Collaboration projects with Republic of Moldova – 2023 Call

Project code: PN-IV-P8-8.3-ROMD-2023-0027

Project title: “3D Aeromaterials integrated in sensitive modules for sensor applications”

Project Acronym: AeroSENS

Total Funding: 477.500,00 lei

Project time: 24 months

Project Leader: CS II Dr.ing. Cornelia BANDAS

https://www.brainmap.ro/cornelia-elena-bandas-ratiu

 

Contact:

Tel: +40 256222119

Fax: +40 256201382

e-mail: cornelia.bandas@gmail.com

Financing Authority: Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digitization, CNCS - UEFISCDI

 

Coordinator: National Institute for Research and Development in Electrochemistry and Condensed Matter Timisoara -INCEMC, Romania

 

Partner: Technical University of Moldova (TUM), National Center for Material Study and Testing, Chisinau

 

 

Project Abstract

 

The demand for innovative materials encourages researchers to developed a new type of sensors based on aero-materials for gas detection. Therefore, the aim of the AeroSENS project consists in obtaining of sensitive modules based on 3D-aeromaterials using a sacrificial ZnO template by microwave-assisted hydrothermal (MWH) method. Therefore, as part of the joint research-development collaboration, will be organized knowledge exchange seminars between the two teams regarding the alternative methods of obtaining and characterizing aero-materials and dissemination of the project results. The novelty of bilateral cooperation project consists in obtaining by the microwave-assisted hydrothermal method of the sensitive modules based on 3D aero-TiO2/aero-β-Ga2O3 heterostructures made from aero-TiO2 (n-type) coupled with aero-β-Ga2O3 (n - type) forming an n-n heterojunction, with application in COx gas detection. 

The project will be realized using the multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary expertise of the research groups from National Institute for Research and Development in Electrochemistry and Condensed Matter Timisoara (INCEMC) - Project coordinator and Technical University of Moldova (TUM), National Center for Material Study and Testing (NCMST), Chisinau - Partner.

 

 

Project objectives

 

O1. ACHIEVEMENT OF JOINT RESEARCH-DEVELOPMENT COLLABORATION AND DISSEMINATION OF THE PROJECT RESULTS

 

O2. DEVELOPMENT AND CHARACTERIZATION OF POWDERS (PW-TiO2 AND PW-β-Ga2O3) AND 3D-AEROMATERIALS (AERO-TiO2 AND AERO-β-Ga2O3) BY MICROWAVE-ASSISTED HYDROTHERMAL METHOD

 

O3. DESIGN, ACHIEVING AND TESTING THE FUNCTIONALITY OF SENSITIVE MODULES BASED ON PW-TiO2 / PW-β-Ga2O3 (TYPE I) AND 3D AERO-TiO2/AERO-β-Ga2O3 HETEROSTRUCTURES (TYPE II) FOR COX GASES DETECTION

 

O4. DISSEMINATION AND COMMUNICATION OF THE VALUABLE RESULTS

 

 

Project Team

COORDINATOR – INCEMC TIMISOARA, ROMANIA

 

Dr. eng. Cornelia BANDAS – scientific reasearcher II, project leader - has research expertise in the nanostructured materials synthesis based on oxides materials; heterostructures based on TiO2, ZnO and CuMnO2; development of hydrothermal methods; development of synthesis installations for obtaining new materials with multiple applications. Will coordinate research activities according to the established work plan, ensuring the proper management of funds, organization of the working visits and project initiation workshop; transfer of knowledge.

 

Dr. Carmen LAZAU - scientific reasearcher I, key person - has a high expertise in hybrid structures based on TiO2-polymers used as sensors for detection of explosive materials (TNT); sensors based on heterostructures TiO2/CuMnO2 and ZnO/CuMnO2 for gases detection; development of hydrothermal synthesis methods; synthesis of micro-nanostructured materials based on TiO2, mesoporous TiO2 integrated in polymers for biomedical applications and self-cleaning TiO2.

