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Records |
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Author |
Tsuji, K.; Injuk, J.; Van Grieken, R. |
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Title |
X-ray spectrometry: recent technological advances |
Type |
ME1 Book as editor or co-editor |
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Year |
2004 |
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Abbreviated Journal |
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Volume |
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Pages |
616 p. |
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Keywords |
ME1 Book as editor or co-editor; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation) |
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0-471-48640-x |
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UA library record |
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no |
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Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:43876 |
Serial |
8786 |
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Author |
Van Alsenoy, W.; Bernard, P.; Van Grieken, R. |
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Title |
Zware metalen in Noordzee- en Schelde-sedimenten |
Type |
A3 Journal article |
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Year |
1990 |
Publication |
Wtare |
Abbreviated Journal |
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Volume |
5 |
Issue |
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Pages |
113-121 |
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Keywords |
A3 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation) |
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UA library record |
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no |
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Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:116829 |
Serial |
8787 |
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Author |
Parrilla, M.; Vanhooydonck, A.; Johns, M.; Watts, R.; De Wael, K. |
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Title |
3D-printed microneedle-based potentiometric sensor for pH monitoring in skin interstitial fluid |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
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Year |
2023 |
Publication |
Sensors and actuators : B : chemical |
Abbreviated Journal |
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Volume |
378 |
Issue |
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Pages |
133159-10 |
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Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Internet Data Lab (IDLab); Product development; Antwerp Electrochemical and Analytical Sciences Lab (A-Sense Lab) |
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Abstract |
Wearable electrochemical sensors are driven by the user-friendly capability of continuous monitoring of key biomarkers for diagnostic or therapeutic operations. Particularly, microneedle (MN)-based sensors can access the interstitial fluid (ISF) in the dermis layer of skin to carry out on-body transdermal detection of analytes. Interestingly, 3D-printing technology allows for rapid and versatile prototyping reaching micrometer resolution. Herein, for the first time, we explore 3D-printed hollow MN patches (1 mm height x 1 mm base with 0.3 mm hole) which are modified with conductive inks to develop a potentiometric sensor for pH monitoring. First, the piercing capability of 3D-printed MN patches is demonstrated by using the parafilm model and their insertion in porcine skin. Subsequently, the hollow MNs are filled with conductive inks to engineer a set of microelectrodes. Thereafter, the working and reference electrodes are properly modified with polyaniline and polyvinyl butyral, respectively, toward a highly stable potentiometric cell. A full in vitro characterization is performed within a broad range of pH (i.e. pH 4 to pH 9). Besides, the MN sensor is analytically assessed in phantom gel and pierced on porcine skin to evaluate the resilience of the MN sensor. Finally, the MN sensor is pierced on the forearm of a subject and tested for its on-body monitoring capability. Overall, 3D-printed MN-based potentiometric sensing brings a versatile and affordable technology to minimally-invasively monitor key physiological parameters in the body. |
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Wos |
000904590500008 |
Publication Date |
2022-12-12 |
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Series Title |
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Abbreviated Series Title |
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Series Issue |
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Edition |
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ISSN |
0925-4005 |
ISBN |
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Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles |
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Impact Factor |
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Times cited |
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Open Access |
OpenAccess |
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Notes |
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Approved |
Most recent IF: NA |
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Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:192381 |
Serial |
8824 |
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| Permanent link to this record |
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Author |
Saeumel, I.; Ramirez, L.R.; Santolin, J.; Pintado, K. |
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Title |
A step to disentangle diversity patterns in Uruguayan grasslands : climatic seasonality, novel land-uses, and landscape context drive diversity of ground flora |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
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Year |
2023 |
Publication |
Conservation Science and Practice |
Abbreviated Journal |
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Volume |
5 |
Issue |
9 |
Pages |
1-20 |
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Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL) |
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Abstract |
South American grasslands contain extraordinary biodiversity and play a central role in the subsistence of regional agroecosystems. In recent decades, afforestation, followed by the soybean planting boom, have led to drastic land-use changes at the expense of grasslands. Impacts on local biodiversity have remained understudied. We explored the taxonomic richness and ss-diversity of plants of ground layer (excluding trees and shrubs) at different land uses, its interplay at regional scale with environmental heterogeneity, and at local scale with novel land cover types and landscape configurations. We conducted correlation, principal component, NDMS, and SDR analysis to explore variation of taxonomic richness, richness difference, replacement, and similarity of ground flora as response to environmental filters and land use change across Uruguay. We surveyed 160 plots distributed in 10 land cover types, that is, closed and open native forests, different grasslands, crops, orchards, and timber plantations. We observed overlaying regional patterns driven by seasonality of temperature and precipitation, and land cover shaping taxonomic richness at local scale. Landscape configuration affects diversity patterns of native ground flora, which seems to be sustained mainly by the “old growth grassland” species pool. Taxonomic richness of native species decreases with an increase of distance to grassland. Crops and grasslands harbor a higher number of native species in the ground flora than native forests and timber plantations. The introduction of exotics is driven mostly by crops or highly modified pastures. Diversity patterns only partially reflect the ecoregion concept. Expanding the perspective from conservation in purely natural ecosystems to measures conserving species richness in human-modified landscapes is a powerful tool against species loss in the Anthropocene. |
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Wos |
001034673500001 |
Publication Date |
2023-07-24 |
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Series Editor |
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Abbreviated Series Title |
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Series Volume |
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Series Issue |
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Edition |
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ISSN |
2578-4854 |
ISBN |
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Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record |
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Times cited |
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Open Access |
OpenAccess |
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Notes |
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Approved |
Most recent IF: NA |
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Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:198300 |
Serial |
8828 |
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Author |
Espinosa, I.M.P.; Karaaslan, Y.; Sevik, C.; Martini, A. |
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Title |
Atomistic model of the anisotropic response of ortho-Mo₂C to indentation |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
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Year |
2023 |
Publication |
AIP advances |
Abbreviated Journal |
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Volume |
13 |
Issue |
6 |
Pages |
065125-65127 |
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Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT) |
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Abstract |
Molybdenum carbide has various applications for which studying the material using classical molecular dynamics simulations would be valuable. Here, we develop an empirical potential within the Tersoff formalism using particle swarm optimization for the orthorhombic phase of Mo2C. The developed potential is shown to predict lattice constants, elastic properties, and equation of state results that are consistent with current and previously reported results from experiments and first principles calculations. We demonstrate the potential with simulations of indentation using multiple indenter sizes that load and unload in three different directions relative to the crystallographic lattice of orthorhombic Mo2C. Direction-dependent force-displacement trends are analyzed and explained in terms of the spatial distributions of stress and strain within the material during indentation. This study reveals the anisotropic elasticity of orthorhombic Mo2C and, more generally, provides researchers with a new empirical potential that can be used to explore the properties and behavior of the material going forward. |
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Wos |
001016472500005 |
Publication Date |
2023-06-23 |
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Abbreviated Series Title |
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Series Volume |
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Series Issue |
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Edition |
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ISSN |
2158-3226 |
ISBN |
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Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record |
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Impact Factor |
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Times cited |
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Open Access |
OpenAccess |
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Notes |
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Approved |
Most recent IF: NA |
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Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:198333 |
Serial |
8834 |
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Author |
