Reports

Reporting of Activities in Middterm Stage VI – July 1 – September 30, 2025

A1: In continuation of the activities carried out in the previous stages, during this period the synthesis process of composite materials (RE:MO NCs) based on ZnO doped with 1% La and graphene in various concentrations was completed, and the synthesis of a new series of materials consisting of ZnO doped with 1% Er and variable graphene content (0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 3, 6, and 12%) was initiated using the electrospinning–calcination method. Preliminary tests were performed for the fabrication of RE:MO-G polymer composite coatings, using both commercially available materials and previously obtained materials, with PVDF and SBR as polymer matrices, in order to carry out electrical measurements and evaluate electromagnetic shielding properties.The deposition of thin layers of powders (composites obtained through the calcination process) onto various types of substrates (paper, cardboard, acetate film, glass, and silicon) was continued for performing optical, electrical, and electromagnetic shielding property measurements.

A2: In line with the activity plan of this stage, the materials developed in A1 were characterized using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM/EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, and UV–Vis spectroscopy. FTIR and PL analyses were also performed on all the materials developed during the previous stages.The methodology for material processing and the experimental setup for electrical and electromagnetic shielding measurements were further improved, resulting in an efficient method that will be validated in the next stage. The experimental data obtained from this activity were integrated into the database to be used in activity A3.

A3: In continuation of the previous activities, during this stage the calculation of the shielding properties of the nanocomposite consisting of graphene and rare earth-doped ZnO was further developed:

✅ Modelling, design, and simulation for EMI frequencies:
In this stage, the variation of the electrical properties of zinc oxide powder samples doped with lanthanum was investigated in the EMI frequency range (10 kHz – 10 GHz), taking into account the conductivity changes induced by the dopant impurities.

✅ Modelling of optical absorption in La- and Sm-doped ZnO nanostructures:
The analysis of the optical properties of the developed materials, initiated in the previous stage, was continued. This time, the electromagnetic field was studied when the incident radiation propagates through a structure composed of two ZnO layers (n = 2) with a thickness of 50 nm doped with La or Sm, and an intermediate 4 nm layer (4% volumetric concentration) of horizontally oriented graphene flakes inserted between them.

The PhD students and postdoctoral researchers involved in the project participated in professional development courses.

A4: Management, administration, project promotion, and dissemination of results:
During this period, minimal acquisitions of consumables strictly necessary for the implementation of the project were carried out in accordance with the procurement plan, and Notification 12 was prepared to enable the urgent completion of the project implementation team. No travel was carried out.

The necessary reporting documents for the end of the mid-stage of Quarter 2, as well as all administrative documents required for the proper management of the project implementation, were prepared in collaboration with the funding authority. The project website — www.pnrrcf23.ro

✅ Deliverables Achieved in Stage VI A:

An article was published in the journal Surfaces and Interfaces (Impact Factor: 6.2; CAS Ranking: Tier 1) article „Influence of Molybdenum and Chromium Doping on WO3 Thin Films Fabricated by Spray Pyrolysis: Structural and Optical Characterization”, authors: Andreea-Gabriela-Marina Popescu, Ioan Valentin Tudose, Kyriakos Mouratis, Cosmin Romanitan, Oana Brincoveanu, Cristina Pachiu, Dumitru Manica, Marina Manica, Paul Schiopu, Marian Vladescu, Octavian Narcis Ionescu, Petronela Pascariu, Emmanouel Koudoumas, Mirela Petruta Suchea, Surfaces and Interfaces, Volume 72, 2025, 107427, ISSN 2468-0230, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.surfin.2025.107427   (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2468023025016797  )

It was sent and published in Nanomaterials (Impact factor 4.3;Cite Score 9.2 –  Q1 (General Chemical Engineering) the paper„Morphological and Optical Properties of RE-Doped ZnO Thin Films Fabricated Using Nanostructured Microclusters Grown by Electrospinning–Calcination” authors Manica, M., Suchea, M. P., Manica, D., Pascariu, P., Brincoveanu, O., Romanitan, C., Pachiu, C., Dinescu, A., Muller, R., Antohe, S., Manoli, D. M., & Koudoumas, E. (2025). Nanomaterials, 15(17), 1369. https://doi.org/10.3390/nano15171369

✅ A series of presentations were delivered at international scientific events:

⦿ 1 invited presentation at the Workshop “New Germicide Nanocomposite Materials for Biological Protection and Decontamination”, Sligo, Ireland, September 19th, 2025, delivered by Dr. Mirela Suchea.

⦿ 1 keynote presentation at the 7th International Symposium on Materials, Electrochemistry and Environment, CIMEE25, held online on September 25–27, 2025, Tripoli, Lebanon, delivered by Dr. M. Suchea (https://cimee-science.org/index.php/cimee25/

✅ Consortium building for Horizon Europe proposals

Work has been carried out to form consortia for several Horizon Europe project proposals:

⦿ Call: HORIZON-CL4-INDUSTRY-2025-01-MATERIALS-52 – Accelerate the uptake of life-cycle assessment (LCA) for Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) chemicals and materials and resulting products (RIA).
Indicative title: Tools for life-cycle assessment for Safe and sustainable design of chemicals materIals and products – SYSTEMATIC

⦿ Call: HORIZON-CL5-2026-01-D2-01 – Development of sustainable and design-to-cost batteries with (energy-) efficient manufacturing processes and based on advanced and safer materials (Batt4EU Partnership).
Indicative title: New batteries for UAVs

⦿ Call: HORIZON-CL6-2025-01-ZEROPOLLUTION-06 – Provide digital solutions tailored to small and medium-sized farms to monitor and sustainably manage agricultural inputs and natural resources.
Indicative title: Novel digital solutions for supporting small and medium-sized farms

⦿ Call: EDF-2025-LS-DA-SME-NT – Non-thematic development actions by SMEs.
Indicative title: Reduction of IR fingerprint using metamaterials

✅ International bilateral project

An Expression of Interest for a proposal under the Romania–United States Bilateral Projects Call (Identifier: PN-IV-CEI-OE-BIM-NSF-2024-1) within Programme 5.8 — European and International Cooperation, Subprogramme 5.8.3 — Bilateral/Multilateral, was resubmitted and accepted by NSF in Stage 1 of evaluation. Project title: Predictive Structure – Activity Interplay in Ceramic – Carbon Hybrids through Tunable Porosity, Defect Chemistry, and Interfacial Engineering, PI Romania: M. Suchea
The proposal is currently being elaborated in collaboration with the U.S. partner and will be submitted in the coming months according to the competition calendar. 

