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Author Li, Y.; Quinn, B.K.; Niinemets, Ü.; Schrader, J.; Gielis, J.; Liu, M.; Shi, P.
Title Ellipticalness index : a simple measure of the complexity of oval leaf shape Type A1 Journal article
Year 2022 Publication Pakistan journal of botany : An official publication of pakistan botanical society Abbreviated Journal Pak J Bot
Volume 54 Issue 6 Pages 1-8
Keywords A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract (up) Plants have diverse leaf shapes that have evolved to adapt to the environments they have experienced over their evolutionary history. Leaf shape and leaf size can greatly influence the growth rate, competitive ability, and productivity of plants. However, researchers have long struggled to decide how to properly quantify the complexity of leaf shape. Prior studies recommended the leaf roundness index (RI = 4πA/P2) or dissection index (DI = ), where P is leaf perimeter and A is leaf area. However, these two indices merely measure the extent of the deviation of leaf shape from a circle, which is usually invalid as leaves are seldom circular. In this study, we proposed a simple measure, named the ellipticalness index (EI), for quantifying the complexity of leaf shape based on the hypothesis that the shape of any oval leaf can be regarded as a variation from a standard ellipse. 2220 leaves from nine species of Magnoliaceae were sampled to check the validity of the EI. We also tested the validity of the Montgomery equation (ME), which assumes a proportional relationship between leaf area and the product of leaf length and width, because the EI actually comes from the proportionality coefficient of the ME. We also compared the ME with five other models of leaf area. The ME was found to be the best model for calculating leaf area based on consideration of the trade-off between model fit vs. complexity, which strongly supported the robustness of the EI for describing oval leaf shape. The new index can account for both leaf shape and size, and we conclude that it is a promising method for quantifying and comparing oval leaf shapes across species in future studies.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000814279700028 Publication Date 2022-05-23
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0556-3321 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 1.2 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 1.2
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:188469 Serial 7153
Permanent link to this record
 
 
Author Fridman, A.; Lin, A.; Miller, V.; Bekeschus, S.; Wende, K.; Weltmann, K.-D.
Title The plasma treatment unit : an attempt to standardize cold plasma treatment for defined biological effects Type A1 Journal article
Year 2018 Publication Plasma medicine Abbreviated Journal
Volume 8 Issue 2 Pages 195-201
Keywords A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract (up) Plasma bioscience and medicine are both rapidly growing fields. Their aim is to utilize cold physical plasmas for desired biological outcomes in medicine, biotechnology, agriculture, and general hygienic purposes. Great success has been achieved in many applications with individually designed plasma sources and plasma parameters. Although lab and application-specific tuning of plasmas is a great advantage of this technology, standardized units to define plasma treatments are required to facilitate comparison of the effects found by different researchers who do not use the same plasma sources. By drawing conclusions from over a century of plasma biomedical research, we propose that all researchers adopt the use of a standardized value, the plasma treatment unit (PTU), to describe the biological effects of different cold plasma sources and treatment regimens. It quantifies a key plasma effector in biological systems as an indicator and may provide the foundation for an analogous and clinically relevant unit in the future.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos Publication Date 2018-06-13
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 Not_Open_Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: NA
Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:155652 Serial 5123
Permanent link to this record
 
 
Author Kaliyappan, P.; Paulus, A.; D’Haen, J.; Samyn, P.; Uytdenhouwen, Y.; Hafezkhiabani, N.; Bogaerts, A.; Meynen, V.; Elen, K.; Hardy, A.; Van Bael, M.K.
Title Probing the impact of material properties of core-shell SiO₂@TiO₂ spheres on the plasma-catalytic CO₂ dissociation using a packed bed DBD plasma reactor Type A1 Journal article
Year 2021 Publication Journal Of Co2 Utilization Abbreviated Journal J Co2 Util
Volume 46 Issue Pages 101468
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Laboratory of adsorption and catalysis (LADCA); Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract (up) Plasma catalysis, a promising technology for conversion of CO2 into value-added chemicals near room temperature, is gaining increasing interest. A dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma has attracted attention due to its simple design and operation at near ambient conditions, ease to implement catalysts in the plasma zone and upscaling ability to industrial applications. To improve its main drawbacks, being relatively low conversion and energy efficiency, a packing material is used in the plasma discharge zone of the reactor, sometimes decorated by a catalytic material. Nevertheless, the extent to which different properties of the packing material influence plasma performance is still largely unexplored and unknown. In this study, the particular effect of synthesis induced differences in the morphology of a TiO2 shell covering a SiO2 core packing material on the plasma conversion of CO2 is studied. TiO2 has been successfully deposited around 1.6–1.8 mm sized SiO2 spheres by means of spray coating, starting from aqueous citratoperoxotitanate(IV) precursors. Parameters such as concentration of the Ti(IV) precursor solutions and addition of a binder were found to affect the shells’ properties and surface morphology and to have a major impact on the CO2 conversion in a packed bed DBD plasma reactor. Core-shell SiO2@TiO2 obtained from 0.25 M citratoperoxotitante(IV) precursors with the addition of a LUDOX binder showed the highest CO2 conversion 37.7% (at a space time of 70 s corresponding to an energy efficiency of 2%) and the highest energy efficiency of 4.8% (at a space time of 2.5 s corresponding to a conversion of 3%).
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000634280300004 Publication Date 2021-02-15
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2212-9820 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 4.292 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 4.292
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:175958 Serial 6773
Permanent link to this record
 
 
Author Xu, W.
Title Plasma-catalytic DRM : study of LDH derived catalyst for DRM in a GAP plasma system Type Doctoral thesis
Year 2023 Publication Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue Pages 350 p.
Keywords Doctoral thesis; Laboratory of adsorption and catalysis (LADCA); Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract (up) Plasma is considered one of the promising technologies to solve greenhouse gas problems, as it can activate CO2 and CH4 at relatively low temperatures. Among the various types of plasmas, the gliding arc plasmatron (GAP) is promising, as it has a high level of non-equilibrium and high electron density. Nevertheless, the conversion of CO2 and CH4 in the GAP reactor is limited. Therefore, combining the GAP reactor with catalysts and making use of the heat produced by the plasma to provide thermal energy to the catalyst, forming a post-plasma catalytic (PPC) system, is hypothesized to improve its performance. Therefore, in this PhD research, we investigate important aspects of the PPC concept towards the use of the heat produced by GAP plasma to heat the plasma bed, without additional energy input. Aiming at this, based on a literature study (chapter 1), Ni-loaded layered double hydroxide (LDH) derived catalyst with good thermal catalytic DRM performance were chosen as the catalyst material. Before applying the LDH as a support material, the rehydration property of calcined LDH in moist and liquid environment was studied as part of chapter 2. The data indicated that after high temperatures calcination (600-900 C), the obtained layered double oxides (LDOs) can rehydrate into LDH, although, the rehydrated LDH were different from the original LDH. In chapter 3, different operating conditions, such as gas flow rate, gas compositions (e.g. CH4/CO2 ratio and nitrogen dilution), and addition of H2O were studied to investigate optimal conditions for PPC DRM, identifying possible differences in temperature profiles and exhaust gas compositions that might influence the catalytic performance. Subsequently, the impact of different PPC configurations, making use of the heat and exhaust gas composition produced by the GAP plasma, is shown in Chapter 4. Experiments studying the impact of adjusting the catalyst bed distance to the post-plasma, the catalyst amount, the influence of external heating (below 250 C) and the addition of H2O are discussed. As only limited improvement in the performance was achieved, a new type of catalyst bed was designed and utilized, as described in chapter 5. This improved configuration can realize better heat and mass transfer by directly connecting to the GAP device. The performance was improved and became comparable to the traditional thermal catalytic DRM results obtained at 800 C, although obtained by a fully electrically driven plasma.
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:201534 Serial 9074
Permanent link to this record
 
