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“Interface cation migration kinetics induced oxygen release heterogeneity in layered lithium cathodes”. Li C-F, Zhao K, Liao X, Hu Z-Y, Zhang L, Zhao Y, Mu S, Li Y, Li Y, Van Tendeloo G, Sun C, Energy Storage Materials 36, 115 (2021). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.ENSM.2020.12.018
Abstract: The irreversible release of the lattice oxygen in layered cathodes is one of the major degradation mechanisms of lithium ion batteries, which accounts for a number of battery failures including the voltage/capacity fade, loss of cation ions and detachment of the primary particles, etc. Oxygen release is generally attributed to the stepwise thermodynamic controlled phase transitions from the layered to spinel and rock salt phases. Here, we report a strong kinetic effect from the mobility of cation ions, whose migration barrier can be significantly modulated by the phase epitaxy at the degrading interface. It ends up with a clear oxygen release heterogeneity and completely different reaction pathways between the thin and thick areas, as well as the interparticle valence boundaries, both of which widely exist in the mainstream cathode design with the secondary agglomerates. This work unveils the origin of the heterogenous oxygen release in the layered cathodes. It also sheds light on the rational design of cathode materials with enhanced oxygen stability by suppressing the cation migration.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
DOI: 10.1016/J.ENSM.2020.12.018
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“Optimizing Experimental Conditions for Accurate Quantitative Energy-Dispersive X-ray Analysis of Interfaces at the Atomic Scale”. MacArthur KE, Yankovich AB, Béché, A, Luysberg M, Brown HG, Findlay SD, Heggen M, Allen LJ, Microscopy And Microanalysis , 1 (2021). http://doi.org/10.1017/S1431927621000246
Abstract: The invention of silicon drift detectors has resulted in an unprecedented improvement in detection efficiency for energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy in the scanning transmission electron microscope. The result is numerous beautiful atomic-scale maps, which provide insights into the internal structure of a variety of materials. However, the task still remains to understand exactly where the X-ray signal comes from and how accurately it can be quantified. Unfortunately, when crystals are aligned with a low-order zone axis parallel to the incident beam direction, as is necessary for atomic-resolution imaging, the electron beam channels. When the beam becomes localized in this way, the relationship between the concentration of a particular element and its spectroscopic X-ray signal is generally nonlinear. Here, we discuss the combined effect of both spatial integration and sample tilt for ameliorating the effects of channeling and improving the accuracy of EDX quantification. Both simulations and experimental results will be presented for a perovskite-based oxide interface. We examine how the scattering and spreading of the electron beam can lead to erroneous interpretation of interface compositions, and what approaches can be made to improve our understanding of the underlying atomic structure.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 1.891
DOI: 10.1017/S1431927621000246
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“Deciphering the interactions between single arm dislocation sources and coherent twin boundary in nickel bi-crystal”. Samaee V, Dupraz M, Pardoen T, VAn Swygenhoven H, Schryvers D, Idrissi H, Nature Communications 12, 962 (2021). http://doi.org/10.1038/S41467-021-21296-Z
Abstract: The introduction of a well-controlled population of coherent twin boundaries (CTBs) is an attractive route to improve the strength ductility product in face centered cubic (FCC) metals. However, the elementary mechanisms controlling the interaction between single arm dislocation sources (SASs), often present in nanotwinned FCC metals, and CTB are still not well understood. Here, quantitative in-situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observations of these mechanisms under tensile loading are performed on submicron Ni bi-crystal. We report that the absorption of curved screw dislocations at the CTB leads to the formation of constriction nodes connecting pairs of twinning dislocations at the CTB plane in agreement with large scale 3D atomistic simulations. The coordinated motion of the twinning dislocation pairs due to the presence of the nodes leads to a unique CTB sliding mechanism, which plays an important role in initiating the fracture process at a CTB ledge. TEM observations of the interactions between non-screw dislocations and the CTB highlight the importance of the synergy between the repulsive force of the CTB and the back stress from SASs when the interactions occur in small volumes. Interactions of dislocations with coherent twin boundaries contribute to strength and ductility in metals, but investigating the interaction mechanisms is challenging. Here the authors unravel these mechanisms through quantitative in-situ transmission electron microscopy observations in nickel bi-crystal samples under tensile loading.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 12.124
DOI: 10.1038/S41467-021-21296-Z
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“Interface-dependent phononic and optical properties of GeO/MoSO heterostructures”. Yagmurcukardes M, Sozen Y, Baskurt M, Peeters FM, Sahin H, Nanoscale (2021). http://doi.org/10.1039/D1NR06534C
Abstract: The interface-dependent electronic, vibrational, piezoelectric, and optical properties of van der Waals heterobilayers, formed by buckled GeO (b-GeO) and Janus MoSO structures, are investigated by means of first-principles calculations. The electronic band dispersions show that O/Ge and S/O interface formations result in a type-II band alignment with direct and indirect band gaps, respectively. In contrast, O/O and S/Ge interfaces give rise to the formation of a type-I band alignment with an indirect band gap. By considering the Bethe-Salpeter equation (BSE) on top of G(0)W(0) approximation, it is shown that different interfaces can be distinguished from each other by means of the optical absorption spectra as a consequence of the band alignments. Additionally, the low- and high-frequency regimes of the Raman spectra are also different for each interface type. The alignment of the individual dipoles, which is interface-dependent, either weakens or strengthens the net dipole of the heterobilayers and results in tunable piezoelectric coefficients. The results indicate that the possible heterobilayers of b-GeO/MoSO asymmetric structures possess various electronic, optical, and piezoelectric properties arising from the different interface formations and can be distinguished by means of various spectroscopic techniques.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 7.367
