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Author Mychinko, M.
Title Advanced Electron Tomography to Investigate the Growth and Stability of Complex Metal Nanoparticles = Geavanceerde Elektronentomografie om de Groei en Stabiliteit van Complexe Metallische Nanodeeltjes te Onderzoeken Type Doctoral thesis
Year 2024 Publication Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue Pages 227 p.
Keywords Doctoral thesis; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract During the past decades, metallic nanoparticles (NPs) have attracted great attention in materials science due to their specific optical properties based on surface plasmon resonances. Because of these phenomena, plasmonic NPs (or nanoplasmonics) are very promising for application in biosensing, photocatalysts, medicine, data storage, solar energy conversion, etc. Currently, colloidal synthesis techniques enable scientists to routinely produce mono and bimetallic NPs of various shapes, sizes, composition, and elemental distribution, with superior properties for plasmonic applications. Two primary directions for further advancing nanoplasmonic-based technologies include synthesizing novel morphologies, such as highly asymmetric chiral NPs, and gaining deeper insights into the factors affecting the stability of produced nanoplasmonics. With the increasing complexity of nanoplasmonics morphologies and higher stability requirements, there is a pressing need for thorough investigations into their 3D structures and their evolution under different conditions, with high resolution. Electron tomography (ET) emerges as an ideal tool to retrieve shape and element-sensitive information about individual nanoparticles in 3D, achieving resolutions down to the atomic level. Moreover, ET techniques can be combined with in situ holders, enabling detailed studies of processes mimicking real applications of nanoplasmonic-based devices. The first part of this thesis will focus on detailed studies of chiral Au NPs, promising for spectroscopy techniques based on the differential absorption of left- and right-handed circularly polarized light. Specifically, I will discuss the primary strategies for wet-colloidal growth of the various types of intrinsically chiral Au NPs. Advanced ET methods will be demonstrated as powerful tools for characterizing the final helical morphologies of the produced Au NPs and for studying the chiral growth mechanisms by examining intermediate structures obtained during chiral growth. The second part will focus on the heat-induced stability of various Au@Ag core-shell NPs. Operating in real conditions, such as elevated temperatures, may cause particle reshaping and redistribution of metals between the core and shell, gradually altering nanoplasmonics properties. Hence, a thorough understanding of the influence of size, shape, and defects on these processes is crucial for further developments. Recently developed techniques, combining fast ET with in-situ heating holders, have allowed me to evaluate the influence of various parameters (size, shape, defect structure) on heat-induced elemental redistribution in Au@Ag core-shell nanoparticles qualitatively and quantitatively. Additionally, I will discuss the prospects of high-resolution ET for visualizing the diffusion of individual atoms within complex nanostructures.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos Publication Date (up)
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
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ISSN ISBN Additional Links UA library record
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved no
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:202976 Serial 9001
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Author Schram, J.
Title Electrochemical sensing strategies for multiple illicit drugs Type Doctoral thesis
Year 2024 Publication Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue Pages 290 p.
Keywords Doctoral thesis; Pharmacology. Therapy; Engineering sciences. Technology; Antwerp Electrochemical and Analytical Sciences Lab (A-Sense Lab)
Abstract Today, illicit drugs are omnipresent in society. Clandestine markets are growing faster than ever before, record amounts of cocaine are seized in seaports and airports, while the associated violence is spiralling out of control. In addition, drug monitoring centres worldwide are warning for the increasing complexity of the drug markets, as the traditionally popular drugs are joined by countless new synthetic variants, while medical drugs are also increasingly being abused. In order to provide services confronted with illicit drug samples (police, customs, forensic scientists, first responders, …) with important information on the identity of an unknown sample, suitable analytical tests are required. While these exist for laboratory environments, on-site applicable tests are important to accelerate the decision-making process. Electrochemical sensors have all the advantages required for such on-site tests: they are fast, portable, easy-to-use and reliable. Furthermore, they are not influenced by colours, which are frequently added to drug samples to deceive the existing tests. Previous work has mainly focussed on the detection of a single drug per analysis. However, many drugs could be encountered due to the diversity of the drug markets. Therefore, this project developed electrochemical strategies for the detection of multiple drugs simultaneously. First, the electrochemical behaviour of the individual drugs was studied in different measuring conditions (assessing the influence of pH, concentration and temperature). Then, all findings and strategies were combined to detect multiple targets simultaneously. An electrochemical sensor was developed for the four most popular drugs at music festivals: cocaine, MDMA, amphetamine and ketamine. This sensor generates a so-called ‘superfingerprint’ of the sample, which is then automatically interpreted by a developed algorithm in order to produce a straightforward output. Finally, a pill analysis sensor was developed in the context of drug checking services, where a consumer can anonymously have a sample chemically analysed to obtain information on the composition, dose and potentially harmful additives. The sensor achieved an outstanding accuracy in identifying the main component and provided the option to quantify, as well as an indication on the presence of other substances in the sample. The project’s findings demonstrate the potential for electrochemistry in illicit drug detection and provide a basis for the development of new sensors, targeting other drug combinations.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos Publication Date (up)
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 Approved no
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:203199 Serial 9029
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Author Derks, K.; Youchaeva, M.; Van der Snickt, G.; Van der Stighelen, K.; Janssens, K.
Title Reconstructing Sweerts : practical insights into the historical dark halo technique based on paint reconstructions Type P1 Proceeding
Year 2024 Publication Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue Pages 259-271 T2 - Alla maniera : technical art history
Keywords P1 Proceeding; Engineering sciences. Technology; Art; Antwerp Cultural Heritage Sciences (ARCHES); Antwerp X-ray Imaging and Spectroscopy (AXIS)
Abstract
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos Publication Date (up)
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 978-90-429-5216-4 ISBN Additional Links UA library record
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved no
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:203062 Serial 9082
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Author Şentürk, DG.; Yu, CP.; De Backer, A.; Van Aert, S.
Title Atom counting from a combination of two ADF STEM images Type A1 Journal Article
Year 2024 Publication Ultramicroscopy Abbreviated Journal Ultramicroscopy
Volume 255 Issue Pages 113859
Keywords A1 Journal Article; Atomic resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy; Atom counting; Heterogeneous nanostructures; Multivariate Gaussian mixture model; 4D STEM; Electron Microscopy for Materials Science (EMAT) ;
Abstract To understand the structure–property relationship of nanostructures, reliably quantifying parameters, such as the number of atoms along the projection direction, is important. Advanced statistical methodologies have made it possible to count the number of atoms for monotype crystalline nanoparticles from a single ADF STEM image. Recent developments enable one to simultaneously acquire multiple ADF STEM images. Here, we present an extended statistics-based method for atom counting from a combination of multiple statistically independent ADF STEM images reconstructed from non-overlapping annular detector collection regions which improves the accuracy and allows one to retrieve precise atom-counts, especially for images acquired with low electron doses and multiple element structures.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001089064200001 Publication Date (up) 2023-09-23
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0304-3991 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 2.2 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access
Notes This work was supported by the European Research Council (Grant 770887 PICOMETRICS to S. Van Aert). The authors acknowledge financial support from the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO, Belgium) through project fundings (G034621N, G0A7723N, and EOS 40007495) and a postdoctoral grant to A. De Backer. S. Van Aert acknowledges funding from the University of Antwerp Research fund (BOF). Approved Most recent IF: 2.2; 2024 IF: 2.843
Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:201008 Serial 8964
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Author Lauwens, J.; Kerkhofs, L.; Sala, A.; Sorée, B.
