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Author Yildiz, A.; Chouki, T.; Atli, A.; Harb, M.; Verbruggen, S.W.; Ninakanti, R.; Emin, S.
Title Efficient iron phosphide catalyst as a counter electrode in dye-sensitized solar cells Type A1 Journal article
Year 2021 Publication ACS applied energy materials Abbreviated Journal
Volume 4 Issue 10 Pages 10618-10626
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract (up) Developing an efficient material as a counter electrode (CE) with excellent catalytic activity, intrinsic stability, and low cost is essential for the commercial application of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Transition metal phosphides have been demonstrated as outstanding multifunctional catalysts in a broad range of energy conversion technologies. Here, we exploited different phases of iron phosphide as CEs in DSSCs with an I–/I3–-based electrolyte. Solvothermal synthesis using a triphenylphosphine precursor as a phosphorus source allows to grow a Fe2P phase at 300 °C and a FeP phase at 350 °C. The obtained iron phosphide catalysts were coated on fluorine-doped tin oxide substrates and heat-treated at 450 °C under an inert gas atmosphere. The solar-to-current conversion efficiency of the solar cells assembled with the Fe2P material reached 3.96 ± 0.06%, which is comparable to the device assembled with a platinum (Pt) CE. DFT calculations support the experimental observations and explain the fundamental origin behind the improved performance of Fe2P compared to FeP. These results indicate that the Fe2P catalyst exhibits excellent performance along with desired stability to be deployed as an efficient Pt-free alternative in DSSCs.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000711236300022 Publication Date 2021-10-08
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2574-0962 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: NA
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:181953 Serial 7853
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author De Tommasi, E.; Gielis, J.; Rogato, A.
Title Diatom frustule morphogenesis and function : a multidisciplinary survey Type A1 Journal article
Year 2017 Publication Marine Genomics Abbreviated Journal
Volume 35 Issue Pages 1-18
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract (up) Diatoms represent the major component of phytoplankton and are responsible for about 2025% of global primary production. Hundreds of millions of years of evolution led to tens of thousands of species differing in dimensions and morphologies. In particular, diatom porous silica cell walls, the frustules, are characterized by an extraordinary, species-specific diversity. It is of great interest, among the marine biologists and geneticists community, to shed light on the origin and evolutionary advantage of this variability of dimensions, geometries and pore distributions. In the present article the main reported data related to frustule morphogenesis and functionalities with contributions from fundamental biology, genetics, mathematics, geometry and physics are reviewed.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000412957700001 Publication Date 2017-07-20
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1874-7787 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved no
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:144546 Serial 7807
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Yedukondalu, N.; Pandey, T.; Roshan, S.C.R.
Title Effect of hydrostatic pressure on lone pair activity and phonon transport in Bi₂O₂S Type A1 Journal article
Year 2023 Publication ACS applied energy materials Abbreviated Journal
Volume 6 Issue 4 Pages 2401-2411
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Abstract (up) Dibismuth dioxychalcogenides, Bi2O2Ch (Ch = S, Se, Te), are a promising class of materials for next-generation electronics and thermoelectrics due to their ultrahigh carrier mobility and excellent air stability. An interesting member of this family is Bi2O2S, which has a stereochemically active 6s2 lone pair of Bi3+ cations, heterogeneous bonding, and a high mass contrast between its constituent elements. In the present study, we have used first-principles calculations in combination with Boltzmann transport theory to systematically investigate the effect of hydrostatic pressure on lattice dynamics and phonon transport properties of Bi2O2S. We found that the ambient Pnmn phase has a low average lattice thermal conductivity (kappa l) of 1.71 W/(m K) at 300 K. We also predicted that Bi2O2S undergoes a structural phase transition from a low-symmetry (Pnmn) to a high-symmetry (I4/mmm) structure at around 4 GPa due to centering of Bi3+ cations with pressure. Upon compression, the lone pair activity of Bi3+ cations is suppressed, which increases kappa l by almost 3 times to 4.92 W/ (m K) at 5 GPa for the I4/mmm phase. The computed phonon lifetimes and Gru''neisen parameters show that anharmonicity decreases with increasing pressure due to further suppression of the lone pair activity and strengthening of intra-and intermolecular interactions, leading to an average room-temperature kappa l of 12.82 W/(m K) at 20 GPa. Overall, this study provides a comprehensive understanding of the effect of hydrostatic pressure on the stereochemical activity of the lone pair of Bi3+ cations and its implications on the phonon transport properties of Bi2O2S.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000929103700001 Publication Date 2023-02-08
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2574-0962 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 6.4 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 6.4; 2023 IF: NA
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:195245 Serial 7300
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Author Damla, N.; Čevik, U.; Kobya, A.I.; Celik, A.; Celik, N.; Van Grieken, R.
Title Radiation dose estimation and mass attenuation coefficients of cement samples used in Turkey Type A1 Journal article
Year 2010 Publication Journal of hazardous materials Abbreviated Journal
Volume 176 Issue 1/3 Pages 644-649
Keywords A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
Abstract (up) Different cement samples commonly used in building construction in Turkey have been analyzed for natural radioactivity using gamma-ray spectrometry. The mean activity concentrations observed in the cement samples were 52, 40 and 324 Bq kg−1 for 226Ra, 232Th and 40K, respectively. The measured activity concentrations for these radionuclides were compared with the reported data of other countries and world average limits. The radiological hazard parameters such as radium equivalent activities (Raeq), gamma index (Iγ) and alpha index (Iα) indices as well as terrestrial absorbed dose and annual effective dose rate were calculated and compared with the international data. The Raeq values of cement are lower than the limit of 370 Bq kg−1, equivalent to a gamma dose of 1.5 mSv y−1. Moreover, the mass attenuation coefficients were determined experimentally and calculated theoretically using XCOM in some cement samples. Also, chemical compositions analyses of the cement samples were investigated.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000274839700087 Publication Date 2009-11-20
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0304-3894 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved no
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:80671 Serial 8448
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Vincze, L.; Janssens, K.; Adams, F.