 
Author Chai, Z.-N.; Wang, X.-C.; Yusupov, M.; Zhang, Y.-T.
Title Unveiling the interaction mechanisms of cold atmospheric plasma and amino acids by machine learning Type A1 Journal article
Year 2024 Publication Plasma processes and polymers Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue Pages 1-26
Keywords A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract (up) Plasma medicine has attracted tremendous interest in a variety of medical conditions, ranging from wound healing to antimicrobial applications, even in cancer treatment, through the interactions of cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) and various biological tissues directly or indirectly. The underlying mechanisms of CAP treatment are still poorly understood although the oxidative effects of CAP with amino acids, peptides, and proteins have been explored experimentally. In this study, machine learning (ML) technology is introduced to efficiently unveil the interaction mechanisms of amino acids and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in seconds based on the data obtained from the reactive molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, which are performed to probe the interaction of five types of amino acids with various ROS on the timescale of hundreds of picoseconds but with the huge computational load of several days. The oxidative reactions typically start with H-abstraction, and the details of the breaking and formation of chemical bonds are revealed; the modification types, such as nitrosylation, hydroxylation, and carbonylation, can be observed. The dose effects of ROS are also investigated by varying the number of ROS in the simulation box, indicating agreement with the experimental observation. To overcome the limits of timescales and the size of molecular systems in reactive MD simulations, a deep neural network (DNN) with five hidden layers is constructed according to the reaction data and employed to predict the type of oxidative modification and the probability of occurrence only in seconds as the dose of ROS varies. The well-trained DNN can effectively and accurately predict the oxidative processes and productions, which greatly improves the computational efficiency by almost ten orders of magnitude compared with the reactive MD simulation. This study shows the great potential of ML technology to efficiently unveil the underpinning mechanisms in plasma medicine based on the data from reactive MD simulations or experimental measurements. In this study, since reactive molecular dynamics simulation can currently only describe interactions between a few hundred atoms in a few hundred picoseconds, deep neural networks (DNN) are introduced to enhance the simulation results by predicting more data efficiently. image
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001202061200001 Publication Date 2024-04-15
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1612-8850 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 3.5 Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 3.5; 2024 IF: 2.846
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:205512 Serial 9181
Permanent link to this record
 
 
Author Biondo, O.
Title Towards a fundamental understanding of energy-efficient, plasma-based CO<sub>2</sub> conversion Type Doctoral thesis
Year 2023 Publication Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue Pages 221 p.
Keywords Doctoral thesis; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract (up) Plasma-based CO2 conversion is worldwide gaining increasing interest. The aim of this work is to find potential pathways to improve the energy efficiency of plasma-based CO2 conversion beyond what is feasible for thermal chemistry. To do so, we use a combination of modeling and experiments to better understand the underlying mechanisms of CO2 conversion, ranging from non-thermal to thermal equilibrium conditions. Zero-dimensional (0D) chemical kinetics modelling, describing the detailed plasma chemistry, is developed to explore the vibrational kinetics of CO2, as the latter is known to play a crucial role in the energy efficient CO2 conversion. The 0D model is successfully validated against pulsed CO2 glow discharge experiments, enabling the reconstruction of the complex dynamics underlying gas heating in a pure CO2 discharge, paving the way towards the study of gas heating in more complex gas mixtures, such as CO2 plasmas with high dissociation degrees. Energy-efficient, plasma-based CO2 conversion can also be obtained upon the addition of a reactive carbon bed in the post-discharge region. The reaction between solid carbon and O2 to form CO allows to both reduce the separation costs and increase the selectivity towards CO, thus, increasing the energy efficiency of the overall conversion process. In this regard, a novel 0D model to infer the mechanism underlying the performance of the carbon bed over time is developed. The model outcome indicates that gas temperature and oxygen complexes formed at the surface of solid carbon play a fundamental and interdependent role. These findings open the way towards further optimization of the coupling between plasma and carbon bed. Experimentally, it has been demonstrated that “warm” plasmas (e.g. microwave or gliding arc plasmas) can yield very high energy efficiency for CO2 conversion, but typically only at reduced pressure. For industrial application, it will be important to realize such good energy efficiency at atmospheric pressure as well. However, recent experiments illustrate that the microwave plasma at atmospheric pressure is too close to thermal conditions to achieve a high energy efficiency. Hence, we use a comprehensive set of advanced diagnostics to characterize the plasma and the reactor performance, focusing on CO2 and CO2/CH4 microwave discharges. The results lead to a deeper understanding of the mechanism of power concentration with increasing pressure, typical of plasmas in most gases, which is of great importance for model validation and understanding of reactor performance.
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:197213 Serial 9108
Permanent link to this record
 
 
Author Andersen, J.A.; Christensen, J.M.; Østberg, M.; Bogaerts, A.; Jensen, A.D.
Title Plasma-catalytic ammonia decomposition using a packed-bed dielectric barrier discharge reactor Type A1 Journal article
Year 2022 Publication International Journal Of Hydrogen Energy Abbreviated Journal Int J Hydrogen Energ
Volume 47 Issue 75 Pages 32081-32091
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract (up) Plasma-catalytic ammonia decomposition as a method for producing hydrogen was studied in a packed-bed dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) reactor at ambient pressure and a fixed plasma power. The influence of packing the plasma zone with various dielectric materials, typically used as catalyst supports, was examined. At conditions (21 W, 75 Nml/min NH3) where an NH3 conversion of 5% was achieved with plasma alone, an improved decomposition was found when introducing dielectric materials with dielectric constants between 4 and 30. Of the tested materials, MgAl2O4 yielded the highest conversion (15.1%). The particle size (0.3-1.4 mm) of the MgAl2O4 packing was found to have a modest influence on the conversion, which dropped from 15.1% to 12.6% with increasing particle size. Impregnation of MgAl2O4 with different metals was found to decrease the NH3 conversion, with the Ni impregnation still showing an improved conversion (7%) compared to plasma-only. The plasma-assisted ammonia decomposition occurs in the gas phase due to micro-discharges, as evident from a linear correlation between the conversion and the frequency of micro-discharges for both plasma alone and with the various solid packing materials. The primary function of the solid is thus to facilitate the gas phase reaction by assisting the creation of micro-discharges. Lastly, insulation of the reactor to raise the temperature to 230 degrees C in the plasma zone was found to have a negative effect on the conversion, as a change from volume discharges to surface discharges occurred. The study shows that NH3 can be decomposed to provide hydrogen by exposure to a non-thermal plasma, but further developments are needed for it to become an energy efficient technology. (C)2022 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000865421200012 Publication Date 2022-08-17
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0360-3199 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 7.2 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 7.2
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:191512 Serial 7191
Permanent link to this record
 
