ICPAM-17 & PAMS-8 (Japonia / Online)

T9-I3: Rare-earth doping of ZnO nanostructures: Defect engineering for advanced EMI shielding and functional applications

O. Brincoveanu1 , C. Romanitan1 , P. Pascariu1,2, D. Manica1 , L. Barbu3 , A. Rostas3 , M. P. Suchea1,4

1. National Institute for Research and Development in Microtechnologies – IMT Bucharest, 126A, Erou Iancu Nicolae Street, Voluntari-Bucharest, ROMANIA
2. “Petru Poni” Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry of Romanian Academy, Iași, Romania.
3. Electron Microscopy Integrated Laboratory, National Institute for Research and Development of Isotopic and Molecular Technologies, 67-103 Donath Str., Cluj Napoca, Romania
4. Center of Materials Technology and Photonics and Innovation and Research Center (PEK), Hellenic Mediterranean University (HMU), Heraklion

Abstract

The morphological and structural properties of metal oxidebased materials play a crucial role in their performance for electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding applications. In this study, ZnO doped with lanthanum (La), erbium (Er), and samarium (Sm) was synthesized using the electrospinning method and characterized through scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR). The correlation between doping concentration, morphological variations, and changes in structural and electronic properties is analized and the obtained results suggests that rare-earth incorporation significantly influences particle growth, nanorod formation, and defect distribution allowing to tune the functional properties of ZnO.

 These findings contribute to a better understanding of the structural evolution of doped ZnO and highlight its potential for 21 improved dielectric properties and superior EMI shielding performance.

Acknowledgements: This work was partially supported by PNRR/2022/C9/MCID/I8 CF23/14 11 2022 contract 760101/23.05.2023 financed by the Ministry of Research, innovation and Digitalization – within the – PNRR III-C9-2022-I8 PNRR/2022/Component 9/investment8 and PN 2307 – μNanoEl Contract No. 8N/03.01.2023, “Advanced research in micro-nano electronic and photonic devices, sensors and microsystems for societal applications” μNanoEl within PNCDI IV (2022–2027).

T1-O4: Surface tailoring of ZnO thin films by doping with trivalent metals

M. Manica1,2 , I. V. Tudose1,3, P. Pascariu1,4, C. Romanitan1 , C. Pachiu1 , O. Brincoveanu1, R. Gavrila1 , S. Bucur1 , E. Koudoumas1,3 , M. P. Suchea1,3

1. National Institute for Research and Development in Microtechnologies – IMT Bucharest, 126A, Erou Iancu Nicolae Street, 077190, Voluntari-Bucharest, Romania
2. R&D Center for Materials and Electronic & Optoelectronic Devices (MDEO), Faculty of Physics, University of Bucharest, Atomiștilor Street 405, 077125 Măgurele, Ilfov, Romania
3. Center of Materials Technology and Photonics, School of Engineering, Hellenic Mediterranean University (HUM), 71410 Heraklion, Crete, Greece
4. Petru Poni Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, 41A Grigore Ghica Voda Alley, 700487, Iasi, Romania

Abstract

Zinc oxide (ZnO) is one of the most versatile metal oxide semiconductors, offering unique opportunities for surface and interface engineering in optoelectronic, sensing, and energy applications. A powerful route to control its functional properties is doping with trivalent metal ions, which can induce controlled modifications in both the crystal lattice and the surface electronic structure. In this talk, I will present recent advances in tailoring the surface morphology, structure, and optoelectronic response of ZnO thin films through systematic doping with Cr³⁺, Fe³⁺, Al³⁺, Sm³⁺, and La³⁺ ions, using a costeffective spray pyrolysis technique. This strategy enables fine control over parameters such as crystallite size, lattice strain, defect states, and band gap energy, resulting in distinct and reproducible surface architectures—from well-defined granular textures to compact and dense nanostructures. Correlative characterization using XRD, FE-SEM/EDX, Raman, UV–Vis, and PL spectroscopy highlights the strong interplay between dopant 51 nature/concentration and film microstructure, revealing clear trends in optical band gap tuning and defect-mediated luminescence. Such engineered ZnO surfaces show great promise for applications in gas sensing, transparent electronics, electrochromic devices, and photocatalysis, where controlled charge carrier dynamics and defect states are crucial. Beyond their scientific relevance, these results underline the potential of scalable, low-cost processing routes for advanced functional oxide surfaces.