Title Superconductor-semiconductor hybrid capacitance with a nonlinear charge-voltage profile Type A1 Journal article
Year 2024 Publication Journal of physics: D: applied physics Abbreviated Journal
Volume 57 Issue 2 Pages 025301-25309
Keywords A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Abstract Electronic devices that work in the quantum regime often employ hybrid nanostructures to bring about a nonlinear behaviour. The nonlinearity that these can provide has proven to be useful, in particular, for applications in quantum computation. Here we present a hybrid device that acts as a capacitor with a nonlinear charge-voltage relation. The device consists of a nanowire placed between the plates of a coplanar capacitor, with a co-parallel alignment. At low temperatures, due to the finite density of states on the nanowire, the charge distribution in the capacitor is uneven and energy-dependent, resulting in a charge-dependent effective capacitance. We study this system analytically and numerically, and show that the nonlinearity of the capacitance is significant enough to be utilized in circuit quantum electrodynamics. The resulting nonlinearity can be switched on, modulated, and switched off by an external potential, thus making this capacitive device highly versatile for uses in quantum computation.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001082883200001 Publication Date (up) 2023-09-29
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0022-3727 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved no
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:200300 Serial 9099
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Author Van Daele, S.; Hintjens, L.; Hoekx, S.; Bohlen, B.; Neukermans, S.; Daems, N.; Hereijgers, J.; Breugelmans, T.
Title How flue gas impurities affect the electrochemical reduction of CO₂ to CO and formate Type A1 Journal article
Year 2024 Publication Applied catalysis : B : environmental Abbreviated Journal
Volume 341 Issue Pages 123345-10
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Applied Electrochemistry & Catalysis (ELCAT); Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract The electrochemical CO2 reduction offers a promising solution to convert waste CO2 into valuable products like CO and formate. However, CO2 capture and purification remains an energy intensive process and therefore the direct usage of industrially available waste CO2 streams containing SO2, NO and O2 impurities becomes more interesting. This work demonstrates an efficient (Faradaic efficiency > 90 %) and stable performance over 20 h with 200 ppm SO2 or NO in the feed gas stream. However, the addition of 1 % O2 to the CO2 feed causes a significant drop in Faradaic efficiency to C-products due to the competitive oxygen reduction reaction. A potential mitigation strategy is to operate at higher total current density to firstly reduce most O2 and achieve sufficient product output from CO2 reduction. These results aid in understanding the impact of flue gas impurities during CO2 electrolysis which is crucial for potentially bypassing the CO2 purification step.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001102999000001 Publication Date (up) 2023-10-01
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0926-3373 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved no
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:199490 Serial 9044
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Morais, E.; Bogaerts, A.
Title Modelling the dynamics of hydrogen synthesis from methane in nanosecond‐pulsed plasmas Type A1 Journal Article
Year 2024 Publication Plasma Processes and Polymers Abbreviated Journal Plasma Processes & Polymers
Volume 21 Issue 1 Pages
Keywords A1 Journal Article; chemical kinetics model, hydrogen, methane, nanosecond pulsed discharges, reaction mechanism; Plasma, laser ablation and surface modeling Antwerp (PLASMANT) ;
Abstract A chemical kinetics model was developed to characterise the gas‐phase dynamics of H<sub>2</sub>production in nanosecond‐pulsed CH<sub>4</sub>plasmas. Pulsed behaviour was observed in the calculated electric field, electron temperature and species densities at all pressures. The model agrees reasonably with experimental results, showing CH<sub>4</sub>conversion at 30% and C<sub>2</sub>H<sub>2</sub>and H<sub>2</sub>as major products. The underlying mechanisms in CH<sub>4</sub>dissociation and H<sub>2</sub>formation were analysed, highlighting the large contribution of vibrationally excited CH<sub>4</sub>and H<sub>2</sub>to coupling energy from the plasma into gas‐phase heating, and revealing that H<sub>2</sub>synthesis is not affected by applied pressure, with selectivity remaining unchanged at ~42% in the 1–5 bar range.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001091258700001 Publication Date (up) 2023-10-27
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
Notes We gratefully acknowledge financial support by the Flemish Government through the Moonshot cSBO project “Power‐to‐Olefins” (P2O; HBC.2020.2620) and funding from the Independent Research Fund Denmark (project nr. 0217‐00231B). Approved Most recent IF: 3.5; 2024 IF: 2.846
Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @c:irua:201192 Serial 8983
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Author Meng, S.; Li, S.; Sun, S.; Bogaerts, A.; Liu, Y.; Yi, Y.
Title NH3 decomposition for H2 production by thermal and plasma catalysis using bimetallic catalysts Type A1 Journal Article
Year 2024 Publication Chemical Engineering Science Abbreviated Journal Chemical Engineering Science
Volume 283 Issue Pages 119449
Keywords A1 Journal Article; Plasma, laser ablation and surface modeling Antwerp (PLASMANT) ;
Abstract Plasma catalysis has emerged as a promising approach for driving thermodynamically unfavorable chemical

reactions. Nevertheless, comprehending the mechanisms involved remains a challenge, leading to uncertainty

about whether the optimal catalyst in plasma catalysis aligns with that in thermal catalysis. In this research, we

explore this question by studying monometallic catalysts (Fe, Co, Ni and Mo) and bimetallic catalysts (Fe-Co, Mo-

Co, Fe-Ni and Mo-Ni) in both thermal catalytic and plasma catalytic NH3 decomposition. Our findings reveal that

the Fe-Co bimetallic catalyst exhibits the highest activity in thermal catalysis, the Fe-Ni bimetallic catalyst

outperforms others in plasma catalysis, indicating a discrepancy between the optimal catalysts for the two

catalytic modes in NH3 decomposition. Comprehensive catalyst characterization, kinetic analysis, temperature

program surface reaction experiments and plasma diagnosis are employed to discuss the key factors influencing

NH3 decomposition performance.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001105312500001 Publication Date (up) 2023-10-28
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0009-2509 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 4.7 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access
Notes Universiteit Antwerpen, 32249 ; National Natural Science Foundation of China, 21503032 ; PetroChina Innovation Foundation, 2018D-5007-0501 ; Approved Most recent IF: 4.7; 2024 IF: 2.895
Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @c:irua:201009 Serial 8967
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Author Faust, V.; Vlaeminck, S.E.; Ganigué, R.; Udert, K.M.
