BrainMap

Lucian Pintilie

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

Researcher | Scientific reviewer

Expertise & keywords

Cercetari teoretice si experimentale in domeniul materialelor multifunctionale avansate pentru competitivitate economica si dezvoltare durabila (TEXMAV) Call name: Programul Nucleu, competitia 2019-2022
PN19-030101 2019 - 2022

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)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA MATERIALELOR BUCURESTI RA (RO)

Project website: https://infim.ro/project/cercetari-teoretice-si-experimentale-in-domeniul-materialelor-multifunctionale-avansate-pentru-competitivitate-economica-si-dezvoltare-durabila-texmav/

Abstract:

Prin programul Nucleu 2019-2020 se urmaresc urmatoarele scopuri strategice:

- Consolidarea rolului INCDFM ca institutie de cercetare de varf in domeniul Fizicii Starii Condensate si Fizicii Materialelor

- Mentinerea trendului ascendent in ceea ce priveste publicarea rezultatelor in jurnale cu factor de impact ridicat

- Cresterea numarului de cereri de brevet depuse nu numai la OSIM ci si pe plan international (in primul rand EPO)

- Afirmarea INCDFM ca un furnizor de expertiza si servicii de calitate pentru toate institutiile care au atributii in domeniul sigurantei si securitatii cetateanului si a statului

- Mentinerea actualelor cooperari cu mediul privat si deschiderea unora noi prin contactarea directa a firmelor care au profil de activitate ce ar putea valorifica rezultatelor cercetarilor desfasurate in INCDFM

- Formarea profesionala a tinerilor cercetatori angajati in ultimii ani si a celor ce vor fi angajati in 2018

- Consolidarea colaborarilor la nivel national si international prin schimburi de vizite si prin participarea in comun la proiecte in cadrul competitiilor nationale si internationale

- Valorificarea superioara a infrastructurii, in special a celei incluse in IOSIN, prin oferirea de servicii mediului academic si privat (in cazul mediului academic prin organizarea de competitii de acces la infrastructura dupa modelul utilizat de infrastructurile de tip sincrotron sau de catre C-ERIC)

- Atragerea de tineri cercetatori din strainatate precum si a cercetatorilor cu experienta din strainatate, pentru a veni sa lucreze in INCDFM

- Incurajarea spiritului antreprenorial la tineri, in special in cazul rezultatelor cu evident potential aplicativ, cu scopul valorificarii mai rapide a acestora, cu beneficii materiale pentru INCDFM si pentru inventatorii din INCDFM

- Intarirea colaborarilor externe si a participarii INCDFM la mari infrastructuri de cercetare, cum ar fi ELI-NP, CERN sau C-ERIC

CONTROL OF ELECTRONIC PROPERTIES IN FERROELECTRIC PEROVSKITE HETEROSTRUCTURES: FROM THEORY TO APPLICATIONS Call name:
PN-III-P4-ID-PCCF-2016-0047 2018 - 2022

Role in this project: Project coordinator

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)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA MATERIALELOR BUCURESTI RA (RO)

Project website: http://infim.ro/en/project/control-of-electronic-properties-in-ferroelectric-perovskite-heterostructures-from-theory-to-applications/

Abstract:

