| Records |
| Author |
Dattoli, G.; Di Palma, E.; Gielis, J.; Licciardi, S. |
| Title |
Parabolic trigonometry |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
| Year |
2020 |
Publication |
International journal of applied and computational mathematics |
Abbreviated Journal |
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| Volume |
6 |
Issue |
2 |
Pages |
37 |
| Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL) |
| Abstract |
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| Address |
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| Corporate Author |
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Thesis |
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Place of Publication |
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Editor |
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| Language |
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Wos |
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Publication Date |
2020-03-04 |
| Series Editor |
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Series Title |
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Abbreviated Series Title |
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| Series Volume |
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Series Issue |
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Edition |
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| ISSN |
2349-5103 |
ISBN |
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Additional Links |
UA library record |
| Impact Factor |
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Times cited |
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Open Access |
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| Notes |
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Approved  |
Most recent IF: NA |
| Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:167049 |
Serial |
6578 |
| Permanent link to this record |
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| |
| Author |
Roegiers, J. |
| Title |
Development of combined photocatalytic and active carbon fiber technology for indoor air purification based on Multiphysics models |
Type |
Doctoral thesis |
| Year |
2021 |
Publication |
|
Abbreviated Journal |
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| Volume |
|
Issue |
|
Pages |
XXX, 197 p. |
| Keywords |
Doctoral thesis; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL) |
| Abstract |
Exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) remains a major public health concern. Indoor VOC concentrations typically far exceed outdoor levels due to a variety of emission sources and the stringent insulation measures that are imposed today. Many attempts have been made to use photocatalysis for indoor air purification. In an ideal situation, photocatalysis is capable of complete mineralization of VOCs to H2O and CO2, without any byproduct formation. Moreover, the process can take place at standard atmospheric conditions, i.e. ambient temperature and atmospheric pressure. However, successful exploitation is still impeded due to low conversion efficiency, significant pressure loss (and hence a high energy consumption) and byproduct formation. In the first part of this thesis an attempt was made to tackles these problems by designing a novel type of photocatalytic (PCO) reactor. The PCO device consists of a cylindrical vessel filled with TiO2-coated glass tubes and equipped with UV fluorescence lamps. It was investigated in terms of fluid dynamics, coating properties, UV-light distribution and photocatalytic activity. Experimental data was later used to develop and calibrate a Multiphysics model. The model proved to be a useful tool for designing and upscaling the PCO reactor. Consequently, an optimized prototype reactor was constructed and tested according the CEN-EN-16846-1 standard for VOC removal. Although the prototype showed promising results for lab-scale conditions, it struggled with byproduct formation when purifying ppb-level VOCs. In the second part of this thesis, activated carbon adsorption was investigated in order to combine it with photocatalysis. Activated carbon fiber was opted for its fast kinetics, high adsorption capacity and thermo-electrical regeneration. The filter was studied in detail regarding the adsorption of polar and apolar VOCs at indoor air concentration levels and regeneration capabilities. Experimental data was used to develop a Multiphysics model for activated carbon adsorption as well. Consequently, a novel type of ACF filter was developed using the Multiphysics model, which was equipped with electrodes in the tips of the pleats for effective thermal regeneration. In the last part, the combination of both ACF and PCO was studied using a realistic case study. Based on the Multiphysics model, the feasibility of a so-called hybrid air purification device could be investigated. The Multiphysics model shows promising results for this hybrid PCO-ACF system and hence, a demo setup was constructed for future research. |
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Thesis |
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Place of Publication |
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Editor |
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Wos |
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Publication Date |
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Series Title |
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Abbreviated Series Title |
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| Series Volume |
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Series Issue |
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Edition |
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| ISSN |
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ISBN |
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Additional Links |
UA library record |
| Impact Factor |
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Times cited |
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Open Access |
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| Notes |
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Approved |
Most recent IF: NA |
| Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:181137 |
Serial |
6860 |
| Permanent link to this record |
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| |
| Author |
Faust, V.; van Alen, T.A.; Op den Camp, H.J.M.; Vlaeminck, S.E.; Ganigué, R.; Boon, N.; Udert, K.M. |
| Title |
Ammonia oxidation by novel “Candidatus Nitrosacidococcus urinae” is sensitive to process disturbances at low pH and to iron limitation at neutral pH |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
| Year |
2022 |
Publication |
Water Research X |
Abbreviated Journal |
|
| Volume |
17 |
Issue |
|
Pages |
100157-11 |
| Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL) |
| Abstract |
Acid-tolerant ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) can open the door to new applications, such as partial nitritation at low pH. However, they can also be problematic because chemical nitrite oxidation occurs at low pH, leading to the release of harmful nitrogen oxide gases. In this publication, the role of acid-tolerant AOB in urine treatment was explored. On the one hand, the technical feasibility of ammonia oxidation under acidic conditions for source-separated urine with total nitrogen concentrations up to 3.5 g-N L−1 was investigated. On the other hand, the abundance and growth of acid-tolerant AOB at more neutral pH was explored. Under acidic conditions (pH of 5), ammonia oxidation rates of 500 mg-N L−1 d−1 and 10 g-N g-VSS-1 d-1 were observed, despite high concentrations of 15 mg-N L−1 of the AOB-inhibiting compound nitrous acid and low concentration of 0.04 mg-N L−1 of the substrate ammonia. However, ammonia oxidation under acidic conditions was very sensitive to process disturbances. Even short periods of less than 12 h without oxygen or without influent resulted in a complete cessation of ammonia oxidation with a recovery time of up to two months, which is a problem for low maintenance applications such as decentralized treatment. Furthermore, undesirable nitrogen losses of about 10% were observed. Under acidic conditions, a novel AOB strain was enriched with a relative abundance of up to 80%, for which the name “Candidatus (Ca.) Nitrosacidococcus urinae” is proposed. While Nitrosacidococcus members were present only to a small extent (0.004%) in urine nitrification reactors operated at pH values between 5.8 and 7, acid-tolerant AOB were always enriched during long periods without influent, resulting in an uncontrolled drop in pH to as low as 2.5. Long-term experiments at different pH values showed that the activity of “Ca. Nitrosacidococcus urinae” decreased strongly at a pH of 7, where they were also outcompeted by the acid-sensitive AOB Nitrosomonas halophila. The experiment results showed that the decreased activity of “Ca. Nitrosacidococcus urinae” correlated with the limited availability of dissolved iron at neutral pH. |