✅ Additional scientific results

⦿ Beyond the initial activity plan, the article “Morphological and Functional Evolution of Amorphous AlN Thin Films Deposited by RF-Magnetron Sputtering”
Authors: Zai, M.-I., Lalau, I., Manica, M., Chiriacescu, L., Antohe, V.-A., Gheorghiu, C. C., Iftimie, S., Toma, O., Suchea, M. P., & Antohe, Ș. (2025). Surfaces, 8(3), 51.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/surfaces8030051

✅ Accepted contributions to international events

Seven out of eight abstracts and scientific papers submitted to the 48th edition of the International Semiconductor Conference — CAS 2025, Sinaia, Romania (October 7–11, 2025), were accepted and will be presented in the next stage:

⦿ O. Brincoveanu, C. Romanitan, P. Pascariu, M. Manica, L. Barbu, S. Tripon, M. Suchea — “ Morphological and structural characterization of Rare-Earth doped ZnO for EMI shielding applications” (4 pages);

⦿ C. I. Pachiu, I. V. Tudose, M.-R. Marinescu, O. Brîncoveanu, C. Romanițan, P. Varasteanu, D. Manica, M. Aldrigo, C. Parvulescu, M. P. Șuchea, E. Koudoumas — “Spray-Deposited Carbon-Zinc Oxide Composite Films for Electromagnetic Shielding and Conductive Applications” (4 pages);

⦿ A. G. M. Popescu, I. V. Tudose, C. Romanitan, O. Brincoveanu, R. Gavrila, M. Manica, C. Pachiu, P. Schiopu, M. Vladescu, M. P. Suchea — “Investigation of Surface Properties of Spray-Deposited V2O5 Thin Films” (4 pages);

⦿ D. Manica, P. Varasteanu, Ș. Bucur, O. Brincoveanu, C. Romanitan, C. Pachiu, M. P. Suchea*, E. Koudoumas — “La/GNPs:ZnO Nanocomposite Microclusters Synthesized by Electrospinning–Calcination: Structural and Optical Characterization” (4 pages);

⦿ P. Pascariu, C. Romanitan, O. Brincoveanu, M. Asandulesa, M. Suchea, E. Koudoumas — “Impact of graphene on the morpho-structural, optical and dielectric properties of ZnO Semiconductors” (2 pages);

⦿ M. Manica, M. P. Suchea*, I. V. Tudose, C. Romanitan, D. Manica, O. Brincoveanu, R. Gavrila, Ș. Antohe, O. N. Ionescu, E. Koudoumas — “Trivalent metal-doped ZnO thin films: structural origins of high-energy absorption maxima and bandgap variations” (2 pages);

⦿ O. Nedelcu, M. Suchea, O. Brincoveanu, D. Manica, T. Sandu — “ Nanostructured Lanthanum Doped ZnO for Application in EMI Shielding” (2 pages);

The project coordinator and the project team remain actively involved in ongoing interactions with international partners and collaborators to build consortia and prepare joint project proposals for upcoming calls.

In conclusion, the deliverables set out in the activity plan for this stage were achieved 100% in the scientific and dissemination components — and in some cases, the objectives were even exceeded.

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Reporting of Activities in Final Stage V – April 1 – June 30, 2025

A1: In continuation of the previous stages, during this period, a series of composite materials (RE:MO NCs) based on ZnO doped with 1% La and different graphene concentrations were synthesized, and the optimization of the synthesis process was successfully completed. A new series of materials based on ZnO doped with 1% Sm and variable graphene content (0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 3, 6, and 12%) was also synthesized via the electrospinning–calcination method. After full characterization, these materials will be replicated further to obtain sufficient quantities for testing electromagnetic shielding properties.Attempts were also made to fabricate composite membranes with PVDF matrix to immobilize the previously synthesized nanostructured micropowders for performing electrical and shielding measurements.The deposition of thin powder layers (composites obtained after calcination) on various substrates—paper, cardboard, acetate, glass, or Si—continued for optical, electrical, and electromagnetic shielding measurement trials.

A2: According to the stage activity plan, all materials (including optimization trials and thin films for optical, electrical, and shielding measurements) were characterized by visual inspection and optical microscopy, followed by SEM, EDX, XRD, Raman spectroscopy, and UV-VIS spectroscopy where applicable. FTIR and PL analyses were performed on all materials developed in previous stages (17 different materials). Some of the characterization results of the newly obtained materials are presented below. A2 activities will continue with full characterization and reproduction of the samples fabricated in A1 and integration of results into the continuously developing database. The experimental data has been integrated into the database for use in activity A3.Methodology improvement for material processing and working setup for electrical and electromagnetic shielding measurements also continued.

A3: In continuation of prior work, this stage included further calculations of shielding properties for the nanocomposite made from graphene and rare earth-doped ZnO: modeling of optical absorption of ZnO nanostructures doped with Er; finite element design and simulation were performed.Microscopic modeling of the optical response of an ensemble of nanoparticles and ZnO nanostructures doped with Er, La, and Sm at various concentrations was carried out. The investigated configurations were based on SEM characterization results of the samples. In addition, training activities for young researchers continued.

A4: Management, Administration, Project Promotion, and Dissemination of Results:

✅ During this period, minimal acquisitions of strictly necessary consumables were made for project implementation, according to the procurement plan, and a team member was hired following a competition organized for the vacant position of ACS – Technician 4 – Chemistry. Mr. I. V. Tudose, a chemist, joined the project team. No travel took place. The necessary documents for reporting the end of Stage V, Quarter 1, as well as all documents for proper project administration in collaboration with the funder, were prepared. The project webpage www.pnrrcf23.ro was updated with the reporting period’s results.

✅ Deliverables Achieved in Stage V:

• An article was published in the journal Materials Characterization (Impact Factor: 4.7; CAS Ranking: Tier 1):“Lanthanum doping effects on microstructure and properties of nanostructured ZnO”Authors: P. Pascariu, O. T. Nedelcu, T. Sandu, C. Romanitan, O. Brincoveanu, C. Pachiu, D. Manica, M. Manica, A. G. M. Popescu, S. Antohe, O. N. Ionescu, M. P. Suchea, Emmanouel KoudoumasnMaterials Characterization, Vol. 224, 2025, Article ID 114994https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matchar.2025.114994
• The article „Influence of Molybdenum and Chromium Doping on WO₃ Thin Films Fabricated by Spray Pyrolysis: Structural and Optical Characterization”, previously submitted to Small Structures (Q1), was rejected and re-submitted to the journal Surfaces and Interfaces (Q1), where it was revised and is currently under review.
• The article „Erbium doping effects on microstructure and properties of nanostructured ZnO” re-submitted to Scientific Reports Journal was rejected and is currently under revision for resubmission

✅Scientific Presentations in International Events:

• 2 invited presentations at the 12th International Conference on Microscopy & Spectroscopy and Exhibition (INTERM 2025), Oludeniz, Turkey, April 8–14, 2025
  Presenters: C. Pachiu and O. Brincoveanu
• 10 posters at The International NanoScience Community,
  14th Virtual Nanotechnology Poster Conference – NANOPOSTER 2025; April 23–30, 2025https://www.nanopaprika.eu/groups/nanoposter2025/forum/topics?page=1
• IMT Bucharest, Romania NP2025-025 Project Poster: „Development of novel nanocomposite materials with tunable conductivity for electromagnetic shielding and potential uses in electronics and optoelectronics applications”
• Dumitru Manica, Petronela Pascariu, Oana Brincoveanu, Cosmin Romanitan, Cristina Pachiu, Marina Manica, Mirela Petruta Suchea and Emmanouel Koudoumas, NP2025-011 Assembly of Lanthanum and graphene doped ZnO nanostructured microclusters developed by the electrospinning calcination method,
• Maria-Roxana Marinescu, Ioan Valentin Tudose, Cristina Ionela Pachiu, Oana Brîncoveanu, Cosmin Romanițan, Mirela Petruța Șuchea, Emmanuel Koudoumas; Active nanofiber coatings on textile substrates by electrospinning method for application to antibacterial bandages; Poster – NP2025-017.
• PericleVarasteanu, Dumitru Manica, Petronela Pascariu, Cosmin Romanitan, Oana Brincoveanu, Cristina Pachiu, Mirela Petruta, Suchea, Emmanouel Koudoumas NP2025-009 Optical bandgap evaluation of rare earths doped ZnO materials obtained by electrospinning.
• Andreea Popescu, Ioan Valentin Tudose, Octavian Narcis Ionescu, Cosmin Romanitan, Oana Brincoveanu, Cristina Pachiu, Raluca Gavrila, Dumitru Manica, Paul Schiopu, Mirela Petruta Suchea, Emmanouel Koudoumas, NP2025-006 Mo- and Cr-Doped WO3 Thin Films for Gas Sensing Applications,
• Marina Manica, Ioan Valentin Tudose, Oana Brincoveanu, Cosmin Romanitan, Dumitru M anica, Raluca Gavrila, Mirela Petruta Suchea and Emmanouel Koudoumas, (2025NP2025-010 Trivalent elements doped ZnO thin films growth for potential sensing applications,
• Cristina Pachiu, Roxana Marinescu, Valentin Tudose, Cosmin Romanitan , Oana Brincoveanu , Mirela Petruta Suchea, Emmanouel Koudoumas NP2025-024 Scalable Spray-Based Fabrication of Carbon–Zinc Oxide Nanomaterials for Next-Generation Electroshielding and Flexible Electronics,
• C. Romanitan, P. Pascariu, O. Brincoveanu, A.-B. Serban, M. Suchea and E. Koudoumas, NP2025-013 The non-destructive investigation of rare earth doping-induced changes in the ZnO microstructure by X-ray diffraction.
• Oana Brincoveanu, Cosmin Romanitan, Petronela Pascariu, Manica Marina, Lucian Barbu, Septimiu Tripon, Mirela Suchea, and Emmanouel Koudoumas, NP2025-020 Morphological and Structural Characterization of Metal Oxide-Based Materials for EMI Shielding applications.
• Florian Pistritu, Marin Gheorghe, M.P. Suchea, Octavian Narcis Ionescu, NP2025-014 Pressure mapping system for podiatric applications.
• 1 presentation at the 2025 Spring Meeting of the European Materials Research Society (E-MRS), Strasbourg, France – Dr. C. Pachiu
• 2 invited oral presentations by Dr. M. Suchea at:

• International Conference on Emerging Trends and Technologies in Mechanical and Electrical Engineering 2025:
  “Additive Manufacturing of Photocatalytic and Antifouling Nanocomposites: Tailoring Functionality Through Metal Oxide Integration”
• Emerging Trends and Technologies in Electrical, Control and Computer Engineering, Ploiești, Romania, June 19–21, 2025:
  “Development of WO₃-based thin films for electrochromic and sensing applications”
• Efforts were made to form consortia of partners for the submission of project proposals under upcoming Horizon Europe calls:

• Call: HORIZON-CL4-INDUSTRY-2025-01-MATERIALS-52
  Accelerate the uptake of life-cycle assessment (LCA) for Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) chemicals and materials and resulting products (RIA)
  Proposal title (indicative):
  toolS for life-cYcleaSsessment for Safe and susTainabledEsign of cheMicalsmATerIals and produCts – SYSTEMATIC
• Call: HORIZON-CL5-2026-01-D2-01
  Development of sustainable and design-to-cost batteries with (energy-)efficient manufacturing processes and based on advanced and safer materials (Batt4EU Partnership)
  Proposal title (indicative):
  New batteries for UAVs
• Call: HORIZON-CL6-2025-01-ZEROPOLLUTION-06
  Provide digital solutions tailored to small and medium-sized farms to monitor and sustainably manage agricultural inputs and natural resources
  Proposal title (indicative):
  Novel digital solutions for supporting small and medium-sized farms
• Call: EDF-2025-LS-DA-SME-NT
  Non-thematic development actions by SMEs
  Proposal title (indicative):
  Reduction of IR fingerprint using metamaterials
• An Expression of Interest was submitted for the Romania – United States Bilateral Complex Project Call (PN-IV-CEI-OE-BIM-NSF-2024-1) under Program 5.8 – European and International Cooperation, Subprogram 5.8.3 – Bilateral/Multilateral with the title: “Sustainable electrospun composite fiber membranes for environmental and technological applications”, submitted by Romanian PI Dr. M. Suchea.The proposal was rejected by NSF, but discussions and preparations for a new expression of interest on a different topic are ongoing.

Additional Activities Beyond Initial Plan:

• A patent application was submitted in advance of the activity schedule:
  Application No. A/00252/18 June 2025 to OSIM (Romanian Patent Office):
  Invention title:Functional coating for electromagnetic shielding,consisting of nanostructured microclusters of pure or doped transition metal oxide with graphene in a flexible polymer matrix.
• The following article was published:Marinescu, M.R., Buiu, O., Pachiu, C.,Brincoveanu, O., Romanitan, C., Suchea, M., &Marculescu, O. (2025).“ON THE BENEFITS OF ECO-FRIENDLY CHITOSAN/ZnO COMPOSITE”Nonconventional Technologies Review, 29(1).Available at: https://www.revtn.ro/index.php/revtn/article/view/501
• Various contributions were submitted for international conferences:
  • Oana Brincoveanu, Cosmin Romanitan, Petronela Pascariu, Lucian Barbu, Mirela Suchea, Emmanouel Koudoumas“Influence of La, Er, and Sm Doping on the Structural and Morphological Properties of ZnO for EMI Shielding”
    – 17th Multinational Congress on Microscopy – 17th CM, Portorož, Slovenia, September 7–12, 2025
  • Eight abstracts and scientific papers submitted to the 48th International Semiconductor Conference – CAS 2025, Sinaia, Romania, October 7–11, 2025:
• Oana Brincoveanu, Cosmin Romanitan, Petronela Pascariu, Manica Marina, Lucian Barbu, Septimiu Tripon, Mirela Suchea “Morphological and structural characterization of Rare-Earth doped ZnO for EMI shielding applications” – 4pg
• Cristina Ionela Pachiu, Ioan Valentin Tudose, Maria-Roxana Marinescu,  OanaBrîncoveanu, Cosmin Romanițan, PericleVarasteanu, Dumitru Manica, Martino Aldrigo, Catalin Parvulescu, Mirela Petruța Șuchea, Emmanuel Koudoumas, „Spray-Deposited Carbon-Zinc Oxide Composite Films for Electromagnetic Shielding and Conductive Applications”– 4pg