The main objective of the project is to obtain ferroelectric materials with controlled electronic properties at the same level as these properties are controlled in Si. This will be realized by hetero-valent doping, correlated with stress engineering and band gap engineering without affecting, as much as possible, the ferroelectric properties. The main objective is complex and ambitious because, up to date, there was no experimental demonstration that it possible to obtain n or/and p type conduction in epitaxial ferroelectrics. The successful achievement of this objective will open a new domain, that of ferroelectric electronics or ferrotronics, by producing electronic devices of p-n homo-junction type or junction transistors with ferroelectric materials. Two types of materials are envisaged, namely lead titanate-zirconate (PZT with tetragonal structure and a mixed bismuth ferrite (BFO) with bismuth chromit (BCO). In the first case the heterovalent doping will be studied on Pb or Zr/Ti sites with the aim to obtain n and p type conduction. The final goal is to produce a p-n homo-junction based on epitaxial PZT films. In the second case band gap engineering will be tested by varying the Fe/Cr content, and the dominant conduction mechanism will be identified, the goal being to use the material in photovoltaic applications. The activities will contain: theoretical studies regarding the relation between dopants, electronic properties and the ferroelectricity, including self-doping effects or electrostatic doping; target preparation for deposition of thin films; epitaxial growth of the film; characterization activities of the structure and physical properties. Not only classic doping in the target is envisaged but also doping during the epitaxial growth. The consortium is composed of 4 teams from three different institutions, including a number of 14 young researchers full time equivalent.

Controlling the electronic properties in heterostructures based on ferroelectric perovskites: from theory to applications Call name: P 4 - Proiecte Complexe de Cercetare de Frontieră
PN-III-P4-ID-PCCF-2016-0047 2018 - 2022

Role in this project: Project coordinator

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 FIZICA MATERIALELOR BUCURESTI RA (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M (RO); UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA MATERIALELOR BUCURESTI RA (RO)

Project website: http://infim.ro/en/project/control-of-electronic-properties-in-ferroelectric-perovskite-heterostructures-from-theory-to-applications/

Abstract:

The main objective of the project is to obtain ferroelectric materials with controlled electronic properties at the same level as this properties are controlled in Si. This will be realized by hetero-valent doping, correlated with stress engineering and band gap engineering without affecting, as much as possible, the ferroelectric properties. The main objective is complex and ambitious because, up to date, there was no experimental demonstration that it possible to obtain n or/and p type conduction in epitaxial ferroelectrics. The successful achievement of this objective will open a new domain, that of ferroelectric electronics or ferrotronics, by producing electronic devices of p-n homo-junction type or junction transistors with ferroelectric materials. Two types of materials are envisaged, namely lead titanate-zirconate (PZT with tetragonal structure and a mixed bismuth ferrite (BFO) with bismuth chromit (BCO). In the first case the heterovalent doping will be studied on Pb or Zr/Ti sites with the aim to obtain n and p type conduction. The final goal is to produce a p-n homo-junction based on epitaxial PZT films. In the second case band gap engineering will be tested by varying the Fe/Cr content, and the dominant conduction mechanism will be identified, the goal being to use the material in photovoltaic applications. The activities will contain: theoretical studies regarding the relation between dopants, electronic properties and the ferroelectricity, including self-doping effects or electrostatic doping; target preparation for deposition of thin films; epitaxial growth of the film; characterization activities of the structure and physical properties. Not only classic doping in the target is envisaged but also doping during the epitaxial growth. The consortium is composed of 4 teams from three different institutions, including a number of 14 young researchers full time equivalent.

High-k Nanoparticle Multilayer Dielectrics for Nanoelectronics and Energy Storage Applications Call name: P 4 - Proiecte Complexe de Cercetare de Frontieră
PN-III-P4-ID-PCCF-2016-0175 2018 - 2022

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA "ŞTEFAN CEL MARE" DIN SUCEAVA

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA "ŞTEFAN CEL MARE" DIN SUCEAVA (RO); UNIVERSITATEA "ALEXANDRU IOAN CUZA" IASI (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA MATERIALELOR BUCURESTI RA (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA LASERILOR, PLASMEI SI RADIATIEI - INFLPR RA (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA MATERIALELOR BUCURESTI RA (RO)

Project website: http://nanomat.usv.ro/pagina-05-5-a.php

Abstract:

