BrainMap

Mr. Codrin Tugui

Dr.

- INSTITUTUL DE CHIMIE MACROMOLECULARA "PETRU PONI"

Researcher | Scientific reviewer

Web of Science ResearcherID: S-5791-2016

Curriculum Vitae (10/01/2024)

Expertise & keywords

Innovative strategies of enhancing energy storage of dielectrics via reinforcement of green polymers with natural fillers for eco-compatible devices Call name: P 1 - SP 1.1 - Proiecte de cercetare pentru stimularea tinerelor echipe independente - TE-2021
PN-III-P1-1.1-TE-2021-0762 2022 - 2024

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL DE CHIMIE MACROMOLECULARA "PETRU PONI"

Project partners: INSTITUTUL DE CHIMIE MACROMOLECULARA "PETRU PONI" (RO)

Affiliation:

Project website: https://icmpp.ro/projects/l8/about.php?id=43

Abstract:

Energy storage evolved to connect intermittent renewable power and globally aimed full time net-zero carbon scenario, forcing this sector to adopt technologies aligned with affordable clean energy via alternative storage solutions. The project brings original contributions in enhancing the energy storage capacity of current the dielectric capacitors by rendering to the new proposed materials not only good balance between dielectric, thermal and mechanical properties, but also an eco-compatible character. The novel strategy relies on development of high dielectric constant (k) composites based on green polymers and natural fillers mixed or not with amounts of other high-k fillers. The efficiency of energy storage of such multiphase polymer systems is controlled by natural fillers nature and processing and through the composition. By study of vaguely reported phenomena (e.g. tricritrical point) that afford increase of k parameter and breakdown strength (Eb), the results expand comprehensive data on research level of high energy-storage materials. Project proposes two original routes to enhance Eb and k that involve concepts of wet film rubbing or lyotropic phase shearing, followed by uni/multidirectional stretching. Dielectric/electrode adhesion is improved via a new procedure that intermingle the aspects of micro-abrasion and plasma discharge. Such eco-compatible dielectrics for storage devices might advance the electrical products towards miniaturization, and integration.

Engineering high-k dielectric materials based on copolyimides for energy-storage devices Call name: P 1 - SP 1.1 - Proiecte de cercetare pentru stimularea tinerelor echipe independente - TE-2021
PN-III-P1-1.1-TE-2021-1110 2022 - 2024

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL DE CHIMIE MACROMOLECULARA "PETRU PONI"

Project partners: INSTITUTUL DE CHIMIE MACROMOLECULARA "PETRU PONI" (RO)

Affiliation:

Project website: https://icmpp.ro/projects/l7/about.php?id=60

Abstract:

High-k-coPI Project aims to deliver solutions to some challenges addressed by Horizon Europe -Cluster 5: Climate, Energy and Mobility by focusing its research activity on advanced materials engineering with target on film capacitors for energy storage devices. Thus, the project may influence the progress of dielectric materials with high permittivity (k). Polymers are more applicable than inorganic ceramics in higher electric fields, being essential in designing and fabricating the next generation of efficient electronics. The main idea of this project is to find the optimum combination of copolyimide (coPI) properties given by the careful choice of various structural aromatic and aliphatic chain architectures. The originality brought by the present project consists in the use of flexible coPI films with high thermal stability, k and energy storage densities as viable and less costly alternative to the inorganic components. To fulfil the project objectives the work will be divided into 3 work packages, ranging from coPI component design and characterization, thorough physico-chemical investigations with emphasis on morphology, crystallinity, mechanical, thermal and electrical properties as well as energy storage density, and optimization of the coPIs synthesis from the structure-property feedbacks. The potential risks and the approaches to mitigate them, deliverables and milestones are also described.

