BrainMap

Mr. Marius Sebastian Secula

Ph.D. in chemical engineering

CS II Scientific Researcher - UNIVERSITATEA TEHNICĂ "GHEORGHE ASACHI" IAŞI

Other affiliations

Researcher - Interfaces, Containment, Materials and Nanostructures (ICMN) (CNRS/University of Orléans) - FR (France)

Researcher | Scientific reviewer

Web of Science ResearcherID: G-2585-2011

Curriculum Vitae (25/07/2024)

Expertise & keywords

Integration of photonic conversion layers based on photoemissive nanostructured materials for improving sunlight harvesting ability of solar cells Call name: P 3 - SP 3.2 - Proiecte ERA.NET - COFUND
COFUND-LEAP-RE-NANOSOLARCELL 2022 - 2024

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA TEHNICĂ "GHEORGHE ASACHI" IAŞI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA TEHNICĂ "GHEORGHE ASACHI" IAŞI (RO); CONDITIONS EXTREMES MATERIAUX: HAUTE TEMPERATURE ET IRRADIATION / CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE (FR); Mansoura University, Faculty of Science, Physics Department (EG); Université Cadi Ayyad - Faculté des Sciences et Techniques (MA); Unité de Développement des Equipements Solaires (DZ)

Affiliation:

Project website: http://www.cercetare.icpm.tuiasi.ro/proiecte/ERANET/index_eranet%20293.html

Abstract:

The aim of this project is to increase the conversion efficiency of conventional photovoltaic solar cells by incorporating photonic up conversion layers based on photoemissive nanostructure materials. Such photonic layers will allow taking advantage of the UV radiation contained in the solar spectrum (about 5-8% at the earth level). Indeed, current solar cells are sensitive to photons located in the lower region of the solar spectrum (visible light), while incident UV photons are unused in photovoltaic processes. Upon incorporation of the photonic conversion layer to the electrodes of common photovoltaic devices (e.g., Si-based, perovskites, dye sensitized) we expect and overall conversion efficiency increase between 2-3%, due to a better exploitation of the solar spectrum.

Our approach consists in the incorporation of photonic conversion layers based on photoemissive carbon nanostructures and polymer complexes that are capable of harnessing such UV fraction of sunlight and can be easily implemented on existing PV cells. Hence, a cost-effective approach with minimal impact over the readily available fabrication techniques is proposed. Although the use of photonic up-converting materials has been already explored in the literature, the novelty of this proposal stands from the nature of the photonic layers, combining carbon nanostructures and polymers as well as the integration in electrodes of large dimensions to evaluate the performance of the full solar cells operating in real conditions (illumination and outdoor harsh environments), as opposed to common studies with the focus limited to measuring the indoor photochemical response of lab-scale electrodes. In this regard, previous studies of the consortium partners have demonstrated the photochemical characteristics of carbon nanostructures and polymer complexes with high photoemissive features, and that can be embedded in polymeric matrices to generate optically transparent polymer composite. Such materials can also be manufactured using low cost procedures and local resources (e.g., in the case of carbon nanostructures), which is extremely important for boosting their large scale implementation. Several photoemissive materials will be incorporated in different polymeric matrices to create the photonic layers, and cast them on commercial electrodes to determine the efficiency obtained by the systems. The aging mechanisms as a function of exposure to UV radiation, and as a function of the number of cycles of the temperature variation will be investigated in terms of the impact in the overall photovoltaic conversion. The materials will be tested for durability in aggressive environmental conditions (e.g., dust, high level of irradiation) in African countries.

Bio-based porous materials for hydrogen storage and environmental applications Call name: P 4 - Proiecte de cercetare exploratorie - PCE-2021
PN-III-P4-PCE-2021-1455 2022 - 2024

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA TEHNICĂ "GHEORGHE ASACHI" IAŞI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA TEHNICĂ "GHEORGHE ASACHI" IAŞI (RO)

Affiliation:

Project website: http://www.cercetare.icpm.tuiasi.ro/proiecte/BIOPOROMAT/

Abstract:

The proposal addresses an innovative and multidisciplinary idea that can open up further advances in the field of high-tech bio-based products, wastes conversion, porous materials, alternative energy storage, environmental remediation and sustainable design. This project aims to valorise a bio-based active rich carbon by-product, resulted as a solid phase from thermochemical conversion of biomass wastes, into an unprecedented polymeric cryogel with tailored porosity. The porosity and geometry of the new bio-based material can be controlled within broad limits of the experimental parameters specific to each stage and according with targeted applications. The research activities proposed in the project, also involve extensive testing and applications of the achieved composites in two high interest current trends: (i) in the fields of clean/renewable energy sources for hydrogen storage and (ii) in reducing the environmental impact (promising substrate in wastewater/gas streams purification). All the research will be conducted using the latest state of the art analytical tools, jointly agreed standard procedures and specific investigation and characterization tools (TGA, FT-IR, XPS, DLS, BET, SEM/TEM and AFM). The proposal goal is timely and in line with two important in progress EU initiatives: Bio Based Industries Joint Undertaking (bbi.europa.eu) and Hydrogen Europe (hydrogeneurope.eu).