 
Author Cui, Z.; Meng, S.; Yi, Y.; Jafarzadeh, A.; Li, S.; Neyts, E.C.; Hao, Y.; Li, L.; Zhang, X.; Wang, X.; Bogaerts, A.
Title Plasma-catalytic methanol synthesis from CO₂ hydrogenation over a supported Cu cluster catalyst : insights into the reaction mechanism Type A1 Journal article
Year 2022 Publication Acs Catalysis Abbreviated Journal Acs Catal
Volume 12 Issue 2 Pages 1326-1337
Keywords A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract (up) Plasma-catalytic CO, hydrogenation for methanol production is gaining increasing interest, but our understanding of its reaction mechanism remains primitive. We present a combined experimental/computational study on plasma-catalytic CO, hydrogenation to CH3OH over a size-selected Cu/gamma-Al2O3 catalyst. Our experiments demonstrate a synergistic effect between the Cu/gamma-Al2O3 catalyst and the CO2/H-2 plasma, achieving a CO2 conversion of 10% at 4 wt % Cu loading and a CH3OH selectivity near 50% further rising to 65% with H2O addition (for a H2O/CO2 ratio of 1). Furthermore, the energy consumption for CH3OH production was more than 20 times lower than with plasma only. We carried out density functional theory calculations over a Cu-13/gamma-Al2O3 model, which reveal that the interfacial sites of the Cu-13 cluster and gamma-Al2O3 support show a bifunctional effect: they not only activate the CO2 molecules but also strongly adsorb key intermediates to promote their hydrogenation further. Reactive plasma species can regulate the catalyst surface reactions via the Eley-Rideal (E-R) mechanism, which accelerates the hydrogenation process and promotes the generation of the key intermediates. H2O can promote the CH3OH desorption by competitive adsorption over the Cu-13/gamma-Al2O3 surface. This study provides new insights into CO2 hydrogenation through plasma catalysis, and it provides inspiration for the conversion of some other small molecules (CH4, N-2, CO, etc.) by plasma catalysis using supported-metal clusters.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000742735600001 Publication Date 2022-01-07
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2155-5435 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 12.9 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 12.9
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:186416 Serial 7192
Permanent link to this record
 
 
Author Joy, R.M.; Pobedinskas, P.; Bourgeois, E.; Chakraborty, T.; Goerlitz, J.; Herrmann, D.; Noel, C.; Heupel, J.; Jannis, D.; Gauquelin, N.; D'Haen, J.; Verbeeck, J.; Popov, C.; Houssiau, L.; Becher, C.; Nesladek, M.; Haenen, K.
Title Photoluminescence of germanium-vacancy centers in nanocrystalline diamond films : implications for quantum sensing applications Type A1 Journal article
Year 2024 Publication ACS applied nano materials Abbreviated Journal
Volume 7 Issue 4 Pages 3873-3884
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract (up) Point defects in diamond, promising candidates for nanoscale pressure- and temperature-sensing applications, are potentially scalable in polycrystalline diamond fabricated using the microwave plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (MW PE CVD) technique. However, this approach introduces residual stress in the diamond films, leading to variations in the characteristic zero phonon line (ZPL) of the point defect in diamond. Here, we report the effect of residual stress on germanium-vacancy (GeV) centers in MW PE CVD nanocrystalline diamond (NCD) films fabricated using single crystal Ge as the substrate and solid dopant source. GeV ensemble formation indicated by the zero phonon line (ZPL) at similar to 602 nm is confirmed by room temperature (RT) photoluminescence (PL) measurements. PL mapping results show spatial nonuniformity in GeV formation along with other defects, including silicon-vacancy centers in the diamond films. The residual stress in NCD results in shifts in the PL peak positions. By estimating a stress shift coefficient of (2.9 +/- 0.9) nm/GPa, the GeV PL peak position in the NCD film is determined to be between 598.7 and 603.2 nm. A larger ground state splitting due to the strain on a GeV-incorporated NCD pillar at a low temperature (10 K) is also reported. We also report the observation of intense ZPLs at RT that in some cases could be related to low Ge concentration and the surrounding crystalline environment. In addition, we also observe thicker microcrystalline diamond (MCD) films delaminate from the Ge substrate due to film residual stress and graphitic phase at the diamond/Ge substrate interface (confirmed by electron energy loss spectroscopy). Using this approach, a free-standing color center incorporated MCD film with dimensions up to 1 x 1 cm(2) is fabricated. Qualitative analysis using time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectroscopy reveals the presence of impurities, including Ge and silicon, in the MCD film. Our experimental results will provide insights into the scalability of GeV fabrication using the MW PE CVD technique and effectively implement NCD-based nanoscale-sensing applications.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001164609600001 Publication Date 2024-02-15
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2574-0970 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 5.9 Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 5.9; 2024 IF: NA
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:204826 Serial 9164
Permanent link to this record
 
 
Author Hassani, H.
Title First-principles study of polarons in WO₃ Type Doctoral thesis
Year 2023 Publication Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue Pages 181 p.
Keywords Doctoral thesis; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Abstract (up) Polarons are quasiparticles emerging in materials from the interaction of extra charge carriers with the surrounding atomic lattice. They appear in a wide va- riety of compounds and can have a profound impact on their properties, making the concept of a polaron a central and ubiquitous topic in material science. Al- though the concept is known for about 75 years, the origin of polarons is not yet fully elucidated. This thesis focuses on WO 3 as a well-known prototypical system for studying polarons, which inherent polaronic nature is linked to its remark- able electrical and chromic properties. The primary objective of this research is to provide a comprehensive atomistic description and understanding of polaron formation in WO 3 using first-principles density functional theory (DFT) calcula- tions. Additionally, the investigation explores the interactions between polarons and the possibility of bipolaron formation. Following a systematic strategy, we first extensively analyze the dielectric and lattice dynamical properties of WO 3 in both the room-temperature P 2 1 /n and ground-state P 2 1 /c phases. Our specific focus is on characterizing the zone-center phonons, which serve as the founda- tion for identifying the phonon modes involved in the polaron formation and charge localization process. Subsequently, we examine the impact of structural distortions on the electronic structure of WO 3 to elucidate the interplay between structural distortions and electronic properties, thereby laying the groundwork for understanding electron-phonon couplings. By incorporating these critical fac- tors, we address our primary research goals. The most common explanation for the polaron formation is associated with the electrostatic screening of the extra charge by the polarizable lattice. Here, we show that, even in ionic crystals, this is not necessarily the case. We demonstrate that polarons in this compound arise primarily from non-polar atomic distortions. We then unveil that this unexpected behavior originates from the undoing of distortive atomic motions, which lowers the bandgap. As such, we coin the name of anti-distortive polaron and validate its appearance through a simple quantum-dot model, in which charge localization is the result of balancing structural, electronic, and confinement energy costs. Then, we also study the polaron-polaron interaction and present the formation of the antiferromagnetic W 4+ bipolaronic state with relatively large formation energy. Our analysis of the W 4+ bipolaronic distortions on the global structure reveals the same behavior as in experiments where the highly distorted monoclinic phase transforms into a tetragonal phase as a function of doping. Additionally, leveraging our previous findings on asymmetric polaronic distortion and examin- ing different merging orientations, we stabilize the antiferromagnetic W 5+ -W 5+ bipolaronic state with an energy lower than the W 4+ state. This thesis clari- fies the formation of unusual medium-size 2D polarons and bipolarons in WO3,which might be relevant to the whole family of ABO 3 perovskites, to which WO 3 is closely related. The simplicity of the concept provides also obvious guidelines for tracking similar behavior in other families of compounds.
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:198169 Serial 8868
Permanent link to this record
 