 

Dr. eng. Corina ORHA– scientific researcher III, key person -  has a good experience in obtaining of porous DSA materials; development electrode-based carbon structures, applied in photocatalysis and photoelectrochemical processes for pollutants removal; morpho-structural characterization of composite materials, specialist in morphological microscopy (SEM/EDX); nanomaterials synthesis by conventional (sol-gel, hydrothermal) and non-conventional (microwave and fast hydrothermal) methods; synthesis of micro - and nano-materials based on zeolite, activated carbon and TiO2

 

Dr. phys. Cristian CASUT, postdoctoral scientific researcher – his research expertise is related to synthesis of semiconductor materials; development of solar cell; hydrothermal synthesis; structural characterization by XRD and UV-VIS methods

 

PhD student, Eng. Mina-Ionela MORARIU (POPESCU) – has research expertise in synthesis and characterization of micro and nanostructured materials; synthesis of heterostructures; deposition techniques (Dr. Blade, spin-coating, dip-coating); electrochemical measurements of sensors; supercapacitors and heterojunction; inorganic chemistry synthesis.

 

Dr.eng. Mircea NICOLAESCU – postdoctoral scientific researcher - research expertise is related to the development of sensors based on thin oxide films for UV and gas detection; the synthesis of one and two-dimensional oxide layers using various synthesis processes, and their application in sensor technologies; installation development; electrical and electrochemical measurements

 

 

Partner - TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY OF MOLDOVA (TUM), NCMST CHISINAU

 

Dr. Victor ZALAMAI – senior researcher, partner leader - will coordinate research activities of the NCMST, TUM team, particularly will formulate the work schedule of PhD students for research tasks at the TUM and during their visits at the INCEMC Timisoara; optical and photoluminescence characterization of aero-semiconductor developed at the INCEMC by means of hydrothermal method; research expertise in the micro- and nano-structuring of ZnO, GaN, TiO2 semiconductors and their optical characterization by means of continuum wave and time resolved photoluminescence spectroscopy, Raman scattering, reflectance and transmission spectroscopy, in development and characterization of aero-semiconductor materials.

 

Dr. Tudor BRANIȘTE – postdoctoral scientific researcher - has research expertise in 2D and 3D nanoarchitectures based on GaN for engineering applications; development of aero-GaN, aero-Ga2O3, aero-ZnS and aero-ZnGa2S4 materials by means of HVPE technology and aero-TiO2 by means of ALD technology; electrochemical and photoelectrochemical etching; scanning electron microscopy; atomic force microscopy; plasma proceeding, electrical and optical characterization of nano-sensors, nanobiotechnology.

 

PhD student Tatiana GALATONOVA - scientific researcher – expertise in materials synthesis, designing and coordinating experiments in the field of bio-engineering; the use of the theoretical foundations of engineering sciences and medicine on the operation principles of medical devices for the organization and execution of diagnostic researchers, treatment procedure.

 

PhD student Simon BUSUIOC – scientific researcher – expertise in materials science, specializing in semiconductor applications and studies about luminescence of semiconductor aero-materials  based on TiO2 and Zn2TiO4; specialist in experimental design; material synthesis; characterization; data collection and analysis.

 

 

Phase 1 / 2024

 

In the initial phase, „Synthesis and characterization of the powder materials and 3D-aeromaterials through microwave hydrothermal methods ” scientific activities was focused on obtaining and morfological, structural and optical characterization of 3D aero-materials based on TiO2 and β-Ga2O3, referred to as 3D-aero TiO2 and 3D-aero β-Ga2O3

 

Ř    Synthesis of 3D-aeromaterials based on TiO2 was achieved through microwave hydrotermal method using a temperature range of 150°C, 180°C and 200°C for 1 hour. TiO2 powder materials were initially synthesized using a clasical hydrotermal method using titanium tetrachloride as a precursor for Ti. The structural characterization results indicated that the anatase crystalline phase was achieved at 150 0C, while increasing the temperature to 200 0C leads to the rutile crystalline phase appearance. Surface morphology revealed the dimensions and spherical shape of the titanium dioxide particles while elemental analysis confirmed the material’s purity. Obtaining 3D-aero TiO2 though microwave hydrotermal conditions involves the using of pre-synthesized TiO2 powder, which was combined with ZnO micro-tetrapods and placed into quartz autoclave at temperature of  200°C, 180°C and 150°C for 1 hour. After washing and drying, the materials were heat treated in a H2 controlled atmosphere oven at  800°C for 2 hours. The results of the structural and morphological characterization indicated that ZnO was coated with TiO2, thereby conforming the effictiveness of hydrothermal process in producting TiO2-based aeromaterials.

