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“Determinants of risk behaviour : effects of perceived risks and risk attitude on farmer's adoption of risk management strategies”. van Winsen F, de Mey Y, Lauwers L, Van Passel S, Vancauteren M, Wauters E, Journal Of Risk Research 19, 56 (2016). http://doi.org/10.1080/13669877.2014.940597
Abstract: The importance of risk perception and risk attitude for understanding individual's risk behaviour are independently well described in literature, but rarely combined in an integrated approach. In this study, we propose a model assuming the choice to implement certain risk management strategies to be directly driven by both perceptions of risks and risk attitude. Other determinants influence the intention to apply different risk strategies mainly indirectly, mediated by risk perception and risk attitude. This conceptual model is empirically tested, using structural equation modelling, for understanding the intention of farmers to implement different common risk management strategies at their farms. Data are gathered in a survey completed by 500 farmers from the Flanders region in Belgium, investigating attitudes towards farming, perceived past exposure to risk, socio-demographic characteristics, farm size, perceptions of the major sources of farm business risk, risk attitudes and the intention to apply common risk management strategies. Our major findings are: (i) perception of major farm business risks have no significant impact on the intention of applying any of the risk strategies under study, (ii) risk attitude does have a significant impact. Therefore, rather than objective risk faced and the subjective interpretation thereof, it is the general risk attitude that influence intended risk strategies to be implemented. A distinction can be made between farmers willing to take risk, who are more inclined to apply ex-ante risk management strategies and risk averse farmers who are less inclined to implement ex-ante risk management strategies but rather cope with the consequences and diminish their effects ex-post when risks have occurred.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Sociology; Engineering Management (ENM)
Impact Factor: 1.34
Times cited: 25
DOI: 10.1080/13669877.2014.940597
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“Giant magnetic anisotropy in doped single layer molybdenum disulfide and fluorographene”. Sivek J, Sahin H, Partoens B, Peeters FM, Journal of physics : condensed matter 28, 195301 (2016). http://doi.org/10.1088/0953-8984/28/19/195301
Abstract: Stable monolayer materials based on existing, well known and stable two-dimensional crystal fluorographene and molybdenum disulfide are predicted to exhibit a huge magnetocrystalline anisotropy when functionalized with adsorbed transition metal atoms at vacant sides. Ab initio calculations within the density-functional theory formalism were performed to investigate the adsorption of the transitional metals in a single S (or F) vacancy of monolayer molybdenum disulfide (or fluorographene). We found strong bonding of the transitional metal atoms to the vacant sites with binding energies ranging from 2.5 to 5.2 eV. Our calculations revealed that these systems with adsorbed metal atoms exhibit a magnetic anisotropy, specifically the structures including Os and Ir show a giant magnetocrystalline anisotropy energy of 31-101 meV. Our results demonstrate the possibility of obtaining stable monolayer materials with huge magnetocrystalline anisotropy based on preexisting, well known and stable two-dimensional crystals: fluorographene and molybdenum disulfide. We believe that the results obtained here are useful not only for deeper understanding of the origin of magnetocrystalline anisotropy but also for the design of monolayer optoelectronic devices with novel functionalities.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 2.649
Times cited: 7
DOI: 10.1088/0953-8984/28/19/195301
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“The 30-band k . p theory of valley splitting in silicon thin layers”. Cukaric NA, Partoens B, Tadic MZ, Arsoski VV, Peeters FM, Journal of physics : condensed matter 28, 195303 (2016). http://doi.org/10.1088/0953-8984/28/19/195303
Abstract: The valley splitting of the conduction-band states in a thin silicon-on-insulator layer is investigated using the 30-band k . p theory. The system composed of a few nm thick Si layer embedded within thick SiO2 layers is analyzed. The valley split states are found to cross periodically with increasing quantum well width, and therefore the energy splitting is an oscillatory function of the quantum well width, with period determined by the wave vector K-0 of the conduction band minimum. Because the valley split states are classified by parity, the optical transition between the ground hole state and one of those valley split conduction band states is forbidden. The oscillations in the valley splitting energy decrease with electric field and with smoothing of the composition profile between the well and the barrier by diffusion of oxygen from the SiO2 layers to the Si quantum well. Such a smoothing also leads to a decrease of the interband transition matrix elements. The obtained results are well parametrized by the effective two-valley model, but are found to disagree from previous 30-band calculations. This discrepancy could be traced back to the fact that the basis for the numerical solution of the eigenproblem must be restricted to the first Brillouin zone in order to obtain quantitatively correct results for the valley splitting.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 2.649
DOI: 10.1088/0953-8984/28/19/195303