Multi-stimuli responsive silicone composites for switchable dual-function transducers Call name: P 1 - SP 1.1 - Proiecte de cercetare Postdoctorală
PN-III-P1-1.1-PD-2019-0649 2020 - 2022

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL DE CHIMIE MACROMOLECULARA "PETRU PONI"

Project partners: INSTITUTUL DE CHIMIE MACROMOLECULARA "PETRU PONI" (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL DE CHIMIE MACROMOLECULARA "PETRU PONI" (RO)

Project website: https://icmpp.ro/projects/l6/about.php?id=4

Abstract:

Considering the results and experience obtained in the field of dielectric elastomers (DE) as well as from the current state of research in this area of great interest, in the present project it is proposed to extent the applicability of these materials through an original approach. The project aims to develop dielectric elastomers with multiple functionalities, designed to be used as active elements in switchable transducers (actuator/sensor). The originality of the proposed solution consists in combining the excellent properties of silicone elastomers with those of spin crossover complexes (SCO) and exploiting the synergy between them. SCO materials will be physically incorporated into the silicone matrices without the use of solvents. Presently, there are no reported materials based on this combination in the literature, but the preliminary results are very promising and support the approach taken in this project. The SCO materials will have a dual function when incorporated into the silicone matrix: enhancing the dielectric permittivity and turning the composite material into a multi-stimuli responsive one, for temperature, light, pH and magnetic field. These materials could represent the basis of a new generation of transducers, offering technological compatibility for a wide range of applications such as: stretchable sensors, flexible electronics, robotics, energy harvesting, medical devices and environmental monitoring.

Smart composite system with self-controlled configuration developed from shape memory/ amorphous magnetic materials in elastomeric matrices Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2019-4138 2020 - 2022

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA TEHNICA-IFT IASI

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA TEHNICA-IFT IASI (RO); UNIVERSITATEA TEHNICĂ "GHEORGHE ASACHI" IAŞI (RO); INSTITUTUL DE CHIMIE MACROMOLECULARA "PETRU PONI" (RO); R&D CONSULTANTA SI SERVICII S.R.L. (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL DE CHIMIE MACROMOLECULARA "PETRU PONI" (RO)

Project website: http://www.phys-iasi.ro/en/projects/en/smamem

Abstract:

The present project aims to develop a novel smart composite system, constituted of shape memory alloy (SMA)/ amorphous magnetic materials embedded into elastomeric matrices (SMA-AM/ E) with self-controlled configuration and extended functionality, dedicated to the operation, detection and monitoring of fluid volume, temperature and transition parameters, such as recipients with controlled volume, hydraulic pumps, multifunctional pipes for complex fluid transportation or even stents. Thermoelastic SMAs, such as Ni-Ti-Cu(Nb, Ta) that are nonmagnetic and martensitic at room temperature (RT), will be designed and produced by the Company „R & D Consultanță și Servicii” (P3), under the form of cylindrical ingots. The “ Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University of Iasi (P1) will homogenize the ingots that will be cut, hot rolled, heat treated and thermomechanically trained into active elements, which will be attached firstly into 2D flexible modules comprising 3 to 6 elements and finally into 3D systems. The National Institute of Research and Development for Technical Physics Iasi (CO) will produce, process and characterize the amorphous magnetic microwires, melt spun from Co-based ultra-soft magnetic alloys. CO will study the integration of amorphous microwires into the host composite consisting of a SMA skeleton incorporated into flexible elastomers. “Petru Poni” Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry (P2) will synthesize and characterize the elastomeric matrix based on polysiloxanes, which needs to be flexible and temperature-resistant. CO, assisted by P1 and P2 will test the functionality of several variants of experimental smart systems with different number of 2D modules and different initial configurations of the modules comprising 3-6 active elements

Dynamic Dual Mode Materials for Human Thermal Comfort Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2019-1885 2020 - 2022

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL DE CHIMIE MACROMOLECULARA "PETRU PONI"

Project partners: INSTITUTUL DE CHIMIE MACROMOLECULARA "PETRU PONI" (RO); ALL CIO INVEST SRL (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL DE CHIMIE MACROMOLECULARA "PETRU PONI" (RO)

Project website: https://icmpp.ro/projects/l6/about.php?id=32

Abstract:

A large percentage of commercial energy use is directed for heating and cooling in a variety of technologies where an effective management of heat transfer can lead to significant reductions of the amount of energy used and therefore the energy costs involved. Among these technologies, one of the most significant in terms of energy consumption is building operation, which by itself accounts for ~ 40 % of global energy consumption, and their heating and cooling alone requiring ~ 36 % of this amount. This represents an exciting opportunity to dramatically diminish energy use worldwide with the development of novel personal thermoregulatory clothing. The development of an “ideal” personal thermoregulatory clothing which harmoniously brings together the advantages of passive strategies (i.e. low cost, straightforward implementation, and energy efficiency) with the on-demand control capabilities of active strategies has remained elusive to date. This project proposes an integrated nanocomposite material garment with tunable thermal infrared properties to solve this scientific challenge, using inspiration from the static infrared-reflecting design of the space blanket and from the dynamic color-changing ability of squid skin. This material will be able to regulate a heat flux of > 40 W/m2 with a transient mechanical power input for actuation of 3 %.

