Novel TiO2 Nanotube-Based Electrocatalysts for the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction in Alkaline Medium Bogdan-Ovidiu Taranu, Radu Banica, Florina Stefania Rus Nanoenergy Advances, 2026 The increasing global energy demand and its negative environmental impact created the need for substantial changes in the energy infrastructure. A hydrogen-based infrastructure appears to be the most promising way to secure a clean and safe energy future. Water electrolysis is a method that can be used to generate green hydrogen, but suitable electrocatalysts are required for large-scale applications. This work investigates the electrocatalytic activity of electrodes modified with novel TiO2 nanotube-based electrocatalysts for water electrolysis. The focus was on the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), and the electrodes that displayed the highest activity were the ones obtained with the procedure consisting of the growth of TiO2 nanotubes on a Ti plate by anodization, the subsequent deposition of MoO2 and Ni(OH)2, and a thermal treatment performed under different conditions. The results of the HER experiments performed in a strong alkaline environment showed that the electrode obtained via vacuum heat treatment exhibited the lowest overpotential value, of 238 mV at i = −10 mA/cm2. Furthermore, the electrode was electrochemically stable, and inter-electrode reproducibility tests revealed only a small variation of the HER overpotential.
One-Pot Synthesis of Carbon-Based Composite Foams with Tailorable Structure Florina S. Rus, Cristina Mosoarca, Nicolae Birsan, Mihai Petru Marghitas, Raul Bucur, et al. Buildings, 2026 Dehumidification plays a vital role across industrial, commercial, and residential settings, where controlling moisture is essential for maintaining air quality, protecting materials, and ensuring comfort. Calcium chloride (CaCl2) is a widely used, low-cost desiccant, but it suffers from a critical drawback: under humid conditions, particles tend to agglomerate, which reduces their ability to absorb water. In addition, when the salt dissolves in hydration water, its contact surface with moist air decreases, and corrosive liquid leakage can occur. Embedding CaCl2 into hydrophilic porous matrices offers a solution by dispersing particles more effectively, preventing agglomeration, increasing the contact area, and retaining liquid within the pore network to suppress leakage. In this study, we introduce a novel approach for fabricating carbon-based foams impregnated with CaCl2, produced through the thermal decomposition of glucose under self-induced pressure. These foams exhibit a composite architecture that integrates CaCl2 and calcium carbonate, enabling controlled porosity through selective dissolution. Importantly, the in situ transformation of CaCl2 into calcite refines the internal structure, improving both stability and acids absorption performance. FTIR confirmed the strong hydrophilicity of the foam walls, which enhances water vapor uptake while preventing leakage of saturated salt solutions. The carbon matrix further suppresses salt particle agglomeration during moisture absorption, resulting in high efficiency. These multifunctional foams not only capture water vapor and volatile acids but also show potential as phase change materials. Mechanical testing revealed tunable behavior among the fabricated foams, ranging from high-stiffness structures with superior energy absorption (e.g., C2) to more compliant foams with extended strain capacity (e.g., A2), illustrating their versatility for practical applications.
Pr3+ Visible to Ultraviolet Upconversion for Antimicrobial Applications Miroslav D. Dramićanin, Mikhail G. Brik, Željka Antić, Radu Bănică, Cristina Mosoarca, et al. Nanomaterials, 2025 This paper addresses the upconversion of blue light to ultraviolet-C (UVC) with Pr3+-activated materials for antibacterial applications of UVC. It discusses the processes through which UV radiation provides biocidal effects on microorganisms, along with the most popular UVC sources employed in these processes. We describe the electronic and optical properties of the Pr3+ ion, emphasizing the conditions the host material must meet to obtain broad and intense emission in the UVC from parity-allowed transitions from the 4f5d levels and provide a list of materials that fulfill these conditions. This paper also delineates lanthanide-based upconversion, focusing on Pr3+ blue to UVC upconversion via the 3P0 and 1D2 intermediate states, and suggests routes for improving the quantum efficiency of the process. We review literature related to the use of upconversion materials in antimicrobial photodynamic treatments and for the blue to UVC upconversion germicidal effects. Further, we propose the spectral overlap between the UVC emission of Pr3+ materials and the germicidal effectiveness curve as a criterion for assessing the potential of these materials in antimicrobial applications. Finally, this paper briefly assesses the toxicity of materials commonly used in the preparation of upconversion materials.
