BrainMap

Mr. Daniel Horatiu Ursu

Ph.D.

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

Researcher

Web of Science ResearcherID: AAS-9265-2021

Curriculum Vitae (11/09/2023)

Expertise & keywords

From electroconductive smart ink to electronic self-disinfecting surfaces Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2021-2541 2022 - 2024

Role in this project:

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

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU ELECTROCHIMIE SI MATERIE CONDENSATA - INCEMC TIMISOARA (RO); UNIVERSITATEA NAŢIONALĂ DE ŞTIINŢĂ ŞI TEHNOLOGIE POLITEHNICA BUCUREŞTI (RO); UNIVERSITATEA DE MEDICINA SI FARMACIE "IULIU HATIEGANU" (RO)

Affiliation:

Project website: https://www.newmaterials.ro

Abstract:

The presence of septic surfaces in hospitals, buses and other public spaces can lead to infections with antibiotic resistant bacteria and is an ongoing public health problem. Therefore, this project aims to obtain and validate self-adhesive, elastic and complex membranes with variable self-disinfecting properties.

An important objective of this project is to retain in the country the researchers from the Diaspora and the engagement of the PhD students with a young dynamic team. The application proposed through this project continues the previous studies carried out over seven years that led to the development of electroconductive inks based on functionalized silver nanowires, prepared today for the technological transfer stage.

The inks developed by the “Electroconductive Smart Ink” team within the “Innovation Labs” program allowed the fabrication during this year of several demonstrators with unique applications in the paint, electronics and sensor industries as well as the publication of the scientific results in prestigious journals.

Optoelectronic neural network based on dye-sensitized solar cells for zero electric power consumption Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2021-0624 2022 - 2024

Role in this project:

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

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

Affiliation:

Project website: https://incemc.ro/MM/728PED_2022/start.html

Abstract:

For the first time worldwide, AIDSSC project proposes to develop and validate an optoelectronic neural network prototype based on dye-sensitized solar cells for zero electric power consumption in the outdoor and indoor lighting conditions. The European Green Deal 2021 proposes ambitious environmental goals which require a green transformation of many sectors of society, in especially a sustainable development of urban areas, “smart city”, being a challenge of key importance. The transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) to contribute to the achievement of the goals of a green transition have been increasingly and prominently highlighted. At the same time, digital technologies such as AI considerably increase energy and resource consumption and create risks of adverse environmental effects. In this context, the solar cells open a new perspective as the most suitable candidate for zero electric power consumption. The dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) has the essential characteristics that could make these cells the ideal candidate for artificial intelligence system with zero electric power consumption. A singular preliminary proof of the DSSCs’ learning capabilities was highlighted by Gratzel, the inventor of DSSC, using the exposure time as a cue for learning under 1 sun-simulated conditions. This new perspective for AI devices which are the optically learning solar cells, have the potential to serve as building blocks for intelligent optoelectronics enabling visually interacting machines that operate at minimal power and zero electric power consumption, in both outdoor and indoor lighting conditions.

In this context, AIDSSC project aims to demonstrate that the optoelectronic neural network working prototype based on dye-sensitized solar cells is a technically and economically credible concept for the artificial intelligence devices.

Advanced Technologies for High Selectivity Detection of Organophosphate - Nerve Agent Simulants in Societal Security Applications Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2021-0106 2022 - 2024

Role in this project: Key expert

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

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU ELECTROCHIMIE SI MATERIE CONDENSATA - INCEMC TIMISOARA (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE- DEZVOLTARE PENTRU MICROTEHNOLOGIE - IMT BUCURESTI INCD (RO)

Affiliation:

Project website: https://incemc.ro/PS/WAsSENS/index.html

Abstract:

In recent years, terrorist attacks primary based on releasing explosives and chemical warfare agents in the public happened frequently which makes it imminent to develop chemical sensors for the high selective and sensitive detection of warfare agents (WAs). Chemical warfare agents include blood agents, blister agents, and nerve agents including sarin and VX. Considering sarin’s gas high toxicity, DMMP (dimethyl methylphosphonate), an organophosphorus compound, is widely used as its simulant in the laboratory because of its similar chemical structure and much lower toxicity. Because the use of chemical warfare agents are impossible to predict or prevent, is required to design and synthesized of novel and improved materials that allow developing of more fast sensing systems with high selectivity, low-cost and on-site portable. Perovskite materials with outstanding properties have become significant candidates for developing platforms of the detection of toxic agents. Thus, the aim of the WAsSens project is development and testing a technology validated in the laboratory namely, a SH-SAW sensor, using undoped and Co or Sn doped ABO3 perovskite ceramics materials (A = Y; B = Mn) , obtained through low cost and environmentally friendly processes. To achieve the aim of the project, the overall objectives are: (i) Obtaining of perovskite structure through sustainable and green processes; (ii) Deposition of perovskite materials on quartz substrate in order to achieve thin films; (iii) Design, achievement and testing of SH-SAW sensor used for selective detection of the sarin gas simulant - DMMP; (iv) Dissemination of the research results. Project outcomes will materialize by advanced synthesis technologies, production processes and innovative products, and also in creating mechanism for implementation of scientific results in production. The expected outcomes will consist of innovative technologies and demonstrative models, in order to validate the proof of concept (TLR).

Wavelength-selective Greenhouse 4.1– Towards Energy Independent and Combined Fully Automated Arboretum Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2019-2091 2020 - 2022

Role in this project:

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

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU ELECTROCHIMIE SI MATERIE CONDENSATA - INCEMC TIMISOARA (RO); UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA TIMIŞOARA (RO); SYMPH ELECTRONICS SRL (RO)

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

Project website: http://getica.upt.ro

Abstract:

For the first time, GETICA project proposes to develop and validate an energy independent and combined fully automated greenhouse standalone prototype based on dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), as an ongoing and complementary research of the project team. As an important part of Agriculture 4.0 strategy, agrivoltaics can achieve synergistic benefits by growing agricultural plants under raised solar panels. The main limitations of the integration in greenhouse concern the fact that classical PV cells do not transmit sunlight and form a permanent shadow region which has negative effects on production, reducing the crop growth or the amount of biomass. Simple manufacturing process, the low fabrication cost, flexibility in scaling, low material usage and low light level sensitivity, but mainly the variation in color and transparency of the dye sensitized solar cell (DSSC), one of the third generation of PV cells, are essential characteristics that could make these cells the ideal candidate for greenhouse application. To our knowledge (as far as we are aware), no DSSC has been applied in greenhouse for plant growth and energy saving worldwide. We propose the solar radiation manipulation using DSSCs based on UV dye for the protection cells and DNA from damaging UV radiation as well as scavenge free radicals, preventing further cellular damage or IR dye for reducing the temperature of the greenhouse air which leads to an increase in crop production. Moreover, it will be sought reducing production cost of the greenhouse using 3D printing of the modular roofs and DSSCs based on the natural dyes and a low-cost maintenance given by near zero energy input from conventional sources and decreasing the water consumption in irrigation. In this context, GETICA project aims to demonstrate the economic sustainability of this smart greenhouse based on DSSC in the real agriculture.

Hybrid ceramics / porphyrins, deposited by pulsed laser deposition as single and sandwich layers for corrosion inhibition of steels in acid environment Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2019-0487 2020 - 2022

Role in this project: Key expert

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

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU ELECTROCHIMIE SI MATERIE CONDENSATA - INCEMC TIMISOARA (RO); INSTITUTUL DE CHIMIE "CORIOLAN DRĂGULESCU" (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE IN SUDURA SI INCERCARI DE MATERIALE - ISIM TIMISOARA (RO)

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

Project website: https://incemc.ro/cerapor-corr-web/index.html

Abstract:

The proposal aims to improve the corrosion inhibition performance of porphyrins and pseudo-binary oxides, including new design of structures and several possibilities to combine them in complex layers by using pulse laser deposition technique, for creating synergistic effect on carbon steel protection in acid media. The project is multidisciplinary and belongs to the sustainable physics, laser technologies, inorganic and organic chemistry, supramolecular chemistry, electrochemistry and environmental sciences. The approach for the obtaining of new A3B COOH-substituted-porphyrin-base structures and of MnTa2O6 pseudo-binary oxide will be based on both modern and conventional methods, namely: multicomponent Adler-Longo organic synthesis using two different substituted aromatic aldehydes for porphyrins and hydrothermal or solid-state methods for the oxide. The main objective is innovative, a priority of our group to combine supramolecular properties of A3B porphyrins asymmetrically substituted with COOH groups with those of Mn containing pseudo-binary oxide in designing hybrid composite thin films (single layer or double layers type: steel/porphyrin/MnTa2O6or steel/MnTa2O6/porphyrin) for reducing the rate of corrosion. The project promotes both industrial oriented and applicative research, together with technological development (PLD) in realization of qualitative uniform and adherent corrosion protection layers. The whole pioneering concept belongs to the three teams composing this CONSORTIUM and it was established based on the main required expertise of the partners in order to cover all the demands for achieving the project’s activities. The project will develop at TRL 2 and will be ended with a model/prototype on real steel samples demonstrating the integrated system validity (TRL 4) during laboratory tests. Scientific (visibility), financial (reduced costs) and transfer to industry (patent application) impacts are expected along with creation of new collaborations.

