting due to the spectroscopy technique, which allows for discrimination between different polymer types by illuminating with near infrared electromagnetic fields and measuring absorption. An important development goal is to make such spectroscopy simple, affordable and energy efficient. The ElastoMETA project aims to design and fabricate functional nanostructured surfaces, known as metasurfaces, to meet these goals. These surfaces contain simple subwavelength nano-structures that can shape light which is transmitted through them. Despite their simplicity, they offer a new paradigm for advanced field manipulation due to unprecedented control of phase, polarization, amplitude and dispersion of the electromagnetic fields. The versatility of this approach is evident by the short time during which numerous realizations have been made: e.g. micro-lenses, filters, couplers, emitters and even holograms. With further development, metasurfaces are expected to have several advantages over existing optical sensor technologies for recycling applications (e.g. diffractive optics), in terms of (i) increased efficiency, (ii) relative ease of fabrication, and (iii) enhanced functionality.

The ElastoMETA project aims to develop designs and cost-effective nanostructuring processes for (a) tuneable, filtering and efficient lens designs, and (b) directional infrared emitters, for plastic detection. These developments are central to improving the efficiency and functionality of a spectroscopic microsensor for a circular economy. To this end ElastoMETA combines Romanian expertise in UV-nanoimprint and electron beam lithography from the National R&D Institute of Materials Physics (INCDFM) and the National R&D Institute in Microtechnology (IMT), and in theoretical photonics at University of Bucharest (UB) with Norwegian expertise at SINTEF Microsystems and Nanotechnology (SINTEF MiNaLab) in developing micro-optical sensor devices for industrial plastic and gas detection. This new long-term strategic partnership aims to bring developments at the forefront of photonics and nanotechnology towards commercial sensor applications for a competitive Romanian and Norwegian industry within the circular economy.

ElastoMETA demands close collaboration of the Romanian and Norwegian partners on interdisciplinary and interrelated work, related to i) design and simulation of functional structures acting as tunable, filtering lenses and directional sources, 2) process development using electron beam lithography for design verification, 3) UV nanoimprint lithography for cost effective nanostructuring of large area lenses, 4) embedding structures in elastomeric substrates to allow for mechanical tuneability 5) optical characterization and testing of the manufactured structures and 6) dissemination and evaluation of the project.

Technologic paradigms in synthesis and characterization of variable dimensionality systems Call name: P 1 - SP 1.2 - Proiecte complexe realizate in consorții CDI
PN-III-P1-1.2-PCCDI-2017-0152 2018 - 2021

Role in this project: Key expert

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 TEHNOLOGII CRIOGENICE SI IZOTOPICE - I.C.S.I. RAMNICU VALCEA (RO); UNIVERSITATEA DE VEST TIMISOARA (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE- DEZVOLTARE PENTRU MICROTEHNOLOGIE - IMT BUCURESTI INCD (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA TEHNICA-IFT IASI (RO)

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

Project website: http://infim.ro/project/vardimtech/, http://infim.ro/project/vardimtech-en

Abstract:

Last decades brought a considerable development of technologies based on ordered systems. Starting with semiconductor physics and photovoltaics, technologies soon evolved towards the utilisation on large scale of thin films and of surface / interface properties. Example go nowadays from data storage and readout (electrostatic or magnetic memories, giant magnetoresistance) to catalysis, gas sensors or photocatalysis (surface phenomena), and towards interfaces with biological matter (biosensors, templates for tissue reconstruction, interfaces between biological electrical signals and microelectronics). In Romania, crystal growth is performed since half a century; nevertheless, during the last years these activities fade out and need to be seriously reinforced, especially with the advent of new laser and detector technologies required by the Extreme Light Infrastructure facilities. Also, surface science started to be developped seriously only during the last decade, together with techniques involving self-organized nanoparticles, nanoparticle production etc. The main goal of this Project is to gather the relevant experience from the five partners, namely the experience in crystal growth from the University of Timișoara, with the surface science, nanoparticle and nanowire technologies developped by NI of Materials Physics, the cryogenic and ultrahigh vacuum techniques provided by the NI for Cryogenic and Isotopic Technologie, and the experience in ordered 2D systems (graphene and the like) owned by the NI for Microtechnologies (IMT). This common agenda will result in a coherent fostering of technologies relying on ordered systems of variable dimensionalities: 0D i.e. clusters or nanoparticles, including quantum dots; 1D i.e. free and supported nanowires and nanofibers; 2D: surfaces, interfaces and graphene-like systems; and 3D crystals of actual technological interest, together with setting up new ultrahigh vacuum, surface science and electron spectroscopy techniques.

Physico-chemical analyses, nanostructured materials and devices for application in the pharmaceutical sector in Romania Call name:
2018 - 2020

Role in this project: Key expert

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-VITAM S.R.L. (RO)

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

Project website: https://projects.infim.ro/AMD-FARMA-MED-RO/

Abstract:

Obiectivul acestui proiect în colaborare efectivă cu întreprinderea Pro-Vitam SRL (contract subsidiar de tip D în cadrul proiectului) este realizarea unor imunosenzori electrochimici bazați pe compozite de tipul polimerilor conjugați polidifenilaminei (PDPA) și poli 5-amino1-naftol (P5A1N) și derivati ai grafenei precum oxidul de grafena in stare redusa (RGO) si oxidul de grafena (GO) pentru detecția receptorului factorului de creștere epidermal și a receptorului hormonului de stimulare tiroidiană.

