BrainMap

Cosmin Romanitan

- INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE- DEZVOLTARE PENTRU MICROTEHNOLOGIE - IMT BUCURESTI INCD

Researcher

Web of Science ResearcherID: not public

Expertise & keywords

Innovative III-N alloys and structures for high EFFICIENcy solar cells on low cost Si platform Call name: P 4 - Proiecte de cercetare exploratorie - PCE-2021
PN-III-P4-PCE-2021-1575 2022 - 2024

Role in this project: Key expert

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)

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

Project website: https://www.imt.ro/efficiensi/

Abstract:

While trying to increase the solar cell efficiency conversion, the photovoltaic (PV) research community seeks also the reduction of the fabrication costs (0.25-0.5 Euro/Wp) by using a low cost, large diameter substrate from a material which is abundantly available on earth, such as silicon. Indeed, a true monolithic integration of the III-V semiconductors structures with silicon is receiving great interest since it will enable simultaneous high efficiency and low cost production. The group III-nitride alloys, such as InGaN, has the unique advantage of one of the widest adjustment of direct bandgaps from 0.65 eV (InN) to 3.42 eV (GaN) range. Compared to Si, GaAs, CuInGaSe, or Ge systems, it is the only semiconductor system that provides the perfect match to the solar spectrum (0.5 to 4 eV), which opens up an interesting opportunity for high-efficiency tandem cells. Thus, lots of efforts have been devoted so far into using InGaN as an absorber in Si-based solar cells. However, despite challenging results, the use of InGaN as a veritable PV material is still at early stages mainly due to the severe deterioration of material quality with In incorporation at high concentrations necessary to acquire the desired low bandgap in a tandem cell. Our approach comes to alleviate this annoying bottleneck in development of InGaN/AlN/Si solar cells by proposing an innovative BGaN material capable to be lattice matched to AlN, yet allowing the desired bandgap shrink.

Strain and bandgap engineered InGaN/BGaN superlattice solar cells Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2021-3525 2022 - 2024

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 FIZICA LASERILOR, PLASMEI SI RADIATIEI - INFLPR RA (RO)

Affiliation:

Project website: https://www.imt.ro/superCell/index.php

Abstract:

Energy conversion efficiencies over 47% have been recently achieved using conventional III–V semiconductor compounds as photovoltaic materials in tandem cells. The revision of InN bandgap to a much narrower value has extended the fundamental bandgap of the group III-nitride alloy system over almost the entire spectral region (from 0.64 eV for InN to 3.4 eV for GaN or 6.2 eV for AlN), raising the possibility of a variety of new applications. The tunable bandgap, predicted high radiation resistance, and strong absorption coefficient of the InxGa1−xN material system are promising for high-efficiency photovoltaic tandem systems. During the past few years, the interest in InxGa1−xN solar cells has been remarkable. The development of high-performance solar cells using InxGa1−xN materials is one of the most important goals when compared with the existing solar cells using Si and other III–V materials. Significant efforts and progress have been made toward this goal, while great opportunities and grand challengies exist. Most of the today’s research and progress in III-nitride have been made on the heterojunction structure, e.g., p-GaN/InGaN/n-GaN structure, where an InGaN as an absorption layer or InGaN/(Al)GaN superlattice (SL) structure is sandwitched by p- and n-GaN layers. However, despite challenging results, the use of InGaN-on-GaN as a veritable photovoltaic material is still at early stages mainly due to the severe deterioration of material quality with high-In incorporation (phase segregation and highly compressive strain) necessary to achive the desired low bandgap cell in multijunction tandem cells. Our approach comes to aleviate this annoying botleneck in development of InGaN/GaN solar cell technology by proposing an innovative InGaN/BGaN superlattice capable to be grown lattice compatible to GaN, yet allowing the desired bandgap shrinking by dual incorporation of In and B. This opens the door for a completely lattice matched InGaN-based tandem on GaN templates

New semiconductor ferroelectric material for digital applications Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2021-3183 2022 - 2024

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)

Affiliation:

Project website: https://www.imt.ro/ferromemolog/index.html

Abstract:

The project proposes to develop a new semiconductor ferroelectric at the wafer scale NiO:N (NiO doped with N) and based on it to develop switchable rectification devices, logic gates and transistors with memories where the logic operation and memory are in the same place. We have obtained the demonstration of the ferroelectricity in atomically-thin NiO doped with N. The advantages of a NiO:N ferroelectric semiconductor films are very important since on a single chip we can combine various functions of semiconductors, such as amplification and digital processing, with those specific of ferroelectrics, such as memory. Therefore, on a single chip, it could be possible to assemble all electronic functions for in-memory computing, going thus beyond the von Neumann computing architecture used today, in which the memory and the digital processing unit (ALU) are separated and the computer consumes the largest part of its electric power to transfer data between these two units.

The main outcome of this project will be the foundation of a technological platform for the ferroelectric field-effect-transistor memory devices, logic gates with memories, and for memory diodes devices with logic gates.

First demonstrator (designed to be realized from TRL 2 up to TRL 4) is a CMOS compatible device in which several layers are used forming an MFM (metal–ferroelectric–metal) diode in which, it is used, in frist time, as a ferroelectric material, a NiO:N film, then with HfO2:Zr. The Ferroelectric films layer will have thicknesses between a few nanometers and 30 nm.

Second demonstrator (designed to be realized from TRL 2 up to TRL 4) is a ferroelectric FET (Fe-FET) having as channel a graphene monolayer transferred at the wafer scale.

Both demonstrators are advanced devices at the wafer scale in the area of neuromorphic computation since the logic and memory operations are taking in the same place as in the case of neurons.

