BrainMap

Mr. Radu Banica

PhD

Researcher - INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU ELECTROCHIMIE SI MATERIE CONDENSATA - INCEMC TIMISOARA

Researcher | Scientific reviewer

Curriculum Vitae (17/10/2019)

Expertise & keywords

Composites of natural materials and hydroxyapatite for enhanced biomass growth in biofilters Call name: P 1 - SP 1.1 - Proiecte de cercetare pentru stimularea tinerelor echipe independente
PN-III-P1-1.1-TE-2019-2116 2020 - 2022

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU ELECTROCHIMIE SI MATERIE CONDENSATA - INCEMC TIMISOARA

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU ELECTROCHIMIE SI MATERIE CONDENSATA - INCEMC TIMISOARA (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU ELECTROCHIMIE SI MATERIE CONDENSATA - INCEMC TIMISOARA (RO)

Project website: http://bioreactoare-scoici.incemc.ro

Abstract:

Quality drinking water is a desire of the modern world and therefore the purpose of extensive research. Chlorination is the last step in the treatment of drinking water, leading to a disinfected, quality product. The positive effect of disinfection is unfortunately doubled by the formation of reaction by-products (DBPs) that are often carcinogenic and harmful. A solution for reducing the amount of DBP is represented by the decrease in the concentration of dissolved organic carbon, which leads to a lower concentration of chlorinated carcinogenic compounds in drinking water. The use of biofiltration before chlorination is a solution both for reducing the concentration of carcinogenic chlorinated compounds and for adsorption/absorption of pesticides from water and heavy metal ions, depending on the biofilter construction.
A major problem of biofilters is their sensitivity to environmental factors such as water temperature and composition, the slow rate of development of the bacterial biofilm that consumes dissolved organic compounds (COD), and the relatively low flow of purified water.
In this project, with a multidisciplinary team, young and experienced, we propose the synthesis of a new type of substrate for biofilters. It is based on natural materials such as shells that have a large specific surface area, modified with hydroxyapatite to increase the growth rate of the biofilm due to the phosphorus contribution. Due to the special two-dimensional shape of the shells, their superstructure at the microscopic level and the open pores, the constructed biofilters will have a low-pressure drop. Furthermore, the value of the empty bed contact time (EBCT) parameter will be strongly increased compared to the substrates currently used, increasing the efficiency of biofiltration.

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: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU ELECTROCHIMIE SI MATERIE CONDENSATA - INCEMC TIMISOARA (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.

Smart buildings adaptable to the climate change effects Call name: P 1 - SP 1.2 - Proiecte complexe realizate in consorții CDI
PN-III-P1-1.2-PCCDI-2017-0391 2018 - 2021

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA TIMIŞOARA

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA TIMIŞOARA (RO); UNIVERSITATEA TEHNICA DE CONSTRUCTII BUCURESTI (RO); UNIVERSITATEA TEHNICA DIN CLUJ - NAPOCA (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU INGINERIE ELECTRICA ICPE - CA BUCURESTI (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU ELECTROCHIMIE SI MATERIE CONDENSATA - INCEMC TIMISOARA (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU ELECTROCHIMIE SI MATERIE CONDENSATA - INCEMC TIMISOARA (RO)

Project website: https://www.icer.ro/cercetare/proiecte-de-cercetare/cia-clim

Abstract:

In the construction domain, the energy represents the key-point in achieving efficient buildings.
The project proposes the improvement or institutional performances between three universities and two research institutes for the revival of the research activities and transfer of knowledge between partners.
The 4 proposed projects, centred on the efficient energy buildings, are focused on two principal research directions: (i) use of smart facades with low-thermal transfer, actively integrated for the enhancement of internal comfort and possessing a passive control of energy (by using the solar energy) and (ii) smart energy efficiency through building automatization and solar energy collectors. The resulted system, the smart house, is conceived thus to minimize the input energy for maintenance.
The Project 1 has as main objective the determination of mechanical properties of cellular materials used as thermal insulations in smart façade systems, through mechanical compression, bending and toughness fracture testing of such cellular materials.
Project 2 is focused on obtaining, characterizing and testing of high-property materials used for smart facades as thermal insulation materials and as support for special property layers: photo-catalytic layers and with reduced absorption/reflexion of UV-VIS-IR radiation.
The Project 3 has as main objective the theoretical and experimental investigation of the implementation of the electric power distribution in direct current for individual households or in small communities (smart-grid), with renewable energy sources integration.
The scope of the Project 4 is to implement the knowledge and data resulted from projects no. 1-3 through a modular laboratory demonstrative application. The project will perform an integrated study on the influence of the facades and the energetic contribution to the internal comfort of the building by considering different façade systems and respectively by integrating a smart-grid energy system.