Times cited: 5
DOI: 10.1039/D1NR06534C
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“Shearing and rotation of β'' and β' precipitates in an Al-Mg-Si alloy under tensile deformation : in-situ and ex-situ studies”. Yang M, Orekhov A, Hu Z-Y, Feng M, Jin S, Sha G, Li K, Samaee V, Song M, Du Y, Van Tendeloo G, Schryvers D, Acta Materialia 220, 117310 (2021). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.ACTAMAT.2021.117310
Abstract: The interaction between dislocations and nano-precipitates during deformation directly influences hardening response of precipitation-strengthening metals such as Al-Mg-Si alloys. However, how coherent and semi-coherent nano-precipitates accommodate external deformation applied to an Al alloy remains to be elucidated. In-situ tensile experiments in a transmission electron microscope (TEM) were conducted to study the dynamic process of dislocations cutting through coherent needle-like beta '' precipitates with diameters of 3 similar to 8 nm. Comprehensive investigations using in-situ, ex-situ TEM and atom probe tomography uncovered that beta '' precipitates were firstly sheared into small fragments, and then the rotation of the fragments, via sliding along precipitate/matrix interfaces, destroyed their initially coherent interface with the Al matrix. In contrast, semi-coherent beta' precipitates with sizes similar to beta '' were more difficult to be fragmented and accumulation of dislocations at the interface increased interface misfit between beta' and the Al matrix. Consequently, beta' precipitates could basically maintain their needle-like shape after the tensile deformation. This research gains new insights into the interaction between nano-precipitates and dislocations. (C) 2021 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 5.301
DOI: 10.1016/J.ACTAMAT.2021.117310
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“A database system for querying of river networks : facilitating monitoring and prediction applications”. Bollen E, Pagan BR, Kuijpers B, Van Hoey S, Desmet N, Hendrix R, Dams J, Seuntjens P, Water Science And Technology-Water Supply (2021). http://doi.org/10.2166/WS.2021.433
Abstract: The increasing availability of real-time in situ measurements and remote sensing observations have the potential to contribute to the optimization of water resources management. Global challenges such as climate change, intensive agriculture and urbanization put a high pressure on our water resources. Due to recent innovations in measuring both water quantity and quality, river systems can now be monitored in real time at an unprecedented spatial and temporal scale. To interpret the sensor measurements and remote sensing observations additional data for example on: the location of the measurement, upstream and downstream catchment characteristics, horizontal ellipsis are required. In this paper, we present a data management system to support flow-path related functionality for decision making and prediction modelling. Adding meta data sets and facilitating (near) real-time processing of sensor data questions are key concepts for the systems. The potential of the database framework for hydrological applications is demonstrated using different applications for the river system of Flanders. In one, the database framework is used to simulate the daily discharge for each segment within a catchment using a simple data-driven approach. The presented system is useful for numerous applications including pollution tracking, alerting and inter-sensor validation in river systems, or related networks.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Impact Factor: 0.573
DOI: 10.2166/WS.2021.433
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“Surface plasmon resonance-induced visible light photocatalytic TiO₂, modified with AuNPs for the quantification of hydroquinone”. Mendonça CD, Khan SU, Rahemi V, Verbruggen SW, Machado SAS, De Wael K, Electrochimica Acta 389, 138734 (2021). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.ELECTACTA.2021.138734
Abstract: The impregnation of size-controlled gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) on an anatase TiO2 structure (AuNPs@TiO2) was studied for the photoelectrochemical detection of hydroquinone (HQ) under visible light illumination integrated into a flow injection analysis (FIA) setup. The crystalline form of TiO2 was preserved during synthesis and the homogeneous distribution of AuNPs over the TiO2 structure was confirmed. Its photoelectrocatalytic activity was improved due to the presence of AuNPs, preventing charge recombination in TiO2 and improving its light absorption ability by the surface plasmon resonance effect (SPR). The FIA system was used in order to significantly reduce the electrode fouling during electroanalysis through periodic washing steps of the electrode surface. During the amperometric detection process, reactive oxygen species (ROS), generated by visible light illumination of AuNPs@TiO2, participate in the oxidation process of HQ. The reduction of the oxidized form of HQ, i.e. benzoquinone (BQ) occurs by applying a negative potential and the measurable amperometric response will be proportional to the initial HQ concentration. The influencing parameters on the response of the amperometric photocurrent such as applied potential, flow rate and pH were investigated. The linear correlation between the amperometric response and the concentration of HQ was recorded (range 0.0125 – 1.0 µM) with a limit of detection (LOD) of 33.8 nM and sensitivity of 0.22 A M−1 cm−2. In this study, we illustrated for the first time that the impregnation of AuNPs in TiO2 allows the sensitive detection of phenolic substances under green laser illumination by using a photoelectrochemical flow system.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation); Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Impact Factor: 4.798
