Reports

Reporting of Activities in Midterm Stage VII – January 1^st –March 31^st, 2026

Continuing the activities carried out in the previous stages, in this work stage, the full fulfillment of the scientific tasks undertaken is reported, in accordance with the project implementation calendar. Certain aspects that were not yet fully implemented according to the schedule and that have not been fully finalized up to this point — especially those related to the hiring of research team members (the team being still incomplete, with an insufficient number of ENI doctoral and postdoctoral students related to this implementation stage), as well as the acquisition of consumables, services and other needs — have been partially resolved, are now in an advanced state and will be finalized in the next reporting stage. Although the expenses foreseen for this stage could not be fully incurred, the scientific research activities were supported and carried out according to plan. From the perspective of research activities and sub-activities, through a sustained effort by the team, the experimental activities were completed on time, and the planned deliverables were fully and successfully met, even being exceeded.

A1:Quantities of over 3 g of 1%Er:ZnO-12%Gr materials and respectively pure ZnO and ZnO-12% Gr and quantities of over 2 g of 1%RE:ZnO nanostructured micropowders with RE La, Er, Sm were produced by the electrospinning – calcination method to be used as references in the evaluation of the shielding activity of the active layers obtained from testing of RE:MO-G-polymer ZEG, ZLG and respectively ZSG. The application of thin layers of powders (composites obtained following the calcination process) continued on glazed cardboard substrates which proved to be the most appropriate for carrying out electrical and electromagnetic shielding properties and on glass for carrying out optical measurements. It was filed with OSIM with no. A/00061/10February2026 application for the Patent developed based on observations made during the project, to meet the technological needs of efficient manufacturing of larger quantities of fibers by electrospinning. Patent application for a new type of nozzle with variable diameter to replace the needle. Some of the powders obtained previously in the project were integrated into gas sensors – antenna type – in collaboration with Dr. Alina Cismaru. New films of ZnO doped with Dy, Ga, Eu at different concentrations were manufactured in continuation of the activities of Dr. Marina Manica by the new PhD fellow Mrs. Lucia Chiriacescu. The development of two scientific articles began – based on the new manufacturing results for sensor applications. The activities related to the reporting period were completed in a proportion of 100%, the progress of achieving the objectives assumed in WP1 in the funding request reaching over 93%. No major problems were encountered. There have been slight delays due to issues with procurement and team completion, caused by the funding delay.

A2:Materials developed in Activity 1 were characterized by: optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM/EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman Spectroscopy and UV-VIS Spectroscopy. -Electrical and electromagnetic shielding measurements of the RE:MO-G-polymer composite layers were performed. -The experimental data resulting from this activity were integrated into the database to be used in activity A3. -Work was done on the elaboration of the Technical report regarding the possibility of integrating the materials obtained in the project, in sensors and optoelectronic devices. -The revision of the ISI Article: „Samarium Doping Effects on Microstructure and Properties of Nanostructured ZnO Grown by Electrospinning-Calcination” submitted and rejected to the journal Advanced Materials (Wiley). Submission No. adma.202509063. -Work was done on the development of a scientific paper entitled „Raman Spectroscopy and Mapping of Hierarchical La-Doped ZnO–Graphene Nanostructured Micropowders: Graphene Concentration–Driven Local Vibrational Heterogeneity” Authors: Cristina Pachiu, Dumitru Manica, Andreea Gabriela Marina Popescu, Cosmin Romanitan, Oana Brincoveanu, Emmanouel Koudoumas, Mirela Petruta Suchea to be sent to a Q1 journal and presented in EMRS2026.

The activities related to the reporting period were completed in a proportion of 100%, the progress of achieving the objectives assumed in WP2 in the funding request reaching over 95%. No major problems were encountered. Slight delays were recorded due to problems with procurement and team completion, caused by the delay in funding.

A3:Theoretical aspects. Investigation of the frequency dependence of material performance Continuing the previous activities, in this stage the following were carried out: 1. Evaluation of the effect of adding graphene in ZnO composites: 2. Modeling and design for the geometric reconstruction of graphene flakes. 3. Investigation of the optical properties presented by La/Sm-doped ZnO nanostructures. 4. Training activities

The activities related to the reporting period were completed in a proportion of 100%, the progress of achieving the objectives assumed in WP3 in the funding application reaching over 92%. No major problems were encountered. Slight delays were recorded due to problems with completing the team, caused by the delay in funding.