Nanostructured carbon materials for advanced industrial applications Call name:
PN-III-P1-1.2-PCCDI-2017-0619 2018 - 2020

Role in this project: Partner team leader

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE- DEZVOLTARE PENTRU MICROTEHNOLOGIE - IMT BUCURESTI INCD

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE- DEZVOLTARE PENTRU MICROTEHNOLOGIE - IMT BUCURESTI INCD ()

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE- DEZVOLTARE PENTRU MICROTEHNOLOGIE - IMT BUCURESTI INCD ()

Project website: https://uefiscdi.gov.ro/resource-87809?&wtok=&wtkps=XY1RDoIwEAXvst+C3ZZKWe5gTDwBaatU0QIF0RjvLjQmRv8mm5l9FW3oGUgQBGegnKkgQDkNQ9cVrRZ13Xi8d5k+BZQJ9iFvC5YYfR6zx6IjgYsZAVfiQ9oEKB0h5ouRExjTXnf7tcgZV1wxqRaRz+33suKIUiAKjF9Qxmr71yCbd35ETjDZuDvTxZuxsanvj+loDy5o49Kb

Abstract:

Celule solare sensibilizate cu coloranti cu eficienta ridicata si costuri scazute pe baza de cupru Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2016-0526 2017 - 2018

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU ELECTROCHIMIE SI MATERIE CONDENSATA - INCEMC TIMISOARA

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU ELECTROCHIMIE SI MATERIE CONDENSATA - INCEMC TIMISOARA (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU ELECTROCHIMIE SI MATERIE CONDENSATA - INCEMC TIMISOARA (RO)

Project website: https://www.incemc.ro/C_71_PED/start.html

Abstract:

In the context of the energy crisis, the project is aimed to design, build, test and implementation of highly efficient and low-cost p-type dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) standalone prototyping based only on copper, as a technically and economically credible alternative concept to present day conventional p–n junction photovoltaic devices. Until recently, much of the research has been focused on n-type DSSCs. Comparatively few studies have examined a p-type DSSCs, even if the study of this cell is important both to understand the factors that control the conversion efficiencies and to aid the rational design of efficient DSSC.
For first time, the HELC DSC project proposes the implementation of new concept for p-type DSSCs, highly efficient and low-cost p-type dye-sensitized solar cells based on copper oxide (Cu2O and CuO) for both electrodes, photocathode (using copper foil as flexible substrate and copper oxide thin film) and counter electrode (copper oxide thin film on FTO).
Based on our experience (experimental and theoretical results) accumulated in p-DSSC domain, the concept proposed by the HELC DSC project was building on the solutions aims to accomplish 2 main characteristics of p-DSSC: (i) low-cost production by using Cu and Cu2O/CuO for photocathode, replacing Pt with copper oxide for counter-electrode, the use of the hydrothermal method for the synthesis of both electrodes, low-cost dye and electrolyte; (ii) highly efficienciences by maximizing the short circuit photocurrent density (JSC>7 mA/cm2), the open-circuit photovoltage (VOC >400mV) and the fill factor (ff >0.4).
The HELC DSC project will provide the highly efficient and low-cost p-type DSSC prototyping as an alternative economic for market implementation and the new solution for development of the tandem DSSCs.

Mobile pilot plant for wastewater treatment using solar energy Call name:
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2013-4-1708, Project no. 50/2014 2014 - 2017

Role in this project: Project coordinator

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU ELECTROCHIMIE SI MATERIE CONDENSATA - INCEMC TIMISOARA

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU ELECTROCHIMIE SI MATERIE CONDENSATA - INCEMC TIMISOARA ()

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU ELECTROCHIMIE SI MATERIE CONDENSATA - INCEMC TIMISOARA ()

Project website: http://old.uefiscdi.ro/userfiles/file/PARTENERIATE/Competitie%202013/Rezultate%20finale/D2%20-%20Energie.pdf

Abstract:

General objective: design and construction of a Modular Mobile Pilot Plant (MMPP) for wastewater treatment using solar energy.
Specific objectives:
1. Improving energy efficiency of wastewater treatment by electrocoagulation (EC) process, with the recovery of hydrogen (H2) produced at the cathode and its valorization (electricity production with H2-air fuel cell).
2. Recovery of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) toxic gas resulting from anaerobic fermentation using solar energy in a closed cycle without producing waste and with obtaining purified biogas, hydrogen (via photocatalysis using solar energy) and marketable chemicals (Na2SO4, Na2SO3). Resulted hydrogen will be used in the fuel cell for electricity generation.
3. Generation of electricity directly from sunlight (photovoltaic).
4. Electricity storage (obtained from H2 in fuel cell and photovoltaics) and its use in EC process.
5. Modular design and construction on a mobile platform of MMPP which will include:
• module for EC treatment with hydrogen recovery;
• module for H2S recovery from gases using solar energy,
• module for H2 production by photocatalysis using sunlight;
• module for H2 (resulted from electrocoagulation and recovered H2S) valorization into electricity (fuel cell)
• module for direct electricity production by solar energy (photovoltaic)
• module for power supply and storage,
• mechanical and electrical connections between modules, automation.
Implementation: Consortium of five institutions (three research organizations, one SME with R&D activities and one NGO).
The project final products will be:
1. MMPP for water purification using EC process with recovery of hydrogen produced in the process and use of sunlight to increase efficiency.
2. Prototype modules for the absorption of H2S from biogas (using modified ChemSweet technology) and of sulfur dioxide (SO2) from gases.
3. Prototype system of capture, concentration and use of sunlight for:
a) hydrogen production by photocatalysis;
b) electrical energy production (photovoltaic);
c) regeneration of spent absorbent, used in the absorption of hydrogen sulphide.
4. Innovative service for determining the optimal parameters of wastewater treatment by EC technique and of H2S absorption from biogas using the MMPP, transportable to the beneficiary site.
Measurable criteria for success:
• Decrease by more than 85% of suspended solids and turbidity in wastewater by using EC process for treatment.
• Extracting H2S from biogas by a modified ChemSweet technology, to a level below 5 ppm, without producing wastes.
• Recovery of more than 90% of the H2 produced at the cathode of EC cell and its oxidation of in a fuel cell with getting a part of electricity needed to run the EC cell.
• Publication of at least three scientific papers in ISI journals with a cumulative impact factor of 4, the submission of at least one patent application and development of at least 2 dissertations that use part of the project research results.
Sustenability of the proposed technology:
- The project promotes clean energy technologies, environmental protection measures and reduction of greenhouse gases emissions.
- The processes proposed to be realized in the project are sustainable (using solar energy, the recovery and use of wastes - H2, H2S, regeneration and recycling of sorbent ZnO).
Expressed interests for application of project results on the market:
1. The company co-financing the project intends to develop this type of facility for the market after IPMM functional model constructed in the project will be effective.
2. There is interest in the SOLWATCLEAN project results from Romanian textile industry potential beneficiaries (3 letters of intent attached to "other documents").

Improved multifunctional crednerite type oxides: from magnetism to catalysis Call name: Projects for Young Research Teams - RUTE -2014 call
PN-II-RU-TE-2014-4-2179 2015 - 2017

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU ELECTROCHIMIE SI MATERIE CONDENSATA - INCEMC TIMISOARA

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU ELECTROCHIMIE SI MATERIE CONDENSATA - INCEMC TIMISOARA (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU ELECTROCHIMIE SI MATERIE CONDENSATA - INCEMC TIMISOARA (RO)

Project website: http://cremm.icmct.ro/

Abstract:

Layered 3d metal ABO2 oxides have recently attracted a lot of interest due to their variety of properties. Continued efforts are made to study such transition metal oxides ABO2 especially for oxygen insertion, essential in many applications, such as energy conversion, oxygen sensing or oxygen storage. Among these multifunctional materials, the crednerite Cu1+xMn1-xO2 solid solution presents rich physics and promising applications. Considering its complexity, the aim of this project is to give more information about the impurity effects (oxygen excess/nonstoichiometry, substitution with nonmagnetic elements) upon the relationship structures/properties in these materials. Our study will be a step forward in understanding the stability of these materials and even a possibility of tuning their properties.

Mobile pilot plant for wastewater treatment using solar energy Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA 2013 - call
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2013-4-1708 2014 - 2017

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU ELECTROCHIMIE SI MATERIE CONDENSATA - INCEMC TIMISOARA

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU ELECTROCHIMIE SI MATERIE CONDENSATA - INCEMC TIMISOARA (RO); UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA TIMIŞOARA (RO); INSTITUTUL DE CHIMIE (RO); BEESPEED AUTOMATIZARI SRL (RO); CLUSTERUL DE ENERGII SUSTENABILE DIN ROMANIA ROSENC/ROMANIAN SUSTAINABLE ENERGY CLUSTER ROSENC - ASOCIATIE (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU ELECTROCHIMIE SI MATERIE CONDENSATA - INCEMC TIMISOARA (RO)

Project website: http://solwatclean.incemc.ro/

Abstract:

Project Title: Mobile pilot plant for wastewater treatment using solar energy - SOLWATCLEAN

General objective: design and construction of a Modular Mobile Pilot Plant (MMPP) for wastewater treatment using solar energy.