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“Validity criteria for Fermi's golden rule scattering rates applied to metallic nanowires”. Moors K, Sorée B, Magnus W, Journal of physics : condensed matter 28, 365302 (2016). http://doi.org/10.1088/0953-8984/28/36/365302
Abstract: Fermi's golden rule underpins the investigation of mobile carriers propagating through various solids, being a standard tool to calculate their scattering rates. As such, it provides a perturbative estimate under the implicit assumption that the effect of the interaction Hamiltonian which causes the scattering events is sufficiently small. To check the validity of this assumption, we present a general framework to derive simple validity criteria in order to assess whether the scattering rates can be trusted for the system under consideration, given its statistical properties such as average size, electron density, impurity density et cetera. We derive concrete validity criteria for metallic nanowires with conduction electrons populating a single parabolic band subjected to different elastic scattering mechanisms: impurities, grain boundaries and surface roughness.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 2.649
Times cited: 2
DOI: 10.1088/0953-8984/28/36/365302
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“Multi-level molecular modelling for plasma medicine”. Bogaerts A, Khosravian N, Van der Paal J, Verlackt CCW, Yusupov M, Kamaraj B, Neyts EC, Journal of physics: D: applied physics 49, 054002 (2016). http://doi.org/10.1088/0022-3727/49/5/054002
Abstract: Modelling at the molecular or atomic scale can be very useful for obtaining a better insight in plasma medicine. This paper gives an overview of different atomic/molecular scale modelling approaches that can be used to study the direct interaction of plasma species with biomolecules or the consequences of these interactions for the biomolecules on a somewhat longer time-scale. These approaches include density functional theory (DFT), density functional based tight binding (DFTB), classical reactive and non-reactive molecular dynamics (MD) and united-atom or coarse-grained MD, as well as hybrid quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics (QM/MM) methods. Specific examples will be given for three important types of biomolecules, present in human cells, i.e. proteins, DNA and phospholipids found in the cell membrane. The results show that each of these modelling approaches has its specific strengths and limitations, and is particularly useful for certain applications. A multi-level approach is therefore most suitable for obtaining a global picture of the plasma–biomolecule interactions.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 2.588
Times cited: 11
DOI: 10.1088/0022-3727/49/5/054002
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“A parametric model for reactive high-power impulse magnetron sputtering of films”. Kozák T, Vlček J, Journal Of Physics D-Applied Physics 49, 055202 (2016). http://doi.org/10.1088/0022-3727/49/5/055202
Abstract: We present a time-dependent parametric model for reactive HiPIMS deposition of films. Specific features of HiPIMS discharges and a possible increase in the density of the reactive gas in front of the reactive gas inlets placed between the target and the substrate are considered in the model. The model makes it possible to calculate the compound fractions in two target layers and in one substrate layer, and the deposition rate of films at fixed partial pressures of the reactive and inert gas. A simplified relation for the deposition rate of films prepared using a reactive HiPIMS is presented. We used the model to simulate controlled reactive HiPIMS depositions of stoichiometric ZrO2 films, which were recently carried out in our laboratories with two different configurations of the O2 inlets in front of the sputtered target. The repetition frequency was 500 Hz at the deposition-averaged target power densities of 5 Wcm−2 and 50 Wcm−2 with a pulse-averaged target power density up to 2 kWcm−2. The pulse durations were 50 μs and 200 μs. Our model calculations show that the to-substrate O2 inlet provides systematically lower compound fractions in the target surface layer and higher compound fractions in the substrate surface layer, compared with the to-target O2 inlet. The low compound fractions in the target surface layer (being approximately 10% at the depositionaveraged target power density of 50 Wcm−2 and the pulse duration of 200 μs) result in high deposition rates of the films produced, which are in agreement with experimental values.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron Microscopy for Materials Science (EMAT);
Impact Factor: 2.588
Times cited: 25
DOI: 10.1088/0022-3727/49/5/055202
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“Computational study of the CF4 /CHF3 / H2 /Cl2 /O2 /HBr gas phase plasma chemistry”. Tinck S, Bogaerts A, Journal of physics: D: applied physics 49, 195203 (2016). http://doi.org/10.1088/0022-3727/49/19/195203