A4: Management, administration, project promotion, and dissemination of results:
The initial activity plan provides for the following deliverables of Stage VII in A4: ü Submission of a proposal in one EU project calls. ü Patent application ü Report ü Submission of an article to an ISI scientific journal/1 ISI paper submission ü Final report.

The activities related to the reporting period were completed in a proportion of 100%, the progress of achieving the objectives assumed in WP4 in the funding request reaching over 95%. No major problems were encountered. Slight delays were recorded due to problems with procurement and team completion, caused by the funding delay. The project website — www.pnrrcf23.ro was updated.

Regarding administrative management:

During this period, minimal purchases of consumables strictly necessary for the implementation of the project were made according to the procurement plan and action was taken to restructure and complete the research team after the approval of Notification 12 and the organization of the competition in December 2025. Hiring was made following the competition and hiring by appointment from the permanent qualified staff of IMT Bucharest. A number of 4 doctoral students and 9 postdoctoral students joined the team, as well as a technical ACS and a member of the research team, as can be seen in the bellow table.

Two new notifications, 13 and 14, were developed, submitted and supported regarding the reallocation of unfilled work norms due to delays in communication with the funder during 2024-2025 for the full occupancy of vacant positions in an attempt to successfully complete the project and use the assumed number of FTEs dedicated to doctoral and postdoctoral students. During March 15-19, a working visit was organized to Iasi, at the „Petru Poni” Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry Iasi, an institute of excellence of the Romanian Academy, following an invitation addressed to the PNRR CF23 project team. The visit was attended by the Project Coordinator and 3 of the senior members of the research team (M Suchea, C. Pachiu and C Romanitan). The documents necessary for reporting for the end of the VI semi-stage, quarter 2, as well as all the documents necessary for the good administration of the project implementation in collaboration with the financier, have been prepared. The project website has been updated: www.pnrrcf23.ro with the dissemination activities throughout the project, transparency and the results of the reporting period.

The following deliverables related to Stage VII have progressed:

The revision of the article „Erbium doping effects on microstructure and properties of nanostructured ZnO” resubmitted/rejected for evaluation to Scientific Reports Journal and resubmitted/rejected to the Journal of Advanced Functional Materials IF 17 with submission number 6467849 was resumed.
The article based on the research results from the doctoral thesis of Drd Marina Manica „”Tailoring optical transitions in trivalent metal-doped ZnO thin films: structural origins of high-energy absorption maxima and bandgap modulation systematic study” was revised and resubmitted with the title „Linking structure and surface morphology with optical properties of trivalent metals doped ZnO thin films grown by spray pyrolysis” to the journal Q1 Results in Engineering (IF 7.9) https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/results-in-engineering submission no. RINENG-D-26-04387.
The development of a scientific article on REZnO-G composite materials with applications in EMI shielding has begun.
2 scientific papers were submitted to the EMRS 2026 International Conference, accepted for oral presentations, with the title “Raman Spectroscopy and Mapping of Hierarchical La-Doped ZnO–Graphene Nanostructured Micropowders: Graphene Concentration–Driven Local Vibrational Heterogeneity” Authors: Cristina Pachiu, Dumitru Manica, Andreea Gabriela Marina Popescu, Cosmin Romanitan, Oana Brincoveanu, Emmanouel Koudoumas, Mirela Petruta Suchea; and “Rietveld analysis in rare-earth doped ZnO thin films” Authors: Cosmin Romanitan, Petronela Pascariu, Dumitru Manica, Oana Brincoveanu, Cristina Pachiu, Marina Manica, Lucian Barbu, Mirela Petruta Suchea, Emmanuel Koudoumas.
Several abstracts were prepared to be sent to the NanoPoster2026 International Conference https://www.nanopaprika.eu and presented online in April 2026.
On February 27, 2026, Dr. Marina Manica publicly defended her doctoral thesis, developed and completed almost entirely during the doctoral internship in the project, within the doctoral school of Physics at the University of Bucharest, obtaining the qualification „Summa cum laude”
On March 16, 2026, Dr. Petronela Pascariu – member of the project team – publicly defended her Habilitation, obtaining the right to be a doctoral supervisor. The involvement as a leader of WP1 and the mentoring activities within the project have contributed substantially to the professional development of Dr. Pascariu.
Activities were carried out to establish partnership consortia in order to develop and submit project proposals within the Horizon Europe program.
The project proposal was finalized in collaboration with the US partner in the call for Bilateral Complex Projects Romania – United States / Identifier: PN-IV-CEI-OE-BIM-NSF-2024-1 within the framework of Program 5.8 – European and International Cooperation, Subprogram 5.8.3 – Bilateral/Multilateral”: „Predictive Structure-Activity Interplay in Ceramic-Carbon Hybrids through Tunable Porosity, Defect Chemistry, and Interfacial Engineering”, PI Ro M. Suchea accepted by NSF in Stage 1 of evaluation and sent in April for evaluation in stage a2a according to the competition calendar.
The project website was updated: www.pnrrcf23.ro and will be improved and updated periodically in the future.