Soft electromechanical transducers based on 3D printed silicones Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2019-3652 2020 - 2022

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL DE CHIMIE MACROMOLECULARA "PETRU PONI"

Project partners: INSTITUTUL DE CHIMIE MACROMOLECULARA "PETRU PONI" (RO); UNIVERSITATEA TEHNICA DE CONSTRUCTII BUCURESTI (RO); UNDA TECH SRL (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL DE CHIMIE MACROMOLECULARA "PETRU PONI" (RO)

Project website: https://icmpp.ro/projects/l6/results.php?id=5; https://icmpp.ro/ro/proiecte/l6/rezultate.php?id=5

Abstract:

It is proposed to develop an innovative and original 3D printing technology for electromechanical transducers (sensors and actuators) based on silicone dielectric elastomers (DETs) that will eliminate the disadvantages of their traditional processes, generally laborious, time-consuming and limiting regarding geometry complexity, dimensional accuracy, reproducibility. Also, taking into account the current challenges focused on material issues in additive manufacturing, where the use of silicones is just beginning, the proposed technology first involves the formulation and optimization of the dielectric and conductor layers for 3D printing of DETs, the construction of the printer and the development of adaptable software for production of the units with different shapes and complexity degrees.

The proposed solvent-free material is based on customized polysiloxanes in terms of molecular mass and structure, and consists of a mixture of two polysiloxanes side-functionalized, one with vinyl groups and the other with thiol groups. In case of electrode material, carbon black is added. Both mixtures contain organic photoinitiator capable of triggering upon UV irradiation the crosslinking of polysiloxanes by a "click" reaction (thiol-ene addition) with silicone elastomer formation. Taking place at room temperature, in the absence of metal-based catalysts and solvents, the process is a "green" one and the material is known to be biocompatible and environmentally friendly during use and reintegration into the natural cycle. The sensors and actuators will be printed using a dual-head cartesian system with one nozzle for injecting the conductive polymer and another for the dielectric one. Immediate applications are aimed at civil engineering as sensors for monitoring the strain in the structural elements, as dampers for attenuating the seismic movement in buildings, bridges and foundations but also in the field of material testing (determining the Poisson ratio in soil samples).

Eco-innovative technologies for recovering of the platinum group metals from scrap catalytic convertors Call name: P 1 - SP 1.2 - Proiecte complexe realizate in consorții CDI
PN-III-P1-1.2-PCCDI-2017-0185 2018 - 2021

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA BUCURESTI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA BUCURESTI (RO); INSTITUTUL DE CHIMIE "CORIOLAN DRĂGULESCU" (RO); INSTITUTUL DE CHIMIE MACROMOLECULARA "PETRU PONI" (RO); UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO); INSTITUTUL DE BIOLOGIE (RO); INOE 2000 - FILIALA INSTITUTUL DE CERCETARI PENTRU HIDRAULICA SI PNEUMATICA BUCURESTI RA (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL DE CHIMIE MACROMOLECULARA "PETRU PONI" (RO)

Project website: http://www.3nanosae.org/ecotech-gmp/

Abstract:

Autocatalysts are used to convert vehicle exhaust (carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, hydrocarbons, etc.) into less harmful products, such as: carbon dioxide and nitrogen. Platinum group metals (PGMs) are the active component in autocatalysts and consequently the auto industry is the largest PGM consumer. Limited PGM resources demands recycling to support an expanding auto market. Traditional recycling methods are using high temperatures and highly oxidative agents (e.g. aqua regia) making them large energy consumers and environmental pollutants. As a result, there is a need to develop alternative ways to recycle PGMs with a significant decrease in energy consumption and a reduced impact on the environment. ECOTECH-GMP project at hand draws from the knowledge, skills and competences of top leading Romanian research institutions in materials science, physics, chemistry and engineering for creating the know-how to develop the eco-technologies required to recycle PGM with zero emissions. There is currently no such technology available in the world. Four sub-projects are proposed to solve the issue of PGM eco-recycling, encompassing electrochemistry, coordination chemistry, hydrodynamics and bioelectrochemistry. The sub-projects are intertwined and function in synergy to deliver several solutions to the issue at hand. The potential of this project is mesmerizing for any interested company: small initial capital, low energy consumption and high throughput. The benefits for the society at large are thrilling: improved public health because of decreased toxic pollutants (chlorides, nitrates, nitrides, etc.) and creating new jobs owing to the potential of this technology to transform into an industry.