Nanocarbon-based resistive sensors for IoT applications – from material synthesis to versatile readout circuitry Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2021-4158 2022 - 2024

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); UNIVERSITATEA NAŢIONALĂ DE ŞTIINŢĂ ŞI TEHNOLOGIE POLITEHNICA BUCUREŞTI (RO)

Affiliation:

Project website: https://www.imt.ro/caress

Abstract:

CARESS - is a multidisciplinary research project which aims to realize a versatile, low-cost sensing system employing resistive sensors The execution of the activities will bring together the expertise of researchers in the field of materials science, chemistry, physics, and microelectronics technology (IMT Bucharest) and the experts in the field of electronic devices and circuits, electrical measurements (Polytechnica University of Bucharest). The team comprise experienced researchers, post-doctoral researchers, as well as 2 PhD students. We aim to demonstrate how resistive sensors (with a well-established position on the sensor’s market) can be integrated into various applications (wearables, environmental monitoring) through a versatile, low-cost readout circuit, ready for integration in IoT applications. Its main objectives are a) realization of novel sensing materials, based on fluorinated nanocarbon materials (subject of two Romanian patent applications) and b) the design, realization and testing of a versatile readout circuit, ready for various applications (incl. IoT architectures). The process of obtaining fluorinated nanocarbon materials will be carried out in a RF plasma environment, following a well prepared “design of experiments” plan; these will be thoroughly characterized. Specific designs for the interdigitated transducers, including Wheatstone bridges, will be developed and realized on flexible substrates. The envisaged improved electronic architecture concept, based on the Wheatstone half-bridge monolithic sensing element is meant to sequentially acquire signal from multiple types of resistive sensor-structures. A microcontroller included in the electronic circuit architecture, will control the biasing of the bridge and the overall power consumption of the system. The integrated system – bridges, resistive sensor, readout circuit- will be thoroughly characterized and tested, employing dedicated instruments, available at the partners.

Wearable BIOsensor based on ISOthermal nucleic acid amplification for PAThogen detection from skin wounds Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2021-0580 2022 - 2024

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); SPITALUL UNIVERSITAR DE URGENTA BUCURESTI (RO)

Affiliation:

Project website: https://www.imt.ro/BioIsoPat

Abstract:

Point-of-care (POC) biosensors enable the on-site detection of various analytes from a single specimen in resource-constrained settings, in a timely manner, allowing immediate clinical management decisions. Of utter importance is to detect pathogens related to severe infections, such as those generated from skin wounds. In this respect, various DNA amplification strategies were implemented on solid supports for the genomic identification of the infectious agents.

Owing to the flexible platform technologies which are thin, light, flexible and inexpensive, skin based wearables have been developed for monitoring heart rate, body temperature, pH etc. Despite the aforementioned advances in wearable POC devices, the development of wearable devices for nucleic acids detection is just at the beggining.

In Bio-Iso-Pat, the teams from Laboratory of Nanobiotechnology (LN-IMT) from the Institute of Microtechnologies Bucharest (IMT) and Molecular Pathology Laboratory from Emergency University Hospital Bucharest (Spitalul Universitar de Urgenta Bucuresti – SUUB) aim to develop an eco-friendly, flexible, patch-like biosensor coupled with a microfluidic system for the isothermal amplification of gene fragments specific to various pathogens found in skin lesions. Briefly, the wearable sensor will be made of a flexible, eco- and skin-friendly support onto which specific primers will be attached. The flexible support will be sealed with a PDMS microfluidic structure for creating the reaction chambers necessary for the isothermal amplification. DNA extraction-free solutions for nucleic acid amplification will be explored. The primers existing in solution will be fluorescently labelled and the detection will be carried using laser beams at corresponding wavelengths.

The biosensor will be tested under laboratory conditions, placing this project at TRL4 level.

Enhanced SOLar-blind photodetectors ARrays based on SiC for harsh environment applications Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2021-2688 2022 - 2024

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)

Affiliation:

Project website: https://www.imt.ro/SOLARSiC/index.php

Abstract:

The fundamental goal of the SOLARSiC project is to propose innovative solutions regarding both the experimental design and active materials with superior properties in order to fabricate Schottky diodes (SDs) and interdigitated electrodes (IDEs) based solar-blind photodetectors (SB PDs) with high sensitivity and reliability in UV domain. In this regard, the project will develop, on the one hand, new processes for obtaining innovative devices on SiC, and, on the other hand, it will propose a novel, cost-effective technology, for fabrication SiC-SB PDs, which enables future integration in electronic circuits and generates the possibility to have a smart system for entire range of UV wavelengths. Both vertical type structures SiC-SD, with low density of electrical defects and a semitransparent electrode gate, and lateral type structures SiC-IDEs with good amplification of the photocurrent at wavelengths from UV to deep UV range will be designed and fabricated. Moreover, nano Schottky contacts based on metallic nanoparticles/nanowires will be employed in order to enhance further the efficiency. The standard analyses to certify their quality (morpho-structural, compositional, etc.) will be correlated with the electrical measurements’ results to understand, for example, which is the role of the defects arising at the metal/SiC interface on the UV photodetection performances. These investigations will allow us to optimize and to validate finally at laboratory scale (TRL 4) the best technological flow for a new SiC based SB UV PD with improved technical performances.

Nano-crystalline graphite disposable electrodes for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons sensing Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2021-0768 2022 - 2024

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); UNIVERSITATEA NAŢIONALĂ DE ŞTIINŢĂ ŞI TEHNOLOGIE POLITEHNICA BUCUREŞTI (RO)

Affiliation:

Project website: https://www.imt.ro/NCGHySe/

Abstract:

This project has the objective to develop electrochemical sensors for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), based on nano-crystalline graphite (NCG) films deposited via plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) on different insulating substrates. The design of these electrochemical sensors includes the growth of the NCG material in a 3D nanoarchitecture as graphite nanowalls (GNW) onto the substrates of choice, increasing the active surface area in order to enhance the sensitivity towards PAHs. Carbon-based electrodes have already been employed in applications as electrochemical sensors as they allow wider working potential windows and lower noise, compared to those of metal electrodes (e.g., Au, Pt). Using PECVD as the preparation method of the NCG films, we aim to obtain 3D doped nano-crystalline graphite films with excellent electrochemical performance for the detection of PAHs.