• A. G. M. Popescu, I. V. Tudose, C. Romanitan, O. Brincoveanu, R. Gavrila, M. Manica, C. Pachiu, P. Schiopu, M. Vladescu, M. P. Suchea, “Investigation of Surface Properties of Spray-Deposited V2O5 Thin Films”– 4pg.
• Dumitru Manica, PericleVarasteanu, Stefan Bucur, Oana Brincoveanu, Cosmin Romanitan, Cristina Pachiu, Mirela Petruta Suchea*, Emmanouel Koudoumas, La/GNPs:ZnO Nanocomposite Microclusters Synthesized by Electrospinning–Calcination: Structural and Optical Characterization– 4pg.
• Florian Pistritu, Roxana Marinescu, Mirela Petruța Suchea,The importance of determining the correct location of sensors used in the manufacture of podiatric medical devices– 4pg.
• P. Pascariu, C. Romanitan, O.Brincoveanu, M. Asandulesa, M. Suchea and E. Koudoumas, Impact of graphene on the morpho-structural, optical and dielectric properties of ZnO Semiconductors, – 2pg.
• Marina Manica, Mirela Petruta Suchea*, Ioan Valentin Tudose, Cosmin Romanitan, Dumitru Manica, Oana Brincoveanu, Raluca Gavrila, Stefan Antohe, Octavian Narcis Ionescu and Emmanuel Koudoumas, Trivalent metal-doped ZnO thin films: structural origins of high-energy absorption maxima and bandgap variations, – 2pg.
• O. Nedelcu, M. Suchea, O. Brincoveanu, D. Manica, T. Sandu, “Nanostructured Lanthanum Doped ZnO for Application in EMI Shielding”, – 2pg
• The following paper was submitted for publication:Andreea-Gabriela-Marina Popescu, Paul Schiopu, Marian Vladescu, Carmen Moldovan and Elena Manea:“Environmental Gas Sensors for Air Quality Monitoring: A Review of Recent Progress”,submitted to U.P.B. Sci. Bull., Series C, 2025

In conclusion, the deliverables foreseen in the activity plan for this stage have been 100% achieved on the scientific and dissemination side, with some of them even exceeding expectations.

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Reporting of Activities in Midterm Stage V – January 1 to March 31, 2025

A1: The composite materials (RE:MO NCs) based on zinc oxide ZnO doped with 1% La and graphene were further synthesized for reproducibility and optimization studies. A series of new oxide semiconductor materials based on ZnO doped with 1% Sm and with a variable addition of graphene (0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 3, 6 and 12 %) was fabricated by the electrospinning method followed by calcination. The optimization of the deposition of thin layers of powders on various substrates inert to EMI shielding (paper, cardboard, acetophane, glass and Si) for electromagnetic radiation shielding measurements was continued. The fabrication of La:ZnO, Er:ZnO, Sm:ZnO was continued to ensure a sufficient quantity for the measurements..

A2: All materials (including the tests necessary for optimizations) were carefully investigated using a variety of techniques such as: optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM/EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy and UV-VIS spectroscopy. Experimental data were also obtained for composite materials (RE:MO NCs) consisting of a series of nanostructured materials based on zinc oxide ZnO doped with different concentrations of Samarium Sm:ZnO from 0.1 to 5% Er. TEM and XPR analyses were performed on all materials optimized in the previous stages (17 different materials). These data were integrated into the experimental database, which is used for activities within A3. The database was completed and the development of the data selection platform for use in A3 was continued. The methodology for processing and testing samples under laboratory conditions for performing electrical and electromagnetic shielding measurements was improved..

A3: The calculation and simulation of the shielding properties of the nanocomposite formed by graphene and ZnO doped with rare earths: La, Sm, Eu were continued. The measurements made with the UV-Vis spectrometer of the compounds formed with pure ZnO or doped with La, Er and Sm in various concentrations deposited on glass in thin layers were systematized and analyzed. From these spectra, the forbidden bands were determined with the modified Tauc formula, where the absorbance that appears at energies lower than the forbidden band is also considered. Finite element design and simulation was used for the microscopic modeling of the optical response was performed for an assembly of nanoparticles and nanostructures of ZnO doped with Er, La and Sm at various concentrations. The investigated configurations are based on the SEM characterization results of the samples. The researchers in training participated in training courses and further studied the use of software programs used in the research of the COMSOL Multiphysics project.

A4: Management, Administration, Project Promotion, and Dissemination of Results:

• Management, Administration: During this period, minimal purchases of consumables were made according to the procurement plan and the hiring of 3 team members was completed following the competition organized to fill 3 vacant postdoctoral positions in the project, a competition was organized to fill the vacant position of ACS-technician 4. The competition will be held on April 15, 2025. The documents necessary for reporting for the end of the 4th semi-stage, 2nd quarter, as well as all the documents necessary for the good administration of the project implementation in collaboration with the financial dpt. were prepared.
• Published ISI scientific article P. Pascariu, F. Tudorache, C. Romanitan, A.B. Serban, E. Koudoumas, 1% lanthanide-doped ZnO nanostructures as a versatile approach for state-of-the-art capacitive and resistive humidity sensors, Ceramics International IF 5.1 (Q1) https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ceramint.2025.01.484.
• Published ISI scientific articlein Scientific ReportsIF 3.8 (Q1): Suchea, M.P., Tudose, I.V., Romanitan, C. et al. Study of evolution for 3D structured surface with nano-balls and walls-like features with thickness variation for WO₃ thin films made by spray deposition. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-88121-1
• Accepted for publication ISI scientific article „Lanthanum doping effects on microstructure and properties of nanostructured ZnO”in the journal Materials Characterization (CiteScore: 6.9; Impact Factor: 4.7; CAS Ranking: Tier 1)
• Two other papers developed based on the results obtained within the project have been submitted for evaluation for publication:
  • „Influence of Molybdenum and Chromium Doping on WO3 Thin Films Fabricated by Spray Pyrolysis: Structural and Optical Characterization” in Small Structures IF 13.81 (Q1) (sstr.202500187) – under evaluation.
  • “Erbium doping effects on microstructure and properties of nanostructured ZnO” at Materials Chemistry and Physics IF 4.2 (Q2) (MATCHEMPHYS-D-25-01127) – which was rejected by the respective journal on unfounded grounds and will be resubmitted to a Q1 journal.
• Work has been done on several applications for Horizon Europe projects that will be submitted in the next period.
• M Suchea submitted an Expression of Interest for submitting a project proposal in the call for Bilateral Complex Projects Romania – United States / Identifier: PN-IV-CEI-OE-BIM-NSF-2024-1 in the “Bilateral Complex Projects Romania – United States”, within the Program 5.8 – European and International Cooperation, Subprogram 5.8.3 – Bilateral/Multilateral”, Project Title: Sustainable electrospun composite fiber membranes for environmental and technological applications.
• The project web page has been updated: www.pnrrcf23.ro and will be improved and updated periodically in the future.

In conclusion, the deliverables foreseen in the activity plan for this stage have been 100% achieved on the scientific and dissemination side, with some of them even exceeding expectations.

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Reporting of Activities in Final Stage IV – October 1 to December 31, 2024:

A1: The fabrication of La:ZnO, Er:ZnO, and Sm:ZnO continued to ensure sufficient quantities for measurements. Optimization of the synthesis method and calibration of the equipment for the new material were carried out. Composite materials (RE:MO NCs) based on ZnO doped with 1% La and graphene were synthesized using the electrospinning method followed by calcination. The optimization of thin-film deposition of powders on various inert substrates (paper, cardboard, acetate film, and glass) for electromagnetic radiation shielding measurements was completed.

A2: All materials (including trial runs for optimization) were meticulously analyzed using multiple techniques such as optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM/EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, and UV-VIS spectroscopy. Experimental data were obtained for the composite materials (RE:MO NCs) deposited on glass, consisting of a series of nanostructured materials based on ZnO doped with varying concentrations of La, Er, and Sm. These data were integrated into an experimental database to be used in subsequent activities under A3. The methodology for processing and testing samples under laboratory conditions for electrical and electromagnetic shielding measurements was improved. The database was updated, and the development of a data selection platform for use in A3 was continued.

