BrainMap

Mrs. Maria Marcu

PhD

Researcher - INSTITUTUL DE CHIMIE FIZICA - ILIE MURGULESCU

Researcher | Scientific reviewer

Maria Marcu is a senior researcher at the Electrochemistry and Corrosion Laboratory of the Institute of Physical Chemistry - Ilie Murgulescu, part of the Romanian Academy. She earned her Ph.D. in Chemistry in 1998. From 2002 to 2020, she served as an Associate Professor at the National University of Science and Technology Politehnica of Bucharest. Her research interests include the synthesis of hybrid and composite materials, their electrochemical characterization, and applications in electrocatalysis and energy storage. Additionally, she focuses on environmental protection and the corrosion behavior of metallic biomaterials in biofluids. She has been the Principal Investigator for five research projects, with results published in multiple peer-reviewed journals. Since 2017, she has been leading the Electrochemistry and Corrosion Laboratory.

Curriculum Vitae (30/04/2025)

Expertise & keywords

Electrochemical platforms based on nanocomposite materials for the detection of biologically active compounds Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2021-3693 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://www.icf.ro/pr_2022/MATSENSBIO/MATSENSBIO.html

Abstract:

The project MATSENSBIO is aiming to develop sensitive and selective electrochemical sensing platforms based on nanocomposites materials for the analysis of relevant biologically active compounds like neurotransmitters and antioxidants. The monitoring of neurotransmitters and antioxidants is of paramount importance in the early diagnosis and the management of various diseases. Therefore, the main objective of the project is aiming to address these societal needs related to the development of electrochemical sensors for health monitoring. The electrochemical sensors are developed by the modification of conventional electrode substrates, glassy carbon, screen printed and metal electrodes (Pt, Au) with nanocomposites materials consisting of conducting polymers (CP) and metal/inorganic nanoparticles (MeNPs). The CPs-MeNPs materials combine two or more characteristic properties featured by the components, namely good electrochemical stability, favorable immobilization matrix and microenvironment brought by the CPs like poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene), poly(3,4-ethylenedioxypyrrole), with high electrocatalytic activity of MeNPs (Au, Pt, Ag) and inorganic ones like Prussian blue. The CPs-MeNPs materials will be prepared via in situ electrodeposition onto electrode substrates by using innovative procedures based on sinusoidal currents and voltages. The electrochemical sensors will be tested and validated in laboratory environment toward the detection of benchmark neurotransmitters, epinephrine and serotonin, and relevant antioxidants, lipoic acid and quercetin. The CPs-MeNPs materials preparation procedures (methods) and the electrochemical sensors (products) are the main outcomes of the project. The use of commercially available electrode substrates (GC, Pt, Au, ITO), including SPEs for single-use sensors, is intended to provide the basic supports upon which the nanocomposite materials will be deposited to develop the envisaged products – the electrochemical sensors.

Machining of Advanced Materials Based on Ti and Co Alloys through Ultrasonically Aided Electrical Discharge Micro-drilling Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2019-0367 2020 - 2022

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO)

Project website: http://amedus.preminv.org

Abstract:

The scope of the project, “Machining of Advanced Materials Based on Ti and Co Alloys through Ultrasonically Aided Electrical Discharge Micro-drilling (AM_ED_US)” is to develop a technology of microdrilling through ultrasonically aided electrical discharge machining (EDM+US) tested at laboratory level applied on advanced materials like nanotubes of TiO2 thin layers on Ti or Ti alloy support, Titanium aluminides with different proportions between Ti2Al (α2) and TiAl (γ) phases, and CoCr alloys. These can be used at various parts in medicine, automotive, aerospace, military, nuclear, food industry etc.

The validated technology in laboratory (TRL4) will be differentiated in correspondence with the type of advanced material to be micro-drilled, and the following input working parameters: microholes range diameters of 0.2-0.8 mm (microtechnology dimensions belong to 1…999 µm according to CIRP, [1]) with wire or tubular tool-electrode, ignition voltage (Uo), current step (I), EDM commanded pulses, pulse (ti) and pause (to) time, and relaxation ones, capacity (C) and resistance (R), values in relaxation circuits, the power consumed on the ultrasonic chain (PcUS) determining oscillation amplitude (A) with tool integrated in the ultrasonic horn and/or additional ultrasonic chain (i.e. ultrasonic head for microdrilling assistance), flushing pressure (pf) through tool or its lateral part, all working modes compared to simple EDM in terms of technological performances in the same working conditions.