Title X-ray optics for synchrotron-radiation-induced X-ray micro fluorescence at the european synchrotron-radiation facility, Grenoble Type A1 Journal article
Year 1993 Publication Institute of physics conference series Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue 130 Pages 613-616
Keywords A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
Abstract (up) Different optical designs for generating synchrotron x-ray micro beams suitable for use in an X-ray fluorescence microscope using an ESRF bending magnet X-ray source are compared. Attention is devoted to the spatial and energy distribution of the photons in the micro beam and to the minimum detection limits that are achievable with each alternative optical system.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos A1993LW34000126 Publication Date
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0305-2346 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved no
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:104541 Serial 5917
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Leysen, L.; Roekens, E.; Van Grieken, R.
Title Air-pollution-induced chemical decay of a sandy-limestone cathedral in Belgium Type A1 Journal article
Year 1989 Publication The science of the total environment Abbreviated Journal
Volume 78 Issue Pages 263-277
Keywords A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
Abstract (up) Different trace- and microanalytical techniques were used in an extensive study to elucidate the chemical deterioration process of the sandy-limestone St Rombouts Cathedral in Mechelen, Belgium. Samples of stones, mortar joints, slates, atmospheric aerosols and gases, total and wet deposition, and water that had run down the cathedral walls, were all thoroughly characterized. At the east side, usually not exposed to precipitation, a 3001000-μm thick outer crust of microcrystalline gypsum was observed, while at the west side, this surface layer was mostly eroded away due to precipitation. At the north and south sides, the crust contains varying amounts of gypsum and calcite. The gypsum is mostly present in a bar-shaped morphology and carbonaceous fly-ash particles were rarely found in the weathering crust. Local stone characteristics seem to be extremely important in relation to the gypsum content of the crust; black samples always have a much higher sulphate content than the corresponding white samples, irrespective of the predominant direction of orientation. The relative contribution of nitrogen- and chlorine-containing pollutants to the total decay process is much smaller than that of sulphur-containing pollutants. Deposition samples collected at the site of the cathedral mostly had a pH of > 5.6, due to the neutralization of the rainwater by alkaline atmospheric constituents. Runoff water and washdown water were enriched in all ions, especially Ca2+ and SO42−, indicating that, indeed, gypsum is the most important weathering product. The suspension in deposition samples and black-well leaching water was highly enriched in silicon-containing particles, while runoff water and white-wall leaching water contained a predominant calcium-rich suspension.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos A1989R806400021 Publication Date 2003-09-12
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0048-9697; 1879-1026 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved no
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:116649 Serial 7431
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Komy, Z.; Roekens, E.; Van Grieken, R.
Title Analysis of rain water by differential-pulse stripping voltammetry in nitric acid medium Type A1 Journal article
Year 1988 Publication Analytica chimica acta Abbreviated Journal
Volume 204 Issue Pages 179-187
Keywords A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
Abstract (up) Differential-pulse anodic stripping voltammetry is applied to determine cadmium, lead and copper in rain water acidified with nitric acid to pH 1.5, and zinc after partial neutralization to pH 4.5. Subsequently, cobalt and nickel are measured in the adsorptive mode after formation of their dimethylglyoximates. The effects of pH on the stripping peaks for Zn, Cd, Pb and Cu and of chloride on the stripping peak of copper are reported. Good agreement is found with d.p.s.v. determinations in hydrochloric acid medium and with a.a.s. measurements in most cases. Excellent accuracy is demonstrated; the average relative standard deviation per measurement appears to be between 12 and 22% for the overall analytical procedure for concentrations of 0.1550 μgl−1 of the various metals in the samples.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos A1988M945900016 Publication Date 2002-07-25
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0003-2670; 1873-4324 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved no
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:116449 Serial 7450
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Vos, L.; Komy, G.; Reggers, G.; Roekens, E.; Van Grieken, R.
Title Determination of trace metals in rain water by differential-pulse stripping voltammetry Type A1 Journal article
Year 1986 Publication Analytica chimica acta Abbreviated Journal
Volume 184 Issue Pages 271-280
Keywords A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
Abstract (up) Differential-pulse stripping voltammetry is applied to measure zinc, cadmium, lead and copper by anodic stripping and selenium(IV) by cathodic stripping in rain water at pH 2; subsequently, at pH 9,1, manganese is measured by anodic stripping on the same portion, and cobalt and nickel are measured in the adsorptive mode after formation of their dimethylglyoximates. The instrumental parameters are optimized. The linear ranges, mutual interferences and detection limits are studied. Excellent accuracy is demonstrated; the standard deviation is around 15% at 2.550 μg l−1 levels. The method is shown to be applicable for rain water.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos A1986D964700026 Publication Date 2002-07-25
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0003-2670; 1873-4324 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved no
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:116444 Serial 7793
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Do, N.H.; Pham, H.H.; Le, T.M.; Lauwaert, J.; Diels, L.; Verberckmoes, A.; Do, N.H.N.; Tran, V.T.; Le, P.K.
Title The novel method to reduce the silica content in lignin recovered from black liquor originating from rice straw Type A1 Journal article
Year 2020 Publication Scientific Reports Abbreviated Journal Sci Rep-Uk
Volume 10 Issue 1 Pages 21263
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract (up) Difficulties in the production of lignin from rice straw because of high silica content in the recovered lignin reduce its recovery yield and applications as bio-fuel and aromatic chemicals. Therefore, the objective of this study is to develop a novel method to reduce the silica content in lignin from rice straw more effectively and selectively. The method is established by monitoring the precipitation behavior as well as the chemical structure of precipitate by single-stage acidification at different pH values of black liquor collected from the alkaline treatment of rice straw. The result illustrates the significant influence of pH on the physical and chemical properties of the precipitate and the supernatant. The simple two-step acidification of the black liquor at pilot-scale by sulfuric acid 20w/v% is applied to recover lignin at pH 9 and pH 3 and gives a percentage of silica removal as high as 94.38%. Following the developed process, the high-quality lignin could be produced from abundant rice straw at the industrial-scale.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000608856300027 Publication Date 2020-12-04
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2045-2322 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 4.6 Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 4.6; 2020 IF: 4.259
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:176054 Serial 8655
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Author Lu, W.; Cui, W.; Zhao, W.; Lin, W.; Liu, C.; Van Tendeloo, G.; Sang, X.; Zhao, W.; Zhang, Q.