A3: The calculations and simulations of the shielding properties of the nanocomposite consisting of graphene and ZnO doped with rare earth elements (La, Sm, Eu) continued. UV-VIS spectrometer measurements of compounds formed with pure or doped ZnO (La, Er, Sm) in various concentrations deposited as thin films on glass were systematized and analyzed. From these spectra, the band gaps were determined using the modified Tauc formula, which considers absorption at energies lower than the bandgap.

Microscopic modeling of the response to electromagnetic radiation interaction for assemblies of ZnO nanoparticles and nanorods was carried out using finite element design and simulation. The configurations investigated were based on SEM characterization results. Early-career researchers participated in training courses and further studied software tools used in project research, such as COMSOL Multiphysics, Origin, Matlab, Optimization Techniques in Microelectronic Design, and Advanced Materials for Electrospinning.

A4: Management, Administration, Project Promotion, and Dissemination of Results: A hybrid-format international workshop—Workshop PNRR “Advances on Nanostructured Semiconductor Composite Materials – Science and Beyond Science”—was successfully organized and held in Bucharest, Romania, on December 10, 2024. Project results were presented in six oral presentations by team members.

https://pnrrcf23.ro/invitation-to-workshop-advances-on-nanostructured-semiconductor-composite-materials-science-and-beyond-science-in-the-framework-of-project-pnrr-2022-c9-mcid-i8-cf-23-14-11-2022/https://pnrrcf23.ro/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Programe_ws_10.12.2024.pdf

The ISI article submitted in in Scientific Reports in Stage IV-A was revised for publication.

• The manuscript titled “Lanthanum doping effects on microstructure and properties of nanostructured ZnO” (originally submitted to Materials but rejected due to length issues and an evaluation imbalance) was resubmitted to Materials Characterization (CiteScore: 6.9, Impact Factor: 4.7) and is currently under review.
• An article titled “Growth of Nanostructured Lanthanum Doped ZnO by Electrospinning Calcination” was published in the 2024 IEEE International Semiconductor Conference (CAS) proceedings, Sinaia, Romania, DOI: 10.1109/CAS62834.2024.10736709.
• Another manuscript, “1% Lanthanide-doped ZnO nanostructures as a versatile approach for state-of-the-art capacitive and resistive humidity sensors,” was submitted to Ceramics International (Ms. Ref. No.: CERI-D-24-15298).

Two additional manuscripts concerning the effects of Sm and Er doping on ZnO synthesized by electrospinning and calcination are prepared for submission early in the next stage.

Contributions to the 2024 International Semiconductor Conference (CAS) in Sinaia were successfully supported:

P. Pascariu, C. Romanitan, O. Brincoveanu, C. Pachiu, D. Manica, M. Manica, A. Popescu, T. Sandu, O. Nedelcu, O.N. Ionescu, M. P. Suchea*, E. Koudoumas., „Growth of Nanostructured Lanthanum Doped ZnO by Electrospining Calcination,” 2024 International Semiconductor Conference (CAS), Sinaia, Romania, 2024.

The project team also collaborated on a Horizon Europe 2024 proposal with 17 partners across France, Greece, Poland, Spain, and the UK, submitted on October 10, 2024.

The project website (www.pnrrcf23.ro) was updated and will continue to be improved periodically.

Additional Deliverables:

Publications:

1. A. G. M. Popescu, I. V. Tudose, C. Romanitan, O. Brincoveanu, R. Gavrila, M. Manica. C. Pachiu, P. Schiopu. M. Vladescu, P. Pascariu, M. P. Suchea*, „Mo Dopant Concentration Effect on Nanostructured WO3 Thin Films Grown by Spray Deposition Surface Properties,” 2024 International Semiconductor Conference (CAS), Sinaia, Romania, 2024, pp. 171-174, doi: 10.1109/CAS62834.2024.10736875.
2. D. Manica, C. Pachiu, C. Romanitan, O. N. Ionescu, O. T. Nedelcu and M. P. Suchea*, 2024 International Semiconductor Conference (CAS), Sinaia, Romania, 2024, pp. 279-282, doi: 10.1109/CAS62834.2024.10736740.
3. Florian Pistritu; Cătălin Pârvulescu; Marin Gheorghe; Violeta Dediu; Octavian Narcis Ionescu; Paul Schiopu, Mirela Suchea, „Pressure Mapping System at the Level of the Sole of the Foot,” 2024 International Semiconductor Conference (CAS), Sinaia, Romania, 2024, pp. 313-316, doi: 10.1109/CAS62834.2024.1073687
4. C. Pachiu, A. Boldeiu, O Brincoveanu, ERS Enhanced Raman Mapping via Self-Assembly of Silver NanoCubes, 2024 International Semiconductor Conference (CAS), Sinaia, Romania, 2024, DOI: 10.1109/CAS62834.2024.10736819

Presentations

1. Mirela Suchea –  Keynote Speaker Day 3, The 6th International Symposium on Materials, Electrochemistry and Environment (CIMEE 2024), October 24-26 , 2024, Lebanon https://cimee-science.org/index.php/2024/10/30/daily-briefing-cimee24/
2. A. G. M. Popescu, I. V. Tudose, C. Romanitan, O. Brincoveanu, R. Gavrila, M. Manica. C. Pachiu, P. Schiopu. M. Vladescu, P. Pascariu, M. P. Suchea*, „Mo Dopant Concentration Effect on Nanostructured WO3 Thin Films Grown by Spray Deposition Surface Properties,” 2024 International Semiconductor Conference (CAS), Sinaia, Romania, 2024.
3. C. Pachiu, A. Boldeiu, O Brincoveanu, ERS Enhanced Raman Mapping via Self-Assembly of Silver NanoCubes, 2024 International Semiconductor Conference (CAS), Sinaia, Romania, 2024, DOI: 10.1109/CAS62834.2024.10736819
4. TUDOSE Ioan Valentin, ORFANOU Maria, ROMANITAN Cosmin, PACHIU Cristina, BRINCOVEANU Oana, ROSCA Irina, PASCARIU Petronela, BUCUR Stefan, VISKADOURAKIS Zacharias, KENANAKIS George, SUCHEA Mirela Petruta*, KOUDOUMAS Emmanouel, IMANEE 2024 Innovative Manufacturing Engineering & Energy International Conference23-25th October, 2024, Athens Greece www.imanee.com
5. M.R. Marinescu, O. Buiu, C. Pachiu, O. Brincoveanu, C. Romanitan, M. Suchea, O. Marculescu, the 23rd International conference of nonconventional technologies (ICNcT 23), Bucharest, Romania, 21-22 November 2024.
6. Cristina Pachiu, O. Simionescu, B. Adiaconita, A. Avram, O. Buiu, R. Marinescu, R. Popa, C. Constantinescu, Carbonic Material Growth by PECVD Method: Raman spectroscopy and Raman mapping characterisation,  Journée AMUTECH Matériaux 2D,d’Aix-Marseille Université : l’institut Matériaux Avancés et Nanotechnologies (AMUTech) et l’institut Sciences de la Santé Publique d’Aix-Marseille (ISSPAM) 19 dec 2024, poster presentation.

The project coordinator and team engaged with EU partners to form consortia for Horizon Europe and EDF (European Defence Fund) calls. These collaborations included discussions with researchers, public sector representatives, and industrial stakeholders across Europe.

