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Author Gonzalez Garcia, A.
Title Tuning the properties of group III-As in the thinnest limit : a theoretical study of single layer and 2D-heterostructures Type Doctoral thesis
Year 2021 Publication Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue Pages xvii, 175 p.
Keywords Doctoral thesis; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Abstract (down) In this thesis, a first-principles research to tune the physical properties of group III-V materials in the thinnest limit is carried out. Among the different methods to tune the mechanical, electronic and magnetic properties of these graphene related materials, we use: two-dimensional (2D) multilayers, straintronics, hydrogen functionalization, and transition metal adsorption. The first part of this research is devoted to a complete characterization of the structural, electronic, mechanical and vibrational properties of 2D group III-As monolayers, obtained from density functional theory. Our findings are used to understand the contribution of the
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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:182959 Serial 7040
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Author Al-Emam, E.; Motawea, A.G.; Caen, J.; Janssens, K.
Title Soot removal from ancient Egyptian complex painted surfaces using a double network gel : empirical tests on the ceiling of the sanctuary of Osiris in the temple of Seti I-Abydos Type A1 Journal article
Year 2021 Publication Heritage science Abbreviated Journal
Volume 9 Issue 1 Pages 1-10
Keywords A1 Journal article; Art; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation); Antwerp Cultural Heritage Sciences (ARCHES)
Abstract (down) In this study, we evaluated the ease of removal of soot layers from ancient wall paintings by employing double network gels as a controllable and safe cleaning method. The ceiling of the temple of Seti I (Abydos, Egypt) is covered with thick layers of soot; this is especially the case in the sanctuary of Osiris. These layers may have been accumulated during the occupation of the temple by Christians, fleeing the Romans in the first centuries A.D. Soot particulates are one of the most common deposits to be removed during conservation-restoration activities of ancient Egyptian wall paintings. They usually mask the painted reliefs and reduce the permeability of the painted surface. A Polyvinyl alcohol-borax/agarose (PVA-B/AG) double network gel was selected for this task since its properties were expected to be compatible with the cleaning treatment requirements. The gel is characterized by its flexibility, permitting to take the shape of the reliefs, while also having self-healing properties, featuring shape stability and an appropriate capacity to retain liquid. The gel was loaded with several cleaning reagents that proved to be effective for soot removal. Soot removal tests were conducted with these gel composites. The cleaned surfaces were evaluated with the naked eye, a digital microscope, and color measurements in order to select the best gel composite. The gel composite, loaded with a solution of 5% ammonia, 0.3% ammonium carbonate, and 0.3% EDTA yielded the most satisfactory results and allowed to safely remove a crust of thick soot layers from the surface. Thus, during the final phase of the study, it was used successfully to clean a larger area of the ceiling.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000604977300001 Publication Date 2021-01-04
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2050-7445 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:174948 Serial 8557
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Author Bafekry, A.; Shahrokhi, M.; Shafique, A.; Jappor, H.R.; Shojaei, F.; Feghhi, S.A.H.; Ghergherehchi, M.; Gogova, D.
Title Two-dimensional carbon nitride C₆N nanosheet with egg-comb-like structure and electronic properties of a semimetal Type A1 Journal article
Year 2021 Publication Nanotechnology Abbreviated Journal Nanotechnology
Volume 32 Issue 21 Pages 215702
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Abstract (down) In this study, the structural, electronic and optical properties of theoretically predicted C6N monolayer structure are investigated by means of Density Functional Theory-based First-Principles Calculations. Phonon band dispersion calculations and molecular dynamics simulations reveal the dynamical and thermal stability of the C6N single-layer structure. We found out that the C6N monolayer has large negative in-plane Poisson's ratios along both X and Y direction and the both values are almost four times that of the famous-pentagraphene. The electronic structure shows that C6N monolayer is a semi-metal and has a Dirac-point in the BZ. The optical analysis using the random phase approximation method constructed over HSE06 illustrates that the first peak of absorption coefficient of the C6N monolayer along all polarizations is located in the IR range of spectrum, while the second absorption peak occurs in the visible range, which suggests its potential applications in optical and electronic devices. Interestingly, optically anisotropic character of this system is highly desirable for the design of polarization-sensitive photodetectors. Thermoelectric properties such as Seebeck coefficient, electrical conductivity, electronic thermal conductivity and power factor are investigated as a function of carrier doping at temperatures 300, 400, and 500 K. In general, we predict that the C6N monolayer could be a new platform for study of novel physical properties in two-dimensional semi-metal materials, which may provide new opportunities to realize high-speed low-dissipation devices.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000624531500001 Publication Date 2020-12-18
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0957-4484 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 3.44 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 3.44
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:176648 Serial 6740
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Author Baskurt, M.; Nair, R.R.; Peeters, F.M.; Sahin, H.
Title Ultra-thin structures of manganese fluorides : conversion from manganese dichalcogenides by fluorination Type A1 Journal article
Year 2021 Publication Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics Abbreviated Journal Phys Chem Chem Phys
Volume 23 Issue 17 Pages 10218-10224
Keywords A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Abstract (down) In this study, it is predicted by density functional theory calculations that graphene-like novel ultra-thin phases of manganese fluoride crystals, that have nonlayered structures in their bulk form, can be stabilized by fluorination of manganese dichalcogenide crystals. First, it is shown that substitution of fluorine atoms with chalcogens in the manganese dichalcogenide host lattice is favorable. Among possible crystal formations, three stable ultra-thin structures of manganese fluoride, 1H-MnF2, 1T-MnF2 and MnF3, are found to be stable by total energy optimization calculations. In addition, phonon calculations and Raman activity analysis reveal that predicted novel single-layers are dynamically stable crystal structures displaying distinctive characteristic peaks in their vibrational spectrum enabling experimental determination of the corresponding phases. Differing from 1H-MnF2 antiferromagnetic (AFM) large gap semiconductor, 1T-MnF2 and MnF3 single-layers are semiconductors with ferromagnetic (FM) ground state.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000641719700001 Publication Date 2021-04-15
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 1 Open Access Not_Open_Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 4.123
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:178252 Serial 7043
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Author Nguyen, D.K.; Hoat, D.M.; Bafekry, A.; Van On, V.; Rivas-Silva, J.F.; Naseri, M.; Cocoletzi, G.H.
Title Theoretical prediction of the PtOX (X = S and Se) monolayers as promising optoelectronic and thermoelectric 2D materials Type A1 Journal article
Year 2021 Publication Physica E-Low-Dimensional Systems & Nanostructures Abbreviated Journal Physica E
Volume 131 Issue Pages 114732
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Abstract (down) In this paper, two new monolayers, namely PtOS and PtOSe, are theoretically predicted using first-principles calculations. Structural, electronic, optical and thermoelectric properties are explored using full-potential linearized augmented plane-wave (FP-LAPW) method and the semiclassical Boltzmann transport theory. Predicted two-dimensional (2D) materials show good dynamical, thermodynamic and structural stability. Calculated electronic structures indicate the indirect gap semiconductor nature of the PtOS and PtOSe single layers with energy gap of 1.346(2.436) and 0.978(1.978) eV as calculated with the WC(HSE06) functional, respectively. Density of states spectra and valence charge distribution maps suggest a mix of covalent and ionic characters of the chemical bonds. 2D materials at hand exhibit good absorption property in the visible regime with coefficient value reaching the order of 105/cm, even much larger in the ultraviolet, suggesting the promising optoelectronic applicability. Finally, the thermoelectric parameters including electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, Seebeck coefficient, power factor and figure of merit are determined and analyzed. Results indicate prospective thermoelectric performance of both considered single layers as demonstrated by large figure of merit close to unity. Our work introduces two new 2D multifunctional materials that may possess potential applications in the optoelectronic and thermoelectric nano-devices.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000647410700007 Publication Date 2021-03-25
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1386-9477 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 2.221 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 2.221
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:178346 Serial 7030
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Author Faraji, M.; Bafekry, A.; Gogova, D.; Hoat, D.M.; Ghergherehchi, M.; Chuong, N.V.; Feghhi, S.A.H.
Title Novel two-dimensional ZnO₂, CdO₂ and HgO₂ monolayers: a first-principles-based prediction Type A1 Journal article
Year 2021 Publication New Journal Of Chemistry Abbreviated Journal New J Chem
Volume 45 Issue Pages 9368-9374