Smart system for water quality monitoring Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect de transfer la operatorul economic
PN-III-P2-2.1-PTE-2019-0394 2020 - 2022

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: MIRA TECHNOLOGIES GROUP SRL

Project partners: MIRA TECHNOLOGIES GROUP SRL (RO); UNIVERSITATEA TEHNICA DE CONSTRUCTII BUCURESTI (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU ELECTROCHIMIE SI MATERIE CONDENSATA - INCEMC TIMISOARA (RO)

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

Project website: http://www.cambi.ro/smartmonwater

Abstract:

Flowing water represents the main source of drinking water for human settlements and it is obvious that its quality level directly influences the water treatment and distribution facilities. Apart from natural diurnal and seasonal variations, flowing water is often influenced by the impact of different types of pollutants resulting from human activity. The idea of this project is based on the need to monitor in real time both the flowing water and its arms, and the city sewerage systems responsible for draining used water, in order to evaluate its quality and determine the pollutant sources resulting from human activity. This project proposes to develop a smart water monitoring system based on ultra-low power multi-sensor technologies for measuring the pollutant levels, and data analysis solutions based on artificial intelligence algorithms for predicting pollution events. The system will inform citizens in real time about the pollution events and will be a research tool for the academia. It can also be extended to a wide range of pollutants and is adaptable to any locality or geographical area.

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: 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); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA LASERILOR, PLASMEI SI RADIATIEI - INFLPR RA (RO); UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO); UNIVERSITATEA TRANSILVANIA BRASOV (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU ELECTROCHIMIE SI MATERIE CONDENSATA - INCEMC TIMISOARA (RO)

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

Project website: http://www.imt.ro/nanocarbon+/

Abstract:

Our proposal (NANOCARBON+) is focused on a highly technologically relevant unifying topic: the exploitation of the recently demonstrated extreme properties of a specific class of carbon nanomaterials - nanostructured graphene, used in specific morphologies and compositional categories - towards the development of innovative technologies for essential eco-industrial areas (failure monitoring, pollutant detection/decontamination in air/water, green energy). The proposal is split in four composing projects, all of them aiming at exploring the use of these unique nanomaterials for the development of innovative and/or improved sensing devices in a range of applications with strong industrial impact.

The consortium behind this proposal has a good regional coverage and suitable research and development resources, both in terms of researchers and appropriate equipment. The consortium comprises of four National R&D Institutes and two Universities, distributed in three adminstrative regions.

The central objective of this complex proposal is an efficient integration of the scientific expertise and experimental capabilities, complementarities and synergies of the six consortium member organizations, towards augmenting their overall organizational performance.

The objectives of the proposal go well beyond the academic research; from the very begining of the execution, we aim at achieving a very good connection with SMEs and other industrial partners in order to understand market requirements and to be able to transfer suitable innovatibe technologies and further support the development of new products. Developing new technologies and services is one part of the expected output, contributing to the development of the partner's capabilities by opening new research areas; in addition, a special attention is devoted to the increase and development of the human resources involved in research. In this respect, the consortium does commit to creating 11 new research positions.