Novel materials with optical properties for anti-counterfeiting paper Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2019-4825 2020 - 2022

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA TEHNICĂ "GHEORGHE ASACHI" IAŞI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA TEHNICĂ "GHEORGHE ASACHI" IAŞI (RO); VRANCART SA (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA TEHNICĂ "GHEORGHE ASACHI" IAŞI (RO)

Project website: http://www.cercetare.icpm.tuiasi.ro/proiecte/OPTIPAPER/Home.html

Abstract:

Security papers designed for anti-counterfeiting documents (such are passports, banknotes, credit cards, civil status documents, property documents, diplomas etc.) are included within the special papers category. For security reasons, the paper designed for security printing is used only by the state or government printing houses or by companies with a license granted by the government. For each type of document that requires protection, there are chosen security papers with different security elements embedded in paper structure or at its surface. Worldwide, there are a small number of anti-counterfeiting paper companies. At national level, Vrancart S.A. is interested in the manufacturing of anti-counterfeiting paper. This project aims to develop a range of complex security elements with optical properties and subsequently new security papers based on the unique properties of several luminescent materials developed by the research team from Technical University “Gheorghe Asachi” Iasi. The security elements to be embedded in these special purpose papers are based on high performance polymer composites and nanostructured Carbon Dots. One of the great advantages of using the red, green and blue emission composites already studied and developed by the research team, is the possibility to obtain high resolution, true full color images and graphics embedded on papers, which become visible only in certain illumination conditions. In case of Carbon Dots, the security papers will benefit by their unique photoluminescent properties such are color changing from deep blue to green according to the excitation wavelength and also by the simplicity of the synthesis path, physico-chemical stability and lack of toxicity. The successful completion of the project will lead to new types of security papers and a laboratory level technology for their production.

ANTITUMORAL THERANOSTIC PLATFORMS BASED ON CARBON DOTS AND POLYMER MATRICES Call name: P 1 - SP 1.2 - Proiecte complexe realizate in consorții CDI
PN-III-P1-1.2-PCCDI-2017-0083 2018 - 2021

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA TEHNICĂ "GHEORGHE ASACHI" IAŞI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA TEHNICĂ "GHEORGHE ASACHI" IAŞI (RO); INSTITUTUL DE CHIMIE MACROMOLECULARA "PETRU PONI" (RO); INSTITUTUL REGIONAL DE ONCOLOGIE IAŞI (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA TEHNICA-IFT IASI (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA TEHNICĂ "GHEORGHE ASACHI" IAŞI (RO)

Project website: http://www.cercetare.icpm.tuiasi.ro/proiecte/TERADOT/

Abstract:

The TERADOT consortium will implement this project with the aim of reaching its strategic objective: the consolidation of the consortium scientific and technical competencies (in particular those of the P3 partner with relaunch potential) in the field of econanotechnologies and advanced materials by supporting / developing the existing research competences and the transferability of its research results. The TERADOT Consortium is an alliance that will devote its efforts to capitalize the potential of nanotechnologies by creating new teranostic platforms based on Carbon Dots (CDs) in order to radically change the proceedings to diagnose and treat cancer. Building on the significant preliminary results obtained by the project's members, the consortium represents a systematized initiative, comprising four public sector institutions, having the potential to be expanded with private-sector entities, designed to accelerate the application of these new concepts of cancer diagnosis / treatment. The project consists of three distinct subprojects aiming at: 1. Obtaining and testing of some CDs-type nanostructures starting from imidic precursors, suitable as teranostic investigation / anti-tumor treatment platforms; 2. Obtaining and testing of polymeric biocomposites containing imidic CDs, suitable as teranostic investigation / anti-tumor treatment platforms; and 3. Developing a pilot-scale process for synthesizing CD-type nanosciences for medical applications. The TERADOT project proposes to achieve these objectives by accomplishing several specific output indicators, of which the most important are: the employment of eight young researchers, obtaining 4 new products, 1 new technology for CDs preparation, minimum 8 articles in high impact journals, 5 patent requests (4 national and 1 international) which will further facilitate the collaboration with economic entities as potential beneficiaries.