Keywords A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Abstract (down) In this paper, the existence of monolayers with the chemical formula XO2, where X = Zn, Cd, and Hg with hexagonal and tetragonal lattice structures is theoretically predicted by means of first principles calculations. Through cohesive energy calculation and phonon dispersion simulation, it has been proven that the two-dimensional XO2 monolayers proposed are energetically and dynamically stable suggesting their potential experimental realization. Our detailed study demonstrates that these novel newly predicted materials are half-metals and dilute magnetic semiconductors, and they exhibit magnetism in the ground state. The half-metallic character could find many applications in electronic and spintronic devices. Research into the magnetic properties revealed here can enrich theoretical knowledge in this area and provide more potential candidates for XO2 2D-based materials and van der Waals heterostructures.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000645671700001 Publication Date 2021-04-16
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1144-0546 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 3.269 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 3.269
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:178245 Serial 7006
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Author Liang, Y.-S.; Xue, C.; Zhang, Y.-R.; Wang, Y.-N.
Title Investigation of active species in low-pressure capacitively coupled N-2/Ar plasmas Type A1 Journal article
Year 2021 Publication Physics Of Plasmas Abbreviated Journal Phys Plasmas
Volume 28 Issue 1 Pages 013510
Keywords A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract (down) In this paper, a self-consistent fluid model is developed focusing on the plasma parameters in capacitively coupled 20% N 2-80% Ar discharges. Measurements of ion density are performed with the help of a floating double probe, and the emission intensities from Ar(4p) and N 2 ( B ) transitions are detected by an optical emission spectroscopy to estimate their relative densities. The consistency between the numerical and experimental results confirms the reliability of the simulation. Then the plasma characteristics, specifically the reaction mechanisms of active species, are analyzed under various voltages. The increasing voltage leads to a monotonous increase in species density, whereas a less homogeneous radial distribution is observed at a higher voltage. Due to the high concentration of Ar gas, Ar + becomes the main ion, followed by the N 2 +</mml:msubsup> ion. Besides the electron impact ionization of neutrals, the charge transfer processes of Ar +/ N 2 and N 2 +</mml:msubsup>/Ar are found to have an impact on the ionic species. The results indicate that adopting the lower charge transfer reaction rate coefficients weakens the Ar + ion density and yields a higher N 2 +</mml:msubsup> ion density. However, the effect on the species spatial distributions and other species densities is limited. As for the excited-state species, the electron impact excitation of background gases remains overwhelming in the formation of Ar(4p), N 2 ( B ), and N 2 ( a ' ), whereas the <mml:msub> N 2 ( A ) molecules are mainly formed by the decay of <mml:msub> N 2 ( B ). In addition, the dissociation of <mml:msub> N 2 collided by excited-state Ar atoms dominates the N generation, which are mostly depleted to produce N + ions.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000629931300002 Publication Date 2021-01-22
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1070-664x ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 2.115 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 2.115
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:177669 Serial 6767
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Author Bafekry, A.; Sarsari, I.A.; Faraji, M.; Fadlallah, M.M.; Jappor, H.R.; Karbasizadeh, S.; Nguyen, V.; Ghergherehchi, M.
Title Electronic and magnetic properties of two-dimensional of FeX (X = S, Se, Te) monolayers crystallize in the orthorhombic structures Type A1 Journal article
Year 2021 Publication Applied Physics Letters Abbreviated Journal Appl Phys Lett
Volume 118 Issue 14 Pages 143102
Keywords A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Abstract (down) In this Letter, we explore the lattice, dynamical stability, and electronic and magnetic properties of FeTe bulk and FeX (X=S, Se, Te) monolayers using the density functional calculations. The phonon dispersion relation, elastic stability criteria, and cohesive energy results show the stability of studied FeX monolayers. The mechanical properties reveal that all FeX monolayers have a brittle nature. Furthermore, these structures are stable as we move down the 6A group in the periodic table, i.e., from S, Se, and Te. The stability and work function decrease as the electronegativity decreases. The spin-polarized electronic structures demonstrate that the FeTe monolayer has a total magnetization of 3.8 mu (B), which is smaller than the magnetization of FeTe bulk (4.7 mu (B)). However, FeSe and FeS are nonmagnetic monolayers. The FeTe monolayer can be a good candidate material for spin filter applications due to its electronic and magnetic properties. This study highlights the bright prospect for the application of FeX monolayers in electronic structures.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000637703700001 Publication Date 2021-04-07
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0003-6951; 1077-3118 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 3.411 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 3.411
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:177731 Serial 6985
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Author de Backer, A.; Fatermans, J.; den Dekker, A.J.; Van Aert, S.
Title Statistical parameter estimation theory : principles and simulation studies Type H2 Book chapter
Year 2021 Publication Advances in imaging and electron physics T2 – Advances in imaging and electron physics Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue Pages 29-72
Keywords H2 Book chapter; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Vision lab
Abstract (down) In this chapter, the principles of statistical parameter estimation theory for a quantitative analysis of atomic-resolution electron microscopy images are introduced. Within this framework, electron microscopy images are described by a parametric statistical model. Here, parametric models are introduced for different types of electron microscopy images: reconstructed exit waves, annular dark-field (ADF) scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) images, and simultaneously acquired ADF and annular bright-field (ABF) STEM images. Furthermore, the Cramér-Rao lower bound (CRLB) is introduced, i.e. a theoretical lower bound on the variance of any unbiased estimator. This CRLB is used to quantify the precision of the structure parameters of interest, such as the atomic column positions and the integrated atomic column intensities.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos Publication Date 2021-03-06
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume 217 Series Issue Edition
ISSN ISBN 978-0-12-824607-8; 1076-5670 Additional Links UA library record
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access
Notes ERC Consolidator project funded by the European Union grant #770887 Picometrics Approved Most recent IF: NA
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:177527 Serial 6788
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Author de Backer, A.; Fatermans, J.; den Dekker, A.J.; Van Aert, S.
Title Optimal experiment design for nanoparticle atom counting from ADF STEM images Type H2 Book chapter
Year 2021 Publication Advances in imaging and electron physics T2 – Advances in imaging and electron physics Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue Pages 145-175
Keywords H2 Book chapter; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Vision lab
Abstract (down) In this chapter, the principles of detection theory are used to quantify the probability of error for atom counting from high-resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy (HRSTEM) images. Binary and multiple hypothesis testing have been investigated in order to determine the limits to the precision with which the number of atoms in a projected atomic column can be estimated. The probability of error has been calculated when using STEM images, scattering cross-sections or peak intensities as a criterion to count atoms. Based on this analysis, we conclude that scattering cross-sections perform almost equally well as images and perform better than peak intensities. Furthermore, the optimal STEM detector design can be derived for atom counting using the expression of the probability of error. We show that for very thin objects the low-angle annular dark-field (LAADF) regime is optimal and that for thicker objects the optimal inner detector angle increases.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos Publication Date 2021-03-06
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume 217 Series Issue Edition
ISSN ISBN 978-0-12-824607-8; 1076-5670 Additional Links UA library record
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access
Notes ERC Consolidator project funded by the European Union grant #770887 Picometrics Approved Most recent IF: NA
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:177530 Serial 6785
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Author de Backer, A.; Fatermans, J.; den Dekker, A.J.; Van Aert, S.
Title Atom counting Type H2 Book chapter
Year 2021 Publication Advances in imaging and electron physics T2 – Advances in imaging and electron physics Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue Pages 91-144
Keywords H2 Book chapter; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Vision lab
Abstract (down) In this chapter, a statistical model-based method to count the number of atoms of monotype crystalline nanostructures from high-resolution annular dark-field (ADF) scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) images is discussed in detail together with a thorough study on the possibilities and inherent limitations. We show that this method can be applied to nanocrystals of arbitrary shape, size, and atom type. The validity of the atom-counting results is confirmed by means of detailed image simulations and it is shown that the high sensitivity of our method enables us to count atoms with single atom sensitivity.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos Publication Date 2021-03-06
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume 217 Series Issue Edition
ISSN ISBN 978-0-12-824607-8; 1076-5670 Additional Links UA library record
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access