DOI: 10.1016/J.ELECTACTA.2021.138734
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“High-resolution mass spectrometry and nontraditional mass defect analysis of brominated historical pigments”. Alvarez-Martin A, Newsome GA, Janssens K, Analytical Chemistry 93, 14851 (2021). http://doi.org/10.1021/ACS.ANALCHEM.1C03815
Abstract: The implementation of high-resolution mass spectrometry systems offers new possibilities for the analysis of complex art samples such as historical oil paintings. However, these multicomponent systems generate large and complex data sets that require advanced visualization tools to aid interpretation, especially when no chromatographic separation is performed. In the context of this research, it was crucial to propose a data analysis tool to identify the products generated during the synthesis, drying, and aging of historical pigments. This study reports for the first time a nontraditional mass defect analysis of oil paint samples containing a fugitive brominated-organic pigment, eosin or geranium lake, by using direct infusion electrospray ionization in combination with a high-resolution Orbitrap mass spectrometer. The use of nontraditional Kendrick mass defect plots is presented in this study as a processing and visualization tool to recognize brominated species based on their specific mass defect and isotope pattern. The results demonstrate that this approach could provide valuable molecular compositional information on the degradation pathways of this pigment. We anticipate that mass defect analysis will become highly relevant in future degradation studies of many more historical organic pigments.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation); Antwerp X-ray Imaging and Spectroscopy (AXIS)
Impact Factor: 6.32
DOI: 10.1021/ACS.ANALCHEM.1C03815
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“Single layer graphene controlled surface and bulk indentation plasticity in copper”. Bahrami F, Hammad M, Fivel M, Huet B, D'Haese C, Ding L, Nysten B, Idrissi H, Raskin JP, Pardoen T, International Journal Of Plasticity 138, 102936 (2021). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.IJPLAS.2021.102936
Abstract: The impact of graphene reinforcement on the mechanical properties of metals has been a subject of intense investigation over the last decade in surface applications to mitigate the impact of tribological loadings or for strengthening purposes when dispersed into a bulk material. Here, the effect on the plastic indentation response of a single graphene layer grown on copper is analyzed for two configurations: one with graphene at the surface, the other with graphene sandwiched under a 100 nm thick copper cap layer. Nanoindentation under both displacement and load control conditions show both earlier and shorter pop-in excursions compared to systems without graphene. Atomic force microscopy reveals much smoother pile-ups with no slip traces in the presence of a surface graphene layer. The configuration with the intercalated graphene layer appears as an ideal elementary system to address bulk hardening mechanisms by indentation testing. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) cross-sections below indents show more diffuse and homogeneous dislocation activity in the presence of graphene. 3D dislocation dynamics simulations allow unraveling of the origin of these 3D complex phenomena and prove that the collective dislocation mechanisms are dominantly controlled by the strong back stress caused by the graphene barrier. These results provide a quantitative understanding of the impact of graphene on dislocation mechanisms for both surface and bulk applications, but with an impact that is not as large as anticipated from other studies or general literature claims.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 5.702
DOI: 10.1016/J.IJPLAS.2021.102936
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“The opportunity of 6-monoacetylmorphine to selectively detect heroin at preanodized screen printed electrodes”. Felipe Montiel N, Parrilla M, Beltrán V, Nuyts G, Van Durme F, De Wael K, Talanta , 122005 (2021). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.talanta.2020.122005
Abstract: The illicit consumption of heroin is an increasing concern in our society. For this reason, rapid analytical methods to seize heroin samples in the field are of paramount importance to hinder drug trafficking, and thus prevent the availability of heroin in the drug market. The present work reports on the enriched electrochemical fingerprint of heroin, allowing its selective detection in street samples, based on the use of electrochemical pretreated screen printed electrodes (p-SPE). The voltammetric identification is built on two oxidation peaks of both heroin and its degradation product 6-monoacetylmorphine (6-MAM), generated in alkaline conditions. Interestingly, an anodic pretreatment of the screen printed electrodes (SPE) shifts the peak potential of paracetamol (the most encountered cutting agent in heroin seizures), allowing the detection of 6-MAM peak, overlapping with the paracetamol signal in the case of untreated SPE. Subsequently, the characterization of the p-SPE with scanning electron microscopy, cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, Raman and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy is provided to demonstrate local changes on the surface of the electrode. From an analytical perspective, p-SPE provide higher sensitivity (0.019 μA μM-1), excellent reproducibility (6-MAM, RSD = 2.85%, and heroin RSD = 0.91%, n = 5) and lower limits of detection (LOD) (5.2 μM) in comparison to untreated SPE. The proposed protocol which integrates a tailor-made script is interrogated against common cutting agents, and finally, validated with the screening of 14 street samples, also analyzed by standard methods. Besides, a comparison with portable spectroscopic techniques on the confiscated samples shows the better performance of the electrochemical strategy. Overall, this sensing approach offers promising results for the rapid on-site profiling of suspicious heroin samples, also in the presence of paracetamol.