CaCO3-Infused Carbon Fiber Aerogels: Synthesis and Characterization Cristina Mosoarca, Iosif Hulka, Pavel Șchiopu, Florina S. Rus, Radu Bănică Ceramics, 2024 Carbon aerogels represent a distinctive category of high surface area materials derived from sol-gel chemistry. Functionalizing these aerogels has led to the development of composite aerogels with the potential for a wider range of applications. In this study, the technique of lyophilization was employed to fabricate aerogel composites consisting of inorganic salts and cellulosic fibers. Cellulose carbonization can occur through chemical dehydration by heat treatment in an inert atmosphere. X-ray diffraction analysis spectra and scanning electron microscopy images indicate that the formed polymeric composites contain partially carbonized cellulose fibers, amorphous carbon, and calcium carbonates. CaCO3 primarily forms through the reaction of CaCl2, which moistens cellulose or amorphous carbon fibers with CO2 in ammonia fumes. The water loss in 3D structures was analyzed using thermogravimetric analysis, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, and ultraviolet-visible-near-infrared spectroscopy. Depending on the synthesis method, 3D structures can be created from partially or completely dehydrated cellulose fibers. The aerogels were examined for their ability to support the growth of bacterial biofilm and then adorned with metal silver and AgCl to produce bactericidal products. Due to their open pores and CaCO3 content, these aerogels can serve as durable and environmentally friendly thermal insulators with bactericidal properties, as well as a medium for absorbing acidic gases.
Highly Electroconductive Metal-Polymer Hybrid Foams Based on Silver Nanowires: Manufacturing and Characterization Petrică Linul, Radu Bănică, Oana Grad, Emanoil Linul, Nicolae Vaszilcsin Polymers, 2024 Due to their electroconductive properties, flexible open-cell polyurethane foam/silver nanowire (PUF/AgNW) structures can provide an alternative for the construction of cheap pressure transducers with limited lifetimes or used as filter media for air conditioning units, presenting bactericidal and antifungal properties. In this paper, highly electroconductive metal-polymer hybrid foams (MPHFs) based on AgNWs were manufactured and characterized. The electrical resistance of MPHFs with various degrees of AgNW coating was measured during repeated compression. For low degrees of AgNW coating, the decrease in electrical resistance during compression occurs in steps and is not reproducible with repeated compression cycles due to the reduced number of electroconductive zones involved in obtaining electrical conductivity. For high AgNW coating degrees, the decrease in resistance is quasi-linear and reproducible after the first compression cycle. However, after compression, cracks appear in the foam cell structure, which increases the electrical resistance and decreases the mechanical strength. It can be considered that PUFs coated with AgNWs have a compression memory effect and can be used as cheap solutions in industrial processes in which high precision is not required, such as exceeding a maximum admissible load or as ohmic seals for product security.
New synthesis method of cheap and highly efficient PdS/Zn1-xCdxS-type photocatalysts for hydrogen production Optoelectronics and Advanced Materials Rapid Communications, 2018
In situ variable temperature X-ray diffraction studies on Fe doped CuGaO2 with applications in p-type dye sensitized solar cell Journal of Optoelectronics and Advanced Materials, 2015
Study of copper diffusion under solvothermal conditions in In2S3 layers synthesized by spray pyrolysis Journal of Optoelectronics and Advanced Materials, 2015
Influence of pH and pressure on the microwave-assisted hydrothermal growth of ZnIn2S4 Optoelectronics and Advanced Materials Rapid Communications, 2015
Influence of hydrochloric acid on response time and photoelectric performance of dye-sensitized solar cells under chopping light Optoelectronics and Advanced Materials Rapid Communications, 2012
Preliminary studies regarding an early detection method applied for malignant melanoma on mice Studia Universitatis Vasile Goldis Arad Seria Stiintele Vietii, 2010
Early stage formation of CuInS2 nanocrystals and microspheres by ambient pressure solution synthesis in glycerol Journal of Optoelectronics and Advanced Materials, 2009
Fast solvothermal processing of titanium dioxide nanostructures for dye solar cells Chisa 2008 18th International Congress of Chemical and Process Engineering, 2008
GRANT DETAILS
From smart electroconductive ink to self-disinfecting electronic surfaces, Project Leader – approx. 120.000 Euro. -
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2013-4-1708, Project no. 50/2014, Mobile pilot plant for wastewater treatment using solar energy, approx. 350.000 Euro; Statute: Scientific responsible –
POSDRU/159/1.5/S/137070 PROGRAME, Project no. EN/001 (2014), Manufacturing of solar cells based on semiconductor micro junctions - Project leader - approx. 12.000 Euro.
PN II Project no. 22-124/2008 „Photocatalytical production of hydrogen with the help of solar energy using sulphurous industrial wastes (H2S, SO2)”, Statute: Scientific responsible. - > 150.000 Euro
BD project (2006-2009) “Development of 3D solar cells based on CuInS2”, Statute: Project leader, approx. 9.500 Euro.