Specific objectives:
1. Improving energy efficiency of wastewater treatment by electrocoagulation (EC) process, with the recovery of hydrogen (H2) produced at the cathode and its valorization (electricity production with H2-air fuel cell).
2. H2 production by photocatalysis using solar energy. Resulted H2 will be used in the fuel cell for electricity generation.
3. Generation of electricity directly from sunlight (photovoltaic).
4. Electricity storage (obtained from H2 in fuel cell and photovoltaics) and its use in EC process.
5. Modular design and construction on a mobile platform of MMPP which will include:
• module for EC treatment with hydrogen recovery;
• module for H2 production by photocatalysis using sunlight;
• module for H2 (resulted from electrocoagulation and photocatalysis) valorization into electricity (fuel cell)
• module for direct electricity production by solar energy (photovoltaic)
• module for power supply and storage,
• mechanical and electrical connections between modules, automation.
Implementation: Consortium of five institutions (three research organizations, one SME with R&D activities and one NGO).

The project final products will be:
1. MMPP for water purification using EC process with recovery of hydrogen produced in the process and use of sunlight to increase efficiency.
2. Prototype system of capture and use of sunlight for:
a) hydrogen production by photocatalysis;
b) electrical energy production (photovoltaic);
3. Innovative service for determining the optimal parameters of wastewater treatment by EC technique using the MMPP, transportable to the beneficiary site.

Measurable criteria for success:
• Decrease by more than 85% of suspended solids and turbidity in wastewater by using EC process for treatment.
• Recovery of more than 90% of the H2 produced at the cathode of EC cell and its oxidation of in a fuel cell with getting a part of electricity needed to run the EC cell.
• Publication of at least 2 scientific papers in ISI journals with a cumulative impact factor of minimum 2, the submission of at least one patent application and development of at least one dissertation that use part of the project research results.

Sustenability of the proposed technology:
- The project promotes clean energy technologies, environmental protection measures and reduction of greenhouse gases emissions.
- The processes proposed to be realized in the project are sustainable (using solar energy, the recovery and use of H2 wastes.

Expressed interests for application of project results on the market:
1. The company co-financing the project intends to develop this type of facility for the market after IPMM functional model constructed in the project will be effective.
2. There is interest in the SOLWATCLEAN project results from Romanian textile industry potential beneficiaries (3 letters of intent attached to "other documents").

Development of 3D solar cells based on CuInS2 Call name:
BD- Type 2009 - 2016

Role in this project: Project coordinator

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA TIMIŞOARA

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA TIMIŞOARA ()

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA TIMIŞOARA ()

Project website:

Abstract:

New fabrication concept of silver nanowire/polyaniline transparent, conductive and flexible electrodes for solar cells Call name: Exploratory Research Projects - PCE-2012 call
PN-II-ID-PCE-2012-4-0398 2013 - 2016

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA "POLITEHNICA" DIN TIMISOARA

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA "POLITEHNICA" DIN TIMISOARA (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA "POLITEHNICA" DIN TIMISOARA (RO)

Project website: http://www.chim.upt.ro/ro/cercetare/proiecte-de-cercetare/147-pn-ii-id-pce-2012-4-0398

Abstract:

A great challenge in the actual research of solar-to-electricity conversion is the construction of flexible solar cells. Although indium tin oxide (ITO) deposited on plastic is traditionally used for organic solar cells and light emitting diodes, solutions are searched to replace the ITO layer and to manufacture cheap transparent conducting electrodes. Silver nanowires (AgNW) are a promising candidate to replace ITO due to their high electric conductivity and corrosion resistance, but there is still the issue of increased resistance on wire contacts. The aim of the project is to develop transparent, conductive and flexible electrodes for solar cells based on silver nanowire/polyaniline hybrid materials and to offer a new technical solution to decrease the sheet resistance of the silver nanowires embedded in the polymer matrix.

Manufacturing of solar cells based on semiconductor microjunctions Call name:
POSDRU/159/1.5/S/137070 PROGRAME, Project no. EN/001 2014 - 2015

Role in this project: Project coordinator

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA TIMIŞOARA

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA TIMIŞOARA ()

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA TIMIŞOARA ()

Project website: http://www.upt.ro/Informatii_posdru-159-15-s-137070_655_ro.html

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