Samal, S.K.; Soenen, S.; Puppi, D.; De Wael, K.; Pati, S.; De Smedt, S.; Braeckmans, K.; Dubruel, P. |
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Title |
Bio-nanohybrid gelatin/quantum dots for cellular imaging and biosensing applications |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
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Year |
2022 |
Publication |
International journal of molecular sciences |
Abbreviated Journal |
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Volume |
23 |
Issue |
19 |
Pages |
11867-12 |
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Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Antwerp Electrochemical and Analytical Sciences Lab (A-Sense Lab) |
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Abstract |
The bio-nanohybrid gelatin protein/cadmium sulfide (Gel/CdS) quantum dots (QDs) have been designed via a facile one-pot strategy. The amino acids group of gelatin chelate Cd2+ and grow CdS QDs without any agglomeration. The H-1 NMR spectra indicate that during the above process there are no alterations of the gelatin protein structure conformation and chemical functionalities. The prepared Gel/CdS QDs were characterized and their potential as a system for cellular imaging and the electrochemical sensor for hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) detection applications were investigated. The obtained results demonstrate that the developed Gel/CdS QDs system could offer a simple and convenient operating strategy both for the class of contrast agents for cell labeling and electrochemical sensors purposes. |
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Wos |
000867759600001 |
Publication Date |
2022-10-09 |
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Series Editor |
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Series Title |
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Abbreviated Series Title |
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Series Volume |
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Series Issue |
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Edition |
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ISSN |
1422-0067; 1661-6596 |
ISBN |
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Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record |
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Impact Factor |
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Times cited |
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Open Access |
OpenAccess |
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Notes |
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Approved |
no |
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Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:191566 |
Serial |
8836 |
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| Permanent link to this record |
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Author |
Liu, J.; Wang, C.; Yu, W.; Zhao, H.; Hu, Z.-Y.; Liu, F.; Hasan, T.; Li, Y.; Van Tendeloo, G.; Li, C.; Su, B.-L. |
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Title |
Bioinspired noncyclic transfer pathway electron donors for unprecedented hydrogen production |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
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Year |
2023 |
Publication |
CCS chemistry |
Abbreviated Journal |
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Volume |
5 |
Issue |
6 |
Pages |
1470-1482 |
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Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT) |
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Abstract |
Electron donors are widely exploited in visible-light photocatalytic hydrogen production. As a typical electron donor pair and often the first choice for hydrogen production, the sodium sulfide-sodium sulfite pair has been extensively used. However, the resultant thiosulfate ions consume the photogenerated electrons to form an undesirable pseudocyclic electron transfer pathway during the photocatalytic process, strongly limiting the solar energy conversion efficiency. Here, we report novel and bioinspired electron donor pairs offering a noncyclic electron transfer pathway that provides more electrons without the consumption of the photogenerated electrons. Compared to the state-of-the-art electron donor pair Na2S-Na2SO3, these novel Na2S-NaH2PO2 and Na2S-NaNO2 electron donor pairs enable an unprecedented enhancement of up to 370% and 140% for average photocatalytic H-2 production over commercial CdS nanoparticles, and they are versatile for a large series of photocatalysts for visible-light water splitting. The discovery of these novel electron donor pairs can lead to a revolution in photocatalysis and is of great significance for industrial visible-light-driven H-2 production. [GRAPHICS] . |
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Wos |
001037091900008 |
Publication Date |
2022-06-30 |
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Series Editor |
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Abbreviated Series Title |
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Series Volume |
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Series Issue |
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Edition |
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ISBN |
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Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles |
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Times cited |
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Open Access |
OpenAccess |
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Notes |
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Approved |
Most recent IF: NA |
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Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:198409 |
Serial |
8837 |
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| Permanent link to this record |
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Author |
Perreault, P.; Boruntea, C.-R.; Dhawan Yadav, H.; Portela Soliño, I.; Kummamuru, N.B. |
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Title |
Combined methane pyrolysis and solid carbon gasification for electrified CO₂-free hydrogen and syngas production |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
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Year |
2023 |
Publication |
Energies |
Abbreviated Journal |
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Volume |
16 |
Issue |
21 |
Pages |
7316-7320 |
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Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL) |
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Abstract |
The coupling of methane pyrolysis with the gasification of a solid carbon byproduct provides CO2-free hydrogen and hydrogen-rich syngas, eliminating the conundrum of carbon utilization. Firstly, the various types of carbon that are known to result during the pyrolysis process and their dependencies on the reaction conditions for catalytic and noncatalytic systems are summarized. The synchronization of the reactions’ kinetics is considered to be of paramount importance for efficient performance. This translates to the necessity of finding suitable reaction conditions, carbon reactivities, and catalysts that might enable control over competing reactions through the manipulation of the reaction rates. As a consequence, the reaction kinetics of methane pyrolysis is then emphasized, followed by the particularities of carbon deposition and the kinetics of carbon gasification. Given the urgency in finding suitable solutions for decarbonizing the energy sector and the limited information on the gasification of pyrolytic carbon, more research is needed and encouraged in this area. In order to provide CO2-free hydrogen production, the reaction heat should also be provided without CO2. Electrification is one of the solutions, provided that low-carbon sources are used to generate the electricity. Power-to-heat, i.e., where electricity is used for heating, represents the first step for the chemical industry. |
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Wos |
001103312100001 |
Publication Date |
2023-10-29 |
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Series Editor |
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Abbreviated Series Title |
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Series Issue |
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Edition |
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ISSN |
1996-1073 |
ISBN |
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Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record |
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Impact Factor |
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Times cited |
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Open Access |
OpenAccess |
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Notes |
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Approved |
Most recent IF: NA |
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Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:200456 |
Serial |
8842 |
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| Permanent link to this record |
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Author |
Neven, L.; Barich, H.; Sleegers, N.; Cánovas, R.; Debruyne, G.; De Wael, K. |
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Title |
Development of a combi-electrosensor for the detection of phenol by combining photoelectrochemistry and square wave voltammetry |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
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Year |
2022 |
Publication |
Analytica chimica acta |
Abbreviated Journal |
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Volume |
1206 |
Issue |
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Pages |
339732 |
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Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Antwerp Electrochemical and Analytical Sciences Lab (A-Sense Lab) |
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Abstract |
The high toxicity, endocrine-disrupting effects and low (bio)degradability commonly attributed to phenolic compounds have promoted their recognition as priority toxic pollutants. For this reason, the monitoring of these compounds in industrial, domestic and agricultural streams is crucial to prevent and decrease their toxicity in our daily life. To confront this relevant environmental issue, we propose the use of a combi-electrosensor which combines singlet oxygen (1O2)-based photoelectrochemistry (PEC) with square wave voltammetry (SWV). The high sensitivity of the PEC sensor (being a faster alternative for traditional COD measurements) ensures the detection of nmol L−1 levels of phenolic compounds while the SWV measurements (being faster than the color test kits) allow the differentiation between phenolic compounds. Herein, we report on the development of such a combi-electrosensor for the sensitive and selective detection of phenol (PHOH) in the presence of related phenolic compounds such as hydroquinone (HQ), bisphenol A (BPA), resorcinol (RC) and catechol (CC). The PEC sensor was able to determine the concentration of PHOH in spiked river samples containing only PHOH with a recovery between 96% and 111%. The SWV measurements elucidated the presence of PHOH, HQ and CC in the spiked samples containing multiple phenol compounds. Finally, the practicality of the combi-electrosensor set-up with a dual SPE containing two working electrodes and shared reference and counter electrodes was demonstrated. As a result, the combination of the two techniques is a powerful and valuable tool in the analysis of phenolic samples, since each technique improves the general performance by overcoming the inherent drawbacks that they display independently. |
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Wos |
000793070200016 |
Publication Date |
2022-03-16 |
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Series Editor |
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Series Title |
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Abbreviated Series Title |
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Series Volume |