 
Author Chen, Y.; Wu, Y.; Wang, D.; Li, H.; Wang, Q.; Liu, Y.; Peng, L.; Yang, Q.; Li, X.; Zeng, G.; Chen, Y.
Title Understanding the mechanisms of how poly aluminium chloride inhibits short-chain fatty acids production from anaerobic fermentation of waste activated sludge Type A1 Journal article
Year 2018 Publication Chemical engineering journal Abbreviated Journal
Volume 334 Issue Pages 1351-1360
Keywords A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract (up) Poly aluminum chloride (PAC) is accumulated in waste activated sludge at high levels. However, details of how PAC affects short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) production from anaerobic sludge fermentation has not been documented. This work therefore aims to fill this knowledge gap by analyzing the impact of PAC on the aggregate of sludge flocs, disruption of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), and the bio-processes of hydrolysis, acid-ogenesis, and methanogenesis. The relationship between SCFA production and different aluminum species (i.e., Ala, Alb, and Alc) was also identified by controlling different OH/Al ratio and pH in different fermentation systems. Experimental results showed that with the increase of PAC addition from 0 to 40 mg Al per gram of total suspended solids, SCFA yield decreased from 212.2 to 138.4 mg COD/g volatile suspended solids. Mechanism exploration revealed that PAC benefited the aggregates of sludge flocs and caused more loosely-and tightly-bound extracellular polymeric substances remained in sludge cells. Besides, it was found that the hydrolysis, acidiogenesis, and methanogenesis processes were all inhibited by PAC. Although three types of Al species, i.e., Ala (Al monomers, dimer, and trimer), Alb (Al-13(AlO4Al12(OH)(24)(H2O) 7+ 12), and Alc (Al polymer molecular weight normally larger than 3000 Da), were co-existed in fermentation systems, their impacts on SCFA production were different. No correlation was found between SCFA and Ala, whereas SCFA production decreased with the contents of Alb and Alc. Compared with Alb, Alc was the major contributor to the decreased SCFA production ( R-2 = 0.5132 vs R-2 = 0.98). This is the first report revealing the underlying mechanism of how PAC affects SCFA production and identifying the contribution of different Al species to SCFA inhibition.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000418533400135 Publication Date 2017-11-13
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1385-8947; 1873-3212 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:148413 Serial 8708
Permanent link to this record
 
 
Author Hendrickx, M.; Tang, Y.; Hunter, E.C.; Battle, P.D.; Hadermann, J.
Title Structural and magnetic properties of the perovskites A₂LaFe₂SbO₉ (A = Ca, Sr, Ba) Type A1 Journal article
Year 2021 Publication Journal Of Solid State Chemistry Abbreviated Journal J Solid State Chem
Volume 295 Issue Pages 121914
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract (up) Polycrystalline samples of A(2)LaFe(2)SbO(9) (A = Ca, Sr, Ba) perovskites appeared monophasic to X-ray or neutron powder diffraction but a single-crystal study utilising transmission electron microscopy revealed a greater level of complexity. Although local charge balance is maintained, compositional and structural variations are present among and within the submicron-sized crystals. Despite the inhomogeneity, A = Ca is monophasic with a partially-ordered distribution of Fe3+ and Sb5+ cations across two crystallographically-distinct octahedral sites, i.e. Ca2La(Fe1.25Sb0.25)(2d) (Fe0.75Sb0.75)(2c)O-9. For A = Sr or Ba, the inhomogeneities result in differences in the filling patterns of the octahedra and the ordering of the B cations. Particles of A = Sr contain a phase (Fe:Sb similar to 2:1) without B cation ordering and one (Fe:Sb similar to 1:1) with B cation ordering. Monophasic A = Ba lacks long-range cation order although ordered nanodomains are present within the disordered phase. The temperature dependence of the magnetic properties of each sample is discussed.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000615711800013 Publication Date 2020-12-17
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0022-4596 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 2.299 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 2.299
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:176663 Serial 6739
Permanent link to this record
 
 
Author Al-Emam, E.; Beltran, V.; De Meyer, S.; Nuyts, G.; Wetemans, V.; De Wael, K.; Caen, J.; Janssens, K.
Title Removal of a past varnish treatment from a 19th-century Belgian wall painting by means of a solvent-loaded double network hydrogel Type A1 Journal article
Year 2021 Publication Polymers Abbreviated Journal Polymers-Basel
Volume 13 Issue 16 Pages 2651-20
Keywords A1 Journal article; Art; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation); Antwerp Cultural Heritage Sciences (ARCHES); Antwerp Electrochemical and Analytical Sciences Lab (A-Sense Lab); Antwerp X-ray Imaging and Spectroscopy (AXIS)
Abstract (up) Polymeric materials have been used by painting conservator-restorers as consolidants and/or varnishes for wall paintings. The application of these materials is carried out when confronting loose paint layers or as a protective coating. However, these materials deteriorate and cause physiochemical alterations to the treated surface. In the past, the monumental neo-gothic wall painting 'The Last Judgment' in the chapel of Sint-Jan Berchmanscollege in Antwerp, Belgium was treated with a synthetic polymeric material. This varnish deteriorated significantly and turned brown, obscuring the paint layers. Given also that the varnish was applied to some parts of the wall painting and did not cover the entire surface, it was necessary to remove it in order to restore the original appearance of the wall painting. Previous attempts carried out by conservator-restorers made use of traditional cleaning methods, which led to damage of the fragile paint layers. Therefore, gel cleaning was proposed as a less invasive and more controllable method for gently softening and removing the varnish. The work started by identifying the paint stratigraphy and the deteriorated varnish via optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. A polyvinyl alcohol-borax/agarose (PVA-B/AG) hydrogel loaded with a number of solvents/solvent mixtures was employed in a series of tests to select the most suitable hydrogel composite. By means of the hydrogel composite loaded with 10% propylene carbonate, it was possible to safely remove the brown varnish layer. The results were verified by visual examinations (under visible light 'VIS' and ultraviolet light 'UV') as well as OM and FTIR spectroscopy.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000690248000001 Publication Date 2021-08-10
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2073-4360 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 3.364 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 3.364
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:181567 Serial 8470
Permanent link to this record
 