Innovative technologies based on polymers for the obtaining of new advanced materials Call name: P 1 - SP 1.2 - Proiecte complexe realizate in consorții CDI
PN-III-P1-1.2-PCCDI-2017-0428 2018 - 2021

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: Institutul National de Cercetare-Dezvoltare pentru Chimie si Petrochimie - ICECHIM Bucuresti

Project partners: Institutul National de Cercetare-Dezvoltare pentru Chimie si Petrochimie - ICECHIM Bucuresti (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE CHIMICO - FARMACEUTICA - I.C.C.F. BUCURESTI (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU ELECTROCHIMIE SI MATERIE CONDENSATA - INCEMC TIMISOARA (RO); UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO); UNIVERSITATEA BUCURESTI (RO); INSTITUTUL DE CHIMIE MACROMOLECULARA "PETRU PONI" (RO)

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

Project website: http://icechim-rezultate.ro/proiect.php?id=41&lang=ro

Abstract:

The project is aimed at using the expertise that involved in consortium entities acquired in materials science. The consortium consists of three representative national institutes: INCD for Chemistry and Petrochemistry – ICECHIM Bucharest, INCD for Electrochemistry and Condensed Matter - INCEMC Timisoara and INCD of Chemical Pharmaceutical - ICCF Bucharest, and of two prestigious universities: University POLITEHNICA of Bucharest and the University of Bucharest and a remarkable institute of Romanian Academy: Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry – Petru Poni Iasi. Although having great tradition and noteworthy results, the first five institutions face a series of problems, from the lack of financial funds, equipment and the aging employees for ICCF and partly for INCEMC and ICECHIM, to the lack of highly qualified staff required for recent investments in equipment for all 5 institutions. In this respect, the project attempts relaunching the activity in the first 5 institutions of the consortium, by putting together the existing competencies, so as to develop new technologies in order to obtain new materials with high performance properties. Given that, 3 of the research teams are specialized in polymers (ICECHIM, Petru Poni and UPB) the developed technologies will use the polymers as intermediates or as a component in the finished product. To this end it is envisaged getting the titanium nitride for prosthetic coatings via inorganic-organic polymer nanocomposites, obtaining photocatalytic materials and antibacterial coatings by sol- gel reactions, obtaining of short-life or one-time use biomaterials from aliphatic polyesters and micro or nanocellulose and the development of new polyphase materials with medium or long life, based on biopolymers, through 3D printing. The project intends the full use of A1, A2, B and C checks in order to increase the institutional performance of partners.

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

Role in this project: Key expert

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

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

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

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

Abstract:

In the context of the energy crisis, the project is aimed to design, build, test and implementation of highly efficient and low-cost p-type dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) standalone prototyping based only on copper, as a technically and economically credible alternative concept to present day conventional p–n junction photovoltaic devices. Until recently, much of the research has been focused on n-type DSSCs. Comparatively few studies have examined a p-type DSSCs, even if the study of this cell is important both to understand the factors that control the conversion efficiencies and to aid the rational design of efficient DSSC.

For first time, the HELC DSC project proposes the implementation of new concept for p-type DSSCs, highly efficient and low-cost p-type dye-sensitized solar cells based on copper oxide (Cu2O and CuO) for both electrodes, photocathode (using copper foil as flexible substrate and copper oxide thin film) and counter electrode (copper oxide thin film on FTO).

Based on our experience (experimental and theoretical results) accumulated in p-DSSC domain, the concept proposed by the HELC DSC project was building on the solutions aims to accomplish 2 main characteristics of p-DSSC: (i) low-cost production by using Cu and Cu2O/CuO for photocathode, replacing Pt with copper oxide for counter-electrode, the use of the hydrothermal method for the synthesis of both electrodes, low-cost dye and electrolyte; (ii) highly efficienciences by maximizing the short circuit photocurrent density (JSC>7 mA/cm2), the open-circuit photovoltage (VOC >400mV) and the fill factor (ff >0.4).

The HELC DSC project will provide the highly efficient and low-cost p-type DSSC prototyping as an alternative economic for market implementation and the new solution for development of the tandem DSSCs.

Nanostructured anticorrosive hybrid materials based on pseudo-binary oxides and Zn-metalloporphyrins Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2016-0524 2017 - 2018

Role in this project: Key expert

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

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

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

Project website: https://www.incemc.ro/corixipor-web/index.html

Abstract:

The materials corrosion, both regarding metallic and non-metallic ones, affects various economic fields, such as: cars industry, refineries, water pipeline systems, buildings and bridges. This has a blunt economical implication and every year immense costs are spent on capital replacement and control methods related to corrosion. Nowadays, much attention is given to the introduction of corrosion inhibitors for the protection of the technological equipment, thus providing both the significant decrease of steel corrosion in aggressive aqueous media and increasing the lifetime of expensive equipments. Following this trend, the project proposal is focused on durable and applicative research, developing the knowledge in the advanced materials, processes and products which are innovative and realize an efficient protection against corrosion by using alternative processes for the thin films deposition (PLD and LBL drop casting) for achieving simple and sandwich type film configurations. This will be achieved by designing of novel mixed nanostructured thin films from new ZnA2O6 (where A = Ta and/or V) pseudo-binary oxides and Zn-metalloprophyrins obtained from A3B free-porphyrins substituted by one pyridyl functional group. Choosing these structures is based on both Zn-pseudo-binary oxides and Zn-metalloporphyrins capacity to form self-oriented, adherent and continuous supramolecular architectures when deposited on steel surfaces. The project belongs to the sustainable chemistry by proposing biomimetic porphyrin structures, and needs multidisciplinary approach, combining the different research areas: physics, organic chemistry, supramolecular chemistry, materials and environmental chemistry and electrochemistry.

A new approach to the development of a sensor for selective monitoring of harmful gases using low-cost and eco-friendly materials Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2016-0406 2017 - 2018

Role in this project:

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

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

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

Project website: http://www.icmct.ro/ecosaw/

Abstract:

Increase of pollution degree due to inefficient or too little measures regarding gases emissions resulted behind some industrial activities and rolling stock increasing at global level it takes measures towards noxious effects detection and limitation on people health and environment.

Sensors made of inorganic materials are the most commonly used, especially ceramics. One reason is that many sensors are used in very severe conditions such as high temperature, reactive or corrosive atmosphere and high humidity, and ceramics are most reliable materials in these conditions. Thus, the aim of the EcoSaw project is development and testing an demonstrative experimental model, namely, a SAW sensor, using undoped and Pd or Ca doped ABO3 perovskite materials (A = La and B = Mn) , obtained through low cost and environmentally friendly processes.

To achieve the aim of the project, the overall objectives are:

(i) Obtaining of undoped and Pd and Ca doped LaMnO3 perovskite structure through sustainable and green processes; (ii) Deposition (using different methods) of perovskite materials on quartz substrate in order to achieve thin films; (iii) Design, achievement and testing of SAW sensor used for selective detection of toxic gases (CO or H2S ); (iv) Dissemination of the research results will materialize through high impact international publications, participation at national and international conferences, patents.

Project outcomes will materialize by advanced synthesis technologies, production processes and innovative products, and also in creating mechanism for implementation of scientific results in production. The expected outcomes will consist of innovative technologies and demonstrative models.

Solar light-activated nanoTiO2 doped with silver -covered activated carbon and zeolite based photocatalytically-assisted filtering system for water treatment Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2016-0265 2017 - 2018

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA TIMIŞOARA

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

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

Project website: http://www.chim.upt.ro/ro/cercetare/proiecte-de-cercetare/248-pn-iii-p2-2-1-ped-2016-0265

Abstract:

În zilele noastre, poluarea apei este recunoscută ca fiind o problemă serioasă de mediu, cu grave repercursiuni asupra sănătății umane. Aplicarea procesului de fotocataliza în tratarea apei este intens studiat datorită capacității sale de a elimina complet poluanții și datorită aplicabilității pentru o varietate largă de compuși. Scopul proiectului WATICAZ îl reprezintă dezvoltarea unei unități inovatoare de tratare a apei, caracterizată prin performanțe îmbunătățite, alcătuit din sistem de filtrare asistat-fotocatalitic (SFP) ca demonstrator experimental la scară de laborator, care va fi testat și validat pentru tratarea unei surse reale de apă potabilă. Această unitate de tratare a apei prezintă caracteristici bifuncționale adsorbtive și fotocatalitice, datorită cărora unitatea poate fi exploatată fie ca sistem de filtrare cu posibilitatea de regenerare fotocatalitică în lumină solară, sau ca unitate de oxidare avansată pentru a elimina o gamă largă de contaminanți din apă. Unitatea de tratare avansată a apei propusă constă dintr-un reactor echipat cu lămpi UV /solare care iradiază coloana filtrantă umplută cu diferite straturi de materiale functionalizate cu TiO2 (dopat): zeolit, carbune activ și nanofibră de carbon.Obiectivele specifice ale proiectului constau în: dezvoltarea unității de filtrare asistată fotocatalitic în lumină UV/solară; optimizarea unui proces de obținere a materialelor avansate utilizate; optimizarea variabilelor de operare, incluzând compozitia mediului filtrant, intensitatea luminii incidente, pH-ul etc. Chiar dacă pentru validare, acest sistem va fi aplicat în proiectul WATICAZ numai pentru tratarea apei în scop potabil ca etapă finală de tratare a apei potabile sau ca proces unitar unic de tratare, funcție de caracteristicile de calitate a apei, acest sistem este versatil, putând fi adaptat pentru aplicare în diferite etape ale fluxului tehnologic de tratare a apei sau de epurare a apei uzate, funcție de necesitatea practică reală.