Keywords: A1 Journal Article; Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation (AXES) ;
Impact Factor: 4.162
DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2020.122005
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“SPME-GC–MS for the off-gassing analysis of a complex museum object”. Alvarez-Martin A, Kavich G, Microchemical Journal 167, 106276 (2021). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.MICROC.2021.106276
Abstract: The identification of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted by a complex museum object, composed of materials of different nature, has been optimized by solid-phase microextraction coupled to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (SPME-GC–MS). The performance of two fiber coatings and four sampling times were tested and compared in order to define the best sampling conditions. The method allowed a fair extraction of volatile and semivolatile compounds emitted naturally by the object, without any type of accelerating aging. In addition, on-fiber derivatization was applied to improve the extraction efficiency and reduce the sampling time of harmful carboxylic acids emitted by the object. The results obtained are of prime importance to show the off-gassing activity of a valuable museum object in order to take further decisions related with its storage and display conditions.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation); Antwerp X-ray Imaging and Spectroscopy (AXIS)
Impact Factor: 3.034
DOI: 10.1016/J.MICROC.2021.106276
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“Atomic-scale investigation of the heterogeneous precipitation in the E (Al₁₈Mg₃Cr₂) dispersoid of 7075 aluminum alloy”. Ding L, Zhao L, Weng Y, Schryvers D, Liu Q, Idrissi H, Journal Of Alloys And Compounds 851, 156890 (2021). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.JALLCOM.2020.156890
Abstract: The heterogeneous precipitation of the eta (MgZn2) phase on the E (Al18Mg3Cr2) dispersoids of the 7075 aluminum alloy was systematically investigated by atomic resolution high-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF-STEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDX). It is found that coarse B particles are heterogeneously precipitated at the E particle interface after water quenching and isothermal aging at 120 degrees C. The incoherent E/Al interface is responsible for the high tendency of heterogeneous precipitation of the B phase. Two different orientation relationships (ORs) between the eta, E and Al matrix are identified: OR1 [2 (11) over bar0](eta)[011](E)//[(1) over bar 12](Al), (01 (1) over bar0)(eta)//(13 (3) over bar)(E)//(201)(Al), OR2 [(1) over bar 12](E)//[0001](eta)//[011](Al), (01 (1) over bar0 )(eta)//(220)(E)//(34 (4) over bar)(Al). The eta phase is preferential to nucleate along the {111}(E) or the {220}(E) planes, depending on its OR. The heterogeneous nucleation of B phase on the E particle could stabilize the E/Al interface by introducing a coherent E/eta interface, which increases the drive force of heterogeneous precipitation. The reorientation of eta phase and mutual diffusion of solute atoms could assist the coherency of the E/eta interface. The present results suggest that increasing the coherency of the E/Al interface is a promising method to suppress the heterogeneous precipitation of the eta phase. (C) 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 3.133
DOI: 10.1016/J.JALLCOM.2020.156890
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“Entropic and enthalpic factors determining the thermodynamics and kinetics of carbon segregation from transition metal nanoparticles”. Fukuhara S, Bal KM, Neyts EC, Shibuta Y, Carbon 171, 806 (2021). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.carbon.2020.09.059
Abstract: The free energy surface (FES) for carbon segregation from nickel nanoparticles is obtained from advanced molecular dynamics simulations. A suitable reaction coordinate is developed that can distinguish dissolved carbon atoms from segregated dimers, chains and junctions on the nanoparticle surface. Because of the typically long segregation time scale (up to ms), metadynamics simulations along the developed reaction coordinate are used to construct FES over a wide range of temperatures and carbon concentrations. The FES revealed the relative stability of different stages in the segregation process, and free energy barriers and rates of the individual steps could then be calculated and decomposed into enthalpic and entropic contributions. As the carbon concentration in the nickel nanoparticle increases, segregated carbon becomes more stable in terms of both enthalpy and entropy. The activation free energy of the reaction also decreases with the increase of carbon concentration, which can be mainly attributed to entropic effects. These insights and the methodology developed to obtain them improve our understanding of carbon segregation process across materials science in general, and the nucleation and growth of carbon nanotube in particular.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 6.337
DOI: 10.1016/j.carbon.2020.09.059
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“Electronic and magnetic properties of single-layer FeCl₂, with defects”. Ceyhan E, Yagmurcukardes M, Peeters FM, Sahin H, Physical Review B 103, 014106 (2021). http://doi.org/10.1103/PHYSREVB.103.014106
Abstract: The formation of lattice defects and their effect on the electronic properties of single-layer FeCl2 are investigated by means of first-principles calculations. Among the vacancy defects, namely mono-, di-, and three-Cl vacancies and mono-Fe vacancy, the formation of mono-Cl vacancy is the most preferable. Comparison of two different antisite defects reveals that the formation of the Fe-antisite defect is energetically preferable to the Cl-antisite defect. While a single Cl vacancy leads to a 1 mu(B) decrease in the total magnetic moment of the host lattice, each Fe vacant site reduces the magnetic moment by 4 mu(B). However, adsorption of an excess Cl atom on the surface changes the electronic structure to a ferromagnetic metal or to a ferromagnetic semiconductor depending on the adsorption site without changing the ferromagnetic state of the host lattice. Both Cl-antisite and Fe-antisite defected domains change the magnetic moment of the host lattice by -1 mu(B) and +3 mu(B), respectively. The electronic ground state of defected structures reveals that (i) single-layer FeCl2 exhibits half-metallicity under the formation of vacancy and Cl-antisite defects; (ii) ferromagnetic metallicity is obtained when a single Cl atom is adsorbed on upper-Cl and Fe sites, respectively; and (iii) ferromagnetic semiconducting behavior is found when a Cl atom is adsorbed on a lower-Cl site or a Fe-antisite defect is formed. Simulated scanning electron microscope images show that atomic-scale identification of defect types is possible from their electronic charge density. Further investigation of the periodically Fe-defected structures reveals that the formation of the single-layer FeCl3 phase, which is a dynamically stable antiferromagnetic semiconductor, is possible. Our comprehensive analysis on defects in single-layer FeCl2 will complement forthcoming experimental observations.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.836