Hydrogen energy revolution driver – fuel cells, on the way from research towards production by mitigation of main technological barriers Call name: P 1 - SP 1.2 - Proiecte complexe realizate in consorții CDI
PN-III-P1-1.2-PCCDI-2017-0194 2018 - 2021

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII CRIOGENICE SI IZOTOPICE - I.C.S.I. RAMNICU VALCEA

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII CRIOGENICE SI IZOTOPICE - I.C.S.I. RAMNICU VALCEA (RO); UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA LASERILOR, PLASMEI SI RADIATIEI - INFLPR RA (RO); INSTITUTUL DE CHIMIE MACROMOLECULARA "PETRU PONI" (RO); INSTITUTUL DE PROGNOZA ECONOMICA (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL DE CHIMIE MACROMOLECULARA "PETRU PONI" (RO)

Project website: http://www.icsi.ro/rofcc/; www.icsi.ro/rofcc-english-version/

Abstract:

Fuel cell is unanimously considered the core of the hydrogen –based energy revolution. It promises to impact environmental and economic issues facing the world every day. Modern lifestyles, high prices for diminishing supplies of fossil fuels, and the environmental impact of energy production have all made alternative power generation technology like fuel cells a necessity. The proposed project is looking to find bridges between several scientific disciplines in order to reduce the main technological barriers which hinder the commercialization of PEM fuel cell at large scale.

Electrochemical energy conversion involves complex developments of materials: due to the close link between electricity flow and corrosion processes, morphological changes, building of resistive layers and exhaustion of catalytically active components, material development for enhanced lifetimes becomes the major challenge in fuel cell basic research and development. At the same time, the topics of low-cost materials and processing have to be additionally tackled in order to achieve acceptable market costs. Advances in the development of new catalysts, new bipolar plates, enhanced solid electrolyte are only few of the foreseen development within the project, based on joining the existing capabilities proved in other topics by the partners. The proposal covers entire range of research from applicative industrial research focused onto optimization materials/processes until experimental development for testing and validation of the production technology including a comprehensive cost analysis on life time.

By connecting the capabilities of several research partners in complementary topics, from physics, chemistry (especially electrochemistry but not only), mechanics, processes automation, etc. the project will bring the fuel cell development technology close to the market and ready to fulfill the requirements of the new hydrogen based chain energy system.

Metal-organic frameworks with hydrophobicity fine-tunned by using silicones chemistry Call name: P 4 - Proiecte de Cercetare Exploratorie
PN-III-P4-ID-PCE-2016-0642 2017 - 2019

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL DE CHIMIE MACROMOLECULARA "PETRU PONI"

Project partners: INSTITUTUL DE CHIMIE MACROMOLECULARA "PETRU PONI" (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL DE CHIMIE MACROMOLECULARA "PETRU PONI" (RO)

Project website: http://www.silmofs.icmpp.ro

Abstract:

The project is devoted to design, synthesis and structural characterization of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) with controlled hydrophobicity required for certain applications such as gas storage, drug delivery systems, self-compatibilizing fillers for special energy composites, supercapacitors, etc. Different from the approaches reported in literature consisting in attaching hydrophobic groups near coordination sites, or post-synthetic grafting of such groups onto linkers, here will be used mainly ligands with siloxane spacers having attached to the silicon atoms one of the highest hydrophobic group, methyl, but also some derivatives inserting more longer (octyl), more rigid (phenyl, diphenyl), more polar (chloropropyl) or more hydrophobe (trifluoropropyl) groups in order to fine tune moisture stability of the resulted MOFs but also their lipophilicity and crystallinity. The high flexibility of the siloxane backbone allows the organic groups to be arranged and presented to their best effect. In addition, metals in high oxidation state will be used. The key steps in achieving the project objectives consist in engineering the spacer by using new approaches in silicones chemistry (i.e., Piers-Rubinsztajn reaction), attaching coordination groups (by thiol-ene addition or nucleophilic substitution), construction of MOF's and their isolation in a form accessible to characterize accurately. Thus original polydentate ligands mainly consisting in polycarboxylic acids and N-donor heterocycles with controlled diorganosiloxane or silane spacers will be obtained and used to built MOFs. The rare examples of assembling using the flexible linker, apart from those published by the authors of this proposal, and limited investigation in the field opens the innovative perspective for new knowledge and unique properties of MOFs.