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: Key expert

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.

Fabrication of osteoinductive orthopedic implants with gradual 3D hierarchical structure Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA-2011 call, Type 2
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2011-3.2-0898 2012 - 2016

Role in this project: Key expert

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 DE BIOCHIMIE (RO); INSTITUTUL DE BIOLOGIE SI PATOLOGIE CELULARA ,,NICOLAE SIMIONESCU'' (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA MATERIALELOR BUCURESTI RA (RO); TEHNOMED IMPEX CO S.A. (RO)

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

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

Abstract:

The project “Fabrication of osteoinductive orthopedic implants with gradual 3D hierarchical structure” proposes a novel approach for the ossteointegration of permanent metallic prostheses. The originality of the project consists in the development of implants with 3D hierarchical porous structure characterized by increased surface roughness and wettability, covered with soluble thin multilayer of biocatalytic composites. The resulting structures have the advantage of combining the benefits of deposited biomaterials and the mechanical strength of the metallic collector. The aim of our research is the manufacturing of permanent implants with biofunctional surface which are able to trigger certain healing phases typical for injured bone tissues. The implant fabricated as result of our research will induce complex chronological biological reactions which in the first stage will initiate a vasogenic and angiogenic response succeeded then by the migration and differentiation of osteoblasts and mesenchymal cells and accomplished with the formation of new bone tissue. Thus, the surface structure of the implant with appropriate topology and roughness will serve as framework for osteoconductivity, while further coating with biocomposites acts, in addition to osteoconductivity, as delivery vehicles for cytokines, such as bone morphogenetic proteins, insulin-like growth factors and transforming growth factors, vascular endothelial growth factor, etc. The proposed 3D structures for osteoinduction will mimic bone morphology, structure and function in order to improve the integration into surrounding tissue.

NOVEL CONJUGATED POLYMER STRUCTURES FOR HIGH EFFICIENCY ALL-ORGANIC SOLAR CELLS Call name: Exploratory Research Projects - PCE-2011 call
PN-II-ID-PCE-2011-3-0274 2012 - 2016

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: Institutul de Chimie Macromoleculara "P. Poni" Iasi

Project partners: Institutul de Chimie Macromoleculara "P. Poni" Iasi (RO)

Affiliation: Institutul de Chimie Macromoleculara "P. Poni" Iasi (RO)

Project website: http://grigoras300.weebly.com/

Abstract:

Photovoltaic cells are one of the most attractive modes to use solar energy for obtaining electrical energy. The topic of this proposal can be framed to the new photovoltaic materials composed of a molecular blend of bicontinuous and interpenetrating conjugated donor polymer and acceptors, based on bulk heterojunction (BHJ) concept. The realization of the project needs several efforts in some directions, such as design and synthesis of donor polymers and oligomers, the choice of the acceptor and the optimization of photovoltaic properties of the nanocomposites. The first objective of the application is synthesis of new donor conjugated polymer structures based on carbazole and indolocarbazole groups, with more planar and extended π aromatic moieties, strong and broad bandwidth absorption. Synthesis of monodisperse star-shaped and dendrimer compounds based on tri- or tetra- functional cores is another objective of this application. Polymers and oligomers are of polyarylene and polyarylenevinylene type. As acceptor of the nanocomposites, derivatized fullerene and graphene compounds will be studied. The polymers and oligomers are synthesized by Suzuki, Heck, Wittig-Emmons reactions and their chemical and electronic (UV and fluorescence spectra, electrochemical behavior, HOMO and LUMO levels, band gap, etc) structure determined by FTIR, NMR, UV, fluorescence, voltammetry methods. Morphology of films is studied by AFM, SEM, TEM, XRD methods.

Metallic Electrode with 2D Photonic Crystal type Architecture for Bio(organic) Multilayer Structures Call name: Programul de actiuni Integrate Romania-Franta (bilaterale)
PN-II-CT-RO-FR-2014-2-0037 2014 -

Role in this project: Project coordinator

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 din Angers, Laborator LPHIA (FR)

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

Project website:

Abstract:

An important objective in the organic devices research domain is to improve their performances by the control of the mechanisms of generation, injection and transport of charge careers, in which are involved the both metallic and transparent conductor electrodes (TCE).

For the first time, the project proposes small molecule organic compounds and bioorganic (nucleic acid bases) multilayer structures which contains simultaneously a 3 layers oxide/metal/oxide TCE (cheaper, with optical, electrical and mechanical improved properties compared to the single layer TCE) and a 2D photonic crystal (PC) type architecture metallic electrode (which combines the PC properties created at the metal-organic interface with the plasmonic effects generated by the nanostructuring of the metallic electrode with the purpose to improve the optical and electrical properties). Structures, for both photovoltaic and optoelectronic applications, are analysed. The effect of nanostructuring and sizing on the organic structures performances will be investigated by comparison with the performances of the corresponding reference structures with plan metallic electrode, made using the same compounds.

The nanostructuring of the metallic electrode and the realisation of the 2D photonic crystal architecture by electron beam lithography is the main contribution of the Romanian partner and the realisation and characterisation of TCE is the main contribution of the French partner.

FILE DESCRIPTION	DOCUMENT
List of research grants as project coordinator	Download (10.8 kb) 22/09/2017
List of research grants as partner team leader	Download (10.68 kb) 22/09/2017
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