Innovative High Temperature Coated Titanium Aluminide Alloys for Clean Energy Production and Low Pollution Transport. Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA-2011 call, Type 2
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2011-3.2-1632 2012 - 2016

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE TURBOMOTOARE - COMOTI (RO); INSTITUTUL DE CHIMIE FIZICA - ILIE MURGULESCU (RO); PLASMA JET S.R.L. (RO)

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

Project website: http://hotcoat.cont-edu.pub.ro

Abstract:

The scientific community's efforts have now focused on replacing expensive and heavy materials with other materials more available and lighter in order to reduce pollutant emission in the transport and energy fields because using lighter materials in transport, fuel consumption will be reduced and thus decreases the amount of gaseous pollutants emitted.The main objective of the project HOTCOAT is to synthesize high-performance coatings from a new class of light, high temperature resistant materials – titanium aluminide alloys, which can provide environmental protection in the temperature range from 650 to 900°C and engine emission reducing. The project proposal is going to focus on enhancing the high temperature response against the severe environmental conditions, by development of advanced coatings solutions on titanium aluminide. The secondary objectives are related to nonconventionally machining and finishing technologies design and coating technology design. A final goal of the project is to achieve and to test in real service conditions - a turbine blade, machined from a titanium aluminide alloy and protected by innovative coatings (diffusion barrier and thermal barrier coatings). The consortium which includes a prestigious technical university, two national research institutes and a SMEs has the expertise and the reliability to reach the objectives of the project. This fact is demonstrated by a large number of scientific papers published and the involvement in of successful national and international projects. The partner’s efforts will cover scientific, multidisciplinar activities that include design, development, testing and optimization of titanium aluminide alloys-protective coating structures, having as final goal – production technologies and testing methods. The other important goal will be the market penetration of industrial partner and increasing the profile of turnover by implementing new materials and processing technologies.

Interactional and functional effects of the substrate on the electrochemical behavior of micro and nanostructured metallic and oxidic deposits Call name: Exploratory Research Projects - PCE-2011 call
PN-II-ID-PCE-2011-3-0272 2011 - 2016

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: Institutul de Chimie Fizica Ilie Murgulescu al Academiei Romane

Project partners: Institutul de Chimie Fizica Ilie Murgulescu al Academiei Romane (RO)

Affiliation: Institutul de Chimie Fizica Ilie Murgulescu al Academiei Romane (RO)

Project website: http://www.icf.ro/pr_2011/NS1/index.html

Abstract:

This project aims at systematically put into evidence interactional and functional effects of the substrate on the electrochemical performances of metallic (Pt) and oxidic (e.g., TiO2, RuO2, Co3O4) particles, estimated and quantified from their activity for O2 evolution and CH3OH oxidation. The choice of such materials (intensively studied in literature) and that of typical processes is justifiable because it allows focusing on the effects of the substrate, by avoiding the need for large amount of data on the electroactive material itself. A critical comparison of the results with those reported in literature will allow elucidating (at least partially) some controversial or contradictory aspects of the electrochemical properties of these materials. An important ab initio simplification results from the use of boron-doped diamond (BDD) as a substrate for electroactive particles. This enables neglecting capacitive and pseudo-capacitive influences, due to the outstanding features of BDD: low background current, high stability, and inertness to adsorption. The high overpotential for O2 evolution and the lack of activity for alcohols anodic oxidation are, in the context of this project, additional advantages. Since the influence of the substrate will be rather negligible, a more straightforward correlation between the specific properties of the deposited material and the overall electrochemical activity of the electrode system is expected.

3. Investigations on electrochemical obtained micro and nano structured composite materials for sustainable development applications, ELECTROCHIMAT, research project CEEX nr 309/2006 Call name:
2011 - 2015

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL DE CHIMIE FIZICA - ILIE MURGULESCU

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

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

Project website:

Abstract:

2. Nanohybride systems for electrocatalysis in the renewable fuel cells, research project PNCDI II, nr.21-058/2007. Call name:
2007 - 2009

Role in this project: Partner team leader

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO); INSTITUTUL DE CHIMIE FIZICA - ILIE MURGULESCU (RO)

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

Project website:

Abstract:

4. Alloys with low content of noble metals used in dental prosthetics obtained by powder metallurgy, research project MATNANTECH, nr. 274/2004. Call name:
2006 - 2008

Role in this project: Partner team leader

Coordinating institution: METAV - CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE S.R.L.

Project partners: METAV - CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE S.R.L. (RO); INSTITUTUL DE CHIMIE FIZICA - ILIE MURGULESCU (RO)

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

Project website:

Abstract:

FILE DESCRIPTION	DOCUMENT
List of research grants as project coordinator
List of research grants as partner team leader
List of research grants as project coordinator or partner team leader
Significant R&D projects for enterprises, as project manager
R&D activities in enterprises
Peer-review activity for international programs/projects