BrainMap

Florentina Neatu

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

Researcher | Scientific reviewer | Manager

Web of Science ResearcherID: C-3948-2011

Expertise & keywords

Extensive valorization of lignin and salicylic acid to bulk and fine chemicals Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA-2011 call, Type 2
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2011-3.2-0731 2012 - 2016

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA BUCURESTI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA BUCURESTI (RO); Institutul National de Cercetare-Dezvoltare pentru Chimie si Petrochimie - ICECHIM Bucuresti (RO); CENTRUL DE CHIMIE ORGANICA AL ACADEMIEI ROMANE "C.D.NENITESCU" (RO); BIOMASS ENERGY FARMING SRL (RO); POLL CHIMIC S.A. (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA BUCURESTI (RO)

Project website: http://www.unibuc.ro/depts/chimie/chimie_organica_biochimie_si_cataliza/PROIECTE-DE-CERCETARE/Proiect-151-din-2012/

Abstract:

Lignin represents one of the major sources of carbon, hydrogen and functional groups provided by the nature. However, due to its polymeric structure, it is not enough valorized for the moment, although except the desert areas, it is abundant in the world. One of the reasons of the un-sufficient valorization is the high content of oxygen in very diverse functionalities. The present proposal constitutes a multi-facet project based on several novelties. The first one refers to the nature of the chemical compounds are intended to be produced using lignin as starting material. The second novelty refers to the nature of the catalysts. They will exhibit two functionalities: one acidic to disrupt oxygen bonds and to catalyze acylation and alkylation reactions, and second, to hydrogenate the disrupted fragments. The new catalysts will be prepared as micrometer materials containing active supported nano-structured species to allow an easy penetration inside the polymers. They will present a high density of defects, directly connected to the population of the active centres. The chemical composition of the catalyst represents another novelty, since it should be cheap and recoverable. The fourth novelty refers to the combination of valorization of lignin with salicylic acid. This is also abundant in bushes/leafs and till now does not found an efficient extraction and use in Romania. Another expected novelty is the establishment of analytic methodologies. The methods proposed till now in the literature are rather contradictory. Based on these statements the main objective of the project is Extensive valorization of lignin and salicylic acid to bulk and fine chemicals. Several sub-objectives are derived from this general objective: cultivation of different species of energetic willows, an efficient extraction of Lignin and Salicylic acid, new catalytic technologies to valorize the raw materials to surfactants and lignans, project implementation into pilot plant, dissemination.

INTEGRATED SYSTEM FOR PRODUCING SYNTHETIC AVIATION FUEL FROM ALGAL BIOMASS Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA-2011 call, Type 2
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2011-3.2-0083 2012 - 2016

Role in this project:

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 DE CERCETARI PRODUSE AUXILIARE ORGANICE S.A. (RO); UNIVERSITATEA BUCURESTI (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA BUCURESTI (RO)

Project website: http://algalsaf.icechim.ro/

Abstract:

INTEGRATED SYSTEM FOR PRODUCING

SYNTHETIC AVIATION FUEL FROM ALGAL BIOMASS (ALGAL-SAF)

SUMMARY

ALGAL-SAF project focuses on the potential use of algae, as raw material for producing alternative fuels for aviation that could replace the petrochemical jet fuel up to 50% by volume without any durability problems, by an integrated technologies system starting from algae.