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Series Issue |
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Edition |
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ISSN |
0003-2670; 1873-4324 |
ISBN |
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Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles |
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Impact Factor |
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Times cited |
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Open Access |
OpenAccess |
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Notes |
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Approved |
no |
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Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:187499 |
Serial |
8848 |
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| Permanent link to this record |
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Author |
Mendonça Verbinnen, C.D. |
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Title |
Development of semiconductor-based photoelectrochemical sensing strategies for phenolic compounds in natural and supply water |
Type |
Doctoral thesis |
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Year |
2022 |
Publication |
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Abbreviated Journal |
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Volume |
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Issue |
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Pages |
152 p. |
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Keywords |
Doctoral thesis; Engineering sciences. Technology; Antwerp Electrochemical and Analytical Sciences Lab (A-Sense Lab) |
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Abstract |
A wide variety of organic and inorganic compounds have been frequently released into the environment without control by industries and agricultural activities. This has caused significant impact on the development and health of living organisms, and biodiversity. Therefore, the challenge of monitoring and/or remediation of these contaminants remains. This thesis presents the development of three sensing strategies based on photoelectrochemical sensors to monitor phenolic contaminants. The well-known semiconductors TiO2 and ZnO were used for building novel setups for nM analysis of phenolic compounds in water. The setups employing TiO2-based photosensors were integrated into a photoelectrochemical flow cell. The flow system favored higher sensitivity of the method by periodic wash sequences of the electrode, significantly reducing the electrode fouling. Firstly, a straightforward method was developed based on the immobilization of TiO2 on screen printed graphite electrodes. Under UV light, the developed photosensor presented high performance for the detection of 4- aminophenol. A second study was developed by impregnating gold nanoparticles into TiO2 structure. The incorporation of gold nanoparticles can broaden the light absorption region of TiO2 and improve its photocatalytic activity for the detection of hydroquinone under visible light. In both systems, the detection was possible due to the presence of reactive oxygen species at the surface of TiO2 upon light, which participate in the oxidation process of the analyte. By applying a reductive potential, the oxidized form of the analyte gets reduced and a measurable amperometric response proportional to the initial analyte concentration is recorded. The third proposed setup is a ZnO-based photosensor for the quantification of 4-nitrophenol under UVA light. Nanostructured ZnO was electrochemically synthesized on FTO glass without the use of catalysts or seed layer. A post-growth annealing treatment significantly improved ZnO nanorods physicochemical properties. Subsequent modification of ZnO nanorods with a photosensitizer (perylene acid) increased the photocurrent response and the sensitivity. In this system, the detection mechanism is based on the decrease of the photocurrent response at the presence of an electron harvesting molecule, such as 4-nitrophenol. The decrease in photocurrent is proportional to the increase of 4-nitrophenol concentration in the solution. The applicability of the photoelectrochemical semiconductor-based sensing setups was verified to analyze phenolic compounds in natural and supply water samples. The proposed robust and sensitive approaches were designed for the on-site monitoring of phenolic compounds. The encouraging results confirm the potential of these photosensors as promising tools for tracelevel sensing purposes. |
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UA library record |
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Open Access |
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Notes |
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Approved |
no |
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Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:186763 |
Serial |
8850 |
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| Permanent link to this record |
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Author |
Slavkovic, S.; Shoara, A.A.; Churcher, Z.R.; Daems, E.; De Wael, K.; Sobott, F.; Johnson, P.E. |
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Title |
DNA binding by the antimalarial compound artemisinin |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
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Year |
2022 |
Publication |
Scientific reports |
Abbreviated Journal |
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Volume |
12 |
Issue |
1 |
Pages |
133 |
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Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Pharmacology. Therapy; Engineering sciences. Technology; Antwerp Electrochemical and Analytical Sciences Lab (A-Sense Lab) |
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Abstract |
Artemisinin (ART) is a vital medicinal compound that is used alone or as part of a combination therapy against malaria. ART is thought to function by attaching to heme covalently and alkylating a range of proteins. Using a combination of biophysical methods, we demonstrate that ART is bound by three-way junction and duplex containing DNA molecules. Binding of ART by DNA is first shown for the cocaine-binding DNA aptamer and extensively studied using this DNA molecule. Isothermal titration calorimetry methods show that the binding of ART is both entropically and enthalpically driven at physiological NaCl concentration. Native mass spectrometry methods confirm DNA binding and show that a non-covalent complex is formed. Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy shows that ART binds at the three-way junction of the cocaine-binding aptamer, and that binding results in the folding of the structure-switching variant of this aptamer. This structure-switching ability was exploited using the photochrome aptamer switch assay to demonstrate that ART can be detected using this biosensing assay. This study is the first to demonstrate the DNA binding ability of ART and should lay the foundation for further work to study implications of DNA binding for the antimalarial activity of ART. |
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Wos |
000740510500120 |
Publication Date |
2022-01-07 |
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Edition |
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ISSN |
2045-2322 |
ISBN |
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Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles |
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Times cited |
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Open Access |
OpenAccess |
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Notes |
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no |
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Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:184507 |
Serial |
8851 |
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Author |
Vizarim, N.P. |
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Title |
Dynamic behavior of Skyrmions under the influence of periodic pinning in chiral magnetic infinite thin films |
Type |
Doctoral thesis |
| |
Year |
2023 |
Publication |
|
Abbreviated Journal |
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Volume |
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Issue |
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Pages |
212 p. |
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Keywords |
Doctoral thesis; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT) |
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Abstract |
The miniaturization of transistors for application in new processors and logic devices poses a significant challenge in the field of materials. Spintronics, which relies on controlled movement of magnetic nanostructures, offers a promising solution. Among the candidates, magnetic skyrmions are considered one of the most promising. These chiral spin structures, characterized by topological protection and enhanced stability compared to vortices or magnetic bubbles, have been extensively studied. To advance in the control of skyrmion motion, essential for practical applications, we investigated their dynamic behavior in a two-dimensional chiral magnet at zero temperature. Our study focused on the influence of periodic arrays of pinning centers. The simulations considered skyrmions as point-like particles considering the following interactions: skyrmion-skyrmion interactions, interactions with pinning center arrays, a current of polarized spins, and the Magnus force. We conducted calculations for scenarios involving a single skyrmion as well as different skyrmion density values in the material. The aim was to explore possibilities for controlled skyrmion motion, investigate different dynamic regimes, and examine collective effects. The results demonstrate that by adjusting the size, strength, and density of the pinning centers, we can effectively control the motion of individual skyrmions and manage the flow of multiple skyrmions. Furthermore, we discovered that periodic arrays of pinning centers can facilitate topological selection when different species of skyrmions with distinct Magnus components are present. Employing alternating currents, we observed the significant role of the ratchet effect in the skyrmion dynamics. By fine-tuning the amplitudes of the alternating currents, we achieved direct and controlled motion of skyrmions in specific directions. These findings hold potential for advancing our understanding of skyrmion dynamics and can inspire future technological applications involving these quasi-particles. Overall, we anticipate that our results will be valuable to the scientific community, contributing to a deeper comprehension of skyrmion dynamics and paving the way for future technological applications. |
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Open Access |
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Approved |
Most recent IF: NA |
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Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:198101 |
Serial |
8852 |
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Author |
Joosten, F.; Parrilla, M.; van Nuijs, A.L.N.; Ozoemena, K.Id; De Wael, K. |
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Title |
Electrochemical detection of illicit drugs in oral fluid : potential for forensic drug testing |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
| |
Year |
2022 |
Publication |
Electrochimica acta |
Abbreviated Journal |
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| |
Volume |
2022 |
Issue |
436 |
Pages |
141309-141315 |
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Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Pharmacology. Therapy; Engineering sciences. Technology; Toxicological Centre; Antwerp Electrochemical and Analytical Sciences Lab (A-Sense Lab) |
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Abstract |