Dielectrics are insulating materials that have been the workhorse in computing and electronics. Since the invention of the transistor and the integrated circuit the modern complementary metal oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) technology heavily relied on rigid SiO2/Si substrates and the relentless downscaling of the size of the transistor has been the core driver for the information revolution. However, to meet the increasing need for miniaturization, low power function and portability in both the civilian and military sector, discrete electronic components, such as capacitors, resistors, inductors and transistors should be replaced by embedded circuitry. An important roadblock in the development of energy storage and memory/switching devices with increased efficiency and range of operation is the rather low dielectric permitivity and carrier mobilities of organic polymer materials. The four research teams of the present consortium, led by A. Rotaru (USV, Suceava), L. Mitoseriu (UAIC, Iasi), I. Pintilie (NIMP, Bucharest) and A. Marcu (INFLPR, Bucharest), propose to demonstrate proof concept of manufacturable nanocrystal film structures with a high dielectric permitivity with direct applications in high energy density storage and low-voltage modulated field effect transistors and logic devices. In addressing these challenges we will use complementary expertise in materials synthesis and characterization, device design and testing with the potential of disruptive innovation in flexible electronics.

Energy Efficient Embedded Non-volatile Memory Logic based on Ferroelectric Hf(Zr)O2 Call name: P 3 - SP 3.6 - Premierea participării în Orizont 2020
PN-III-P3-3.6-H2020-2020-0033 2020 - 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)

Affiliation:

Project website: https://infim.ro/project/premierea-participarii-la-orizont-2020-energy-efficient-embedded-non-volatile-memory-logic-based-on-ferroelectric-hfzro2/

Abstract:

Ferroelectric materials have a broad area of applications, including in electronics as non-volatile memories. Ferroelectric HfO2 opens new ways of integration with existing CMOS technology based on Si. Optimization of ferroelectric HfO2 and of the interface with Si requires advanced and detailed characterization, both of structure and electric properties. The award project addresses issues of advanced characterization of ferroelectrics, especially based on HfO2.

Novel generation of pyroelectric detectors based on polar semiconductors Call name: P 3 - SP 3.2 - Proiecte ERA.NET
ERA-M-NOPYDET 2015 - 2018

Role in this project: Project coordinator

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); MICROELECTRONICA SA (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA MATERIALELOR BUCURESTI RA (RO)

Project website:

Abstract:

The project is proposing to develop a new generation of pyroelectric detectors based on wide gap polar semiconductor materials (e.g. AlN, ZnO) able to withstand high operating temperatures. The innovative aspects will go further beyond the state of the art by proposing multilayer structures based on nitrides (AlN, GaN, etc.) and ZnO-ferroelectric structures with the aim to enhance the sensitivity as much as possible at elevated temperatures. Specific innovative aspects can result also from packaging solutions, electronic for signal processing, etc. The detectors are primarily designated for internal combustion and jet engines used in automobile and airplane industries. The aim is to increase the lifetime of the engines, their safety and to optimize the fuel consumption with reduction of green house gases emissions. The expected impact is very high considering the share of the two industries at EU level and worldwide.

Optimized pyroelectric materials through the polarization gradient concept and experimental model for a pyroelectric detector with potential for applications in monitoring high power/energy lasers. Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA 2013 - call
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2013-4-0470 2014 - 2017

Role in this project: Project coordinator

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); UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO); INTERNET S.R.L. (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA MATERIALELOR BUCURESTI RA (RO)

Project website: http://www.infim.ro/projects/optimized-pyroelectric-materials-through-polarization-gradient-concept-and-experimental

Abstract:

The project aims to develop materials with optimized pyroelectric properties using the polarization gradient concept and develop integral pyroelectric detectors for the near infrared (700 nm) to THz (≤100 µm) wavelengths range. These detectors have potential application also in the detection of high power or high energy laser beams (e.g. the lasers of ELI-NP project). The materials to be used in this project are ferroelectrics with a perovskite structure such as Pb(Zr,Ti)O3 (PZT) or (Ba,Sr)TiO3 (BST) due to the fact that the transition temperatures can be modified by changing the Zr or Sr content. These materials will be combined in structures of multilayers with gradient in concentration and polarization in order to increase the figure of merit M given by the ratio between the pyroelectric coefficient p and the dielectric constant ε (M=p/ε).

