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Author Lin, A.; Gromov, M.; Nikiforov, A.; Smits, E.; Bogaerts, A.
Title Characterization of Non-Thermal Dielectric Barrier Discharges for Plasma Medicine: From Plastic Well Plates to Skin Surfaces Type A1 Journal Article
Year (down) 2023 Publication Plasma Chemistry and Plasma Processing Abbreviated Journal Plasma Chem Plasma Process
Volume 43 Issue 6 Pages 1587-1612
Keywords A1 Journal Article; Non-thermal plasma · Plasma medicine · Dielectric barrier discharge · Plasma diagnostics · Plasma surface interaction · In situ plasma monitoring; Plasma, laser ablation and surface modeling Antwerp (PLASMANT) ;
Abstract technologies have been expanding, and one of the most exciting and rapidly growing

applications is in biology and medicine. Most biomedical studies with DBD plasma systems are performed in vitro, which include cells grown on the surface of plastic well plates, or in vivo, which include animal research models (e.g. mice, pigs). Since many DBD systems use the biological target as the secondary electrode for direct plasma generation and treatment, they are sensitive to the surface properties of the target, and thus can be altered based on the in vitro or in vivo system used. This could consequently affect biological response from plasma treatment. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the DBD plasma behavior both in vitro (i.e. 96-well flat bottom plates, 96-well U-bottom plates, and 24-well flat bottom plates), and in vivo (i.e. mouse skin). Intensified charge coupled device (ICCD) imaging was performed and the plasma discharges were visually distinguishable between the different systems. The geometry of the wells did not affect DBD plasma generation for low application distances (≤ 2 mm), but differentially affected plasma uniformity on the bottom of the well at greater distances. Since DBD plasma treatment in vitro is rarely performed in dry wells for plasma medicine experiments, the effect of well wetness was also investigated. In all in vitro cases, the uniformity of the DBD plasma was affected when comparing wet versus dry wells, with the plasma in the wide-bottom wells appearing the most similar to plasma generated on mouse skin. Interestingly, based on quantification of ICCD images, the DBD plasma intensity per surface area demonstrated an exponential one-phase decay with increasing application distance, regardless of the in vitro or in vivo system. This trend is similar to that of the energy per pulse of plasma, which is used to determine the total plasma treatment energy for biological systems. Optical emission spectroscopy performed on the plasma revealed similar trends in radical species generation between the plastic well plates and mouse skin. Therefore, taken together, DBD plasma intensity per surface area may be a valuable parameter to be used as a simple method for in situ monitoring during biological treatment and active plasma treatment control, which can be applied for in vitro and in vivo systems.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001072607700001 Publication Date 2023-09-27
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0272-4324 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 3.6 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access
Notes This work was partially funded by the Research Foundation—Flanders (FWO) and supported by the following Grants: 12S9221N (A. L.), G044420N (A. L. and A. B.), and G033020N (A.B.). We would also like to thank several patrons, as part of this research was funded by donations from different donors, including Dedert Schilde vzw, Mr Willy Floren, and the Vereycken family. We would also like to acknowledge the support from the European Cooperation in Science & Technology (COST) Action on “Therapeutical applications of Cold Plasmas” (CA20114; PlasTHER). Approved Most recent IF: 3.6; 2023 IF: 2.355
Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @c:irua:200285 Serial 8970
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Author Claes, J.; Partoens, B.; Lamoen, D.
Title Decoupled DFT-1/2 method for defect excitation energies Type A1 Journal Article
Year (down) 2023 Publication Physical Review B Abbreviated Journal Phys. Rev. B
Volume 108 Issue 12 Pages 125306
Keywords A1 Journal Article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT) ;
Abstract The DFT-1/2 method is a band-gap correction with GW precision at a density functional theory (DFT) computational cost. The method was also extended to correct the gap between defect levels, allowing for the calculation of optical transitions. However, this method fails when the atomic character of the occupied and unoccupied defect levels is similar as we illustrate by two examples, the tetrahedral hydrogen interstitial and the negatively charged vacancy in diamond. We solve this problem by decoupling the effect of the occupied and unoccupied defect levels and call this the decoupled DFT-1/2 method for defects.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001089302800003 Publication Date 2023-09-25
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2469-9950 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 3.7 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access
Notes This work was supported by the FWO (Research Foundation-Flanders), Project No. G0D1721N. This work was performed in part using HPC resources from the VSC (Flemish Supercomputer Center) and the HPC infrastructure of the University of Antwerp (CalcUA), both funded by the FWO-Vlaanderen and the Flemish Government department EWI (Economie, Wetenschap & Innovatie). Approved Most recent IF: 3.7; 2023 IF: 3.836
Call Number CMT @ cmt @c:irua:201287 Serial 8976
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Author Souza, J.C.B.; Vizarim, N.P.; Reichhardt, C.J.O.; Reichhardt, C.; Venegas, P.A.
Title Soliton motion induced along ferromagnetic skyrmion chains in chiral thin nanotracks Type A1 Journal article
Year (down) 2023 Publication Journal of magnetism and magnetic materials Abbreviated Journal
Volume 587 Issue Pages 171280-171289
Keywords A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Abstract Using atomistic magnetic simulations we investigate the soliton motion along a pinned skyrmion chain containing an interstitial skyrmion. We find that the soliton can exhibit stable motion along the chain without a skyrmion Hall effect for an extended range of drives. Under a constant drive the solitons have a constant velocity. We also measure the skyrmion velocity-current curves and identify the signatures of different phases including a pinned phase, stable soliton motion, and quasi-free motion at higher drives where all of the skyrmions depin from the pinning centers and move along the rigid wall. In the quasi-free motion regime, the velocity is oscillatory due to the motion of the skyrmions over the pinning sites. For increasing pinning strength, the onset of soliton motion shifts to higher values of current density. We also find that for stronger pinning, the characteristic velocity-current shape is affected by the annihilation of single or multiple skyrmions in the drive interval over which the soliton motion occurs. Our results indicate that stable skyrmion soliton motion is possible and that the solitons could be used as information carriers instead of the skyrmions themselves for technological applications.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001086712600001 Publication Date 2023-09-21
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0304-8853 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved no
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:201139 Serial 9095
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Author Bercx, M.; Mayda, S.; Depla, D.; Partoens, B.; Lamoen, D.
