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Author Ysebaert, T.; Samson, R.; Denys, S. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Parameterisation of the drag effect of climbers depending on wind speed and LAD Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2022 Publication Sustainable Cities and Society Abbreviated Journal Sustain Cities Soc  
  Volume 84 Issue Pages 103979-12  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)  
  Abstract The implementation of green walls is increasingly seen as a strategy to tackle urban air pollution and to make cities more climate resilient. The correct description of the vegetation-wind interaction is key in describing the effect of vegetation in computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models. The accuracy of the modelled wind flow is highly linked to the uncertainty about the drag coefficient (C-d). In addition, at low wind speeds viscous drag (K) is not negligible and it should be regarded in CFD models. This research aims to address the uncertainty related to C-d and K by including the effect of climbers on both the momentum and turbulence equations in the Wilcox revised k-omega model. The change of K with increasing Reynolds number showed an increase from 5.10(-8 )m(2) up to the dynamic viscosity of air (asymptotic to 10(-5) m(2)) following a logistic function. Beyond the transition region from viscous to form drag, C-d, in the range of 0.1-1.1, declined with increasing Reynolds number following a power law function. Furthermore, the plant morphological parameters determining permeability and drag coefficient were identified. This study showed that the knowledge of viscous and shape resistance is necessary to obtain accurate statistics for air flow through vegetation.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000831685500001 Publication Date 2022-06-14  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2210-6707 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 11.7 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes (up) Approved Most recent IF: 11.7  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:189465 Serial 7187  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Borah, R. url  openurl
  Title Photoactive nanostructures : from single plasmonic nanoparticles to self-assembled films Type Doctoral thesis
  Year 2022 Publication Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume Issue Pages xxxiv, 220 p.  
  Keywords Doctoral thesis; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)  
  Abstract Photoactive nanoparticles and their light-driven applications have gained tremendous scientific attention towards remediation of the global environmental problems, meeting alternative energy demands, and other new technological discoveries. The research work presented in this dissertation includes a fundamental investigation of such nanoparticles to gain deeper insights that will ultimately benefit their application. In particular, the study of plasmonic metal nanoparticles and metal oxide nanoparticles for light driven applications is the major theme of this work. The investigation begins with isolated plasmonic Au and Ag nanoparticles, followed by a natural extension to nanoparticle clusters, and then further to nanoparticle films. Next, the application of such plasmonic nanoparticle films for gaseous phase sensing of volatile organic compounds is explored. Finally, the film formation of metal-oxide nanoparticles by self-assembly is investigated for the fabrication of photoactive functional interfaces. The fundamental theoretical investigation of the isolated plasmonic nanoparticles encompasses alloy and core-shell nanostructures of Au-Ag bimetallic compositions. First, the optical properties of bimetallic alloy and core-shell nanoparticles are compared for different structures such as nanospheres, nanotriangles and nanorods. Based on the optical properties, the photothermal properties of these nanostructures are also evaluated for relevant light-driven applications. Further, to bridge the gap between the theoretical and experimental optical properties of colloidal plasmonic nanoparticles, the effect of different statistical parameters pertaining to the particle size distribution is studied. Going from isolated nanoparticles to nanoparticle clusters, the changes in the optical properties of plasmonic nanoparticles when they form finite clusters is investigated. A strong effect of clustering on the absorption intensities of the nanoparticles and hence, on the photothermal properties is found. Next, for the study of plasmonic nanoparticle infinite arrays, Au and Ag nanoparticles films are experimentally obtained by the self-assembly at the air-ethylene glycol interface. Upon further validation of the computational models with the experimental optical properties of these films, the near-field and far-field optical response of the plasmonic nanoparticle arrays is investigated. An application of the self-assembled Au nanoparticle film is then demonstrated in the sensing of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Finally, the focus is shifted from plasmonic nanoparticles to metal oxide nanoparticles for their self-assembly at the air-water interface to obtain self-assembled films. For this, the hydrophobic functionalization of four metal oxides nanoparticles namely, TiO2, ZnO, WO3 and CuO is investigated. The insights from this work is useful for the design and fabrication of functional nanoparticles and interfaces for light driven applications.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos Publication Date  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN ISBN Additional Links UA library record  
  Impact Factor Times cited Open Access  
  Notes (up) Approved Most recent IF: NA  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:189155 Serial 7188  
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Author Van Hal, M.; Lenaerts, S.; Verbruggen, S.W. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Photocatalytic soot degradation under UV and visible light Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2022 Publication Environmental Science and Pollution Research Abbreviated Journal Environ Sci Pollut R  
  Volume Issue Pages 1-11  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)  
  Abstract Particulate matter is one of the most persistent global air pollutants that is causing health problems, climate disturbance and building deterioration. A sustainable technique that is able to degrade soot using (sun)light is photocatalysis. Currently, research on photocatalytic soot oxidation focusses on large band gap TiO2-based photocatalysts and thus requires the use of UV light. It would prove useful if visible light, and thus a larger fraction of the (freely available) solar spectrum, could additionally be utilised to drive this process. In this work, a visible light-active photocatalyst, WO3, is benchmarked to TiO2 under both UV and visible light. At the same time, the versatility and drastic improvement of a recently introduced digital image-based soot degradation detection method are demonstrated. An additional step correcting for non-soot related catalyst colour changes is applied, resulting in accurate detection and quantification of soot degradation for all studied photocatalysts, even for materials such as WO3 that are inherently coloured. With this study, we aim to broaden the scope of photocatalytic soot oxidation technology to visible light-active photocatalyst. Along with this study, we provide a versatile soot degradation detection methodology based on digital image analysis that is made widely applicable.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000871854600010 Publication Date 2022-10-25  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0944-1344; 1614-7499 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 5.8 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes (up) Approved Most recent IF: 5.8  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:191275 Serial 7189  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Khan, S.U.; Trashin, S.; Beltran, V.; Korostei, Y.S.; Pelmus, M.; Gorun, S.M.; Dubinina, T., V.; Verbruggen, S.W.; De Wael, K. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Photoelectrochemical behavior of phthalocyanine-sensitized TiO₂ in the presence of electron-shuttling mediators Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2022 Publication Analytical chemistry Abbreviated Journal Anal Chem  
  Volume 94 Issue 37 Pages 12723-12731  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL); Antwerp Electrochemical and Analytical Sciences Lab (A-Sense Lab)  