Abstract: A modelling study is performed of high-density low-pressure inductively coupled CF4/CHF3/H2/Cl2/O2/HBr plasmas under different gas mixing ratios. A reaction set describing the complete plasma chemistry is presented and discussed. The gas fraction of each component in this mixture is varied to investigate the sensitivity of the plasma properties, like electron density, plasma potential and species densities, towards the gas mixing ratios. This research is of great interest for microelectronics applications because these gases are often combined in two (or more)-component mixtures, and mixing gases or changing the fraction of a gas can sometimes yield unwanted reaction products or unexpected changes in the overall plasma properties due to the increased chemical complexity of the system. Increasing the CF4 fraction produces more F atoms for chemical etching as expected, but also more prominently lowers the density of Cl atoms, resulting in an actual drop in the etch rate under certain conditions. Furthermore, CF4 decreases the free electron density when mixed with Cl2. However, depending on the other gas components, CF4 gas can also sometimes enhance free electron density. This is the case when HBr is added to the mixture. The addition of H2 to the gas mixture will lower the sputtering process, not only due to the lower overall positive ion density at higher H2 fractions, but also because more H+, H2 + and H3 + are present and they have very low sputter yields. In contrast, a larger Cl2 fraction results in more chemical etching but also in less physical sputtering due to a smaller abundance of positive ions. Increasing the O2 fraction in the plasma will always lower the etch rate due to more oxidation of the wafer surface and due to a lower plasma density. However, it is also observed that the density of F atoms can actually increase with rising O2 gas fraction. This is relevant to note because the exact balance between fluorination and oxidation is important for fine-tuning the overall etch rate and for control of the sidewall profile. Finally, HBr is often used as a chemical etcher, but when mixed with F- or Cl-containing gases, HBr creates the same diluting effects as Ar or He, because a
higher fraction results in less chemical etching but more (physical) sputtering.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 2.588
Times cited: 5
DOI: 10.1088/0022-3727/49/19/195203
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“Role of vibrationally excited HBr in a HBr/He inductively coupled plasma used for etching of silicon”. Tinck S, Bogaerts A, Journal of physics: D: applied physics 49, 245204 (2016). http://doi.org/10.1088/0022-3727/49/24/245204
Abstract: In this work, the role of vibrationally excited HBr (HBr(vib)) is computationally investigated for a HBr/He inductively coupled plasma applied for Si etching. It is found that at least 50% of all dissociations of HBr occur through HBr(vib). This additional dissociation pathway through HBr(vib) makes the plasma significantly more atomic. It also results in a slightly higher electron temperature (i.e. about 0.2 eV higher compared to simulation results where HBr(vib) is not included), as well as a higher gas temperature (i.e. about 50 K higher than without including HBr(vib)), due to the enhanced Franck–Condon heating through HBr(vib) dissociation,
at the conditions investigated. Most importantly, the calculated etch rate with HBr(vib) included in the model is a factor 3 higher than in the case without HBr(vib), due to the higher fluxes of etching species (i.e. H and Br), while the chemical composition of the wafer surface shows no significant difference. Our calculations clearly show the importance of including HBr(vib) for accurate modeling of HBr-containing plasmas.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 2.588
DOI: 10.1088/0022-3727/49/24/245204
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“Elucidating the effects of gas flow rate on an SF6inductively coupled plasma and on the silicon etch rate, by a combined experimental and theoretical investigation”. Tinck S, Tillocher T, Dussart R, Neyts EC, Bogaerts A, Journal of physics: D: applied physics 49, 385201 (2016). http://doi.org/10.1088/0022-3727/49/38/385201
Abstract: Experiments show that the etch rate of Si with SF6 inductively coupled plasma (ICP) is significantly influenced by the absolute gas flow rate in the range of 50–600 sccm, with a maximum at around 200 sccm. Therefore, we numerically investigate the effects of the gas flow rate on the bulk plasma properties and on the etch rate, to obtain more insight in the underlying reasons of this effect. A hybrid Monte Carlo—fluid model is applied to simulate an SF6 ICP. It is found that the etch rate is influenced by two simultaneous effects: (i) the residence time of the gas and (ii) the temperature profile of the plasma in the ICP volume, resulting indeed in a maximum etch rate at 200 sccm.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 2.588
Times cited: 1
DOI: 10.1088/0022-3727/49/38/385201
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“Multi-level molecular modelling for plasma medicine”. Bogaerts A, Khosravian N, Van der Paal J, Verlackt CCW, Yusupov M, Kamaraj B, Neyts EC, Journal Of Physics D-Applied Physics 49, 054002 (2016)
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma, laser ablation and surface modeling – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 2.588
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“Radiative and nonradiative recombination in CuInS2 nanocrystals and CuInS2-based core/shell nanocrystals”. Berends AC, Rabouw FT, Spoor FCM, Bladt E, Grozema FC, Houtepen AJ, Siebbeles LDA, de Donega CM, The journal of physical chemistry letters 7, 3503 (2016). http://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jpclett.6b01668
Abstract: Luminescent copper indium sulfide (CIS) nanocrystals are a potential solution to the toxicity issues associated with Cd- and Pb-based nanocrystals. However, the development of high-quality CIS nanocrystals has been complicated by insufficient knowledge of the electronic structure and of the factors that lead to luminescence quenching. Here we investigate the exciton decay pathways in CIS nanocrystals using time resolved photoluminescence and transient absorption spectroscopy. Core-only CIS nanocrystals with low quantum yield are compared to core/shell nanocrystals (CIS/ZnS and CIS/CdS) with higher quantum yield. Our measurements support the model of photoluminescence by radiative recombination of a conduction band electron with a localized hole. Moreover, we find that photoluminescence quenching in low-quantum-yield nanocrystals involves initially uncoupled decay pathways for the electron and hole. The electron decay pathway determines whether the exciton recombines radiatively or nonradiatively. The development of high-quality CIS nanocrystals should therefore focus on the elimination of electron traps.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 9.353