Title Plasmonic effects in the neutralization of slow ions at a metallic surface Type A1 Journal Article
Year (down) 2023 Publication Contributions to Plasma Physics Abbreviated Journal Contrib. Plasma Phys
Volume Issue Pages
Keywords A1 Journal Article; Electron Microscopy for Materials Science (EMAT) ;
Abstract Secondary electron emission is an important process that plays a significant role in several plasma‐related applications. As measuring the secondary electron yield experimentally is very challenging, quantitative modelling of this process to obtain reliable yield data is critical as input for higher‐scale simulations. Here, we build upon our previous work combining density functional theory calculations with a model originally developed by Hagstrum to extend its application to metallic surfaces. As plasmonic effects play a much more important role in the secondary electron emission mechanism for metals, we introduce an approach based on Poisson point processes to include both surface and bulk plasmon excitations to the process. The resulting model is able to reproduce the yield spectra of several available experimental results quite well but requires the introduction of global fitting parameters, which describe the strength of the plasmon interactions. Finally, we use an in‐house developed workflow to calculate the electron yield for a list of elemental surfaces spanning the periodic table to produce an extensive data set for the community and compare our results with more simplified approaches from the literature.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001067651300001 Publication Date 2023-09-16
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0863-1042 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 1.6 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access
Notes We acknowledge the financial support of FWO-Vlaanderen through project G.0216.14N. The computational resources and services used in this work were provided by the VSC (Flemish Supercomputer Center) and the HPC infrastructure of the University of Antwerp (CalcUA), both funded by the FWO-Vlaanderen and the Flemish Government-department EWI. Approved Most recent IF: 1.6; 2023 IF: 1.44
Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:200330 Serial 8962
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Author Raes, A.; Ninakanti, R.; Van den Bergh, L.; Borah, R.; Van Doorslaer, S.; Verbruggen, S.W.
Title Black titania by sonochemistry : a critical evaluation of existing methods Type A1 Journal article
Year (down) 2023 Publication Ultrasonics sonochemistry Abbreviated Journal
Volume 100 Issue Pages 106601-106609
Keywords A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL); Theory and Spectroscopy of Molecules and Materials (TSM²); Laboratory of adsorption and catalysis (LADCA)
Abstract In the field of photocatalysis, the fabrication of black titania is a booming topic, as it offers a system with improved solar light harvesting properties and increased overall efficiency. The darkening of white TiO2 powders can be ascribed to surface hydroxylation, oxygen vacancies, Ti3+ centres, or a combination thereof. A handful of studies suggests these defects can be conveniently introduced by acoustic cavitation, generated during sonochemical treatment of pristine TiO2 powders. In reproducing these studies, P25 TiO2 samples were ultrasonicated for various hours with a power density of 8000 W/L, resulting in powders that indeed became gradually darker with increasing sonication time. However, HAADF–STEM revealed that extensive erosion of the sonotrode tip took place and contaminated the samples, which appeared to be the primary reason for the observed colour change. This was confirmed by UV–Vis DRS and DRIFTS, that showed no significant alteration of the catalyst surface after sonication. EPR measurements showed that only an insignificant fraction of Ti3+ centres were produced, far less than in a TiO2 sample that was chemically reduced with NaBH4. No evidence of the presence oxygen vacancies could be found. The enhanced photocatalytic activities of ultrasonicated materials reported in literature can therefore not be ascribed to the synthesis of actual black (defected) TiO2, but rather to specific changes in morphology as a result of acoustic cavitation. Also, this study underlines the importance of considering probe erosion in sonochemical catalyst synthesis, which is an unavoidable side effect that can have an important impact on the catalyst appearance, properties and performance.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001084391500001 Publication Date 2023-09-15
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1350-4177 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 8.4 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 8.4; 2023 IF: 4.218
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:198848 Serial 8838
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Author Ghasemitarei, M.; Ghorbi, T.; Yusupov, M.; Zhang, Y.; Zhao, T.; Shali, P.; Bogaerts, A.
Title Effects of Nitro-Oxidative Stress on Biomolecules: Part 1—Non-Reactive Molecular Dynamics Simulations Type A1 Journal Article
Year (down) 2023 Publication Biomolecules Abbreviated Journal Biomolecules
Volume 13 Issue 9 Pages 1371
Keywords A1 Journal Article; plasma medicine; reactive oxygen and; Plasma, laser ablation and surface modeling Antwerp (PLASMANT) ;
Abstract Plasma medicine, or the biomedical application of cold atmospheric plasma (CAP), is an expanding field within plasma research. CAP has demonstrated remarkable versatility in diverse biological applications, including cancer treatment, wound healing, microorganism inactivation, and skin disease therapy. However, the precise mechanisms underlying the effects of CAP remain incompletely understood. The therapeutic effects of CAP are largely attributed to the generation of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS), which play a crucial role in the biological responses induced by CAP. Specifically, RONS produced during CAP treatment have the ability to chemically modify cell membranes and membrane proteins, causing nitro-oxidative stress, thereby leading to changes in membrane permeability and disruption of cellular processes. To gain atomic-level insights into these interactions, non-reactive molecular dynamics (MD) simulations have emerged as a valuable tool. These simulations facilitate the examination of larger-scale system dynamics, including protein-protein and protein-membrane interactions. In this comprehensive review, we focus on the applications of non-reactive MD simulations in studying the effects of CAP on cellular components and interactions at the atomic level, providing a detailed overview of the potential of CAP in medicine. We also review the results of other MD studies that are not related to plasma medicine but explore the effects of nitro-oxidative stress on cellular components and are therefore important for a broader understanding of the underlying processes.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001071356400001 Publication Date 2023-09-11
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2218-273X ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access
Notes This research received no external funding. Approved Most recent IF: NA
Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @c:irua:200380 Serial 8958
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Author Nakazato, R.; Matsumoto, K.; Yamaguchi, N.; Cavallo, M.; Crocella, V.; Bonino, F.; Quintelier, M.; Hadermann, J.; Rosero-navarro, N.C.; Miura, A.; Tadanaga, K.
Title CO₂ electrochemical reduction with Zn-Al layered double hydroxide-loaded gas-diffusion electrode Type A1 Journal article
Year (down) 2023 Publication Electrochemistry Abbreviated Journal
Volume 91 Issue 9 Pages 097003-97007
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Carbon dioxide electrochemical reduction (CO2ER) has attracted considerable attention as a technology to recycle CO2 into raw materials for chemicals using renewable energies. We recently found that Zn-Al layered double hydroxides (Zn-Al LDH) have the CO-forming CO2ER activity. However, the activity was only evaluated by using the liquid-phase CO2ER. In this study, Ni-Al and Ni-Fe LDHs as well as Zn-Al LDH were synthesized using a facile coprecipitation process and the gas-phase CO2ER with the LDH-loaded gas-diffusion electrode (GDE) was examined. The products were characterized by XRD, STEM-EDX, BF-TEM and ATR-IR spectroscopy. In the ATR-IR results, the interaction of CO2 with Zn-Al LDH showed a different carbonates evolution with respect to other LDHs, suggesting a different electrocatalytic activity. The LDH-loaded GDE was prepared by simple drop-casting of a catalyst ink onto carbon paper. For gas-phase CO2ER, only Zn-Al LDH exhibited the CO2ER activity for carbon monoxide (CO) formation. By using different potassium salt electrolytes affording neutral to strongly basic conditions, such as KCl, KHCO3 and KOH, the gas-phase CO2ER with Zn-Al LDH-loaded GDE showed 1.3 to 2.1 times higher partial current density for CO formation than the liquid-phase CO2ER.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001082818000001 Publication Date 2023-09-08
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved no
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:200340 Serial 9009
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Author Moggia, G.; Hoekx, S.; Daems, N.; Bals, S.; Breugelmans, T.