Times cited: 7
DOI: 10.1103/PHYSREVB.103.014106
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“Tuning flexoelectricty and electronic properties of zig-zag graphene nanoribbons by functionalization”. Pandey T, Covaci L, Peeters FM, Carbon 171, 551 (2021). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.CARBON.2020.09.028
Abstract: The flexoelectric and electronic properties of zig-zag graphene nanoribbons are explored under mechanical bending using state of the art first principles calculations. A linear dependence of the bending induced out of plane polarization on the applied strain gradient is found. The inferior flexoelectric properties of graphene nanoribbons can be improved by more than two orders of magnitude by hydrogen and fluorine functionalization (CH and CF nanoribbons). A large out of plane flexoelectric effect is predicted for CF nanoribbons. The origin of this enhancement lies in the electro-negativity difference between carbon and fluorine atoms, which breaks the out of plane charge symmetry even for a small strain gradient. The flexoelectric effect can be further improved by co-functionalization with hydrogen and fluorine (CHF Janus-type nanoribbon), where a spontaneous out of plane dipole moment is formed even for flat nanoribbons. We also find that bending can control the charge localization of valence band maxima and therefore enables the tuning of the hole effective masses and band gaps. These results present an important advance towards the understanding of flexoelectric and electronic properties of hydrogen and fluorine functionalized graphene nanoribbons, which can have important implications for flexible electronic applications. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 6.337
Times cited: 15
DOI: 10.1016/J.CARBON.2020.09.028
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“A covalently linked dyad based on zinc phthalocyanine and methylpheophorbide &alpha, : synthetic and physicochemical study”. Balashova IO, Tolbin AY, Tarakanov PA, Krot AR, Fedorova K V, Sergeeva IA, Trashin SA, De Wael K, Pushkarev VE, Koifman MO, Ponomarev G V, Macroheterocycles 14, 40 (2021). http://doi.org/10.6060/MHC210338P
Abstract: The first covalently linked conjugate of metal phthalocyaninate and chlorin e(6) derivative has been obtained by transesterification of alpha-ketomethyl ester in methylpheophorbide a with zinc(II) 2-(2-hydroxymethylbenzyloxy)-9(10),16(17),23(24)-tri-tert-butylphthalocyaninate under mild conditions. The dyad exhibits a panchromatic nature revealing both the phthalocyanine and pheophorbide derived bands in the UV-Vis absorption spectrum. The H-1 NMR spectroscopy data combined with theoretical calculations indicate the presence of spatial intramolecular interactions between the phthalocyanine, pheophorbide and spacer fragments of the dyad allowing to forecast its enhanced nonlinear optical properties, as well as the characteristic energy transfer from the excited pheophorbide subunit to the phthalocyanine core. Indeed, when excited in the UV-Vis range, the conjugate shows red fluorescence with the spectral maximum at 686 nm, which is close to the one of the initial zinc phthalocyaninate. Furthermore, the dyad effectively generates singlet oxygen and, in the presence of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as biocompatible solubilizer, forms stable micellar saline solutions with the particles ranged in size between 40 and 100 nm. These nanoparticles represent promising third-generation photosensitizing systems for application in theranostics.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
DOI: 10.6060/MHC210338P
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“NOxproduction in a rotating gliding arc plasma: potential avenue for sustainable nitrogen fixation”. Jardali F, Van Alphen S, Creel J, Ahmadi Eshtehardi H, Axelsson M, Ingels R, Snyders R, Bogaerts A, Green Chemistry 23, 1748 (2021). http://doi.org/10.1039/D0GC03521A
Abstract: The fast growing world population demands food to survive, and nitrogen-based fertilizers are essential to ensure sufficient food production. Today, fertilizers are mainly produced from non-sustainable fossil fuels<italic>via</italic>the Haber–Bosch process, leading to serious environmental problems. We propose here a novel rotating gliding arc plasma, operating in air, for direct NO<sub>x</sub>production, which can yield high nitrogen content organic fertilizers without pollution associated with ammonia emission. We explored the efficiency of NO<sub>x</sub>production in a wide range of feed gas ratios, and for two arc modes: rotating and steady. When the arc is in steady mode, record-value NO<sub>x</sub>concentrations up to 5.5% are achieved which are 1.7 times higher than the maximum concentration obtained by the rotating arc mode, and with an energy consumption of 2.5 MJ mol<sup>−1</sup>(or<italic>ca.</italic>50 kW h kN<sup>−1</sup>);<italic>i.e.</italic>the lowest value so far achieved by atmospheric pressure plasma reactors. Computer modelling, using a combination of five different complementary approaches, provides a comprehensive picture of NO<sub>x</sub>formation in both arc modes; in particular, the higher NO<sub>x</sub>production in the steady arc mode is due to the combined thermal and vibrationally-promoted Zeldovich mechanisms.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 9.125
DOI: 10.1039/D0GC03521A
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“Nucleation rates from small scale atomistic simulations and transition state theory”. Bal KM, Journal Of Chemical Physics 155, 144111 (2021). http://doi.org/10.1063/5.0063398
Abstract: The evaluation of nucleation rates from molecular dynamics trajectories is hampered by the slow nucleation time scale and impact of finite size effects. Here, we show that accurate nucleation rates can be obtained in a very general fashion relying only on the free energy barrier, transition state theory, and a simple dynamical correction for diffusive recrossing. In this setup, the time scale problem is overcome by using enhanced sampling methods, in casu metadynamics, whereas the impact of finite size effects can be naturally circumvented by reconstructing the free energy surface from an appropriate ensemble. Approximations from classical nucleation theory are avoided. We demonstrate the accuracy of the approach by calculating macroscopic rates of droplet nucleation from argon vapor, spanning 16 orders of magnitude and in excellent agreement with literature results, all from simulations of very small (512 atom) systems.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 2.965
DOI: 10.1063/5.0063398
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“Resource effectiveness of the European automotive sector : a statistical entropy analysis over time”. Parchomenko A, Nelen D, Gillabel J, Vrancken KCM, Rechberger H, Resources Conservation And Recycling 169, 105558 (2021). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.RESCONREC.2021.105558