Development and optimization of an innovative photo-Fenton-peroxone system for degrading organic micropollutants in water Call name: Projects for Young Research Teams - RUTE -2014 call
PN-II-RU-TE-2014-4-0405 2015 - 2017

Role in this project: Project coordinator

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA TEHNICĂ "GHEORGHE ASACHI" IAŞI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA TEHNICĂ "GHEORGHE ASACHI" IAŞI (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA TEHNICĂ "GHEORGHE ASACHI" IAŞI (RO)

Project website: http://www.ch.tuiasi.ro/cercetare/RU/FEROXONAC

Abstract:

The present project proposes the development and technical optimization of an innovative photo-Fenton-peroxone treatment system for degrading micropollutants from water and wastewater. WHO and UNEP signaled in 2013 the great threat of endocrine disrupting micropollutants. More efficient, environmentally friendly and reliable treatment facilities for environmental factors are needed. Integrated studies (including operating costs and scaling up) with an emphasis on the optimization of advanced oxidation technologies are of critical importance all the more so as the new challenges in the field of water and wastewater treatment consists in the urgent need to dramatically increase the treatment efficiencies in relation to micropollutants.

A reliable final polishing step system for wastewater treatment in relation to traces of micropollutants will be developed. The novel features of the suggested photo-Fenton-peroxone technique consist in coupling heterogeneous photo-Fenton and in-situ-generated peroxone into a powerful oxidation system having also the capability to adsorb traces of non-organic micropollutants onto high-surface, porous composites. New Fe immobilized AC, Fe and Mn oxides, and Fe-doped Titanium dioxide coated AC will be investigated. Also, extremely high-surface aerogels and novel Fenton nano-oxides and doped-graphene coated aerogels will be developed. The most promising composites will be tested. The newly designed treatment system will be modeled and optimized.

Innovative electroluminescent nanocomposites for a new approach in polymer based light emitting devices Call name: Exploratory Research Projects - PCE-2011 call
PN-II-ID-PCE-2011-3-0708 2012 - 2016

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA TEHNICA GHEORGHE ASACHI DIN IASI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA TEHNICA GHEORGHE ASACHI DIN IASI (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA TEHNICA GHEORGHE ASACHI DIN IASI (RO)

Project website: http://www.ch.tuiasi.ro/cercetare/IDEI/mpopa/pled/index.html

Abstract:

In the last few years the interest for electroluminescent materials has been significantly increasing due to their high potential applications in cutting edge optoelectronic devices. The proposed research direction adds a new approach in obtaining high performance electroluminescent nanocomposites by using chalcogenide quantum dots as light emissive layer, embedded in a highly electroconductive polyaniline host. The completion of the research programm should meet a significant scientific interest due the expected new results in synthesis procedures for thin polyaniline electroconductive films and polymer host compatible quantum dots. Also, through the main objective completion, the obtained electroluminescent nanocomposite should be available in the developing stage required for immediate applications in high resolution, flexible color displays for use in computer, multimedia and industrial applications or in energy efficient diffuse light sources.

Optimization of a hybrid electrocoagulation-sorption-electrooxidation system for wastewater treatment Call name:
PNII-RU-PD-2009-1-44 2010 - 2012

Role in this project: Project coordinator

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA TEHNICĂ "GHEORGHE ASACHI" IAŞI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA TEHNICĂ "GHEORGHE ASACHI" IAŞI ()

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA TEHNICĂ "GHEORGHE ASACHI" IAŞI ()

Project website: http://www.ch.tuiasi.ro/pdf/cercetare/proiecte/contracte%202010.pdf

Abstract:

The present project proposes the technical-economical optimization of a hybrid electrocoagulation-sorption-electrooxidation system for the wastewater treatment. Having a favorable impact on the surrounding environment and good cost-efficiency ratios concerning wastewater treatment, electrocoagulation might become the ideal technology in order to increase water quality, being independent, portable and presenting the capacity to remove wide ranges of pollutants. Recent studies approaching wastewater treatment by electrocoagulation emphasized the mechanisms of electrocoagulation processes under alternating current, as well as the advantages of alternating current versus direct current concerning both treatment rates and cost reduction related to energy consumption. Also, several studies reported recently the advantages of the simultaneous use of granular active carbon in electrocoagulation cells. For final treatment of effluents containing low pollutant concentrations, prior pretreated by the hybrid technique of electrocoagulation-sorption, it is aimed at the design and optimization of a three-dimensional electrode reactor for electrochemical regeneration of granular active carbon. In the experimental investigations will be used synthetic solutions containing dyes. Based on experimental design and factorial methods, the influence of operating parameters will be emphasized by screening design. Also, each process will be mathematically modeled and optimized in relation to both the treatment rate and costs by determining the optimal operation areas Further, the electrocoagulation cell and three-dimensional electrode reactor will represent the main treatment stages of a novel continuous-flow, pilot-scale plant of electrocoagulation-sorption-electrooxidation. This plant will be optimized in relation to technical-economical by response surface methodology and by means of artificial neural networks.

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