Title Synthesis and characterization of a highly electroactive composite based on Au nanoparticles supported on nanoporous activated carbon for electrocatalysis Type A1 Journal article
Year (down) 2023 Publication ChemElectroChem Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue Pages 1-11
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Applied Electrochemistry & Catalysis (ELCAT)
Abstract A facile, “one-pot”, chemical approach to synthesize gold-based nanoparticles finely dispersed on porous activated carbon (Norit) was demonstrated in this work. The pH of the synthesis bath played a critical role in determining the optimal gold-carbon interaction, which enabled a successful deposition of the gold nanoparticles onto the carbon matrix with a maximized metal utilization of 93 %. The obtained AuNP/C nanocomposite was characterized using SEM, HAADF-STEM electron tomography and electrochemical techniques. It was found that the Au nanoparticles, with diameters between 5 and 20 nm, were evenly distributed over the carbon matrix, both inside and outside the pores. Electrochemical characterization indicated that the composite had a very large electroactive surface area (EASA), as high as 282.4 m2 gAu-1. By exploiting its very high EASA, the catalyst was intended to boost the productivity of glucaric acid in the electrooxidation of its precursor, gluconic acid. However, cyclic voltammetry experiments revealed a very limited reactivity towards gluconic acid oxidation, due to the spacial hindrance of gluconic acid molecule which prevented diffusion inside the catalyst nanopores. On the other hand, the as-synthesized nanocomposite promises to be effective towards the ORR, and might thus find potential application as anode catalyst for fuel cells as well as for the scalability of all those electrochemical reactions involving small molecules with high diffusivity and catalysed by noble metals (i. e. CO2, CH4, N2, etc..). Electrocatalysis: Gold nanoparticles with diameter between 5 and 20 nm evenly distributed onto porous activated carbon (Norit) were obtained using a facile “one-pot” chemical synthesis technique with very high metal utilization. The AuNP/C nanocomposite was characterized using SEM, HAADF-STEM electron tomography and electrochemical techniques, revealing a very large electroactive surface area (EASA). The figure shows the HAADF-STEM image (a) and the respective EDX elemental distribution (b) for the AuNP/C composite with 9.3 % Au-loading developed in this work (Au is marked in red and C in green).image
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001060398900001 Publication Date 2023-09-08
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2196-0216 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 4 Times cited 1 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes The research described in this article has not been supported by the Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency of the European Commission. The views expressed in this article have not been adopted or in any way approved by the European Commission and do not constitute a statement of the European Commission & apos;s views.r S. Hoekx was supported by Research Foundation Flanders (FWO 1S42623N). The authors would like to thank Prof. Dr. Christophe Vande Velde, University of Antwerp, for the XRD analysis. Approved Most recent IF: 4; 2023 IF: 4.136
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:199210 Serial 8941
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Author Lima, I.L.C.; Milošević, M.V.; Peeters, F.M.; Chaves, A.
Title Tuning of exciton type by environmental screening Type A1 Journal article
Year (down) 2023 Publication Physical review B Abbreviated Journal
Volume 108 Issue 11 Pages 115303-115308
Keywords A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Abstract We theoretically investigate the binding energy and electron-hole (e-h) overlap of excitonic states confined at the interface between two-dimensional materials with type-II band alignment, i.e., with lowest conduction and highest valence band edges placed in different materials, arranged in a side-by-side planar heterostructure. We propose a variational procedure within the effective mass approximation to calculate the exciton ground state and apply our model to a monolayer MoS2/WS2 heterostructure. The role of nonabrupt interfaces between the materials is accounted for in our model by assuming a WxMo1-xS2 alloy around the interfacial region. Our results demonstrate that (i) interface-bound excitons are energetically favorable only for small interface thickness and/or for systems under high dielectric screening by the materials surrounding the monolayer, and that (ii) the interface exciton binding energy and its e-h overlap are controllable by the interface width and dielectric environment.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001077758300002 Publication Date 2023-09-08
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
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved no
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:200356 Serial 9110
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Author Chen, Q.; Skorikov, A.; van der Hoeven, J.E.S.; van Blaaderen, A.; Albrecht, W.; Perez-Garza, H.H.; Bals, S.
Title Estimation of temperature homogeneity in MEMS-based heating nanochips via quantitative HAADF-STEM tomography Type A1 Journal article
Year (down) 2023 Publication Particle and particle systems characterization Abbreviated Journal
Volume 41 Issue 2 Pages 1-8
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Sample holders for transmission electron microscopy (TEM) based on micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) have recently become popular for investigating the behavior of nanomaterials under in situ or environmental conditions. The accuracy and reproducibility of these in situ holders are essential to ensure the reliability of experimental results. In addition, the uniformity of an applied temperature trigger across the MEMS chip is a crucial parameter. In this work, it is measured the temperature homogeneity of MEMS-based heating sample supports by locally analyzing the dynamics of heat-induced alloying of Au@Ag nanoparticles located in different regions of the support through quantitative fast high-angle annular dark-field scanning TEM tomography. These results demonstrate the superior temperature homogeneity of a microheater design based on a heating element shaped as a circular spiral with a width decreasing outwards compared to a double spiral-shaped designed microheater. The proposed approach to measure the local temperature homogeneity based on the thermal properties of bimetallic nanoparticles will support the future development of MEMS-based heating supports with improved thermal properties and in situ studies where high precision in the temperature at a certain position is required. This schematic delineates an approach to quantifying potential localized temperature deviation within a nanochip. Employing two comparable nanoparticles as thermal probes in discrete nanochip regions, the alloying kinetics of these nanoparticles are monitorable using in situ quantitative high-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF-STEM) tomography, thus enabling the precise estimation of local temperature deviations.image
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001060394600001 Publication Date 2023-09-08
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0934-0866 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 2.7 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access
Notes This project was funded from the European Commission and The Marie Sklodowska-Curie Innovative Training Network MUMMERING (Grant Agreement no. 765604) Approved Most recent IF: 2.7; 2023 IF: 4.474
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:199219 Serial 8863
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Author Oliveira, M.C.; Cordeiro, R.M.; Bogaerts, A.
Title Effect of lipid oxidation on the channel properties of Cx26 hemichannels : a molecular dynamics study Type A1 Journal article
Year (down) 2023 Publication Archives of biochemistry and biophysics Abbreviated Journal
Volume 746 Issue Pages 109741-12
Keywords A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract Intercellular communication plays a crucial role in cancer, as well as other diseases, such as inflammation, tissue degeneration, and neurological disorders. One of the proteins responsible for this, are connexins (Cxs), which come together to form a hemichannel. When two hemichannels of opposite cells interact with each other, they form a gap junction (GJ) channel, connecting the intracellular space of these cells. They allow the passage of ions, reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS), and signaling molecules from the interior of one cell to another cell, thus playing an essential role in cell growth, differentiation, and homeostasis. The importance of GJs for disease induction and therapy development is becoming more appreciated, especially in the context of oncology. Studies have shown that one of the mechanisms to control the formation and disruption of GJs is mediated by lipid oxidation pathways, but the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. In this study, we performed atomistic molecular dynamics simulations to evaluate how lipid oxidation influences the channel properties of Cx26 hemichannels, such as channel gating and permeability. Our results demonstrate that the Cx26 hemichannel is more compact in the presence of oxidized lipids, decreasing its pore diameter at the extracellular side and increasing it at the amino terminus domains, respectively. The permeability of the Cx26 hemichannel for water and RONS molecules is higher in the presence of oxidized lipids. The latter may facilitate the intracellular accumulation of RONS, possibly increasing oxidative stress in cells. A better understanding of this process will help to enhance the efficacy of oxidative stress-based cancer treatments.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001079100300001 Publication Date 2023-09-07
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:200282 Serial 9028
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Author Tang, C.S.; Zeng, S.; Wu, J.; Chen, S.; Naradipa, M.A.; Song, D.; Milošević, M.V.; Yang, P.; Diao, C.; Zhou, J.; Pennycook, S.J.; Breese, M.B.H.; Cai, C.; Venkatesan, T.; Ariando, A.; Yang, M.; Wee, A.T.S.; Yin, X.