Title In situ atomistic insight into magnetic metal diffusion across Bi0.5Sb1.5Te3 quintuple layers Type A1 Journal article
Year 2022 Publication Advanced Materials Interfaces Abbreviated Journal Adv Mater Interfaces
Volume Issue Pages 2102161
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract (up) Diffusion and occupancy of magnetic atoms in van der Waals (VDW) layered materials have significant impact on applications such as energy storage, thermoelectrics, catalysis, and topological phenomena. However, due to the weak VDW bonding, most research focus on in-plane diffusion within the VDW gap, while out-of-plane diffusion has rarely been reported. Here, to investigate out-of-plane diffusion in VDW-layered Bi2Te3-based alloys, a Ni/Bi0.5Sb1.5Te3 heterointerface is synthesized by depositing magnetic Ni metal on a mechanically exfoliated Bi0.5Sb1.5Te3 (0001) substrate. Diffusion of Ni atoms across the Bi0.5Sb1.5Te3 quintuple layers is directly observed at elevated temperatures using spherical-aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM). Density functional theory calculations demonstrate that the diffusion energy barrier of Ni atoms is only 0.31-0.45 eV when they diffuse through Te-3(Bi, Sb)(3) octahedron chains. Atomic-resolution in situ STEM reveals that the distortion of the Te-3(Bi, Sb)(3) octahedron, induced by the Ni occupancy, drives the formation of coherent NiM (M = Bi, Sb, Te) at the heterointerfaces. This work can lead to new strategies to design novel thermoelectric and topological materials by introducing magnetic dopants to VDW-layered materials.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000751742300001 Publication Date 2022-02-07
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2196-7350 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 5.4 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 5.4
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:186421 Serial 6960
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Vanden Abeele, M.M.P.; Vandebosch, H.; Koster, E.H.W.; De Leyn, T.; Van Gaeveren, K.; de Segovia Vicente, D.; Van Bruyssel, S.; van Timmeren, T.; De Marez, L.; Poels, K.; DeSmet, A.; De Wever, B.; Verbruggen, M.; Baillien, E.
Title Why, how, when, and for whom does digital disconnection work? A process-based framework of digital disconnection Type A1 Journal article
Year 2024 Publication Communication theory Abbreviated Journal
Volume 34 Issue 1 Pages 3-17
Keywords A1 Journal article; Mass communications; Media, ICT and interpersonal relations in Organisations and Society (MIOS)
Abstract (up) Digital disconnection has emerged as a concept describing the actions people take to limit their digital connectivity to enhance their well-being. To date, evidence on its effectiveness is mixed, leading to calls for greater consideration of why, how, when, and for whom digital disconnection works. This article responds to these calls, presenting a framework that differentiates four key harms that contribute to experiences of digital ill-being (time displacement, interference, role blurring, and exposure effects). Using these four harms as a starting point, the framework explains: (1) why people are motivated to digitally disconnect; (2) how specific disconnection strategies (i.e., placing limits on time, access, channels, and contents, interactions and features) may help them; and for whom (3) and under which conditions (when) these strategies can be effective.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001154547700001 Publication Date 2024-02-01
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1050-3293; 1468-2885 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: NA
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:203874 Serial 9245
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Demiroglu, I.; Karaaslan, Y.; Kocabas, T.; Keceli, M.; Vazquez-Mayagoitia, A.; Sevik, C.
Title Computation of the thermal expansion coefficient of graphene with Gaussian approximation potentials Type A1 Journal article
Year 2021 Publication Journal Of Physical Chemistry C Abbreviated Journal J Phys Chem C
Volume 125 Issue 26 Pages 14409-14415
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Abstract (up) Direct experimental measurement of thermal expansion coefficient without substrate effects is a challenging task for two-dimensional (2D) materials, and its accurate estimation with large-scale ab initio molecular dynamics is computationally very expensive. Machine learning-based interatomic potentials trained with ab initio data have been successfully used in molecular dynamics simulations to decrease the computational cost without compromising the accuracy. In this study, we investigated using Gaussian approximation potentials to reproduce the density functional theory-level accuracy for graphene within both lattice dynamical and molecular dynamical methods, and to extend their applicability to larger length and time scales. Two such potentials are considered, GAP17 and GAP20. GAP17, which was trained with pristine graphene structures, is found to give closer results to density functional theory calculations at different scales. Further vibrational and structural analyses verify that the same conclusions can be deduced with density functional theory level in terms of the reasoning of the thermal expansion behavior, and the negative thermal expansion behavior is associated with long-range out-of-plane phonon vibrations. Thus, it is argued that the enabled larger system sizes by machine learning potentials may even enhance the accuracy compared to small-size-limited ab initio molecular dynamics.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000672734100027 Publication Date 2021-06-24
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1932-7447; 1932-7455 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 4.536 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 4.536
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:179850 Serial 7719
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Ciocarlan, R.-G.; Blommaerts, N.; Lenaerts, S.; Cool, P.; Verbruggen, S.W.
Title Recent trends in plasmon‐assisted photocatalytic CO₂ reduction Type A1 Journal article
Year 2023 Publication Chemsuschem Abbreviated Journal
Volume 16 Issue 5 Pages e202201647-25
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Laboratory of adsorption and catalysis (LADCA)
Abstract (up) Direct photocatalytic reduction of CO2 has become an highly active field of research. It is thus of utmost importance to maintain an overview of the various materials used to sustain this process, find common trends, and, in this way, eventually improve the current conversions and selectivities. In particular, CO2 photoreduction using plasmonic photocatalysts under solar light has gained tremendous attention, and a wide variety of materials has been developed to reduce CO2 towards more practical gases or liquid fuels (CH4, CO, CH3OH/CH3CH2OH) in this manner. This Review therefore aims at providing insights in current developments of photocatalysts consisting of only plasmonic nanoparticles and semiconductor materials. By classifying recent studies based on product selectivity, this Review aims to unravel common trends that can provide effective information on ways to improve the photoreduction yield or possible means to shift the selectivity towards desired products, thus generating new ideas for the way forward.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000926901300001 Publication Date 2023-01-10
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1864-5631 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 8.4 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 8.4; 2023 IF: 7.226
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:193633 Serial 7335
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Dingenen, F.; Verbruggen, S.W.