Abstract: The European automotive sector is faced with potentially disruptive challenges. In particular, the projected increase in the share of electric vehicles (EVs) and calls to prepare for the implementation of more circular economy (CE) strategies are increasingly demanding systemic adaptations. Given the goals of the CE, the adaptations should enable a maximal preservation of the function and value of products (e.g. extension of lifetime), components (e.g. reuse of parts) and materials (e.g., material recycling), thus saving on the energy, materials and effort that would be required to restore the lost functionalities. In this context, statistical entropy analysis (SEA) is proposed as a methodology to assess the effort needed for preserving and restoring functionality at different product, component and material life cycle stages. Effort is measured as changes in statistical entropy that are caused by concentration and dilution activities in the production – consumption – End-of-Life (EoL) system. SEA was applied to a generic model of the European automotive system, in combination with a stock-driven model and a material flow analysis (MFA), allowing statistical entropy changes to be projected over time. The paper demonstrates how SEA can facilitate decision making on the transition towards a more circular economy by quantifying the effects of particular CE strategies and their combinations. The results show that without any additional system adaptations, an increasing share of EVs towards the year 2050 will lead to substantially increased effort in production as well as end-of-life vehicle treatment.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Impact Factor: 3.313
DOI: 10.1016/J.RESCONREC.2021.105558
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“Electrochemical profiling and liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry characterization of synthetic cathinones : from methodology to detection in forensic samples”. Schram J, Parrilla M, Sleegers N, Van Durme F, van den Berg J, van Nuijs ALN, De Wael K, Drug Testing And Analysis 13, 1282 (2021). http://doi.org/10.1002/DTA.3018
Abstract: The emergence of new psychoactive drugs in the market demands rapid and accurate tools for the on‐site classification of illegal and legal compounds with similar structures. Herein, a novel method for the classification of synthetic cathinones (SC) is presented based on their electrochemical profile. First, the electrochemical profile of five common SC (i.e., mephedrone, ethcathinone, methylone, butylone and 4‐chloro‐alpha‐pyrrolidinovalerophenone) is collected to build calibration curves using square wave voltammetry on graphite screen‐printed electrodes (SPE). Second, the elucidation of the oxidation pathways, obtained by liquid chromatography‐high resolution mass spectrometry, allows the pairing of the oxidation products to the SC electrochemical profile, providing a selective and robust classification. Additionally, the effect of common adulterants and illicit drugs on the electrochemical profile of the SC is explored. Interestingly, a cathodic pretreatment of the SPE allows the selective detection of each SC in presence of electroactive adulterants. Finally, the electrochemical approach is validated with gas‐chromatography‐mass spectrometry by analyzing 26 confiscated samples from seizures and illegal webshops. Overall, the electrochemical method exhibits a successful classification of SC including structural derivatives, a crucial attribute in an ever‐diversifying drug market.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Pharmacology. Therapy; Engineering sciences. Technology; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation); Toxicological Centre
Impact Factor: 3.469
DOI: 10.1002/DTA.3018
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“Electronic and optical properties of two-dimensional heterostructures and heterojunctions between doped-graphene and C- and N-containing materials”. Bafekry A, Gogova D, M Fadlallah M, V Chuong N, Ghergherehchi M, Faraji M, Feghhi SAH, Oskoeian M, Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics 23, 4865 (2021). http://doi.org/10.1039/D0CP06213H
Abstract: The electronic and optical properties of vertical heterostructures (HTSs) and lateral heterojunctions (HTJs) between (B,N)-codoped graphene (dop@Gr) and graphene (Gr), C3N, BC3 and h-BN monolayers are investigated using van der Waals density functional theory calculations. We have found that all the considered HTSs are energetically and thermally feasible at room temperature, and therefore they can be synthesized experimentally. The dop@Gr/Gr, BC3/dop@Gr and BN/dop@Gr HTSs are semiconductors with direct bandgaps of 0.1 eV, 80 meV and 1.23 eV, respectively, while the C3N/dop@Gr is a metal because of the strong interaction between dop@Gr and C3N layers. On the other hand, the dop@Gr-Gr and BN-dop@Gr HTJs are semiconductors, whereas the C3N-dop@Gr and BC3-dop@Gr HTJs are metals. The proposed HTSs can enhance the absorption of light in the whole wavelength range as compared to Gr and BN monolayers. The applied electric field or pressure strain changes the bandgaps of the HTSs and HTJs, indicating that these HTSs are highly promising for application in nanoscale multifunctional devices.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 4.123
DOI: 10.1039/D0CP06213H
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“Selective anodes for seawater splitting via functionalization of manganese oxides by a plasma-assisted process”. Bigiani L, Barreca D, Gasparotto A, Andreu T, Verbeeck J, Sada C, Modin E, Lebedev OI, Morante JR, Maccato C, Applied Catalysis B-Environmental 284, 119684 (2021). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.APCATB.2020.119684
Abstract: The electrolysis of seawater, a significantly more abundant natural reservoir than freshwater, stands as a promising alternative for sustainable hydrogen production, provided that the competitive chloride electro-oxidation is minimized. Herein, we propose an original material combination to selectively trigger oxygen evolution from seawater at expenses of chlorine generation. The target systems, based on MnO2 or Mn2O3 decorated with Fe2O3 or Co3O4, are fabricated by plasma enhanced-chemical vapor deposition of manganese oxides, functionalization with Fe2O3 and Co3O4 by sputtering, and annealing in air/Ar to obtain Mn(IV)/Mn(III) oxides. Among the various options, MnO2 decorated with Co3O4 yields the best performances in alkaline seawater splitting, with an outstanding Tafel slope of approximate to 40 mV x dec(-1) and an overpotential of 450 mV, enabling to rule out chlorine evolution. These attractive performances, resulting from the synergistic contribution of catalytic and electronic effects, open the door to low-cost hydrogen generation from seawater under real-world conditions, paving the way to eventual large-scale applications.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 9.446
Times cited: 67
DOI: 10.1016/J.APCATB.2020.119684