In conclusion, the deliverables foreseen in the activity plan for this stage have been 100% achieved on the scientific and dissemination side, with some of them even exceeding expectations.

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Reporting of Activities in Stage IV Midterm – July 1 – September 30, 2024:

A1: The production of Er:ZnO and Sm:ZnO was continued to ensure a sufficient quantity for measurements. Optimization of the synthesis method and calibration of equipment for the new material were performed. Composite materials (RE NCs) based on zinc oxide (ZnO) doped with Erbium Er – ZnO doped with 2.5% and 5% Er and ZnO doped with 1% La – graphene were synthesized by the electrospinning method followed by calcination. Thin powder layers were attempted and optimized for deposition on various inert substrates for EMI shielding (paper, cardboard, acetorphan, and glass) for electromagnetic radiation shielding measurements.

A2: All materials (including the trials necessary for optimizations) were carefully investigated using multiple techniques such as optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM/EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, and UV-VIS spectroscopy. Experimental data on composite materials (RE NCs) consisting of a series of nanostructured materials based on zinc oxide ZnO doped with varying concentrations of Erbium Er were also obtained. These data were integrated into the experimental database, which will later be used for activities in A3. The methodology for processing and testing samples under laboratory conditions for conducting electrical and electromagnetic shielding measurements was improved. The database was completed, and the data selection platform for use in A3 continued to be developed.

A3: The calculation of shielding properties of the nanocomposite formed from graphene and ZnO doped with rare earths: La, Sm, Eu continued. The measurements made on the UV-Vis spectrometer of the compounds formed with pure or doped ZnO with Er and Sm in various concentrations were analyzed. From these spectra, the bandgaps were determined using the modified Tauc formula, where absorbance occurring at energies lower than those of the forbidden band is also considered. Design and finite element simulation: In this stage, microscopic modeling of the optical response for a ZnO nanoparticle assembly was performed. The investigated configurations are based on SEM characterization results of the samples. Researchers in training participated in training courses and continued studying the use of software programs employed in the project research, including COMSOL Multiphysics, Origin, Matlab, Optimization techniques in microelectronics design, and Advanced materials for electrospinning.

A4: Management, administration, project promotion, and dissemination of results:

• The review process of the ISI article submitted for publication in the journal Materials (Q1 IF 3.1 Q2 CiteScore 5.8), sent in Stage III with the title „Lanthanum doping effects on microstructure and optical properties of nanostructured ZnO”, Authors: Petronela Pascariu1,2, Oana Nedelcu1, Titus Sandu1, Cosmin Romanitan1, Oana Brincoveanu1, Cristina Pachiu1, Dumitru Manica1, Marina Manica13, Andreea Popescu14, Stefan Antohe3, Octavian Narcis Ionescu1, Mirela Petruta Suchea15*, and Emmanouel Koudoumas15* was continued with the aim of publishing in the journal.
• A presentation article for the project was developed and published, “Top Story” in the Market Watch journal, September 2024 issue, page 12 link.
• In accordance with the workplan, 5 contributions  were presented at the international conference The 16th International Conference on Physics of Advanced Materials (ICPAM-16) and 7th Autumn School on Physics of Advanced Materials (PAMS-7), held on September 7–15, 2024, at Akdeniz University in Antalya, Turkey, and online: Dr. Suchea – plenary presentation; Dr. Pachiu, Dr. Romanitan, and Dr. Pascariu – invited presentations at ICPAM-16, and Ph.D. candidate A. G. M. Popescu – poster presentation at PAMS-7. ICPAM-16 link PAMS-7 link. Ph.D. candidate A. G. M. Popescu was the recipient of the „ICPAMS Award (150 EUR)” offered by the Association ICPAMS for the poster presentation delivered by Andreea Gabriela Marina Popescu, entitled: WO₃ Thin Films for Potential Use in Gas Sensors: Effect of Mo and Cr Doping. Awards link.
• Work was carried out on an application for a Horizon Europe 2024 project (with 17 partners from Greece, Poland, France, Spain, and the United Kingdom), which will be submitted for evaluation by October 10, 2024.
• The project’s website was updated: www.pnrrcf23.ro, which will continue to be improved and updated regularly.

In addition to the initial activity plan, the following deliverables were also completed:

• On July 15–18, 2024, two invited contributions were presented at the international ROCAM conference in Romania (http://rocam.fizica.net/ROCAM/Main.php) – Prof. Koudoumas and Dr. Suchea, as well as an oral contribution by Dr. C. Romanitan, were presented according to the program of this event.
• Under the guidance and in collaboration with the project team, Ph.D. candidate Marina Manica, who joined the project in November (currently at CMCC), completed the characterization of WO₃ samples, part of her doctoral work, produced prior to joining the project alongside researchers from Greece and in collaboration with the team from the Doctoral School of the Faculty of Physics at the University of Bucharest, as well as other collaborators. A scientific article was written and submitted to Scientific Reports journal, which is currently under review.
• Following his doctoral internship in the project, Ph.D. candidate Florian Pistritu, who joined the project in November and remained until May 2024, completed, and defended his doctoral thesis within the doctoral school of UNPB.
• The M-ERA Net 2024 project (with partners from Spain and Slovakia), submitted for evaluation in May, was rejected during the evaluation process.
• The project’s website (www.pnrrcf23.ro) was updated and will continue to be improved and updated periodically.

Moreover, the Project Coordinator and the Project Team continue to engage in a series of interactions with various partners and collaborators from EU countries to form consortia and jointly submit project proposals in the upcoming Horizon Europe calls, as follows:

• (a) electrode materials for lithium-ion batteries, post-Li-ion technologies, reducing the size and weight of the cell and battery system packaging. The discussions involve laboratories from Sweden, Italy, Spain, Greece, Germany, etc.
• (b) Development of innovative nanomaterial-polymer composites with high electrical breakdown resistance and low dielectric constant values for use in high-voltage insulation.
• (c) Development of special materials for defense, together with the Military Technical Academy and companies from Romania, for the application of an EDA project in the next call.

In conclusion, the deliverables foreseen in the activity plan for this stage have been 100% achieved on the scientific and dissemination side, with some of them even exceeding expectations.

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Reporting the activities in Phase III

Phase III -January 1^st – June 30^th 2024

A1: Optimization enhancements for the synthesis method and calibration of newly installed equipment were continued. Composite materials (RE:MO NCs) based on zinc oxide (ZnO) doped with Sm and Er at various dopant concentrations (Sm and Er) were synthesized using the electrospinning-calcination preparation method.

A2: All materials (including optimization trials) were thoroughly investigated using multiple techniques: optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM/EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, and UV-VIS spectroscopy. Initial experimental data for composite materials (RE:MO NCs) consisting of a series of nanostructured zinc oxide-based materials (ZnO) doped with various concentrations of Samarium (Sm) and Erbium (Er), were obtained. These data will be integrated into the experimental database for future activities in A3. Devices and methodologies for processing and testing samples in laboratory conditions to conduct electrical measurements and electromagnetic shielding were prepared.

