Artificial dimorphite-based nanostructures with α/β phase ratio control for optoelectronic applications
Project Director: Dr. Alin VELEA
Project: 10PCBROMD din 01/09/2025 (PN-IV-PCB-RO-MD-2024-0442)
Contractor: National Institute of Materials Physics (NIMP)
Project leader: Dr. Alin Velea
Project type: Program 5.8 - European and International Cooperation, Subprogram 5.8.3 - Complex bilateral projects with the Republic of Moldova
Start date: 01.09.2025
End date: 31.08.2027
Funding Agency: UEFISCDI
Project Abstract:
Within the framework of this project, it is expected to synthesize the artificial dimorphite (As4S3) that consists of α and β phases and to obtain thin films, nanocomposites and functional structures based on the same, study their nanostructure and the influence of α / β phases rate on optical and photoelectric properties, focused on in-situ control of this rate in order to point out the optimal technological conditions of their preparation. Another goal is the intention to use the nanodimensional blocks of α / β phases of dimorpite as inclusions in random network of glassy chalcogenides, thereby creating a kind of quantum dots that have to improve the photoactive properties of elaborated functional nanostructures and optoelectronic devices. These investigations are conceptually relevant and new worldwide. The expected results, from the scientific point of view, consist of identification and control of α / β phases rate in artificial dimorpite based thin films and functional structures, including those, with nanostructural α / β phases blocks imbibed in a glassy random network amed to form the quantum dots. From the application point of view - in elaboration of effective optical transducers for a wide spectral range, including the strong (bactericidal and stronger) UV region, verification the possibility of quantum dots creation based on α/β phases of dimorphite to obtain the high-performance functional structures for optoelectronics applications.
Coordinator: National Institute of Materials Physics (NIMP)
Dr. Alin Velea - Project Director, Scientific Researcher I
Dr. Florinel Sava - Scientific Researcher II
Dr. Iosif Daniel Simandan - Scientific Researcher III
Dr. Claudia Mihai - Scientific Researcher
Dr. Mihail Secu - Scientific Researcher I
Partner: Technical University of Moldova (TUM)
Prof. Dr. Dumitru Țiuleanu - Co-Director, Professor
Dr. Marina Ciobanu - Associate Professor
Dr. Olga Mocreac - Lecturer
Andrei Afanasiev - PhD Student
Main Results Obtained:
Year 1 (September 2025 - December 2025)
Project Launch and Coordination
The bilateral Romania-Moldova collaboration was successfully initiated:
- Kick-off meeting organized between NIMP (Romania) and TUM (Moldova)
- Regular monthly progress meetings established
- Researcher exchange visits planned for February-March 2026
Management Deliverables
Project management framework established:
- Project website launched (bilingual Romanian/English)
- Quality and Risk Management Plan drafted
- Data Management Plan prepared (FAIR principles compliant)
- IPR Plan structure in development
Material Synthesis (TUM, Moldova)
Initial synthesis activities at the Technical University of Moldova:
- Synthesis of dimorphite (As₄S₃) powder completed
- Phase composition analysis underway
- Material prepared for transfer to NIMP for thin film deposition
No publications yet.
Cognitive and Socio-Economic Impact
Scientific/Cognitive Impact
Advancement of Chalcogenide Phase Engineering:
- Developing methods to control α/β phase ratio in dimorphite thin films
- Investigating relationship between phase composition and optoelectronic properties
- Creating quantum well structures using molecular crystal building blocks
Contributions to Fundamental Understanding:
- Studying β → α phase transition mechanisms
- Investigating quantum confinement effects in chalcogenide molecular crystals
- Establishing structure-property relationships for dimorphite-based materials
International Collaboration:
- Strengthening Romania-Moldova scientific cooperation
- Knowledge transfer between NIMP and TUM research groups
- Training of young researchers through exchange visits
Socio-Economic Impact
Technology Relevance:
UV photodetectors based on dimorphite have potential applications in:
- Environmental monitoring (UV radiation sensing)
- Industrial process control
- Medical diagnostics (UV sterilization monitoring)
- Security applications (flame detection)
Vapor sensors based on dimorphite enable:
- Environmental pollution monitoring
- Industrial safety (toxic gas detection)
- Food quality control
- Medical breath analysis
Sustainability:
- Chalcogenide materials use relatively abundant elements
- Low-power optoelectronic devices contribute to energy efficiency
- Bilateral collaboration promotes regional scientific development
Dr. Alin Velea - alin.velea@infim.ro
PROJECTS/ INTERNATIONAL PROJECTS
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