Acknowledgement: This research was partially supported by PNRR/2022/C9/MCID/I8CF23/14 11 2022 contract 760101/23.05.2023 financed by the Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digitalization in Development of a program to attract highly specialized human resources from abroad in research, development, and innovation activities within the – PNRR-III-C9-2022 – I8 PNRR/2022/Component 9/investment 8 and partially supported by Ministry of Education and Scientific Research through National Nucleu Programme μNanoEl, project code PN 2307, 8N/03.01.2023.

T5-PL5: Novel 3D nanostructured RE:ZnO-graphene composite microstructures for EMI shelding applications

M. Suchea1,2 , P. Pascariu1,2,3, C. Romanitan1 , O. Brincoveanu1 , C. Pachiu1 , A.G.M. Popescu1 , D. Manica1 , M. Manica1 , R. Marinescu1 , I.V. Tudose1 , A. Dinescu1 , R. Muller1 , O. N. Ionescu1 , E. Koudoumas1,2

1. National Institute for Research and Development in Microtechnologies (IMTBucharest), 023573, Bucharest, Romania
2. Center of Materials Technology and Photonics, School of Engineering, Hellenic Mediterranean University, 71410 Heraklion, Crete, Greece;
3. Insititute of Macromolescular Chemsitry” Petru Poni”, Iasi, Romania

Abstract

The rapid expansion of advanced communication technologies and the proliferation of interconnected electronic systems bring increasing challenges associated with electromagnetic interference (EMI), which can critically affect device performance and data security. To address these challenges, novel multifunctional nanocomposite materials are emerging as next-generation EMI shielding platforms. In this talk, I will present recent advances in the development of threedimensional (3D) nanostructured rare-earth doped ZnO (RE:ZnO)–graphene composite microstructures, specifically engineered to deliver enhanced shielding effectiveness combined with tunable optical and electrical properties. Our approach integrates rare-earth doping (La, Er, Sm) to modulate ZnO’s intrinsic electronic structure with graphene nanoplatelets 177 acting as a highly conductive backbone, enabling synergistic interactions between dielectric and conductive loss mechanisms. These hierarchical microstructures are fabricated through electrospinning–calcination routes, resulting in complex architectures that combine high surface area, interconnected networks, and controlled crystallographic texture. Comprehensive structural, morphological, and spectroscopic analyses (XRD, FE-SEM/EDX, Raman, UV–Vis, and impedance spectroscopy) reveal a direct correlation between the rare-earth dopant type/concentration, microstrain, carrier mobility, and EMI shielding behavior in the X-band. The materials exhibit a shielding effectiveness up to 30 dB with significant contributions from absorption rather than reflection, opening pathways toward lightweight, flexible, and sustainable shielding components. These results demonstrate the potential of RE:ZnO–graphene composites as multifunctional platforms for EMI shielding in next-generation electronic and optoelectronic systems, with direct implications for defense, aerospace, and sustainable communication technologies.

Acknowledgements: This research was partially supported by PNRR/2022/C9/MCID/I8CF23/14 11 2022 contract 178 760101/23.05.2023 financed by the Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digitalization in Development of a program to attract highly specialized human resources from abroad in research, development, and innovation activities within the – PNRR-III-C9-2022 – I8 PNRR/2022/Component 9/investment 8 and partially supported by Ministry of Education and Scientific.

T9-I5: Spray-deposited carbon–zinc oxide composite films: from scalable fabrication to multifunctional applications

C. I. Pachiu1 , I. V. Tudose1,2,3, O. Brîncoveanu1 , C. Romanițan1 , P. Varasteanu1 , M. Aldrigo1 , M. P. Suchea1,2

1. National Institute for Research and Development in MicrotechnologiesIMT Bucharest, 126A, Erou Iancu Nicolae Street, 077190 VoluntariBucharest Romania
2. Center of Materials Technology and Photonics and Innovation Center (PEK), Hellenic Mediterranean University (HMU), 71410 Heraklion, Greece

Abstract

The development of multifunctional coatings based on nanostructured materials is at the forefront of research in flexible electronics, wearable systems, and electromagnetic shielding technologies. Among the available methods, spray deposition stands out as a versatile and scalable route capable of delivering uniform nanocomposite films over large and flexible areas at low cost. 37 In this invited talk, we will present our recent progress on spraydeposited carbon–ZnO composite films (graphene/ZnO, MWCNT/ZnO, CHO/ZnO) fabricated on paper and textile substrates. By engineering the spraying process—particularly through the use of customized nozzles and optimized deposition parameters—we achieved fine control of film morphology, thickness, porosity, and adhesion. This strategy enables the design of coatings with tailored electrical, optical, and electromagnetic shielding performances, while preserving mechanical flexibility and durability. Beyond their fundamental characterization (SEM, Raman, XRD), these materials demonstrate strong potential for integration in wearable electronics, aerospace protection, smart textiles, and energy storage devices. The versatility of spray deposition, combined with the functional tunability of carbon– ZnO composites, provides a promising pathway toward largescale implementation of lightweight, conductive, and protective coatings. This contribution will also highlight how our results connect to broader efforts in the community toward developing advanced material platforms for next-generation communication and sensing technologies, as well as the opportunities for future collaborative research in this field.