Times cited: 67
DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpclett.6b01668
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“Selective Plasma Oxidation of Ultrasmall Si Nanowires”. Khalilov U, Yusupov M, Bogaerts A, Neyts EC, The journal of physical chemistry: C : nanomaterials and interfaces 120, 472 (2016). http://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jpcc.5b11027
Abstract: Device performance of Si|SiOx core-shell based nanowires critically depends on the exact control over the oxide thickness. Low-temperature plasma oxidation is a highly promising alternative to thermal oxidation allowing for improved control over the oxidation process, in particular for ultrasmall Si nanowires. We here elucidate the room temperature plasma oxidation mechanisms of ultrasmall Si nanowires using hybrid molecular dynamics / force-bias Monte Carlo simulations. We demonstrate how the oxidation and concurrent water formation mechanisms are a function of the oxidizing plasma species and we demonstrate how the resulting core-shell oxide thickness can be controlled through these species. A new mechanism of water formation is discussed in detail. The results provide a detailed atomic level explanation of the oxidation process of highly curved Si surfaces. These results point out a route toward plasma-based formation of ultrathin core-shell Si|SiOx nanowires at room temperature.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 4.536
Times cited: 3
DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcc.5b11027
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“Gold Nanostar-Coated Polystyrene Beads as Multifunctional Nanoprobes for SERS Bioimaging”. Serrano-Montes AB, Langer J, Henriksen-Lacey M, Jimenez de Aberasturi D, Solís DM, Taboada JM, Obelleiro F, Sentosun K, Bals S, Bekdemir A, Stellacci F, Liz-Marzán LM, The journal of physical chemistry: C : nanomaterials and interfaces 120, 20860 (2016). http://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jpcc.6b02282
Abstract: Hybrid colloidal nanocomposites comprising polystyrene beads and plasmonic gold nanostars are reported as multifunctional optical nanoprobes. Such self-assembled structures are excellent Raman enhancers for bio-applications as they feature plasmon modes in the near infrared “first biological transparency window”. In this proof of concept study, we used 4- mercaptobenzoic acid as a Raman-active molecule to optimize the density of gold nanostars on polystyrene beads, improving SERS performance and thereby allowing in vitro cell culture imaging. Interestingly, intermediate gold nanostar loadings were found to yield higher SERS response, which was confirmed by electromagnetic modeling. These engineered hybrid nanostructures notably improve the possibilities of using gold nanostars as SERS tags. Additionally, when fluorescently labeled polystyrene bead are used as colloidal carriers, the composite particles can be applied as promising tools for multimodal bioimaging.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 4.536
Times cited: 64
DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcc.6b02282
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“Peculiar piezoelectric properties of soft two-dimensional materials”. Sevik C, Çakir D, Gulseren O, Peeters FM, The journal of physical chemistry: C : nanomaterials and interfaces 120, 13948 (2016). http://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jpcc.6b03543
Abstract: Group II-VI semiconductor honeycomb monolayers have a noncentrosymmetric crystal structure and therefore are expected to be important for nano piezoelectric device applications. This motivated us to perform first principles calculations based on density functional theory to unveil the piezoelectric properties (i.e., piezoelectric stress (e(11)) and piezoelectric strain (d(11)) coefficients) of these monolayer materials with chemical formula MX (where M = Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Zr, Cd and X = S, Se, Te). We found that these two-dimensional materials have peculiar piezoelectric properties with d(11) coefficients 1 order of magnitude larger than those of commercially utilized bulk materials. A clear trend in their piezoelectric properties emerges, which
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 4.536
Times cited: 39
DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcc.6b03543
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“How Oxygen Vacancies Activate CO2 Dissociation on TiO2 Anatase (001)”. Huygh S, Bogaerts A, Neyts EC, The journal of physical chemistry: C : nanomaterials and interfaces 120, 21659 (2016). http://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jpcc.6b07459
Abstract: The adsorption, dissociation, and diffusion of CO2 on the anatase (001) surface was studied using DFT by means of the generalized gradient approximation using the Perdew−Burcke−Ernzerhof (PBE)-functional and applying corrections for long-range dispersion interactions. Different stable adsorption configurations were identified for the fully oxidized surface. The most stable adsorption configuration is the monodentated carbonate-like structure. Small energy barriers were identified for the conversion of a physisorbed to a chemisorbed configuration.