  Abstract Dye-sensitized TiO(2 )has found many applications for dye sensitized solar cells (DSSC), solar-to-chemical energy conversion, water/air purification systems, and (electro)chemical sensors. We report an electrochemical system for testing dye-sensitized materials that can be utilized in photoelectrochemical (PEC) sensors and energy conversion. Unlike related systems, the reported system does not require a direct electron transfer from semiconductors to electrodes. Rather, it relies on electron shuttling by redox mediators. A range of model photocatalytic materials were prepared using three different TiO2 materials (P25, P90, and PC500) and three sterically hindered phthalocyanines (Pcs) with electron-rich tert-butyl substituents (t-Bu4PcZn, t-Bu4PcAlCl, and t-Bu4PcH2). The materials were compared with previously developed TiO(2 )modified by electron-deficient, also sterically hindered fluorinated phthalocyanine F64PcZn, a singlet oxygen (O-1(2)) producer, as well as its metal-free derivative, F64PcH2. The PEC activity depended on the redox mediator, as well as the type of TiO2 and Pc. By comparing the responses of one-electron shuttles, such as K4Fe(CN)(4), and O-1(2)-reactive electron shuttles, such as phenol, it is possible to reveal the action mechanism of the supported photosensitizers, while the overall activity can be assessed using hydroquinone. t-Bu4PcAlCl showed significantly lower blank responses and higher specific responses toward chlorophenols compared to t-Bu4PcZn due to the electron-withdrawing effect of the Al3+ metal center. The combination of reactivity insights and the need for only microgram amounts of sensing materials renders the reported system advantageous for practical applications.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000855284300001 Publication Date 2022-09-12  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0003-2700; 5206-882x ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 7.4 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes (up) Approved Most recent IF: 7.4  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:190602 Serial 7190  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Andersen, J.A.; Christensen, J.M.; Østberg, M.; Bogaerts, A.; Jensen, A.D. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Plasma-catalytic ammonia decomposition using a packed-bed dielectric barrier discharge reactor Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2022 Publication International Journal Of Hydrogen Energy Abbreviated Journal Int J Hydrogen Energ  
  Volume 47 Issue 75 Pages 32081-32091  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)  
  Abstract Plasma-catalytic ammonia decomposition as a method for producing hydrogen was studied in a packed-bed dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) reactor at ambient pressure and a fixed plasma power. The influence of packing the plasma zone with various dielectric materials, typically used as catalyst supports, was examined. At conditions (21 W, 75 Nml/min NH3) where an NH3 conversion of 5% was achieved with plasma alone, an improved decomposition was found when introducing dielectric materials with dielectric constants between 4 and 30. Of the tested materials, MgAl2O4 yielded the highest conversion (15.1%). The particle size (0.3-1.4 mm) of the MgAl2O4 packing was found to have a modest influence on the conversion, which dropped from 15.1% to 12.6% with increasing particle size. Impregnation of MgAl2O4 with different metals was found to decrease the NH3 conversion, with the Ni impregnation still showing an improved conversion (7%) compared to plasma-only. The plasma-assisted ammonia decomposition occurs in the gas phase due to micro-discharges, as evident from a linear correlation between the conversion and the frequency of micro-discharges for both plasma alone and with the various solid packing materials. The primary function of the solid is thus to facilitate the gas phase reaction by assisting the creation of micro-discharges. Lastly, insulation of the reactor to raise the temperature to 230 degrees C in the plasma zone was found to have a negative effect on the conversion, as a change from volume discharges to surface discharges occurred. The study shows that NH3 can be decomposed to provide hydrogen by exposure to a non-thermal plasma, but further developments are needed for it to become an energy efficient technology. (C)2022 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000865421200012 Publication Date 2022-08-17  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0360-3199 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 7.2 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes (up) Approved Most recent IF: 7.2  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:191512 Serial 7191  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Cui, Z.; Meng, S.; Yi, Y.; Jafarzadeh, A.; Li, S.; Neyts, E.C.; Hao, Y.; Li, L.; Zhang, X.; Wang, X.; Bogaerts, A. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Plasma-catalytic methanol synthesis from CO₂ hydrogenation over a supported Cu cluster catalyst : insights into the reaction mechanism Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2022 Publication Acs Catalysis Abbreviated Journal Acs Catal  
  Volume 12 Issue 2 Pages 1326-1337  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)  
  Abstract Plasma-catalytic CO, hydrogenation for methanol production is gaining increasing interest, but our understanding of its reaction mechanism remains primitive. We present a combined experimental/computational study on plasma-catalytic CO, hydrogenation to CH3OH over a size-selected Cu/gamma-Al2O3 catalyst. Our experiments demonstrate a synergistic effect between the Cu/gamma-Al2O3 catalyst and the CO2/H-2 plasma, achieving a CO2 conversion of 10% at 4 wt % Cu loading and a CH3OH selectivity near 50% further rising to 65% with H2O addition (for a H2O/CO2 ratio of 1). Furthermore, the energy consumption for CH3OH production was more than 20 times lower than with plasma only. We carried out density functional theory calculations over a Cu-13/gamma-Al2O3 model, which reveal that the interfacial sites of the Cu-13 cluster and gamma-Al2O3 support show a bifunctional effect: they not only activate the CO2 molecules but also strongly adsorb key intermediates to promote their hydrogenation further. Reactive plasma species can regulate the catalyst surface reactions via the Eley-Rideal (E-R) mechanism, which accelerates the hydrogenation process and promotes the generation of the key intermediates. H2O can promote the CH3OH desorption by competitive adsorption over the Cu-13/gamma-Al2O3 surface. This study provides new insights into CO2 hydrogenation through plasma catalysis, and it provides inspiration for the conversion of some other small molecules (CH4, N-2, CO, etc.) by plasma catalysis using supported-metal clusters.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000742735600001 Publication Date 2022-01-07  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2155-5435 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 12.9 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes (up) Approved Most recent IF: 12.9  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:186416 Serial 7192  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author van 't Veer, K.C. url  openurl
  Title Plasma kinetics modelling of nitrogen fixation : ammonia synthesis in dielectric barrier discharges with catalysts Type Doctoral thesis
  Year 2022 Publication Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume Issue Pages 241 p.  
  Keywords Doctoral thesis; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)  
  Abstract Ammonia (NH3) synthesis is crucial for the production of artificial fertilizer and is carried out through the Haber-Bosch process. With an energy consumption of 30 GJ/t-NH3 and the emission of 2 kg-CO2/kg-NH3, ammonia is the chemical with the largest environmental footprint. Haber-Bosch operates under high pressure and high temperature conditions. Plasma technology potentially allows greener ammonia production. Dielectric barrier discharges are a popular plasma source in which a catalyst is easily incorporated. The combination of plasma and catalyst can circumvent the harsh reaction conditions of the Haber-Bosch process. Plasma kinetics modelling is used to gain insight into the mechanisms of such plasma-catalytic systems. Special attention is given to the instantaneous power absorbed by the electrons, the relevant fraction of the microdischarges and the discharge volumes. The importance of vibrational excitation is investigated. Depending on the exact discharge conditions, it was found that both the strong microdischarges and vibrational excitation can be simultaneously important for the ammonia yield. The temporal behavior of filamentary dielectric barrier discharges was explicitly taken into account. Ammonia was found to decompose during the microdischarges due to electron impact dissociation. At the same time atomic nitrogen and other excited species are created. Those reactive species recombine to ammonia in the afterglow through various elementary Eley-Rideal and Langmuir-Hinshelwood surface reaction steps with a net ammonia gain. Finally, the concept of the fraction of microdischarges was generalized. It directly represents the efficiency with which the applied electric power is transferred to each individual particle in the plasma reactor. It is argued that any type of spatial or temporal non-uniformity of the plasma will cause unequal treatment of the gas molecules in the reactor, corresponding to a lower efficiency at which the power is transferred to the gas molecules. All of those insights aid in an increased understanding of plasma-catalytic ammonia synthesis as a potential green chemistry solution to the synthesis of ammonia on small scale.    
