BrainMap

Marian Cosmin Istrate

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

Researcher

I am part of the Microscopy Group at NIMP (National Institute of Materials Physics), Măgurele, working within the Laboratory of Atomic Structure and Defects in Advanced Materials. Currently, I am involved in transmission electron microscopy (TEM) experiments on ferroelectric materials based on HfO2/ZrO2. My work focuses on investigating the structural and defect-related properties of these materials, aiming to understand the mechanisms that govern their ferroelectric behavior at the nanoscale.

Curriculum Vitae (22/04/2026)

Expertise & keywords

Suface and interface confined spin functionality engineered in conducting correlated oxides Call name: P 5.1 - Proiecte de Cercetare Exploratorie - Competiția 2023
PN-IV-P1-PCE-2023-1830 2025 - 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)

Affiliation:

Project website: http://infim.ro/serve

Abstract:

In this project, we focus on correlated transparent oxides, aiming to enhance their functionality through doping-induced spin properties. Our objective is to develop new paradigms for transparent conductors by leveraging electron correlation to increase optical transparency while maintaining high electrical conductivity through a high electron density and effective electron-phonon interaction screening. We propose a novel concept of a free-standing spin-functional transparent conductor, demonstrated in vanadate materials with perovskite structures LaxSr1-xV1-xNix/2Fex/2O3, x=0.2 (LSVNF), exfoliated from the substrate and transferred onto Si. By manipulating strain, crystalline orientation, dimensionality reduction, surface confinement, and defect engineering, we aim to tune the energy levels of the orbitals, thereby controlling their occupancy and functionality. Through this research, we anticipate significant advancements in the development of transparent conductors with enhanced functionalities, contributing to the progress of various applications such as displays, lighting, energy generation, and energy preservation, with potential extensions to wearable devices by 2030.

Nanoscaled ferroelectric (pseudo)-binary oxide thin film supercapacitors for flexible and ultrafast pulsed power electronics Call name: P 3 - SP 3.2 - Proiecte ERA.NET - COFUND
COFUND-M-ERANET-3-NanOx4Estor 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); Universidade do Minho (PT); Ecole Centrale de Lyon (FR)

Affiliation:

Project website: https://infim.ro/project/supercapacitori-oxidici-pseudo-binari-feroelectrici-sub-forma-de-filme-subtiri-nanometrice-pentru-dispozitive-electronice-flexibile-ultrarapide-in-regim-pulsat-nanox4estor/

Abstract:

The current momentum in boosting the effective utilization of renewable energy resources determines an increased request for dielectric supercapacitors as vital electronic elements for the DC-to-AC conversion of the collected/stored electrical energy, especially for the advanced propulsion systems in aircraft and automotive industry. Unlike batteries, dielectric supercapacitors can release the stored energy in a microsecond scaled period of time to create intense power pulses. Materials selected for highly performing dielectric supercapacitors should meet a series of prerequisites in terms of dielectric properties, temperature stability, energy density, and charge-discharge efficiency. The mainstream capacitors currently employed in power inverters for hybrid electric vehicles use polymer dielectrics (e.g. BOPP) for which additional cooling systems are necessary in order to keep the ambient temperature below the maximum operating temperature of the polymeric material. NanOx4EStor focuses on the creation of supercapacitors based on (pseudo-)binary oxide thin films, with improved energy storage density (>150 Jcm−3) and operating temperature for pulsed power applications.

Integrated Rashba-type platform for data storage and bit manipulation Call name: P 1 - SP 1.1 - Proiecte de cercetare pentru stimularea tinerelor echipe independente - TE-2021
PN-III-P1-1.1-TE-2021-0136 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/integrated-rashba-type-platform-for-data-storage-and-bit-manipulation/

Abstract:

The project aims at offering an alternative to already available random access memories in the form of integrated Rashba-type platform for data storage and additional bit manipulation accompanied by the consequent validation of the mixed functionality as: i) spin-orbit based multiferroic random access memory (MfRAM) and ii) logical gate able to perform binary operations. By the end of the implementation time, the validation for the mixed, logical gate and spin-orbit torque MfRAMs based on the coupling between the spin and charge degrees of freedom in Rashba coupled semiconductor and multiferroic systems will be delivered. The Rashba-coupled metal/semiconductor systems will be the interfaces of ferromagnetic materials (Mn, Fe, Ni) with Ge(111), which were shown to exhbit large Rashba effects and large spin to charge conversion through inverse Edelstein effect while the Rashba-type multiferroics will be the interface of dissimilar materials: ferromagnets (Mn, Fe, Ni) and Rashba-type ferroelectrics (GeTe), with the relevant cross-coupling close to the contact region.