CO2 dissociation is found to be unfeasible on the stoichiometric surface. The introduction of oxygen vacancy defects gives rise to new highly stable adsorption configurations with a stronger activation of the C−O bonds. This leads to the possibility of exothermic dissociation of CO2 with barriers up to 22.2 kcal/mol,
corresponding to chemical lifetimes of less than 4 s at 300 K. These reactions cause a CO molecule to be formed, which will easily desorb, and the reduced surface to become oxidized. It is clear that oxygen vacancy defects play a key role in the catalytic activity of an anatase (001) surface. Oxygen vacancies play an important role in the dissociation of CO2 on the anatase (001) surface, and will play a significant role in complex problems, such as the catalytic conversion of CO2 to value-added chemicals.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 4.536
Times cited: 49
DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcc.6b07459
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“Influence of the Material Dielectric Constant on Plasma Generation inside Catalyst Pores”. Zhang Y-R, Neyts EC, Bogaerts A, The journal of physical chemistry: C : nanomaterials and interfaces 120, 25923 (2016). http://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jpcc.6b09038
Abstract: Plasma catalysis is gaining increasing interest for various environmental applications, but the crucial question is whether plasma can be created inside catalyst pores and under which conditions. In practice, various catalytic support materials are used, with various dielectric constants. We investigate here the influence of the dielectric constant on the plasma properties inside catalyst pores and in the sheath in front of the pores, for various pore sizes. The calculations are performed by a two-dimensional fluid model for an atmospheric pressure dielectric barrier discharge in helium. The electron impact ionization rate, electron temperature, electron and ion density, as well as the potential distribution and surface charge density, are analyzed for a better understanding of the discharge behavior inside catalyst pores. The results indicate that, in a 100 μm pore, the electron impact ionization in the pore, which is characteristic for the plasma generation inside the pore, is greatly enhanced for dielectric constants below 300. Smaller pore sizes only yield enhanced ionization for smaller dielectric constants, i.e., up to εr = 200, 150, and 50 for pore sizes of 50, 30, and 10 μm. Thus, the most common catalyst supports, i.e., Al2O3 and SiO2, which have dielectric constants around εr = 8−11 and 4.2, respectively, should allow more easily that microdischarges can be formed inside catalyst pores, even for smaller pore sizes. On the other hand, ferroelectric materials with dielectric constants above 300 never seem to yield plasma enhancement inside catalyst pores, not even for 100 μm pore sizes. Furthermore, it is clear that the dielectric constant of the material has a large effect on the extent of plasma enhancement inside the catalyst pores, especially in the range between εr = 4 and εr = 200. The obtained results are explained in detail based on the surface charge density at the pore walls,
and the potential distribution and electron temperature inside and above the pores. The results obtained with this model are
important for plasma catalysis, as the production plasma species in catalyst pores might affect the catalyst properties, and thus
improve the applications of plasma catalysis.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 4.536
Times cited: 34
DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcc.6b09038
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“CO2Hydrogenation in a Dielectric Barrier Discharge Plasma Revealed”. De Bie C, van Dijk J, Bogaerts A, The journal of physical chemistry: C : nanomaterials and interfaces 120, 25210 (2016). http://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jpcc.6b07639
Abstract: The hydrogenation of carbon dioxide in a dielectric barrier discharge plasma is studied with a one-dimensional fluid model. The spatially averaged densities of the most important end products formed in the CO2/H2 mixture are determined as a function of the initial gas mixing ratio. CO and H2O are found to be present at the highest densities and to a lower content also CH4, C2H6, CH2O, CH3OH, O2, and some other higher hydrocarbons and oxygenates. The main underlying reaction
pathways for the conversion of the inlet gases and the formation of CO, CH4, CH2O, and CH3OH are pointed out for various gas mixing ratios. The CO2 conversion and the production of value added products is found to be quite low, also in comparison to a CO2/CH4 mixture, and this can be explained by the model.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 4.536
Times cited: 16
DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcc.6b07639
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“TEM and AES investigations of the natural surface nano-oxide layer of an AISI 316L stainless steel microfibre”. Ramachandran D, Egoavil R, Crabbe A, Hauffman T, Abakumov A, Verbeeck J, Vandendael I, Terryn H, Schryvers D, Journal of microscopy 264, 207 (2016). http://doi.org/10.1111/jmi.12434
Abstract: The chemical composition, nanostructure and electronic structure of nanosized oxide scales naturally formed on the surface of AISI 316L stainless steel microfibres used for strengthening of composite materials have been characterised using a combination of scanning and transmission electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray, electron energy loss and Auger spectroscopy. The analysis reveals the presence of three sublayers within the total surface oxide scale of 5.0-6.7 nm thick: an outer oxide layer rich in a mixture of FeO.Fe2 O3 , an intermediate layer rich in Cr2 O3 with a mixture of FeO.Fe2 O3 and an inner oxide layer rich in nickel.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 1.692
Times cited: 12
DOI: 10.1111/jmi.12434
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“Microwave-assisted synthesis of mesoporous titania with increased crystallinity, specific surface area, and photocatalytic activity”. Meire M, Verbruggen SW, Lenaerts S, Lommens P, Van Der Voort P, Van Driessche I, Journal of materials science 51, 9822 (2016). http://doi.org/10.1007/S10853-016-0215-Y