Ř    The 3D-aeromaterials based on β-Ga2O3 were synthesized through the microwave hydrothermal method using temperatures range of 150°C, 180°C and 200°C for 1 hour, using a stock solution of Ga(NO₃)₃ at pH5 together with ZnO microtetrapods to obtain 3D-aero β-Ga2O3. After the microwave treatment, the materials were subjected to heat treatment in a hydrogen (H2) atmosphere at 800°C for 2 hours to ensure the complete removal of ZnO tetrapods. The results of the structural and morphological characterization indicated the presence of a ZnO structure covered with β-Ga2O3 particles, thereby confirming the effictiveness of the hydrothermal process in the synthesis of  β-Ga2O3-based aeromaterials.

 

To assessment of the morpho-structural and optical characteristics of 3D aeromaterials based on TiO2 and β-Ga2O3 were used analysis techniques including XRD, SEM/EDX, UV-Vis si FT-IR. The structural characterisation results through X ray diffraction revealed the crystalline phases of the materials and facilitated the identification of specific compound peacks. Using SEM analysis the surface morphology confirmed the deposition of titanium dioxide and Ga2O3 on the surface of ZnO micro-tetrapods, while EDX analysis facilitated elemental identification and confirming the materials’purity. 

 

During the initial phase / 2024 a research internship was realised by the senior researcher and PhD students from Technical University of the Republic of Moldova at INCEMC Timisoara, where the objectives proposed in the implementation plan were successfully achieved. 

 

 

Results Dissemination 2024

 

ISI papers:

 

1. Cornelia Bandas, Corina Orha, Mircea Nicolaescu, Mina‐Ionela Morariu (Popescu) and Carmen Lăzău, “Review-2D and 3D Nanostructured Metal Oxide Composites as Promising Materials for Electrochemical Energy Storage Techniques: Synthesis Methods and Properties”, Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25, 12521. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms252312521;

2. Mircea Nicolaescu, Sebastian Ambrus, Petru Hididis, Mina Morariu (Popescu), Iosif Hulka, Corina Orha, Carmen Lazau, Cosmin Codrean and Cornelia Bandas*, “In Situ Synthesis of NPC-Cu2O/CuO/rGO Composite via Dealloying and Microwave-Assisted Hydrothermal Technique”, Crystals 2024, 14, 968. https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst14110968

3. Mina-Ionela Morariu (Popescu), Mircea Nicolaescu, Corina Orha, Carmen Lazau, Cornelia Bandas*, “Comparative Morpho-Structural and Electrochemical Characterization of FTO-Based Oxide Films Correlated with Synthesis Method”, Proceedings of the 30th International Symposium on Analytical and Environmental Problems, ISBN 978-963-688-009-5, pages 133-137, Szeged 2024, Hungary.

 

Scientific communications:

 

1. Cornelia Bandas, Mina-Ionela Morariu, Mircea Nicolaescu, Tudor Braniste, Corina Orha, Carmen Lazau, „Comparative Morpho-Structural Characterization of Titanium Dioxide Materials Correlated with the Hydrothermal Synthesis Method”, International Conference of Materials Science & Engineering Materials 2024, 22-23 August 2024, Lisabon, Portugal, virtual conference- invited talk.

2. Cornelia Bandas, Mina-Ionela Morariu, Mircea Nicolaescu, Corina Orha, Carmen Lazau, „One-Step Microwave-Assisted Hydrothermal Synthesis of Doped TiO2 Nanoparticles”,11th International Conference On Structural Analysis Of Advanced Materials, 6-10 October 2024, Protaras, Cipru - poster;

3. Mina-Ionela Morariu (Popescu), Mircea Nicolaescu, Carmen Lazau, Corina Orha, Cornelia Bandas, “Effect of PH on the Microstructure of β-Ga2o3 Synthesized by Microwave-Assisted Hydrothermal Method” 7th International Conference on Emerging Technologies in Materials Engineering – EmergeMAT, 30-31 October 2024 – Bucharest, Romania – poster;