The present project proposes a novel way of increasing the merit figure M by increasing the pyroelectric coefficient. This can be achieved by developing materials that exhibit a concentration gradient in the direction of the polarization, which introduces a succession of phase transitions at different temperatures, leading to a more abrupt variation of the polarization with the temperature and thus to a larger pyroelectric coefficient.

Another effect to turn to account is the temperature variation of the dielectric constant which can contribute to further increase the total pyroelectric coefficient. The temperature variation of ε can contribute to the pyroelectric signal if an electric field is applied to the ferroelectric material in order to maintain a stable polarization state, thus averting possible signal variations caused by the ambient temperature conditions.

The materials with gradient in concentration and polarization will be realized in bulk form, as ceramic wafers (25 mm minimum diameter and 6 mm thickness) by using the spark plasma sintering (SPS). Alternately, the ceramic technology coupled with classical sintering, or hot press, can be used. The sintering conditions will be optimized in order to obtain the best p/ε ratio. The selected material will then be used to build the active elements for the pyroelectric detection. In this respect, metallic electrodes will be deposited and one of them will be blackened in order to ensure a better absorbtion of the incident electromagnetic radiation. A novel approach is that carbon nanotubes are to be used for the blackening. This way the absorbtion coeficient can be increased close to 1. The active element will then be used to create pyroelectric detectors, including the electronics for signal processing and the sofware needed for PC display. Beside the mentioned ceramic materials, epitaxial multilayered structures with gradient in concentration and polarization will be realized and their pyroelectric detection properties will be investigated as well during the project.

The consortium is formed by 3 partners: coordinator of the project –CO is a national institute with experience in ceramic materials and pyroelectric detection; one university –P1 with experience in preparation of ceramic powders; one company –P2 specialized in signal procesing and different types of electrical measurements. CO and P1 will develop the active element for the pyroelectric detection and P2 will develop and test the experimental model of the system for pyroelectric detection including all the electronics and the sofware needed for the different types of applications for which the pyroelectric detector is developed by CO and P2: automatizations, non-contact measurements of temperature or monitoring of the high power/energy laser beams. The ultimate goals are to obtain: a technological process for obtaining the active element of pyroelectric detection, as well as two experimental models, one for the Pyroelectric Detector and one for a Pyroelectric Detection System used to detect high intensity laser beams.

Metal-ferroelectric interfaces: From first principles to experimental optimization Call name: Projects for Young Research Teams - TE-2012 call
PN-II-RU-TE-2012-3-0320 2013 - 2016

Role in this project: Key expert

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)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA MATERIALELOR BUCURESTI RA (RO)

Project website: http://www.infim.ro/projects/metal-ferroelectric-interfaces-first-principles-experimental-optimization

Abstract:

Study of the PZT/metal interfaces using ab-initio and experimental investigations. The electronic properties of the SRO/PZT/metal samples will be investigated using a variety of methods ranging from C-V, P-V, I-V characteristics as well structural investigations. The experimental measurements will be used in conjunction with the numerical simulations in order to explain the drastic changes in the electronic properties of the MFM devices when then metal electrode is changed. The purpose of the investigations is to optimize the properties of the MFM structure for attractive memory applications.

Effect of interfaces on charge transport in ferroic/multiferroic heterostructures Call name: Complex Exploratory Research Projects - PCCE-2011 call
PN-II-ID-PCCE-2011-2-0006 2012 - 2016

Role in this project: Project coordinator

Coordinating institution: National Institute of Materials Physics

Project partners: National Institute of Materials Physics (RO); National Institute of Materials Physics (RO); National Institute of Materials Physics (RO); National Institute of Materials Physics (RO); National Institute of Materials Physics (RO); Alexandru Ioan Cuza University (RO)

Affiliation: National Institute of Materials Physics (RO)