 
Author Vandevoorde, D.; Pamplona, M.; Schalm, O.; Vanhellemont, Y.; Cnudde, V.; Verhaeven, E.
Title Contact sponge method : performance of a promising tool for measuring the initial water absorption Type A1 Journal article
Year 2009 Publication Journal of cultural heritage Abbreviated Journal
Volume 10 Issue 1 Pages 41-47
Keywords A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
Abstract (up) Porous limestone and mortar are able to absorb large quantities of water. This phenomenon will accelerate the deterioration of the material. In such cases, the material might be treated with a hydrophobic product, which creates a superficial layer that hampers the penetration of water. In order to decide if such a treatment should be applied or not, the water absorbing behaviour of the material should be measured. With the same measuring technique the efficiency of the hydrophobic barrier can be evaluated. Moreover, it allows the monitoring of such barriers as a function of time. At the same time, the water absorption of porous stone material is an indication of the degree of deterioration and its sensitivity to future deterioration. Up to now, two different measuring techniques exist, but one can only be used in laboratory and the other, which can be operated in laboratory as well as in situ, is not always reliable for in situ analyses. This article proposes an alternative method: the contact sponge method. This recently developed method was tested on non-treated porous stone materials in a laboratory environment in order to evaluate its performance in comparison with the two existing methods.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000264831900005 Publication Date 2009-03-14
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1296-2074 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:115023 Serial 7728
Permanent link to this record
 
 
Author Zhang, Z.; Bourgeois, L.; Zhang, Y.; Rosalie, J.M.; Medhekar, N.
Title Advanced imaging and simulations of precipitate interfaces in aluminium alloys and their role in phase transformations Type P1 Proceeding
Year 2020 Publication MATEC web of conferences T2 – 17th International Conference on Aluminium Alloys (ICAA), October 26-29, 2020 Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue Pages 09003
Keywords P1 Proceeding; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract (up) Precipitation is accompanied by the formation and migration of heterophase interfaces. Using the combined approach of advanced imaging and atomistic simulations, we studied the precipitate-matrix interfaces in various aluminium alloy systems, aiming to resolve their detailed atomic structures and illuminate their role in phase transformations.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000652552200053 Publication Date 2020-11-05
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume 326 Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2261-236x; 2274-7214 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:179147 Serial 6851
Permanent link to this record
 
 
Author Ma, R.; He, Y.; Feng, J.; Hu, Z.-Y.; Van Tendeloo, G.; Li, D.
Title A facile synthesis of Ag@PdAg core-shell architecture for efficient purification of ethene feedstock Type A1 Journal article
Year 2019 Publication Journal of catalysis Abbreviated Journal
Volume 369 Issue Pages 440-449
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract (up) Precise control of elemental configurations within multimetallic nanoparticles could enable access to functional nanomaterials with significant performance benefits. Here, we present a one-pot synthesis of supported Ag@PdAg core-shell catalyst with an ordered PdAg alloy shell and an Ag core. Both the relative reduction potential and ratio of metal precursors are essential for this synthesis strategy. The distinguished properties of Ag@PdAg, particularly the electronic structure, indicates the existence of electron modification not only between Pd and Ag on PdAg shell, but between Ag core and alloy shell. The Ag@PdAg catalyst displays 97% ethene yield in the partial hydrogenation of acetylene, which is 2.0 and 8.1 times that of over PdAg alloy and pure Pd catalysts, and this is the most selective catalyst reported to data under industrial evaluation conditions. Moreover, this core-shell structure exhibits preferable stability with comparison to PdAg alloy catalyst. The facile synthesis of core-shell architecture with alloy shell structure provides a new platform for efficient catalytic transfer of chemical resource. (C) 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000460711700045 Publication Date 2018-12-11
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0021-9517 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:181261 Serial 6848
Permanent link to this record
 
 
Author Chakravorty, R.; Van Grieken, R.
Title Co-precipitation with iron hydroxide and X-ray fluorescence analysis of trace metals in water Type A1 Journal article
Year 1982 Publication International journal of environmental analytical chemistry Abbreviated Journal
Volume 11 Issue 1 Pages 67-80
Keywords A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
Abstract (up) Preconcentration of transition trace ions by coprecipitation on iron-hydroxide has been combined with energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence for environmental water analysis. The optimized preconcentration procedure implies adding 2 mg of iron to a 200 ml water sample, adding dilute NaOH up to pH 9, filtering off on a Nuclepore membrane after a 1 h equilibration time, and analyzing. Quantitative recoveries could then be obtained for Ni, Cu, Zn and Pb, e.g. at the 10 μg/l level in waters of varying salinity while Mn was partially collected. (In fact, for a given problem the iron carrier amount can be adjusted to obtain a satisfactory compromise between high recovery and low detection limit). The precision is 7-8% at the 10 μg/l level, and the detection limits are in the 0.5-1 μg/l range. Various environmental water samples are analysed by way of illustration.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos A1982NG99200007 Publication Date 2007-07-07
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0306-7319 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:116573 Serial 7676
Permanent link to this record
 
 
Author Mobaraki, A.; Sevik, C.; Yapicioglu, H.; Cakir, D.; Gulseren, O.
Title Temperature-dependent phonon spectrum of transition metal dichalcogenides calculated from the spectral energy density: Lattice thermal conductivity as an application Type A1 Journal article
Year 2019 Publication Physical review B Abbreviated Journal
Volume 100 Issue 3 Pages 035402
Keywords A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Abstract (up) Predicting the mechanical and thermal properties of quasi-two-dimensional (2D) transition metal dichalco-genides (TMDs) is an essential task necessary for their implementation in device applications. Although rigorous density-functional-theory-based calculations are able to predict mechanical and electronic properties, mostly they are limited to zero temperature. Classical molecular dynamics facilitates the investigation of temperature-dependent properties, but its performance highly depends on the potential used for defining interactions between the atoms. In this study, we calculated temperature-dependent phonon properties of single-layer TMDs, namely, MoS2, MoSe2, WS2, and WSe2, by utilizing Stillinger-Weber-type potentials with optimized sets of parameters with respect to the first-principles results. The phonon lifetimes and contribution of each phonon mode in thermal conductivities in these monolayer crystals are systematically investigated by means of the spectralenergy-density method based on molecular dynamics simulations. The obtained results from this approach are in good agreement with previously available results from the Green-Kubo method. Moreover, detailed analysis of lattice thermal conductivity, including temperature-dependent mode decomposition through the entire Brillouin zone, shed more light on the thermal properties of these 2D crystals. The LA and TA acoustic branches contribute most to the lattice thermal conductivity, while ZA mode contribution is less because of the quadratic dispersion around the Brillouin zone center, particularly in MoSe2 due to the phonon anharmonicity, evident from the redshift, especially in optical modes, by increasing temperature. For all the considered 2D crystals, the phonon lifetime values are compelled by transition metal atoms, whereas the group velocity spectrum is dictated by chalcogen atoms. Overall, the lattice thermal conductivity is linearly proportional with inverse temperature.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000473536400003 Publication Date 2019-07-02
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2469-9969; 2469-9950 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved no
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:193764 Serial 8645
Permanent link to this record
 