Notes ERC Consolidator project funded by the European Union grant #770887 Picometrics Approved Most recent IF: NA
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:177529 Serial 6776
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Author Sozen, Y.; Yagmurcukardes, M.; Sahin, H.
Title Vibrational and optical identification of GeO₂ and GeO single layers : a first-principles study Type A1 Journal article
Year 2021 Publication Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics Abbreviated Journal Phys Chem Chem Phys
Volume 23 Issue 37 Pages 21307-21315
Keywords A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Abstract (down) In the present work, the identification of two hexagonal phases of germanium oxides (namely GeO2 and GeO) through the vibrational and optical properties is reported using density functional theory calculations. While structural optimizations show that single-layer GeO2 and GeO crystallize in 1T and buckled phases, phonon band dispersions reveal the dynamical stability of each structure. First-order off-resonant Raman spectral predictions demonstrate that each free-standing single-layer possesses characteristic peaks that are representative for the identification of the germanium oxide phase. On the other hand, electronic band dispersion analysis shows the insulating and large-gap semiconducting nature of single-layer GeO2 and GeO, respectively. Moreover, optical absorption, reflectance, and transmittance spectra obtained by means of G(0)W(0)-BSE calculations reveal the existence of tightly bound excitons in each phase, displaying strong optical absorption. Furthermore, the excitonic gaps are found to be at deep UV and visible portions of the spectrum, for GeO2 and GeO crystals, with energies of 6.24 and 3.10 eV, respectively. In addition, at the prominent excitonic resonances, single-layers display high reflectivity with a zero transmittance, which is another indication of the strong light-matter interaction inside the crystal medium.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000697364300001 Publication Date 2021-09-02
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:181571 Serial 7044
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Author Safdel, A.; Zarei-Hanzaki, A.; Abedi, H.R.; Pourbabak, S.; Schryvers, D.; Basu, R.
Title Asymmetrical superelastic behavior of thermomechanically processed semi-equiatomic NiTi alloy in tensile and compressive modes of deformation Type A1 Journal article
Year 2021 Publication Journal Of Alloys And Compounds Abbreviated Journal J Alloy Compd
Volume 878 Issue Pages 160443
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract (down) In the present work two different cold working and annealing schemes were utilized, and the asymmetric superelastic response of thermomechanically processed materials were then assessed through cyclic tensile and compressive modes of deformation. The values of transformation stress, transformation strain, and pseudoelastic strain were measured for each treated and solutionized specimens and the asymmetric response was compared. In the solution annealed state, the difference of these parameters at different deformation modes was negligible due to the weak texture of the material, while for thermomechanically treated ones, development of specific deformation and recrystallization texture components was identified to be one of the underlying reasons of intensified asymmetry. The evolved substructure during the thermomechanical processing also played a substantial role in determining the asymmetric response. The presence of fine grains and dense dislocation substructure could hinder the movement of the transformation front, thus limiting the range of transformation. In tensile mode, the transformation stress was lower, but higher transformation strain was achieved, which was discussed relying on the slip activity in specified oriented grains. The lower transformation strain in compression mode led to lower pseudoelastic strain due to the narrow transformation range which finally degraded superelastic response of the material. (C) 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000660477400005 Publication Date 2021-05-18
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0925-8388 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 3.133 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 3.133
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:179564 Serial 6855
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Author Chekol Zewdie, M.; Moretti, M.; Tenessa, D.B.; Ayele, Z.A.; Nyssen, J.; Tsegaye, E.A.; Minale, A.S.; Van Passel, S.
Title Agricultural technical efficiency of smallholder farmers in Ethiopia : a stochastic frontier approach Type A1 Journal article
Year 2021 Publication Land Abbreviated Journal
Volume 10 Issue 3 Pages 246
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering Management (ENM)
Abstract (down) In the past decade, to improve crop production and productivity, Ethiopia has embarked on an ambitious irrigation farming expansion program and has introduced new large- and small-scale irrigation initiatives. However, in Ethiopia, poverty remains a challenge, and crop productivity per unit area of land is very low. Literature on the technical efficiency (TE) of large-scale and small-scale irrigation user farmers as compared to the non-user farmers in Ethiopia is also limited. Investigating smallholder farmers' TE level and its principal determinants is very important to increase crop production and productivity and to improve smallholder farmers' livelihood and food security. Using 1026 household-level cross-section data, this study adopts a technology flexible stochastic frontier approach to examine agricultural TE of large-scale irrigation users, small-scale irrigation users and non-user farmers in Ethiopia. The results indicate that, due to poor extension services and old-style agronomic practices, the mean TE of farmers is very low (44.33%), implying that there is a wider room for increasing crop production in the study areas through increasing the TE of smallholder farmers without additional investment in novel agricultural technologies. Results also show that large-scale irrigation user farmers (21.05%) are less technically efficient than small-scale irrigation user farmers (60.29%). However, improving irrigation infrastructure shifts the frontier up and has a positive impact on smallholder farmers' output.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000633846200001 Publication Date 2021-03-01
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2073-445x ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: NA
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:177647 Serial 6913
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Xie, Y.
Title Bioreactor strategies for sustainable nitrogen cycling based on mineralization/nitrification, partial nitritation/anammox or sulfur-based denitratation Type Doctoral thesis
Year 2021 Publication Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue Pages iv, 205 p.
Keywords Doctoral thesis; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract (down) In the biogeochemical flows on Earth, the reactive nitrogen (Nr) level has three times surpassed the safe boundary. The severe transgression of this boundary goes against sustainable planetary development. The modern food production process excessively relies on synthetic Nr fertilizers from the Haber– Bosch process. However, the massive loss of valuable nitrogen resources (i.e., 78-89%) from agriculture has been causing severe nitrogen cascade. Besides, the domestic wastewater in some local areas is discharged without proper treatment, making it a nonnegligible source of Nr pollution for local water bodies. Anthropogenic activities keep pumping out Nr pollution via point-source and non-point-source (NPS) emissions. Compared to the NPS emissions, point sources give visible and identified waste streams. It is vital to intervene the nitrogen cascade from point sources and facilitate humanity back to the safe Nr boundary. The collected and collectible Nr streams from food production, waste management, and recycling secondary raw materials can be used as waste-based fertilizers for agricultural cultivation. Besides the well-investigated recovery of inorganic Nr, organic Nr accounts for a massive Nr proportion on the Earth. Proper handling and treatment make these useful organic fertilizers for soil-based cultivation. However, these organic Nr fertilizers cannot directly apply to fertigation or hydroponic cultivation systems, and further biological conversion via nitrogen mineralization and nitrification to nitrate is essential. Besides the direct Nr cycling, the indirect Nr cycling ‘over the atmosphere’ should also be considered. In this way, the nitrogen cycle can be completed via converting the waste Nr back to nitrogen gas (i.e., Nr removal) and then synthesizing into Nr again. The municipal wastewater treatment plants receive a vast amount of low-strength Nr wastewater (mainly as ammonium) daily. Compared to the conventional nitrification/denitrification process, partial nitritation/anammox (PN/A) is considered a resource- and cost-effective technology for wastewater with a low COD/N ratio. Moreover, the novel autotrophic denitratation/anammox process could be a good Nr removal process for wastewater containing both ammonium and nitrate. This Ph.D. thesis aimed to develop Nr recovery, conversion, and removal bioreactor strategies for different types of waste streams and biomass. Nr recovery was investigated on high-strength Nr waste streams for fertigation or hydroponic applications in Chapters 2 and 3. On the other hand, Nr removal was studied on the medium- to low-strength Nr waste streams in Chapters 4 and 5. In Chapter 2, a novel mineralization and nitrification system was proposed, producing nutrient solutions from solid organic fertilizers for hydroponic systems. Batch tests showed that aerobic incubation at 35°C could realize the NO₃⁻-N production efficiency above 90% from a novel microbial fertilizer. Subsequently, in the stirred tank bioreactor test, NO₃⁻-N production efficiency stabilized in a range of 44-51% under the influent loading rate of 400 mg TN L⁻¹ d⁻¹ at a 5-day HRT. Using Ca(OH)₂ and Mg(OH)₂ as pH control reagents generated the nutrient solutions with different P, Ca, and Mg nutrient levels. After modeling the nutrient balancing process, the proportion of organic-sourced NO₃⁻-N in the Hoagland nutrient solution (HNS) of Ca(OH)₂ scenario was 92.7%, while only 37.4% in the Mg(OH)₂ scenario. Compared to commercial scenarios, the total costs of the organic-sourced HNS can be cost-competitive for hydroponic cultivation. In Chapter 3, the Nr recovery as nitrate (NO₃⁻-N) from diluted human urine (around 670 mg N L⁻¹) was explored in a trickling filter (TF) for the first time. A novel concept of in-situ integrating the TF system into hydroponic systems was proposed as meaningful progress towards sustainable agriculture. The difference between synthetic and real urine in nitrification efficiency was found to be negligible. The full nitrification of alkalinized real urine was realized in the pH-controlled TF by calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)₂) at around pH 6. The TF could handle different urine collection batches and maintain relatively stable nitrification performance, with NO₃⁻-N production efficiency and rate of 88±3% and 136±4 mg N L⁻¹ d⁻¹, respectively. The optimal HLR to realize this nitrification performance was 2 m³ m⁻² h⁻¹, with energy consumption of 1.8 kWh electricity kg⁻¹ NO₃⁻-N production. Ca(OH)₂, as a cheap base, its triple advantages on urine alkalinization, full nitrification, and macronutrient supplementation were successfully demonstrated in our proposed concept. In Chapter 4, towards more sustainable wastewater treatment, the feasibility of one-stage partial nitritation/anammox (PN/A) was investigated in three parallel packed-bed trickling filters (TFs), with three types of carrier materials of different specific surface areas. Synthetic wastewater containing 100-250 mg NH₄⁺-N L⁻¹ was tested to mimic medium-strength household waste streams after carbon removal. Interestingly, the cheap carrier based on expanded clay achieved similar rates as commercially used plastic carrier materials. The top passive ventilation combined with an optimum hydraulic loading rate of 1.8 m³ m⁻² h⁻¹ could reach approximately 60% total nitrogen (TN) removal at a rate of 300 mg N L⁻¹ d⁻¹. A relatively low NO₃⁻-N production (13%) via PN/A was achieved in TFs. Most of the TN removal took place in the top compartment, where anammox activity was the highest. Energy consumption estimation (0.78 kWh electricity g⁻¹ N removed) suggested that the proposed process could be a suitable low-cost alternative for nitrogen removal. In Chapter 5, coupling sulfur-driven denitratation (SDN) with anammox was proposed to treat the wastewater containing both NO₃⁻-N and NH₄⁺-N, like the secondary effluents of mainstream PN/A processes. To explore the feasibility of sufficient and stable NO₂⁻-N accumulation via SDN in the long term, the effects of pH setpoints, residual NO₃⁻-N level, and biomass-specific NO₃⁻-N loading rate (BSNLR) were investigated. Alternating the pH setpoints between 7.0 and 8.5 could temporarily stimulate the NO₂⁻-N accumulation. Both the residual NO₃⁻-N and BSNLR showed highly positive correlations with the NO₂⁻-N accumulation efficiency. Under the control of pH 8.5, 1.0±0.8 mg NO₃⁻-N L⁻¹ and 150±42 mg NO₃⁻-N g⁻¹ VSS d⁻¹, SDN could produce 6.4±1.0 mg NO₂⁻-N L⁻¹ in the short term. Thiobacillus members may play a crucial role in managing the NO₂⁻-N accumulation, but the reduction of abundance and possible adaptation significantly impaired the efficacy of control strategies in the long run. Overall, novel technologies have been proposed to sustainably convert Nr in waste streams and biomass. The decision for Nr recovery versus removal and synthesis should be based on specific cases with the best environmental, economic, and human-health sustainability. In the future, the Nr management concepts should be further improved to make the nitrogen cycle more sustainable with higher resource use efficiency and less Nr emissions to the environment. Although the thesis is mainly focused on limited types of Nr waste streams, it pointed out the direction of sustainable Nr management and could facilitate the Nr back to the safe boundary in the long run.
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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:182099 Serial 7563
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Author De Meyer, R.; Albrecht, W.; Bals, S.
Title Effectiveness of reducing the influence of CTAB at the surface of metal nanoparticles during in situ heating studies by TEM Type A1 Journal article
Year 2021 Publication Micron Abbreviated Journal Micron
Volume 144 Issue Pages 103036
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract (down) In situ TEM is a valuable technique to offer novel insights in the behavior of nanomaterials under various conditions. However, interpretation of in situ experiments is not straightforward since the electron beam can impact the outcome of such measurements. For example, ligands surrounding metal nanoparticles transform into a protective carbon layer upon electron beam irradiation and may impact the apparent thermal stability during in situ heating experiments. In this work, we explore the effect of different treatments typically proposed to remove such ligands. We found that plasma treatment prior to heating experiments for Au nanorods and nanostars increased the apparent thermal stability of the nanoparticles, while an activated carbon treatment resulted in a decrease of the observed thermal stability. Treatment with HCl barely changed the experimental outcome. These results demonstrate the importance of carefully selecting pre-treatments procedures during in situ heating experiments.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000632282600002 Publication Date 2021-02-19
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0968-4328 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 1.98 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes H2020; European Research Council; This work was supported by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program [grant agreement No 823717 (ESTEEM3) and No 815128 (REALNANO)]; We acknowledge Prof. Luis M. Liz-Marzán and co-workers of the Bionanoplasmonics Laboratory, CICbiomaGUNE, Spain for providing the Au nanoparticles.; sygma; esteem3jra; esteem3reported Approved Most recent IF: 1.98
Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:175874 Serial 6677
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Author Chekol Zewdie, M.
Title How irrigation water impacts Ethiopian agriculture : an applied economics study Type Doctoral thesis
Year 2021 Publication Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue Pages xiv, 152 p.
Keywords Doctoral thesis; Economics; Engineering Management (ENM)
Abstract (down) In recent decades, as crop production has increased in many areas where irrigation projects have been implemented, the global agricultural development community has promoted irrigation investments. However, due to the disappointing performance of irrigation farming in developing countries, irrigation intervention in Africa South of the Sahara including Ethiopia is an issue of debate. Moreover, several gaps exist in the Ethiopian irrigation farming literature. For instance, evidence about the direct and indirect effects of irrigation water on agriculture is not well documented. The irrigation farming literature has not disentangled the indirect effects of having access to irrigation water from the direct effect and the indirect effects have been underrepresented. Furthermore, most previous studies have applied either a quantitative or qualitative approach and have relied only on revealed data as main type of methodology, making studies that combine qualitative and quantitative research and that use both stated and revealed data underrepresented. In this study, different approaches have been applied to investigate how irrigation water impacts Ethiopia agriculture with special attention being given to disentangling the direct and indirect effects of irrigation water on Ethiopian agriculture. Using a structural equation model, a stochastic production frontier approach, and a discrete choice experiment, I drew evidence regarding the direct and indirect effects of irrigation water on crop revenue of smallholder farmers, the technical efficiency of irrigation user farmers, and the farmers’ willingness to pay to improve poor irrigation schemes from field observations, semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions with farmers, and key informant interviews with the local agricultural agents from the Koga and Fogera Districts of Amhara Region Ethiopia. The results indicate that irrigation water in general has both direct and indirect positive effects on agriculture, and the indirect effect is mediated by both improved farm inputs and the type of crops produced. The results also show that – due to poor extension services and backward agronomic practices, the mean technical efficiency of farmers in Ethiopia is very low, and that large-scale irrigation users are less technically efficient than small-scale irrigation users. Moreover, the results show that improving irrigation schemes shifts the frontier up, and smallholder farmers are strongly willing to contribute financially to the maintenance costs of irrigation schemes. The results offer relevant lessons for policymakers that providing irrigation water supply must be embedded in a comprehensive support package including access to extension services, improved input supply, and access to stable markets.
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Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos Publication Date
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN ISBN 978-90-5728-700-8 Additional Links UA library record
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: NA
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:180816 Serial 6928
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Author van Thiel, T. c.; Brzezicki, W.; Autieri, C.; Hortensius, J. r.; Afanasiev, D.; Gauquelin, N.; Jannis, D.; Janssen, N.; Groenendijk, D. j.; Fatermans, J.; Van Aert, S.; Verbeeck, J.; Cuoco, M.; Caviglia, A. d.
Title Coupling Charge and Topological Reconstructions at Polar Oxide Interfaces Type A1 Journal article
Year 2021 Publication Physical Review Letters Abbreviated Journal Phys Rev Lett
Volume 127 Issue 12 Pages 127202
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract (down) In oxide heterostructures, different materials are integrated into a single artificial crystal, resulting in a breaking of inversion symmetry across the heterointerfaces. A notable example is the interface between polar and nonpolar materials, where valence discontinuities lead to otherwise inaccessible charge and spin states. This approach paved the way for the discovery of numerous unconventional properties absent in the bulk constituents. However, control of the geometric structure of the electronic wave functions in correlated oxides remains an open challenge. Here, we create heterostructures consisting of ultrathin SrRuO3, an itinerant ferromagnet hosting momentum-space sources of Berry curvature, and