Abstract: Mesoporous titanium dioxide is a material finding its use in a wide range of applications. For many of these, it is important to achieve a high degree of crystallinity in the material. It is generally accepted that the use of the soft templating approach to synthesize mesoporous titania, results in a compromise between crystallinity and specific surface area due to thermal instability of the used templates. In this paper, we explore how the use of microwave irradiation can influence the crystallinity, specific surface area, and the electronic properties of mesoporous titania. Therefore, we combined microwave radiation with an evaporation-induced self-assembly (EISA) synthesis. We show that additional microwave treatment at carefully chosen synthesis steps can enhance the crystallinity with 20 % without causing significant loss of surface area (>360 m2/g). Surface photovoltage measurements were used to investigate the electronic properties. The photocatalytic activity of the samples was evaluated in aqueous media by following the degradation of an industrial dye, methylene blue, and the herbicide isoproturon under UV irradiation and in gaseous media looking at the degradation of acetaldehyde, a common indoor pollutant under UVA irradiation. In all cases, the microwave treatment results in more active materials.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Impact Factor: 2.599
Times cited: 8
DOI: 10.1007/S10853-016-0215-Y
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“Multilayer MoS2 growth by metal and metal oxide sulfurization”. Heyne MH, Chiappe D, Meersschaut J, Nuytten T, Conard T, Bender H, Huyghebaert C, Radu IP, Caymax M, de Marneffe JF, Neyts EC, De Gendt S;, Journal of materials chemistry C : materials for optical and electronic devices 4, 1295 (2016). http://doi.org/10.1039/c5tc04063a
Abstract: We investigated the deposition of MoS2 multilayers on large area substrates. The pre-deposition of metal or metal oxide with subsequent sulfurization is a promising technique to achieve layered films. We distinguish a different reaction behavior in metal oxide and metallic films and investigate the effect of the temperature, the H2S/H-2 gas mixture composition, and the role of the underlying substrate on the material quality. The results of the experiments suggest a MoS2 growth mechanism consisting of two subsequent process steps. At first, the reaction of the sulfur precursor with the metal or metal oxide occurs, requiring higher temperatures in the case of metallic film compared to metal oxide. At this stage, the basal planes assemble towards the diffusion direction of the reaction educts and products. After the sulfurization reaction, the material recrystallizes and the basal planes rearrange parallel to the substrate to minimize the surface energy. Therefore, substrates with low roughness show basal plane assembly parallel to the substrate. These results indicate that the substrate character has a significant impact on the assembly of low dimensional MoS2 films.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 5.256
DOI: 10.1039/c5tc04063a
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“Highly efficient rutile TiO2 photocatalysts with single Cu(II) and Fe(III) surface catalytic sites”. Neubert S, Mitoraj D, Shevlin SA, Pulisova P, Heimann M, Du Y, Goh GKL, Pacia M, Kruczała K, Turner S, Macyk W, Guo ZX, Hocking RK, Beranek R;, Journal of materials chemistry A : materials for energy and sustainability 4, 3127 (2016). http://doi.org/10.1039/c5ta07036h
Abstract: Highly active photocatalysts were obtained by impregnation of nanocrystalline rutile TiO2 powders with small amounts of Cu(II) and Fe(III) ions, resulting in the enhancement of initial rates of photocatalytic degradation of 4-chlorophenol in water by factors of 7 and 4, compared to pristine rutile, respectively. Detailed structural analysis by EPR and X-ray absorption spectroscopy (EXAFS) revealed that Cu(II) and Fe(III) are present as single species on the rutile surface. The mechanism of the photoactivity enhancement was elucidated by a combination of DFT calculations and detailed experimental mechanistic studies including photoluminescence measurements, photocatalytic experiments using scavengers, OH radical detection, and photopotential transient measurements. The results demonstrate that the single Cu(II) and Fe(III) ions act as effective cocatalytic sites, enhancing the charge separation, catalyzing “dark” redox reactions at the interface, thus improving the normally very low quantum yields of UV light-activated TiO2 photocatalysts. The exact mechanism of the photoactivity enhancement differs depending on the nature of the cocatalyst. Cu(II)-decorated samples exhibit fast transfer of photogenerated electrons to Cu(II/I) sites, followed by enhanced catalysis of dioxygen reduction, resulting in improved charge separation and higher photocatalytic degradation rates. At Fe(III)-modified rutile the rate of dioxygen reduction is not improved and the photocatalytic enhancement is attributed to higher production of highly oxidizing hydroxyl radicals produced by alternative oxygen reduction pathways opened by the presence of catalytic Fe(III/II) sites. Importantly, it was demonstrated that excessive heat treatment (at 450 degrees C) of photocatalysts leads to loss of activity due to migration of Cu(II) and Fe(III) ions from TiO2 surface to the bulk, accompanied by formation of oxygen vacancies. The demonstrated variety of mechanisms of photoactivity enhancement at single site catalyst-modified photocatalysts holds promise for developing further tailored photocatalysts for various applications.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 8.867
Times cited: 44
DOI: 10.1039/c5ta07036h
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“PDMS membranes containing ZIF-coated mesoporous silica spheres for efficient ethanol recovery via pervaporation”. Naik PV, Wee LH, Meledina M, Turner S, Li Y, Van Tendeloo G, Martens JA, Vankelecom IFJ, Journal of materials chemistry A : materials for energy and sustainability 4, 12790 (2016). http://doi.org/10.1039/C6TA04700A