Title Detection of two-dimensional small polarons at oxide interfaces by optical spectroscopy Type A1 Journal article
Year (down) 2023 Publication Applied physics reviews Abbreviated Journal
Volume 10 Issue 3 Pages 031406-31409
Keywords A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Abstract Two-dimensional (2D) perovskite oxide interfaces are ideal systems to uncover diverse emergent properties, such as the arising polaronic properties from short-range charge-lattice interactions. Thus, a technique to detect this quasiparticle phenomenon at the buried interface is highly coveted. Here, we report the observation of 2D small-polarons at the LaAlO3/SrTiO3 conducting interface using high-resolution spectroscopic ellipsometry. First-principles investigations show that interfacial electron-lattice coupling mediated by the longitudinal phonon mode facilitates the formation of these polarons. This study resolves the long-standing question by attributing the formation of interfacial 2D small polarons to the significant mismatch between experimentally measured interfacial carrier density and theoretical values. Our study sheds light on the complexity of broken periodic lattice-induced quasi-particle effects and its relationship with exotic phenomena at complex oxide interfaces. Meanwhile, this work establishes spectroscopic ellipsometry as a useful technique to detect and locate optical evidence of polaronic states and other emerging quantum properties at the buried interface.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001038283300001 Publication Date 2023-09-06
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1931-9401 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 15 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 15; 2023 IF: 13.667
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:198433 Serial 8847
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Author Matnazarova, S.; Khalilov, U.; Yusupov, M.
Title Effect of endohedral nickel atoms on the hydrophilicity of carbon nanotubes Type A1 Journal article
Year (down) 2023 Publication Molecular simulation Abbreviated Journal
Volume 49 Issue 17 Pages 1575-1581
Keywords A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been successfully used in biomedicine, including cancer therapy, due to their unique physico-chemical properties. Because pristine CNTs exhibit hydrophobic behaviour, they can have a cytotoxic effect on cells, which limits their practical use in biomedicine. The toxicity of CNTs can be reduced by adding water-soluble functional radicals to their surface, i.e. by increasing their hydrophilicity. Another possibility for increasing the hydrophilicity of CNTs is probably filling them with endohedral metal atoms, which has not yet been studied. Thus, in this study, we use computer simulations to investigate the combined effect of endohedral nickel atoms and functional groups on the hydrophilicity of CNTs. Our simulation results show that the introduction of endohedral nickel atoms into CNTs increases their binding energy with functional groups. We also find that the addition of functional groups to the surface of CNT, along with filling it with endohedral nickel atoms, leads to an increase in the dipole moment of the CNT as well as its interaction energy with water, thereby increasing the hydrophilicity of the CNT and, consequently, its solubility in water. This, in turn, can lead to a decrease in CNT toxicity.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001059544800001 Publication Date 2023-09-06
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0892-7022 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved no
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:199261 Serial 9027
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Author Ramesha, B.M.; Pawlak, B.; Arenas Esteban, D.; Reekmans, G.; Bals, S.; Marchal, W.; Carleer, R.; Adriaensens, P.; Meynen, V.
Title Partial hydrolysis of diphosphonate ester during the formation of hybrid Tio₂ nanoparticles : role of acid concentration Type A1 Journal article
Year (down) 2023 Publication ChemPhysChem : a European journal of chemical physics and physical chemistry Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue Pages e202300437-13
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Laboratory of adsorption and catalysis (LADCA)
Abstract In the present work, a method was utilized to control the in‐situ partial hydrolysis of a diphosphonate ester in presence of a titania precursor and in function of acid content and its impact on the hybrid nanoparticles was assessed. The hydrolysis degree of organodiphosphonate ester linkers during the formation of hybrid organic‐inorganic metal oxide nanoparticles, are relatively underexplored . Quantitative solution NMR spectroscopy revealed that during the synthesis of TiO2 nanoparticles, an increase in acid concentration introduces a higher degree of partial hydrolysis of the TEPD linker into diverse acid/ester derivatives of TEPD. Increasing the HCl/Ti ratio from 1 to 3, resulted in an increase in degree of partial hydrolysis of the TEPD linker in solution from 4% to 18.8% under the here applied conditions. As a result of the difference in partial hydrolysis, the linker‐TiO2 bonding was altered. Upon subsequent drying of the colloidal TiO2 solution, different textures, at nanoscale and macroscopic scale, were obtained dependent on the HCl/Ti ratio and thus the degree of hydrolysis of TEPD. Understanding such linker‐TiO2 nanoparticle surface dynamics is crucial for making hybrid organic‐inorganic materials (i.e. (porous) metal phosphonates) employed in applications such as electronic/photonic devices, separation technology and heterogeneous catalysts.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001071673900001 Publication Date 2023-09-05
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1439-4235; 1439-7641 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 2.9 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access: Available from 05.03.2024
Notes This work was supported by the Research Foundation-Flanders (FWO Vlaanderen) Project G.0121.17 N. The work was further supported by Hasselt University and the Research Foundation – Flanders (FWO Vlaanderen) via the Hercules project AUHL/15/2 – GOH3816 N. V. M. acknowledges the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO) for project K801621 N. B. M. R. acknowledges, Prof. Dr. Christophe Detavernier and Dr. Davy Deduystche (COCOON, Ghent University) for PXRD and VT-XRD measurements, Prof. Dr. Christophe Van De Velde (iPRACS, University of Antwerp) and Dr. Radu Ciocarlan (LADCA, University of Antwerp) for helpful discussions on PXRD measurements and Dr. Nick Gys (University of Antwerp and VITO) for ICP-OES measurements. Approved Most recent IF: 2.9; 2023 IF: 3.075
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:198934 Serial 8911
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Author Marazzi, E.; Ghojavand, A.; Pirard, J.; Petretto, G.; Charlier, J.-C.; Rignanese, G.-M.