 Acknowledgements: This research was partially supported by INFRACHIP program EU Horizon Europe Grant No 101131822, partially by Ministry of Education and Scientific Research through National Nucleu Programme μNanoEl, project code PN 2307, 8N/03.01.2023 and by PNRR/2022/C9/MCID/I8CF23/14 11 2022 contract 760101/23.05.2023.

T7-SO1: Transforming electrospinned carbon based materials into antimicrobian wound dressings

M.-R. Marinescu1* , I.V. Tudose1,2,3, C.I. Pachiu1 , O. Brincoveanu1 , C. Romanitan1 , G. Isopencu4 , M.P. Suchea1,2*

1. National Institute for Research and Development in Microtechnologies-IMT Bucharest, 126A, Erou Iancu Nicolae Street, 077190 Voluntari-Bucharest Romania
2. Center of Materials Technology and Photonics and Innovation Center (PEK), Hellenic Mediterranean University (HMU), 71410 Heraklion, Greece
3. Chemistry Department, University of Crete, 70013, Heraklion, Greece 4National University of Science and Technology Politehnica Bucharest, 060042 Bucharest, Romania

Abstract

To develop bandages that enhance wound healing and offer increased antimicrobian activity, a thoughtful integration of materials science and bioactive compounds is required. This work presents the integration of different forms of carbon allotropes in various concentrations and combinations within polymeric matrices to create electrospun nanowires directly onto commercial gauze bandage. The used materials were graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs), multi wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) with hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) used in very low concentration as dispersant agent, that acts as a bactericidal agent against both gram-positive and gramnegative bacteria and nanodiamonds (ND), all made separetley in a suspension of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) [1,2]. These materials are intended for applications such as medical bandages, which benefit from carbon’s thermoregulation properties, like resistance to unpleasant odors or quick drying, wich ensures a better moisture management. The probes were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). From SEM we can see that the sample with GNPs/PVP exhibited smooth, continuous fibers with moderate diameters, while the sample consisting of MWCNTs/CTAB/PVP showed much thinner fibers. All probes revealed successful depositions with homogeneous dispersion and good.

Antimicrobian tests using zone of inhibition assays against three different pathogens (Gram- bacteria E. coli (DH5K strain), Bacillus subtilis var spizizenii Gram + and Candida albicans) were performed. The results revealed satisfactory outcomes: two of the samples (GNPs/PVP and MWCNTs/CTAB/PVP) presented medium antimicrobial activity for G- bacteria. While sample MWCNTs/CTAB/PVP presented also medium antimicrobial activity for G+ bacteria, sample ND/PVP presented very low antimicrobial activity for both G- bacteria and fungi. An unexpected result was given by the GNPs/PVP sample, that did show no antimicrobial activity for any of the species analyzed. This result can be caused by the small concentration of material, so more tests are needed to ensure accuracy of observations.

 Acknowledgements: This research was partially supported by INFRACHIP program EU Horizon Europe Grant No 101131822, partially by Ministry of Education and Scientific Research through National Nucleu Programme μNanoEl, project code PN 2307, 8N/03.01.2023 and by PNRR/2022/C9/MCID/I8CF23/14 11 2022 contract 760101/23.05.2023.

• Suchea M.P., „Using low-cost deposition techniques for achieving nano-structured surfaces”, 17th International Conference on Physics of Advanced Materials (ICPAM-17) & 8th Autumn School on Physics of Advanced Materials (PAMS-8), Hamamatsu, Japan, 16-23 Novembre 2025 (Lecție invitată).
• Popescu A.G.M., Tudose I.V., Romanițan C., Brîncoveanu O., Crăciun G., Koudoumas E., Suchea M.P., „Spray pyrolysis deposition of V₂O₅ thin films on ITO substrates for gas sensing applications”, 8th Autumn School on Physics of Advanced Materials (PAMS-8), Hamamatsu, Japan, 16-23 Novembre 2025 (Prezentare scurtă).