Title Tapping hydrogen fuel from the ocean : a review on photocatalytic, photoelectrochemical and electrolytic splitting of seawater Type A1 Journal article
Year 2021 Publication Renewable & Sustainable Energy Reviews Abbreviated Journal Renew Sust Energ Rev
Volume 142 Issue Pages 110866
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract (up) Direct splitting of earth-abundant seawater provides an eco-friendly route for the production of clean H2, but is hampered by selectivity and stability issues. Direct seawater electrolysis is the most established technology, attaining high current densities in the order of 1–2 A cm−2. Alternatively, light-driven processes such as photocatalytic and photoelectrochemical seawater splitting are particularly promising as well, as they rely on renewable solar power. Solar-to-Hydrogen efficiencies have increased over the past decade from negligible values to about 2%. Especially the absence of large local pH changes (in the order of several tenths of a pH unit compared to up to 9 pH units for electrolysis) is a strong asset for pure photocatalysis. This may lead to less adverse side-reactions such as Cl2 and ClO− formation, (acid or base induced) corrosion and scaling. Besides, additional requirements for electrolytic cells, e.g. membranes and electricity input, are not needed in pure photocatalysis systems. In this review, the state-of-the-art technologies in light-driven seawater splitting are compared to electrochemical approaches with a focus on sustainability and stability. Promising advances are identified at the level of the catalyst as well as the process, and insight is provided in solutions crossing different fields.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000632316600003 Publication Date 2021-03-03
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1364-0321; 1879-0690 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 8.05 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 8.05
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:175701 Serial 8642
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Haug, C.; Ruebeling, F.; Kashiwar, A.; Gumbsch, P.; Kübel, C.; Greiner, C.
Title Early deformation mechanisms in the shear affected region underneath a copper sliding contact Type A1 Journal article
Year 2020 Publication Nature Communications Abbreviated Journal Nat Commun
Volume 11 Issue 1 Pages 839-8
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract (up) Dislocation mediated plastic deformation decisively influences the friction coefficient and the microstructural changes at many metal sliding interfaces during tribological loading. This work explores the initiation of a tribologically induced microstructure in the vicinity of a copper twin boundary. Two distinct horizontal dislocation traces lines (DTL) are observed in their interaction with the twin boundary beneath the sliding interface. DTL formation seems unaffected by the presence of the twin boundary but the twin boundary acts as an indicator of the occurring deformation mechanisms. Three concurrent elementary processes can be identified: simple shear of the subsurface area in sliding direction, localized shear at the primary DTL and crystal rotation in the layers above and between the DTLs around axes parallel to the transverse direction. Crystal orientation analysis demonstrates a strong compatibility of these proposed processes. Quantitatively separating these different deformation mechanisms is crucial for future predictive modeling of tribological contacts.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos Publication Date 2020-02-11
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2041-1723 ISBN Additional Links UA library record
Impact Factor 16.6 Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 16.6; 2020 IF: 12.124
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:183619 Serial 6863
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Hellemans, K.
Title Laser ablation ICP-MS as a tool for surface analysis in comparison to other elemental analysis methods Type Doctoral thesis
Year 2019 Publication Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue Pages 229 p.
Keywords Doctoral thesis; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
Abstract (up) Dit onderzoek presenteert een overzicht van de mogelijkheden van LA-ICP-MS als een techniek voor kwantitatieve analyse, bepalen van isotoopverhoudingen en elementaire beeldvorming. Hiervoor wordt de techniek zelf voorgesteld en worden de belangrijkste parameters die een invloed hebben op de kwaliteit van een LA-ICP-MS meting beschreven. Voor kwantitieve analyse worden de huidige calibratiestrategieën voor LA-ICP-MS toegelicht, zowel op het vlak van selectie en bereiding van standaarden als op het vlak van dataverwerking. Daarnaast werd een nieuwe calibratiestrategie voorgesteld, gebaseerd op een lineaire combinatie van standaarden. Een case study met de traditionele calibratiestrategie uit de literatuur werd uitgevoerd en vergeleken met data van SEM-EDX om een referentiekader te schetsen voor de performantie van de techniek. In een tweede case study werd onze nieuwe calibratiestrategie toegepast en werd er uitsluitend gebruik gemaakt van LA-ICP-MS, wat uitstekende resultaten opleverde. Met het oog op het bepalen van isotoopverhoudingen, werd er onderzocht wat de limieten zijn van het gebruik van een lage resolutie quadrupool massaspectrometer voor deze bepaling. Dit stelde ons in staat om de te verwachten accuraatheid en precisie in te schatten. De performantie bleek goed genoeg te zijn om weapon-grade plutonium te onderscheiden van global fall-out, zoals het werd aangetoond in de case study omtrent dit onderwerp. Uiteindelijk hebben we ook LA-ICP-MS geëvalueerd als een techniek voor elementaire beeldvorming, waarbij we tevens de meest courante multivariate data analyse hebben beschreven. Om de techniek te plaatsen tegenover andere elementaire technieken, werd een historisch verffragment geanalyseerd dat in het verleden reeds geanalyseerd was met SEM-EDX and μ-XRD. Op die manier konden we de resultaten accuraat vergelijken met de andere technieken.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos Publication Date
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN ISBN Additional Links UA library record
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved no
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:160063 Serial 8152
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Peeters, B.; Daems, D.; Van der Donck, T.; Delport, F.; Lammertyn, J.