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos Publication Date  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN ISBN Additional Links UA library record  
  Impact Factor Times cited Open Access  
  Notes (up) Approved Most recent IF: NA  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:188246 Serial 7193  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Ninakanti, R.; Dingenen, F.; Borah, R.; Peeters, H.; Verbruggen, S.W. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Plasmonic hybrid nanostructures in photocatalysis : structures, mechanisms, and applications Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2022 Publication Topics in Current Chemistry Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 380 Issue 5 Pages 40-62  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)  
  Abstract (Sun)Light is an abundantly available sustainable source of energy that has been used in catalyzing chemical reactions for several decades now. In particular, studies related to the interaction of light with plasmonic nanostructures have been receiving increased attention. These structures display the unique property of localized surface plasmon resonance, which converts light of a specific wavelength range into hot charge carriers, along with strong local electromagnetic fields, and/or heat, which may all enhance the reaction efficiency in their own way. These unique properties of plasmonic nanoparticles can be conveniently tuned by varying the metal type, size, shape, and dielectric environment, thus prompting a research focus on rationally designed plasmonic hybrid nanostructures. In this review, the term “hybrid” implies nanomaterials that consist of multiple plasmonic or non-plasmonic materials, forming complex configurations in the geometry and/or at the atomic level. We discuss the synthetic techniques and evolution of such hybrid plasmonic nanostructures giving rise to a wide variety of material and geometric configurations. Bimetallic alloys, which result in a new set of opto-physical parameters, are compared with core–shell configurations. For the latter, the use of metal, semiconductor, and polymer shells is reviewed. Also, more complex structures such as Janus and antenna reactor composites are discussed. This review further summarizes the studies exploiting plasmonic hybrids to elucidate the plasmonic-photocatalytic mechanism. Finally, we review the implementation of these plasmonic hybrids in different photocatalytic application domains such as H2 generation, CO2 reduction, water purification, air purification, and disinfection.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000839670500009 Publication Date 2022-08-11  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2364-8961 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor Times cited Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes (up) Approved Most recent IF: NA  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:189825 Serial 7195  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Abedi, S.; Sisakht, E.T.; Hashemifar, S.J.; Cherati, N.G.; Sarsari, I.A.; Peeters, F.M. doi  openurl
  Title Prediction of novel two-dimensional Dirac nodal line semimetals in Al₂B₂ and AlB₄ monolayers Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2022 Publication Nanoscale Abbreviated Journal Nanoscale  
  Volume 14 Issue 31 Pages 11270-11283  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)  
  Abstract Topological semimetal phases in two-dimensional (2D) materials have gained widespread interest due to their potential applications in novel nanoscale devices. Despite the growing number of studies on 2D topological nodal lines (NLs), candidates with significant topological features that combine nontrivial topological semimetal phase with superconductivity are still rare. Herein, we predict Al2B2 and AlB4 monolayers as new 2D nonmagnetic Dirac nodal line semimetals with several novel features. Our extensive electronic structure calculations combined with analytical studies reveal that, in addition to multiple Dirac points, these 2D configurations host various highly dispersed NLs around the Fermi level, all of which are semimetal states protected by time-reversal and in-plane mirror symmetries. The most intriguing NL in Al2B2 encloses the K point and crosses the Fermi level, showing a considerable dispersion and thus providing a fresh playground to explore exotic properties in dispersive Dirac nodal lines. More strikingly, for the AlB4 monolayer, we provide the first evidence for a set of 2D nonmagnetic open type-II NLs coexisting with superconductivity at a rather high transition temperature. The coexistence of superconductivity and nontrivial band topology in AlB4 not only makes it a promising material to exhibit novel topological superconducting phases, but also a rather large energy dispersion of type-II nodal lines in this configuration may offer a platform for the realization of novel topological features in the 2D limit.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000831003900001 Publication Date 2022-06-20  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2040-3364; 2040-3372 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record  
  Impact Factor 6.7 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access  
  Notes (up) Approved Most recent IF: 6.7  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:189505 Serial 7196  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Dingenen, F.; Borah, R.; Ninakanti, R.; Verbruggen, S.W. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Probing oxygen activation on plasmonic photocatalysts Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2022 Publication Frontiers in Chemistry Abbreviated Journal Front Chem  
  Volume 10 Issue Pages 988542-10  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)  
  Abstract In this work we present an assay to probe the oxygen activation rate on plasmonic nanoparticles under visible light. Using a superoxide-specific XTT molecular probe, the oxygen activation rate on bimetallic gold-silver “rainbow” nanoparticles with a broadband visible light (> 420 nm) response, is determined at different light intensities by measuring its conversion into the colored XTT-formazan derivate. A kinetic model is applied to enable a quantitative estimation of the rate constant, and is shown to match almost perfectly with the experimental data. Next, the broadband visible light driven oxygen activation capacity of this plasmonic rainbow system, supported on nano-sized SiO 2 , is demonstrated towards the oxidation of aniline to azobenzene in DMSO. To conclude, a brief theoretical discussion is devoted to the possible mechanisms behind such plasmon-driven reactions.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000860818400001 Publication Date 2022-09-12  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2296-2646 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record  
  Impact Factor 5.5 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes (up) Approved Most recent IF: 5.5  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:190868 Serial 7197  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Spanoghe, J. isbn  openurl
  Title Purple bacteria cultivation on light, carbon dioxide and hydrogen gas : exploring and tuning the potential for microbial food production Type Doctoral thesis
  Year 2022 Publication Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume Issue Pages vi, 207 p.  