 
Author Shi, P.; Wang, L.; Quinn, B.K.K.; Gielis, J.
Title A new program to estimate the parameters of Preston's equation, a general formula for describing the egg shape of birds Type A1 Journal article
Year 2023 Publication Symmetry Abbreviated Journal Symmetry-Basel
Volume 15 Issue 1 Pages 231-10
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract (up) Preston's equation is a general model describing the egg shape of birds. The parameters of Preston's equation are usually estimated after re-expressing it as the Todd-Smart equation and scaling the egg's actual length to two. This method assumes that the straight line through the two points on an egg's profile separated by the maximum distance (i.e., the longest axis of an egg's profile) is the mid-line. It hypothesizes that the photographed egg's profile is perfectly bilaterally symmetrical, which seldom holds true because of photographic errors and placement errors. The existing parameter estimation method for Preston's equation considers an angle of deviation for the longest axis of an egg's profile from the mid-line, which decreases prediction errors to a certain degree. Nevertheless, this method cannot provide an accurate estimate of the coordinates of the egg's center, and it leads to sub-optimal parameter estimation. Thus, it is better to account for the possible asymmetry between the two sides of an egg's profile along its mid-line when fitting egg-shape data. In this paper, we propose a method based on the optimization algorithm (optimPE) to fit egg-shape data and better estimate the parameters of Preston's equation by automatically searching for the optimal mid-line of an egg's profile and testing its validity using profiles of 59 bird eggs spanning a wide range of existing egg shapes. We further compared this method with the existing one based on multiple linear regression (lmPE). This study demonstrated the ability of the optimPE method to estimate numerical values of the parameters of Preston's equation and provide the theoretical egg length (i.e., the distance between two ends of the mid-line of an egg's profile) and the egg's maximum breadth. This provides a valuable approach for comparing egg shapes among conspecifics or across different species, or even different classes (e.g., birds and reptiles), in future investigations.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000927531000001 Publication Date 2023-01-13
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2073-8994 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 2.7 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 2.7; 2023 IF: 1.457
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:195347 Serial 7279
Permanent link to this record
 
 
Author Wittner, N.
Title Improving and characterising solid-state fungal pretreatment by Phanerochaete chrysosporium for sugar production from poplar wood Type Doctoral thesis
Year 2023 Publication Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue Pages 206 p.
Keywords Doctoral thesis; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL); Biochemical Wastewater Valorization & Engineering (BioWaVE)
Abstract (up) Pretreatment is a critical step in the conversion of lignocellulose into biofuels and biochemicals. During pretreatment, the recalcitrance of lignocellulose is reduced, e.g. by removing lignin, thereby making the carbohydrates more accessible for enzymatic saccharification. Fungal delignification by white-rot fungi is a biotechnological alternative to chemical/physicochemical methods, which is carried out in solid-state fermentation with mild reaction conditions and without the formation of microbial inhibitors. However, fungal pretreatment presents some challenges, such as long pretreatment time, non-selective and low delignification, low enzymatic digestibility and feedstock sterilisation requirement, making its commercial implementation challenging compared to conventional methods. This study investigates the possibility of improving and characterising the solid-state fungal pretreatment of poplar wood by Phanerochaete chrysosporium. The individual and combined effects of MnSO4 and CuSO4 supplements on the delignification of sterilised wood are investigated using response surface methodology to improve the degree and selectivity of fungal delignification. Spore-inoculated solid-state fermentations are carried out for 4 weeks in sterile vented bottles. The mechanism of the concerted action of the metal ions on lignin degradation is then elucidated by relating fungal growth and ligninolytic enzyme activities to lignocellulose degradation as a function of pretreatment time. The optimised metal-supplemented system is then applied to the pretreatment of non-sterilised wood using different inoculation techniques (spores and pre-colonised substrate), nutrients (metal ions with or without glucose and sodium nitrate) and cultivation environments (sterile aerated bottles and open trays). The fermentations are then characterised using infrared spectroscopy, in particular NIR and ATR-FTIR spectroscopy, with the aim of developing rapid lignin quantification methods as an alternative to conventional wet chemical methods. Finally, the feasibility of producing fermentable sugars from sterilised and non-sterilised poplar wood using fungal pretreatment is evaluated through a techno-economic analysis. Supplementing the pretreatment system with 2.01 µmol CuSO4 and 0.77 µmol MnSO4 g-1 wood resulted in 1.9-fold higher lignin degradation, 2.3-fold higher delignification selectivity value and 2.9-fold higher glucose yield. The improved delignification could be explained by the concerted action of Mn2+ and Cu2+ ions, with Mn2+ ions inducing and Cu2+ prolonging manganese peroxidase production responsible for delignification. Fungal pretreatment at non-sterile conditions was obtained using trays in a simple solid-state fermentation set-up without sterile aeration. A 1:3 ratio of pre-colonised and untreated wood was applied for inoculation and only Cu2+, Mn2+ and sodium nitrate as supplements. Remarkably, this technology resulted in a comparably high glucose yield (28.51 ± 0.28%) to the traditional method using sterilised wood, sterile aeration and spores as inoculum, while reducing the amount of wood to be sterilised by 71.2%. Infrared spectroscopy-based methods with high coefficients of determination (R_CV
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:197185 Serial 8883
Permanent link to this record
 
 
Author Wittner, N.; Vasilakou, K.; Broos, W.; Vlaeminck, S.E.; Nimmegeers, P.; Cornet, I.
Title Investigating the technical and economic potential of solid-state fungal pretreatment at nonsterile conditions for sugar production from poplar wood Type A1 Journal article
Year 2023 Publication Industrial and engineering chemistry research Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue Pages 1-11
Keywords A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM); Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL); Biochemical Wastewater Valorization & Engineering (BioWaVE); Intelligence in PRocesses, Advanced Catalysts and Solvents (iPRACS)
Abstract (up) Pretreatment is crucial for the conversion of lignocellulose to biofuels. Unlike conventional chemical/physicochemical methods, fungal pretreatment uses white-rot fungi and mild reaction conditions. However, challenges, including substrate sterilization, long duration, and low sugar yields associated with this method, contribute to lower techno-economic performance, an aspect that has rarely been investigated. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of fungal pretreatment of nonsterilized poplar wood. Various factors, including inoculum types, fermentation supplements, and cultivation methods, were investigated to optimize the process. A techno-economic assessment of the optimized processes was performed at a full biorefinery scale. The scenario using nonsterilized wood as a substrate, precolonized wood as an inoculum, and a 4 week pretreatment showed a 14.5% reduction in sugar production costs (€2.15/kg) compared to using sterilized wood. Although the evaluation of nonsterilized wood pretreatment showed promising cost reductions, fungal pretreatment remained more expensive than conventional methods due to the significant capital investment required.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001102138000001 Publication Date 2023-10-25
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0888-5885; 1520-5045 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 4.2 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access: Available from 24.04.2024
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 4.2; 2023 IF: 2.843
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:200155 Serial 8891
Permanent link to this record
 
 
Author Gonzalez-Quiroga, A.; Kulkarni, S.R.; Vandewalle, L.; Perreault, P.; Goel, C.; Heynderickx, G.J.; van Geem, K.M.; Marin, G.B.
Title Azimuthal and radial flow patterns of 1g-Geldart B-type particles in a gas-solid vortex reactor Type A1 Journal article
Year 2019 Publication Powder technology Abbreviated Journal
Volume 354 Issue Pages 410-422
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract (up) Processes requiring intensive interfacial momentum, mass and heat exchange between gases and particulate solids can be greatly enhanced by operating in a centrifugal field. This is realized in the Gas-Solid Vortex Reactor (GSVR) with centrifugal accelerations up to two orders of magnitude higher than the Earth's gravitational acceleration. Here, the flow patterns of two 1g-Geldart B-type particles are experimentally assessed, over the gas inlet velocity range 82–126 m s−1, in an 80 mm diameter and 15 mm height GSVR. The particles are monosized aluminum spheres of 0.5 mm diameter, and walnut shell in the sieve fraction 0.50–0.56 mm and aspect ratio 1.3 ± 0.2. Two dimensional Particle Image Velocimetry combined with Digital Image Analysis and pressure measurements revealed that periodic fluctuations in solids azimuthal and radial velocity between gas inlet slots are strongly related to the average solids azimuthal velocity and bed uniformity. Aluminum particles feature steeper changes in azimuthal velocity and more attenuated changes in radial velocity than walnut shell particles. Within the assessed gas inlet velocity range the solids bed of aluminum exhibits average azimuthal velocities and bed voidages 40–50% and ≈10% lower than those of walnut shell. The aerodynamic response time of the particles, i.e. ρsdp2/18μg, emerged as an important parameter to assess the influence of the carrier gas jet on the radial deflection of the particles and the interaction solids bed-outer wall. Too low aerodynamic response time relates to nonuniformity in bed voidage due to solids radial velocity fluctuations. Excessive aerodynamic response time indicates low solids azimuthal velocities due to solids bed-outer wall friction.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000490625500041 Publication Date 2019-06-17
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0032-5910 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:162120 Serial 7543
Permanent link to this record
 