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“Electrochemistry of intact versus degraded cephalosporin antibiotics facilitated by LC–MS analysis”. Sleegers N, van Nuijs ALN, van den Berg M, De Wael K, Analytical Chemistry 93, 2394 (2021). http://doi.org/10.1021/ACS.ANALCHEM.0C04286
Abstract: The electrochemical detection of cephalosporins is a promising approach for the monitoring of cephalosporin levels in process waters. However, this class of antibiotics, like penicillins, is composed of chemically active molecules and susceptible to hydrolysis and aminolysis of the four membered β-lactam ring present. In order to develop a smart monitoring strategy for cephalosporins, the influence of degradation (hydrolysis and aminolysis) on the electrochemical fingerprint has to be taken into account. Therefore, an investigation was carried out to understand the changes of the voltammetric fingerprints upon acidic and alkaline degradation. Changes in fingerprints were correlated to the degradation pathways through the combination of square wave voltammetry and liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight analysis. The characteristic electrochemical signals of the β-lactam ring disappeared upon hydrolysis. Additional oxidation signals that appeared after degradation were elucidated and linked to different degradation products, and therefore, enrich the voltammetric fingerprints with information of the state of the cephalosporins. The applicability of the electrochemical monitoring system was explored by the analysis of the intact and degraded industrial process waters containing the key intermediate 7-aminodeacetoxycephalosporanic acid (7-ADCA). Clearly, the intact process samples exhibited the expected core signals of 7-ADCA and could be quantified, while the degraded samples only showed the newly formed degradation products.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation); Toxicological Centre
Impact Factor: 6.32
DOI: 10.1021/ACS.ANALCHEM.0C04286
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“Skyrmion elongation, duplication, and rotation by spin-transfer torque under spatially varying spin current”. van Duijn F, Osca J, Sorée B, Physical Review B 104, 094426 (2021). http://doi.org/10.1103/PHYSREVB.104.094426
Abstract: The effect of the spatially varying spin current on a skyrmion is numerically investigated. It is shown that an inhomogeneous current density induces an elongation of the skyrmion. This elongation can be controlled using current pulses of different strength and duration. Long current pulses lead to a splitting that forms two replicas of the initial skyrmion while for short pulses the elongated skyrmion relaxes back to its initial circular state through rotation in the MHz-GHz frequency range. The frequency is dependent on the strength of the damping coefficient.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.836
DOI: 10.1103/PHYSREVB.104.094426
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“Terahertz magneto-optical properties of graphene hydrodynamic electron liquid”. Man LF, Xu W, Xiao YM, Wen H, Ding L, Van Duppen B, Peeters FM, Physical Review B 104, 125420 (2021). http://doi.org/10.1103/PHYSREVB.104.125420
Abstract: The discovery of the hydrodynamic electron liquid (HEL) in graphene [D. Bandurin et al., Science 351, 1055 (2016) and J. Crossno et al., Science 351, 1058 (2016)] has marked the birth of the solid-state HEL which can be probed near room temperature in a table-top setup. Here we examine the terahertz (THz) magneto-optical (MO) properties of a graphene HEL. Considering the case where the magnetic length l(B) = root h/eB is comparable to the mean-free path l(ee) for electron-electron interaction in graphene, the MO conductivities are obtained by taking a momentum balance equation approach on the basis of the Boltzmann equation. We find that when l(B) similar to l(ee), the viscous effect in a HEL can weaken significantly the THz MO effects such as cyclotron resonance and Faraday rotation. The upper hybrid and cyclotron resonance magnetoplasmon modes omega(+/-) are also obtained through the RPA dielectric function. The magnetoplasmons of graphene HEL at large wave-vector regime are affected by the viscous effect, and results in red-shifts of the magnetoplasmon frequencies. We predict that the viscosity in graphene HEL can affect strongly the magneto-optical and magnetoplasmonic properties, which can be verified experimentally.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.836
Times cited: 4
DOI: 10.1103/PHYSREVB.104.125420
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Blidar A-M (2021) The development of sensitive and selective electrochemical methods for the detection of antibiotics. 139 p
Abstract: The discovery of antibiotics represented one of the greatest breakthroughs in medicine. Their success combined with an increasing intensive use is apparently bound to be also their undoing. This is due to the development of acquired antibiotic resistance, leading to inefficient antibiotherapy and even to the impossibility of treatment and death. The development and spread of antibiotic resistance are fueled by the widespread presence of trace levels of antibiotics residue, in various media, from environment to aliments. One of the solutions is the rigorous monitoring of the levels of antibiotics, which in term requires an almost constant development of new, more accessible analytical methods, especially screening methods, capable of decentralized analysis. In this direction, the electrochemical detection of antibiotics represents a very viable alternative. In this context, the aim of this thesis was to develop new electrochemical methods for the detection of antibiotics by employing and expanding on several strategies, like biomimetic sensors and electrochemical fingerprinting. Five studies were described in this thesis, that can be roughly divided in three categories, based on the analytical strategy employed. The first group is represented by direct electrochemical methods. The second group focuses on the use of biomimetic elements, molecularly imprinted polymers and aptamers. The hyphenation of electrochemical methods with other analytical methods was explored in the last group. In the last study, included in this group, the singlet oxygen-based photoelectrochemical approach was used for the detection of a phenolic antibiotic, rifampicin. The originality of the thesis consists in the testing and development of new approaches to various strategies used in electrochemical detection, revealing new insights in the field of electrochemical detection of antibiotics. The complex electrochemical fingerprint and the mechanism of the electrochemical oxidation were created and investigated, respectively, for the antibiotic vancomycin. New sensitive nanoplatforms were prepared by employing and combining new protocols. Additionally, important contributions were brought through the study involving the singlet oxygen-based detection of rifampicin. We demonstrated how a photocatalyst can exhibit analyte selectivity by strongly interacting with a complex phenolic compound, rifampicin. Summing up, the studies presented in this thesis will have an important impact in the field of electrochemical detection of antibiotics.