  Keywords Doctoral thesis; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)  
  Abstract The human population is projected to grow to 9.7 billion by 2050, resulting in an estimated increase in protein demand of 50%. From an environmental perspective, the current and future demand of protein cannot be sustainably met as the conventional food production chain is severely altering biogeochemical cycles of nitrogen and phosphorus, biodiversity and land-use, with flows towards the biosphere and oceans that are exceeding the planetary boundaries. Microbial protein (protein derived from microorganisms) has been suggested as an excellent sustainable protein source, a fortiori when produced in a land- and fossil free manner. The photoautohydrogenotrophic cultivation (i.e. with light, CO2 and H2) of purple bacteria links up perfectly with the upcoming green electrification of industry (green H2) and the need for carbon capture and utilization. However, this metabolism represented a gap in literature, and thus this thesis aimed to establish a basic knowledge platform on its kinetic, stoichiometric and nutritional performance. At first, three originally photoheterotrophically enriched purple bacteria were studied of which Rhodobacter capsulatus reached the highest protein productivity of 0.16 g protein/L/d, which aligned well with the commonly-known photoautotrophic microalgae. Moreover, a full dietary essential amino acid match was found for human food, while the fatty acid content was dominated by the health-stimulating vaccenic acid (82-86%). Lastly, the achieved protein yield in photoautohydrogenotrophic purple bacteria was 2.3 times higher compared to hydrogen oxidizing bacteria, indicating a resource-efficient use of H2. Next, a photoautohydrogenotrophic enrichment of wastewater treatment microbiomes was performed in search for specialist species. While the isolates of this enrichment showed improvements in their performance during acclimation, the kinetic and nutritional performance of Rhodobacter capsulatus still excelled. Subsequently, the influence of nutrient limitations (C or N) and nitrogen gas fixation was studied on the nutritional tuning potential. Both the limitations as well as the N2 fixation resulted in the shift of the essential amino acid profiles. Additionally, the limitations significantly decreased the pigment content, while an increase in the storage of poly-P was seen in case of carbon limitations. The next major challenge was the production intensification in a photobioreactor of which the design was linked to minimizing both H2 and light limitations. The chosen bubble-column photobioreactor already resulted in a doubled biomass productivity. Finally, the remaining technological and non-technological challenges ahead for the production of a high-value, cost-efficient, environment-friendly microbial protein that complies with legislative requirements and appeals to future consumers were discussed.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos Publication Date  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN ISBN 978-90-5728-741-1 Additional Links UA library record  
  Impact Factor Times cited Open Access  
  Notes (up) Approved Most recent IF: NA  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:188233 Serial 7198  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Spanoghe, J.; Ost, K.J.; Van Beeck, W.; Vermeir, P.; Lebeer, S.; Vlaeminck, S.E. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Purple bacteria screening for photoautohydrogenotrophic food production : are new H₂-fed isolates faster and nutritionally better than photoheterotrophically obtained reference species? Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2022 Publication New biotechnology Abbreviated Journal New Biotechnol  
  Volume 72 Issue Pages 38-47  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)  
  Abstract Photoautohydrogenotrophic enrichments of wastewater treatment microbiomes were performed to obtain hypothetically high-potential specialist species for biotechnological applications. From these enrichment cultures, ten photoautohydrogenotrophic species were isolated: six Rhodopseudomonas species, three Rubrivivax members and Rhodobacter blasticus. The performance of these isolates was compared to three commonly studied, and originally photoheterotrophically enriched species (Rhodopseudomonas palustris, Rhodobacter capsulatus and Rhodobacter sphaeroides), designated as reference species. Repeated subcultivations were applied to improve the initial poor performance of the isolates (acclimation effect), which resulted in increases in both maximum growth rate and protein productivity. However, the maximum growth rate of the reference species remained 3–7 times higher compared to the isolates (0.42–0.84 d−1 at 28 °C), while protein productivities remained 1.5–1.7 times higher. This indicated that H2-based enrichment did not result in photoautohydrogenotrophic specialists, suggesting that the reference species are more suitable for intensified biomass and protein production. On the other hand, the isolates were able to provide equally high protein quality profiles as the references species, providing full dietary essential amino acid matches for human food. Lastly, the effect of metabolic carbon/electron switching (back and forth between auto- to heterotrophic conditions) initially boosted µmax when returning to photoautohydrogenotrophic conditions. However, the switch negatively impacted lag phase, protein productivities and pigment contents. In the case of protein productivity, the acquired acclimation was partially lost with decreases of up to 44 % and 40 % respectively for isolates and reference species. Finally, the three reference species, and specifically Rh. capsulatus, remained the most suitable candidate(s) for further biotechnological development.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000861078800005 Publication Date 2022-08-29  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1871-6784; 1876-4347 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 5.4 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes (up) Approved Most recent IF: 5.4  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:190188 Serial 7199  
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Author Wang, L.; Miao, Q.; Niinemets, Ü.; Gielis, J.; Shi, P. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Quantifying the variation in the geometries of the outer rims of corolla tubes of Vinca major L Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2022 Publication Plants Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 11 Issue 15 Pages 1987-12  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)  
  Abstract Many geometries of plant organs can be described by the Gielis equation, a polar coordinate equation extended from the superellipse equation, . Here, r is the polar radius corresponding to the polar angle φ; m is a positive integer that determines the number of angles of the Gielis curve when φ ∈ [0 to 2π); and the rest of the symbols are parameters to be estimated. The pentagonal radial symmetry of calyxes and corolla tubes in top view is a common feature in the flowers of many eudicots. However, prior studies have not tested whether the Gielis equation can depict the shapes of corolla tubes. We sampled randomly 366 flowers of Vinca major L., among which 360 had five petals and pentagonal corolla tubes, and six had four petals and quadrangular corolla tubes. We extracted the planar coordinates of the outer rims of corolla tubes (in top view) (ORCTs), and then fitted the data with two simplified versions of the Gielis equation with k = 1 and m = 5: (Model 1), and (Model 2). The adjusted root mean square error (RMSEadj) was used to evaluate the goodness of fit of each model. In addition, to test whether ORCTs are radially symmetrical, we correlated the estimates of n2 and n3 in Model 1 on a log-log scale. The results validated the two simplified Gielis equations. The RMSEadj values for all corolla tubes were smaller than 0.05 for both models. The numerical values of n2 and n3 were demonstrated to be statistically equal based on the regression analysis, which suggested that the ORCTs of V. major are radially symmetrical. It suggests that Model 1 can be replaced by the simpler Model 2 for fitting the ORCT in this species. This work indicates that the pentagonal or quadrangular corolla tubes (in top view) can both be modeled by the Gielis equation and demonstrates that the pentagonal or quadrangular corolla tubes of plants tend to form radial symmetrical geometries during their development and growth.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000839115100001 Publication Date 2022-08-01  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2223-7747 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor Times cited Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes (up) Approved Most recent IF: NA  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:189315 Serial 7200  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Wittner, N.; Slezsák, J.; Broos, W.; Geerts, J.; Gergely, S.; Vlaeminck, S.E.; Cornet, I. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Rapid lignin quantification for fungal wood pretreatment by ATR-FTIR spectroscopy Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2023 Publication Spectrochimica acta: part A: molecular and biomolecular spectroscopy Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume Issue Pages 121912  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL); Biochemical Wastewater Valorization & Engineering (BioWaVE)  