Title Influence of pH on urine nitrification : community shifts of ammonia-oxidizing bacteria and inhibition of nitrite-oxidizing bacteria Type A1 Journal article
Year 2024 Publication ACS ES&T engineering Abbreviated Journal
Volume 4 Issue 2 Pages 342-353
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract Urine nitrification is pH-sensitive due to limited alkalinity and high residual ammonium concentrations. This study aimed to investigate how the pH affects nitrogen conversion and the microbial community of urine nitrification with a pH-based feeding strategy. First, kinetic parameters for NH3, HNO2, and NO2– limitation and inhibition were determined for nitrifiers from a urine nitrification reactor. The turning point for ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB), i.e., the substrate concentration at which a further increase would lead to a decrease in activity due to inhibitory effects, was at an NH3 concentration of 12 mg-N L–1, which was reached only at pH values above 7. The total nitrite turning point for nitrite-oxidizing bacteria (NOB) was pH-dependent, e.g., 18 mg-N L–1 at pH 6.3. Second, four years of data from two 120 L reactors were analyzed, showing that stable nitrification with low nitrite was most likely between pH 5.8 and 6.7. And third, six 12 L urine nitrification reactors were operated at total nitrogen concentrations of 1300 and 3600 mg-N L–1 and pH values between 2.5 and 8.5. At pH 6, the AOB Nitrosomonas europaea was found, and the NOB belonged to the genus Nitrobacter. At pH 7, nitrite accumulated, and Nitrosomonas halophila was the dominant AOB. NOB were inhibited by HNO2 accumulation. At pH 8.5, the AOB Nitrosomonas stercoris became dominant, and NH3 inhibited NOB. Without influent, the pH dropped to 2.5 due to the growth of the acid-tolerant AOB “Candidatus Nitrosacidococcus urinae”. In conclusion, pH is a decisive process control parameter for urine nitrification by influencing the selection and kinetics of nitrifiers.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos Publication Date (up) 2023-11-02
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 Approved no
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:203306 Serial 9048
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Gao, C.; Hofer, C.; Pennycook, T.J.
Title On central focusing for contrast optimization in direct electron ptychography of thick samples Type A1 Journal article
Year 2024 Publication Ultramicroscopy Abbreviated Journal
Volume 256 Issue Pages 113879-7
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Ptychography provides high dose efficiency images that can reveal light elements next to heavy atoms. However, despite ptychography having an otherwise single signed contrast transfer function, contrast reversals can occur when the projected potential becomes strong for both direct and iterative inversion ptychography methods. It has recently been shown that these reversals can often be counteracted in direct ptychography methods by adapting the focus. Here we provide an explanation of why the best contrast is often found with the probe focused to the middle of the sample. The phase contribution due to defocus at each sample slice above and below the central plane in this configuration effectively cancels out, which can prevent contrast reversals when dynamical scattering effects are not overly strong. In addition we show that the convergence angle can be an important consideration for removal of contrast reversals in relatively thin samples.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001112166400001 Publication Date (up) 2023-11-03
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0304-3991 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved no
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:202029 Serial 9066
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Hassani, N.; Yagmurcukardes, M.; Peeters, F.M.; Neek-Amal, M.
Title Chlorinated phosphorene for energy application Type A1 Journal article
Year 2024 Publication Computational materials science Abbreviated Journal
Volume 231 Issue Pages 112625-112628
Keywords A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Abstract The influence of decoration with impurities and the composition dependent band gap in 2D materials has been the subject of debate for a long time. Here, by using Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations, we systematically disclose physical properties of chlorinated phosphorene having the stoichiometry of PmCln. By analyzing the adsorption energy, charge density, migration energy barrier, structural, vibrational, and electronic properties of chlorinated phosphorene, we found that (I) the Cl-P bonds are strong with binding energy Eb =-1.61 eV, decreases with increasing n. (II) Cl atoms on phosphorene have anionic feature, (III) the migration path of Cl on phosphorene is anisotropic with an energy barrier of 0.38 eV, (IV) the phonon band dispersion reveal that chlorinated phosphorenes are stable when r <= 0.25 where r = m/n, (V) chlorinated phosphorenes is found to be a photonic crystal in the frequency range of 280 cm-1 to 325 cm-1, (VI) electronic band structure of chlorinated phosphorenes exhibits quasi-flat bands emerging around the Fermi level with widths in the range of 22 meV to 580 meV, and (VII) Cl adsorption causes a semiconducting to metallic/semi-metallic transition which makes it suitable for application as an electroactive material. To elucidate this application, we investigated the change in binding energy (Eb), specific capacity, and open-circuit voltage as a function of the density of adsorbed Cl. The theoretical storage capacity of the chlorinated phosphorene is found to be 168.19 mA h g-1with a large average voltage (similar to 2.08 V) which is ideal number as a cathode in chloride-ion batteries.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001110003400001 Publication Date (up) 2023-11-04
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0927-0256 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved no
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:202125 Serial 9008
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Mary Joy, R.; Pobedinskas, P.; Baule, N.; Bai, S.; Jannis, D.; Gauquelin, N.; Pinault-Thaury, M.-A.; Jomard, F.; Sankaran, K.J.; Rouzbahani, R.; Lloret, F.; Desta, D.; D’Haen, J.; Verbeeck, J.; Becker, M.F.; Haenen, K.
Title The effect of microstructure and film composition on the mechanical properties of linear antenna CVD diamond thin films Type A1 Journal Article
Year 2024 Publication Acta Materialia Abbreviated Journal Acta Materialia
Volume 264 Issue Pages 119548
Keywords A1 Journal Article; Electron Microscopy for Materials Science (EMAT) ;
Abstract This study reports the impact of film microstructure and composition on the Young’s modulus and residual stress in nanocrystalline diamond (NCD) thin films ( thick) grown on silicon substrates using a linear antenna microwave plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (CVD) system. Combining laser acoustic wave spectroscopy to determine the elastic properties with simple wafer curvature measurements, a straightforward method to determine the intrinsic stress in NCD films is presented. Two deposition parameters are varied: (1) the substrate temperature from 400 °C to 900 °C, and (2) the [P]/[C] ratio from 0 ppm to 8090 ppm in the H2/CH4/CO2/PH3 diamond CVD plasma. The introduction of PH3 induces a transition in the morphology of the diamond film, shifting from NCD with larger grains to ultra-NCD with a smaller grain size, concurrently resulting in a decrease in Young’s modulus. Results show that the highest Young’s modulus of (113050) GPa for the undoped NCD deposited at 800 °C is comparable to single crystal diamond, indicating that NCD with excellent mechanical properties is achievable with our process for thin diamond films. Based on the film stress results, we propose the origins of tensile intrinsic stress in the diamond films. In NCD, the tensile intrinsic stress is attributed to larger grain size, while in ultra-NCD films the tensile intrinsic stress is due to grain boundaries and impurities.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001126632800001 Publication Date (up) 2023-11-23
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1359-6454 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 9.4 Times cited Open Access
Notes This work was financially supported by the Special Research Fund (BOF) via Methusalem NANO network, the Research Foundation – Flanders (FWO) via Project G0D4920N, and the CORNET project nr 263-EN “ULTRAHARD: Ultrahard optical diamond coatings” (2020–2021). Approved Most recent IF: 9.4; 2024 IF: 5.301
Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:202169 Serial 8989
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Rezaei, M.; Ghasemitarei, M.; Razzokov, J.; Yusupov, M.; Ghorbanalilu, M.; Ejtehadi, M.R.