Towards portable nanoplastic detection’system by harnessing the plasmonic hot spots potential using advanced optical platforms’’ Call name: P 1 - SP 1.1 - Proiecte de cercetare pentru stimularea tinerelor echipe independente - TE-2021
PN-III-P1-1.1-TE-2021-1357 2022 - 2024

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)

Affiliation:

Project website: https://www.imt.ro/ToPortNano/results.php

Abstract:

The ToPortNano project aim to develop 3D multilayered hybrid architectures on silicon substrates, enabling ‘on site’ detection of nanoscale plastic particles. The resulted micro/nanotechnologies will allow the progress towards a handheld portable tool regularly used for food safety, health and environmental assesment. In this playground the project will contribute with: (i) implementation of cutting-edge numerical methods, such as the inverse design algorithm to obtain the optimized 3D architectures for Raman and IR providing the highest signal enhancement (there are only few reports concerning the use of genetic algorithms for optimization of SERS substrates, whereas no studies regarding SEIRS substrates); (ii) novel hybrid concept and eco-friendly fabrication solutions through nano-systems engineering for the optical sensing platform, to foster a synergetic effect of SERS/SEIRS enhancement. Besides putting together different types of low dimensional materials, to form nano-assemblies unexplored up to now, considering the huge role played in the ‘hot spot’ formation, a systematic study will be realized to carefully adjust their geometries, as well as the interfaces.

The previous list of original elements represents a step forward towards the development of cost-effective, eco-friendly, scalable and efficient 3D SERS and SEIRS platforms for on-site detection of nanoplastics, thus achieving an important advance for the project domain.

Engineering low dimensional heterostructures for boosting the performances of on-chip 3D energy storage / power delivery device Call name: P 4 - Proiecte de Cercetare Exploratorie, 2020
PN-III-P4-ID-PCE-2020-1712 2021 - 2023

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)

Affiliation:

Project website: https://www.imt.ro/EgiDe/index.html

Abstract:

The concentrated efforts from the last decades on energy storage devices conveyed to a library of nanomaterials with different shapes, bulk and/or surface chemical composition, where their deposition/growth methods as well as the selection of the assemblage in nanocomposites sustain equally the device performance improvements. In this playground EgiDe project will contribute with:

- novel hybrid concept employed for the electrode materials where, through nano-systems engineering to achieve a synergetic effect of storage processes (i.e. capacitive, pseudocapacitive and battery-like) and to boost the electrochemical performances per footprint area > fabrication solutions for “all-in-one” integrated electrode going binary hybrids to ternary hybrid structures.

- new architectural design and technological solutions on SOI substrate and a systematic study to match properly the components.

- implementation of cutting-edge investigation methods to evaluate the generally neglected parasitic reactions with the electrolyte, especially during the first cycle, such as: in operando XRD/SAXS, ex-situ FTIR, advanced impedance spectroscopy (EIS) methods, i.e. 3D EIS and localized EIS.

Additive Manufacturing of Magnesiumbased Biodegradable Implants with Controlled Corrosion Rate and Infection Call name: P 3 - SP 3.2 - Proiecte ERA.NET
ERANET-MANUNET-AMMBI 2020 - 2022

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE- DEZVOLTARE PENTRU MICROTEHNOLOGIE - IMT BUCURESTI INCD (RO); ZIRCON DENT SRL (RO); Universidad Pública de Navarra (ES); Vacío y termoquímica de Navarra (ES)

Affiliation:

Project website: http://www.mdef.pub.ro/research/AMMBI/index.html

Abstract:

The project objective is to obtain advanced orthopaedic and maxillofacial biodegradable implants with high biological and mechanical compatibility, from a new Mg alloy, using 3D Printing Near Net Shape technology. For medical performance, the new implants will have controlled degradation rate, osteoconductive and antibacterial functionalized surface. The project consortium gathers multidisciplinary scientific teams from Romania and Navarre (R&TD units and SMEs). The main scientific activities are: design the new biodegradable Mg alloy composition; design of Mechanical Alloying technology to obtain Mg powder alloy; design and development of the 3D Printing/Additive Manufacturing (AM) technology to obtain the new Mgbased implants by Selective Laser Melting technique; design and experimental development of the surface multibiofunctionalization of the new AM / Mgbased implants, selected from 3 parallel investigated methods: SolGel, Electrospinning, and a combination of Physical Methods (Thermal Oxidation, HVOF and PVD), each with customized composition. The project plan provides the integration of the developed technologies in a fabrication chain for obtaining a demonstrator product.

Laboratory validation of white electroluminescent carbon dot- based light emitting diodes Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2019-0841 2020 - 2022

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); UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI (RO); UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO)

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

Project website: https://www.imt.ro/shine/

Abstract:

The proposal aims to demonstrate and validate in laboratory the feasibility of efficient and stable carbon dot - based white light-emitting diodes (CD-WLED). The overall goal of the proposed work is to bring our theoretical and experimental advancements in the use of carbon quantum dots (CDs) with crystalline core and surface functional ligands as electro-active layer in LED devices (starting from TRL-2), to the device-level confirmation of this novel technology (conclude at TRL-4). It is envisaged to (i) validate our analytical and experimental predictions regarding the role played by grafting the CD backbone with passivating conjugated oligomer ligands in attaining superior luminescence, as well as control and stability of emitted color, and (ii) to design and develop the suitable technological steps for the assembly at the laboratory level of CD-WLED device, as well as of the associated testing and characterization system; the aim here is to achieve both a clear-cut fabrication flux, and a relevant test-bed, that will allow facile fine-tuning of the critical material, of device design and of the wet/dry structuring processes against the measured external quantum efficiency and lifetime stability of the final model device. Conclusion of the TRL-4 level will consist of raising these latter device parameters to their significant levels of technological maturity and practical usability.

Innovative probe system for electrophysiological guidance in functional neurosurgery Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2019-3775 2020 - 2022

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); TERMOBIT PROD SRL (RO); UNIVERSITATEA DE MEDICINA SI FARMACIE "CAROL DAVILA" (RO)

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

Project website: https://www.imt.ro/brain-guide

Abstract:

The overall goal of the joint BRAIN-GUIDE project is to demonstrate and validate in laboratory - starting from TRL-2 level - a new generation of brain electrode probes that significantly enhance the functional capabilities of the probes that are currently used intraoperatively in the acute stage of the functional neurosurgery (DBS) protocol for accurate determination of the anatomical target. The acute probe system to be developed is designed to allow intraoperative wireless electrophysiological guidance through recording of bioelectrical activity from deep brain structures and selective electrical stimulation using a set of segmented macroelectrodes realized from conductive carbon.