Illicit drugs continue to pose a serious threat to society and public health. Drug (ab)use is linked to organised crime and violence. Therefore, to fight the so-called war on drugs, police and law enforcement agencies need to be equipped with accurate and efficient sensors for the detection of illicit drugs and drug use. Even though colour tests (for powders) and lateral flow immunoassays (for biological samples) lack accuracy, they are relied upon for fast and easy on-site detection. Alternatively, in recent years, there has been an increasing interest in electrochemical sensors as a promising technique for the rapid and accurate on-site detection of illicit drugs. While a myriad of literature exists on the use of electrochemical sensors for drug powder analysis, literature on their use for the detection of drug use in biological samples is scarce. To this end, this review presents an overview of strategies for the electrochemical detection of illicit drugs in oral fluid. First, pharmacokinetics of drugs in oral fluid and the legal limit dilemma regarding the analytical cut-offs for roadside drug detection tests are elaborated to present the reader with the background knowledge required to develop such a test. Subsequently, an overview of electrochemical strategies developed for the detection of illicit drugs in oral fluid is given. Importantly, key challenges to address in the development of roadside tests are highlighted to improve the design of the next electrochemical devices and to bring them to the field. Overall, electrochemical sensors for illicit drugs detection in oral fluid show promise to disrupt current strategies for roadside testing. |
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Wos |
000882442300001 |
Publication Date |
2022-10-13 |
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Series Editor |
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Series Title |
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Abbreviated Series Title |
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Series Volume |
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Series Issue |
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Edition |
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ISSN |
0013-4686 |
ISBN |
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Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles |
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Times cited |
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Open Access |
OpenAccess |
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Notes |
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Approved |
no |
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Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:191107 |
Serial |
8855 |
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Author |
Van Echelpoel, R.; Schram, J.; Parrilla, M.; Daems, D.; Slosse, A.; Van Durme, F.; De Wael, K. |
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Title |
Electrochemical methods for on-site multidrug detection at festivals |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
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Year |
2022 |
Publication |
Sensors & Diagnostics |
Abbreviated Journal |
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Volume |
1 |
Issue |
1 |
Pages |
793-802 |
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Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Antwerp Electrochemical and Analytical Sciences Lab (A-Sense Lab) |
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Abstract |
Two electrochemical methodologies, i.e. flowchart and dual-sensor, were developed to aid law enforcement present at festivals to obtain a rapid indication of the presence of four illicit drugs in suspicious samples encountered. |
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Wos |
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Publication Date |
2022-06-01 |
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Abbreviated Series Title |
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Additional Links |
UA library record |
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Impact Factor |
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Times cited |
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Open Access |
OpenAccess |
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Notes |
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Approved |
no |
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Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:188521 |
Serial |
8856 |
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Author |
Truta, F.; Drăgan, A.-M.; Tertis, M.; Parrilla, M.; Slosse, A.; Van Durme, F.; De Wael, K.; Cristea, C. |
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Title |
Electrochemical rapid detection of methamphetamine from confiscated samples using a graphene-based printed platform |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
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Year |
2023 |
Publication |
Sensors |
Abbreviated Journal |
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Volume |
23 |
Issue |
13 |
Pages |
6193-18 |
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Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Antwerp Electrochemical and Analytical Sciences Lab (A-Sense Lab) |
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Abstract |
Methamphetamine (MAP) is a highly addictive and illegal stimulant drug that has a significant impact on the central nervous system. Its detection in biological and street samples is crucial for various organizations involved in forensic medicine, anti-drug efforts, and clinical diagnosis. In recent years, nanotechnology and nanomaterials have played a significant role in the development of analytical sensors for MAP detection. In this study, a fast, simple, and cost-effective electrochemical sensor is presented that is used for the sensitive detection of MAP in confiscated street samples with a complex matrix. The optimized screen-printed sensor based on a carbon working electrode modified with graphene demonstrated an excellent limit of detection, good sensitivity, and a wide dynamic range (1–500 μM) for the target illicit drug both for standard solutions and real samples (seized samples, tap water, and wastewater samples). It can detect MAP at concentrations as low as 300 nM in real samples. This limit of detection is suitable for the rapid preliminary screening of suspicious samples in customs, ports, airports, and on the street. Furthermore, the sensor exhibits a good recovery rate, indicating its reliability and repeatability. This quality is crucial for ensuring consistent and accurate results during screening processes. |
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Place of Publication |
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Wos |
001033277900001 |
Publication Date |
2023-07-07 |
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Series Editor |
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Series Title |
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Abbreviated Series Title |
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Series Volume |
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Series Issue |
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Edition |
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ISSN |
1424-8220 |
ISBN |
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Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record |
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Impact Factor |
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Times cited |
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Open Access |
OpenAccess |
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Notes |
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Approved |
Most recent IF: NA |
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Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:198181 |
Serial |
8857 |
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Author |
Montiel, F.N.; Parrilla, M.; Sleegers, N.; Van Durme, F.; van Nuijs, A.L.N.; De Wael, K. |
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Title |
Electrochemical sensing of amphetamine-type stimulants (pre)-precursors to fight against the illicit production of synthetic drugs |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
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Year |
2022 |
Publication |
Electrochimica acta |
Abbreviated Journal |
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Volume |
436 |
Issue |
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Pages |
141446-11 |
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Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Toxicological Centre; Antwerp Electrochemical and Analytical Sciences Lab (A-Sense Lab) |
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Abstract |
The illicit drug precursor market for the manufacture of amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS), mainly amphetamine, methamphetamine and methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), has emerged quickly in the last years. The evidence of a more complex and sophisticated drug market underlines the pressing need for new on-site methods to quickly detect precursors of synthetic drugs, with electrochemical analysis as a promising technique. Herein, the electrochemical fingerprints of ten common ATS precursors-3-oxo-2-phenylbutanenitrile (APAAN), 3-oxo-2-phenylbutanamide (APAA), methyl 3-oxo-2-phenylbutanoate (MAPA), benzyl methyl ketone (BMK), 1-(1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)propan-2-one (PMK), ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, safrole, sassafras oil and piperonal- are reported for the first time. The electrochemical screening disclosed the redox inactivity of BMK, which is an essential starting material for the production of ATS. Therefore, the local derivatization of BMK at an electrode surface by reductive amination is presented as a feasible solution to enrich its electrochemical fingerprint. To prove that, the resulting mixture was analyzed using a set of chromatographic techniques to understand the reaction mechanism and to identify possible electrochemical active products. Two reaction products (i.e. methamphetamine and 1-phenylpropan-2-ol) were found and characterized using mass spectrometry and electrochemical methods. Subsequently, the optimization of the reaction parameters was carefully addressed to set the portable electrochemical sensing strategy. Ultimately, the analysis concept was validated for the qualitative identification of ATS precursors in seizures from a forensic institute. Overall, the electrochemical approach demonstrates to be a useful and affordable analytical tool for the early identification of ATS precursors to prevent trafficking and drug manufacture in clandestine laboratories. |
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Wos |
000914833800003 |
Publication Date |
2022-10-27 |
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Abbreviated Series Title |
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Series Volume |
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Series Issue |
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Edition |
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ISSN |
0013-4686 |
ISBN |
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Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record |
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Impact Factor |
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Times cited |
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Open Access |
OpenAccess |
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Notes |
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Approved |
no |
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Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:191622 |
Serial |
8858 |
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Author |
Beckwee, E.J.; Watson, G.; Houlleberghs, M.; Arenas Esteban, D.; Bals, S.; Van Der Voort, P.; Breynaert, E.; Martens, J.; Baron, G.V.; Denayer, J.F.M. |
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Title |
Enabling hydrate-based methane storage under mild operating conditions by periodic mesoporous organosilica nanotubes |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
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Year |