Highly efficient photocathodes for dye-sensitized tandem solar cells based on nanocrystalline delafossite materials. Call name: Projects for Young Research Teams - RUTE -2014 call
PN-II-RU-TE-2014-4-1142 2015 - 2017

Role in this project:

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

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

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

Project website: http://www.incemc.ro/pag_marinela_proiect/start.html

Abstract:

The alternatives to conventional silicon-based solar cells, dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) attract great research interests because of low manufacturing cost and environmentally friendly character. Recently, Grätzel and coworkers have achieved a world record efficiency of 12.3% based on porphyrin dye sensitized TiO2 n-type DSSC.

However, the commercialization of DSSCs is still being postponed by their relatively lower efficiency. To further improve the energy conversion efficiency of DSSC up to 15% is of critical importance for the scale-up industrial application of this cheap and environmental friendly photovoltaic technology. Recently, the idea of tandem-DSSCs, with a theoretical photon to energy conversion efficiency (PCE) over 40%, has been raised.

TANDEL CELL project is aimed to obtain highly efficient photocathodes for dye-sensitized tandem solar cells based on nanocrystalline delafossite materials and the establishment of young independent research team in highly efficient dye-sensitized solar cells domain.

DEVELOPMENT OF MULTIPLE AND SELECTIVE SENSOR FOR DETECTION OF REPRESENTATIVES EXPLOSIVES Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA 2013 - call
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2013-4-0474 2014 - 2017

Role in this project:

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

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU ELECTROCHIMIE SI MATERIE CONDENSATA - INCEMC TIMISOARA (RO); Academia Tehnica Militara (RO); Institutul National de Cercetare-Dezvoltare pentru Chimie si Petrochimie - ICECHIM Bucuresti (RO); MIRA TELECOM S.R.L. (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE- DEZVOLTARE PENTRU MICROTEHNOLOGIE - IMT BUCURESTI INCD (RO)

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

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

Abstract:

Globalization of terrorism became a reality that can not be disputed, a threat to national and international security and, thus, a phenomenon under the responsibility of the entire international community. Terrorist threat, theatres of operations with explosive traps everywhere, with the possibility of using biological weapons of various viruses, drugs, etc are a constant threat to the civilian population, unwittingly victim of varied interests. It is an ongoing concern of many laboratories in the world to detect traces of explosives in the atmosphere, in order to minimize the risks arising from them. To avoid or prevent serious incidents that could endanger people's lives, EU adopted new security rules. These rules apply to security checkpoints at airports, the senior public institutions, in the cultural and artistic events with massive participation, etc. However, there are situations in which all efforts to prevent terrorist acts are not sufficiently effective, creating holes that are exploited by potential attackers. Therefore, rapid detection of explosive compounds is of great interest given the need to prevent any human casualties and material damages caused by their use in different ways and for destructive purposes. The principle SENSOREX will bring an additional performance in the field of detection devices for dangerous substances with the low response time, high specificity, greater functionality and last but not least a low production price. Practical relevance of the project subject is to develop innovative products and manufacturing processes that underlie the development of sensitive, selective, reliable and low cost sensors detection of explosives. Appearance is very important from the perspective of efficient procedures for prevention of terrorism threats by using them in areas where existing equipment besides being very expensive, are almost impossible to use due to ergonomic aspects, reducing processing time suspicious persons and packages various strategic points and last but not least reduce additional costs. The main objective of SENSOREX project is to develop through this national partnership, a sensor with high sensitivity detection of explosives traces . Implementation status of this sensitive platform will be a sensor – demonstrator model tested and calibrated with low response time, high sensitivity and specificity, easy to use and interpreted by a non-specialist user and not least a low cost. Progresses that SENSOREX project brings through its results are: innovative methodologies for obtaining titanium dioxide films and molecularly imprinted polymers; creating scientific premises for serial production of a device with high sensitivity to reduce the most important barriers to personal and group security; final product of the project, sensor – demonstrator model, by its future implementation in production strategy of the private company, partner in this project, it will cover a hole on external and internal market of the profile products.