In conclusion, the deliverables provided for in the activity plan within this semi-stage were achieved 100% in the scientific and dissemination part, for some of them the proportion being even higher.

Of the WP4 deliverables set out in Annex 1, more than 95% have been achieved to date.

Comparing the current achievements to the project work plan as per the funding application, the assumed deliverables have been achieved according to the plan in the table below:

According to the funding contract, „Impact. The scientific research results will be used for at least 6 high impact research papers in leading journals (min 3 in top 25% Q1 journals) and for dissemination in the best scientific events in the world such as EMRS Meetings, EPS Meetings etc. At least 1 patent application will be submitted at the end of the project. During the project, based on the relevant scientific output, new projects will be applied in the EU calls in Horizon etc. The impact of the research project on the host institution will reflect on improved scientific output of excellent quality, enhanced scientific visibility through publications and relevant meetings participation, dissemination of the project outcomes in the project website, social media dedicated platforms etc. The 2 PhD Students and 2 Postdoctoral Students will be trained during the project at the highest scientific standards with the chance to become future experts of IMT in the project research field. Patent application would enrich the IMT portfolio and give a possibility for further technology transfer (TT) as well as involvement in TT projects. As described above in project presentation, the present proposal addresses a very hot and important scientific and technologic subject with huge scientific, technological, socio-economic, environmental and health issues impacts the new materials having direct applications in 5G technology development and implementation, environmental protection, CBRN as well as human health protection.”

All the objectives assumed in this section were fully met. Since the beginning of the project, 8 ISI scientific articles have been published, of which 4 in Q1 WoS journals, 3 Q2 and 1 Q3 and 10 papers in IEEE Proceedings (ISI indexed), and 2 articles in internationally indexed journals. Another 3 excellent scientific articles are written and have been sent to several top journals and are still being evaluated for publication. Another 4 scientific articles are in preparation. The results obtained in the project were disseminated in 25 international conferences where 2 Plenary, 4 Keynote presentations, 14 invited presentations, 18 oral presentations, 2 invited readings in PAMs, 4 Short presentations and 24 Poster presentations were presented, in total over 65 presentations. Two contributions were also awarded. 2 patent applications were submitted to OSIM and 4 project proposals in EU calls, one in a bilateral Romania-USA call, 11 project proposals in national calls. Of the doctoral students involved in the project in the early stages, 4 of them completed their doctoral studies during their doctoral internships in the project, the 5th having completed their thesis and will present it soon. Two of the doctoral theses were largely carried out within the project (Marina Manica and Andreea Popescu), 4 of the works include acknowledgements to the project (Dumitru Manica, Florian Pistritu, Marina Manica and Andreea Popescu). At this stage, 4 new doctoral students were hired, one of whom will have part of her thesis developed in the project during this doctoral internship (Lucia Chiriacescu). Both the doctoral students and postdoctoral students were and are trained and involved in activities that develop both their professional and personal skills in order to achieve the highest possible standards in research. The related activities of the doctoral and postdoctoral students trained within the project also consisted in the development of applications of metal oxides in areas such as environmental protection and monitoring, health and energy in order to broaden the scope of impact of this project and its national and international visibility. The project website https://pnrrcf23.ro/media/ has been updated with all the project achievements.

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Reporting of Activities in Final Stage VI – October 1 – December 31, 2025

A1. Design, Preparation and Optimization of RE:MO-G NCs Materials

In continuation of the activities from the previous stages, during this period quantities of over 3 g of 1%La:ZnO-12%Gr and 1%Sm:ZnO-12%Gr materials were produced, and the synthesis of the new series of ZnO materials doped with 1% Er and with variable graphene addition (0.5; 1; 1.5; 2; 3; 6 and 12%) was finalized using the electrospinning–calcination method.