LaAlO3, a polar wide-band-gap insulator. Transmission electron microscopy reveals an atomically sharp LaO/RuO2/SrO interface configuration, leading to excess charge being pinned near the LaAlO3/SrRuO3 interface. We demonstrate through magneto-optical characterization, theoretical calculations and transport measurements that the real-space charge reconstruction drives a reorganization of the topological charges in the band structure, thereby modifying the momentum-space Berry curvature in SrRuO3. Our results illustrate how the topological and magnetic features of oxides can be manipulated by engineering charge discontinuities at oxide interfaces.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000704665000010 Publication Date 2021-09-16
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0031-9007 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 8.462 Times cited 17 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes The authors thank E. Lesne, M. Lee, H. Barakov, M. Matthiesen and U. Filippozzi for discussions. The authors are grateful to E.J.S. van Thiel for producing the illustration in Fig. 4a. This work was supported by the European Research Council under the European Unions Horizon 2020 programme/ERC Grant agreements No. [677458], [770887] and No. [731473] (Quantox of QuantERA ERA-NET Cofund in Quantum Technologies) and by the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO/OCW) as part of the Frontiers of Nanoscience (NanoFront) and VIDI program. The authors acknowledge funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No. [823717] – ESTEEM3. N. G., J. V., and S. V. A. acknowledge funding from the University of Antwerp through the Concerted Research Actions (GOA) project Solarpaint and the TOP project. C. A. and W. B. are supported by the Foundation for Polish Science through the International Research Agendas program co-financed by the European Union within the Smart Growth Operational Programme. C. A. acknowledges access to the computing facilities of the Interdisciplinary Center of Modeling at the University of Warsaw, Grant No. G73-23 and G75-10. W.B. acknowledges support from the Narodowe Centrum Nauk (NCN, National Science Centre, Poland) Project No. 2019/34/E/ST3/00404'; esteem3TA; esteem3reported Approved Most recent IF: 8.462
Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:182595 Serial 6824
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Author Liang, Q.; Yang, D.; Xia, F.; Bai, H.; Peng, H.; Yu, R.; Yan, Y.; He, D.; Cao, S.; Van Tendeloo, G.; Li, G.; Zhang, Q.; Tang, X.; Wu, J.
Title Phase-transformation-induced giant deformation in thermoelectric Ag₂Se semiconductor Type A1 Journal article
Year 2021 Publication Advanced Functional Materials Abbreviated Journal Adv Funct Mater
Volume Issue Pages 2106938
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract (down) In most semiconducting metal chalcogenides, a large deformation is usually accompanied by a phase transformation, while the deformation mechanism remains largely unexplored. Herein, a phase-transformation-induced deformation in Ag2Se is investigated by in situ transmission electron microscopy, and a new ordered high-temperature phase (named as alpha '-Ag2Se) is identified. The Se-Se bonds are folded when the Ag+-ion vacancies are ordered and become stretched when these vacancies are disordered. Such a stretch/fold of the Se-Se bonds enables a fast and large deformation occurring during the phase transition. Meanwhile, the different Se-Se bonding states in alpha-, alpha '-, beta-Ag2Se phases lead to the formation of a large number of nanoslabs and the high concentration of dislocations at the interface, which flexibly accommodate the strain caused by the phase transformation. This study reveals the atomic mechanism of the deformation in Ag2Se inorganic semiconductors during the phase transition, which also provides inspiration for understanding the phase transition process in other functional materials.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000695142800001 Publication Date 2021-09-13
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1616-301x ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 12.124 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 12.124
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:181527 Serial 6879
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Author Koo, J.; Dahl, A.B.; Bærentzen, J.A.; Chen, Q.; Bals, S.; Dahl, V.A.
Title Shape from projections via differentiable forward projector for computed tomography Type A1 Journal article
Year 2021 Publication Ultramicroscopy Abbreviated Journal Ultramicroscopy
Volume 224 Issue Pages 113239
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract (down) In computed tomography, the reconstruction is typically obtained on a voxel grid. In this work, however, we propose a mesh-based reconstruction method. For tomographic problems, 3D meshes have mostly been studied to simulate data acquisition, but not for reconstruction, for which a 3D mesh means the inverse process of estimating shapes from projections. In this paper, we propose a differentiable forward model for 3D meshes that bridge the gap between the forward model for 3D surfaces and optimization. We view the forward projection as a rendering process, and make it differentiable by extending recent work in differentiable rendering. We use the proposed forward model to reconstruct 3D shapes directly from projections. Experimental results for single-object problems show that the proposed method outperforms traditional voxel-based methods on noisy simulated data. We also apply the proposed method on electron tomography images of nanoparticles to demonstrate the applicability of the method on real data.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000744576800008 Publication Date 2021-03-11
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 2.843 Times cited 3 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes EU Horizon 2020 MSCA Innovative Training Network MUMMERING Grant Number 765604. Approved Most recent IF: 2.843
Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:183267 Serial 6825
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Author Barbiellini, B.; Kuriplach, J.; Saniz, R.
Title Study of rechargeable batteries using advanced spectroscopic and computational techniques Type Editorial
Year 2021 Publication Condensed Matter Abbreviated Journal
Volume 6 Issue 3 Pages 26
Keywords Editorial; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract (down) Improving the efficiency and longevity of energy storage systems based on Li- and Na-ion rechargeable batteries presents a major challenge. The main problems are essentially capacity loss and limited cyclability. These effects are due to a hierarchy of factors spanning various length and time scales, interconnected in a complex manner. As a consequence, and in spite of several decades of research, a proper understanding of the ageing process has remained somewhat elusive. In recent years, however, combinations of advanced spectroscopy techniques and first-principles simulations have been applied with success to tackle this problem. In this Special Issue, we are pleased to present a selection of articles that, by precisely applying these methods, unravel key aspects of the reduction-oxidation reaction and intercalation processes. Furthermore, the approaches presented provide improvements to standard diagnostic and characterisation techniques, enabling the detection of possible Li-ion flow bottlenecks causing the degradation of capacity and cyclability.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000699368400001 Publication Date 2021-07-26
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2410-3896 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:181630 Serial 6890
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Author Walters, A.A.; Santacana-Font, G.; Li, J.; Routabi, N.; Qin, Y.; Claes, N.; Bals, S.; Tzu-Wen Wang, J.; Al-Jamal, K.T.
Title Nanoparticle-MediatedIn SituMolecular Reprogramming of Immune Checkpoint Interactions for Cancer Immunotherapy Type A1 Journal article
Year 2021 Publication Acs Nano Abbreviated Journal Acs Nano
Volume 15 Issue 11 Pages 17549-17564
Keywords A1 Journal article; Pharmacology. Therapy; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract (down) Immune checkpoint blockade involves targeting immune