In the context of the slow innovation pace related to the electrophysiological guidance probes our new “segmented carbon + wireless headstage” design brings several advantageous features for the DBS surgical procedure, enabling multichannel recording of high-quality local field potentials and more efficient and directionally selective stimulation, while avoiding the need for connection cables that clutter the surgical theatre, pick up motion artifacts and attenuate the signal. The proposed solution is cost-effective and relies on a pre-submitted patent application authored by members of two project partners (CO and P1).

The project leverages both the ideal complementary expertise and starting grounds, available in the consortium. Project coordination and electrode probe realization is ensured by the IMT Bucharest team (CO) specialized in R&D for functional materials and micro-nano technologies. The wireless headstage system will be developed by the Termobit Prod SRL team (P1), that has a proved expertise in electrophysiology and development of electrophysiological equipment. The project will benefit from the rich, specific, expertise of the UMF-CD team (P2) for optimal starting specifications and in-vivo evaluation of the planned prototype.

HIGH TEMPERATURE PTAT SENSOR, BASED ON SILICON CARBIDE DEVICES FOR MONITORING AND SECURITY IN HOSTILE INDUSTRIAL ENVIRONMENTS Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2019-4339 2020 - 2022

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE- DEZVOLTARE PENTRU MICROTEHNOLOGIE - IMT BUCURESTI INCD (RO); CEPROCIM S.A. (RO); HEIDELBERGCEMENT ROMÂNIA S.A. (RO)

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

Project website: https://www.dcae.pub.ro/ro/proiecte/15/sic-hits/

Abstract:

The scope of SiC-HITs is the development of an experimental model (product) for a high temperature proportional-to-absolute-temperature (PTAT) sensor with silicon carbide (SiC) devices (Schottky diodes) as sensing elements, to be used in hostile environment critical industrial applications (the cement industry).

The Consortium involved in the project (comprising one university, a national research institute, a private research institute and a major corporation) has a wide expertise in researching, developing and testing silicon carbide devices for high temperature industrial applications, as well as a long and fruitful collaboration history.

Having a strong interdisciplinary nature, SiC-HITs targets the design, fabrication, testing and validation of an industrial temperature sensor, which comprises, alongside SiC-based sensing elements, a dedicated Bias and Readout (B&R) circuits. The sensor should be able to operate up to 400°C, in various points of a cement production line (different detection ranges) and offer full electrical (4mA – 20mA current mode industrial output) and mechanical compatibility with existing industrial monitoring equipment. Key projected performances include high reliability (exceeding current solutions by at least 50%) and accuracy (sensing resolution better than 0.2°C), in order to ensure personnel and industrial equipment security.

The following novel results are expected:

- SiC Schottky diode structure fabrication technology that facilitates differential measurement.

- Robust packaging technique for devices working at high temperatures (up to 400°C).

- Yield improvement method by identifying optimum classification of SiC Schottky diodes in respect to temperature range and bias levels.

- (B&R) circuits for the sensing element ensemble, fully compatible with existing factory installations.

- Laboratory validation and preliminary industrial testing of the experimental model comprising SiC-Schottky diode sensing elements and B&R circuitry.

Multi-celled electrochemical STOrage DEvices Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2019-4146 2020 - 2022

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); UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO)

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

Project website: https://www.imt.ro/mstode/

Abstract:

The project is aiming at the development of electrochemical storage devices, namely multi-celled supercapacitors (SCs), made of double porosified silicon (Si) 4 inch wafers conformally coated with graphene, enabling simultaneous energy management (i.e. storage and delivery) through integration of batteries and SCs to deliver a hybrid energy storage unit. The developed supercapacitor will be able to tackle energy density > 20 Wh·kg-1, and will push the available window potential towards 3.2 V combined with an enhanced life cycle ascribed to reduced formation of solid electrolyte interfaces (SEI) due to the graphene conformal coating.

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 MICROTEHNOLOGIE - IMT BUCURESTI INCD (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.

New methods of pregnancy monitoring and prenatal diagnosis Call name: P 1 - SP 1.2 - Proiecte complexe realizate in consorții CDI
PN-III-P1-1.2-PCCDI-2017-0820 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); UNIVERSITATEA DE MEDICINA SI FARMACIE "CAROL DAVILA" (RO); INSTITUTUL CLINIC FUNDENI (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL PENTRU SANATATEA MAMEI SI COPILULUI "ALESSANDRESCU-RUSESCU" BUCURESTI (RO); UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO)

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

Project website: https://www.imt.ro/mimosa/

Abstract:

The Complex Project „ New methods of pregnancy monitoring and prenatal diagnosis” proposes to define and develop new biomedical devices for pregnant women and foetus monitoring, with the purpose to avoid life-threating complications for both the mother and the child.

It will be developed through four Component Projects:

1. Prenatal non-invasive screening, using cell free fetal DNA, extracted from the mother’s blood. It will develop a chip for the non-invasive detection of the SRY gene, together with a working protocol for a new type of non-invasive analysis for the early prenatal diagnosis.

2. Non-invasive microsensors for continuous glucose monitoring during pregnancy – proposes the technology development for a non-invasive glucose sensor to measure the glucose level in saliva. The project will support the continuous monitoring of pregnant women, avoiding dangers effects coming from the invasive methods (inflammations, infections).

3. Evaluation of premature birth risks due to the HPV-EVA-RINA infection. The project will develop clinical studies related to the HPC infection involvement in triggering premature birth, using genotyping microarray-type structures;

4. Wireless multi-sensor system for foetal activity and uterine contractions monitoring and classification during pregnancy – aims to develop an intelligent system, containing a wireless network of wearable sensors and a main unit for signal processing and analysis.

The complex project description includes the novelty elements, detailed activities description, the working procedures within the consortium, expected results and deliverables. The deliverables has an average TRL 5, which means all four component projects will have a high technological level and the result’s maturity will reach at least successful laboratory testing.

Sensors and Integrated Electronic and Photonic Systems for people and Infrastructures Security Call name: P 1 - SP 1.2 - Proiecte complexe realizate in consorții CDI
PN-III-P1-1.2-PCCDI-2017-0419 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); UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO); INSTITUTUL DE CHIMIE FIZICA - ILIE MURGULESCU (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA LASERILOR, PLASMEI SI RADIATIEI - INFLPR RA (RO); UNIVERSITATEA PITESTI (RO); Ministerul Apararii Nationale prin Centrul de Cercetare Stiintifica pentru Aparare CBRN si Ecologie (RO)

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

Project website: http://www.sensis-ict.ro

Abstract:

The Complex Project “Sensors and Integrated Electronic and Photonic Systems for people and Infrastructures Security” aims to develop new sensors, new integrated electronic and photonic systems for detection of explosives used in terrorist attacks or accidentally released in military bases or industrial sites.