Multilayered floating gate nonvolatile memory device with GeSi nanocrystals nodes in nanocrystallized high k HfO2 for high efficiency data storage Call name: P 4 - Proiecte de Cercetare Exploratorie, 2020
PN-III-P4-ID-PCE-2020-1673 2021 - 2023

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA MATERIALELOR BUCURESTI RA

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

Affiliation:

Project website: https://infim.ro/en/project/multilayered-floating-gate-nonvolatile-memory-device-with-gesi-nanocrystals-nodes-in-nanocrystallized-high-k-hfo2-for-high-efficiency-data-storage-multigesincmem/

Abstract:

The project goal is to fabricate a multilayered floating gate (FG) nonvolatile memory device (ML NVM) with charge storage nodes of GeSi nanocrystals (NCs) embedded in nanocrystallized high k HfO2 matrix (capacitor of top contact/ gate HfO2/ n layers of GeSi NCs in HfO2 as FG/ tunnel HfO2/ Si wafer/ bottom contact, n=1 to 5 for the 5 versions NVM1-NVM5). We target in project to obtain high performance ML NVMs (memory window >4 V, charge loss ratio

Insights about sensing mechanisms with Nickel oxide based gas sensors Call name: P 4 - Proiecte de Cercetare Exploratorie, 2020
PN-III-P4-ID-PCE-2020-0506 2021 - 2023

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA MATERIALELOR BUCURESTI RA

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

Affiliation:

Project website: https://infim.ro/project/perspective-despre-mecanismele-de-detectie-cu-senzori-de-gaze-bazati-pe-oxid-de-nichel/

Abstract:

Among different types of sensors, those based on semiconducting metal oxides stands out through their: robustness, selective sensitivity, low fabrication costs and infield operation (presence of the relative humidity, variable temperature, the presence of potential interfering gases, etc.).

The idea of the current project proposal consists in exploring the intrinsic nature of Nickel Oxide (NiO) as sensitive material together upon inspired chemical synthesis pathways, merging towards extracting the insights of its gas sensing performances towards different target gases (CO, CO2, NO2, CH4, NH3, SO2, H2S) adapted to work under infield conditions.

The research work employs interdisciplinary vision of the team spanning from: chemical-physics and theoretical physics.

The novelties brought by the project are:

- Structure-functioning relationships will be highlighted by understanding the role of sensing and transducing features with multi-dimensional NiO nanostructured based sensors. Through inspired chemistry synthesis, NiO morphologies will be tailored to maximize the gas sensing performances.

- The challenge is to fuse the theoretical predictions with the realistic gas sensing outputs into an overview image about the nature of gas surface interactions.

The outputs from phenomenological and catalytic investigations will guide the theoretical modeling towards extending the gas surface model of NiO sensors.

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

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA MATERIALELOR BUCURESTI RA

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

Affiliation:

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

Abstract:

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

Controlling the electronic properties in heterostructures based on ferroelectric perovskites: from theory to applications Call name: P 4 - Proiecte Complexe de Cercetare de Frontieră
PN-III-P4-ID-PCCF-2016-0047 2018 - 2022

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA MATERIALELOR BUCURESTI RA

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA MATERIALELOR BUCURESTI RA (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA MATERIALELOR BUCURESTI RA (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M (RO); UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO)

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

Project website: http://infim.ro/en/project/control-of-electronic-properties-in-ferroelectric-perovskite-heterostructures-from-theory-to-applications/

Abstract:

The main objective of the project is to obtain ferroelectric materials with controlled electronic properties at the same level as this properties are controlled in Si. This will be realized by hetero-valent doping, correlated with stress engineering and band gap engineering without affecting, as much as possible, the ferroelectric properties. The main objective is complex and ambitious because, up to date, there was no experimental demonstration that it possible to obtain n or/and p type conduction in epitaxial ferroelectrics. The successful achievement of this objective will open a new domain, that of ferroelectric electronics or ferrotronics, by producing electronic devices of p-n homo-junction type or junction transistors with ferroelectric materials. Two types of materials are envisaged, namely lead titanate-zirconate (PZT with tetragonal structure and a mixed bismuth ferrite (BFO) with bismuth chromit (BCO). In the first case the heterovalent doping will be studied on Pb or Zr/Ti sites with the aim to obtain n and p type conduction. The final goal is to produce a p-n homo-junction based on epitaxial PZT films. In the second case band gap engineering will be tested by varying the Fe/Cr content, and the dominant conduction mechanism will be identified, the goal being to use the material in photovoltaic applications. The activities will contain: theoretical studies regarding the relation between dopants, electronic properties and the ferroelectricity, including self-doping effects or electrostatic doping; target preparation for deposition of thin films; epitaxial growth of the film; characterization activities of the structure and physical properties. Not only classic doping in the target is envisaged but also doping during the epitaxial growth. The consortium is composed of 4 teams from three different institutions, including a number of 14 young researchers full time equivalent.

