BrainMap

Nicoleta Georgiana Apostol

Dr

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

Researcher | Scientific reviewer

Web of Science ResearcherID: Researcher ID: I-9399-2016

Curriculum Vitae (17/06/2020)

Expertise & keywords

CHEMISTRY AND PHOTOCHEMISTRY ON FERROELECTRIC SURFACES Call name: Projects for Young Research Teams - RUTE -2014 call
PN-II-RU-TE-2014-4-0456 2015 - 2017

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)

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

Project website: http://www.infim.ro/ro/projects/chimie-si-fotochimie-la-suprafete-feroelectrice

Abstract:

This Project is concentrated on a detailed study of the intimate processes occurring when molecules are adsorbed, desorbed or are reacting at atomically clean, well characterized, single crystal ferroelectric surfaces synthesized by pulsed laser deposition (PLD). In situ investigations will be carried out by a multitude of surface science techniques: X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron diffraction, low energy and reflection high energy electron diffraction (LEED and RHEED), mass spectroscopy, aiming to seek adsorptions, desorptions and molecular reactions when the ferroelectric polarization is triggered by external parameters (optically, thermally or by charge carrier injection). The goal of this project will be a detailed description of the molecular processes occurring at ferroelectric surfaces (lead zirco-titanate and barium titanate, also combined with noble metals as co-catalysts – Ag, Au, Pt, Pd), mainly involving molecular reactions of actual interest for automotive industry: (i) oxidation of carbon monoxide; (ii) reduction of nitric or nitrous oxide (NOx); (iii) combined reaction pathways for three way catalysts. The results of the Project will be helpful for the development of new catalytic converters, cheaper, operating at lower temperatures and whose activity may be triggered optically or electrically. The main output will consist in scientific papers in top tier ISI journals and possibly a patent application towards the end of the Project.

High temperature, high stability, low cost evaporation cells for molecular beam epitaxy Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA-2011 call, Type 2
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2011-3.2-0767 2012 - 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); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M (RO); BRAVA 2000 S.R.L. (RO)

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

Project website: http://www.infim.ro/projects/celule-de-evaporare-la-temperaturi-mari-stabilitate-ridicata-si-cost-redus-pentru-depuneri

Abstract:

Evaporation cells based on a new heating principle will be designed, fabricated and tested. This heating principle is based on direct resistive heating of two concentric tubes made on a refractory metal (Ta, Mo, W), with thin walls (0.1-0.2 mm), subject to a high electrical current (60-100 A). The inner pipe contains the material to be evaporated. The outer pipe, which also warms up, acts at the same time as a thermal screen for the inner pipe: as a consequence, higher temperatures are achieved in the inner part and also a higher amount of power is dissipated inside the inner pipe. The warming up to very high temperatures (over 2000 C) proceeds in a few tens of seconds, to be compared with several tens of minutes in standard evaporation cells where a crucible is warmed by using a W filament. Also, a precise temperature calibration may be obtained as function of the heating current only, whereas in conventional cells thermocouples are used. These thermocouples require additional vacuum current feedthroughs and also their thermal contact to the crucible may be problematic. A third advantage of the new principle is its relative low cost, based on the fact that the only expensive parts are the refractory material pipes. A new concept (dismountable assembly) will be developed also for the water cooling of the cell, whereas a single high current vacuum feedthrough is sufficient. One anticipates easy and fast manufacture of such devices, resulting in low delivery terms, as compared with 3-6 months for the actual evaporators. The estimated market is of some 500-1000 units in the European Community, whereas the stipulated benefit is of 5000 Euro per unit. The project will (i) implement the new heating principle; (ii) implement the new water cooling principle; (iii) achieve accuracte temperature calibration; (iv) demonstrate the ability to evaporate at high temperature, especially of metals that are usually evaporated by electron bombardment: Ti, Cr, V, Zr, Nb.