 
Author Muys, M.; Phukan, R.; Brader, G.; Samad, A.; Moretti, M.; Haiden, B.; Pluchon, S.; Roest, K.; Vlaeminck, S.E.; Spiller, M.
Title A systematic comparison of commercially produced struvite : quantities, qualities and soil-maize phosphorus availability Type A1 Journal article
Year 2021 Publication Science Of The Total Environment Abbreviated Journal Sci Total Environ
Volume 756 Issue Pages 143726-12
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL); Engineering Management (ENM)
Abstract (up) Production of struvite (MgNH4PO4·6H2O) from waste streams is increasingly implemented to recover phosphorus (P), which is listed as a critical raw material in the European Union (EU). To facilitate EU-wide trade of P-containing secondary raw materials such as struvite, the EU issued a revised fertilizer regulation in 2019. A comprehensive overview of the supply of struvite and its quality is presently missing. This study aimed: i) to determine the current EU struvite production volumes, ii) to evaluate all legislated physicochemical characteristics and pathogen content of European struvite against newly set regulatory limits, and iii) to compare not-regulated struvite characteristics. It is estimated that in 2020, between 990 and 1250 ton P are recovered as struvite in the EU. Struvite from 24 European production plants, accounting for 30% of the 80 struvite installations worldwide was sampled. Three samples failed the physicochemical legal limits; one had a P content of <7% and three exceeded the organic carbon content of 3% dry weight (DW). Mineralogical analysis revealed that six samples had a struvite content of 80–90% DW, and 13 samples a content of >90% DW. All samples showed a heavy metal content below the legal limits. Microbiological analyses indicated that struvite may exceed certain legal limits. Differences in morphology and particle size distribution were observed for struvite sourced from digestate (rod shaped; transparent; 82 mass% < 1 mm), dewatering liquor (spherical; opaque; 65 mass% 1–2 mm) and effluent from upflow anaerobic sludge blanket reactor processing potato wastewater (spherical; opaque; 51 mass% < 1 mm and 34 mass% > 2 mm). A uniform soil-plant P-availability pattern of 3.5–6.5 mg P/L soil/d over a 28 days sampling period was observed. No differences for plant biomass yield were observed. In conclusion, the results highlight the suitability of most struvite to enter the EU fertilizer market.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000603487500029 Publication Date 2020-11-24
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 4.9 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 4.9
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:173944 Serial 8638
Permanent link to this record
 
 
Author Truong, B.; Siegert, K.; Lin, A.; Miller, V.; Krebs, F.C.
Title Apical application of nanosecond-pulsed dielectric barrier discharge plasma causes the basolateral release of adenosine triphosphate as a damage-associated molecular pattern from polarized HaCaT cells Type A1 Journal article
Year 2017 Publication Plasma medicine Abbreviated Journal
Volume 7 Issue 2 Pages 117-131
Keywords A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract (up) Promising biomedical uses for nonthermal plasma (NTP) in the fields of regenerative medicine, cancer therapy, and vaccine delivery involve the noninvasive application of uniform nonequilibrium plasma (including dielectric barrier discharge plasma) to living skin. Whereas most investigations have focused on achieving desired therapeutic outcomes, fewer studies have examined the mechanisms and pathways by which epithelial cells respond to NTP exposure. Using a transwell apical-basolateral-chambered system to culture the human keratinocyte HaCaT cell line, in vitro experiments were performed to demonstrate the effects of nanosecond-pulsed dielectric barrier discharge (nsDBD) plasma on polarized epithelial cell viability, monolayer permeability, intracellular oxidative stress, and the release of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Application of nsDBD plasma at 60 Hz or below had minimal or no effect on HaCaT monolayer viability or permeability. nsDBD plasma exposure did, however, result in frequency-dependent reductions in intracellular glutathione (indicating direct induction of oxidative stress by nsDBD plasma) and increased extracellular ATP concentrations in the ba-solateral (subepithelial) media, which are indicators of cellular stress and an NTP-induced inflammatory response. These studies provide new insights into nsDBD plasma-induced inflammation and local innate immune responses initiated by polarized epithelial tissues.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos Publication Date 2017-02-24
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:155656 Serial 7465
Permanent link to this record
 
 
Author Van Grieken, R.E.; Johansson, T.B.; Akselsson, K.R.; Winchester, J.W.; Nelson, J.W.; Chapman, K.R.
Title Geophysical applicability of aerosol size distribution measurements using cascade impactors and proton-induced X-ray-emission Type A1 Journal article
Year 1976 Publication Atmospheric environment : an international journal Abbreviated Journal
Volume 10 Issue 8 Pages 571-576
Keywords A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
Abstract (up) Proton Induced X-ray Emission, (PIXE), is capable of high precision analysis for trace element components of aerosol particle size fractions sampled by cascade impactor. A statistical evaluation of data quality has been carried out in order to distinguish between analytical uncertainties in the PIXE procedure, errors caused by cascade impactor performance and by other factors in the sampling procedure, and geophysical causes of differences in composition and particle size distributions of the elements in aerosols. Replicate analyses and simultaneous samplings taken in north Florida and St. Louis have been used for the data evaluation. In addition to the analytical error the sampling procedure contributes an error of ~ 10% to be added quadratically. The resulting precision is sufficient to evaluate the data in geophysical terms. This is illustrated by means of sample sets taken simultaneously in an urban, forest and coastal environment of the same region.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos A1976BZ75500001 Publication Date 2003-08-06
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1352-2310 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:113636 Serial 8000
Permanent link to this record
 
 
Author Gao, C.; Hofer, C.; Pennycook, T.J.
Title On central focusing for contrast optimization in direct electron ptychography of thick samples Type A1 Journal article
Year 2024 Publication Ultramicroscopy Abbreviated Journal
Volume 256 Issue Pages 113879-7
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract (up) Ptychography provides high dose efficiency images that can reveal light elements next to heavy atoms. However, despite ptychography having an otherwise single signed contrast transfer function, contrast reversals can occur when the projected potential becomes strong for both direct and iterative inversion ptychography methods. It has recently been shown that these reversals can often be counteracted in direct ptychography methods by adapting the focus. Here we provide an explanation of why the best contrast is often found with the probe focused to the middle of the sample. The phase contribution due to defocus at each sample slice above and below the central plane in this configuration effectively cancels out, which can prevent contrast reversals when dynamical scattering effects are not overly strong. In addition we show that the convergence angle can be an important consideration for removal of contrast reversals in relatively thin samples.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001112166400001 Publication Date 2023-11-03
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0304-3991 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 2.2 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 2.2; 2024 IF: 2.843
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:202029 Serial 9066
Permanent link to this record
 