The overall objectives of the project aim to complete valorisation of algal biomass, using an integrated system wherein bio-feedstock is subjected to oil extraction to produce algal oil and then dehydrating of de-oiled algal biomass comprising carbohydrates, in the presence of catalysts to yield furan derivatives. Further, we propose, simultaneously catalytic processing technologies of fatty acid methyl esters and furan derivatives mixture by upgrading them into alcohol derivatives, and finally catalytic reforming processes for producing a mixture comprising iso/n alkanes, suitable for, or as a blending component for, uses such as an aviation fuel, being competitive and compatible, to current used fuels.No attempts were found in the literature about such an integrated system developed for synthetic aviation fuel production, as we have proposed in this project. We have found some knowledge gaps in the current state-of-art, as follows: (a) Selecting the microalgae able to grow in mixotrophic conditions for high yield algal oil production; (b) Mixotrophic microalgae culture, by supplementing culture media with crude glycerin, as carbon source and protein hydrolysate, as nitrogen source (c) Valorization of de-oiled algal biomass via furan derivatives, as precursors for aviation fuels; (d) Simultaneously catalytic processing technologies of fatty acid methyl esters and furan derivatives mixture by upgrading them into alcohol derivatives; (e) Simultaneously dehydration, hydrocracking and isomerization processes of alcohol derivatives, for producing iso/n alkanes, suitable as synthetic aviation fuel.

The project will contribute to environmental compliance of Directive 2009/28/EC, on the promotion of the use of energy from renewable sources, which aims at achieving by 2020 a 20% share of energy from renewable sources in the EU's final consumption of energy and a 10% share in each member state's transport energy consumption.

DESIGN OF ORGANIC SPACERS FOR CONSTRUCTING METAL-ORGANIC FRAMEWORKS (MOFs) – TOWARDS A BETTER CONTROL OF THE POROUS ARCHITECTURE AND ACTIVE CATALYTIC SITES Call name: Complex Exploratory Research Projects - PCCE-2011 call
PN-II-ID-PCCE-2011-2-0050 2012 - 2016

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: University of Bucharest

Project partners: University of Bucharest (RO); University of Bucharest (RO); Babes Bolyai University (RO); Babes Bolyai University (RO)

Affiliation: University of Bucharest (RO)

Project website: http://www.chimie.unibuc.ro/cercetare/anorganica/PCCE_M%20Andruh.pdf

Abstract:

The project aims to obtain a new generation of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) using novel families of made-by-design spacers (Cyclophane and cyclophane-like spacers with pre-formed cavities; C3-symmetry cryptand-based ligands; Tetrahedral synthons; Organometallic spacers featuring robust metal-carbon bonds, e. g. Organometallic halides, with appropriate organic groups attached to the metal centre to provide stability of the organometallic unit and/or potential to develop 3D architectures. The efforts will be concentrated towards compounds with the metal in lower oxidation state bearing a lone pair of electrons and thus higher reactivity). The construction of MOFs using organometallic tectons is a field largely unexplored. A special emphasis will be given to the post-synthesis processing of the MOFs (removal of solvent and weakly coordinated ligands; functionalization of selected MOFs by nanoconfinement with metal nanoparticles and functionalization for generation of acidic and basic sites). The sorption of various gases (H2, CO2, C2H2, etc.) as well the catalytic properties of the newly synthesized MOFs will be investigated. Enantioselective organic reactions catalyzed by chiral MOFs will be studied as well. In this scope MOFs functionalized with acid and base functions will be investigated in the asymmetric aldol reaction between representative ketones with various aromatic aldehydes under solvent-free conditions. The luminescence properties of some MOFs as well as the influence of the host molecules on the luminescence (especially for those containing lanthanide cations) will be investigated. The ability of the new MOFs for decontamination processes will be tested - more specifically, MOFs will be used as adsorbents for the molecules resulted from the degradation of pharmaceutical compounds via either liquid phase catalytic oxidation or plasma.

Heterogeneous Catalytic Synthesis of Amine derivatives via Hydroamination and N-C coupling reactions Call name: Exploratory Research Projects - PCE-2011 call
PN-II-ID-PCE-2011-3-0060 2011 - 2016

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA DIN BUCURESTI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA DIN BUCURESTI (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA DIN BUCURESTI (RO)

Project website: http://www.unibuc.ro/depts/chimie/chimie_organica_biochimie_si_cataliza/PROIECTE-DE-CERCETARE/Proiect-275-din-2011/

Abstract:

Synthesis of amines and amine derivatives represents part of contemporary organic synthesis since the properties of these molecules found increasing applicability in the production of pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, or building blocks for organic materials. Despite their importance practice is still encountering problems in finding adequate methods for the synthesis of functionalized amines, especially containing aromatic derivatives. Most of the reported methods use either harsh non green reaction conditions or suffer from a limited substrate scope. The present project will investigate two methodologies to synthesize such molecules: Buchwald- Hartwig reaction and hydroamination. Although both demonstrate to be important routes they present some drawbacks that are necessary to be overcome to become also efficient. Buchwald-Hartwig reaction is typically catalyzed by homogeneous palladium complexes with specific ligands and under strong basic conditions, while hydroamination is carried out on not very well defined catalysts. To solve these problems the project will investigate heterogeneous catalysts. For Buchwald-Hartwig reaction it will consider supported nanostructures of the 11th group elements under non-basic conditions and non-conventional activation (microwave), while for hydroamination pure Lewis acid and pure Bronsted acid catalysts. To be more efficient, the productivity will be increased by making these reactions under flow conditions in specific microreactors.

New chemical systems based on nanocrystalline frameworks and porous architectures for Intermediate Temperature Solid Oxide Fuel Cells(IT-SOFC)operating with biogas Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA-2011 call, Type 1
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2011-3.1-1423 2012 - 2016

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL DE CHIMIE FIZICA - ILIE MURGULESCU

Project partners: INSTITUTUL DE CHIMIE FIZICA - ILIE MURGULESCU (RO); UNIVERSITATEA BUCURESTI (RO); UNIVERSITATEA DIN CRAIOVA (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA LASERILOR, PLASMEI SI RADIATIEI - INFLPR RA (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA BUCURESTI (RO)

Project website: http://www.icf.ro/pr_2011/NANOBIOSOFC/index.html

Abstract:

Energy production based on fossil fuels is one of the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFCs) offer a great potential for increasing efficiency of power generation with additional environmental benefits. SOFC technology is currently under development. The state-of-the-art SOFC is operating at about 1000°C with high manufacture cost and low lifetime. The objective of the NANOBIOSOFC project is to improve this situation. Therefore, new chemical systems based on crystalline frameworks and porous architecture (with tailored structure, texture and morphology) and new cost-effective synthesis procedures will be developed in the framework of this project. The catalytic and electrochemical properties of the synthesized materials will be further investigated in order to select the appropriate preparation procedure and composition for each SOFC component (e.g. anode, electrolyte, and cathode), as well as the optimal operating conditions. Several thin film deposition procedures will be used for the manufacture of single SOFC. SOFC testing under various conditions will be carried out. Thus, the most appropriate manufacture procedure which allows the highest performance under long-time operation conditions will be identified. The expected impacts and outcomes of this project are:

- Integrate and develop new materials for improving SOFCs technology;

- Increase knowledge about the influence of composition, structure and processing conditions on the catalytic and electrochemical properties of nanomaterials;

- Gain understanding of component interactions and processes in single SOFC fueled with biogas.

New solid base LDH catalysts modified with lanthanides active and selective in the unpolluting epoxidation reaction of alkenes Call name: Projects for Young Research Teams - TE-2011 call
PN-II-RU-TE-2011-3-0026 2012 - 2014

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: Universitatea din Bucuresti

Project partners: Universitatea din Bucuresti (RO)

Affiliation: Universitatea din Bucuresti (RO)

Project website: http://www.unibuc.ro/prof/pavel_d_o/proi-de-cerc/pn-ii-ru-te-2011-3-0026/

Abstract:

The project concerns the obtaining of new base layered double hydroxide solids modified with La and Y, their characterization and their catalytic activity and selectivity for the eco – friendly epoxidation of alkenes. The correlation of the results of catalytic tests with those of the thorough characterization of the solids will allow setting criteria for the preparation of La and Y modified layered double hydroxide – type catalysts with tailored properties and their selection and optimal exploitation in the epoxidation of alkenes.

FILE DESCRIPTION	DOCUMENT
List of research grants as project coordinator or partner team leader
Significant R&D projects for enterprises, as project manager
R&D activities in enterprises
Peer-review activity for international programs/projects