4. Mina-Ionela Morariu (Popescu), Mircea Nicolaescu, Corina Orha, Carmen Lazau, Cornelia Bandas, “Comparative morpho-structural and electrochemical characterization of FTO-based oxide films correlated with synthesis method”, 30th International Symposium on Analytical and Environmental Problems, 7-8 October 2024, Szeged, Hungary – poster;

5. Mircea Nicolaescu, Mina-Ionela Morariu (Popescu), Narcis Duţeanu, Iosif Hulka, Corina Orha, Carmen Lăzău, Cornelia Bandas, „Cu2O/CuO(NW) flexibile supercapacitor electrode fabricated on copper mash” 7-8 October 2024, Szeged, Hungary – poster.

 

 

 

Phase 2 / 2025  (Ianuarie - Decembrie 2025)

 

In the phase 2, “Designing and implementation of the functionality of sensitive modules for detection of the CO2 gases” scientific activities were focused on design and fabrication of sensitive modules based on PW-TiO2 / PW-β-Ga2O3 heterostructures (type I) and heterostructures 3D Aero-TiO2 / Aero-β-Ga2O3 (type II), correlated with morpho-structural, electrochemical and electrical characterization of type I and II sensitive modules.

Ř  Achievement of sensitive modules based on PW-TiO2 / PW-β-Ga2O3 heterostructures (type I) was achieved in two stages: A) synthesis of composite materials based on PW-TiO2 / PW-β-Ga2O3 by microwave-assisted hydrothermal condition; B) fabrication of sensitive modules based on composite materials by spin-coating deposition at 1500 rotations / minutes, for 10 seconds.

The advantages of the microwave-assisted hydrothermal condition are related to: a simple way of working in which the reaction time is much shorter than in the case of other methods (for example the classic hydrothermal method), implicitly the energy efficiency is higher; the deposition method of the sensor based on composite materials is simple and fast, with low reagent costs, environmentally friendly; increasing of the UV illumination current, keeping the DARK current low at different supply voltage.

Ř  Achievement of sensitive modules based on 3D Aero-TiO2 / Aero-β-Ga2O3 (type II) heterostructures (type II) was achieved by spin-coating deposition of aero-TiO2 and aero-β-Ga2O3 on the ceramic interdigital electrodes (figure 1).

 (a)

 (b)

©

Figure 1. Sensitive modules of the 3D Aero-TiO2 (a) and Aero-β-Ga2O3 (b). Schematic process for fabrication of sensitive modules (c)

During the phase 2 / 2025 a research internship were realized by the senior researcher and PhD students from Technical University of the Republic of Moldova at INCEMC Timisoara, where the objectives proposed in the implementation plan were successfully achieved.

 

 

Results Dissemination 2025

 

ISI papers:

 

1. M.-I. Morariu (Popescu), M. Nicolaescu, C. Orha, C. Lăzău, N. Duteanu, C. Bandas, ‘Heterostructure Based of Ti-TiO2(NW)/rGO Hybrid Materials for Electrochemical Applications’, Inorganics 2025, 13(2), 31; https://doi.org/10.3390/inorganics13020031

2. C. Orha, M.-I. Morariu (Popescu), M. Nicolaescu, C. Bandas, C. Lazau, ‘Synthesis and Investigation of Na-Zeolite-Decorated Black TiO2 Hybrid Material with Enhanced Properties’, Crystals 2025, 15(4), 319; https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst15040319.

3. C. Orha, M. Nicolaescu, M.-I. Morariu (Popescu), T. Galatonova, S. Busuioc, C. Lazau, C. Bandas, ‘A Comprehensive Review on Aero-Materials: Present and Future Perspectives’, Coatings 2025, 15(7), 754; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings15070754

4. M. Nicolaescu, M.-I. Popescu(Morariu), C. Codrean, I. Hulka, C.Orha, Cl Lazau, C. Bandas, N. Duteanu,’’Fabrication and performance evaluation of the NPC/amorphous-Sn2P2O7 by dealloying of CuNiSnP alloy for supercapacitor application’’, Sustainable Energy Technologies and Assessments, 80, 2025, 104383;