A3: Multiple bibliographic references were continued to be analyzed and considered, establishing the physics of the involved phenomena, and setting conditions for generating the first theoretical models. Calculations for the shielding properties of nanocomposites composed of graphene and rare-earth-doped ZnO: La, Sm, Eu, were performed. Preliminary experimental data were used to calculate the complex refractive indices over the frequency range measured and a broader range. The shielding properties of ZG, ZLG, ZEG, and ZSG were assessed, noting an increase in SET with rare-earth doping. Numerical calculations for determining the complex effective permittivity and effective conductivity through finite element simulation for undoped ZnO in spherical agglomerates for specific density and frequency ranges were conducted. Calculations of shielding properties for nanocomposites of graphene and rare-earth-doped ZnO: La, Sm, Eu, were continued. UV-Vis spectrometer measurements of compounds formed with pure ZnO or doped with La at concentrations of 0.2%, 1.0%, 2.0%, and 4.0% were analyzed. The forbidden bands using the modified Tauc formula considering absorbance at energies lower than the forbidden band’s were determined. A computational model for La-doped ZnO to evaluate the variation in dielectric constant with La-induced height modification, based on SEM characterization results for La concentrations between 0-5%, was developed. Trainee researchers participated in training courses and further studied the use of software programs used in the project’s research: COMSOL Multiphysics, Origin, Matlab, and microelectronic design optimization techniques.

A4: Management, Administration, Project Promotion, and Dissemination:

• No consumables were purchased according to the acquisition plan due to financial difficulties caused by payment delays.
• A competition (with an interview on April 2, 2024) for a postdoctoral position within the project (https://www.imt.ro/jobs.htm) was held.
• Stage II and midterm Stage III (May) were reported.
• Under the guidance and collaboration with Dr. M. Suchea, Ph.D. candidate Marina Manica, employed in November, completed the characterization of samples as part of her doctoral thesis, fabricated prior to her project employment, and co-authored the first ISI scientific article with the team from the Faculty of Physics, University of Bucharest, published in Nanomaterials (IF 5.3, CiteScore 7.4), including acknowledgments to the project (https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14060535).
• Several PED-type projects were submitted in the National Call (https://uefiscdi.gov.ro/proiect-experimental-demonstrativ) by E. Koudoumas, O. T. Nedelcu, C. Pachiu, R. Marinescu, M. Suchea.
• Three seminars within the project were organized:
  • SEMINAR 3: “The ABCs of Innovation” – January 23, 2024, 12:00-13:30, Prof. E. Koudoumas.
  • SEMINAR 4: “Progress on Modeling the RF Dielectric Spectra of Rare Earths and Graphene Doped ZnO Nanocomposites” – February 28, 2024, 13:30-14:30, Dr. Titus Sandu.
  • SEMINAR 5: “From Raw Data to Advanced Data Analysis: An Introduction to OriginPro Software” – March 11, 2024, 14:00-16:00, Dr. Pericle Varasteanu, IMT Bucharest.
• An ISI article titled “Lanthanum Doping Effects on Microstructure and Optical Properties of Nanostructured ZnO” was submitted to Materials (Q1 IF 3.1, Q2 CiteScore 5.8) based on project results so far.
• Contributions were presented at two international conferences: INTERM2024 in Turkey (April, invited presentation by Dr. Pachiu and poster by Dr. Sandu) and EMRS Spring 2024 in France (May, poster presentations by Dr. Suchea and Dr. Sandu).
  • INTERM2024: “12th International Congress on Microscopy & Spectroscopy (INTERM)” – April 8-14, 2025, Convention Centre of the Liberty Hotels Lykia/Oludeniz in Mugla, Turkey.
    • C. Pachiu et al., “Carbon Nanomaterials With Performance In EMI Shielding: Growth, Structuring, and Characterization of Materials” (invited).
    • T. Sandu et al., “Dielectric Spectroscopy of Composite Materials Made of Rare Earth-Doped ZnO Mixed with Graphene” (poster).
  • EMRS Spring 2024: “The 2024 Spring Meeting of the European Materials Research Society (E-MRS), Convention & Exhibition Centre of Strasbourg, France.”
    • M.P. Suchea et al., “Tuning the Bandgap of Nanostructured Nanocomposite ZnO-based Semiconductors Using Rare Earth Elements and Graphene Dopants” (oral presentation).
    • T. Sandu et al., “Modeling the RF Dielectric Response of Rare-Earth Doped ZnO/Graphene Nanocomposites” (poster).
• An application for an M-ERA Net 2024 project with partners from Spain and Slovakia for evaluation in May was submitted.
• The project website: www.pnrrcf23.ro was updated, with plans for further improvements and periodic updates.
• Additionally, five contributions were presented at The 13th Virtual Nanotechnology Poster Conference (April 15-21, 2024), including results from the doctoral and post-doctoral works:
  • D. Manica et al., “Al, Cr, La, Fe, and Sm Dopants Impact on the Band Gap of ZnO Thin Films” (NP2024-014).
  • M. Manica et al., “Study of La-doped ZnO Thin Films Properties Made by Spray Pyrolysis for Gas Sensors Applications” (NP2024-013).
  • F. Pistritu et al., “Study on the Influence Generated by the Assembly Model of the Elastomeric Substrate on the Response of a Flexible Piezoresistive Sensor” (NP2024-016).
  • A. Popescu et al., “Investigating the Effect of Molybdenum and Chromium Doping on WO3 Thin Films Made by Spray-Pyrolysis” (NP2024-012).
  • M.-R. Marinescu et al., “The Connectivity of Biomedical Devices with Traditional Communication Networks” (NP2024-017).
• Invited contributions to the international conference ROCAM Romania (July 15-18, 2024), accepted as oral contributions by Prof. E. Koudoumas and Dr. M. Suchea, were submitted.
• Three contributions for evaluation for presentation at the international conference CAS2024 Romania (October 2024) were submitted.
• Under the guidance and collaboration with the project team, Ph.D. candidate Andreea Popescu completed the characterization of WO3 samples as part of her doctoral thesis, fabricated prior to her project employment, and co-authored a scientific article submitted to Nanomaterials (Q2 IF 4.4, Q1 CiteScore 8.3), currently under review.
• Ph.D. candidate Florian Pistritu, under the guidance of the project team, completed the development of sensors containing TiO2 and carbon materials as part of his doctoral thesis and published an article in Micromachines (Q2 IF 3, Q2 CiteScore 5.2) with acknowledgments to the project (https://www.mdpi.com/2072-666X/15/7/847).

The deliverables in the activity plan for this stage have been completed over 100%.

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Reporting the activities in Phase II:

A1:Various growths were conducted for optimisation of the synthesis method as well as for calibrating newly installed equipment. Using the electrospinning-calcination method, composite materials (RE: MO NCs) based on zinc oxide (ZnO) doped with lanthanum at various concentrations (La: ZnO) have been synthesized.

A2: All materials (including those resulted from the optimization attempts) have been carefully investigated using a range of techniques such as optical microscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM/EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy and UV-VIS spectroscopy. Furthermore, the first experimental data were obtained for the composite materials (RE:MO NCs) for a range of composite materials (RE:MO NCs) based on nanostructured zinc oxide ZnO doped with different concentrations of lanthanum, La:ZnO.These data will be integrated into the experimental database, which will subsequently be used for activities within A3. Devices and processing/testing methodology for laboratory conditions have been set up for further performing electrical and electromagnetic screening measurements.

A3:A number of bibliographic references were analysed and considered, the physics of the involved phenomena was analysed and the conditions for generating the first theoretical models have been verified in terms of generating the geometric models established in the previous phase.