2023 |
Publication |
Heliyon |
Abbreviated Journal |
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Volume |
9 |
Issue |
7 |
Pages |
e17662-14 |
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Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT) |
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Abstract |
Biomethane is a renewable natural gas substitute produced from biogas. Storage of this sustainable energy vector in confined clathrate hydrates, encapsulated in the pores of a host material, is a highly promising avenue to improve storage capacity and energy efficiency. Herein, a new type of periodic mesoporous organosilica (PMO) nanotubes, referred to as hollow ring PMO (HR-PMO), capable of promoting methane clathrate hydrate formation under mild working conditions (273 K, 3.5 MPa) and at high water loading (5.1 g water/g HR-PMO) is reported. Gravimetric uptake measurements reveal a steep single-stepped isotherm and a noticeably high methane storage capacity (0.55 g methane/g HR-PMO; 0.11 g methane/g water at 3.5 MPa). The large working capacity throughout consecutive pressure-induced clathrate hydrate formationdissociation cycles demonstrates the material's excellent recyclability (97% preservation of capacity). Supported by ex situ cryo-electron tomography and x-ray diffraction, HR-PMO nanotubes are hypothesized to promote clathrate hydrate nucleation and growth by distribution and confinement of water in the mesopores of their outer wall, along the central channels of the nanotubes and on the external nanotube surface. These findings showcase the potential for application of organosilica materials with hierarchical and interconnected pore systems for pressure-based storage of biomethane in confined clathrate hydrates. |
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001056264100001 |
Publication Date |
2023-06-28 |
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ISSN |
2405-8440 |
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Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles |
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Impact Factor |
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Times cited |
4 |
Open Access |
OpenAccess |
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Notes |
E.J.B., G.W. and M.H. contributed equally to this work. M.H. acknowledges FWO for an FWO-SB fellowship. All authors acknowledge VLAIO for Moonshot funding (ARCLATH, n ? HBC.2019.0110, ARCLATH2, n ? HBC.2021.0254) . J.A.M. acknowledges the Flemish Government for long-term structural funding (Methusalem) and department EWI for infrastructure investment via the Hermes Fund (AH.2016.134) . NMRCoRe acknowledges the Flemish government, department EWI for financial support as International Research Infrastructure (I001321N: Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy Platform for Molecular Water Research) . J.A.M. acknowledges the European Research Council (ERC) for an Advanced Research Grant under the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under grant agreement No. 834134 (WATUSO) . S.B acknowledges financial support by the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO grant G.0381.16N) . This project also received funding from the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under grant agreement No 731019 (EUSMI) and No 815128 (REALNANO) . |
Approved |
Most recent IF: NA |
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Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:199249 |
Serial |
8862 |
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Author |
Hassani, H. |
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Title |
First-principles study of polarons in WO₃ |
Type |
Doctoral thesis |
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Year |
2023 |
Publication |
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Abbreviated Journal |
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Volume |
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Issue |
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Pages |
181 p. |
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Keywords |
Doctoral thesis; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT) |
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Abstract |
Polarons are quasiparticles emerging in materials from the interaction of extra charge carriers with the surrounding atomic lattice. They appear in a wide va- riety of compounds and can have a profound impact on their properties, making the concept of a polaron a central and ubiquitous topic in material science. Al- though the concept is known for about 75 years, the origin of polarons is not yet fully elucidated. This thesis focuses on WO 3 as a well-known prototypical system for studying polarons, which inherent polaronic nature is linked to its remark- able electrical and chromic properties. The primary objective of this research is to provide a comprehensive atomistic description and understanding of polaron formation in WO 3 using first-principles density functional theory (DFT) calcula- tions. Additionally, the investigation explores the interactions between polarons and the possibility of bipolaron formation. Following a systematic strategy, we first extensively analyze the dielectric and lattice dynamical properties of WO 3 in both the room-temperature P 2 1 /n and ground-state P 2 1 /c phases. Our specific focus is on characterizing the zone-center phonons, which serve as the founda- tion for identifying the phonon modes involved in the polaron formation and charge localization process. Subsequently, we examine the impact of structural distortions on the electronic structure of WO 3 to elucidate the interplay between structural distortions and electronic properties, thereby laying the groundwork for understanding electron-phonon couplings. By incorporating these critical fac- tors, we address our primary research goals. The most common explanation for the polaron formation is associated with the electrostatic screening of the extra charge by the polarizable lattice. Here, we show that, even in ionic crystals, this is not necessarily the case. We demonstrate that polarons in this compound arise primarily from non-polar atomic distortions. We then unveil that this unexpected behavior originates from the undoing of distortive atomic motions, which lowers the bandgap. As such, we coin the name of anti-distortive polaron and validate its appearance through a simple quantum-dot model, in which charge localization is the result of balancing structural, electronic, and confinement energy costs. Then, we also study the polaron-polaron interaction and present the formation of the antiferromagnetic W 4+ bipolaronic state with relatively large formation energy. Our analysis of the W 4+ bipolaronic distortions on the global structure reveals the same behavior as in experiments where the highly distorted monoclinic phase transforms into a tetragonal phase as a function of doping. Additionally, leveraging our previous findings on asymmetric polaronic distortion and examin- ing different merging orientations, we stabilize the antiferromagnetic W 5+ -W 5+ bipolaronic state with an energy lower than the W 4+ state. This thesis clari- fies the formation of unusual medium-size 2D polarons and bipolarons in WO3,which might be relevant to the whole family of ABO 3 perovskites, to which WO 3 is closely related. The simplicity of the concept provides also obvious guidelines for tracking similar behavior in other families of compounds. |
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UA library record |
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Open Access |
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Notes |
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Approved |
Most recent IF: NA |
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Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:198169 |
Serial |
8868 |
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| Permanent link to this record |
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Author |
Gielis, J. |
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Title |
Fred Van Oystaeyen : Time hybrids: a new generic theory of reality |
Type |
Review |
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Year |
2023 |
Publication |
Symmetry, Culture and Science |
Abbreviated Journal |
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Volume |
34 |
Issue |
3 |
Pages |
347-351 |
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Keywords |
Review; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL) |
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UA library record |
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OpenAccess |
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Notes |
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Approved |
Most recent IF: NA |
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Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:199538 |
Serial |
8871 |
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Author |
Moro, G.; Foumthuim, C.J.D.; Spinaci, M.; Martini, E.; Cimino, D.; Balliana, E.; Lieberzeit, P.; Romano, F.; Giacometti, A.; Campos, R.; De Wael, K.; Moretto, L.M. |
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Title |
How perfluoroalkyl substances modify fluorinated self-assembled monolayer architectures : an electrochemical and computational study |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
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Year |
2022 |
Publication |
Analytica chimica acta |
Abbreviated Journal |
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Volume |
1204 |
Issue |
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Pages |
339740-12 |
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Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Antwerp Electrochemical and Analytical Sciences Lab (A-Sense Lab) |
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Abstract |
There is an urgent need for sensing strategies to screen perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in aqueous matrices. These strategies must be applicable in large-scale monitoring plans to face the ubiquitous use of PFAS, their wide global spread, and their fast evolution towards short-chain, branched molecules. To this aim, the changes in fluorinated self-assembled monolayers (SAM) with different architectures (pinholes/defects-free and with randomized pinholes/defects) were studied upon exposure to both long and short-chain PFAS. The applicability of fluorinated SAM in PFAS sensing was evaluated. Changes in the SAM structures were characterised combining electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and voltam-metric techniques. The experimental data interpretation was supported by molecular dynamics simu-lations to gain a more in-depth understanding of the interaction mechanisms involved. Pinhole/defect-free fluorinated SAM were found to be applicable to long-chain PFAS screening within switch-on sensing strategy, while a switch-off sensing strategy was reported for screening of both short/long-chain PFAS. These strategies confirmed the possibility to play on fluorophilic interactions when designing PFAS screening methods.(c) 2022 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. |
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Wos |
000789493000010 |
Publication Date |
2022-03-17 |
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Abbreviated Series Title |
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ISSN |
0003-2670; 1873-4324 |
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UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles |
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Not_Open_Access |
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no |
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Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:188658 |
Serial |
8880 |
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Author |
Wittner, N. |
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Title |
Improving and characterising solid-state fungal pretreatment by Phanerochaete chrysosporium for sugar production from poplar wood |
Type |
Doctoral thesis |