Project website: http://www.infim.ro/projects/effect-interfaces-charge-transport-ferroelectricmultiferroic-heterostructures

Abstract:

The main objective of the project is to perform a detailed study of interfaces and their effect on the charge transport properties in a number of well defined artificial multiferroic structures. Charge transport is beneficial in some cases, for example in tunnel junctions, but can be detrimental in other cases, as for example devices based on magnetoelectric effect or in capacitor like structures. In all cases, at least the interfaces with the metallic electrodes are involved in charge transport, but other interfaces can be also involved if multilayer structures are used. The study will be performed on thin films and/or nanostructures, therefore a significant influence of interfaces on the electronic and ionic charge transport is expected. The start will be from simple capacitor-like structures, to elucidate the problem of electrode interfaces in the case of various ferroic oxides. Further on charge transport in relation with interfaces will be studied in mode complex, multilayer structures with possible applications in tunel junctions, diodes or field effect devices.

The project involves 6 research teams from 2 host institutions, one of which is the National Institute of Materials Physics from Bucharest-Magurele, and the other one is the Alexandru Ioan Cuza University (UAIC) from Iassy. The composition of the teams is a mixes experienced researchers with excellent track records regarding preparation, characterization and modelling of advanced multifunctional materials including oxides, and young scientists at the beginning of their carriers. Some 12 PhD thesis are expected to start during the project. The project is expected to have a major impact not only at the basic science level, reflected by publications in high ranking journals, but also at the level of applied research, as for example manipulation of charge transport through designing specific interfaces or developement of new oxide architectures for ferroelectric field effect controlled of spin currents.

Surface and Interface Science: Physics, chemistry, biology, applications. Call name: Complex Exploratory Research Projects - PCCE-2008 call
PN-II-ID-PCCE-2008-0076 2010 - 2013

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: INSATITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA MATERIALELOR

Project partners: INSATITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA MATERIALELOR (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU INGINERIE ELECTRICA (RO); UNIVERSITATEA DE MEDICINA SI FARMACIE CAROL DAVILA DIN BUCURESTI (RO); UNIVERSITATEA ALEXANDRU IOAN CUZA DIN IASI (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA TEHNICA DIN IASI (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE DIN CLUJ-NAPOCA (RO); UNIVERSITATEA BABES-BOLYAI DIN CLUJ-NAPOCA (RO); ACADEMIA ROMANA FILIALA TIMISOARA (RO); UNIVERSITATEA DE MEDICINA SI FARMACIE VICTOR BABES TIMISOARA (RO)

Affiliation: INSATITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA MATERIALELOR (RO)

Project website: http://www.infim.ro/projects/siinta-suprafetelor-si-interfetelor-fizica-chimie-biologie-aplicatii

Abstract:

This project intends to provide a financial background for developing the community of Surface Science in Romania. Thematics from physics and chemistry of surfaces will be tackled together with applications of surface science in biology and in technology; also new standards will be proposed for consistent data interpretation. The Project clusterizes the most important Romanian teams with preoccupations in surface science, namely all X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy teams with most of the community of thin film deposition, cluster and nanoparticle physics, surface reactivity, surface chemistry and photochemistry, multilayer physics and applications, magnetic fluids, functionalization of surfaces, cell attachment, studies of cellular membrane. The research teams belong to highly prominent Universities and Research Institutes from practically all geographical areas of the country. The Consortium disposes of infrastructure exceeding 10 million euros, of more than one hundreed highly qualified scientists which have generated during the past years more than 3 % of the national scientific visibility. The research will concentrate into four main areas: (i) magnetic properties of surfaces and low-dimensional systems; (ii) electrical properties of surfaces and heterostructures; (iii) surface chemistry; (iv) application of surface science in functionalized systems and in biology, together with (v) an area concentrating on standardization in X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Auger electron spectroscopy and related techniques. Each area is divided into several thematics; each thematic has at least one in-charge scientist. This Project will foster the surface science community in Romania and will contribute strongly to the development of high-technological industrial preoccupation in all geographical areas concerned. Several cutting-edge applications are also foreseen by pursuing the fundamental research proposed.