 The first models have been generated. In addition, preliminary results, which underpinned the idea of the current project, were used for theoretical simulations of the material behaviour in the electromagnetic field, correlating it with the structure/composition. These led to the first models with disseminable outcomes. Drafting of a scientific paper was started.It will be submitted to a high-impact factor journal in the next phase.

A4: Management, administration, project promotion and dissemination of the results:

• Project results were presented to a specialized audience within The 15^th International Conference on Physics of Advanced Materials (ICPAM-15) and 6^th Autumn School on Physics of Advanced Materials (PAMS-6)  https://icpams.com/main/which took place between  19 – 26 of  November 2023 in Sharm El Sheikh, Egipt by Dr. Petronela Pascariu – invited, dr Cristina Pachiu and dr Titus Sandu in oral presentations and Dr. Mirela Suchea – short presentation https://icpams.com/main/wp-content/uploads/BoA-ICPAM15-131123-v2.pdf.
• Young scientists hired as doctoral and postdoctoral researchers in the project (Postdoc Roxana Marinescu, PhD StudentsDumitru Manica,Andreea Popescu, Marina Manica and Florian Pistritu) were admitted to the international school PAMs without paying the fee. They had the opportunity to present, within PAMs, the results of their previous or additional research activities in the project during their doctoral studies. They also thanked the project for this opportunity to increase the visibility of their scientific activity and professional development https://icpams.com/main/wp-content/uploads/BoA-PAMS6-131123.pdf .
• Dr. Cristina Pachiu was awarded „Augustin Maior Prize (200 EUR) offered by SRF Cluj-Napoca for the oral presentation entitled: Nanocomposite RE:ZnO/graphene with enhanced electrical and dielectric properties” https://icpams.com/main/awards/
• The webpage of the project (www.pnrrcf23.ro) was updated.
• The planned acquisitions in the project were continued.
• The project proposal in the second call, under the coordination Prof.  Stelios Couris from the University of Patras, Greece, submitted and reported in Phase I, was scored 84.7 in the evaluation, ranking at position 25 in the final list. https://www.mcid.gov.ro/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Rezultate-finale-PSE.pdf
• Project presentation (by an oral presentation) by Prof. Koudoumas within International Semiconductor ConferenceCAS 2023, an IEEEevent which took place on October  11-13^th 2023 at Hotel Sinaia in Sinaia, Romania, https://www.imt.ro/cas/index.php
• Project presentation by Dr. Titus Sandu (by an oral presentation) within the 6th Edition EMERGEMAT International Conference, 9-10^thof November 2023, Bucharest, Romaniahttps://imnr.ro/wp/en/6th-international-conference-emergemat/
• The participation (partly sponsored by the organizer) of Mr. Dumitru Manica (Ph.D student in the project) in the professional development stage within the NET4Air School on Environmental Sensors which took place in Sinaia, Romania on October the 14th 2023;https://net4air.eu/home/index.php/2023/10/14/net4air-school-on-environmental-sensors-2/
• Organization in IMT Bucharest of two seminars in the framework of the project:
• Invited seminar jointly organized with ApelLaser company: Short Seminary Monday 9th of October 2023 12:30-13:20; Host Prof E Koudoumas, Coordinator of project PNRR/2022/C9/MCID/I8 CF 23/14.11.2022

Program

12:30-12:45 – INTRODUCTION AND PRESENTATION OF APEL LASER SOLUTIONS FOR SEMICONDUCTORS – Dr. ALIN ENACHE

12:45-13:05 – PRESENTATION DRIVE AFM AND ALPHACEN NANOSURF – Dr. GOETZ HOFFMANN

13:05-13:20 – ONLINE streaming DEMONSTRATION FROM BASEL

• Seminar addressed to young researchers and beginners in scientific research with the topic: ”How we read and write a scientific article” Wednesday 13^th of December 2023, 12:00-13:30, Prof E Koudoumas, Coordinator of the project.

• Furthermore, the Project Coordinator and the Project Team are engaged in a series of interactions with various partners and collaborators from EU countries to form consortia and jointly submit project proposals in the upcoming calls of Horizon Europe as follows: (a) Discussions with laboratories in Europe (Italy, Sweden, Greece, Germany, etc.) to prepare a joint project application on the topic of new electrode materials for lithium-ion batteries. (b) Discussions with laboratories in Europe (Italy, Spain, Portugal, Greece, Germany, etc.) to prepare a joint project application on the topic of new types of sensors for monitoring soil properties.

In conclusion, the deliverables outlined in the activity plan for this phase have been achieved to 100% in terms of scientific and dissemination aspects, some of them surpassing the expected proportion.

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Reporting the activities in Phase I:

A1: The first materials were synthesized using chemical methods and, at the same time, the first composite materials (RE: MO NCs) based on zinc oxide (ZnO) doped with La in various concentrations (La: ZnO) were synthesized using chemical preparation methods.

A2: All materials (including those resulted from the necessary optimization attempts) were carefully investigated using a multitude of techniques such as optical microscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM/EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy and UV-VIS spectroscopy. Additionally, we got the first experimental data for a range of composite materials (RE: MO NCs) based on nanostructured zinc oxide ZnO doped with different concentrations of lanthanum, La: ZnO. These data will be integrated into the experimental database, which will subsequently be used for activities within A3. Devices and processing/testing methodology for laboratory conditions have been set up for further performing electrical and electromagnetic screening measurements.

A3: A number of bibliographic references were analysed and considered, the physics of the involved phenomena was analysed and the conditions for generating the first theoretical modelswere determined. Additionally, documentation was carried out and studies were conducted on geometric modelling representative volumes of pure ZnO and also on matrix models for the calculation of pure ZnO properties. Since the distribution and the concentration are variables, multiple types of elementary volumes will be considered and integrated both statistically and by using the characterization results.

A4: Management, administration, project promotion and dissemination of the results:

• Procurement of equipment and initiation of consumables procurement procedure.
• The project was presented to the specialized audience by Prof. Koudoumas within the workshop AdvPhotoCat EE2023 in Heraklion, Greece (https://photocatalysis-workshop.eu/)  through an invited presentation titled Development of novel nanocomposite materials with tunable conductivity.
• Dr. Titus Sandu had a poster presentation in Poster Session 2, titled  „Extracting physical parameters from dielectric spectra of doped ZnO/graphene nanocomposites”, focusing on preliminary results in project A3 (https://photocatalysis-workshop.eu/program-timezone-athens-gmt3-25th-of-july-final-version/)
• The webpage of the project was designed and published (www.pnrrcf23.ro). This is to be improved and periodically updated.
• A new project proposal was submitted for evaluation in the second call, under the coordination of Prof.  Stelios Couris from the University of Patras, Greece. He has agreed to join the IMT team as the Project Coordinator if the project is funded.
• Dissemination: Invited talk of Prof Koudoumas at Opening of 5th Edition of the International Symposium, CIMEE’23  https://cimee-science.org/index.php/5th-international-symposium-cimee23/. It included a brief presentation of his new affiliation at IMT Bucharest, Romania, as well as a short overview of the project, together with the visual identity elements of the financing authority according to the visual identity rules.
• Organizing a job competition for 5 vacant positions in the project resulted in recruiting 4 new team members. (One position remained unfilled)https://www.imt.ro/jobs.htm.

The deliverables outlined in the activity plan for this phase have been completed to over 100%.

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