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Year |
2023 |
Publication |
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Abbreviated Journal |
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Volume |
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Issue |
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Pages |
206 p. |
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Keywords |
Doctoral thesis; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL); Biochemical Wastewater Valorization & Engineering (BioWaVE) |
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Abstract |
Pretreatment is a critical step in the conversion of lignocellulose into biofuels and biochemicals. During pretreatment, the recalcitrance of lignocellulose is reduced, e.g. by removing lignin, thereby making the carbohydrates more accessible for enzymatic saccharification. Fungal delignification by white-rot fungi is a biotechnological alternative to chemical/physicochemical methods, which is carried out in solid-state fermentation with mild reaction conditions and without the formation of microbial inhibitors. However, fungal pretreatment presents some challenges, such as long pretreatment time, non-selective and low delignification, low enzymatic digestibility and feedstock sterilisation requirement, making its commercial implementation challenging compared to conventional methods. This study investigates the possibility of improving and characterising the solid-state fungal pretreatment of poplar wood by Phanerochaete chrysosporium. The individual and combined effects of MnSO4 and CuSO4 supplements on the delignification of sterilised wood are investigated using response surface methodology to improve the degree and selectivity of fungal delignification. Spore-inoculated solid-state fermentations are carried out for 4 weeks in sterile vented bottles. The mechanism of the concerted action of the metal ions on lignin degradation is then elucidated by relating fungal growth and ligninolytic enzyme activities to lignocellulose degradation as a function of pretreatment time. The optimised metal-supplemented system is then applied to the pretreatment of non-sterilised wood using different inoculation techniques (spores and pre-colonised substrate), nutrients (metal ions with or without glucose and sodium nitrate) and cultivation environments (sterile aerated bottles and open trays). The fermentations are then characterised using infrared spectroscopy, in particular NIR and ATR-FTIR spectroscopy, with the aim of developing rapid lignin quantification methods as an alternative to conventional wet chemical methods. Finally, the feasibility of producing fermentable sugars from sterilised and non-sterilised poplar wood using fungal pretreatment is evaluated through a techno-economic analysis. Supplementing the pretreatment system with 2.01 µmol CuSO4 and 0.77 µmol MnSO4 g-1 wood resulted in 1.9-fold higher lignin degradation, 2.3-fold higher delignification selectivity value and 2.9-fold higher glucose yield. The improved delignification could be explained by the concerted action of Mn2+ and Cu2+ ions, with Mn2+ ions inducing and Cu2+ prolonging manganese peroxidase production responsible for delignification. Fungal pretreatment at non-sterile conditions was obtained using trays in a simple solid-state fermentation set-up without sterile aeration. A 1:3 ratio of pre-colonised and untreated wood was applied for inoculation and only Cu2+, Mn2+ and sodium nitrate as supplements. Remarkably, this technology resulted in a comparably high glucose yield (28.51 ± 0.28%) to the traditional method using sterilised wood, sterile aeration and spores as inoculum, while reducing the amount of wood to be sterilised by 71.2%. Infrared spectroscopy-based methods with high coefficients of determination (R_CV |
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Most recent IF: NA |
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Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:197185 |
Serial |
8883 |
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Author |
Van Putte, N. |
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Title |
Improving groundwater dynamics : a key factor for successful tidal marsh restoration |
Type |
Doctoral thesis |
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Year |
2023 |
Publication |
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Abbreviated Journal |
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Volume |
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Issue |
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Pages |
166 p. |
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Keywords |
Doctoral thesis; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL); Ecosphere |
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Abstract |
Tidal marshes take up and release certain elements from and to the river water. Hence, they act as a filter, improving the estuarine water quality. This filtering function depends on the interaction between the marsh soil and water that infiltrates into the marsh platform at high tide and seeps out of the creek banks at low tide. In the past centuries, many tidal marshes disappeared due to large scale land reclamations, together with their associated ecosystem services. Nowadays, tidal marshes are increasingly restored on formerly embanked agricultural areas to regain these ecosystem services. Here, we studied the effect of historical agricultural land use on the contribution of restored tidal marshes to water quality improvement, and we investigated several solutions to stimulate the water quality improving function in newly restored tidal marshes. In restored tidal marshes, the soil is often compacted due to the historical agricultural land use, leading to a reduced organic matter content and micro- and macroporosity. In this compacted soil, groundwater flow is hindered, leading to a more waterlogged soil and reduced groundwater dynamics in the restored marsh as compared to a natural marsh. The depth of groundwater drainage and the groundwater flow velocity have important implications for the processes that contribute to water quality improvement, e.g. removal of nitrogen, phosphorus retention and silica cycling. Where groundwater drains deeper, i.e. in the vicinity of tidal creeks and in a more porous soil, these processes are promoted. We suggest that, in newly restored tidal marshes, the soil porosity can be increased by amending the soil (e.g. with organic matter), and the distance to the nearest tidal creek can be reduced by creek excavation. Numerical modelling showed that the largest gain in groundwater dynamics and seepage was attained when both measures were applied together. The effect of organic soil amendments on groundwater dynamics and nutrient cycling was further explored in a large scale in situ mesocosm experiment. Where the soil was amended, groundwater drained deeper and nitrogen removal increased. For new tidal marsh restoration projects, we advise to conduct an explorative soil study. When the soil is heavily compacted, design measures, such as creek initiation and organic soil amendments can be applied to jumpstart the contribution to water quality improvement of newly restored tidal marshes. |
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Most recent IF: NA |
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Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:196965 |
Serial |
8884 |
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Author |
Huang, L.; Ratkowsky, D.A.; Hui, C.; Gielis, J.; Lian, M.; Shi, P. |
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Title |
Inequality measure of leaf area distribution for a drought-tolerant landscape plant |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
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Year |
2023 |
Publication |
Plants |
Abbreviated Journal |
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Volume |
12 |
Issue |
17 |
Pages |
3143-11 |
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Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL) |
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Abstract |
Measuring the inequality of leaf area distribution per plant (ILAD) can provide a useful tool for quantifying the influences of intra- and interspecific competition, foraging behavior of herbivores, and environmental stress on plants’ above-ground architectural structures and survival strategies. Despite its importance, there has been limited research on this issue. This paper aims to fill this gap by comparing four inequality indices to measure ILAD, using indices for quantifying household income that are commonly used in economics, including the Gini index (which is based on the Lorenz curve), the coefficient of variation, the Theil index, and the mean log deviation index. We measured the area of all leaves for 240 individual plants of the species Shibataea chinensis Nakai, a drought-tolerant landscape plant found in southern China. A three-parameter performance equation was fitted to observations of the cumulative proportion of leaf area vs. the cumulative proportion of leaves per plant to calculate the Gini index for each individual specimen of S. chinensis. The performance equation was demonstrated to be valid in describing the rotated and right shifted Lorenz curve, given that >96% of root-mean-square error values were smaller than 0.004 for 240 individual plants. By examining the correlation between any of the six possible pairs of indices among the Gini index, the coefficient of variation, the Theil index, and the mean log deviation index, the data show that these indices are closely related and can be used interchangeably to quantify ILAD. |
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001065193100001 |
Publication Date |
2023-08-31 |
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Edition |
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ISSN |
2223-7747 |
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Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles |
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Open Access |
OpenAccess |
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Most recent IF: NA |
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Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:199564 |
Serial |
8886 |
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Author |
Drăgan, A.-M. |
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Title |
Investigation of the electrochemical behaviour of illicit substances and their redox pathways in the development of nanomaterial-modified platforms for decentralized analysis |
Type |
Doctoral thesis |
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Year |
2023 |
Publication |
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Abbreviated Journal |
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Volume |
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Issue |
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Pages |
169 p. |
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Keywords |
Doctoral thesis; Pharmacology. Therapy; Engineering sciences. Technology; Antwerp Electrochemical and Analytical Sciences Lab (A-Sense Lab) |
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Additional Links |
UA library record |
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Most recent IF: NA |
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Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:199086 |
Serial |
8892 |
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Author |
Yu, R.; Zeng, W.; Zhou, L.; Van Tendeloo, G.; Mai, L.; Yao, Z.; Wu, J. |
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Title |
Layer-by-layer delithiation during lattice collapse as the origin of planar gliding and microcracking in Ni-rich cathodes |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
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Year |
2023 |
Publication |
Cell reports physical science |
Abbreviated Journal |
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Volume |
4 |
Issue |
7 |
Pages |
101480-14 |
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Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT) |
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Abstract |