Title Real-time FO-SPR monitoring of solid-phase DNAzyme cleavage activity for cutting-edge biosensing Type A1 Journal article
Year 2019 Publication ACS applied materials and interfaces Abbreviated Journal
Volume 11 Issue 7 Pages 6759-6768
Keywords A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
Abstract (up) DNA nanotechnology has a great potential in biosensor design including nanostructuring of the biosensor surface through DNA origami, target recognition by means of aptamers, and DNA-based signal amplification strategies. In this paper, we use DNA nanotechnology to describe for the first time the concept of real-time solid-phase monitoring of DNAzyme cleavage activity for the detection of specific single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) with a fiber optic surface plasmon resonance (FO-SPR) biosensor. Hereto, we first developed a robust ligation strategy for the functionalization of the FO-SPR biosensing surface with ssDNA-tethered gold nanoparticles, serving as the substrate for the DNAzyme. Next, we established a relation between the SPR signal change, due to the cleavage activity of the 10–23 DNAzyme, and the concentration of the DNAzyme, showing faster cleavage kinetics for higher DNAzyme concentrations. Finally, we implemented this generic concept for biosensing of ssDNA target in solution. Hereto, we designed a DNAzyme–inhibitor complex, consisting of an internal loop structure complementary to the ssDNA target, that releases active DNAzyme molecules in a controlled way as a function of the target concentration. We demonstrated reproducible target detection with a theoretical limit of detection of 1.4 nM, proving that the presented ligation strategy is key to a universal DNAzyme-based FO-SPR biosensing concept with promising applications in the medical and agrofood sector.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000459642200008 Publication Date 2019-01-25
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1944-8244 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved no
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:160132 Serial 8457
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Nematollahi, P.; Neyts, E.C.
Title Distribution pattern of metal atoms in bimetal-doped pyridinic-N₄ pores determines their potential for electrocatalytic N₂ reduction Type A1 Journal article
Year 2022 Publication Journal Of Physical Chemistry A Abbreviated Journal J Phys Chem A
Volume 126 Issue 20 Pages 3080-3089
Keywords A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract (up) Doping two single transition-metal (TM) atoms on a substrate host opens numerous possibilities for catalyst design. However, what if the substrate contains more than one vacancy site? Then, the combination of two TMs along with their distribution patterns becomes a design parameter potentially complementary to the substrate itself and the bimetal composition. In this study, we investigate ammonia synthesis under mild electrocatalytic conditions on a transition-metal-doped porous C24N24 catalyst using density functional theory (DFT). The TMs studied include Ti, Mn, and Cu in a 2:4 dopant ratio (Ti2Mn4@C24N24 and Ti2Cu4@N-24(24)). Our computations show that a single Ti atom in both catalysts exhibits the highest selectivity for N-2 fixation at ambient conditions. This work is a good theoretical model to establish the structure-activity relationship, and the knowledge earned from the metal-N-4 moieties may help studies of related nanomaterials, especially those with curved structures.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000804119800003 Publication Date 2022-05-12
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1089-5639; 1520-5215 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 2.9 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 2.9
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:189023 Serial 7146
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Sharafi, L.; Zarafshani, K.; Keshavarz, M.; Azadi, H.; Van Passel, S.
Title Farmers' decision to use drought early warning system in developing countries Type A1 Journal article
Year 2021 Publication Science Of The Total Environment Abbreviated Journal Sci Total Environ
Volume 758 Issue Pages 142761
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering Management (ENM)
Abstract (up) Drought is a persistent, sluggish natural disaster in developing countries that has generated a financial burden and an unstable climate. Farmers should adopt early warning systems (EWS) in their strategies for monitoring drought to reduce its serious consequences. However, farmers in developing countries are reluctant to use EWS as their management strategies. Hence, the aim of this study was to investigate the decision of farmers to use climate knowledge through the model of farming activity in Kermanshah Township, Iran. A surveyor questionnaire was used to gather data from 370 wheat farmers using random sampling methods inmulti-stage clusters. Results revealed that the decision to use climate information is affected by personal factors, attitude towards climate information, objectives of using climate information, and external/physical farming factors. The result of this study has implications for drought management practitioners. To be specific, the results can aid policymakers to design early alert programs to minimize the risk of drought and thus move from conventional to climate smart agriculture. (C) 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000605623800001 Publication Date 2020-10-05
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0048-9697 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 4.9 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 4.9
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:176030 Serial 6924
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Author Ysebaert, T.; Samson, R.; Denys, S.
Title Revisiting dry deposition modelling of particulate matter on vegetation at the microscale Type A1 Journal article
Year 2023 Publication Air quality, atmosphere & health Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue Pages
Keywords A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract (up) Dry deposition is an important process determining pollutant concentrations, especially when studying the influence of urban green infrastructure on particulate matter (PM) levels in cities. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models of PM capture by vegetation are useful tools to increase their applicability. The meso-scale models of Zhang et al. (Atmos Environ 35:549-560, 2001) and Petroff and Zhang (Geosci Model Dev 3(2):753-769, 2010) have often been adopted in CFD models, however a comparison of these models with measurements including all PM particle sizes detrimental to health has been rarely reported and certainly not for green wall species. This study presents dry deposition experiments on real grown Hedera helix in a wind tunnel setup with wind speeds from 1 to 4 m s(-1) and PM consisting of a mixture of soot (0.02 – 0.2 mu mu m) and dust particles (0.3 – 10 mu mu m). Significant factors determining the collection efficiency (%) were particle diameter and wind speed, but relative air humidity and the type of PM (soot or dust) did not have a significant influence. Zhang's model outperformed Petroff's model for particles < 0.3 mu mu m, however the inclusion of turbulent impaction in Petroff's model resulted in better agreement with the measurements for particles > 2 – 3 mu mu m. The optimised model had an overall root-mean-square-error of similar to 4% for collection efficiency (CE) and 0.4 cm s-1 for deposition velocity (nu d), which was shown to be highly competitive against previously described models. It can thus be used to model PM deposition on other plant species, provided the correct parameterisation of the drag by this species. A detailed description of the spatial distribution of the vegetation could solve the underestimation for particle sizes of 0.3 – 2 mu mu m.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001125841300001 Publication Date 2023-12-14
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1873-9318; 1873-9326 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 5.1 Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 5.1; 2023 IF: 3.184
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:201986 Serial 9086
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Rojas, C.M.; Van Grieken, R.E.; Laane, R.W.