regulatory molecules with antibodies. Preclinically, complex multiantibody

regimes of both inhibitory and stimulatory targets are a promising

candidate for the next generation of immunotherapy. However, in this

setting, the antibody platform may be limited due to excessive toxicity

caused by off target effects as a result of systemic administration. RNA

can be used as an alternate to antibodies as it can both downregulate

immunosuppressive checkpoints (siRNA) or induce expression of

immunostimulatory checkpoints (mRNA). In this study, we demonstrate

that the combination of both siRNA and mRNA in a single

formulation can simultaneously knockdown and induce expression of

immune checkpoint targets, thereby reprogramming the tumor

microenvironment from immunosuppressive to immunostimulatory

phenotype. To achieve this, RNA constructs were synthesized and

formulated into stable nucleic acid lipid nanoparticles (SNALPs); the SNALPs produced were 140−150 nm in size with >80%

loading efficiency. SNALPs could transfect macrophages and B16F10 cells in vitro resulting in 75% knockdown of inhibitory

checkpoint (PDL1) expression and simultaneously express high levels of stimulatory checkpoint (OX40L) with minimal

toxicity. Intratumoral treatment with the proposed formulation resulted in statistically reduced tumor growth, a greater

density of CD4+ and CD8+ infiltrates in the tumor, and immune activation within tumor-draining lymph nodes. These data

suggest that a single RNA-based formulation can successfully reprogram multiple immune checkpoint interactions on a

cellular level. Such a candidate may be able to replace future immune checkpoint therapeutic regimes composed of both