Abstract: The design of functional micro- and mesostructured composite materials is significantly important for separation processes. Mesoporous silica is an attractive material for fast diffusion, while microporous zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs) are beneficial for selective adsorption and diffusion. In this work, ZIF-71 and ZIF-8 nanocrystals were grown on the surface of mesoporous silica spheres (MSS) via the seeding and regrowth approach in order to obtain monodispersed MSS-ZIF-71 and MSS-ZIF-8 spheres with a particle size of 2-3 mm. These MSS-ZIF spheres were uniformly dispersed into a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) matrix to prepare mixed matrix membranes (MMMs). These MMMs were evaluated for the separation of ethanol from water via pervaporation. The pervaporation results reveal that the MSS-ZIF filled MMMs substantially improve the ethanol recovery in both aspects viz. flux and separation factor. These MMMs outperforms the unfilled PDMS membranes and the conventional carbon and zeolite filled MMMs. As expected, the mesoporous silica core allows very fast flow of the permeating compound, while the hydrophobic ZIF coating enhances the ethanol selectivity through its specific pore structure, hydrophobicity and surface chemistry. It can be seen that ZIF-8 mainly has a positive impact on the selectivity, while ZIF-71 enhances fluxes more significantly.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 8.867
Times cited: 26
DOI: 10.1039/C6TA04700A
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“Mo2C as a high capacity anode material: a first-principles study”. Çakir D, Sevik C, Gulseren O, Peeters FM, Journal of materials chemistry A : materials for energy and sustainability 4, 6029 (2016). http://doi.org/10.1039/C6TA01918H
Abstract: The adsorption and diffusion of Li, Na, K and Ca atoms on a Mo2C monolayer are systematically investigated by using first principles methods. We found that the considered metal atoms are strongly bound to the Mo2C monolayer. However, the adsorption energies of these alkali and earth alkali elements decrease as the coverage increases due to the enhanced repulsion between the metal ions. We predict a significant charge transfer from the ad-atoms to the Mo2C monolayer, which indicates clearly the cationic state of the metal atoms. The metallic character of both pristine and doped Mo2C ensures a good electronic conduction that is essential for an optimal anode material. Low migration energy barriers are predicted as small as 43 meV for Li, 19 meV for Na and 15 meV for K, which result in the very fast diffusion of these atoms on Mo2C. For Mo2C, we found a storage capacity larger than 400 mA h g(-1) by the inclusion of multilayer adsorption. Mo2C expands slightly upon deposition of Li and Na even at high concentrations, which ensures the good cyclic stability of the atomic layer. The calculated average voltage of 0.68 V for Li and 0.30 V for Na ions makes Mo2C attractive for low charging voltage applications.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 8.867
Times cited: 202
DOI: 10.1039/C6TA01918H
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“Analyzing the dispersion of cargo vapors around a ship’s superstructure by means of wind tunnel experiments”. Jacobs W, Reynaerts C, Andries S, van den Akker S, Moonen N, Lamoen D, Journal of marine science and technology 21, 758 (2016). http://doi.org/10.1007/s00773-016-0387-9
Abstract: In a previous study, it was found that cargo tank operations like cleaning and venting, lead to higher cargo vapor concentrations around the ship’s superstructure. Can wind tunnel experiments confirm these findings? Is there an improvement when using higher outlets at high velocities compared to lower outlets with a low outlet velocity? Is there a relation between relative wind speed and measured concentration? These questions were investigated in the Peutz wind tunnel. By using a tracer gas for the wind tunnel experiments, concentration coefficients have been calculated for various settings. The study shows that using high-velocity outlets is an efficient way to keep concentrations as low as possible. The only exception is for relative wind directions from the bow. In this last case using a manhole as ventilation outlet leads to lower concentrations. With increasing wind speeds the building downwash effect resulted in higher concentration coefficients near the main deck. This study confirms our on-board measurements and suggests the lowering of the ventilation inlet of the accommodation, so that the high-velocity outlet can be used safely at all times.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 0.838
Times cited: 2
DOI: 10.1007/s00773-016-0387-9
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“Understanding communicational behavior among rangelands' stakeholders : application of social network analysis”. Hosseininia G, Rafiaani Khachak P, Nooripoor M, Van Passel S, Azadi H, Journal Of Environmental Planning And Management 59, 320 (2016). http://doi.org/10.1080/09640568.2015.1009975
Abstract: Understanding communicational behavior of rangelands stakeholders is fundamental for effective development of rangeland management plans. This study aimed to understand differences between stakeholders relations among various actors involved in rangeland management using social network analysis (SNA). A survey was conducted on 334 stakeholders (89 extension agents, 110 researchers and 135 executive agents) in the Tehran province, Iran. Results showed that all the three groups of stakeholders are interested in making contact mainly within their own group. Furthermore, while the executive agents have shared the strongest technical and friendship relations with the two other groups, the extension agents established the strongest administrative interactions. The researchers, however, made a poor link especially with the extension agents. The study concluded that SNA could be an efficient tool to assess communicational behavior in rangeland management.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering Management (ENM)
Impact Factor: 1.56
Times cited: 1
DOI: 10.1080/09640568.2015.1009975
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“A graphene/gelatin composite material for the entrapment of hemoglobin for bioelectrochemical sensing applications”. Thirumalraj alamurugan, Palanisamy S, Chen S-M, De Wael K, Journal of the electrochemical society 163, 265 (2016). http://doi.org/10.1149/2.0341607JES