The Complex Project is developed through four distinct projects, called “components” which are converging to the Project goals by detection of explosive substances and increasing the security of people and infrastructures, as follows:

1) Design and development of a portable microsystem, based on TF BAR sensors arrays, for multiple detection of explosives (TATP, HMTD, TNT, RDX, NG, EGDN) used in terrorist attacks; 2) SiC-based hydrocarbons sensors for measuring the hydrogen and hydrocarbons in hostile industrial environments; 3) Infrared sensors for dangerous gases detection, such as explosive gases (methane) or pollutants (carbon dioxide / monoxide); 4) Design and development of a piezoelectric energy micro-harvester, able to generate electric power in the 100µW range, used for powering up sensors and portable microsystems used in explosive gases and substances detection.

The complex project description includes the novelty elements, detailed activities description, the working procedures within the consortium, expected results and deliverables. The deliverables has an average TRL 5, which means all four component projects will have a high technological level and the result’s maturity will reach at least successful laboratory testing.

The project will deliver the sensors and integrated systems along with the energy micro-harvester as physical objects and technologies, functional and laboratory- and real conditions tested, scientific papers and patents. The project’s high impact on the participants and also the social impact are detailed.

Technologic paradigms in synthesis and characterization of variable dimensionality systems Call name: P 1 - SP 1.2 - Proiecte complexe realizate in consorții CDI
PN-III-P1-1.2-PCCDI-2017-0152 2018 - 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); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII CRIOGENICE SI IZOTOPICE - I.C.S.I. RAMNICU VALCEA (RO); UNIVERSITATEA DE VEST TIMISOARA (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE- DEZVOLTARE PENTRU MICROTEHNOLOGIE - IMT BUCURESTI INCD (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA TEHNICA-IFT IASI (RO)

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

Project website: http://infim.ro/project/vardimtech/, http://infim.ro/project/vardimtech-en

Abstract:

Last decades brought a considerable development of technologies based on ordered systems. Starting with semiconductor physics and photovoltaics, technologies soon evolved towards the utilisation on large scale of thin films and of surface / interface properties. Example go nowadays from data storage and readout (electrostatic or magnetic memories, giant magnetoresistance) to catalysis, gas sensors or photocatalysis (surface phenomena), and towards interfaces with biological matter (biosensors, templates for tissue reconstruction, interfaces between biological electrical signals and microelectronics). In Romania, crystal growth is performed since half a century; nevertheless, during the last years these activities fade out and need to be seriously reinforced, especially with the advent of new laser and detector technologies required by the Extreme Light Infrastructure facilities. Also, surface science started to be developped seriously only during the last decade, together with techniques involving self-organized nanoparticles, nanoparticle production etc. The main goal of this Project is to gather the relevant experience from the five partners, namely the experience in crystal growth from the University of Timișoara, with the surface science, nanoparticle and nanowire technologies developped by NI of Materials Physics, the cryogenic and ultrahigh vacuum techniques provided by the NI for Cryogenic and Isotopic Technologie, and the experience in ordered 2D systems (graphene and the like) owned by the NI for Microtechnologies (IMT). This common agenda will result in a coherent fostering of technologies relying on ordered systems of variable dimensionalities: 0D i.e. clusters or nanoparticles, including quantum dots; 1D i.e. free and supported nanowires and nanofibers; 2D: surfaces, interfaces and graphene-like systems; and 3D crystals of actual technological interest, together with setting up new ultrahigh vacuum, surface science and electron spectroscopy techniques.

Challenges and issues in engineering nano-systems based on graphene-like materials for supercapacitors - EnGraMS Call name: P 4 - Proiecte de Cercetare Exploratorie
PN-III-P4-ID-PCE-2016-0618 2017 - 2019

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)

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

Project website: http://www.imt.ro/engrams/

Abstract:

The EnGraMS project aims the design and fabrication of novel engineering nano-systems based on graphene-like materials, including reduced graphene oxide (rGO), graphene quantum dots (GQDs), and transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), using micro-nanotechnologies for miniaturized supercapacitors development, with potential applications in several priority domains, like portable electronics or implantable medical devices industry. The charge storage mechanism in supercapacitor electrodes based on these nanomaterials is still unclear, either when they are alone or even more when they are interacting with one other. Moreover, a systematic study to give the driving principles for optimizing electrode architectures is not yet realized, especially for hybrid systems based on different graphene-like materials, where both pseudocapacitance and electrical double layer capacitance are interplaying. Therefore, understanding the relationship between the electrode structure and supercapacitive performances remains a major challenge and, at the same time, a promising strategy for the next improvements.

The specific objectives result from the proposed research plan and include:

O1. Development of new types of novel engineered hybrid nano-systems based on graphene-like materials with improved supercapacitive properties; exploring of their interface phenomena and corresponding charge transfer mechanisms.

O2. Development of new chemical methods for appropriate surface functionalization, and nanotechnologies for reliable utilization of different types of graphene-like nanomaterials.

O3. Design and fabrication of 3D architectures as current collector/electrode/electrolyte assembly;

O4. Investigation of how the architecture of the device modifies the charge storage mechanisms; select the suitable assembly to realize a new system, with improved technical performances.