  Abstract Lignin determination in lignocellulose with the conventional two-step acid hydrolysis method is highly laborious and time-consuming. However, its quantification is crucial to monitor fungal pretreatment of wood, as the increase of acid-insoluble lignin (AIL) degradation linearly correlates with the achievable enzymatic saccharification yield. Therefore, in this study, a new attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy method was developed to track fungal delignification in an easy and rapid manner. Partial least square regression (PLSR) with cross-validation (CV) was applied to correlate the ATR-FTIR spectra with the AIL content (19.9%–27.1%). After variable selection and normalization, a PLSR model with a high coefficient of determination (  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000985309100010 Publication Date 2022-09-22  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1386-1425 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 4.4 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes (up) Approved Most recent IF: 4.4; 2023 IF: 2.536  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:190328 Serial 7201  
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Author Peng, L.; Lou, W.; Xu, Y.; Yu, S.; Liang, C.; Alloul, A.; Song, K.; Vlaeminck, S.E. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Regulating light, oxygen and volatile fatty acids to boost the productivity of purple bacteria biomass, protein and co-enzyme Q10 Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2022 Publication The science of the total environment Abbreviated Journal Sci Total Environ  
  Volume 822 Issue Pages 153489  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)  
  Abstract Purple non‑sulfur bacteria (PNSB) possess significant potential for bioresource recovery from wastewater. Effective operational tools are needed to boost productivity and direct the PNSB biomass towards abundant value-added substances (e.g., protein and co-enzyme Q10, CoQ10). This study aimed to investigate the impact of light, oxygen and volatile fatty acids (VFAs) on PNSB growth (i.e., Rhodobacter sphaeroides) and productivity of protein and CoQ10. Overall, the biomass yields and specific growth rates of PNSB were in the ranges of 0.57–1.08 g biomass g−1 CODremoved and 0.48–0.71 d−1, respectively. VFAs did not influence the biomass yield, yet acetate and VFA mixtures enhanced the specific growth rate with a factor of 1.2–1.5 compared to propionate and butyrate. The most PNSB biomass (1.08 g biomass g−1 CODremoved and 0.71 d−1) and the highest biomass quality (protein content of 609 mg g−1 dry cell weight (DCW) and CoQ10 content of 13.21 mg g−1 DCW) were obtained in the presence of VFA mixtures under natural light and microaerobic (low light alternated with darkness; dissolved oxygen (DO) between 0.5 and 1 mg L−1) conditions (vs. light anaerobic and dark aerobic cultivations). Further investigation on VFAs dynamics revealed that acetate was most rapidly consumed by PNSB in the individual VFA feeding (specific uptake rate of 0.76 g COD g−1 DCW d−1), while acetate as a co-substrate in the mixed VFAs feeding might accelerate the consumption of propionate and butyrate through providing additional cell metabolism precursor. Enzymes activities of succinate dehydrogenase and fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase as well as the concentration of photo pigments confirmed that light, oxygen and VFAs regulated the key enzymes in the energy metabolism and biomass synthesis to boost PNSB growth. These results provide a promising prospect for utilization of fermented waste stream for the harvest of PNSB biomass, protein and CoQ10.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000766801800010 Publication Date 2022-02-02  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0048-9697 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 9.8 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes (up) Approved Most recent IF: 9.8  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:185706 Serial 7202  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Guo, A.; Bai, H.; Liang, Q.; Feng, L.; Su, X.; Van Tendeloo, G.; Wu, J. pdf  doi
openurl 
  Title Resistive switching in Ag₂Te semiconductor modulated by Ag+-ion diffusion and phase transition Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2022 Publication Advanced Electronic Materials Abbreviated Journal Adv Electron Mater  
  Volume Issue Pages 2200850-2200858  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Memristors are considered to be the fourth circuit element and have great potential in areas like logic operations, information storage, and neuromorphic computing. The functional material in a memristor, which has a nonlinear resistance, is the key component to be developed. Herein, resistive switching is demonstrated and the structural evolutions in Ag2Te are examined under an external electric field. It is shown that the electroresistance effect is originating from an electronically triggered phase transition together with directional Ag+-ion diffusion. Using in situ transmission electron microscopy, the phase transition from the monoclinic alpha-Ag2Te into the face-centered cubic beta-Ag2Te, accompanied by a change in resistance, is directly observed. Diffusion of Ag+-ions modulates the localized density of Ag+-ion vacancies, leading to a change in electrical conductivity and influences the threshold voltage to trigger the phase transition. During the electric field-driven phase transition, the spontaneous and localized multiple polarizations from the low-symmetry alpha-Ag2Te (referring to an antiferroelectric structure) are vanishing in the cubic beta-Ag2Te (referring to a paraelectric structure). The abrupt resistance change of thin Ag2Te caused by the phase transition and modulated by the applied electric field demonstrates its great potential as functional material in volatile memory and memristors with a low-energy consumption.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000855728500001 Publication Date 2022-09-21  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2199-160x ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 6.2 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access  
  Notes (up) Approved Most recent IF: 6.2  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:190582 Serial 7203  
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Author Van Tendeloo, M. openurl 
  Title Resource-efficient nitrogen removal from sewage : kinetic, physical and chemical tools for mainstream partial nitritation/anammox Type Doctoral thesis
  Year 2022 Publication Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume Issue Pages iv, 204 p.  
  Keywords Doctoral thesis; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)  
  Abstract Adequate removal of pollutants from sewage is important to protect the environment and public health. Today, sewage treatment plants are operational in many parts of the world, and although the used technologies are effective in removing pollutants from wastewater, they are energy- and resource-intensive. Reshaping sewage treatment into a two-stage system, with separated organic carbon and nitrogen removal, facilitates the transformation towards energy-positive sewage treatment. This thesis will focus on resource-efficient nitrogen removal from sewage via partial nitritation/anammox (PN/A), with reduced organic carbon and oxygen consumption compared to conventional techniques. PN/A relies on the teamwork between two microbial groups to convert ammonium into nitrogen gas. Several other groups of microbes however can proliferate in the sludge, competing for substrate with the key players, lowering the nitrogen removal efficiency and increasing the energy demand. To obtain the desired microbial community, control tools should be applied to selectively promote the desired microbes while suppressing the unwanted competitors. In this thesis, multiple control tools were studied to establish a workable framework for successful implementation of PN/A in the main stream of a sewage treatment plant. These tools can be divided into three categories: i) kinetic tools, regulating substrate availability (e.g., oxygen availability control and residual ammonium concentration), ii) physical tools, revolving around sludge retention and selection (e.g., sludge age control and sludge aggregation form), and iii) chemical tools, exposing the sludge to stress conditions for which the unwanted microbes are vulnerable (e.g., sludge treatments with a single stressor such as free ammonia). The first research chapter focussed on oxygen availability control and single-stressor sludge treatments. The following two chapters covered the development of a novel multi-stressor concept combining substrate starvation and exposure to sulphide and free ammonia. In the final research chapter, the previously obtained knowledge was combined into a demonstration study on pilot-scale. The combination of these control tools was found effective in achieving nitrogen removal via PN/A, both on lab- and pilot-scale. Consequently, the obtained results in this thesis can catalyse the implementation of mainstream PN/A by providing a toolbox with multiple control tools and clever reactor design, thus advancing the concept of energy neutrality and resource efficiency in sewage treatment plants.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos Publication Date  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN ISBN Additional Links UA library record  
  Impact Factor Times cited Open Access  
  Notes (up) Approved Most recent IF: NA  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:187665 Serial 7204  
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Author De Keyser, N.; Broers, F.; Vanmeert, F.; De Meyer, S.; Gabrieli, F.; Hermens, E.; van der Snickt, G.; Janssens, K.; Keune, K. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Reviving degraded colors of yellow flowers in 17th century still life paintings with macro- and microscale chemical imaging Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2022 Publication Science Advances Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 8 Issue 23 Pages 1-12  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Art; Antwerp Cultural Heritage Sciences (ARCHES); Antwerp X-ray Imaging and Spectroscopy (AXIS)  