Hyperthermic magnetic nanoparticle ablation of liver and pancreatic tumors Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA-2011 call, Type 1
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2011-3.1-0252 2012 - 2016

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA DE MEDICINA SI FARMACIE CRAIOVA

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA DE MEDICINA SI FARMACIE CRAIOVA (RO); UNIVERSITATEA DE MEDICINA SI FARMACIE (U.M.F) Cluj-Napoca (RO); UNIVERSITATEA DIN CRAIOVA (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA MATERIALELOR BUCURESTI RA (RO); INSTITUTUL DE CHIMIE MACROMOLECULARA "PETRU PONI" (RO)

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

Project website: http://nanoablation.hostzi.com/

Abstract:

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAC) are some of the most aggressive solid malignancies, on the 3rd and 4th place in terms of mortality worldwide. Current chemotherapy and anti-angiogenic therapy options are usually inefficient, while several invasive methods have been proposed for ablation of malignant liver and pancreatic tumors.

The NANO-ABLATION project has a strong innovative content, which includes: 1) a nano-ablation tester used for testing of fluids containing magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs), dosed in controlled quantities and placed in the poles of a properly calibrated RF magnetic coil, with the temperature monitored with an infrared pyrometer; 2) synthesis and analysis of different MNPs (including magnetite -NH2 or -COOH conjugates, novel magnetic materials with high Fe average magnetic moment like Fe16N2 and / or targeted MNps loaded with anti-angiogenic drugs (sorafenib or bevacizumab); 3) passive difussion of the MNPs will be tested through injection into murine models tumor xenografts, normal pig liver and pancreas, as well as human tissue explants from HCC and PAC patients, with subsequent pathology assessment of apoptosis / necrosis; 4) design of a computer controlled RFA needle, based on previous patents of one of the consortium members, might enhance RFA and nano-ablation through an optimized thermal effect over tumour and a lower impact on the surrounding healthy tissues.

In conclusion, the NANO-ABLATION project brings together a critical mass of experts in biotechnology research, clinical and interventional imaging (both ultrasound and endoscopic ultrasound), nanoscale chemistry, physics and nano-toxicology to create a minimally invasive, image-guided system that will provide more accurate ablation of both hypovascular and hypervascular, liver and pancreatic tumors, through a combination of computer controlled RFA and MNPs hyperthermia, with the final aim of enhancing current insufficient ablation procedures.

Effect of interfaces on charge transport in ferroic/multiferroic heterostructures Call name: Complex Exploratory Research Projects - PCCE-2011 call
PN-II-ID-PCCE-2011-2-0006 2012 - 2016

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: National Institute of Materials Physics

Project partners: National Institute of Materials Physics (RO); National Institute of Materials Physics (RO); National Institute of Materials Physics (RO); National Institute of Materials Physics (RO); National Institute of Materials Physics (RO); Alexandru Ioan Cuza University (RO)

Affiliation: National Institute of Materials Physics (RO)

Project website: http://www.infim.ro/projects/effect-interfaces-charge-transport-ferroelectricmultiferroic-heterostructures

Abstract:

The main objective of the project is to perform a detailed study of interfaces and their effect on the charge transport properties in a number of well defined artificial multiferroic structures. Charge transport is beneficial in some cases, for example in tunnel junctions, but can be detrimental in other cases, as for example devices based on magnetoelectric effect or in capacitor like structures. In all cases, at least the interfaces with the metallic electrodes are involved in charge transport, but other interfaces can be also involved if multilayer structures are used. The study will be performed on thin films and/or nanostructures, therefore a significant influence of interfaces on the electronic and ionic charge transport is expected. The start will be from simple capacitor-like structures, to elucidate the problem of electrode interfaces in the case of various ferroic oxides. Further on charge transport in relation with interfaces will be studied in mode complex, multilayer structures with possible applications in tunel junctions, diodes or field effect devices.

The project involves 6 research teams from 2 host institutions, one of which is the National Institute of Materials Physics from Bucharest-Magurele, and the other one is the Alexandru Ioan Cuza University (UAIC) from Iassy. The composition of the teams is a mixes experienced researchers with excellent track records regarding preparation, characterization and modelling of advanced multifunctional materials including oxides, and young scientists at the beginning of their carriers. Some 12 PhD thesis are expected to start during the project. The project is expected to have a major impact not only at the basic science level, reflected by publications in high ranking journals, but also at the level of applied research, as for example manipulation of charge transport through designing specific interfaces or developement of new oxide architectures for ferroelectric field effect controlled of spin currents.