Title In silico study of the impact of oxidation on pyruvate transmission across the hVDAC1 protein channel Type A1 Journal article
Year 2024 Publication Archives of biochemistry and biophysics Abbreviated Journal
Volume 751 Issue Pages 109835-109837
Keywords A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract The overexpression of voltage dependent anion channels (VDACs), particularly VDAC1, in cancer cells compared to normal cells, plays a crucial role in cancer cell metabolism, apoptosis regulation, and energy homeostasis. In this study, we used molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to investigate the effect of a low level of VDAC1 oxidation (induced e.g., by cold atmospheric plasma (CAP)) on the pyruvate (Pyr) uptake by VDAC1. Inhibiting Pyr uptake through VDAC1 can suppress cancer cell proliferation. Our primary target was to study the translocation of Pyr across the native and oxidized forms of hVDAC1, the human VDAC1. Specifically, we employed MD simulations to analyze the hVDAC1 structure by modifying certain cysteine residues to cysteic acids and methionine residues to methionine sulfoxides, which allowed us to investigate the effect of oxidation. Our results showed that the free energy barrier for Pyr translocation through the native and oxidized channel was approximately 4.3 +/- 0.7 kJ mol-1 and 10.8 +/- 1.8 kJ mol-1, respectively. An increase in barrier results in a decrease in rate of Pyr permeation through the oxidized channel. Thus, our results indicate that low levels of CAP oxidation reduce Pyr translocation, resulting in decreased cancer cell proliferation. Therefore, low levels of oxidation are likely sufficient to treat cancer cells given the inhibition of Pyr uptake.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001127850500001 Publication Date (up) 2023-11-23
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0003-9861; 1096-0384 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved no
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:202185 Serial 9046
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Khalilov, U.; Uljayev, U.; Mehmonov, K.; Nematollahi, P.; Yusupov, M.; Neyts, E.C.; Neyts, E.C.
Title Can endohedral transition metals enhance hydrogen storage in carbon nanotubes? Type A1 Journal article
Year 2024 Publication International journal of hydrogen energy Abbreviated Journal
Volume 55 Issue Pages 640-610
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Modelling and Simulation in Chemistry (MOSAIC); Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract The safe and efficient use of hydrogen energy, which is in high demand worldwide today, requires efficient hydrogen storage. Despite significant advances in hydrogen storage using carbon-based nanomaterials, including carbon nanotubes (CNTs), efforts to substantially increase the storage capacity remain less effective. In this work, we demonstrate the effect of endohedral transition metal atoms on the hydrogen storage capacity of CNTs using reactive molecular dynamics simulations. We find that an increase in the volume fraction of endohedral nickel atoms leads to an increase in the concentration of physisorbed hydrogen molecules around single-walled CNTs (SWNTs) by approximately 1.6 times compared to pure SWNTs. The obtained results provide insight into the underlying mechanisms of how endohedral transition metal atoms enhance the hydrogen storage ability of SWNTs under nearly ambient conditions.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001142427400001 Publication Date (up) 2023-11-24
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 Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved no
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:202315 Serial 9006
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Rabani, I.; Tahir, M.S.; Nisar, S.; Parrilla, M.; Truong, H.B.; Kim, M.; Seo, Y.-S.
Title Fabrication of larger surface area of ZIF8@ZIF67 reverse core-shell nanostructures for energy storage applications Type A1 Journal article
Year 2024 Publication Electrochimica acta Abbreviated Journal
Volume 475 Issue Pages 143532-11
Keywords A1 Journal article; Antwerp Electrochemical and Analytical Sciences Lab (A-Sense Lab)
Abstract The construction of uniform nanostructure with larger surface area electrodes is a huge challenge for the highvalue added energy storage application. Herein, we demonstrates ZIF67@ZIF8 (core-shell) and ZIF8@ZIF67 (reverse core-shell) nanostructures using a low-cost wet chemical route and used them as supercapacitors. Pristine ZIF-67 and ZIF-8 was used as reference electrodes. Benefiting from the synergistic effect between the ZIF8 and ZIF67, the ZIF8@ZIF67 exhibited the outstanding electrochemical consequences owing to its larger surface area with uniform hexagonal morphology. As optimized ZIF8@ZIF67 nanostructure displayed the highcapacity of 1521 F/g at 1 A/g of current density in a three-electrode assembly in 1 M KOH electrolyte compared with other as-fabricated electrodes. In addition, the ZIF8@ZIF67 nanostructure employed into the symmetric supercapacitors (SSCs) with 1 M KOH electrolyte in two-electrode setup and it exhibited still superior output including capacity (249.8 F/g at 1 A/g), remarkable repeatability (87 % over 10,000 GCD cycles) along with high energy and power density (61.2 Wh/kg & 1260 W/kg). The present study uncovers the relationship between the larger surface area and electrocatalyst performance, supporting an effective approach to prepare favorable materials for enhanced capacity, extended lifespan, and energy density.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001134022100001 Publication Date (up) 2023-12-01
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0013-4686 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved no
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:202082 Serial 9036
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Liang, Z.; Batuk, M.; Orlandi, F.; Manuel, P.; Hadermann, J.; Hayward, M.A.
Title Disproportionation of Co2+ in the topochemically reduced oxide LaSrCoRuO₅ Type A1 Journal article
Year 2024 Publication Angewandte Chemie: international edition in English Abbreviated Journal
Volume 63 Issue 6 Pages e202313067-5
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Complex transition-metal oxides exhibit a wide variety of chemical and physical properties which are a strong function the local electronic states of the transition-metal centres, as determined by a combination of metal oxidation state and local coordination environment. Topochemical reduction of the double perovskite oxide, LaSrCoRuO6, using Zr, yields LaSrCoRuO5. This reduced phase contains an ordered array of apex-linked square-based pyramidal Ru3+O5, square-planar Co1+O4 and octahedral Co3+O6 units, consistent with the coordination-geometry driven disproportionation of Co2+. Coordination-geometry driven disproportionation of d(7) transition-metal cations (e.g. Rh2+, Pd3+, Pt3+) is common in complex oxides containing 4d and 5d metals. However, the weak ligand field experienced by a 3d transition-metal such as cobalt leads to the expectation that d(7+) Co2+ should be stable to disproportionation in oxide environments, so the presence of Co1+O4 and Co3+O6 units in LaSrCoRuO5 is surprising. Low-temperature measurements indicate LaSrCoRuO5 adopts a ferromagnetically ordered state below 120 K due to couplings between S=(1)/(2) Ru3+ and S=1 Co1+.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001136579700001 Publication Date (up) 2023-12-13
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1433-7851; 0570-0833 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved no
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:202801 Serial 9023
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Author Slaets, J.; Loenders, B.; Bogaerts, A.