Title Comparison of 3 dry deposition models applied to field-measurements in the Southern Bight of the North-Sea Type A1 Journal article
Year 1993 Publication Atmospheric environment Abbreviated Journal
Volume 27 Issue 3 Pages 363-370
Keywords A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
Abstract (up) Dry deposition velocities have been calculated using three different approaches. Turbulent wind profile theory has been used to predict the drag coefficient, wind speed and friction velocity at 10 m height when the wind speed is measured at a higher altitude. The resulting parameters were introduced in a two-layer deposition model. The second approach was the well-known model of Slinn and Slinn (1980, Atmospheric Environment 14, 1013-1016), whereas the third corresponded to the model published by Williams (1982, Atmospheric Environment 16, 1933 1938). Results point to clear differences. However, in a field experiment carried out at the Southern Bight of the North Sea, all three approaches show relatively comparable results. The role played by the size distribution of atmospheric particulate matter is essential. In our case any of the three models could have given satisfactory outcomes taking into account the wide spread of the experimental results cited in the literature for the same airshed.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos A1993KQ75200008 Publication Date 2003-08-06
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0004-6981 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved no
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:100018 Serial 7690
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Wang, Y.-T.; Wu, S.-M.; Luo, G.-Q.; Tian, G.; Wang, L.-Y.; Xiao, S.-T.; Wu, J.-X.; Wu, A.; Wu, K.-J.; Lenaerts, S.; Yang, X.-Y.
Title A core-shell confined Pd@TS-1 @meso-SiO2 catalyst and its synergy effect on styrene oxidation Type A1 Journal article
Year 2023 Publication Applied catalysis : A : general Abbreviated Journal
Volume 650 Issue Pages 119016-6
Keywords A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract (up) Dual active sites from acidic zeolite and Pd are not only capable of catalyzing multiple type of reactions, but could also generate unique functions owing to the synergy between metals and acidic sites. However, there are only a few reports on the investigation of the synergy of acid/Pd dual sites in TS-1. Herein, TS-1 confined Pd catalyst with mesoporous silica shell (Pd@TS-1 @meso-SiO2) has been successfully synthesized and its synergy effect contributes to the enhanced conversion rate (19.2%) and selectivity (74.7%) on styrene oxidation. The interaction between Pd and TS-1 has been investigated by EPR and 1H NMR techniques, the experimental measurements show an obvious change in the signal distribution of weakly acidic terminal hydroxyls and hydrogen-bonding silanols. The schematic illustration of selective styrene oxidation in the model of Pd@TS-1 @meso-SiO2 is proposed to clarify the synergistic effect on styrene oxidation between TS-1 and Pd nanoparticles at an atomic-/nanoscale.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001015700000001 Publication Date 2022-12-28
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0926-860x ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 5.5 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 5.5; 2023 IF: 4.339
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:197805 Serial 8826
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Vermeulen, S.; Cools, J.; Staes, J.; Van Passel, S.
Title A review of economic assessments of drought risk reduction approaches in agriculture Type Administrative Services
Year 2023 Publication Journal of environmental management Abbreviated Journal
Volume 345 Issue Pages 118909-118912
Keywords Administrative Services; A1 Journal article; Economics; Ecosphere; Engineering Management (ENM)
Abstract (up) Due to climate change, the frequency and intensity of droughts are expected to increase. To improve resilience to droughts, proactive drought management is essential. Economic assessments are typically included to decide on the drought risk-reducing investments to make. The choice of both methods and scope of economic assessments influences the outcome, and thus the investment choice. This paper aims to identify how comprehensively economic assessments are applied in practice. Through a systematic literature review, 14 actual economic assessments are identified and their methods are evaluated based on seven criteria for economic assessments as derived from the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The results show that in practice, economic assessments rarely address all criteria. Applying a limited number of criteria reduces the scope and narrows the approach, possibly leading to the underestimation of drought risk reduction approaches’ related benefits. Applying the seven criteria in practice will improve the results of economic assessments of drought risk reduction measures, allowing for optimal investment selection. Based on the different criteria, a Framework for Economic Assessments of Drought Risk-Reducing Applications (FEADRRA) is proposed. Applying the criteria of the framework can support decision-makers in drought risk management and in carrying out the most fitting drought interventions.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001080044100001 Publication Date 2023-08-31
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0301-4797 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 8.7 Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 8.7; 2023 IF: 4.01
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:199661 Serial 9222
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Xie, Y.; Spiller, M.; Vlaeminck, S.E.
Title A bioreactor and nutrient balancing approach for the conversion of solid organic fertilizers to liquid nitrate-rich fertilizers : mineralization and nitrification performance complemented with economic aspects Type A1 Journal article
Year 2022 Publication The science of the total environment Abbreviated Journal Sci Total Environ
Volume 806 Issue Pages 150415
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract (up) Due to the high water- and nutrient-use efficiency, hydroponic cultivation is increasingly vital in progressing to environment-friendly food production. To further alleviate the environmental impacts of synthetic fertilizer production, the use of recovered nutrients should be encouraged in horticulture and agriculture at large. Solid organic fertilizers can largely contribute to this, yet their physical and chemical nature impedes application in hydroponics. This study proposes a bioreactor for mineralization and nitrification followed by a supplementation step for limiting macronutrients to produce nitrate-based solutions from solid fertilizers, here based on a novel microbial fertilizer. Batch tests showed that aerobic conversions at 35 °C could realize a nitrate (NO₃−-N) production efficiency above 90% and a maximum rate of 59 mg N L−1 d−1. In the subsequent bioreactor test, nitrate production efficiencies were lower (44–51%), yet rates were higher (175–212 mg N L−1 d−1). Calcium and magnesium hydroxide were compared to control the bioreactor pH at 6.0 ± 0.2, while also providing macronutrients for plant production. A mass balance estimation to mimic the Hoagland nutrient solution showed that 92.7% of the NO₃−-N in the Ca(OH)₂ scenario could be organically sourced, while this was only 37.4% in the Mg(OH)₂ scenario. Besides, carbon dioxide (CO₂) generated in the bioreactor can be used for greenhouse carbon fertilization to save operational expenditure (OPEX). An estimation of the total OPEX showed that the production of a nutrient solution from solid organic fertilizers can be cost competitive compared to using commercially available liquid inorganic fertilizer solutions.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000707640400021 Publication Date 2021-09-20
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0048-9697 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 9.8 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 9.8
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:181787 Serial 7132
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Dillen, A.; Vandezande, W.; Daems, D.; Lammertyn, J.