Novel BInGaN semiconductor compounds for high efficiency solar cells Call name: P 4 - Proiecte de Cercetare Exploratorie
PN-III-P4-ID-PCE-2016-0742 2017 - 2019

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)

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

Project website: http://www.imt.ro/BN-Cell

Abstract:

Energy conversion efficiencies over 45% have been recently achieved using conventional III–V semiconductor compounds as photovoltaic materials in tandem cells. The revision of InN bandgap to a much narrower value has extended the fundamental bandgap of the group III-nitride alloy system over almost the entire spectral region (from 0.64 eV for InN to 3.4 eV for GaN or 6.2 eV for AlN), raising the possibility of a variety of new applications. The tunable bandgap, predicted high radiation resistance, and strong absorption coefficient of the InxGa1−xN material system are promising for high-efficiency photovoltaic tandem systems. During the past few years, the interest in InxGa1−xN solar cells has been remarkable. The development of high-performance solar cells using InxGa1−xN materials is one of the most important goals when compared with the existing solar cells using Si and other III–V materials. Significant efforts and progress have been made toward this goal, while great opportunities and grand challengies exist. Most of the today’s research and progress in III-nitride have been made on the heterojunction structure, e.g., p-GaN/InGaN/n-GaN structure, where an InGaN as an absorption layer or multiquantum-well (MQW)/superlattice (SL) structure is sandwitched by p- and n-GaN layers. However, despite challenging results, the use of InGaN-on-GaN as a veritable photovoltaic material is still at early stages mainly due to the severe deterioration of material quality with high-In incorporation (phase segregation and highly compressive strain) necessary to achive the desired low bandgap cell in multijunction tandem cells. Our approach comes to aleviate this annoying botleneck in development of InGaN/GaN solar cell technology by proposing an innovative BInGaN material capable to be grown lattice matched to GaN, yet allowing the desired bandgap shrinking by dual incorporation of B and In. This opens the door for a completely lattice matched InGaN-based tandem on GaN templates.

Dye-sensitized solar cells by molecular engineering of phenoxazine- or phenothiazine-based sensitizers Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2016-0510 2017 - 2018

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL DE CHIMIE MACROMOLECULARA "PETRU PONI"

Project partners: INSTITUTUL DE CHIMIE MACROMOLECULARA "PETRU PONI" (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE- DEZVOLTARE PENTRU MICROTEHNOLOGIE - IMT BUCURESTI INCD (RO)

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

Project website: http://www.icmpp.ro/projects.php (proiecte PNCDI III)

Abstract:

EngDSSC project fully addresses the main objective - Secure, Clean and Efficient Energy of ENERGY Theme in Horizon 2020. In this multidisciplinary, joint project, related to the very hot topic of solar energy conversion, two partners will work on dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) technology, the leading photovoltaic technology among the 3rd solar cells generation. The aim of this project is to obtain a competitive DSSC prototype by molecular engineering of new sensitizers. To this goal, the DSSC configuration will be engineered using our strong know-how in chemistry and physics. To achieve a high efficiency DSSC, new molecularly engineered dyes, cell design and technological approaches will be developed. The overall work plan comprises activities ranging from the material design (TRL2) to the DSSCs prototype validation (TRL4). The new dyes combine structural features such as: a phenothiazine- or phenoxazine-substituted triarylamine as donor moiety, a π-linker and a cyanoacrylic acid as anchor and electron acceptor. Two approaches will be used: a donor in a cone-shaped configuration with strong push strength and two or three anchoring groups on TiO2 surface. The specific targets are the optimization of the push-pull dyes by our synthetic methods, their structural, photo-optical and electrochemical characterization, HOMO/LUMO levels and energy bandgap evaluation, so as to get the best sensitizers for DSSC manufacturing. Validation of the energetic compatibility between the cell’s elements, proof of the charge transfer, finding the best solution for TiO2 functionalization are the key activities whereupon the technology for DSSCs prototype fabrication will be developed. The recombination mechanisms, quantum efficiency and cell efficiency will be evaluated. As last activity, cell optimization by hole transport modulation and tuning of both the functionalization solution and electrolyte composition. The goal is to go beyond 5% efficiency, a key objective of the project.

Dye Sensitized Solar Cells With Integrated 3D GraphEne sTructures Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2016-1159 2017 - 2018

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU INGINERIE ELECTRICA ICPE - CA BUCURESTI

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU INGINERIE ELECTRICA ICPE - CA BUCURESTI (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE- DEZVOLTARE PENTRU MICROTEHNOLOGIE - IMT BUCURESTI INCD (RO)

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

Project website: http://www.icpe-ca.ro/proiecte/proiecte-nationale/pn-2016-2020/widget/widget.htm

Abstract:

The large concern of global energy challenges has greatly increased the interest and investments in renewable and clean energy that can replace fossil fuel. Among all known systems to generate energy, solar power is the most promising one. Hence, no one doubts the important role that photovoltaics (PV) are going to play in the energy of the future. The main drawbacks of the current PV technologies are their high production cost and rigid structure in the case of traditional silicon and inorganic semiconductors, or their reduced efficiency and durability in the case of organic and DSSC photovoltaics. One of the bottlenecks of increasing the conversion efficiency in DSSC is the transport of photogenerated electrons. The general approach to surpass these limitations is employing one of the following strategies: doping, growing vertically oriented porous structures on top of the conducting substrate, interconnecting TiO2 nanoparticles with charge carriers to direct the photogenerated current or find alternative materials with higher electronic mobility. Due to the richness of its optical and electronic properties, 3D graphene is the material of choice for our proposed studies. The ability to develop free-standing 3D graphene structures with large specific surface area will enable the successful realization of fast transport channels of charge carriers, thus leading to high electrical conductivity. Moreover, by combining their good electrical conductivity with their porous structure, the 3D graphene structures will increase the photocurrent density of DSSC by enhancing light absorption (sensitizer loading), enabling efficient charge separation and light scattering. In this context, the general objective of the project is: to evaluate the functionality of the 3D graphene structures in optoelectronic devices, specifically in photovoltaic cells (DSSC).

Microscale hybrid energy storage devices for integrated portable electronics - MiStorE Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2016-0974 2017 - 2018

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)

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

Project website: http://www.imt.ro/mistore/rezultate.php

Abstract:

Development of clean and renewable energy systems, either for conversion or storage of energy devices, represents a legitimate technological trend, in accordance with the needs of the energy foreground program. In this regard, the electrochemical energy production/storage devices represent a valuable alternative and include batteries, fuel cells and electrochemical capacitors. In this very context, the present project proposes a novel research approach for miniaturized supercapacitors. Thus, the MiStorE project realizes a connection of researches from micro/nanotechnologies and advanced materials areas to the integrated portable electronics requirements aiming the development of a novel energy storage device as a hybrid nanosystems assembly.