Abstract: In the present work, a novel graphene (GN) and gelatin (GTN) composite was prepared and used as an immobilization matrix for hemoglobin (Hb). Compared with Hb immobilized on a bare, GN or GTN modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE), a stable and pair of well-defined quasi redox couple was observed at an Hb modified GN/GTN composite GCE at a formal potential of −0.306 V versus Ag|AgCl. The direct electrochemical behavior of Hb was greatly enhanced by the presence of both GTN and GN. A heterogeneous electron transfer rate constant (Ks) was calculated as 3.82 s−1 for Hb immobilized at GN/GTN modified GCE, which indicates the fast direct electron transfer of Hb toward the electrode surface. The biosensor shows a stable and wide linear response for H2O2 in the linear response range from 0.1 μM to 786.6 μM with an analytical sensitivity and limit of detection of 0.48 μAμM−1 cm−2 and 0.04 μM, respectively. The fabricated biosensor holds its high selectivity in the presence of potentially active interfering species and metal ions. The biosensor shows its satisfactory practical ability in the commercial contact lens solution and human serum samples.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
Impact Factor: 3.259
Times cited: 9
DOI: 10.1149/2.0341607JES
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“GPU-advanced 3D electromagnetic simulations of superconductors in the Ginzburg-Landau formalism”. Stosic D, Stosic D, Ludermir T, Stosic B, Milošević, MV, Journal of computational physics 322, 183 (2016). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.JCP.2016.06.040
Abstract: Ginzburg-Landau theory is one of the most powerful phenomenological theories in physics, with particular predictive value in superconductivity. The formalism solves coupled nonlinear differential equations for both the electronic and magnetic responsiveness of a given superconductor to external electromagnetic excitations. With order parameter varying on the short scale of the coherence length, and the magnetic field being long-range, the numerical handling of 3D simulations becomes extremely challenging and time-consuming for realistic samples. Here we show precisely how one can employ graphics-processing units (GPUs) for this type of calculations, and obtain physics answers of interest in a reasonable time-frame – with speedup of over 100x compared to best available CPU implementations of the theory on a 2563grid. (C) 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 2.744
Times cited: 4
DOI: 10.1016/J.JCP.2016.06.040
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“Monitoring the laccase reaction of vanillin and poplar hydrolysate”. Sóti V, Jacquet N, Apers S, Richel A, Lenaerts S, Cornet I, Journal of chemical technology and biotechnology 91, 1914 (2016). http://doi.org/10.1002/JCTB.4789
Abstract: BACKGROUND Laccase is an intensively researched enzyme for industrial use. Except for decolorisation measurements, HPLC analysis is the conventional method for monitoring the phenolic removal during laccase enzyme reaction. This paper reports an investigation of the continuous UV absorbance follow-up of the laccase reaction with steam pretreated poplar hydrolysate. RESULTS Vanillin was used as a model substrate and lignocellulose xylose rich fraction (XRF) as a biologically complex substrate for laccase detoxification. The reaction was followed by HPLC-UV as well as by UV spectrometric measurements. Results suggest that the reaction can be successfully monitored by measuring the change of UV absorbance at 280 nm, without previous compound separation. In case of XRF experiments the spectrophotometric follow-up is especially useful, as HPLC analysis takes a long time and provides less information than in case of single substrates. The method seems to be suitable for optimization and process control. CONCLUSION The obtained results can help to construct a fast, easy and straightforward monitoring system for laccase-phenolic substrate reactions.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL); Biochemical Wastewater Valorization & Engineering (BioWaVE)
Impact Factor: 3.135
Times cited: 3
DOI: 10.1002/JCTB.4789
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“Extension of the basis set of linearized augmented plane wave (LAPW) method by using supplemented tight binding basis functions”. Nikolaev AV, Lamoen D, Partoens B, The journal of chemical physics 145, 014101 (2016). http://doi.org/10.1063/1.4954962
Abstract: In order to increase the accuracy of the linearized augmented plane wave (LAPW) method, we present a new approach where the plane wave basis function is augmented by two different atomic radial components constructed at two different linearization energies corresponding to two different electron bands (or energy windows). We demonstrate that this case can be reduced to the standard treatment within the LAPW paradigm where the usual basis set is enriched by the basis functions of the tight binding type, which go to zero with zero derivative at the sphere boundary. We show that the task is closely related with the problem of extended core states which is currently solved by applying the LAPW method with local orbitals (LAPW+LO). In comparison with LAPW+LO, the number of supplemented basis functions in our approach is doubled, which opens up a new channel for the extension of the LAPW and LAPW+LO basis sets. The appearance of new supplemented basis functions absent in the LAPW+LO treatment is closely related with the existence of the ul-component in the canonical LAPW method. We discuss properties of additional tight binding basis functions and apply the extended basis set for computation of electron energy bands of lanthanum (face and body centered structures) and hexagonal close packed lattice of cadmium. We demonstrate that the new treatment gives lower total energies in comparison with both canonical LAPW and LAPW+LO, with the energy difference more pronounced for intermediate and poor LAPW basis sets.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 2.965
Times cited: 11
DOI: 10.1063/1.4954962
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“Mutational Analysis on Membrane Associated Transporter Protein (MATP) and Their Structural Consequences in Oculocutaeous Albinism Type 4 (OCA4)A Molecular Dynamics Approach”. Kamaraj B, Purohit R, Journal of cellular biochemistry 117, 2608 (2016). http://doi.org/10.1002/JCB.25555
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 3.085
Times cited: 28
DOI: 10.1002/JCB.25555
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