  Abstract Over time, artist pigments are prone to degradation, which can decrease the readability of the artwork or notably change the artist's intention. In this article, the visual implication of secondary degradation products in a degraded yellow rose in a still life painting by A. Mignon is discussed as a case study. A multimodal combination of chemical and optical imaging techniques, including noninvasive macroscopic x-ray powder diffraction (MA-XRPD) and macroscopic x-ray fluorescence imaging, allowed us to gain a 3D understanding of the transformation of the original intended appearance of the rose into its current degraded state. MA-XRPD enabled us to precisely correlate in situ formed products with what is optically visible on the surface and demonstrated that the precipitated lead arsenates and arsenolite from the yellow pigment orpiment and the light-induced fading of an organic yellow lake irreversibly changed the artist's intentional light-shadow modeling.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000811556500011 Publication Date 2022-06-08  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2375-2548 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 13.6 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes (up) Approved Most recent IF: 13.6  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:189657 Serial 7205  
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Author Allegretta, I.; Legrand, S.; Alfeld, M.; Gattullo, C.E.; Porfido, C.; Spagnuolo, M.; Janssens, K.; Terzano, R. pdf  doi
openurl 
  Title SEM-EDX hyperspectral data analysis for the study of soil aggregates Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2022 Publication Geoderma: an international journal of soil science Abbreviated Journal Geoderma  
  Volume 406 Issue Pages  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Antwerp X-ray Imaging and Spectroscopy (AXIS)  
  Abstract Scanning electron microscopy coupled with microanalysis (SEM-EDX) is an important analytical tool for the morphological and chemical characterization of different types of materials. In many applications, SEM-EDX elemental maps are usually used and processed as images, thus flattening and reducing the spectroscopic information contained in EDX hyperspectral data cubes. The exploitation of the full hyperspectral dataset could be indeed very useful for the study of complex matrices like soil. In order to maximize the information attainable by SEM-EDX data cubes analysis, the software package “Datamuncher Gamma” was implemented and applied to study soil aggregates. By using this approach, different phases (silicates, aluminosilicates, Ca-carbonates, Ca-phosphates, organic matter, iron oxides) inside soil aggregates were successfully identified and segmented. The advantages of this method over the common ROI imaging approach are presented. Finally, this method was used to compare different aggregates in a Cr-polluted soil and understand their possible pedological history. The present method can be used for the analysis of every type of SEM-EDX data cubes, allowing its application to different types of samples and fields of study.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000708893700026 Publication Date 2021-10-21  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0016-7061 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 6.1 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access  
  Notes (up) Approved Most recent IF: 6.1  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:182493 Serial 7207  
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Author Cui, Z.; Zhou, C.; Jafarzadeh, A.; Meng, S.; Yi, Y.; Wang, Y.; Zhang, X.; Hao, Y.; Li, L.; Bogaerts, A. url  doi
openurl 
  Title SF₆ catalytic degradation in a γ-Al₂O₃ packed bed plasma system : a combined experimental and theoretical study Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2022 Publication High voltage Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume Issue Pages 1-11  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)  
  Abstract Effective abatement of the greenhouse gas sulphur hexafluoride (SF6) waste is of great importance for the environment protection. This work investigates the size effect and the surface properties of gamma-Al2O3 pellets on SF6 degradation in a packed bed dielectric barrier discharge (PB-DBD) system. Experimental results show that decreasing the packing size improves the filamentary discharges and promotes the ignition and the maintenance of plasma, enhancing the degradation performance at low input powers. However, too small packing pellets decrease the gas residence time and reduce the degradation efficiency, especially for the input power beyond 80 W. Besides, lowering the packing size promotes the generation of SO2, while reduces the yields of S-O-F products, corresponding to a better degradation. After the discharge, the pellet surface becomes smoother with the appearance of S and F elements. Density functional theory calculations show that SF6 is likely to be adsorbed at the Al-III site over the gamma-Al2O3(110) surface, and it is much more easily to decompose than in the gas phase. The fluorine gaseous products can decompose and stably adsorb on the pellet surface to change the surface element composition. This work provides a better understanding of SF6 degradation in a PB-DBD system.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000827312700001 Publication Date 2022-07-20  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2397-7264 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record  
  Impact Factor 4.4 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes (up) Approved Most recent IF: 4.4  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:189603 Serial 7208  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Vizarim, N.P.; Souza, J.C.B.; Reichhardt, C.J.O.; Reichhardt, C.; Milošević, M.V.; Venegas, P.A. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Soliton motion in skyrmion chains : stabilization and guidance by nanoengineered pinning Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2022 Publication Physical review B Abbreviated Journal Phys Rev B  
  Volume 105 Issue 22 Pages 224409-224412  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)  
  Abstract Using a particle-based model we examine the depinning motion of solitons in skyrmion chains in quasi -onedimensional (1D) and two-dimensional (2D) systems containing embedded 1D interfaces. The solitons take the form of a particle or hole in a commensurate chain of skyrmions. Under an applied drive, just above a critical depinning threshold, the soliton moves with a skyrmion Hall angle of zero. For higher drives, the entire chain depins, and in a 2D system we observe that both the solitons and chain move at zero skyrmion Hall angle and then transition to a finite skyrmion Hall angle as the drive increases. In a 2D system with a 1D interface that is at an angle to the driving direction, there can be a reversal of the sign of the skyrmion Hall angle from positive to negative. Our results suggest that solitons in skyrmion systems could be used as information carriers in racetrack geometries that would avoid the drawbacks of finite skyrmion Hall angles. The soliton states become mobile at significantly lower drives than the depinning transition of the skyrmion chains themselves.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000823038900004 Publication Date 2022-06-16  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2469-9969; 2469-9950 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 3.7 Times cited 2 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes (up) Approved Most recent IF: 3.7  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:189671 Serial 7209  
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Author Van Putte, N.; Meire, P.; Seuntjens, P.; Joris, I.; Verreydt, G.; Hambsch, L.; Temmerman, S. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Solving hindered groundwater dynamics in restored tidal marshes by creek excavation and soil amendments : a model study Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2022 Publication Ecological engineering: the journal of ecotechnology Abbreviated Journal Ecol Eng  
  Volume 178 Issue Pages 106583-15  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL); Ecosphere  
  Abstract Groundwater fluxes in tidal marshes largely control key ecosystem functions and services, such as vegetation growth, soil carbon sequestration, and nutrient cycling. In tidal marshes restored on formerly embanked agricultural land, groundwater fluxes are often limited as compared to nearby natural marshes, as a result of historical agricultural soil compaction. To improve the functioning of restored tidal marshes, knowledge is needed on how much certain design options can optimize soil-groundwater interactions in future restoration projects. Based on measured data on soil properties and tidally induced groundwater dynamics, we calibrated and evaluated a 2D vertical model of a creek-marsh cross-section, accounting for both saturated and unsaturated groundwater flow and solute transport in a variably saturated groundwater flow model. We found that model simulations of common restoration practices such as soil amendments (increasing the depth of porous soil on top of the compact layer) and creek excavation (increasing the creek density) increase the soil aeration depth and time, the drainage depth and the solute flux, and decrease the residence time of solutes in the porewater. Our simulations indicate that increasing the depth to the compact layer from 20 cm to 40 cm, or increasing the creek density from 1 creek to 2 creeks along a 50 m marsh transect (while maintaining the total creek cross-sectional area), in both cases more than doubles the volume of water processed by the marsh soil. We discuss that this may stimulate nutrient cycling. As such, our study demonstrates that groundwater modelling can support the design of marsh restoration measures aiming to optimize groundwater fluxes and related ecosystem services.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000795478200005 Publication Date 2022-03-05  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0925-8574 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 3.8 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes (up) Approved Most recent IF: 3.8  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:186605 Serial 7210  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Spacova, I.; Ahannach, S.; Breynaert, A.; Erreygers, I.; Wittouck, S.; Bron, P.A.; Van Beeck, W.; Eilers, T.; Alloul, A.; Blansaer, N.; Vlaeminck, S.E.; Hermans, N.; Lebeer, S. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Spontaneous riboflavin-overproducing Limosilactobacillus reuteri for biofortification of fermented foods Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2022 Publication Frontiers in Nutrition Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 9 Issue Pages 916607-916619  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)  