Temporally and spectrally resolved luminescence of lanthanide’s doped tetravalent nano-oxides: A unitary approach Call name: Exploratory Research Projects - PCE-2011 call
PN-II-ID-PCE-2011-3-0534 2011 - 2016

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA LASERILOR PLASMEI SI RADIATIEI

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA LASERILOR PLASMEI SI RADIATIEI (RO)

Affiliation:

Project website: http://nanolumin.inflpr.ro/idei.html

Abstract:

Our proposal is focused on particular class of luminescent nano-oxides, namely lanthanide’s (Ln3+) doped tetravalent CeO2, (I) ZrO2 (II) and CexZr1-xO2 (III) which attract tremendous attention as advanced ceramics, catalysts, sensors and luminescent materials. These applications rely on their unique, but very poorly understood, structures and physical properties.

The broad aim is to identify, describe and provide novel insights on the structure-luminescence relationships occurring in the lanthanide’s (Ln3+) doped I - III. Our original approach is based on the unitary investigation of their luminescence and structural properties. The key features of the nanocrystals are their high-surface, narrow and ultra- small size distribution. The lanthanide’s dopants will exhibit visible emission via direct pumping and up-conversion. This research involves the application of powerful set of complimentary techniques and methods such as high resolution transmission and scanning electron microscopies, in-situ RAMAN and X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and luminescence spectroscopy. At the heart of the investigation are the temporally and spectrally resolved luminescence studies. We believe that our proposal will deepen the fundamental knowledge on the Ln3+- I -III host interactions at the nanoscale with strong impact on the luminescence and structure-derived applications.

Surface and Interface Science: Physics, chemistry, biology, applications. Call name: Complex Exploratory Research Projects - PCCE-2008 call
PN-II-ID-PCCE-2008-0076 2010 - 2013

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: INSATITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA MATERIALELOR

Project partners: INSATITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA MATERIALELOR (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU INGINERIE ELECTRICA (RO); UNIVERSITATEA DE MEDICINA SI FARMACIE CAROL DAVILA DIN BUCURESTI (RO); UNIVERSITATEA ALEXANDRU IOAN CUZA DIN IASI (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA TEHNICA DIN IASI (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE DIN CLUJ-NAPOCA (RO); UNIVERSITATEA BABES-BOLYAI DIN CLUJ-NAPOCA (RO); ACADEMIA ROMANA FILIALA TIMISOARA (RO); UNIVERSITATEA DE MEDICINA SI FARMACIE VICTOR BABES TIMISOARA (RO)

Affiliation: INSATITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA MATERIALELOR (RO)

Project website: http://www.infim.ro/projects/siinta-suprafetelor-si-interfetelor-fizica-chimie-biologie-aplicatii

Abstract:

This project intends to provide a financial background for developing the community of Surface Science in Romania. Thematics from physics and chemistry of surfaces will be tackled together with applications of surface science in biology and in technology; also new standards will be proposed for consistent data interpretation. The Project clusterizes the most important Romanian teams with preoccupations in surface science, namely all X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy teams with most of the community of thin film deposition, cluster and nanoparticle physics, surface reactivity, surface chemistry and photochemistry, multilayer physics and applications, magnetic fluids, functionalization of surfaces, cell attachment, studies of cellular membrane. The research teams belong to highly prominent Universities and Research Institutes from practically all geographical areas of the country. The Consortium disposes of infrastructure exceeding 10 million euros, of more than one hundreed highly qualified scientists which have generated during the past years more than 3 % of the national scientific visibility. The research will concentrate into four main areas: (i) magnetic properties of surfaces and low-dimensional systems; (ii) electrical properties of surfaces and heterostructures; (iii) surface chemistry; (iv) application of surface science in functionalized systems and in biology, together with (v) an area concentrating on standardization in X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Auger electron spectroscopy and related techniques. Each area is divided into several thematics; each thematic has at least one in-charge scientist. This Project will foster the surface science community in Romania and will contribute strongly to the development of high-technological industrial preoccupation in all geographical areas concerned. Several cutting-edge applications are also foreseen by pursuing the fundamental research proposed.

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