Title Unraveling the effect of the aptamer complementary element on the performance of duplexed aptamers : a thermodynamic study Type A1 Journal article
Year 2021 Publication Analytical And Bioanalytical Chemistry Abbreviated Journal Anal Bioanal Chem
Volume 413 Issue 19 Pages 4739-4750
Keywords A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
Abstract (up) Duplexed aptamers (DAs) are widespread aptasensor formats that simultaneously recognize and signal the concentration of target molecules. They are composed of an aptamer and aptamer complementary element (ACE) which consists of a short oligonucleotide that partially inhibits the aptamer sequence. Although the design principles to engineer DAs are straightforward, the tailored development of DAs for a particular target is currently based on trial and error due to limited knowledge of how the ACE sequence affects the final performance of DA biosensors. Therefore, we have established a thermodynamic model describing the influence of the ACE on the performance of DAs applied in equilibrium assays and demonstrated that this relationship can be described by the binding strength between the aptamer and ACE. To validate our theoretical findings, the model was applied to the 29-mer anti-thrombin aptamer as a case study, and an experimental relation between the aptamer-ACE binding strength and performance of DAs was established. The obtained results indicated that our proposed model could accurately describe the effect of the ACE sequence on the performance of the established DAs for thrombin detection, applied for equilibrium assays. Furthermore, to characterize the binding strength between the aptamer and ACEs evaluated in this work, a set of fitting equations was derived which enables thermodynamic characterization of DNA-based interactions through thermal denaturation experiments, thereby overcoming the limitations of current predictive software and chemical denaturation experiments. Altogether, this work encourages the development, characterization, and use of DAs in the field of biosensing.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000659366300001 Publication Date 2021-06-10
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1618-2642; 1618-2650 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 3.431 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 3.431
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:179163 Serial 8713
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Christiaens, M.E.R.; De Paepe, J.; Ilgrande, C.; De Vrieze, J.; Barys, J.; Teirlinck, P.; Meerbergen, K.; Lievens, B.; Boon, N.; Clauwaert, P.; Vlaeminck, S.E.
Title Urine nitrification with a synthetic microbial community Type A1 Journal article
Year 2019 Publication Systematic and applied microbiology Abbreviated Journal
Volume 42 Issue 6 Pages Unsp 126021
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract (up) During long-term extra-terrestrial missions, food is limited and waste is generated. By recycling valuable nutrients from this waste via regenerative life support systems, food can be produced in space. Astronauts' urine can, for instance, be nitrified by micro-organisms into a liquid nitrate fertilizer for plant growth in space. Due to stringent conditions in space, microbial communities need to be be defined (gnotobiotic); therefore, synthetic rather than mixed microbial communities are preferred. For urine nitrification, synthetic communities face challenges, such as from salinity, ureolysis, and organics. In this study, a synthetic microbial community containing an AOB (Nitrosomonas europaea), NOB (Nitrobacter winogradskyi), and three ureolytic heterotrophs (Pseudomonas fluorescens, Acidovorax delafieldii, and Delftia acidovorans) was compiled and evaluated for these challenges. In reactor 1, salt adaptation of the ammonium-fed AOB and NOB co-culture was possible up to 45 mS cm(-1), which resembled undiluted nitrified urine, while maintaining a 44 +/- 10 mg NH4+-N L-1 d(-1) removal rate. In reactor 2, the nitrifiers and ureolytic heterotrophs were fed with urine and achieved a 15 +/- 6 mg NO3--N L-1 d(-1) production rate for 1% and 10% synthetic and fresh real urine, respectively. Batch activity tests with this community using fresh real urine even reached 29 +/- 3 mg N L-1 d(-1). Organics removal in the reactor (69 +/- 15%) should be optimized to generate a nitrate fertilizer for future space applications. (C) 2019 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000494650600006 Publication Date 2019-09-23
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0723-2020; 1618-0984 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved no
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:164650 Serial 8717
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Klaassen, L.; van der Snickt, G.; Legrand, S.; Higgitt, C.; Spring, M.; Vanmeert, F.; Rosi, F.; Brunetti, B.G.; Postec, M.; Janssens, K.
Title Characterization and removal of a disfiguring oxalate crust on a large altarpiece by Hans Memling Type H1 Book chapter
Year 2019 Publication Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue Pages 263-282 T2 - Metal soaps in art / Casadio, F. [edi
Keywords H1 Book chapter; Art; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation); Antwerp Cultural Heritage Sciences (ARCHES)
Abstract (up) During the conservation treatment of Memling’s Christ with Singing and Music-making Angels, three panel paintings that are among the most monumental works in early Netherlandish art, the conservators came across insoluble surface layers containing calcium oxalates. A very thin and irregular layer of this type, hardly visible to the naked eye, was spread across the surface of all three panels. A much thicker layer forming an opaque and highly disfiguring crust that obscured the composition (Figs. 15.1 and 15.7) was locally present on areas of dark copper-containing paint, where multiple layers of old discolored coatings and accretions remained in place before the most recent cleaning. This article describes the application of a wide range of analytical techniques in order to fully understand the stratigraphy and composition of the crusts on the Memling paintings. FTIR spectroscopy in transmission and reflection mode, micro-ATR-FTIR imaging and macro-rFTIR scanning, SEM-EDX, mobile XRD, and SR-μXRD showed that the crusts contained two related Ca-based oxalate salts, whewellite and weddellite, and were separated from the original paint surface by varnish, indicating that they did not originate from degradation of the original paint but from a combination of microbial action and a thick accumulation of dirt. Supported by the results from these different analytical techniques, which when used together proved to be very effective in providing complementary information that addressed this specific conservation problem, and aided by the presence of the intermediate varnish layer(s), the conservators were able to remove most of the crusts with spectacular results.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos Publication Date 2019-03-23
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN ISBN 978-3-319-90616-4 Additional Links UA library record
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved no
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:190778 Serial 7609
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Broos, W.; Wittner, N.; Geerts, J.; Dries, J.; Vlaeminck, S.E.; Gunde-Cimerman, N.; Richel, A.; Cornet, I.