Based on the observations made throughout the project, the research group prepared a patent application for an innovative device designed to optimize the flow during the electrospinning process, aiming to address the need for efficient fabrication of larger quantities of fibers.

Tests were carried out for the fabrication of RE:MO-G polymer composite coatings using the obtained materials, with PVDF and SBR polymer matrices, in order to perform electrical measurements and evaluate electromagnetic shielding properties.

The deposition of thin powder layers on various types of substrates (paper, cardboard, cellophane, glass or silicon) was continued.

A2. Materials Characterization

In accordance with the activity plan, the materials were characterized by: visual inspection, optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM/EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy and UV-VIS spectroscopy.

Samples from all materials developed in the previous stages were sent for XPS analysis in the Czech Republic.

The resulting experimental data (including DC resistivity measurements and EMI tests that showed significant signal attenuation in the GHz range and a decrease of electrical resistivity by several orders of magnitude) were integrated into the database for use in activity A3.

The revision of the ISI article:
„Samarium Doping Effects on Microstructure and Properties of Nanostructured ZnO Grown by Electrospinning-Calcination”, submitted and rejected by the journal Advanced Materials (Wiley), was continued.

A3. Theoretical Aspects. Investigation of the Frequency Dependence of Material Performance

During this stage, the calculation of the shielding properties of the nanocomposite consisting of graphene and rare-earth-doped ZnO was continued:

Modeling and design for geometric reconstruction of graphene flakes:
A computational model was developed, tested and validated in COMSOL Multiphysics, allowing the implementation of anisotropic material properties (distinct values in the tangential plane and along the normal direction).

Investigation of the optical properties exhibited by La/Sm-doped ZnO nanostructures:
The electromagnetic field during radiation propagation through a network of ZnO nanostructures (cylindrical geometry, 20 nm diameter, 100 nm height) was studied. The influence of lanthanum or samarium doping (concentrations of 1%, 1.5%, 2%) on transmission was investigated, observing a decrease in transmitted intensity into the substrate with increasing dopant concentration.

PhD students and postdoctoral researchers participated in professional development courses, including the webinar „Modeling and Simulation of MEMS Devices” on 6 November 2025.

A4. Project Management and Dissemination of Results

During this period, minimal consumables were purchased. A competition was organized for filling vacant positions according to Notification 12.

The project website was updated with the results of the reporting period:
www.pnrrcf23.ro

The following deliverables corresponding to this stage were achieved:

The revision of the article “Erbium doping effects on microstructure and properties of nanostructured ZnO” was finalized and resubmitted to the journal Advanced Functional Materials (IF 17), submission number 6467849.

A series of presentations were delivered at international scientific events:

The 48th Edition of the International Semiconductor Conference – CAS 2025, Sinaia, Romania, 7–11 October 2025 – 8 scientific presentations, including:

⦿ 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” – Oral presentation.

⦿ Cristina Ionela Pachiu, Ioan Valentin Tudose, Maria-Roxana Marinescu, Oana Brîncoveanu, Cosmin Romanițan, Pericle Varasteanu, Dumitru Manica, Martino Aldrigo, Catalin Parvulescu, Mirela Petruța Șuchea, Emmanuel Koudoumas –
“Spray-Deposited Carbon-Zinc Oxide Composite Films for Electromagnetic Shielding and Conductive Applications” – Oral presentation.

⦿ 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” – Poster.

⦿ Dumitru Manica, Pericle Varasteanu, 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” – Poster.

⦿ 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” – Oral presentation.

⦿ 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” – Oral presentation.

⦿ O. Nedelcu, M. Suchea, O. Brincoveanu, D. Manica, T. Sandu –
“Nanostructured Lanthanum Doped ZnO for Application in EMI Shielding” – Poster.

⦿ Maria-Roxana Marinescu, Ioan Valentin Tudose, Cristina Ionela Pachiu, Oana Brîncoveanu, Cosmin Romanițan, Mirela Petruța Șuchea, Emmanuel Koudoumas –
“Electrospun Carbon Allotrope Nanofiber Coatings for Advanced Antibacterial Bandages” – Poster.