We previously explored the transport properties of GQDs, and the conductivity of the carbon based screen-printed electrodes modified with MoS2 nano-flakes and GQDs, and we revealed the GQD charge storage capacity and the improvement of the electrochemical response, which place us at the TRL 2 value at this moment. To the best of our knowledge, there is no literature on the the supercapacitive properties of the GQDs-MoS2 nano-assembly. Due to the scarcity of the results we believe to find an opportunity to exploit our previous findings, for realizing hybrid MSC based on GQDs and MoS2 nano-assemblies aiming improving the energy density while maintaining high power density.

The following components will be realized: (i) original heterostructures with supercapacitive properties, which provide high delivered specific capacitance and low equivalent series resistance; (ii) all solid state flexible planar microscale supercapacitor system (MSC). The laboratory-scale testing of the hybrid MSC performances corresponds to the TRL 4 value.

Novel III-N-Bi semiconductor compounds for high efficiency solar cells Call name: Projects for Young Research Teams - RUTE -2014 call
PN-II-RU-TE-2014-4-2690 2015 - 2017

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)

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

Project website: http://www.imt.ro/N-BiCell/

Abstract:

Multi-junction (MJ) III-V compound semiconductor solar cells are the prime choice for efficient harvesting of solar energy. The key to pitching the conversion efficiency at the highest attainable level rests upon the ability to fabricate monolithic semiconductor heterostructures in MJ configuration, with each of the junctions being optimized to harvest a different part of the solar spectrum. When combined with concentrator photovoltaic techniques, high efficiency III-V solar cells offer attractive opportunities for achieving the price target required to make solar energy competitive with traditional energy sources. The efficiency of current multi-junction cells can be increased by a more efficient conversion of the radiation band from about 0.8 eV to 1.25 eV. The main research topic to be addressed in this project is concerned with the development of a new class of III-V semiconductor compounds such as dilute nitride bismides GaNAsBi-on-GaAs with band gaps around 1 eV and improved electrical, optical and structural properties suitable for implementation in high efficiency multi junction solar cells.

Improved production methods to minimize metallic nanoparticles’ toxicity – less classic, more green Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA 2013 - call
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2013-4-1780 2014 - 2017

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); AGHORAS INVENT SRL (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA SI INGINERIE NUCLEARA " HORIA HULUBEI " - IFIN - HH (RO); UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO)

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

Project website: http://www.imt.ro/lesmorenano/

Abstract:

The demand for engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) comes from the great promise for major advances in different areas of applications, practically all fields of knowledge being in some way or another related with nanomaterials. Among the different kinds of ENPs, the special properties of metallic NPs (MeNPs) make them attractive for most of the domains, from opto-electronic industry to biomedicine. As a result of these applications, MeNPs exposure to the environment and humans is becoming increasingly widespread.

The present proposal lies in this very context of the nanotoxicology, and it has taken shape as a result of numerous discussions initiated by researchers from a small enterprise which develop and put on the market novel cosmetic products based on different types of nanoparticles – Aghoras Invent SRL – and consequently has a direct interest in analyzing their potential adverse effects.

The aim of this project is to provide a better understanding of MeNPs safety and a basis for health and risk assessment. Consequently, an intensive work on hazard characterization and impact assessment of selected nanoparticles and economically relevant products is proposed. In this context, the end-of-project results will be: (i) as technological development, from experimental point of view, different sizes/shapes of Au, Ag and PtNPs, relevant for skin care products’ development, will be obtained using both, conventional chemical reduction and eco-friendly methods. Stable and homogenous metallic nanoparticle colloidal dispersions with specific size ranges are aimed, using eco-friendly processes and the chemical reduction routes; appropriated surface functionalization will be also realized, since it provides stability, solubility and retention of optical properties in various media; (ii) as a nanoparticle properties’ study, advanced equipments for analytical characterization will be used and also, the up to date nanotoxicology specific in vitro tests will be used to accomplish the final proposed objective of this project, giving a strong support for a correct decision. Furthermore, this project aims to extend the use of existing ‚state of the art’ methods.

In summary, this project addresses: ¤ increased concern of national and international regulatory organizations; ¤ reticence of companies and manufacturers of developing NP based products and technologies in absence of clear safety standards; ¤ nanotoxicology emerging research field; ¤ assessing NP toxicology an extreme complex research effort due to a large multitude of NP variables; ¤ imperative necessity to find effective countermeasures to the potential hazards represented by NPs; ¤ green synthesis as a route for diminishing / elimination of NP adverse effects on health and environment.

It will provide our contribution to the common efforts of research community offering answers about the potential toxicological effects of three classes on MeNPs and also proposing fabrication alternative, to minimize the negative consequences as greener pathways to nanoproducts.

RFID device for food traceability Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA 2013 - call
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2013-4-1268 2014 - 2017

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA BUCURESTI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA BUCURESTI (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE- DEZVOLTARE PENTRU MICROTEHNOLOGIE - IMT BUCURESTI INCD (RO); UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO); OPTOELECTRONICA - 2001 S.A. (RO)

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

Project website: http://www.3nanosae.org/p/foodtrack/

Abstract:

“RFID device for food traceability (Food track)” aims specifically to develop a self-sustainable RFID device, equipped with a sensor, which allows, not only the traceability of a certain food package, but also the level of freshness of its content. The need for active intelligent packaging equipped with nano-systems that can monitor the conditions of the food during transportation and storage has led the scientific community to the development of a novel based on the electronics on plastic. Electronic circuits supported on a cheap, flexible polymeric support that can be miniaturized up to micro and nano level promise to assure a fast and inexpensive quality control available for everyone. Radio frequency identification tags (RFID) are the most important development field today, based on the implementation of conductive polymers onto a flexible plastic support; they are similar to bar codes and have been used in food industry traceability, inventory management and security. But RFID systems can carry much more complex information, like temperature, relative humidity, gases and electroactive species, when equipped with a specific sensor and have the ability to transmit information up to 50 m. Thanks to their low-level complexity and cost, RFID have the potential to become the leading market in food control, especially if they integrate chemical sensor. This RFID-sensor assembly is the central component of the intelligent packaging system which, in contrast to active packaging does not influence properties of the food products, but collects the information about its state and transmits it to retailers, manufacturer, food authorities or customer.