Title Plasma-based dry reforming of CH4: Plasma effects vs. thermal conversion Type A1 Journal Article
Year 2024 Publication Fuel Abbreviated Journal Fuel
Volume 360 Issue Pages 130650
Keywords A1 Journal Article; Plasma kinetics Computer modelling Dry reforming of methane; Plasma, laser ablation and surface modeling Antwerp (PLASMANT) ;
Abstract In this work we evaluate the chemical kinetics of dry reforming of methane in warm plasmas (1000–4000 K) using modelling with a newly developed chemistry set, for a broad range of parameters (temperature, power density and CO2/CH4 ratio). We compare the model against thermodynamic equilibrium concentrations, serving as validation of the thermal chemical kinetics. Our model reveals that plasma-specific reactions (i.e., electron impact collisions) accelerate the kinetics compared to thermal conversion, rather than altering the overall kinetics pathways and intermediate products, for gas temperatures below 2000 K. For higher temperatures, the kinetics are dominated by heavy species collisions and are strictly thermal, with negligible influence of the electrons and ions on the overall kinetics. When studying the effects of different gas mixtures on the kinetics, we identify important intermediate species, side reactions and side products. The use of excess CO2 leads to H2O formation, at the expense of H2 formation, and the CO2 conversion itself is limited, only approaching full conversion near 4000 K. In contrast, full conversion of both reactants is only kinetically limited for mixtures with excess CH4, which also gives rise to the formation of C2H2, alongside syngas. Within the given parameter space, our model predicts the 30/70 ratio of CO2/CH4 to be the most optimal for syngas formation with a H2/CO ratio of 2.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001138077700001 Publication Date (up) 2023-12-15
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0016-2361 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 7.4 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access
Notes This research was supported by the European Research Council (ERC) under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme (Grant Agreement No. 810182 – SCOPE ERC Synergy project), the Catalisti-ICON project BluePlasma (Project No. HBC.2022.0445), the FWO-SBO project PlasMaCatDESIGN (FWO Grant ID S001619N), the Independent Research Fund Denmark (Project No. 0217-00231B) and through long-term structural funding (Methusalem). The computational resources and services used in this work were provided by the HPC core facility CalcUA of the Universiteit Antwerpen, and VSC (Flemish Supercomputer Center), funded by the Research Foundation – Flanders (FWO) and the Flemish Government. We also thank Bart Wanten, Roel Michiels, Pepijn Heirman, Claudia Verheyen, dr. Senne Van Alphen, dr. Elise Vervloessem, dr. Kevin van ’t Veer, dr. Joshua Boothroyd, dr. Omar Biondo and dr. Eduardo Morais for their expertise and feedback regarding the kinetics scheme. Approved Most recent IF: 7.4; 2024 IF: 4.601
Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @c:irua:201669 Serial 8973
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Author Van Tendeloo, M.; Baptista, M.C.; Van Winckel, T.; Vlaeminck, S.E.
Title Recurrent multi-stressor floc treatments with sulphide and free ammonia enabled mainstream partial nitritation/anammox Type A1 Journal article
Year 2024 Publication The science of the total environment Abbreviated Journal
Volume 912 Issue Pages 169449-12
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract Selective suppression of nitrite-oxidising bacteria (NOB) over aerobic and anoxic ammonium-oxidising bacteria (AerAOB and AnAOB) remains a major challenge for mainstream partial nitritation/anammox implementation, a resource-efficient nitrogen removal pathway. A unique multi-stressor floc treatment was therefore designed and validated for the first time under lab-scale conditions while staying true to full-scale design principles. Two hybrid (suspended + biofilm growth) reactors were operated continuously at 20.2 ± 0.6 °C. Recurrent multi-stressor floc treatments were applied, consisting of a sulphide-spiked deoxygenated starvation followed by a free ammonia shock. A good microbial activity balance with high AnAOB (71 ± 21 mg N L−1 d−1) and low NOB (4 ± 17 % of AerAOB) activity was achieved by combining multiple operational strategies: recurrent multi-stressor floc treatments, hybrid sludge (flocs & biofilm), short floc age control, intermittent aeration, and residual ammonium control. The multi-stressor treatment was shown to be the most important control tool and should be continuously applied to maintain this balance. Excessive NOB growth on the biofilm was avoided despite only treating the flocs to safeguard the AnAOB activity on the biofilm. Additionally, no signs of NOB adaptation were observed over 142 days. Elevated effluent ammonium concentrations (25 ± 6 mg N L−1) limited the TN removal efficiency to 39 ± 9 %, complicating a future full-scale implementation. Operating at higher sludge concentrations or reducing the volumetric loading rate could overcome this issue. The obtained results ease the implementation of mainstream PN/A by providing and additional control tool to steer the microbial activity with the multi-stressor treatment, thus advancing the concept of energy neutrality in sewage treatment plants.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos Publication Date (up) 2023-12-18
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0048-9697; 1879-1026 ISBN Additional Links UA library record
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved no
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:202286 Serial 9083
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Author Van den Hoek, J.; Daems, N.; Arnouts, S.; Hoekx, S.; Bals, S.; Breugelmans, T.
Title Improving stability of CO₂ electroreduction by incorporating Ag NPs in N-doped ordered mesoporous carbon structures Type A1 Journal article
Year 2024 Publication ACS applied materials and interfaces Abbreviated Journal
Volume 16 Issue 6 Pages 6931-6947
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Applied Electrochemistry & Catalysis (ELCAT)
Abstract The electroreduction of carbon dioxide (eCO2RR) to CO using Ag nanoparticles as an electrocatalyst is promising as an industrial carbon capture and utilization (CCU) technique to mitigate CO2 emissions. Nevertheless, the long-term stability of these Ag nanoparticles has been insufficient despite initial high Faradaic efficiencies and/or partial current densities. To improve the stability, we evaluated an up-scalable and easily tunable synthesis route to deposit low-weight percentages of Ag nanoparticles (NPs) on and into the framework of a nitrogen-doped ordered mesoporous carbon (NOMC) structure. By exploiting this so-called nanoparticle confinement strategy, the nanoparticle mobility under operation is strongly reduced. As a result, particle detachment and agglomeration, two of the most pronounced electrocatalytic degradation mechanisms, are (partially) blocked and catalyst durability is improved. Several synthesis parameters, such as the anchoring agent, the weight percentage of Ag NPs, and the type of carbonaceous support material, were modified in a controlled manner to evaluate their respective impact on the overall electrochemical performance, with a strong emphasis on operational stability. The resulting powders were evaluated through electrochemical and physicochemical characterization methods, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), N2-physisorption, Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), SEM-energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), high-angle annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF-STEM), STEM-EDS, electron tomography, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The optimized Ag/soft-NOMC catalysts showed both a promising selectivity (∼80%) and stability compared with commercial Ag NPs while decreasing the loading of the transition metal by more than 50%. The stability of both the 5 and 10 wt % Ag/soft-NOMC catalysts showed considerable improvements by anchoring the Ag NPs on and into a NOMC framework, resulting in a 267% improvement in CO selectivity after 72 h (despite initial losses) compared to commercial Ag NPs. These results demonstrate the promising strategy of anchoring Ag NPs to improve the CO selectivity during prolonged experiments due to the reduced mobility of the Ag NPs and thus enhanced stability.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos Publication Date (up) 2023-12-21
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1944-8244 ISBN Additional Links UA library record
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved no
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:202309 Serial 9045
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Author Ding, L.; Zhao, M.; Ehlers, F.J.H.; Jia, Z.; Zhang, Z.; Weng, Y.; Schryvers, D.; Liu, Q.; Idrissi, H.
