National Institute for Research & Development in Chemistry and Petrochemistry
ICECHIM
Emerging nanotechnologies
An Integrated Platform for Advanced Materials, Smart Functionalization and Cultural Heritage Protection
The Emerging Nanotechnologies Team is one of the research structures within the National Institute for Research & Development in Chemistry and Petrochemistry – INCDCP-ICECHIM Bucharest, bringing together multidisciplinary expertise in nanomaterials, functional surfaces, smart materials, and advanced applications for industry, the environment, and cultural heritage.
The common thread that connects all the team's research activities is the chemical engineering approach to designing, synthesizing, functionalizing, characterizing, and optimizing materials and processes for the development of innovative solutions with economic and societal impact. Research activities are focused both on understanding fundamental phenomena and on technology validation and the transfer of research outcomes to end users.
Main Research Areas
The team develops interdisciplinary research projects at the interface of chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science, physics, biology, and conservation science. Its main research directions include:
- Smart materials and functional surfaces;
- Nanomaterials and nanocomposites with advanced properties;
- Material functionalization and surface modification processes;
- Chromatic and optical materials for industrial applications;
- Materials and technologies for cultural heritage conservation;
- Materials for environmental protection and the circular economy;
- Sustainable technologies and technology transfer to industry.
Mission
The mission of the team is to develop innovative materials, processes, and technologies by applying the principles of chemical engineering and materials science, transforming research results into solutions with impact in industry, environmental protection, healthcare, and cultural heritage. By integrating complementary expertise and leveraging advanced research infrastructure, the Emerging Nanotechnologies Team contributes to the development of sustainable technologies and to strengthening the competitiveness of Romanian research within the European Research Area.
The division develops nanostructured materials, functional coatings, hybrid systems, and innovative nanotechnology-based solutions for applications in healthcare, environmental protection, energy, and industry. Its activities include nanomaterial synthesis, surface modification, multifunctional formulations, advanced characterization, and experimental validation of material performance under relevant operating conditions.
The division focuses on the synthesis and development of dyes, pigments, and materials with advanced optical properties. Research activities address stimuli-responsive systems, luminescent materials, photocatalytic coatings, anticorrosion surfaces, functional films for rigid and flexible substrates, and textile functionalization technologies.
The division conducts research dedicated to the assessment, conservation, and valorization of movable and immovable cultural heritage. Its areas of expertise include monitoring, diagnosis, non-destructive investigation techniques, the development of compatible materials for conservation and restoration, and the evaluation of their performance under real-use conditions.