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

Role in this project: Project coordinator

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

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

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

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

Abstract:

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

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

Specific objectives:

1. Improving energy efficiency of wastewater treatment by electrocoagulation (EC) process, with the recovery of hydrogen (H2) produced at the cathode and its valorization (electricity production with H2-air fuel cell).

2. H2 production by photocatalysis using solar energy. Resulted H2 will be used in the fuel cell for electricity generation.

3. Generation of electricity directly from sunlight (photovoltaic).

4. Electricity storage (obtained from H2 in fuel cell and photovoltaics) and its use in EC process.

5. Modular design and construction on a mobile platform of MMPP which will include:

• module for EC treatment with hydrogen recovery;

• module for H2 production by photocatalysis using sunlight;

• module for H2 (resulted from electrocoagulation and photocatalysis) valorization into electricity (fuel cell)

• module for direct electricity production by solar energy (photovoltaic)

• module for power supply and storage,

• mechanical and electrical connections between modules, automation.

Implementation: Consortium of five institutions (three research organizations, one SME with R&D activities and one NGO).

The project final products will be:

1. MMPP for water purification using EC process with recovery of hydrogen produced in the process and use of sunlight to increase efficiency.

2. Prototype system of capture and use of sunlight for:

a) hydrogen production by photocatalysis;

b) electrical energy production (photovoltaic);

3. Innovative service for determining the optimal parameters of wastewater treatment by EC technique using the MMPP, transportable to the beneficiary site.

Measurable criteria for success:

• Decrease by more than 85% of suspended solids and turbidity in wastewater by using EC process for treatment.

• Recovery of more than 90% of the H2 produced at the cathode of EC cell and its oxidation of in a fuel cell with getting a part of electricity needed to run the EC cell.

• Publication of at least 2 scientific papers in ISI journals with a cumulative impact factor of minimum 2, the submission of at least one patent application and development of at least one dissertation that use part of the project research results.

Sustenability of the proposed technology:

- The project promotes clean energy technologies, environmental protection measures and reduction of greenhouse gases emissions.

- The processes proposed to be realized in the project are sustainable (using solar energy, the recovery and use of H2 wastes.

Expressed interests for application of project results on the market:

1. The company co-financing the project intends to develop this type of facility for the market after IPMM functional model constructed in the project will be effective.

2. There is interest in the SOLWATCLEAN project results from Romanian textile industry potential beneficiaries (3 letters of intent attached to "other documents").

Advanced research regarding development of fast method and techniques for pesticides detection from food chain Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA 2013 - call
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2013-4-0826 2014 - 2017

Role in this project:

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

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

Project website: http://pesti-senz.icmct.ro

Abstract:

Pesticide pollution of the environment is an actual acute problem, with expansion on a global scale and tends to rise. These contaminants are released into the air, water and soil from where are taken by organisms. By ingestion, organophosphorus pesticides get in human and animal body where they cause serious diseases such as irreversible damage to the immune system, cancer, genetic disorders. For the safety and security of the population, devices and advanced techniques for pollutants detection and monitoring in food and agriculture, are necessary.

The project PESTI-SENZ meets these needs and proposes the development of micro-biosensors based on lead-free piezoelectric materials, undoped and doped with different ions (Na, K, Bi, Zr) with selective properties and high sensitivity for the detection and monitoring of pesticides in agriculture and food.

Piezoelectric biosensors are being increasingly investigated because such devices allow direct label-free biological detection by monitoring target molecules in real time.

Detecting and tracking the compound of interest is very important in order to study the function and behavior of biological systems. In this sense, the purpose of PESTI-SENZ project is to get the environment friendly piezoelectric materials (lead free) and deposited to different substrates in order to be used to build FBAR-type piezoelectric arrays microsensor, functionalized with sensitive biomolecules for detection of organophosphorus compounds in aqueous media.

The main objective of the project is films and membranes obtaining based on piezoceramic materials free lead, in order to make devices for analysis and detection of biochemical compounds using innovative laboratory processes and technologies. The specific objectives of the project will pursue solving important theoretical and experimental issues which will contribute to the development of micro-sensors devices which incorporates demonstrator device based on new nanocrystalline piezoceramic with similar characteristics like PZT, and will provide guarantee of a safe exploitation environment.