Title Modeling symmetric and defect-free carbon schwarzites into various zeolite templates Type A1 Journal article
Year (down) 2023 Publication Carbon Abbreviated Journal
Volume 215 Issue Pages 118385-118389
Keywords A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Abstract Recently, a process has been proposed for generating negatively-curved carbon schwarzites via zeolite-templating (Braun et al., 2018). However, the proposed process leads to atomistic models which are not very symmetric and often rather defective. In the present work, an improved generation approach is developed, by imposing symmetry constraints, which systematically leads to defect-free, hence more stable, schwarzites. The stability of the newly predicted symmetric schwarzites is also compared to that of other carbon nanostructures (in particular carbon nanotubes – CNTs), which could also be accommodated within the same templates. Our results suggest that only a few of these (such as FAU, SBT and SBS) can fit schwarzites more stable than CNTs. Our predictions could help experimentalists in the crucial choice of the template for the challenging synthesis of schwarzites. Furthermore, being highly symmetric and stable phases, the models could also be synthesized by means of other experimental procedures.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001078649800001 Publication Date 2023-09-04
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0008-6223 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved no
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:200314 Serial 9057
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Author Parchomenko, A.; De Smet, S.; Pals, E.; Vanderreydt, I.; Van Opstal, W.
Title The circular economy potential of reversible bonding in smartphones Type A1 Journal article
Year (down) 2023 Publication Sustainable Production and Consumption Abbreviated Journal
Volume 41 Issue Pages 362-378
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract The increased use of adhesive bonding in manufacturing is an important barrier to implement circular economy strategies, including repair, refurbishment, and high-quality recycling. The circular economy potential of reversible adhesives that are debondable on demand, however, remains largely unexplored. In this paper we apply an integrated technology-agnostic framework to smartphones to identify and quantify the circular econ-omy potential of reversible bonding. In this framework we combine insights from Life Cycle Assessment, Life Cycle Costing, and Statistical Entropy Analysis. We find that reversible bonding of smartphones can be an enabler for circular strategies and have a considerable positive impact on preserving higher functionality on a product, component, and material level. The major added value of reversible bonding is its potential to replace and update parts, retaining the main environmental hotspot of a smartphone. Firms, however, will not likely switch to this technology, even though bonding and debonding make up only a small fraction of total lifecycle costs. Therefore, policy recommendations include mandatory policies on repairability and public procurement favouring the use of reversible bonding techniques. This would alter incentives in contexts where consumer preferences for lease markets cannot be taken for granted. The evaluation of different debonding scenarios from three distinct per-spectives provides a comprehensive, more reliable, and robust understanding of the trade-offs related to debonding and its potential contribution to the circular economy.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001078407500001 Publication Date 2023-09-03
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2352-5509 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved no
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:200307 Serial 9104
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Author Singh, A.; Yuan, B.; Rahman, M.H.; Yang, H.; De, A.; Park, J.Y.; Zhang, S.; Huang, L.; Mannodi-Kanakkithodi, A.; Pennycook, T.J.; Dou, L.
Title Two-dimensional halide Pb-perovskite-double perovskite epitaxial heterostructures Type A1 Journal article
Year (down) 2023 Publication Journal of the American Chemical Society Abbreviated Journal
Volume 145 Issue 36 Pages 19885-19893
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Epitaxial heterostructures of two-dimensional (2D) halide perovskites offer a new platform for studying intriguing structural, optical, and electronic properties. However, difficulties with the stability of Pb- and Sn-based heterostructures have repeatedly slowed the progress. Recently, Pb-free halide double perovskites are gaining a lot of attention due to their superior stability and greater chemical diversity, but they have not been successfully incorporated into epitaxial heterostructures for further investigation. Here, we report epitaxial core-shell heterostructures via growing Pb-free double perovskites (involving combinations of Ag(I)-Bi(III), Ag-Sb, Ag-In, Na-Bi, Na-Sb, and Na-In) around Pb perovskite 2D crystals. Distinct from Pb-Pb and Pb-Sn perovskite heterostructures, growths of the Pb-free shell at 45 degrees on the (100) surface of the lead perovskite core are observed in all Pb-free cases. The in-depth structural analysis carried out with electron diffraction unequivocally demonstrates the growth of the Pb-free shell along the [110] direction of the Pb perovskite, which is likely due to the relatively lower surface energy of the (110) surface. Furthermore, an investigation of anionic interdiffusion across heterostructure interfaces under the influence of heat was carried out. Interestingly, halide anion diffusion in the Pb-free 2D perovskites is found to be significantly suppressed as compared to Pb-based 2D perovskites. The great structural tunability and excellent stability of Pb-free perovskite heterostructures may find uses in electronic and optoelectronic devices in the near future.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001060980300001 Publication Date 2023-08-31
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0002-7863 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:200342 Serial 9111
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Author Huang, L.; Ratkowsky, D.A.; Hui, C.; Gielis, J.; Lian, M.; Shi, P.
Title Inequality measure of leaf area distribution for a drought-tolerant landscape plant Type A1 Journal article
Year (down) 2023 Publication Plants Abbreviated Journal
Volume 12 Issue 17 Pages 3143-11
Keywords A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract Measuring the inequality of leaf area distribution per plant (ILAD) can provide a useful tool for quantifying the influences of intra- and interspecific competition, foraging behavior of herbivores, and environmental stress on plants’ above-ground architectural structures and survival strategies. Despite its importance, there has been limited research on this issue. This paper aims to fill this gap by comparing four inequality indices to measure ILAD, using indices for quantifying household income that are commonly used in economics, including the Gini index (which is based on the Lorenz curve), the coefficient of variation, the Theil index, and the mean log deviation index. We measured the area of all leaves for 240 individual plants of the species Shibataea chinensis Nakai, a drought-tolerant landscape plant found in southern China. A three-parameter performance equation was fitted to observations of the cumulative proportion of leaf area vs. the cumulative proportion of leaves per plant to calculate the Gini index for each individual specimen of S. chinensis. The performance equation was demonstrated to be valid in describing the rotated and right shifted Lorenz curve, given that >96% of root-mean-square error values were smaller than 0.004 for 240 individual plants. By examining the correlation between any of the six possible pairs of indices among the Gini index, the coefficient of variation, the Theil index, and the mean log deviation index, the data show that these indices are closely related and can be used interchangeably to quantify ILAD.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001065193100001 Publication Date 2023-08-31
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 Approved Most recent IF: NA
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:199564 Serial 8886
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Author Arenas Esteban, D.; Pacquets, L.; Choukroun, D.; Hoekx, S.; Kadu, A.A.; Schalck, J.; Daems, N.; Breugelmans, T.; Bals, S.