stimulatory- and inhibitory-receptor-targeting antibodies.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000747115200039 Publication Date 2021-11-23
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1936-0851 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 13.942 Times cited 11 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes A.A.W. is the grateful recipient of a Maplethorpe Fellowship. K.A.J. acknowledges funding from the British Council (Newton Fund, 337313), Wellcome Trust (WT103913), and the Cancer Research UK King’s Health Partners Centre at King’s College London. Financial support is acknowledged from the European Commission under the Horizon 2020 Programme, by means of Grant Agreement No. 731019 (EUSMI). Images were drawn on BioRender.com. Approved Most recent IF: 13.942
Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:183950 Serial 6829
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Author Nematollahi, P.; Neyts, E.C.
Title Linking bi-metal distribution patterns in porous carbon nitride fullerene to its catalytic activity toward gas adsorption Type A1 Journal article
Year 2021 Publication Nanomaterials Abbreviated Journal Nanomaterials-Basel
Volume 11 Issue 7 Pages 1794
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract (down) Immobilization of two single transition metal (TM) atoms on a substrate host opens numerous possibilities for catalyst design. If the substrate contains more than one vacancy site, the combination of TMs along with their distribution patterns becomes a design parameter potentially complementary to the substrate itself and the bi-metal composition. By means of DFT calculations, we modeled three dissimilar bi-metal atoms (Ti, Mn, and Cu) doped into the six porphyrin-like cavities of porous C24N24 fullerene, considering different bi-metal distribution patterns for each binary complex, viz. TixCuz@C24N24, TixMny@C24N24, and MnyCuz@C24N24 (with x, y, z = 0-6). We elucidate whether controlling the distribution of bi-metal atoms into the C24N24 cavities can alter their catalytic activity toward CO2, NO2, H-2, and N-2 gas capture. Interestingly, Ti2Mn4@C24N24 and Ti2Cu4@C24N24 complexes showed the highest activity and selectively toward gas capture. Our findings provide useful information for further design of novel few-atom carbon-nitride-based catalysts.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000676140500001 Publication Date 2021-07-09
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2079-4991 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 3.553 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 3.553
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:180372 Serial 8174
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Author Nematollahi, P.; Ma, H.; Schneider, W.F.; Neyts, E.C.
Title DFT and microkinetic comparison of ru-doped porphyrin-like graphene and nanotubes toward catalytic formic acid decomposition and formation Type A1 Journal article
Year 2021 Publication Journal Of Physical Chemistry C Abbreviated Journal J Phys Chem C
Volume 125 Issue 34 Pages 18673-18683
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract (down) Immobilization of single metal atoms on a solid host opens numerous possibilities for catalyst designs. If that host is a two-dimensional sheet, sheet curvature becomes a design parameter potentially complementary to host and metal composition. Here, we use a combination of density functional theory calculations and microkinetic modeling to compare the mechanisms and kinetics of formic acid decomposition and formation, chosen for their relevance as a potential hydrogen storage medium, over single Ru atoms anchored to pyridinic nitrogen in a planar graphene flake (RuN4-G) and curved carbon nanotube (RuN4-CNT). Activation barriers are lowered and the predicted turnover frequencies are increased over RuN4-CNT relative to RuN4-CNT. The results highlight the potential of curvature control as a means to achieve high performance and robust catalysts.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000693413400013 Publication Date 2021-08-22
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:181538 Serial 7805
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Author Dragan, A.-M.; Truta, F.M.; Tertis, M.; Florea, A.; Schram, J.; Cernat, A.; Feier, B.; De Wael, K.; Cristea, C.; Oprean, R.
Title Electrochemical fingerprints of illicit drugs on graphene and multi-walled carbon nanotubes Type A1 Journal article
Year 2021 Publication Frontiers In Chemistry Abbreviated Journal Front Chem
Volume 9 Issue Pages 641147
Keywords A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
Abstract (down) Illicit drugs use and abuse remains an increasing challenge for worldwide authorities and, therefore, it is important to have accurate methods to detect them in seized samples, biological fluids and wastewaters. They are recently classified as the latest group of emerging pollutants as their consumption increased tremendously in recent years. Nanomaterials have gained much attention over the last decade in the development of sensors for a myriad of applications. The applicability of these nanomaterials, functionalized or not, significantly increases and it is therefore highly suitable for use in the detection of illicit drugs. We have assessed the suitability of various nanoplatforms, such as graphene (GPH), multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and platinum nanoparticles (PtNPs) for the electrochemical detection of illicit drugs. GPH and MWCNTs were chosen as the most suitable platforms and cocaine, 3,4-methylendioxymethamfetamine (MDMA), 3-methylmethcathinone (MMC) and alpha-pyrrolidinovalerophenone (PVP) were tested. Due to the hydrophobicity of the nanomaterials-based platforms which led to low signals, two strategies were followed namely, pretreatment of the electrodes in sulfuric acid by cyclic voltammetry and addition of Tween 20 to the detection buffer. Both strategies led to an increase in the oxidation signal of illicit drugs. Binary mixtures of illicit drugs with common adulterants found in street samples were also investigated. The proposed strategies allowed the sensitive detection of illicit drugs in the presence of most adulterants. The suitability of the proposed sensors for the detection of illicit drugs in spiked wastewaters was finally assessed.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000634708900001 Publication Date 2021-03-16
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2296-2646 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 3.994 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 3.994
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:177704 Serial 7861
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Author Parrilla, M.; Joosten, F.; De Wael, K.
Title Enhanced electrochemical detection of illicit drugs in oral fluid by the use of surfactant-mediated solution Type A1 Journal article
Year 2021 Publication Sensors And Actuators B-Chemical Abbreviated Journal Sensor Actuat B-Chem
Volume 348 Issue Pages 130659
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation); Antwerp Electrochemical and Analytical Sciences Lab (A-Sense Lab)
Abstract (down) Illicit drug consumption is a worldwide worrying phenomenon that troubles modern society. For this reason, law enforcement agencies (LEAs) are placing tremendous efforts into tackling the spreading of such substances among our community. New sensing technologies can facilitate the LEAs duties by providing portable and affordable analytical devices. Herein, we present for the first time a sensitive and low-cost electrochemical method, i.e. square-wave adsorptive stripping voltammetry on carbon screen-printed electrodes (SPE), for the detection of five illicit drugs (i.e. cocaine, heroin, 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, 4-chloro-alpha-pyrrolidinovalerophenone, and ketamine) in oral fluid by the aid of a surfactant. Particularly, the surfactant is adsorbed at the carbon electrode’s surface and yields the adsorption of illicit drug molecules, allowing for an enhanced electrochemical signal in comparison to surfactant-free media. First, the surfactant-mediated behavior is deeply explored at the SPE by cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. Subsequently, the electrochemical behavior of the five illicit drugs is studied and optimized to render optimal analytical performance. Accordingly, the analytical system exhibited a wide linear concentration range from 1 to 30 µM with sub-micromolar limits of detection and high sensitivity. This performance is similar to other reported electrochemical sensors, but with the advantage of using an unmodified SPE, thus avoiding costly and complex functionalization of the SPE. Finally, the methodology was evaluated in diluted oral fluid samples spiked with illicit drugs. Overall, this work describes a simple, rapid, portable, and sensitive method for the detection of illicit drugs aiming to provide oral fluid testing opportunities to LEAs.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000701915600005 Publication Date 2021-08-27
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0925-4005 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 5.401 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 5.401
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:181307 Serial 7912
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Author Dehdast, M.; Valiollahi, Z.; Neek-Amal, M.; Van Duppen, B.; Peeters, F.M.; Pourfath, M.
Title Tunable natural terahertz and mid-infrared hyperbolic plasmons in carbon phosphide Type A1 Journal article
Year 2021 Publication Carbon Abbreviated Journal Carbon
Volume 178 Issue Pages 625-631
Keywords A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Abstract (down) Hyperbolic polaritons in ultra thin materials such as few layers of van derWaals heterostructures provide a unique control over light-matter interaction at the nanoscale and with various applications in flat optics. Natural hyperbolic surface plasmons have been observed on thin films of WTe2 in the light wavelength range of 16-23 mu m (similar or equal to 13-18 THz) [Nat. Commun. 11, 1158 (2020)]. Using time-dependent density functional theory, it is found that carbon doped monolayer phosphorene (beta-allotrope of carbon phosphide monolayer) exhibits natural hyperbolic plasmons at frequencies above similar or equal to 5 THz which is not observed in its parent materials, i.e. monolayer of black phosphorous and graphene. Furthermore, we found that by electrostatic doping the plasmonic frequency range can be extended to the mid-infrared. (C) 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000648729800057 Publication Date 2021-03-26
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0008-6223 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 6.337 Times cited 11 Open Access Not_Open_Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 6.337
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:179033 Serial 7039
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Wang, F.; Wang, C.; Chaves, A.; Song, C.; Zhang, G.; Huang, S.; Lei, Y.; Xing, Q.; Mu, L.; Xie, Y.; Yan, H.
Title Prediction of hyperbolic exciton-polaritons in monolayer black phosphorus Type A1 Journal article
Year 2021 Publication Nature Communications Abbreviated Journal Nat Commun
Volume 12 Issue 1 Pages 5628
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Abstract (down) Hyperbolic polaritons exhibit large photonic density of states and can be collimated in certain propagation directions. The majority of hyperbolic polaritons are sustained in man-made metamaterials. However, natural-occurring hyperbolic materials also exist. Particularly, natural in-plane hyperbolic polaritons in layered materials have been demonstrated in MoO3 and WTe2, which are based on phonon and plasmon resonances respectively. Here, by determining the anisotropic optical conductivity (dielectric function) through optical spectroscopy, we predict that monolayer black phosphorus naturally hosts hyperbolic exciton-polaritons due to the pronounced in-plane anisotropy and strong exciton resonances. We simultaneously observe a strong and sharp ground state exciton peak and weaker excited states in high quality monolayer samples in the reflection spectrum, which enables us to determine the exciton binding energy of similar to 452 meV. Our work provides another appealing platform for the in-plane natural hyperbolic polaritons, which is based on excitons rather than phonons or plasmons.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000698984500003 Publication Date 2021-10-12
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2041-1723 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 12.124 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 12.124
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:191688 Serial 8404
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Author Kleinhans, K.; Hallemans, M.; Huysveld, S.; Thomassen, G.; Ragaert, K.; Van Geem, K.M.; Roosen, M.; Mys, N.; Dewulf, J.; De Meester, S.
Title Development and application of a predictive modelling approach for household packaging waste flows in sorting facilities Type A1 Journal Article
Year 2021 Publication Waste Management Abbreviated Journal Waste Management
Volume 120 Issue Pages 290-302
Keywords A1 Journal Article; Engineering Management (ENM) ;
Abstract (down) Household packaging waste sorting facilities consist of complex networks of processes to separate diverse waste streams. These facilities are a key first step to re-enter materials into the recycling chain. However, so far there are no general methods to predict the performance of such sorting facilities, i.e.