Title “Branched” structural transformation of the L12-Al3Zr phase manipulated by Cu substitution/segregation in the Al-Cu-Zr alloy system Type A1 Journal Article
Year 2024 Publication Journal of Materials Science & Technology Abbreviated Journal Journal of Materials Science & Technology
Volume 185 Issue Pages 186-206
Keywords A1 Journal Article; Electron Microscopy for Materials Science (EMAT) ;
Abstract The effect of Cu on the evolution of the Al3Zr phase in an Al-Cu-Zr cast alloy during solution treatment at 500 °C has been thoroughly studied by combining atomic resolution high-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and first-principles cal- culations. The heat treatment initially produces a pure L12-Al3Zr microstructure, allowing for about 13 % Cu to be incorporated in the dispersoid. Cu incorporation increases the energy barrier for anti-phase boundary (APB) activation, thus stabilizing the L12 structure. Additional heating leads to a Cu-induced “branched”path for the L12 structural transformation, with the latter process accelerated once the first APB has been created. Cu atoms may either (i) be repelled by the APBs, promoting the transformation to a Cu-poor D023 phase, or (ii) they may segregate at one Al-Zr layer adjacent to the APB, promoting a transformation to a new thermodynamically favored phase, Al4CuZr, formed when these segregation layers are periodically arranged. Theoretical studies suggest that the branching of the L12 transformation path is linked to the speed at which an APB is created, with Cu attraction triggered by a comparatively slow process. This unexpected transformation behavior of the L12-Al3Zr phase opens a new path to understanding, and potentially regulating the Al3Zr dispersoid evolution for high temperature applications.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos Publication Date (up) 2023-12-24
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1005-0302 ISBN Additional Links UA library record
Impact Factor 10.9 Times cited Open Access
Notes This work was supported by the National Key Research and Development Program (No. 2020YFA0405900), the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 52371111 and U2141215 ), the Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province (No. BE2022159 ). We are grateful to the High Performance Computing Center of Nanjing Tech University for supporting the computational resources. H. Idrissi is mandated by the Belgian National Fund for Scientific Research (FSR- FNRS). Approved Most recent IF: 10.9; 2024 IF: 2.764
Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:202392 Serial 8981
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Author Steijlen, A.S.M.; Parrilla, M.; Van Echelpoel, R.; De Wael, K.
Title Dual microfluidic sensor system for enriched electrochemical profiling and identification of illicit drugs on-site Type A1 Journal article
Year 2024 Publication Analytical chemistry Abbreviated Journal
Volume 96 Issue 1 Pages 590-598
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Antwerp Electrochemical and Analytical Sciences Lab (A-Sense Lab)
Abstract Electrochemical sensors have emerged as a new analytical tool for illicit drug detection to facilitate ultrafast and accurate identification of suspicious compounds on-site. Drugs of abuse can be identified using their unique voltammetric fingerprint at a given pH. Today, the right buffer solution is manually selected based on drug appearance, and in some cases, a consecutive analysis in two different pH solutions is required. In this work, we present a disposable microfluidic multichannel sensor system that automatically records fingerprints in two pH solutions (e.g., pH 5 and pH 12). This system has two advantages. It will overcome the manual selection of a buffer solution at the right pH, decrease analysis time, and minimize the risk of human errors. Second, the combination of two fingerprints, the superfingerprint, contains more detailed information about the samples, which enhances the selectivity of the analytical technique. First, real-time pH measurements proved that the sample can be brought to the desired pH within a minute. Subsequently, an electrochemical study on the microfluidic platform with 1 mM illicit drug standards of MDMA, cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine showed that the characteristic voltammetric fingerprints and peak potentials are reproducible, also in the presence of common cutting agents. Finally, the microfluidic concept was validated with real confiscated samples, showing promising results for the user-friendly identification of drugs of abuse. In short, this paper presents a successful proof-of-concept study of a multichannel microfluidic sensor system to enrich the fingerprints of illicit drugs at pH 5 and pH 12, thus providing a low-cost, portable, and rapid identification system of illicit drugs with minimal user intervention.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001139443500001 Publication Date (up) 2023-12-28
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
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved no
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:201877 Serial 9024
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Author Koirala, B.; Rasti, B.; Bnoulkacem, Z.; de Lima Ribeiro, A.; Madriz, Y.; Herrmann, E.; Gestels, A.; De Kerf, T.; Lorenz, S.; Fuchs, M.; Janssens, K.; Steenackers, G.; Gloaguen, R.; Scheunders, P.
Title A multisensor hyperspectral benchmark dataset for unmixing of intimate mixtures Type A1 Journal article
Year 2024 Publication IEEE sensors journal Abbreviated Journal
Volume 24 Issue 4 Pages 4694-4710
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Vision lab; Antwerp X-ray Imaging and Spectroscopy (AXIS)
Abstract Optical hyperspectral cameras capture the spectral reflectance of materials. Since many materials behave as heterogeneous intimate mixtures with which each photon interacts differently, the relationship between spectral reflectance and material composition is very complex. Quantitative validation of spectral unmixing algorithms requires high-quality ground truth fractional abundance data, which are very difficult to obtain. In this work, we generated a comprehensive laboratory ground truth dataset of intimately mixed mineral powders. For this, five clay powders (Kaolin, Roof clay, Red clay, mixed clay, and Calcium hydroxide) were mixed homogeneously to prepare 325 samples of 60 binary, 150 ternary, 100 quaternary, and 15 quinary mixtures. Thirteen different hyperspectral sensors have been used to acquire the reflectance spectra of these mixtures in the visible, near, short, mid, and long-wavelength infrared regions (350-15385) nm. Overlaps in wavelength regions due to the operational ranges of each sensor and variations in acquisition conditions resulted in a large amount of spectral variability. Ground truth composition is given by construction, but to verify that the generated samples are sufficiently homogeneous, XRD and XRF elemental analysis is performed. We believe these data will be beneficial for validating advanced methods for nonlinear unmixing and material composition estimation, including studying spectral variability and training supervised unmixing approaches. The datasets can be downloaded from the following link: https://github.com/VisionlabHyperspectral/Multisensor_datasets.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos Publication Date (up) 2023-12-28
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1530-437x; 1558-1748 ISBN Additional Links UA library record
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved no
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:203094 Serial 9059
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Author Zhang, L.; Quinn, B.K.; Hui, C.; Lian, M.; Gielis, J.; Gao, J.; Shi, P.