Title 3D characterization of the structural transformation undergone by Cu@Ag core-shell nanoparticles following CO₂ reduction reaction Type A1 Journal article
Year (down) 2023 Publication Chemistry of materials Abbreviated Journal
Volume 35 Issue 17 Pages 6682-6691
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Applied Electrochemistry & Catalysis (ELCAT)
Abstract The increasing use of metallic nanoparticles (NPs) is significantly advancing the field of electrocatalysis. In particular, Cu/Ag bimetallic interfaces are widely used to enhance the electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (eCO(2)RR) toward CO and, more recently, C-2 products. However, drastic changes in the product distribution and performance when Cu@Ag core-shell configurations are used can often be observed under electrochemical reaction conditions, especially during the first few minutes of the reaction. Possible structural changes that generate these observations remain underexplored; therefore, the structure-property relationship is hardly understood. In this study, we use electron tomography to investigate the structural transformation mechanism of Cu@Ag core-shells NPs during the critical first minutes of the eCO(2)RR. In this manner, we found that the crystallinity of the Cu seed determines whether the formation of a complete and homogeneous Ag shell is possible. Moreover, by tracking the particles' transformations, we conclude that modifications of the Cu-Ag interface and Cu2O enrichment at the surface of the NPs are key factors contributing to the product generation changes. These insights provide a better understanding of how bimetallic core-shell NPs transform under electrochemical conditions.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001061530700001 Publication Date 2023-08-31
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0897-4756; 1520-5002 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 8.6 Times cited 1 Open Access Not_Open_Access: Available from 29.02.2024
Notes L.P. was supported through a PhD fellowship for strategicbasic research (1S56920N) of the Research Foundation – Flanders(FWO). S.H. was supported through a PhD fellowship for strategic basicresearch (1S42623N) of the Research Foundation – Flanders (FWO).S.B., D.A.E., and A.A.K. acknowledge financial support from ERC Consolidator Grant Number 815128 REALNANO. This research was financed by the researchcouncil of the University of Antwerp (BOF-GOA 33928). Approved Most recent IF: 8.6; 2023 IF: 9.466
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:199187 Serial 8825
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Author Zhang, C.; Ren, K.; Wang, S.; Luo, Y.; Tang, W.; Sun, M.
Title Recent progress on two-dimensional van der Waals heterostructures for photocatalytic water splitting : a selective review Type A1 Journal article
Year (down) 2023 Publication Journal of physics: D: applied physics Abbreviated Journal
Volume 56 Issue 48 Pages 483001-483024
Keywords A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Abstract Hydrogen production through photocatalytic water splitting is being developed swiftly to address the ongoing energy crisis. Over the past decade, with the rise of graphene and other two-dimensional (2D) materials, an increasing number of computational and experimental studies have focused on relevant van der Waals (vdW) semiconductor heterostructures for photocatalytic water splitting. In this review, the fundamental mechanism and distinctive performance of type-II and Z-scheme vdW heterostructure photocatalysts are presented. Accordingly, we have conducted a systematic review of recent studies focusing on candidates for photocatalysts, specifically vdW heterostructures involving 2D transition metal disulfides (TMDs), 2D Janus TMDs, and phosphorenes. The photocatalytic performance of these heterostructures and their suitability in theoretical scenarios are discussed based on their electronic and optoelectronic properties, particularly in terms of band structures, photoexcited carrier dynamics, and light absorption. In addition, various approaches for tuning the performance of these potential photocatalysts are illustrated. This strategic framework for constructing and modulating 2D heterostructure photocatalysts is expected to provide inspiration for addressing possible challenges in future studies.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001076327300001 Publication Date 2023-08-30
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0022-3727 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:200353 Serial 9081
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Author Van Hoecke, L.; Kummamuru, N.B.; Pourfallah, H.; Verbruggen, S.W.; Perreault, P.
Title Intensified swirling reactor for the dehydrogenation of LOHC Type A1 Journal article
Year (down) 2023 Publication International journal of hydrogen energy Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue Pages 1-13
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract In the recent advances towards more sustainable global energy supply, H2 is a possible alternative for large scale energy storage. In this view, Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carriers (LOHC) are a class of molecules that allow for easier long term energy storage compared to conventional H2 technologies. CFD simulations were used to showcase the hydrodynamics of the dehydrogenation of a LOHC in a new reactor unit, via a cold flow mock-up study. This reactor was designed to allow for a swirling motion of the liquid carrier material, favouring the removal of H2 gas from the flow and forcing the equilibrium of the reaction towards dehydrogenation, as well as to keep the catalyst particles in motion. The CFD simulations were validated qualitatively with experimental operation of the reactor, in a system with identical dimensionless numbers (Reynolds and Stokes), in order to use less costly products during the prototyping phase.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001139598200001 Publication Date 2023-08-30
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0360-3199 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 7.2 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access: Available from 01.03.2024
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 7.2; 2023 IF: 3.582
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:198534 Serial 8889
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Author Lian, M.; Shi, P.; Zhang, L.; Yao, W.; Gielis, J.; Niklas, K.J.
Title A generalized performance equation and its application in measuring the Gini index of leaf size inequality Type A1 Journal article
Year (down) 2023 Publication Trees: structure and function Abbreviated Journal
Volume 37 Issue Pages 1555-1565
Keywords A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract The goal of this study is to provide a rigorous tool to quantify the inequality of the leaf size distribution of an individual plant, thereby serving as a reference trait for quantifying plant adaptations to local environmental conditions. The tool to be presented and tested employs three components: (1) a performance equation (PE), which can produce flexible asymmetrical and symmetrical bell-shaped curves, (2) the Lorenz curve (i.e., the cumulative proportion of leaf size vs. the cumulative proportion of number of leaves), which is the basis for calculating, and (3) the Gini index, which measures the inequality of leaf size distribution. We sampled 12 individual plants of a dwarf bamboo and measured the area and dry mass of each leaf of each plant. We then developed a generalized performance equation (GPE) of which the PE is a special case and fitted the Lorenz curve to leaf size distribution using the GPE and PE. The GPE performed better than the PE in fitting the Lorenz curve. We compared the Gini index of leaf area distribution with that of leaf dry mass distribution and found that there was a significant difference between the two indices that might emerge from the scaling relationship between leaf dry mass and area. Nevertheless, there was a strong correlation between the two Gini indices (r2 = 0.9846). This study provides a promising tool based on the GPE for quantifying the inequality of leaf size distributions across individual plants and can be used to quantify plant adaptations to local environmental conditions.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001069570200001 Publication Date 2023-08-26
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0931-1890; 1432-2285 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 2.3 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access: Available from 26.02.2024
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 2.3; 2023 IF: 1.842
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:199562 Serial 8874
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Author Drăgan, A.-M.; Parrilla, M.; Cambré, S.; Domínguez-Robles, J.; Detamornrat, U.; Donnelly, R.F.; Oprean, R.; Cristea, C.; De Wael, K.