Mobilitate cercetător Codrin Tugui Call name: P 1 - SP 1.1 - Proiecte de mobilitate pentru cercetatori, 2019
PN-III-P1-1.1-MC-2019-2478 2019 - 2019

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL DE CHIMIE MACROMOLECULARA "PETRU PONI"

Project partners: INSTITUTUL DE CHIMIE MACROMOLECULARA "PETRU PONI" (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL DE CHIMIE MACROMOLECULARA "PETRU PONI" (RO)

Project website:

Abstract:

Silicone-based energy conversion units built up by green chemistry Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2016-0188 2017 - 2018

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL DE CHIMIE MACROMOLECULARA "PETRU PONI"

Project partners: INSTITUTUL DE CHIMIE MACROMOLECULARA "PETRU PONI" (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL DE CHIMIE MACROMOLECULARA "PETRU PONI" (RO)

Project website: http://greenergy.icmpp.ro

Abstract:

The project responds by excellent science (future and emergent technologies) to one of the grand challenges facing EU society, i.e., secure, clean and efficient energy. Dielectric elastomers (DE) have emerged as promising smart energy-transduction materials ofering many advantages over other technologies, having good performance as generator (high strain, energy density, efficiency) and better material properties (low cost, high compliance, durability and environmental tolerance). Four major classes of dielectric elastomers have been established so far in this area: natural rubber, acrylics, polyurethanes and silicones, the latter occupying a special place by their unique properties and versatile chemistry. In this project, starting from the experimental proof-of-concept (TRL3) on the feasibility of energy harvesting devices built from silicone elastomers, the technology will be developed to TRL4. Thus, the project will deliver a laboratory-scale technology able to produce DEs energy harvesting elements adjustable on request, built up from alternating, highly stretchable and compliant dielectric/electrode layers, based on different silicone formulations. An original approach to ensure the best compliance between the dielectric and the electrode will consist in their co-crosslinking. The material characteristics will be optimized by synthesis and mixing with specially designed fillers, while the element geometry and number of layers will be adjusted according to end-user requirements. In doing so, special attention will be given to the choice of materials, working methods and their optimization, keeping in mind the principles of green chemistry. Thus, the synthesis of polymers and fillers, the film forming processes and co-crosslinking methods will be approached as to proceed as clean and cheap as possible, minimizing the use of solvents, avoiding by-products by using addition reactions with emphasis on click chemistry, and using unconventional energy sources.

New mechanisms and concepts for exploiting electroactive Polymers for Wave Energy Conversion Call name:
309139 2012 - 2016

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL DE CHIMIE MACROMOLECULARA "PETRU PONI"

Project partners: INSTITUTUL DE CHIMIE MACROMOLECULARA "PETRU PONI" (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL DE CHIMIE MACROMOLECULARA "PETRU PONI" (RO)

Project website: http://www.polywec.org/

Abstract:

Wave energy has a great potential as renewable source of electricity. Studies have demonstrated that significant percentage of world electricity could be produced by Wave Energy Converters (WECs). However electricity generation from waves still lacks of spreading because the combination of harsh environment and form of energy makes the technical development of cost effective WECs particularly difficult.

PolyWEC introduces a new class of Polymeric WECs (PolyWECs), characterised by the employment of Dielectric Elastomer (DE) transducers.

The goal is to introduce a radical change in the traditional architecture of WECs that usually includes three basic components: mechanical wave absorbers, a mechanical transmission and a power take-off system. Due to their nature, PolyWECs can be conceived in a way that such three components are integrated into a single deformable lightweight and low-cost polymeric element. DEs have been largely investigated in the form of actuators for robotics and ICT applications. Preliminary studies on energy generation through DEs demonstrated their great potential in terms of cost effectiveness, efficiency and reduced complexity. Due to their intrinsic low mass, flexibility and resilience, as well as their capacitive nature and high voltage operation, DE technology perfectly matches the requirements of WECs.

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