Title Evaluation of lignocellulosic wastewater valorization with the oleaginous yeasts R. kratochvilovae EXF7516 and C. oleaginosum ATCC 20509 Type A1 Journal article
Year 2022 Publication Fermentation Abbreviated Journal
Volume 8 Issue 5 Pages 204-221
Keywords A1 Journal article; Pharmacology. Therapy; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL); Biochemical Wastewater Valorization & Engineering (BioWaVE)
Abstract (up) During the conversion of lignocellulose, phenolic wastewaters are generated. Therefore, researchers have investigated wastewater valorization processes in which these pollutants are converted to chemicals, i.e., lipids. However, wastewaters are lean feedstocks, so these valorization processes in research typically require the addition of large quantities of sugars and sterilization, which increase costs. This paper investigates a repeated batch fermentation strategy with Rhodotorula kratochvilovae EXF7516 and Cutaneotrichosporon oleaginosum ATCC 20509, without these requirements. The pollutant removal and its conversion to microbial oil were evaluated. Because of the presence of non-monomeric substrates, the ligninolytic enzyme activity was also investigated. The repeated batch fermentation strategy was successful, as more lipids accumulated every cycle, up to a total of 5.4 g/L (23% cell dry weight). In addition, the yeasts consumed up to 87% of monomeric substrates, i.e., sugars, aromatics, and organics acids, and up to 23% of non-monomeric substrates, i.e., partially degraded xylan, lignin, cellulose. Interestingly, lipid production was only observed during the harvest phase of each cycle, as the cells experienced stress, possibly due to oxygen limitation. This work presents the first results on the feasibility of valorizing non-sterilized lignocellulosic wastewater with R. kratochvilovae and C. oleaginosum using a cost-effective repeated batch strategy.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000801796000001 Publication Date 2022-05-01
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2311-5637 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: NA
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:187883 Serial 7157
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Mychinko, M.
Title Advanced Electron Tomography to Investigate the Growth and Stability of Complex Metal Nanoparticles = Geavanceerde Elektronentomografie om de Groei en Stabiliteit van Complexe Metallische Nanodeeltjes te Onderzoeken Type Doctoral thesis
Year 2024 Publication Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue Pages 227 p.
Keywords Doctoral thesis; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract (up) During the past decades, metallic nanoparticles (NPs) have attracted great attention in materials science due to their specific optical properties based on surface plasmon resonances. Because of these phenomena, plasmonic NPs (or nanoplasmonics) are very promising for application in biosensing, photocatalysts, medicine, data storage, solar energy conversion, etc. Currently, colloidal synthesis techniques enable scientists to routinely produce mono and bimetallic NPs of various shapes, sizes, composition, and elemental distribution, with superior properties for plasmonic applications. Two primary directions for further advancing nanoplasmonic-based technologies include synthesizing novel morphologies, such as highly asymmetric chiral NPs, and gaining deeper insights into the factors affecting the stability of produced nanoplasmonics. With the increasing complexity of nanoplasmonics morphologies and higher stability requirements, there is a pressing need for thorough investigations into their 3D structures and their evolution under different conditions, with high resolution. Electron tomography (ET) emerges as an ideal tool to retrieve shape and element-sensitive information about individual nanoparticles in 3D, achieving resolutions down to the atomic level. Moreover, ET techniques can be combined with in situ holders, enabling detailed studies of processes mimicking real applications of nanoplasmonic-based devices. The first part of this thesis will focus on detailed studies of chiral Au NPs, promising for spectroscopy techniques based on the differential absorption of left- and right-handed circularly polarized light. Specifically, I will discuss the primary strategies for wet-colloidal growth of the various types of intrinsically chiral Au NPs. Advanced ET methods will be demonstrated as powerful tools for characterizing the final helical morphologies of the produced Au NPs and for studying the chiral growth mechanisms by examining intermediate structures obtained during chiral growth. The second part will focus on the heat-induced stability of various Au@Ag core-shell NPs. Operating in real conditions, such as elevated temperatures, may cause particle reshaping and redistribution of metals between the core and shell, gradually altering nanoplasmonics properties. Hence, a thorough understanding of the influence of size, shape, and defects on these processes is crucial for further developments. Recently developed techniques, combining fast ET with in-situ heating holders, have allowed me to evaluate the influence of various parameters (size, shape, defect structure) on heat-induced elemental redistribution in Au@Ag core-shell nanoparticles qualitatively and quantitatively. Additionally, I will discuss the prospects of high-resolution ET for visualizing the diffusion of individual atoms within complex nanostructures.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos Publication Date
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN ISBN Additional Links UA library record
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: NA
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:202976 Serial 9001
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Mescia, L.; Chiapperino, M.A.; Bia, P.; Gielis, J.; Caratelli, D.
Title Modeling of electroporation induced by pulsed electric fields in irregularly shaped cells Type A1 Journal article
Year 2018 Publication IEEE transactions on biomedical engineering Abbreviated Journal
Volume 65 Issue 2 Pages 414-423
Keywords A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract (up) During the past decades, the poration of cell membrane induced by pulsed electric fields has been widely investigated. Since the basic mechanisms of this process have not yet been fully clarified, many research activities are focused on the development of suitable theoretical and numerical models. To this end, a nonlinear, nonlocal, dispersive, and space-time numerical algorithm has been developed and adopted to evaluate the transmembrane voltage and pore density along the perimeter of realistic irregularly shaped cells. The presented model is based on the Maxwell's equations and the asymptotic Smoluchowski's equation describing the pore dynamics. The dielectric dispersion of the media forming the cell has been modeled by using a general multirelaxation Debye-based formulation. The irregular shape of the cell is described by using the Gielis' superformula. Different test cases pertaining to red blood cells, muscular cells, cell in mitosis phase, and cancer-like cell have been investigated. For each type of cell, the influence of the relevant shape, the dielectric properties, and the external electric pulse characteristics on the electroporation process has been analyzed. The numerical results demonstrate that the proposed model is an efficient numerical tool to study the electroporation problem in arbitrary-shaped cells.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000422914700018 Publication Date 2017-11-13
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0018-9294 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved no
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:148417 Serial 8264
Permanent link to this record