Title Microneedle array-based electrochemical sensor functionalized with SWCNTs for the highly sensitive monitoring of MDMA in interstitial fluid Type A1 Journal article
Year (down) 2023 Publication Microchemical journal Abbreviated Journal
Volume 193 Issue Pages 109257-11
Keywords A1 Journal article; Pharmacology. Therapy; Nanostructured and organic optical and electronic materials (NANOrOPT); Antwerp Electrochemical and Analytical Sciences Lab (A-Sense Lab)
Abstract Illicit drug consumption constitutes a great concern worldwide due to its increased spread and abuse, and the negative consequences exerted on society. For instance, 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), a synthetic amphetamine-type substance, was abused by 20 million people worldwide in 2020. This psychoactive substance exerts a myriad of effects on the human body being dangerous for the consumer’s health. Besides, MDMA has been used in the treatment of some psychiatric conditions. Therefore, the development of wearable devices for MDMA sensing in biological fluids is of great importance for forensic toxicology (e.g., monitoring of patients with suspected or known MDMA consumption) as well as for therapeutic management of patients. Herein, we report the development of a wearable electrochemical platform based on a hollow microneedle (MN) array sensor for the monitoring of MDMA in the interstitial fluid by square-wave voltammetry. First, the holes of the MN array were modified with conductive pastes to devise a MN patch with a three-electrode system. Subsequently, the functionalization of the working electrode with nanomaterials enhanced MDMA detection. Thereafter, analytical parameters were evaluated exhibiting a slope of 0.05 µA µM−1 within a linear range from 1 to 50 µM and a limit of detection of 0.75 µM in artificial interstitial fluid. Importantly, critical parameters such as selectivity, piercing capability, temperature, reversibility and stability were assessed. Overall, the obtained MN sensor exhibited excellent analytical performance, making it a promising tool for MDMA tracking in interstitial fluid for individuals on probation or under therapeutic treatment.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001067945900001 Publication Date 2023-08-25
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0026-265x; 0026-265x ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 4.8 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access: Available from 27.02.2024
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 4.8; 2023 IF: 3.034
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:198183 Serial 8898
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Author De Micco, V.; Amitrano, C.; Mastroleo, F.; Aronne, G.; Battistelli, A.; Carnero-Diaz, E.; De Pascale, S.; Detrell, G.; Dussap, C.-G.; Ganigué, R.; Jakobsen, Ø.M.; Poulet, L.; Van Houdt, R.; Verseux, C.; Vlaeminck, S.E.; Willaert, R.; Leys, N.
Title Plant and microbial science and technology as cornerstones to Bioregenerative Life Support Systems in space Type A1 Journal article
Year (down) 2023 Publication NPJ microgravity Abbreviated Journal
Volume 9 Issue 1 Pages 69-12
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract Long-term human space exploration missions require environmental control and closed Life Support Systems (LSS) capable of producing and recycling resources, thus fulfilling all the essential metabolic needs for human survival in harsh space environments, both during travel and on orbital/planetary stations. This will become increasingly necessary as missions reach farther away from Earth, thereby limiting the technical and economic feasibility of resupplying resources from Earth. Further incorporation of biological elements into state-of-the-art (mostly abiotic) LSS, leading to bioregenerative LSS (BLSS), is needed for additional resource recovery, food production, and waste treatment solutions, and to enable more self-sustainable missions to the Moon and Mars. There is a whole suite of functions crucial to sustain human presence in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and successful settlement on Moon or Mars such as environmental control, air regeneration, waste management, water supply, food production, cabin/habitat pressurization, radiation protection, energy supply, and means for transportation, communication, and recreation. In this paper, we focus on air, water and food production, and waste management, and address some aspects of radiation protection and recreation. We briefly discuss existing knowledge, highlight open gaps, and propose possible future experiments in the short-, medium-, and long-term to achieve the targets of crewed space exploration also leading to possible benefits on Earth.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001093834300001 Publication Date 2023-08-24
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2373-8065 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: NA
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:199050 Serial 8916
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Author Wahab, O.J.; Daviddi, E.; Xin, B.; Sun, P.Z.; Griffin, E.; Colburn, A.W.; Barry, D.; Yagmurcukardes, M.; Peeters, F.M.; Geim, A.K.; Lozada-Hidalgo, M.; Unwin, P.R.
Title Proton transport through nanoscale corrugations in two-dimensional crystals Type A1 Journal article
Year (down) 2023 Publication Nature Abbreviated Journal
Volume 620 Issue 7975 Pages 1-17
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Abstract Defect-free graphene is impermeable to all atoms(1-5) and ions(6,7) under ambient conditions. Experiments that can resolve gas flows of a few atoms per hour through micrometre-sized membranes found that monocrystalline graphene is completely impermeable to helium, the smallest atom(2,5). Such membranes were also shown to be impermeable to all ions, including the smallest one, lithium(6,7). By contrast, graphene was reported to be highly permeable to protons, nuclei of hydrogen atoms(8,9). There is no consensus, however, either on the mechanism behind the unexpectedly high proton permeability(10-14) or even on whether it requires defects in graphene's crystal lattice(6,8,15-17). Here, using high-resolution scanning electrochemical cell microscopy, we show that, although proton permeation through mechanically exfoliated monolayers of graphene and hexagonal boron nitride cannot be attributed to any structural defects, nanoscale non-flatness of two-dimensional membranes greatly facilitates proton transport. The spatial distribution of proton currents visualized by scanning electrochemical cell microscopy reveals marked inhomogeneities that are strongly correlated with nanoscale wrinkles and other features where strain is accumulated. Our results highlight nanoscale morphology as an important parameter enabling proton transport through two-dimensional crystals, mostly considered and modelled as flat, and indicate that strain and curvature can be used as additional degrees of freedom to control the proton permeability of two-dimensional materials. A study using high-resolution scanning electrochemical cell microscopy attributes proton permeation through defect-free graphene and hexagonal boron nitride to transport across areas of the structure that are under strain.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001153630400007 Publication Date 2023-08-23
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0028-0836; 1476-4687 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:203827 Serial 9078
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Drăgan, A.-M.; Feier, B.G.; Tertis, M.; Bodoki, E.; Truta, F.; Stefan, M.-G.; Kiss, B.; Van Durme, F.; De Wael, K.; Oprean, R.; Cristea, C.
Title Forensic analysis of synthetic cathinones on nanomaterials-based platforms : chemometric-assisted voltametric and UPLC-MS/MS investigation Type A1 Journal article
Year (down) 2023 Publication Nanomaterials Abbreviated Journal
Volume 13 Issue 17 Pages 2393-19
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Antwerp Electrochemical and Analytical Sciences Lab (A-Sense Lab)
Abstract Synthetic cathinones (SCs) are a group of new psychoactive substances often referred to as “legal highs” or “bath salts”, being characterized by a dynamic change, new compounds continuously emerging on the market. This creates a lack of fast screening tests, making SCs a constant concern for law enforcement agencies. Herein, we present a fast and simple method for the detection of four SCs (alpha-pyrrolidinovalerophenone, N-ethylhexedrone, 4-chloroethcathinone, and 3-chloromethcathinone) based on their electrochemical profiles in a decentralized manner. In this regard, the voltametric characterization of the SCs was performed by cyclic and square wave voltammetry. The elucidation of the SCs redox pathways was successfully achieved using liquid chromatography coupled to (tandem) mass spectrometry. For the rational identification of the ideal experimental conditions, chemometric data processing was employed, considering two critical qualitative and quantitative variables: the type of the electrochemical platform and the pH of the electrolyte. The analytical figures of merit were determined on standard working solutions using the optimized method, which exhibited wide linear ranges and LODs suitable for confiscated sample screening. Finally, the performance of the method was evaluated on real confiscated samples, the resulting validation parameters being similar to those obtained with another portable device (i.e., Raman spectrometer).
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001061205100001 Publication Date 2023-08-23
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2079-4991 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 5.3 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 5.3; 2023 IF: 3.553
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:199221 Serial 8869
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Annys, A.; Jannis, D.; Verbeeck, J.; Annys, A.; Jannis, D.; Verbeeck, J.