5. S. Căprărescu, G. T. Tihan, R. G. Zgârian, A. M. Grumezescu, C. Lazau, C. Bandas, L. I. Atanase and C.-A. Nicolae ‘Synthesis and Characterization of Cellulose Acetate/Polyethylene Glycol/Poly(Styrene)-b-Poly(4-Vinylpyridine)membrane Embedded with Hydrotermaly Activated TiO2 Nanoparticles for Waste-Waters Treatment by Membrane Processes’, Polymers 2025, 17, 446. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17040446

6. M. Nicolaescu, T. Braniste, C. Orha, M.-I. Morariu, S. Lehman, K. Nielsch, I. M. Tiginyanu, R. Faur, V. Zalamai, C. Lazau, C. Bandas “Room Temperature UV Photodetector Based on Aero-Titania” Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26, 11035.https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms262211035

 

Scientific communications:

1. C. Bandas, M. Nicolaescu, T. Braniste, I.M. Tighineanu, M.-I. Morariu, C. Orha, C. Lazau, “TiO2-based Heterostructures for Sensing Applications“, EmergeMAT 8th International Conference on Emerging Technologies in Materials Engineering, 06-07 Octombrie 2025, Bucuresti, Romania; Conferinta Online – oral presentation

2. C. Bandas, M. Nicolaescu, T.Braniste, I.M. Tighineanu, M.-I. Morariu, C. Orha, C. Lazau, “Ultraviolet Photodetectors based on TiO2-Composite Materials” ISAEP 31st International Symposium on Analytical and Environmental Problems 13-14 Octombrie 2025, Szeged, Ungaria – oral presentation

3. M. Nicolaescu, T. Braniste, C. Orha, M.-I. Morariu, S. Lehmann, K. Nielsch, I. M. Tiginyanu, V. Zalamai, C. Lazau, C. Bandas, „Integration of Aerotitania Microtubes in UV Photodetectors”, ISAEP 31st International Symposium on Analytical and Environmental Problems 13-14 Octombrie 2025, Szeged, Ungaria –poster;

4. C. Bandas, M. Nicolaescu, C. Orha, M.-I. Morariu, T. Galatonova, S. Busuioc, T. Braniste, C. Lazau, „Aero-TiO2 Materials for Evaluation of Near-Ultraviolet Photodetector”, ICCT 2025 27th International Conference on Chemical Thermodynamics 20-24 iulie 2025, Porto, Portugalia – prezentare poster; 

5. M.-I. Morariu, B. Tăranu, M. Nicolaescu, C. Orha, C. Lazau, C. Bandas, M. Gherban, „Anticorrosive Nanomaterials of the type Zn3Nb2O8 undoped and doped with Trivalent Er3+ Ions in Saline Environment”, ISAEP 31st International Symposium on Analytical and Environmental Problems 13-14 Octombrie 2025, Szeged, Ungaria –poster;

6. T. Galatonova, V. Ciobanu, T. Braniste, P. Urbanek, S. Lehmann, B. Hanulikova, K. Nielsch, M. Masar, P. Suly, V. Ursaki, T. Sopkin, C. Bandas, I. Kuritka, V. Sedlarik, I. Tiginyanu,  „Photocatalytic degradation of tetracycline using aero-nanomaterials”, Nanomed Europe 2025, 27-30 Mai, Barcelona, Spania - poster;

7. M. Gherban, B. Taranu, C. Orha, C. Lazau, M. Nicolaescu, C. Bandas, M. Morariu, „Corrosion test in 0.1 M HCl of the pseudo-binary oxides undoped and doped with Er3+ ions”, 31st International Symposium on Analytical and Environmental Problems, 13-14 Octombrie 2025, Szeged, Ungaria –poster;

8. T. Braniste, M. Nicolaescu, T. Galatonova, M.-I. Morariu, C. Lazau, C. Orha, E.-L. Urs, F. Doroftei, D. Botstig, A. Rotaru, V. Zalamai, I.M. Tighineanu, C. Bandas, „Enhancement of the TiO2-AuQDs Sensor for UV Detection” EmergeMAT 8th International Conference on Emerging Technologies in Materials Engineering, 06-07 Octoombrie 2025, Bucuresti, Romania; Conferinta Online –poster;

9. M.-I. Morariu (Popescu), M. Nicolaescu,  C. Orha, C. Lazau, C.Bandas, "Development of an UV Photo-Detector Based on Nanocrystalline TiO2 Powder",  Symposiom of Stability and reactivity in coordination chemistry - in memoriam Mihail Bîrzescu (SRCC), Timișoara, România, 2025 - poster.

