Mihaela Florea

Mihaela Florea is a Scientific Researcher I at the National Institute of Material Physics in Magurele, Romania, and a Senior Researcher at the Catalysis and Catalytic Processes Research Center, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Bucharest. With over 20 years of research experience in heterogeneous catalysis and materials science, her work bridges fundamental science with practical applications in energy conversion, sustainable chemistry, and environmental remediation.

Education:

• PhD in Chemistry, Université Catholique de Louvain (1999-2003), Thesis: 'Relationship between structure and activity of vanadium aluminium oxynitrides in propane ammoxidation' - awarded 'La plus grande distinction'
• Master of Science in Catalysis, University of Bucharest (1997-1999), Thesis: 'Ru-MCM-41 catalysts for stereocontrolled hydrogenation of prostaglandin intermediates'
• Master of Science in Project Management, Academy of Economics Studies, Bucharest (2005-2007)

Dr. Florea's research focuses on catalytic applications of novel 2D materials, particularly MAX phases and MXenes, for energy-related processes. Her work encompasses design of electrocatalysts for OER, HOR, and ORR reactions, hydrogen production through water splitting, and catalytic selective oxidation of methane and biomass derivatives. She has pioneered approaches for converting polyethylene terephthalate to valuable chemicals using acid-modified MXenes and developed catalysts for sustainable production of platform chemicals from renewable resources.

Analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong interdisciplinary focus spanning materials chemistry, catalysis, and energy science. Her work consistently demonstrates innovation in synthesizing and characterizing advanced catalytic materials, with particular emphasis on structure-property relationships. The research shows increasing sophistication in utilizing 2D materials for energy applications, with growing attention to environmental sustainability and circular economy principles.

Scientific Recognition:

• Romanian Academy award 'I.G. Murgulescu' (2020)

With 12 years of teaching experience at the University of Bucharest, Dr. Florea has supervised numerous bachelor's and master's students in catalysis and analytical chemistry. Her research is supported by significant projects including ERC-LIKE funding for '2D metallic carbide as active and selective catalysts for direct oxidation of CH4' and M-ERANET funding for 'Holistic design of fuel cell electrocatalysts.' She holds three patents related to catalytic processes and has contributed to a book chapter on biomass conversion.

Dr. Florea leads research in the Laboratory of Catalytic Materials and Catalysis, employing advanced characterization techniques including XPS, BET, Raman spectroscopy, XRD, FTIR, and electron microscopy to investigate material properties and catalytic mechanisms. Her work environment fosters innovation in sustainable materials design with practical applications in energy and environmental technology.