Title Deep learning for automated materials characterisation in core-loss electron energy loss spectroscopy Type A1 Journal article
Year (down) 2023 Publication Scientific reports Abbreviated Journal
Volume 13 Issue 1 Pages 13724
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) is a well established technique in electron microscopy that yields information on the elemental content of a sample in a very direct manner. One of the persisting limitations of EELS is the requirement for manual identification of core-loss edges and their corresponding elements. This can be especially bothersome in spectrum imaging, where a large amount of spectra are recorded when spatially scanning over a sample area. This paper introduces a synthetic dataset with 736,000 labeled EELS spectra, computed from available generalized oscillator strength tables, that represents 107 K, L, M or N core-loss edges and 80 chemical elements. Generic lifetime broadened peaks are used to mimic the fine structure due to band structure effects present in experimental core-loss edges. The proposed dataset is used to train and evaluate a series of neural network architectures, being a multilayer perceptron, a convolutional neural network, a U-Net, a residual neural network, a vision transformer and a compact convolutional transformer. An ensemble of neural networks is used to further increase performance. The ensemble network is used to demonstrate fully automated elemental mapping in a spectrum image, both by directly mapping the predicted elemental content and by using the predicted content as input for a physical model-based mapping.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001052937600046 Publication Date 2023-08-22
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2045-2322 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 4.6 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes A.A. would like to acknowledge the resources and services used in this work provided by the VSC (Flemish Supercomputer Center), funded by the Research Foundation – Flanders (FWO) and the Flemish Government. J.V. acknowledges the IMPRESS project. The IMPRESS project has received funding from the HORIZON EUROPE framework program for research and innovation under grant agreement n. 101094299. Approved Most recent IF: 4.6; 2023 IF: 4.259
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:198647 Serial 8846
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Vega-Paredes, M.; Aymerich-Armengol, R.; Arenas Esteban, D.; Marti-Sanchez, S.; Bals, S.; Scheu, C.; Manjon, A.G.
Title Electrochemical stability of rhodium-platinum core-shell nanoparticles : an identical location scanning transmission electron microscopy study Type A1 Journal article
Year (down) 2023 Publication ACS nano Abbreviated Journal
Volume 17 Issue 17 Pages 16943-16951
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Rhodium-platinum core-shell nanoparticleson a carbonsupport (Rh@Pt/C NPs) are promising candidates as anode catalystsfor polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells. However, their electrochemicalstability needs to be further explored for successful applicationin commercial fuel cells. Here we employ identical location scanningtransmission electron microscopy to track the morphological and compositionalchanges of Rh@Pt/C NPs during potential cycling (10 000 cycles,0.06-0.8 V-RHE, 0.5 H2SO4)down to the atomic level, which are then used for understanding thecurrent evolution occurring during the potential cycles. Our resultsreveal a high stability of the Rh@Pt/C system and point toward particledetachment from the carbon support as the main degradation mechanism.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001051495900001 Publication Date 2023-08-21
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1936-0851 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 17.1 Times cited 2 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes The authors would like to thank C. Bodirsky for providing the samples, N. Rivas Rivas for his corrections on the manuscript, and D. Chatain for providing her expertise on the equilibrium shape of nanoparticles. Special thanks to B. Breitbach for performing the XRD experiments. A.G.M. acknowledges the Grant RYC2021-033479- I funded by MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 and, as appropriate, by European Union NextGenerationEU/PRTR. Approved Most recent IF: 17.1; 2023 IF: 13.942
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:199253 Serial 8859
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Author Sa, J.; Hu, N.; Heyvaert, W.; Van Gordon, K.; Li, H.; Wang, L.; Bals, S.; Liz-Marzán, L.M.; Ni, W.
Title Spontaneous Chirality Evolved at the Au–Ag Interface in Plasmonic Nanorods Type A1 Journal Article
Year (down) 2023 Publication Chemistry of materials Abbreviated Journal Chem. Mater.
Volume Issue Pages
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Chiral ligands are considered a required ingredient during the synthesis of dissymmetric plasmonic metal nanocrystals. The mechanism behind the generation of chiral structures involves the formation of high Miller index chiral facets, induced by the adsorption of such chiral ligands. We found however that, chirality can also evolve spontaneously, without the involvement of any chiral ligands, during the co-deposition of Au and Ag on Au nanorods. When using a specific Au/Ag ratio, phase segregation of the two metals leads to an interface within the obtained AuAg shell, which can be exposed by removing the Ag component via oxidative etching. Although a close-to-racemic mixture of chiral Au nanorods with right and left handedness is found in solution, electron tomography analysis evidences left- and righthanded helicities, both at the Au-Ag interface and at the exposed surface of Au NRs after Ag etching. The helicity profile of the NRs indicates dominating inclination angles in a range from 30° to 60°. Single-particle optical characterization also reveals random handedness in the plasmonic response of individual nanorods. We hypothesize that, the origin of chirality is related with symmetry breaking during the co-deposition of Au and Ag, through an initial perturbation in a small region on the Au-Ag interface that eventually leads to chiral segregation throughout the nanocrystal.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001052093300001 Publication Date 2023-08-21
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0897-4756 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 8.6 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access: Available from 22.02.2024
Notes The authors acknowledge the financial support from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (grant 22074102). LMLM acknowledges funding from 26 MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 and “ESF Investing in your future” (Grant PID2020- 117779RB-I00). This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 823717 – ESTEEM3.; Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovaci?n, PID2020-117779RB-I00 ; H2020 Research Infrastructures, 823717 ; European Social Fund, PID2020-117779RB-I00 ; National Natural Science Foundation of China, 22074102 ; Approved Most recent IF: 8.6; 2023 IF: 9.466
Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:198151 Serial 8810
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Author Hofer, C.; Pennycook, T.J.
Title Reliable phase quantification in focused probe electron ptychography of thin materials Type A1 Journal Article
Year (down) 2023 Publication Ultramicroscopy Abbreviated Journal Ultramicroscopy
Volume 254 Issue Pages 113829
Keywords A1 Journal Article; Electron Microscopy for Materials Science (EMAT) ;
Abstract Electron ptychography provides highly sensitive, dose efficient phase images which can be corrected for aberrations after the data has been acquired. This is crucial when very precise quantification is required, such as with sensitivity to charge transfer due to bonding. Drift can now be essentially eliminated as a major impediment to focused probe ptychography, which benefits from the availability of easily interpretable simultaneous Z-contrast imaging. However challenges have remained when quantifying the ptychographic phases of atomic sites. The phase response of a single atom has a negative halo which can cause atoms to reduce in phase when brought closer together. When unaccounted for, as in integrating methods of quantification, this effect can completely obscure the effects of charge transfer. Here we provide a new method of quantification that overcomes this challenge, at least for 2D materials, and is robust to experimental parameters such as noise, sample tilt.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001071608700001 Publication Date 2023-08-18
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 2.2 Times cited Open Access
Notes FWO, G013122N ; Horizon 2020 Framework Programme; Horizon 2020; European Research Council, 802123-HDEM ; European Research Council; Approved Most recent IF: 2.2; 2023 IF: 2.843
Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:200272 Serial 8987
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