 

Book chapter:

 

1. M. Nicolaescu, C. Orha, M.-I. Morariu (Popescu), V. Şerban, S. Căprărescu, C. Lazau, C. Bandas ‘Achievement of a UV Photodetector Based on TiO2/CuMnO2 Heterostructures: A New Strategy’’Chemical and Materials Sciences: Developments and Innovations Vol. 10, Chapter 8, Print ISBN: 978-93-49473-90-4, eBook ISBN: 978-93-49473-30-0. https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/cmsdi/v10/4345

 

Requested patent applications:

 

1. Bandas C., Lazau C., Orha C., M. Nicolaescu, M.-I. Morariu, T. Braniste, V. Zalamai „Procedeu de Obtinere a Aeromaterialelor de tipul ZnO(Tetrapode)@TiO2 in Conditii Hidrotermale in Camp de Microunde”, cerere de brevet inventie depusa la OSIM A/00255 din 19.05.2025.

2. Bandas C., F. Braniste, Nicolaescu M., T. Galatonova, Lazau C., Orha C., M.-I. Morariu, Rotaru A., Ursu E.-L., Tiginyanu I. “Senzor pe baza de material compozit TiO2-AuQDs pentru detectia radiatiilor ultraviolete" - cerere de brevet inregistrata la OSIM A/00369 din 26.08. 2025

 

 

MAIN RESULTS ACHIEVED (2024-2025)

Within phase 1 (2024) and phase 2 (2025) of the project, were obtained main results as:

A)   3D-aeromaterials based on TiO2 synthesized by microwave-assisted hydrothermal method temperature range 150-200°C for 1 hour;

B)    3D-aeromaterials based on β-Ga2O3 synthesized by microwave-assisted hydrothermal method temperature range 150-200°C for 1 hour;

C)   sensitive modules based on powder-TiO2 / powder-β-Ga2O3 heterostructures (type I) achieved in two stages: i) synthesis of composite materials based on PW-TiO2 / PW-β-Ga2O3 by microwave-assisted hydrothermal condition; ii) fabrication of sensitive modules based on composite materials by spin-coating deposition;

D)   sensitive modules based on 3D Aero-TiO2 / Aero-β-Ga2O3 (type II) heterostructures (type II) achieved by spin-coating deposition of aero-TiO2 and aero-β-Ga2O3 on the ceramic interdigital electrodes;

 

COGNITIV AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC IMPACT OF THE ACHIEVED RESULTS

ü  The cognitive impact of the project refers to the specialization of Romanian researchers by the Moldavian teal, by transferring knowledge regarding the alternative methods of obtaining and characterization of 3D-aeromaterials, by presenting the used preparation technologies (i.e. HVPE, ALD technique) for synthesis of aero-semiconductor materials using the sacrificial ZnO template. During the research stages of Moldovan researchers in Romania, the team from INCEMC Romania will ensure the transfer of knowledge about the MWH method for synthesis of powders and 3D-aeromaterials as well as their specific characterization techniques. Moreover, the knowledge transfer between researchers regarding of the achieving techniques and testing of the sensitive modules (type I and II) for gas detection will be realized.

ü  Implementation of the AeroSENS project will have a significant socio-economic impact by bringing an additional performance in the field of detection devices for COx gases, by achieving the sensitive modules based on powder-TiO2 / powder-β-Ga2O3 heterostructures (type I) and 3D Aero-TiO2 / Aero-β-Ga2O3 (type II) heterostructures. Furthermore, achieving the project's objectives will bring added value to both the research team and participating institutions by acquiring new knowledge, increasing visibility through publications in prestigious journals, communicating results at conferences and congresses, as well as applying for patent applications. It will also lead to the possibility of initiating and developing viable collaborations with partners from the academic and economic environment.