  Abstract Riboflavin-producing lactic acid bacteria represent a promising and cost-effective strategy for food biofortification, but production levels are typically insufficient to support daily human requirements. In this study, we describe the novel human isolate Limosilactobacillus reuteri AMBV339 as a strong food biofortification candidate. This strain shows a high natural riboflavin (vitamin B2) overproduction of 18.36 mu g/ml, biomass production up to 6 x 10(10) colony-forming units/ml (in the typical range of model lactobacilli), and pH-lowering capacities to a pH as low as 4.03 in common plant-based (coconut, soy, and oat) and cow milk beverages when cultured up to 72 h at 37 degrees C. These properties were especially pronounced in coconut beverage and butter milk fermentations, and were sustained in co-culture with the model starter Streptococcus thermophilus. Furthermore, L. reuteri AMBV339 grown in laboratory media or in a coconut beverage survived in gastric juice and in a simulated gastrointestinal dialysis model with colon phase (GIDM-colon system) inoculated with fecal material from a healthy volunteer. Passive transport of L. reuteri AMBV339-produced riboflavin occurred in the small intestinal and colon stage of the GIDM system, and active transport via intestinal epithelial Caco-2 monolayers was also demonstrated. L. reuteri AMBV339 did not cause fecal microbiome perturbations in the GIDM-colon system and inhibited enteric bacterial pathogens in vitro. Taken together, our data suggests that L. reuteri AMBV339 represents a promising candidate to provide riboflavin fortification of plant-based and dairy foods, and has a high application potential in the human gastrointestinal tract.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000814856600001 Publication Date 2022-06-09  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2296-861x ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 5 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes (up) Approved Most recent IF: 5  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:189011 Serial 7211  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Chen, J.; Ying, J.; Xiao, Y.; Dong, Y.; Ozoemena, K., I; Lenaerts, S.; Yang, X. pdf  doi
openurl 
  Title Stoichiometry design in hierarchical CoNiFe phosphide for highly efficient water oxidation Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2022 Publication Science China : materials Abbreviated Journal Sci China Mater  
  Volume 65 Issue 10 Pages 2685-2693  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)  
  Abstract Rational composition design of trimetallic phosphide catalysts is of significant importance for enhanced surface reaction and efficient catalytic performance. Herein, hierarchical CoxNiyFezP with precise control of stoichiometric metallic elements (x:y:z = (1-10):(1-10):1) has been synthesized, and Co1.3Ni0.5Fe0.2P, as the most optimal composition, exhibits remarkable catalytic activity (eta = 320 mV at 10 mA cm(-2)) and long-term stability (ignorable decrease after 10 h continuous test at the current density of 10 mA cm(-2)) toward oxygen evolution reaction (OER). It is found that the surface P in Co1.3Ni0.5Fe0.2P was replaced by 0 under the OER process. The density function theory calculations before and after long-term stability tests suggest the clear increasing of the density of states near the Fermi level of Co1.3Ni0.5Fe0.2P/ Co1.3Ni0.5Fe0.2O, which could enhance the OH- adsorption of our electrocatalysts and the corresponding OER performance.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000805530000001 Publication Date 2022-05-27  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2095-8226; 2199-4501 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 8.1 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access  
  Notes (up) Approved Most recent IF: 8.1  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:189074 Serial 7212  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Zhu, W.; Van Tendeloo, M.; Xie, Y.; Timmer, M.J.; Peng, L.; Vlaeminck, S.E. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Storage without nitrite or nitrate enables the long-term preservation of full-scale partial nitritation/anammox sludge Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2022 Publication The science of the total environment Abbreviated Journal Sci Total Environ  
  Volume 806 Issue 3 Pages 151330  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)  
  Abstract Bioaugmentation with summer harvested sludge during winter could compensate for bacterial activity loss but requires that sludge activity can be restored after storage. This study assesses the effect of temperature and redox adjustment during the storage over 180 days of partial nitritation/anammox (PN/A) granular resp. floccular sludge from potato processing resp. sludge reject water treatment. Anoxic storage conditions (in the presence of nitrite or nitrate and the absence of oxygen) resulted in a loss of 80-100% of the anammox bacteria (AnAOB) activity capacity at 20 degrees C and 4 degrees C, while anaerobic conditions (without oxygen, nitrite, and nitrate) lost only 45-63%. Storage at 20 degrees C was more cost-effective compared to 4 degrees C, and this was confirmed in the sludge reactivation experiment (20 CC). Furthermore, AnAOB activity correlated negatively with the electrical conductivity level (R-2 > 0.85, p < 0.05), so strong salinity increases should be avoided. No significant differences were found in the activity capacity of aerobic ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AerAOB) under different storage conditions (p > 0.1). The relative abundance of dominant AnAOB (Candidatus Brocadia) and AerAOB genera (Nitrosomonas) remained constant in both sludges. In conclusion, preserving PN/A biomass without cooling and nitrite or nitrate addition proved to be a cost-effective strategy. (C) 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000740216300013 Publication Date 2021-10-28  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0048-9697 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 9.8 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes (up) Approved Most recent IF: 9.8  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:185447 Serial 7213  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Sheath, B.C.; Xu, X.; Manuel, P.; Hadermann, J.; Batuk, M.; O'Sullivan, J.; Bonilla, R.S.; Clarke, S.J. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Structures and magnetic ordering in layered Cr oxide arsenides Sr₂CrO₂Cr₂OAs₂ and Sr₂CrO₃CrAs Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2022 Publication Inorganic chemistry Abbreviated Journal Inorg Chem  
  Volume 61 Issue 31 Pages 10-12385  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Two novel chromium oxide arsenide materials have been synthesized, Sr2CrO2Cr2OAs2 (i.e., Sr2Cr3As2O3) and Sr2CrO3CrAs (i.e., Sr2Cr2AsO3), both of which contain chromium ions in two distinct layers. Sr2CrO2Cr2OAs2 was targeted following electron microscopy measurements on a related phase. It crystallizes in the space group P4/mmm and accommodates distorted CrO4As2 octahedra containing Cr2+ and distorted CrO(2)As(4 )octahedra containing Cr3+. In contrast, Sr2CrO3CrAs incorporates Cr3+ in CrO5 square-pyramidal coordination in [Sr2CrO3](+) layers and Cr2+ ions in CrAs(4 )tetrahedra in [CrAs](-) layers and crystallizes in the space group P4/nmm. Powder neutron diffraction data reveal antiferromagnetic ordering in both compounds. In Sr2CrO3CrAs the Cr2+ moments in the [CrAs](-) layers exhibit long-range ordering, while the Cr3+ moments in the [Sr2CrO3](+) layers only exhibit short-range ordering. However, in Sr2CrO2Cr2OAs2, both the Cr(2+ )moments in the CrO4As2 environments and the Cr3+ moments in the CrO2As4 polyhedra are long-range-ordered below 530(10) K. Above this temperature, only the Cr3+ moments are ordered with a Neel temperature slightly in excess of 600 K. A subtle structural change is evident in Sr2CrO2Cr2OAs2 below the magnetic ordering transitions.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000841943600001 Publication Date 2022-07-27  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0020-1669 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 4.6 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes (up) Approved Most recent IF: 4.6  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:190007 Serial 7215  