how efficiently the heterogeneous packaging waste is sorted into fractions with value for further recycling. In this paper, a model of the material flow in a sorting facility is presented, which allows changing the incoming waste composition, split factors on the sorting units as well as the setup of the sorting facility. The performance of the sorting facility is judged based on the purity of the output material (grade) and the recovery of the input material. A validation of the model was performed via a case study on Belgian post-consumer packaging waste with a selection of typical waste items that can be found in this stream. Moreover, the model was used to predict the possible sorting qualities of future Belgian postconsumer packaging waste after an extension of the allowed waste packaging items in the waste stream. Finally, a sensitivity analysis was performed on the split factors, which are a key data source in the model. Overall, the developed model is flexible and able to predict the performance of packaging waste sorting facilities as well as support waste management and design for recycling decisions, including future

design of packaging, to ensure proper sorting and separation.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos Publication Date 2020-12-16
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0956053X ISBN Additional Links
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access
Notes We would like to thank Indaver (https://www.indaver.com/been/home/), especially Erik Huybrechts, Eric Goddaert, Eline Meyvis and Erik Moerman, for their great support on this research. Furthermore, we would like to acknowledge the help of Colruyt (https://www.colruyt.be/) and CEFLEX (https://ceflex.eu/) for the pre-studies for this research. Moreover, we would like to show our appreciation for the financial support by the Catalisti-ICON project (HBC.2018.0262) MATTER (Mechanical and Thermochemical Recycling of mixed plastic waste) funded by Flanders Innovation & Entrepreneurship (VLAIO). We also thank the Interreg 2 Seas program PlastiCity that is co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund under subsidy contract No. 2S05-021 and the province of East-Flanders for funding this research. Approved Most recent IF: NA
Call Number ENM @ enm @ Serial 6667
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Author Abakumov, A.M.; Li, C.; Boev, A.; Aksyonov, D.A.; Savina, A.A.; Abakumova, T.A.; Van Tendeloo, G.; Bals, S.
Title Grain boundaries as a diffusion-limiting factor in lithium-rich NMC cathodes for high-energy lithium-ion batteries Type A1 Journal article
Year 2021 Publication ACS applied energy materials Abbreviated Journal
Volume 4 Issue 7 Pages 6777-6786
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract (down) High-energy lithium-rich layered transition metal oxides are capable of delivering record electrochemical capacity and energy density as positive electrodes for Li-ion batteries. Their electrochemical behavior is extremely complex due to sophisticated interplay between crystal structure, electronic structure, and defect structure. Here we unravel an extra level of this complexity by revealing that the most typical representative Li1.2Ni0.13Mn0.54Co0.13O2 material, prepared by a conventional coprecipitation technique with Na2CO3 as a precipitating agent, contains abundant coherent (001) grain boundaries with a Na-enriched P2-structured block due to segregation of the residual sodium traces. The trigonal prismatic oxygen coordination of Na triggers multiple nanoscale twinning, giving rise to incoherent (104) boundaries. The cationic layers at the (001) grain boundaries are filled with transition metal cations being Mn-depleted and Co-enriched; this makes them virtually not permeable for the Li+ cations, and therefore they negatively influence the Li diffusion in and out of the spherical agglomerates. These results demonstrate that besides the mechanisms intrinsic to the crystal and electronic structure of Li-rich cathodes, their rate capability might also be depreciated by peculiar microstructural aspects. Dedicated engineering of grain boundaries opens a way for improving inherently sluggish kinetics of these materials.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000678382900042 Publication Date 2021-07-02
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 4 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes We thank Dr. M. V. Berekchiian (MSU) for assisting in ICPMS measurements. We acknowledge Russian Science Foundation (Grant 20-43-01012) and Research Foundation Flanders (FWO Vlaanderen, Project No. G0F1320N) for financial support. Approved Most recent IF: NA
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:180556 Serial 6841
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