Title New indices to balance α-diversity against tree size inequality Type A1 Journal article
Year 2024 Publication Journal of forestry research Abbreviated Journal
Volume 35 Issue 1 Pages 31-39
Keywords A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract The number and composition of species in a community can be quantified with alpha-diversity indices, including species richness (R), Simpson's index (D), and the Shannon-Wiener index (HGREEK TONOS). In forest communities, there are large variations in tree size among species and individuals of the same species, which result in differences in ecological processes and ecosystem functions. However, tree size inequality (TSI) has been largely neglected in studies using the available diversity indices. The TSI in the diameter at breast height (DBH) data for each of 999 20 m x 20 m forest census quadrats was quantified using the Gini index (GI), a measure of the inequality of size distribution. The generalized performance equation was used to describe the rotated and right-shifted Lorenz curve of the cumulative proportion of DBH and the cumulative proportion of number of trees per quadrat. We also examined the relationships of alpha-diversity indices with the GI using correlation tests. The generalized performance equation effectively described the rotated and right-shifted Lorenz curve of DBH distributions, with most root-mean-square errors (990 out of 999 quadrats) being < 0.0030. There were significant positive correlations between each of three alpha-diversity indices (i.e., R, D, and H') and the GI. Nevertheless, the total abundance of trees in each quadrat did not significantly influence the GI. This means that the TSI increased with increasing species diversity. Thus, two new indices are proposed that can balance alpha-diversity against the extent of TSI in the community: (1 – GI) x D, and (1 – GI) x H'. These new indices were significantly correlated with the original D and HGREEK TONOS, and did not increase the extent of variation within each group of indices. This study presents a useful tool for quantifying both species diversity and the variation in tree sizes in forest communities, especially in the face of cumulative species loss under global climate change.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001131698000001 Publication Date (up) 2023-12-28
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1007-662x; 1993-0607 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved no
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:201972 Serial 9061
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Author Bissonnette-Dulude, J.; Heirman, P.; Coulombe, S.; Bogaerts, A.; Gervais, T.; Reuter, S.
Title Coupling the COST reference plasma jet to a microfluidic device: a computational study Type A1 Journal Article
Year 2024 Publication Plasma Sources Science and Technology Abbreviated Journal Plasma Sources Sci. Technol.
Volume 33 Issue 1 Pages 015001
Keywords A1 Journal Article; non-thermal plasma, microfluidic, plasma-liquid interactions, modelling; Plasma, laser ablation and surface modeling Antwerp (PLASMANT) ;
Abstract The use of microfluidic devices in the field of plasma-liquid interaction can unlock unique possibilities to investigate the effects of plasma-generated reactive species for environmental and biomedical applications. So far, very little simulation work has been performed on microfluidic devices in contact with a plasma source. We report on the modelling and computational simulation of physical and chemical processes taking place in a novel plasma-microfluidic platform. The main production and transport pathways of reactive species both in plasma and liquid are modelled by a novel modelling approach that combines 0D chemical kinetics and 2D transport mechanisms. This combined approach, applicable to systems where the transport of chemical species occurs in unidirectional flows at high Péclet numbers, decreases calculation times considerably compared to regular 2D simulations. It takes advantage of the low computational time of the 0D reaction models while providing spatial information through multiple plug-flow simulations to yield a quasi-2D model. The gas and liquid flow profiles are simulated entirely in 2D, together with the chemical reactions and transport of key chemical species. The model correctly predicts increased transport of hydrogen peroxide into the liquid when the microfluidic opening is placed inside the plasma effluent region, as opposed to inside the plasma region itself. Furthermore, the modelled hydrogen peroxide production and transport in the microfluidic liquid differs by less than 50% compared with experimental results. To explain this discrepancy, the limits of the 0D–2D combined approach are discussed.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001136607100001 Publication Date (up) 2024-01-01
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0963-0252 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 3.8 Times cited Open Access
Notes Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, RGPIN-06820 ; FWO, 1100421N ; McGill University, the TransMedTech Institute; Approved Most recent IF: 3.8; 2024 IF: 3.302
Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @c:irua:202783 Serial 8990
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Author Linek, J.; Wyszynski, M.; Müller, B.; Korinski, D.; Milošević, M.V.; Kleiner, R.; Koelle, D.
Title On the coupling of magnetic moments to superconducting quantum interference devices Type A1 Journal article
Year 2024 Publication Superconductor science and technology Abbreviated Journal
Volume 37 Issue 2 Pages 025010-25012
Keywords A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Abstract We investigate the coupling factor phi( mu) that quantifies the magnetic flux phi per magnetic moment mu of a point-like magnetic dipole that couples to a superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID). Representing the dipole by a tiny current-carrying (Amperian) loop, the reciprocity of mutual inductances of SQUID and Amperian loop provides an elegant way of calculating phi(mu)(r,e(mu)) vs. position r and orientation e(mu) of the dipole anywhere in space from the magnetic field B-J(r) produced by a supercurrent circulating in the SQUID loop. We use numerical simulations based on London and Ginzburg-Landau theory to calculate phi (mu) from the supercurrent density distributions in various superconducting loop geometries. We treat the far-field regime ( r greater than or similar to a= inner size of the SQUID loop) with the dipole placed on (oriented along) the symmetry axis of circular or square shaped loops. We compare expressions for phi (mu) from simple filamentary loop models with simulation results for loops with finite width w (outer size A > alpha), thickness d and London penetration depth lambda(L )and show that for thin ( d << alpha ) and narrow (w < alpha) loops the introduction of an effective loop size a(eff) in the filamentary loop-model expressions results in good agreement with simulations. For a dipole placed right in the center of the loop, simulations provide an expression phi(mu)(a,A,d,lambda(L)) that covers a wide parameter range. In the near-field regime (dipole centered at small distance z above one SQUID arm) only coupling to a single strip representing the SQUID arm has to be considered. For this case, we compare simulations with an analytical expression derived for a homogeneous current density distribution, which yields excellent agreement for lambda(L)>w,d . Moreover, we analyze the improvement of phi(mu) provided by the introduction of a narrow constriction in the SQUID arm below the magnetic dipole.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001145725500001 Publication Date (up) 2024-01-04
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0953-2048 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved no
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:202759 Serial 9067
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Author Hofer, C.; Gao, C.; Chennit, T.; Yuan, B.; Pennycook, T.J.
Title Phase offset method of ptychographic contrast reversal correction Type A1 Journal Article
Year 2024 Publication Ultramicroscopy Abbreviated Journal Ultramicroscopy
Volume Issue Pages 113922
Keywords A1 Journal Article; Electron Microscopy for Materials Science (EMAT) ;
Abstract
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos Publication Date (up) 2024-01-08
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0304-3991 ISBN Additional Links UA library record
Impact Factor 2.2 Times cited Open Access
Notes FWO, G013122N ; Horizon 2020 Framework Programme; European Research Council, 802123-HDEM ; European Research Council; Approved Most recent IF: 2.2; 2024 IF: 2.843
Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:202379 Serial 8988
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Author Kelly, S.; Mercer, E.; Gorbanev, Y.; Fedirchyk, I.; Verheyen, C.; Werner, K.; Pullumbi, P.; Cowley, A.; Bogaerts, A.