High-energy-density nickel (Ni)-rich cathode materials are used in commercial lithium (Li)-ion batteries for electric vehicles, but they suffer from severe structural degradation upon cycling. Planar gliding and microcracking are seeds for fatal mechanical fracture, but their origin remains unclear. Herein, we show that “layer-by -layer delithiation”is activated at high voltages during the charge process when the “lattice collapse”(a characteristic high-voltage lattice evolution in Ni-rich cathodes) occurs. Layer-by-layer deli-thiation is evidenced by direct observation of the consecutive lattice collapse using in situ scanning transmission electron micro-scopy (STEM). The collapsing of the lattice initiates in the expanded planes and consecutively extends to the whole crystal. Localized strain will be induced at lattice-collapsing interface where planar gliding and intragranular microcracks are generated to release this strain. Our study reveals that layer-by-layer delithia-tion during lattice collapse is the fundamental origin of the mechanical instability in single-crystalline Ni-rich cathodes. |
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001048074500001 |
Publication Date |
2023-06-30 |
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Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles |
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Times cited |
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Open Access |
OpenAccess |
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Notes |
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Most recent IF: NA |
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Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:198299 |
Serial |
8893 |
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Author |
Shi, P.; Gielis, J.; Niklas, K.J.; Niinemets, Ü.; Schrader, J. |
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Title |
Leaf functional traits : ecological and evolutionary implications |
Type |
ME3 Book as editor |
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Year |
2023 |
Publication |
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Abbreviated Journal |
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Volume |
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Issue |
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Pages |
185 p. |
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Keywords |
ME3 Book as editor; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL) |
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2023-04-14 |
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978-2-8325-2086-4; 1664-8714 |
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UA library record |
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OpenAccess |
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Most recent IF: NA |
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Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:198002 |
Serial |
8894 |
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Author |
Wagaarachchige, J.D.; Idris, Z.; Arstad, B.; Kummamuru, N.B.; Sætre, K.A.S.; Halstensen, M.; Jens, K.-J. |
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Title |
Low-viscosity nonaqueous sulfolane–amine–methanol solvent blend for reversible CO2 capture |
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A1 Journal article |
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Year |
2022 |
Publication |
Industrial and engineering chemistry research |
Abbreviated Journal |
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Volume |
61 |
Issue |
17 |
Pages |
5942-5951 |
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Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL) |
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Abstract |
In this work, the absorption–desorption performance of CO2 in six new solvent blends of amine (diisopropylamine (DPA), 2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanol (AMP), methyldiethanolamine (MDEA), diethanolamine (DEA), diisopropanolamine (DIPA), and ethanolamine (MEA)), sulfolane, and methanol has been monitored using ATR-FTIR spectroscopy. Additionally, NMR-based species confirmation and solvent viscosity analysis were done for DPA solvent samples. The identified CO2 capture products are monomethyl carbonate (MMC), carbamate, carbonate, and bicarbonate anions in different ratios. The DPA solvent formed MMC entirely with 0.88 molCO2/molamine capture capacity, 0.48 molCO2/molamine cyclic capacity, and 3.28 mPa·s CO2-loaded solvent viscosity. MEA, DEA, DIPA, and MDEA were shown to produce a low or a negligible amount of MMC while AMP occupied an intermediate position. |
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Publication Date |
2022-04-25 |
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ISSN |
0888-5885; 1520-5045 |
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UA library record |
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Open Access |
OpenAccess |
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Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:199111 |
Serial |
8895 |
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Author |
De Meyer, S. |
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Title |
Macroscopic X-ray powder diffraction in reflection mode : a new technique for chemical imaging of artworks |
Type |
Doctoral thesis |
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Year |
2023 |
Publication |
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Abbreviated Journal |
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Volume |
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Issue |
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Pages |
285 p. |
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Keywords |
Doctoral thesis; Engineering sciences. Technology; Art; Antwerp X-ray Imaging and Spectroscopy (AXIS) |
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Abstract |
Scientific research into cultural heritage has significantly grown in importance over the past decades. The growing popularity of macroscopic imaging techniques such as X-ray fluorescence or Fourier transform infrared now means that conservators and restorers have access to highly objective information on the chemical composition of a painting without the necessity for destructive sampling. As many works of art are heterogeneous on the macroscopic scale, it is clear that solely relying on microscopic samples does not provide sufficiently representative information on the condition of a painting and that macroscopic imaging techniques should be considered a crucial part of the analytical toolkit for conservation science. The goal of this research has been to investigate the added value of reflection-mode macroscopic X-ray powder diffraction (MA-XRPD) for scientific and art historical investigations of cultural heritage artefacts. A prototype scanner was developed after careful consideration of the individual components. This mobile instrument allows for the analysis of flat objects such as oil paintings with reflection MA-XRPD. In this manner images can be obtained that show the distribution of crystalline components present at the surface of the stratigraphy. These crystalline materials can originate from different sources and include original pigments and non-original pigments. MA-XRPD offers novel insights into original pigments such as ultramarine, copper sulfates and lead white. In Girl with a Pearl Earring by Vermeer the MA-XRPD instrument was used to prove that Vermeer used multiple subtypes of lead white to achieve subtle optical effects while in the painting The Night Watch by Rembrandt the lead white composition was studied in detail; multiple rare lead-based compounds were identified that could be linked to the usage of specific driers in the oil paint. By investigating the presence of degradation products, MA-XRPD can be used to assess the conservation state of an artwork. Secondary alteration products were identified in paintings by Nellius and Mignon, explaining why the paintings had visually deteriorated over time. MA-XRPD registered the presence of lead arsenates which were formed from the original yellow arsenic-based orpiment. By combining microscopic and macroscopic analysis, a chemical degradation pathway for the conversion of the unstable orpiment pigment was proposed. In this manner, MA-XRPD can also be used to provide highly valuable information for conservators and restorers by pinpointing areas that have undergone degradation and to guide sampling campaigns. |
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Most recent IF: NA |
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Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:198766 |
Serial |
8896 |
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Author |
Ma, X.; Pavlidis, G.; Dillon, E.; Beltran, V.; Schwartz, J.J.; Thoury, M.; Borondics, F.; Sandt, C.; Kjoller, K.; Berrie, B.H.; Centrone, A. |
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Title |
Micro to nano : multiscale IR analyses reveal zinc soap heterogeneity in a 19th-century painting by Corot |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
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Year |
2022 |
Publication |
Analytical chemistry |
Abbreviated Journal |
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Volume |
94 |
Issue |
7 |
Pages |
3103-3110 |
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Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Antwerp Electrochemical and Analytical Sciences Lab (A-Sense Lab) |
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Abstract |
Formation and aggregation of metal carboxylates (metal soaps) can degrade the appearance and integrity of oil paints, challenging efforts to conserve painted works of art. Endeavors to understand the root cause of metal soap formation have been hampered by the limited spatial resolution of Fourier transform infrared microscopy (mu-FTIR). We overcome this limitation using optical photothermal infrared spectroscopy (O-PTIR) and photothermal-induced resonance (PTIR), two novel methods that provide IR spectra with approximate to 500 and approximate to 10 nm spatial resolutions, respectively. The distribution of chemical phases in thin sections from the top layer of a 19th-century painting is investigated at multiple scales (mu-FTIR approximate to 10(2) mu m(3), O-PTIR approximate to 10(-1) mu m(3), PTIR approximate to 10(-5) mu m(3)). The paint samples analyzed here are found to be mixtures of pigments (cobalt green, lead white), cured oil, and a rich array of intermixed, small (often << 0.1 mu m(3)) zinc soap domains. We identify Zn stearate and Zn oleate crystalline soaps with characteristic narrow IR peaks (approximate to 1530-1558 cm(-1)) and a heterogeneous, disordered, water-permeable, tetrahedral zinc soap phase, with a characteristic broad peak centered at approximate to 1596 cm(-1). We show that the high signal-to-noise ratio and spatial resolution afforded by O-PTIR are ideal for identifying phase-separated (or locally concentrated) species with low average concentration, while PTIR provides an unprecedented nanoscale view of distributions and associations of species in paint. This newly accessible nanocompositional information will advance our knowledge of chemical processes in oil paint and will stimulate new art conservation practices. |
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000766206700011 |
Publication Date |
2022-02-09 |
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ISSN |
0003-2700; 5206-882x |
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Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles |
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OpenAccess |
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Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:187380 |
Serial |
8897 |
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Author |
Ysebaert, T. |
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Title |
Modelling and experimental validation of deposition on vegetation to facilitate urban particulate matter mitigation |
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Doctoral thesis |