 
Author Naseri, M.; Bafekry, A.; Faraji, M.; Hoat, D.M.; Fadlallah, M.M.; Ghergherehchi, M.; Sabbaghi, N.; Gogova, D.
Title Two-dimensional buckled tetragonal cadmium chalcogenides including CdS, CdSe, and CdTe monolayers as photo-catalysts for water splitting Type A1 Journal article
Year 2021 Publication Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics Abbreviated Journal Phys Chem Chem Phys
Volume 23 Issue 21 Pages 12226-12232
Keywords A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Abstract (up) Pure hydrogen production via water splitting is an ideal strategy for producing clean and sustainable energy. Two-dimensional (2D) cadmium chalcogenide single-layers with a tetragonal crystal structure, namely Tetra-CdX (X = S, Se, and Te) monolayers, are theoretically predicted by means of density functional theory (DFT). Their structural stability and electronic and optical properties are investigated. We find that Tetra-CdX single-layers are thermodynamically stable. Their stability decreases as we go down the 6A group in the periodic table, i.e., from X = S to Se, and Te which also means that the electronegativity decreases. All considered novel monolayers are indirect band gap semiconductors. Using the HSE06 functional the electronic band gaps of CdS, CdSe, and CdTe monolayers are predicted to be 3.10 eV, 2.97 eV, and 2.90 eV, respectively. The impact of mechanical strain on the physical properties was studied, which indicates that compressive strain increases the band gap and tensile strain decreases the band gap. The optical properties of the Tetra-CdX monolayers show the ability of these monolayers to absorb visible light. Due to the suitable band gaps and band edge positions of Tetra-CdX, these newly discovered 2D materials are promising for photocatalytic water splitting.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000651904600001 Publication Date 2021-04-30
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1463-9076; 1463-9084 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 4.123 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 4.123
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:178378 Serial 7041
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Author Segura, P.C.; De Meur, Q.; Alloul, A.; Tanghe, A.; Onderwater, R.; Vlaeminck, S.E.; Vande Wouwer, A.; Wattiez, R.; Dewasme, L.; Leroy, B.
Title Preferential photoassimilation of volatile fatty acids by purple non-sulfur bacteria : experimental kinetics and dynamic modelling Type A1 Journal article
Year 2022 Publication Biochemical engineering journal Abbreviated Journal Biochem Eng J
Volume 186 Issue Pages 108547-10
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract (up) Purple non-sulfur bacteria (PNSB) are known for their metabolic versatility and thrive as anoxygenic photoheterotrophs. In environmental engineering and resource recovery, cells would grow on mixtures of volatile fatty acids (VFA) generated by anaerobic fermentation of waste streams. In this study, we aim to better understand the behavior of Rhodospirillum rubrum, a model PNSB species, grown using multiple VFA as carbon sources. We highlighted that assimilation of individual VFA follows a sequential pattern. Based on observations in other PNSB, this seems to be specific to isocitrate lyase-lacking organisms. We hypothesized that the inhibition phenomenon could be due to the regulation of the metabolic fluxes in the substrate cycle between acetoacetyl-CoA and crotonyl-CoA. Developed macroscopic dynamic models showed a good predictive capability for substrate competition for every VFA mixture containing acetate, propionate, and/or butyrate. These novel insights provide valuable input for better design and operation of PNSB-based waste treatment solutions.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000891992900005 Publication Date 2022-07-21
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1369-703x; 1873-295x ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 3.9 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 3.9
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:192741 Serial 7332
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Author Blansaer, N.; Alloul, A.; Verstraete, W.; Vlaeminck, S.E.; Smets, B.F.
Title Aggregation of purple bacteria in an upflow photobioreactor to facilitate solid/liquid separation : impact of organic loading rate, hydraulic retention time and water composition Type A1 Journal article
Year 2022 Publication Bioresource technology Abbreviated Journal Bioresource Technol
Volume 348 Issue Pages 126806-126809
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract (up) Purple non-sulfur bacteria (PNSB) form an interesting group of microbes for resource recovery from wastewater. Solid/liquid separation is key for biomass and value-added products recovery, yet insights into PNSB aggregation are thus far limited. This study explored the effects of organic loading rate (OLR), hydraulic retention time (HRT) and water composition on the aggregation of Rhodobacter capsulatus in an anaerobic upflow photobioreactor. Between 2.0 and 14.6 gCOD/(L.d), the optimal OLR for aggregation was 6.1 gCOD/(L.d), resulting in a sedimentation flux of 5.9 kgTSS/(m2.h). With HRT tested between 0.04 and 1.00 d, disaggregation occurred at the relatively long HRT (1 d), possibly due to accumulation of thus far unidentified heat-labile metabolites. Chemical oxygen demand (COD) to nitrogen ratios (6–35 gCOD/gN) and the nitrogen source (ammonium vs. glutamate) also impacted aggregation, highlighting the importance of the type of wastewater and its pre-treatment. These novel insights to improve purple biomass separation pave the way for cost-efficient PNSB applications.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000800442200008 Publication Date 2022-02-04
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0960-8524 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 11.4 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 11.4
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:185843 Serial 7123
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Author Alloul, A.; Cerruti, M.; Adamczyk, D.; Weissbrodt, D.G.; Vlaeminck, S.E.
Title Operational strategies to selectively produce purple bacteria for microbial protein in raceway reactors Type A1 Journal article
Year 2021 Publication Environmental Science & Technology Abbreviated Journal Environ Sci Technol
Volume 55 Issue 12 Pages 8278-8286
Keywords A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract (up) Purple non-sulfur bacteria (PNSB) show potential for microbial protein production on wastewater as animal feed. They offer good selectivity (i.e., low microbial diversity and high abundance of one species) when grown anaerobically in the light. However, the cost of closed anaerobic photobioreactors is prohibitive for protein production. Although open raceway reactors are cheaper, their feasibility to selectively grow PNSB is thus far unexplored. This study developed operational strategies to boost PNSB abundance in the biomass of a raceway reactor fed with volatile fatty acids. For a flask reactor run at a 2 day sludge retention time (SRT), matching the chemical oxygen demand (COD) loading rate to the removal rate in the light period prevented substrate availability during the dark period and increased the PNSB abundance from 50-67 to 88-94%. A raceway reactor run at a 2 day SRT showed an increased PNSB abundance from 14 to 56% when oxygen supply was reduced (no stirring at night). The best performance was achieved at the highest surface-to-volume ratio (10 m(2) m(-3) increased light availability) showing productivities up to 0.2 g protein L-1 day(-1) and a PNSB abundance of 78%. This study pioneered in PNSB-based microbial protein production in raceway reactors, yielding high selectivity while avoiding the combined availability of oxygen, COD, and darkness.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000663939900051 Publication Date 2021-06-04
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0013-936x; 1520-5851 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 6.198 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 6.198
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:179768 Serial 8334
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