Methodologies, materials and techniques used in project take into consideration requirements and international standards regarding environmental protection, avoiding the potential damage of property, natural resources, research staff and population health.

The project research team aims to merge skills and complementary expertise of consortium partners, to develop innovative technologies to achieve high efficiency for a sensing device with global applications.

The original aspects of the project, partners expertise combined to achieve a specific aim correlated with the current needs of modern society, provides the foundation for national research network consisting of multidisciplinary teams capable to collaborate synergic and complementary to exploit the extensive research results designed to lead to the realization of a device to ensure safe operation without adverse effects on human health.

Also we propose that the scientific and technical results that we obtain to bring added value to national and international scientific and, as well economic value at least at the national level in the first stage.

Scientific and technical activities carried out within the project by the consortium members will be widely disseminated among national and international scientific community through scientific papers, participation in specialized scientific conferences, patents, presentations at meetings of business people.

Simultaneous biohydrogen production and wastewater treatment by selectively enriched anaerobic mixed microbial consortium Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA-2011 call, Type 1
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2011-3.1-1129 2012 - 2016

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA TIMIŞOARA

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA TIMIŞOARA (RO); UNIVERSITATEA DE STIINTE AGRICOLE SI MEDICINA VETERINARA A BANATULUI "REGELE MIHAI I AL ROMANIEI" DIN TIMISOARA (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU ELECTROCHIMIE SI MATERIE CONDENSATA - INCEMC TIMISOARA (RO)

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

Project website: http://biohydrogen-from-wastes.ro/

Abstract:

For over two decades, environmental engineers have successfully commercialized anaerobic technology for the treatment of wastewater and solid wastes. In these processes, organic pollutants and wastes are converted into methane through a series of chain reactions by distinct groups of anaerobic microorganisms. Recently, emphasis started to shift to the development of novel anaerobic processes to convert organic pollutants into hydrogen, instead of methane.

Our consortium will apply unique microbiological and genomic approaches in order to increase the reliability and production efficiency of biohydrogen-generating wastewater treatment plants. Moreover, a novel logistics system model will be introduced to help the whole wastewater treatment workflow. The project adapts the most recent and high-tech genomic methods, the next-generation sequencing analysis, to the process of wastewater bioconversion. The main emphasis will be put on the proper digestion, hydrolysis of the substrates applied. This approach is completely justified by the nature of the wastewater fermentation being a complex, typical ecosystem with describable parameters. We have little knowledge about the dynamic metabolic processes, operation mechanisms taking place in such a system, we only know a portion of the elements constituting the system (bacterial strains), and we can draw conclusions by examining the features of the final products, biohydrogen and leftover sludge.

A mathematical model will be proposed in order to determine the optimal bacterial population composition, a microbiological wastewater monitoring system and a fuel cell system for direct biohydrogen use will be developed as the proposal’s end products.

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

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA "POLITEHNICA" DIN TIMISOARA

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

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA "POLITEHNICA" DIN TIMISOARA (RO)

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

Abstract:

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

IMMUNOMODULANTE FLUOROGLYCOPEPTIDE MOLECULAR ARCHITECTURES Call name: Exploratory Research Projects - PCE-2011 call
PN-II-ID-PCE-2011-3-0856 2011 - 2016

Role in this project:

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

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

Affiliation:

Project website: http://www.incemc.ro/pr_PN-II-ID-PCE-2011-3-0856/PN-II-ID-PCE-2011-3-0856.html

Abstract:

The project follows fundamental research activities that begin with the elucidation and evaluation structure of new natural glycopeptides products, the focus will be on medicinal plants of the Carpathian Mountains, the extracts of which have already shown biological activities. In the area of marine natural products research, compounds from marine invertebrates found in the Black Sea will be explored. In particular the total synthesis and functionalization of glycopeptides systems will be addressed. A key issue in natural products research concerns the total synthesis of new immunomodulating fluoroglycopeptides molecular architectures from natural products. Here, we will develop new methodology enabling the functionalization of natural products for photolabelling studies. By complex techniques and methodologies we will investigate the partial and final structures of synthesized cromphore systems. The design of compact tags unifiying fluorescent and photoreactive properties will be a topic of basic chemical research as integral part of this project.

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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