Wireless sensor and sensor networks are the state-of-the-art in detection technologies; their use varies from homeland security to environmental protection. The key requirements for a sensor refer to sensitivity (the minimal level of analyte to detect), selectivity (exclusion of “false alarms” and the identification of a specific analyte) and response time (high-speed electronics are preferred since they provide a real-time analysis). The challenges which have to be overcome refer to finding a single technology that can unify the multitude of fabrication methods for different kind of sensitive layers, cheap materials, moderate costs, easy to use and long-time batteries.

The proposed instrument will be comprised of a self-sustainable source, a micro-RFID device and an electrochemical sensor with four sensitive functions, modulated for each type of food. The main component of the instrument is the sensor-RFID assembly. The sensitive layer of the sensor will be design to detect a broad range of properties, characteristic for the qualitative control of food: temperature, relative humidity, pH, number of refreezing cycles, volatile organic compounds and biogenic amines. The micro-RFID device will store and transmit the information collected from the sensor. The system will be powered by two metallic electrodes, chosen from the appropriate position in the table of chemical reactivity; the electrolyte solution will be provided by the food itself (internal, organic juices that will diffuse through a permissive membrane and connect the two electrodes).

The novelty of this project is the incorporation of an interdigitized sensor, laser-printed on a cheap, flexible polymer, combined with a micro-RFID device and an incorporated self-sustainable battery for use if food industry and quality control.

Multiplexed platform for HPV genotyping – MultiplexGen Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA 2013 - call
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2013-4-1434 2014 - 2017

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); GENETIC LAB S.R.L. (RO); UNIVERSITATEA BUCURESTI (RO)

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

Project website: http://www.imt.ro/multiplexgen/index.php

Abstract:

MultiplexGen project addresses a current problem in medical diagnosis, detection in an accurate and specific way of Human papillomavirus (HPV) and sets out to explore specific solutions from micro- nanotechnology to overcome the limitations of the conventional tests, which are not quantitative and exclude multiplexing. The aim of the project is to develop a high sensitivity multiplexed platform which consists of different functional levels, and as a consequence is generic named “multilevel system”. It is based on hybrid organic-inorganic / bio-nonbiological assemblies able to enhance diagnostic capabilities by exploiting the bridge between bio-systems and micro-nanotechnologies, thus overcoming many of the limitations of the existing methods for Human papillomavirus (HPV) detection and genotyping.

This proposal has evolve as a result of numerous discussions initiated by researchers from the clinical laboratory - SME – GeneticLab with their colleagues from Laboratory of Nanobiotechnology - IMT (LN-IMT) about various specific issues they encountered in their activity related to HPV genotyping by capillary electrophoresis kit, which are identified as primary technical and scientific barriers that will be lifted by carrying out the present project. The long time collaboration encouraged them to believe that IMT will find a technological answer to the problem posed by the classical diagnosis method, and furthermore, Centre of Applied and Organic Chemistry - UB (CAOC) will provide a theoretical understanding of the processes and phenomena taking place in HPV genotyping.

The issues supposed to be solved related to the mentioned thematic area, which represents the secondary objectives of the project, are encompassing the fundamental and technological knowledge and are parts of our functional model demonstration, as following: (i) to obtain a microarray based technology for accurate HPV genotyping; (ii) to improve the up to now reported results in terms of sensitivity / selectivity by connecting the biochip to a microfluidic system; (iii) to indicate the optimum design for biochip to allow parallel detection and in this way confirmation of results; (iv) to propose a heterogeneous technology for integration and 3D packaging and correpondingly a functional hybrid assembly of all these modules for a further disposable system developing.

Therefore, an extensive investigation and optimization of the benefits that our knowledge in genetics, microfluidic technology, microarray technology, surface biofunctionalization, as well as opto-electrical read-out signal analyses are able to bring a valuable tool to a medical diagnostic laboratory, a chip class of devices, with important specific HPV detection / genotyping application. For example, combining the fields of microfluidics and DNA microarrays, the advantages of both directions can be exploited simultaneously, mediated by valuable new knowledge about biointeractions and biohybrid assembling.

Besides the envisaged final outcome of this project, the functional model of hybrid multilevel system for HPV genotyping, the modules and even more, each specific technology improvement are of high value by themselves each of them being independently used thenceforth. State-of-the-art scientific results in all of the disciplines involved will be the direct project outcomes, which will be proven by the publications on microfluidics, on-chip sample preparation, and on clinical comparison of HPV detection technologies in international journals and at international conferences.

DNA Biosensing with Silicon-on-Insulator Substrates-BIS-SOI Call name: P 3 - SP 3.1 - Proiecte de mobilități, România-Franța (bilaterale)
PN-III-P3-3.1-PM-RO-FR-2016-0063 2016 -

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); Institut polytechnique de Grenoble-INP- : Grenoble-INP (FR)

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

Project website:

Abstract:

Scopul proiectului BIS-SOI este de a valida conceptul unui biosenzor ADN bazat pe o măsurare electrică directă a unui substrat de siliciu-izolator-siliciu (SOI). Principalul interes rezidă în simplitatea sa și procesul de fabricație ieftin, care constă într-o etapă de litografia și fotogravură urmate de realizarea elementului sensitiv. Avantajele senzorului propus sunt: (i) sensibilitatea, garantată prin utilizarea de substraturi ultra-subțiri de filme de siliciu si izolatori, în care conductia din film este foarte puternic influențat de sarcina de pe suprafața sa superioară a acestuia (expertiză de IMEP-LAHC); (ii) selectivitatea obtinuta datorita unui protocol de functionalizare și hibridizare adaptat tipului de suprafata utilizata pentru obtinerea senzorilor (expertiza IMT); (iii) reutilizarea senzorilor, care va oferi o valoare economică extraordinară. In acest context, BIS-SOI se incadreaza in nevoile clinice de dezvoltare de tehnologii noi si îmbunătățite de diagnostic fiind un punct de start pentru dezvoltarea viitoare de dispozitive integrare complexe de tip laborator-on-a-chip astfel ca continuarea cercetarilor poate fi realizata prin de proiecte comune Horizon 2020. Mai mult un rezultat masurabil al acestui proiect il constituie valorificarea rezultatelor prin publicarea in lucrari comune, cotate ISI.

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