Advanced Functional Materials & Aeromaterial Templates
Jul 1, 2024
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1 min read

As a researcher at the National Center for Materials Study and Testing (NCMST), I contributed to the development and structural characterization of advanced functional materials under the Young Researchers Project #24.80012.5007.12TC.
🔬 Research Activities
The project integrated multiple stages of material processing, from synthesis to high-resolution morphological analysis.
🌡️ Material Processing & Synthesis
My primary responsibilities included the design and operation of custom laboratory setups:
- Thermal Treatment: Designing setups for controlled heat treatments to facilitate phase transitions between magnetite ($\text{Fe}_3\text{O}_4$) and hematite ($\text{Fe}_2\text{O}_3$).
- Electrochemical Processes: Performing oxide formation and redox mechanisms on various substrates.
- Aeromaterial Templates: Investigating the growth of Gallium Nitride (GaN) on ultra-lightweight aeromaterial templates for advanced optoelectronic applications.
🔍 Characterization & Analysis
To validate the synthesis processes, I performed:
- Morphological Analysis: Using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) to investigate surface topography and porosity.
- Structural Investigation: Studying the evolution of iron oxide systems during redox cycles.
📢 Academic Dissemination
Beyond the laboratory work, I participated in several international scientific conferences (such as BPU12 and MacroYouth 2025) to present our findings:
- Disseminating experimental results on ZnO and Iron Oxide nanostructures.
- Engaging in technical discussions with the academic community regarding electrochemical optimization.
📷 Research Gallery

The MacroYouth 2025 Conference
Grup foto

Poster Presentation
Poster presented at MacroYouth 2025

Poster Presentation
Poster presented at Balkan Physical Union

Authors
Cătălin Creciunel
(he/him)
Research Scientist & Embedded Systems Engineer
Cătălin Creciunel is a graduate of the Technical University of Moldova,
specializing in microelectronics and nanotechnology. With over 5 years of
experience as a Research Scientist, he has developed innovative solutions
for semiconductor materials including ZnO, GaP, and InP through thermal
treatment and anodization techniques. His expertise spans embedded software
development in Python and C/C++, hardware design using CAD tools, and
nanotechnology research including semiconductor and composite nanofiber
production. Cătălin is dedicated to advancing technology through continuous
learning and innovative contributions to microelectronics and embedded
systems.