M-Nano 2025 (Singapore) – Invited Presentation

⦿Pachiu C., Marinescu M.R., Tudose I.V., Șuchea M.P., Koudoumas E., “Spray Deposition of Carbon-Zinc Oxide Nanomaterials: A Scalable Approach for Advanced Electroshielding and Flexible Electronics”, 2nd International Congress on Materials Science and Nanotechnology, Singapore, 20-22 Novembre 2025 (Best Oral Presentation Award).

The 17th International Conference on Physics of Advanced Materials (ICPAM-17) and the 8th Autumn School on Physics of Advanced Materials (PAMS-8), 16–23 November 2025, Shizuoka University, Hamamatsu Campus, Japan and online – 7 scientific presentations, including:

⦿ Plenary lecture –M. Suchea et al. –
“Novel 3D Nanostructured RE:ZnO-Graphene Composite Microstructures for EMI Shielding Applications”

⦿ Invited lecture in PAMS-8 –Mirela Petruta Suchea –
“Using Low-Cost Deposition Techniques for Achieving Nano-Structured Surfaces”

⦿Invited Contributions

Pachiu C.I. et al. “Spray-deposited carbon–zinc oxide composite films: from scalable fabrication to multifunctional applications”

Brîncoveanu O., et. Al. “Rare-earth doping of ZnO nanostructures: defect engineering for advanced EMI shielding and functional applications”

⦿ Oral presentation – Manica M., et al.
“Surface tailoring of ZnO thin films by doping with trivalent metals”

⦿ Short Oral Presentations

Marinescu M.R., et al. “Transforming Electrospun Carbon-Based Materials into Antimicrobial Wound Dressings”

Popescu A.G.M., et al. “Spray Pyrolysis Deposition of V₂O₅ Thin Films on ITO Substrates for Gas Sensing Applications”

Published Papers

“Morphological and structural characterization of Rare-Earth doped ZnO for EMI shielding applications” – IEEE CAS 2025, DOI: 10.1109/CAS66707.2025.11222373
“Spray-Deposited Carbon-Zinc Oxide Composite Films for Electromagnetic Shielding and Conductive Applications” – IEEE CAS 2025, DOI: 10.1109/CAS66707.2025.11222341
“Investigation of Surface Properties of Spray-Deposited V2O5 Thin Films” – IEEE CAS 2025, DOI: 10.1109/CAS66707.2025.11222283
“La/GNPs:ZnO Nanocomposite Microclusters Synthesized by Electrospinning–Calcination: Structural and Optical Characterization” – IEEE CAS 2025, DOI: 10.1109/CAS66707.2025.11222321
“Electrospun Carbon Allotrope Nanofiber Coatings for Advanced Antibacterial Bandages” – IEEE CAS 2025, DOI: 10.1109/CAS66707.2025.11222305

Work on the formation of consortia for Horizon Europe project proposals:

Continued development of a project proposal in collaboration with the U.S. partner within the call “Complex Bilateral Projects Romania – United States of America (PN-IV-CEI-OE-BIM-NSF-2024-1)” entitled: “Predictive Structure-Activity Interplay in Ceramic-Carbon Hybrids through Tunable Porosity, Defect Chemistry, and Interfacial Engineering”, accepted by NSF in Stage 1 of evaluation.

In conclusion, the deliverables foreseen in the activity plan for this stage were achieved 100% in terms of scientific output and dissemination, with some exceeding the initially planned targets.

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.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

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 Koudoumas Materials Characterization, Vol. 224, 2025, Article ID 114994 114994 https://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, Pericle Varasteanu, 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, Pericle Varasteanu, 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.

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 Reports IF 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.

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:

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.
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.
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
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

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/
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.
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
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
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.
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.

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.

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%.

Reporting the activities in Phase II:

A1:Various growths were conducted for optimization 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.

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 Conference CAS 2023, an IEEE event 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.

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 analyzed and considered, the physics of the involved phenomena was analyzed and the conditions for generating the first theoretical models were 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%.

Reporting of Activities in Midterm Stage VII – January 1st –March 31st, 2026

Reporting of Activities in Final Stage VI – October 1 – December 31, 2025

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

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

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

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

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

Reporting the activities in Phase III

Reporting the activities in Phase II:

Reporting the activities in Phase I:

Reporting of Activities in Midterm Stage VII – January 1^st –March 31^st, 2026