Interplay structure-functionality in the case of nanostructured materials for gas sensors by electron tomography and operando TEM Call name: P 3 - SP 3.1 - Proiecte de mobilități, România-Franța (bilaterale)
PN-III-P3-3.1-PM-RO-FR-2019-0219 2019 - 2021

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); Institut de Physique et Chimie des Matériaux de Strasbourg (FR)

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

Project website: https://infim.ro/en/project/interplay-structure-functionality-by-electron-tomography-and-operando-tem/

Abstract:

The current project of bilateral cooperation aims at strengthening the collaboration relationship between the two leading research entities in the field of materials science in Romania (NIMP) and France (IPCMS), thus contributing to the creation of a European research area. The project has two sides: a scientific side, focused on the finding the correlation between the microstructural and the functional properties of new materials to be used as gas sensors, and a forming side consisting in activities of learning and know-how transfer from the French partner towards the Romanian researchers, contributing to the increase of NIMP visibility as an important Romanian center of excellence in materials science, nanoscience and nanotechnology. A national research project dedicated on studying the morphological, structural and functional properties of the nanostructured materials for gas sensing is currently being developed at NIMP in the frame of the National Plan for Research, Development and Innovation 2015-2020 (project code PN-III-P4-ID-PCE-2016-0529) to which all the researchers involved in the current proposal have already been contributing. This project of bilateral cooperation will come to support the mentioned national research project, representing a source of added value both at the scientific and human resource forming level by involving advanced investigation techniques (electron tomography, operando investigations) and scientific competences not yet available in Romania.

Advanced materials and laser / plasma processing technologies for energy and depollution: increasing the applicative potential and scientific interconnection in the field of eco-nanotechnologies Call name: P 1 - SP 1.2 - Proiecte complexe realizate in consorții CDI
PN-III-P1-1.2-PCCDI-2017-0755 2018 - 2021

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 DE CHIMIE FIZICA - ILIE MURGULESCU (RO); UNIVERSITATEA PITESTI (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA MATERIALELOR BUCURESTI RA (RO)

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

Project website: https://malasent46.wixsite.com/malasent

Abstract:

The MALASENT project proposes the development of research competencies of the consortium members in the field of advanced materials and their novel processing technologies, as well as a potential transfer towards industrial beneficiaries, for the energy production and complex decontamination of water and air. The scientific objectives associated this project proposal are the following:

- development of catalytic systems based on advanced materials processed by laser techniques and plasma, for complex processes of decontamination of residual waters and reduction of toxic exhaust gases emitted by internal combustion engines.

- development of heterostructures of advanced materials obtained by laser techniques and plasma for the production of energy through photolytic dissociation of the water molecule or photovoltaic.

- integration of the advanced materials through laser/plasma techniques in photocatalytic and photovoltaic applications at the industrial level.

The project proposal aims to consolidate, numerically and professionally, the human resources of the consortium, especially for the partner institution with recovery possibilities. Moreover, the project pursues an increase in the service providing capabilities for research services and in the establishment of consolidated collaborations with industrial beneficiaries, as well as in the visibility at the national and international level of the consortium members.

From 2D to 3D+ nanoscale characterization of advanced functional materials Call name: P 4 - Proiecte de Cercetare Exploratorie
PN-III-P4-ID-PCE-2016-0529 2017 - 2019

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA MATERIALELOR BUCURESTI RA

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

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

Project website: http://infim.ro/project/caracterizarea-la-scala-nanometrica-a-materialelor-functionale-avansate-de-la-2d-la-3d/

Abstract:

In materials science, when designing and investigating the chemo-physical properties of new materials the sine qua non starting point is represented by the necessity to identify, understand and control the microstructure of the examined material. Nanosciences and nanotechnology require manipulating nano-objects or even individual atoms, which requires complementary spectroscopic, diffraction and imaging techniques able to provide information at nanometric scale or below. One of the major challenges today in designing and engineering nanoscale functional materials is the complex 3D characterization on a nanometric scale. Electron tomography represents the only reliable technique to provide 3D morphological, structural and analytical information at nanometric scale. In our country we are now able to perform state-of-the-art analytical microstructural investigations by HRTEM, STEM and EELS, including atomic resolution elemental mapping or direct visualization of light atomic species. Electron tomography has been only introduced and developed in the field of life sciences, being currently applied in cellular biology, while electron tomography in materials science is not yet present. The scientific motivation of this project is to open the way at the national level towards electron tomography in materials science as a new dimension in the microstructural characterization of the advanced functional materials. The project will be focused on metal oxide semiconductors (MOS) functional materials to be used as gas sensors for environmental monitoring. Along with complementary spectroscopic techniques (EELS, XPS, EPR) the project will create a complete “3D+” insight (3 spatial + 1 spectroscopic dimensions) into the fine chemo-physical processes at nanometric scale in order to reveal and understand the connection between the 3D microstructural/spectroscopic properties and the functionality of the MOS gas sensing systems.

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