Keywords: Doctoral thesis; Pharmacology. Therapy; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation); Antwerp Electrochemical and Analytical Sciences Lab (A-Sense Lab)
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“Creation of Exclusive Artificial Cluster Defects by Selective Metal Removal in the (Zn, Zr) Mixed-Metal UiO-66”. Feng X, Jena HS, Krishnaraj C, Arenas-Esteban D, Leus K, Wang G, Sun J, Rüscher M, Timoshenko J, Roldan Cuenya B, Bals S, Voort PVD, Journal Of The American Chemical Society , jacs.1c05357 (2021). http://doi.org/10.1021/jacs.1c05357
Abstract: The differentiation between missing linker defects
and missing cluster defects in MOFs is difficult, thereby limiting the
ability to correlate materials properties to a specific type of defects.
Herein, we present a novel and easy synthesis strategy for the
creation of solely “missing cluster defects” by preparing mixed-metal
(Zn, Zr)-UiO-66 followed by a gentle acid wash to remove the Zn
nodes. The resulting material has the reo UiO-66 structure, typical
for well-defined missing cluster defects. The missing clusters are
thoroughly characterized, including low-pressure Ar-sorption, iDPCSTEM
at a low dose (1.5 pA), and XANES/EXAFS analysis. We
show that the missing cluster UiO-66 has a negligible number of missing linkers. We show the performance of the missing cluster
UiO-66 in CO2 sorption and heterogeneous catalysis.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 13.858
Times cited: 29
DOI: 10.1021/jacs.1c05357
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“Photoresistive gas sensor based on nanocrystalline ZnO sensitized with colloidal perovskite CsPbBr3 nanocrystals”. Chizhov As, Rumyantseva Mn, Drozdov Ka, Krylov Iv, Batuk M, Hadermann J, Filatova Dg, Khmelevsky No, Kozlovsky Vf, Maltseva Ln, Gaskov Am, Sensors And Actuators B-Chemical 329, 129035 (2021). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.snb.2020.129035
Abstract: The development of sensor materials of which gas sensitivity activates under light illumination is of great importance for the design of portable gas analyzers with low power consumption. In the present work a ZnO/CsPbBr3 nanocomposite based on nanocrystalline ZnO and colloidal cubic-shaped perovskite CsPbBr3 nanocrystals (NCs) capped by oleic acide and oleylamine was synthesized. The individual materials and obtained nanocomposite are characterized by x-ray diffraction, low-temperature nitrogen adsorption, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, high angle annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy with energy-dispersive Xray spectroscopy mapping and UV-vis absorption spectroscopy. The spectral dependence of the photoconductivity of the ZnO/CsPbBr3 nanocomposite reveals a well-defined peak that strongly correlates with the its optical absorption spectrum. The nanocomposite ZnO/CsPbBr3 shows enhanced photoresponse under visible light illumination (lambda(max) = 470 nm, 8 mW/cm(2)) in air, oxygen and argone, compared with pure nanocrystalline ZnO. Under periodic illumination in the temperature range of 25-100 degrees C, the ZnO/CsPbBr3 nanocomposite shows a sensor response to 0.5-3.0 ppm NO2, unlike pure nanocrystalline ZnO matrix, which demonstrates sensor sensitivity to NO2 under the same conditions above 100 degrees C. The effects of humidity on the sensor signal and photoresponse are also discussed.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 5.401
DOI: 10.1016/j.snb.2020.129035
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“Nd3+-Doped Lanthanum Oxychloride Nanocrystals as Nanothermometers”. Renero-Lecuna C, Herrero A, Jimenez de Aberasturi D, Martínez-Flórez M, Valiente R, Mychinko M, Bals S, Liz-Marzán LM, Journal Of Physical Chemistry C 125, 19887 (2021). http://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jpcc.1c05828
Abstract: The development of optical nanothermometers operating in the near-infrared (NIR) is of high relevance toward temperature measurements in biological systems. We propose herein the use of Nd3+-doped lanthanum oxychloride nanocrystals as an efficient system with intense photoluminescence under NIR irradiation in the first biological transparency window and emission in the second biological window with excellent emission stability over time under 808 nm excitation, regardless of Nd3+ concentration, which can be considered as a particular strength of our system. Additionally, surface passivation through overgrowth of an inert LaOCl shell around optically active LaOCl/Nd3+ cores was found to further enhance the photoluminescence intensity and also the lifetime of the 1066 nm, 4F3/2 to 4I11/2 transition, without affecting its (ratiometric) sensitivity toward temperature changes. As required for biological applications, we show that the obtained (initially hydrophobic) nanocrystals can be readily transferred into aqueous solvents with high, long-term stability, through either ligand exchange or encapsulation with an amphiphilic polymer.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 4.536
Times cited: 9
DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcc.1c05828
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“Hall and bend resistance of a phosphorene Hall bar”. Miranda LP, Milovanović, SP, Filho RNC, Peeters FM, Physical Review B 104, 035401 (2021). http://doi.org/10.1103/PHYSREVB.104.035401
Abstract: The dependence of the Hall and bend resistances on a perpendicular magnetic field and on vacancy defects in a four-terminal phosphorene single layer Hall bar is investigated. A tight-binding model in combination with the Landauer-Buttiker formalism is used to calculate the energy spectrum, the lead-to-lead transmissions, and the Hall and bend resistances of the system. It is shown that the terminals with zigzag edge orientation are responsible for the absence of quantized plateaus in the Hall resistance and peaks in the longitudinal resistance. A negative bend resistance in the ballistic regime is found due to the presence of high- and low-energy transport modes in the armchair and zigzag terminals, respectively. The system density of states, with single vacancy defects, shows that the presence of in-gap states is proportional to the number of vacancies. Quantized plateaus in the Hall resistance are only formed in a sufficiently clean system. The effects of different kinds of vacancies where the plateaus are destroyed and a diffusive regime appears in the bend resistance are investigated.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.836
Times cited: 2
DOI: 10.1103/PHYSREVB.104.035401
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