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Year |
2023 |
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Abbreviated Journal |
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Volume |
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Issue |
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Pages |
xxvi, 234 p. |
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Doctoral thesis; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL) |
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Abstract |
Exposure to air pollution, such as particulate matter (PM), causes adverse health effects, particularly to the respiratory tract and cardiovascular system. PM is the collective name for all kinds of particles ranging from small particles and liquid droplets, which contain organic compounds, acids and metals, to soil or dust particles. One distinguishes PM10, PM2.5 and PM0.1, which have aerodynamic particle sizes smaller than 10, 2.5 and 0.1 µm, respectively. It is mainly the latter that is the most harmful, as PM0.1 penetrates deep into the respiratory system and carries relatively more toxic substances than the other PM fractions. Over a 15-year period, PM concentrations in European member states have fallen by about 30%. Nevertheless, the World Health Organisation (WHO) air quality guidelines, which became stricter in 2021, are exceeded in most places around the world. Particularly in cities, excessive levels of PM are measured and it is here that PM mitigation should be investigated. For this, the implementation of urban green infrastructure, including trees, shrubs, green roofs and green walls, is being looked at. Plants hinder airflow and remove PM from the air by deposition on their leaves and branches. This process is known as dry deposition. Plants can capture PM very efficiently, due to their complex structure of leaves and branches. Green walls offer significant advantages over other types of urban green infrastructure because they can grow on the huge available wall area and, because they do not hinder air circulation, as we sometimes see with trees. Green walls are believed to have a much greater, untapped potential to reduce PM pollution. However, a literature review showed that we do not know the quantitative impact of green walls and lack the tools and/or general methodology to do so. The objective of this thesis is therefore to develop a method for assessing PM removal by green walls, based on predictive models and based on relevant parameters that are experimentally determined. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is a numerical method to simulate airflow in complex environments such as cities. These models can also simulate the vegetation-wind interaction in detail and are interesting tools to assess the effect of green walls on PM concentrations in real environments. It is important to first study the aerodynamic effect of green walls and parameterise it correctly in CFD models. Plants decrease the wind speed and create turbulence through a combination of viscous and form drag, which are determined by the permeability (K) and drag coefficient (Cd), respectively. Wind tunnel experiments were conducted with three commonly found climbers (Hedera helix, Parthenocissus tricuspidata and Parthenocissus quinquefolia) and the variation of leaf area density was investigated for two of them. It was observed that the air resistance depended on plant species, leaf area density and wind speed. The difference between the plant species was assigned to the functional leaf size (FLS), the ratio of the largest circle within the boundaries of the leaf to the total leaf area. FLS is likely associated with other morphological characteristics of plants that, when considered collectively, provide a more comprehensive representation of leaf complexity. The pressure and velocity measurements obtained were used to optimise the permeability and drag coefficient in a CFD model. At wind speeds below 0.6 m s-1, the resistance was mainly determined by viscous drag and a larger leaf size resulted in a higher viscous drag. At wind speeds above 1.5 m s-1, form drag was dominant and the parameterised Cd decreased with increasing wind speed due to the sheltering effect of successive plant elements. The leaf area density had a significant effect on K and Cd and, is therefore an important plant parameters in CFD models. The main conclusion here is that the common practice of using a constant Cd to model the influence of plants on the air flow leads to deviations from reality. Wind tunnels are highly suitable to study the impact of green walls on PM concentration under controlled environmental conditions. For this purpose, a new wind tunnel setup was built and great attention was paid to obtaining a uniform air flow. Thus, based on CFD models, appropriate flow controllers were chosen, consisting of honeycombs and screens with different mesh sizes. New PM generation devices and measuring equipment were installed and set up appropriately. Devices were available for generating and measuring ultrafine dust (<0.1 µm, i.e. PM0.1) and fine dust (<0.3 µm, i.e. PM0.3) consisting of soot particles, and, on the other hand, fine dust with particle sizes smaller than 2.5 (PM2.5) and 10 µm (PM10) consisting of 'Arizona fine test dust'. With the new wind tunnel setup, it was possible to measure the influence of Hedera helix (common ivy), grown in a planter against a climbing aid, on the PM concentration and this was expressed by a collection efficiency, i.e. the difference in concentration in front and behind the plants normalised for the incoming concentration. The collection efficiency of H. helix depended on the particle size of the PM and wind speed. The collection efficiency decreased when the particle size increased from 0.02 to 0.2 µm and increased again for particle sizes above 0.3 µm. The collection efficiency also increased with increasing wind speed, especially for particle sizes > 0.03 µm. On the other hand, relative humidity and the type of PM (soot or dust) did not significantly affect the collection efficiency. The main objective of this study was to obtain an optimised size-resolved deposition model. Dry deposition occurs through several mechanisms, in particular gravity, diffusion, impaction and interception, and the subsequent resuspension of deposited PM back to the environment. The modelling of these mechanisms was described by \citet{Zhang2001} and \citet{Petroff2010}. The data obtained from the wind tunnel experiments allowed validating these deposition models. It was for the first time that deposition of real PM on green walls was studied. The different PM deposition mechanisms were found to be strongly dependent on particle size and wind speed. The models of \citet{Zhang2001} and \citet{Petroff2010} each matched PM concentration measurements for only certain particle sizes. Therefore, a combination of the two models was investigated and the root mean square error was lower by on average 3.5% (PM < 0.03 µm) and 46% (PM > 0.03 µm) compared to the original models at wind speeds greater than 1.5 m s-1. For wind speeds less than 1.5 m s-1, the optimised model did not differ from the original models. The optimised model was able to meet the imposed criteria for air quality models, where a correct model exhibits low deviation from measurements ('normalised mean square error' < 1.5), low bias ('fractional bias' between -0.3 and 0.3) and high R2. In comparison, the R$2$ of the optimised model was 0.57, while that of Zhang et al. (2001) and Petroff et al. (2010) was 0.23 and 0.31, respectively. The optimised model was however characterised by a high scatter, with the fraction of modeled results located within a factor of two of the measurements being lower than 50. A model study with a green façade oriented parallel to the incoming airflow showed that deposition by interception and impaction reduced remarkably, but that the orientation had no effect on deposition by Brownian diffusion. A promising green wall form for PM mitigation is the living wall system (LWS). LWS consist of supporting structures with substrate to grow plants in and can be planted with a variety of plant species. This allows to select plant species with optimal characteristics to achieve PM deposition. These characteristics refer to the macro- and microstructure of the leaves, and research has been conducted mainly on these. On the other hand, the influence of the supporting structure and substrate on PM concentrations has rarely been studied. With the new wind tunnel setup, LWS from different manufacturers were tested for their ability to capture PM. The setups were subjected for three hours to an air flow with a low PM concentration (resuspension phase) and then for three hours to an air flow to which additional PM was added (deposition phase). Some setups were able to decrease the PM concentration during both phases, while others just caused the concentration to increase. Some systems were able to reduce particulate matter concentration during both phases, namely LWS consisting of planters (-2% and -4% for PM0.1 and PM2.5, respectively) and textile cloths (-23% and -5% for PM0.1 and PM2.5, respectively). While other systems actually resulted in an increase in concentration especially LWS existing textile fabrics consisting of geotextiles (+11% for both PM fractions) and with moss as substrate (+2% and +5% for PM0.1 and PM2.5, respectively). This highlights the importance of careful selection of suspension systems to reduce particulate matter concentrations. Further research is therefore needed on the materials used in these systems in relation to their particulate content, as well as on plant development in these systems. In addition to air measurements, measurements were taken of the amount of PM deposited on the leaves and suspension system of LWS. This allowed the difference in PM resuspension and deposition between plant species to be investigated. The amount of deposited particulate matter was determined based on 'saturation isothermal remanent magnetisation' (SIRM), a measure of magnetisable particulate matter. This was possible because the added 'Arizona fine test dust' contained iron oxide. However, no significant difference was observed between the SIRM values measured before the wind tunnel experiment, after resuspension and after deposition. This suggested that the iron oxide content in the Arizona fine test dust was too low to measure a significant difference in the SIRM values on leaves after three hours. The plant species did give rise to different SIRM values ranging between 5 and 260 µ A. In particular, SIRM values above 26 µ A were observed for the plant species that were grouped due to their significantly higher accumulation of PM. 'Specific leaf area' (SLA), specifically the ratio of the one-sided 'fresh' leaf area to its dry mass, was the significant leaf characteristic. SLA correlated with leaf complexity. In particular, plant species with elongated leaves were characterized by low SLA, high FLS and high complexity and showed significantly higher SIRM values. Finally, the optimised size-resolved deposition model was also tested in an urban model to get an idea of the impact of a green wall on PM concentrations in a so-called 'street canyon'. These are narrow streets with high buildings on both sides, making air pollution more persistent. To this end, an ideal scenario was tested in which a green wall was introduced along both sides of the street over a length of about 270 m. The model result showed a decrease in PM2.5 and PM10 of 46 ± 12% and 52 ± 14%. This result is of course for a very optimal scenario where the green wall covers the entire building façades. Since this is not feasible in reality, other ways of promoting contact between green walls and polluted air can be explored. The insights obtained illustrate that the use of climbing plants can be a cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution to reduce PM concentrations. Moreover, the findings showed that models can be used to investigate the impact of green walls on PM levels. These findings fit within the broader context of designing healthy and sustainable urban environments and developing innovative solutions based on solid scientific knowledge. |
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