Title Plasma-based conversion of martian atmosphere into life-sustaining chemicals: The benefits of utilizing martian ambient pressure Type A1 Journal Article
Year 2024 Publication Journal of CO2 Utilization Abbreviated Journal Journal of CO2 Utilization
Volume 80 Issue Pages 102668
Keywords A1 Journal Article; Mars Microwave plasma Conversion; Plasma, laser ablation and surface modeling Antwerp (PLASMANT) ;
Abstract We explored the potential of plasma-based In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) for Mars through the conversion of Martian atmosphere (~96% CO2, 2% N2, and 2% Ar) into life-sustaining chemicals. As the Martian surface pressure is about 1% of the Earth’s surface pressure, it is an ideal environment for plasma-based gas conversion using microwave reactors. At 1000 W and 10 Ln/min (normal liters per minute), we produced ~76 g/h of O2 and ~3 g/h of NOx using a 2.45 GHz waveguided reactor at 25 mbar, which is ~3.5 times Mars ambient pressure. The energy cost required to produce O2 was ~0.013 kWh/g, which is very promising compared to recently concluded MOXIE experiments on the Mars surface. This marks a crucial step towards realizing the extension of human exploration.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos Publication Date (up) 2024-01-09
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2212-9820 ISBN Additional Links UA library record
Impact Factor 7.7 Times cited Open Access
Notes We acknowledge financial support by a European Space Agency (ESA) Open Science Innovation Platform study (contract no. 4000137001/21/NL/GLC/ov), the European Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowship ‘‘PENFIX’’ within Horizon 2020 (grant no. 838181), the European Research Council (ERC) under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Program (grant no. 810182; SCOPE ERC Synergy project), the Excellence of Science FWOFNRS PLASyntH2 project (FWO grant no. G0I1822N and EOS no. 4000751) and the Methusalem project of the University of Antwerp. Approved Most recent IF: 7.7; 2024 IF: 4.292
Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @c:irua:202389 Serial 8986
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Author Lobato, I.; Friedrich, T.; Van Aert, S.
Title Deep convolutional neural networks to restore single-shot electron microscopy images Type A1 Journal Article
Year 2024 Publication npj Computational Materials Abbreviated Journal npj Comput Mater
Volume 10 Issue 1 Pages 10
Keywords A1 Journal Article; Electron Microscopy for Materials Science (EMAT) ;
Abstract Advanced electron microscopy techniques, including scanning electron microscopes (SEM), scanning transmission electron microscopes (STEM), and transmission electron microscopes (TEM), have revolutionized imaging capabilities. However, achieving high-quality experimental images remains a challenge due to various distortions stemming from the instrumentation and external factors. These distortions, introduced at different stages of imaging, hinder the extraction of reliable quantitative insights. In this paper, we will discuss the main sources of distortion in TEM and S(T)EM images, develop models to describe them, and propose a method to correct these distortions using a convolutional neural network. We validate the effectiveness of our method on a range of simulated and experimental images, demonstrating its ability to significantly enhance the signal-to-noise ratio. This improvement leads to a more reliable extraction of quantitative structural information from the images. In summary, our findings offer a robust framework to enhance the quality of electron microscopy images, which in turn supports progress in structural analysis and quantification in materials science and biology.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001138183000001 Publication Date (up) 2024-01-09
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2057-3960 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes This work was supported by the European Research Council (Grant 770887 PICOMETRICS to S.V.A.). The authors acknowledge financial support from the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO, Belgium) through project fundings (G034621N, G0A7723N and EOS 40007495). S.V.A. acknowledges funding from the University of Antwerp Research Fund (BOF). The authors thank Lukas Grünewald for data acquisition and support for Fig. 7. Approved Most recent IF: NA
Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:202714 Serial 8994
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Author Dong, H.M.; Liang, H.P.; Tao, Z.H.; Duan, Y.F.; Milošević, M.V.; Chang, K.
Title Interface thermal conductivities induced by van der Waals interactions Type A1 Journal article
Year 2024 Publication Physical chemistry, chemical physics Abbreviated Journal
Volume 26 Issue 5 Pages 4047-4051
Keywords A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Abstract The interface heat transfer of two layers induced by van der Waals (vdW) contacts is theoretically investigated, based on first-principles calculations at low temperatures. The results suggest that out-of-plane acoustic phonons with low frequencies dominate the interface thermal transport due to the vdW interaction. The interface thermal conductivity is proportional to the cubic of temperature at very low temperatures, but becomes linearly proportional to temperature as temperature increases. We show that manipulating the strain alters vdW coupling, leading to increased interfacial thermal conductivity at the interface. Our findings provide valuable insights into the interface heat transport in vdW heterostructures and support further design and optimization of electronic and optoelectronic nanodevices based on vdW contacts. The heat transfer induced by van der Waals contacts is dominated by ZA phonons. The interface thermal conductivity is proportional to the cubic of temperature, but becomes linearly proportional to temperature as temperature increases.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001142323400001 Publication Date (up) 2024-01-09
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1463-9076; 1463-9084 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved no
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:202795 Serial 9050
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Author Wang, K.; Ceulemans, S.; Zhang, H.; Tsonev, I.; Zhang, Y.; Long, Y.; Fang, M.; Li, X.; Yan, J.; Bogaerts, A.
Title Inhibiting recombination to improve the performance of plasma-based CO2 conversion Type A1 Journal Article
Year 2024 Publication Chemical Engineering Journal Abbreviated Journal Chemical Engineering Journal
Volume 481 Issue Pages 148684
Keywords A1 Journal Article; Plasma-based CO2 splitting Recombination reactions In-situ gas sampling Fluid dynamics modeling Kinetics modeling Afterglow quenching; Plasma, laser ablation and surface modeling Antwerp (PLASMANT) ;
Abstract Warm plasma offers a promising route for CO2 splitting into valuable CO, yet recombination reactions of CO with oxygen, forming again CO2, have recently emerged as critical limitation. This study combines experiments and fluid dynamics + chemical kinetics modelling to comprehensively analyse the recombination reactions upon CO2 splitting in an atmospheric plasmatron. We introduce an innovative in-situ gas sampling technique, enabling 2D spatial mapping of gas product compositions and temperatures, experimentally confirming for the first time the substantial limiting effect of CO recombination reactions in the afterglow region. Our results show that the CO mole fraction at a 5 L/min flow rate drops significantly from 11.9 % at a vertical distance of z = 20 mm in the afterglow region to 8.6 % at z = 40 mm. We constructed a comprehensive 2D model that allows for spatial reaction rates analysis incorporating crucial reactions, and we validated it to kinetically elucidate this phenomenon. CO2 +M⇌O+CO+M and CO2 +O⇌CO+O2 are the dominant reactions, with the forward reactions prevailing in the plasma region and the backward reactions becoming prominent in the afterglow region. These results allow us to propose an afterglow quenching strategy for performance enhancement, which is further demonstrated through a meticulously developed plasmatron reactor with two-stage cooling. Our approach substantially increases the CO2 conversion (e.g., from 6.6 % to 19.5 % at 3 L/min flow rate) and energy efficiency (from 13.5 % to 28.5 %, again at 3 L/min) and significantly shortens the startup time (from ~ 150 s to 25 s). Our study underscores the critical role of inhibiting recombination reactions in plasma-based CO2 conversion and offers new avenues for performance enhancement.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos Publication Date (up) 2024-01-10
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1385-8947 ISBN Additional Links
Impact Factor 15.1 Times cited Open Access
Notes Key Research and Development Program of Zhejiang Province, 2023C03129 ; Vlaamse regering; European Research Council; National Natural Science Foundation of China, 51976191 52276214 ; Horizon 2020 Framework Programme; Fonds De La Recherche Scientifique – FNRS; Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek, 1101524N ; Vlaams Supercomputer Centrum; Horizon 2020, 101081162 810182 ; European Research Council; Approved Most recent IF: 15.1; 2024 IF: 6.216
Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @ Serial 8993
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