Perovskites for Photovoltaic Efficient Conversion Technology Call name: EEA Research Programme under EEA Financial Mechanism 2009-2014
EEA-JRP-RO-NO-2013-1-0116 2013 -

Role in this project: Key expert

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); University of Oslo (NO); Science Institute, University of Iceland (IS); Reykjavík University (IS); UNIVERSITATEA BUCURESTI (RO); OPTOELECTRONICA - 2001 S.A. (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA MATERIALELOR BUCURESTI RA (RO)

Project website:

Abstract:

The perovskites, having general formula ABO3, with A and B cations of different valences, are multifunctional materials. Depending on the composition they can behave very differently, having properties specific to metals, dielectrics, ferroelectrics, ferro(ferri)magnetics or super- and semiconductors. Most of these materials are inorganic, as for example the well-known ferroelectrics BaTiO3 or PbTiO3. Other perovskites can be hybrid, if the cation A is replaced with an organic radical. This is the case for halide perovskite compounds (CH3NH3PbX), with X=Br, Cl, I, found recently to possess excellent light absorbing properties in the visible-near infrared spectrum. The use of these materials in solar cells had led to a rapid increased of the photovoltaic conversion efficiency (PCE) in the last year up to about 15 %. The typical solar cell is including a transparent electrode (ITO or FTO, both quite expensive and with deficient materials), a TiO2 layer as electron transporter, a halide perovskite as light absorber, a hole transporter (e.g. spiro-OMeTAD), and a counter electrode (e.g. Ag). All these layers can be deposited by low cost technologies. The combination of the relatively high PCE with the low cost technologies makes this type of hybrid photovoltaic solar cell very attractive for future development.

The main objective of the project is to develop perovskite-based photovoltaic devices towards “all perovskite” solar cells with power conversion efficiencies approaching 20% and fabricated with affordable, environmental friendly materials and technologies. The specific objectives are: 1) to understand the mechanisms behind the high efficiency obtained using a hybrid halide perovskite as visible-light absorber; 2) to increase the PCE by using oxide perovskites with ferroelectric properties (e.g. BaTiO3) as carrier transporter; 3) to develop flexible solar cells by replacing the ITO/FTO transparent electrode with metallic nanowebs. The project goals go well beyond the present state-of-the art by trying to integrate a ferroelectric layer as carrier transporter, taking advantage of the presence of its spontaneous polarization, and by replacing the ITO or FTO electrodes with a metallic nanoweb offering more robustness and flexibility.

The final goal is to have an efficient structure with transparent electrodes on both sides, able to collect not only the sun-light but also the light coming from the artificial sources used, especially during the winter, inside office buildings or large malls. Therefore, the project has a very high innovative potential. On the other hand, in-depth studies will be performed in order to understand the physical phenomena in perovskite solar cells. Ways to enhance the performances can be found if the physics behind the functioning of these devices is well understood and if the fabrication technologies are well mastered.

A broad range of complementary experimental techniques – all available within the consortium - will be used to prepare and characterize these structures. Regarding the preparation, the goal is to use low cost printing like methods for deposition of the component layers in the final device. Other methods (e.g. sputtering, vapour deposition or laser ablation) will be used to prepare samples for investigating the physical properties in relation with the structural, electrical and optical quality. The feedback will be used to improve the deposition methods and the structure architecture. Also, the experimental results will be used as inputs in theoretical models allowing predictions for further enhancement of the PCE. The consortium is composed by 6 partners: 3 from Romania (a national research institute as coordinator, an university and a SME as end-user); 2 from Iceland (2 universities), and 1 from Norway (university). The consortium members have all the necessary skills, expertise and infrastructures to successfully fulfill the project objectives within the requested budget.

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