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Author Rossbach, L.M.; Brede, D.A.; Nuyts, G.; Cagno, S.; Olsson, R.M.S.; Oughton, D.H.; Falkenberg, G.; Janssens, K.; Lind, O.C. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Synchrotron XRF analysis identifies cerium accumulation colocalized with pharyngeal deformities in CeO₂ NP-exposed caenorhabditis elegans Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2022 Publication Environmental science and technology Abbreviated Journal Environ Sci Technol  
  Volume 56 Issue 8 Pages 5081-5089  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Antwerp X-ray Imaging and Spectroscopy (AXIS)  
  Abstract A combination of synchrotron radiation-based elementalimaging, in vivo redox status analysis, histology, and toxic responses was usedto investigate the uptake, biodistribution, and adverse effects of Cenanoparticles (CeO2NP; 10 nm; 0.5-34.96 mg Ce L-1) or Ce(NO3)3(2.3-26 mg Ce L-1)inCaenorhabditis elegans. Elemental mapping of theexposed nematodes revealed Ce uptake in the alimentary canal prior todepuration. Retention of CeO2NPs was low compared to that of Ce(NO3)3in depurated individuals. X-rayfluorescence (XRF) mapping showed that Cetranslocation was confined to the pharyngeal valve and foregut. Ce(NO3)3exposure significantly decreased growth, fertility, and reproduction, causedslightly reduced fecundity. XRF mapping and histological analysis revealedsevere tissue deformities colocalized with retained Ce surrounding thepharyngeal valve. Both forms of Ce activated the sod-1 antioxidant defense,particularly in the pharynx, whereas no significant effects on the cellular redox balance were identified. The CeO2NP-induceddeformities did not appear to impair the pharyngeal function or feeding ability as growth effects were restricted to Ce(NO3)3exposure. The results demonstrate the utility of integrated submicron-resolution SR-based XRF elemental mapping of tissue-specificdistribution and adverse effect analysis to obtain robust toxicological evaluations of metal-containing contaminants.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000793137500039 Publication Date 2022-04-04  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0013-936x; 1520-5851 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 11.4 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes (up) Approved Most recent IF: 11.4  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:188662 Serial 7216  
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Author Derks, K.; van der Snickt, G.; Legrand, S.; van der Stighelen, K.; Janssens, K. url  doi
openurl 
  Title The dark halo technique in the oeuvre of Michael Sweerts and other Flemish and Dutch baroque painters. A 17th c. empirical solution to mitigate the optical 'simultaneous contrast' effect? Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2022 Publication Heritage science Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 10 Issue 1 Pages 5  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Art; Antwerp Cultural Heritage Sciences (ARCHES); Antwerp X-ray Imaging and Spectroscopy (AXIS)  
  Abstract Although the topic is rarely addressed in literature, a significant number of baroque paintings exhibit dark, halo-like shapes around the contours of the dramatis personae. Close examination of both finished and unfinished works suggests that this intriguing feature was a practical tool that helped the artist in the early painting stages. When applying the final brushwork, the halo lost its function, with some artists undertaking efforts to hide it. Although their visibility might not have been intended by the artists, today this dark paint beneath the surface is partially visible through the upper paint layers. Moreover, the disclosure of many halos using infrared photography (IRP), infrared reflectography (IRR) and macro X-ray fluorescence imaging (MA-XRF), additional to those that can be observed visually, suggests that this was a common and established element of 17th-century painting practice in Western Europe. Building on an existing hypothesis, we argue that halos can be considered as a solution to an optical problem that arose when baroque painters reversed the traditional, 15th- and 16th-century painting sequence of working from background to foreground. Instead, they started with the dominant parts of a composition, such as the face of a sitter. In that case, a temporary halo can provide the essential tonal reference to anticipate the chromatic impact of the final dark colored background on the adjacent delicate carnations. In particular, we attempt to clarify the prevalence of dark halos as a response to optical effects such as 'simultaneous contrast' and 'the crispening effect', described in literature only centuries later. As such, the recently termed 'ring condition' can be seen as the present-day equivalent of the 'halo solution' that was seemingly empirically or intuitively developed by 17th-century artists. Modern studies in visual perception proves that by laying a black ring around a target color, the optical impact of a surrounding color can be efficiently neutralized. Finally, by delving into works by Michael Sweerts, it becomes clear that resourceful artists might have adapted the halo technique and the underlying principles to their individual challenges, such as dealing with differently colored grounds.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000739965700001 Publication Date 2022-01-07  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2050-7445 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 2.5 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes (up) Approved Most recent IF: 2.5  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:185458 Serial 7217  
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Author Cotte, M.; Gonzalez, V.; Vanmeert, F.; Monico, L.; Dejoie, C.; Burghammer, M.; Huder, L.; de Nolf, W.; Fisher, S.; Fazlic, I.; Chauffeton, C.; Wallez, G.; Jimenez, N.; Albert-Tortosa, F.; Salvado, N.; Possenti, E.; Colombo, C.; Ghirardello, M.; Comelli, D.; Avranovich Clerici, E.; Vivani, R.; Romani, A.; Costantino, C.; Janssens, K.; Taniguchi, Y.; McCarthy, J.; Reichert, H.; Susini, J. url  doi
openurl 
  Title The “Historical Materials BAG” : a new facilitated access to synchrotron X-ray diffraction analyses for cultural heritage materials at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2022 Publication Molecules: a journal of synthetic chemistry and natural product chemistry Abbreviated Journal Molecules  
  Volume 27 Issue 6 Pages 1997-21  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Antwerp X-ray Imaging and Spectroscopy (AXIS)  
  Abstract The European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF) has recently commissioned the new Extremely Brilliant Source (EBS). The gain in brightness as well as the continuous development of beamline instruments boosts the beamline performances, in particular in terms of accelerated data acquisition. This has motivated the development of new access modes as an alternative to standard proposals for access to beamtime, in particular via the “block allocation group” (BAG) mode. Here, we present the recently implemented “historical materials BAG”: a community proposal giving to 10 European institutes the opportunity for guaranteed beamtime at two X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) beamlines-ID13, for 2D high lateral resolution XRPD mapping, and ID22 for high angular resolution XRPD bulk analyses-with a particular focus on applications to cultural heritage. The capabilities offered by these instruments, the specific hardware and software developments to facilitate and speed-up data acquisition and data processing are detailed, and the first results from this new access are illustrated with recent applications to pigments, paintings, ceramics and wood.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000776369800001 Publication Date 2022-03-21  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1420-3049 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 4.6 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes (up) Approved Most recent IF: 4.6  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:188053 Serial 7218  
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Author Lin, A.; Biscop, E.; Gorbanev, Y.; Smits, E.; Bogaerts, A. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Toward defining plasma treatment dose : the role of plasma treatment energy of pulsed‐dielectric barrier discharge in dictating in vitro biological responses Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2022 Publication Plasma Processes And Polymers Abbreviated Journal Plasma Process Polym  
  Volume 19 Issue 3 Pages e2100151  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Pharmacology. Therapy; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)  
  Abstract The energy dependence of a pulsed-dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma treatment on chemical species production and biological responses was investigated. We hypothesized that the total plasma energy delivered during treatment encompasses the influence of major application parameters. A microsecond-pulsed DBD system was used to treat three different cancer cell lines and cell viability was analyzed. The energy per pulse was measured and the total plasma treatment energy was controlled by adjusting the pulse frequency, treatment time, and application distance. Our data suggest that the delivered plasma energy plays a predominant role in stimulating a biological response in vitro. This study aids in developing steps toward defining a plasma treatment unit and treatment dose for biomedical and clinical research.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000711907800001 Publication Date 2021-10-28  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1612-8850 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 3.5 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes (up) Approved Most recent IF: 3.5  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:182916 Serial 7219  
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