| Address |
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| Corporate Author |
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Thesis |
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Place of Publication |
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Editor |
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| Language |
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Wos |
000877925500001 |
Publication Date |
2022-10-04 |
| Series Editor |
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Series Title |
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Abbreviated Series Title |
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| Series Volume |
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Series Issue |
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Edition |
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| ISSN |
2589-9147 |
ISBN |
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Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles |
| Impact Factor |
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Times cited |
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Open Access |
OpenAccess |
| Notes |
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Approved |
Most recent IF: NA |
| Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:190944 |
Serial |
7124 |
| Permanent link to this record |
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| Author |
Broos, W.; Wittner, N.; Geerts, J.; Dries, J.; Vlaeminck, S.E.; Gunde-Cimerman, N.; Richel, A.; Cornet, I. |
| Title |
Evaluation of lignocellulosic wastewater valorization with the oleaginous yeasts R. kratochvilovae EXF7516 and C. oleaginosum ATCC 20509 |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
| Year |
2022 |
Publication |
Fermentation |
Abbreviated Journal |
|
| Volume |
8 |
Issue |
5 |
Pages |
204-221 |
| Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Pharmacology. Therapy; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL); Biochemical Wastewater Valorization & Engineering (BioWaVE) |
| Abstract |
During the conversion of lignocellulose, phenolic wastewaters are generated. Therefore, researchers have investigated wastewater valorization processes in which these pollutants are converted to chemicals, i.e., lipids. However, wastewaters are lean feedstocks, so these valorization processes in research typically require the addition of large quantities of sugars and sterilization, which increase costs. This paper investigates a repeated batch fermentation strategy with Rhodotorula kratochvilovae EXF7516 and Cutaneotrichosporon oleaginosum ATCC 20509, without these requirements. The pollutant removal and its conversion to microbial oil were evaluated. Because of the presence of non-monomeric substrates, the ligninolytic enzyme activity was also investigated. The repeated batch fermentation strategy was successful, as more lipids accumulated every cycle, up to a total of 5.4 g/L (23% cell dry weight). In addition, the yeasts consumed up to 87% of monomeric substrates, i.e., sugars, aromatics, and organics acids, and up to 23% of non-monomeric substrates, i.e., partially degraded xylan, lignin, cellulose. Interestingly, lipid production was only observed during the harvest phase of each cycle, as the cells experienced stress, possibly due to oxygen limitation. This work presents the first results on the feasibility of valorizing non-sterilized lignocellulosic wastewater with R. kratochvilovae and C. oleaginosum using a cost-effective repeated batch strategy. |
| Address |
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| Corporate Author |
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Thesis |
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| Publisher |
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Place of Publication |
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Editor |
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| Language |
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Wos |
000801796000001 |
Publication Date |
2022-05-01 |
| Series Editor |
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Series Title |
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Abbreviated Series Title |
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| Series Volume |
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Series Issue |
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Edition |
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| ISSN |
2311-5637 |
ISBN |
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Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles |
| Impact Factor |
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Times cited |
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Open Access |
OpenAccess |
| Notes |
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Approved |
Most recent IF: NA |
| Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:187883 |
Serial |
7157 |
| Permanent link to this record |
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| Author |
Nicolau, F.; Gielis, J.; Simeone, A.L.; Simoes Lopes, D. |
| Title |
Exploring and selecting supershapes in virtual reality with line, quad, and cube shaped widgets |
Type |
P1 Proceeding |
| Year |
2022 |
Publication |
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Abbreviated Journal |
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| Volume |
|
Issue |
|
Pages |
21-28 |
| Keywords |
P1 Proceeding; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL) |
| Abstract |
Supershapes are used in Parametric Design to model, literally, thou-sands of natural and man-made shapes with a single 6 parameter formula. However, users are left to probe such a rich yet dense collection of supershapes using a set of independent 1-D sliders. Some of the formula’s parameters are non-linear in nature, making them particularly difficult to grasp with conventional 1-D sliders alone. VR appears as a promising setting for Parametric Design with supershapes since it empowers users with more natural visual inspection and shape browsing techniques, with multiple solutions being displayed at once and the possibility to design more interesting forms of slider interaction. In this work, we propose VR shape widgets that allow users to probe and select supershapes from a multitude of solutions. Our designs take leverage on thumbnails, mini-maps, haptic feedback and spatial interaction, while supporting 1-D, 2-D and 3-D supershape parameter spaces. We conducted a user study (N = 18) and found that VR shape widgets are effective, more efficient, and natural than conventional VR 1-D sliders while also usable for users without prior knowledge on supershapes. We also found that the proposed VR widgets provide a quick overview of the main supershapes, and users can easily reach the desired solution without having to perform fine-grain handle manipulations. |
| Address |
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| Corporate Author |
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Thesis |
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| Publisher |
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Place of Publication |
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Editor |
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| Language |
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Wos |
000828657500003 |
Publication Date |
2022-04-20 |
| Series Editor |
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Series Title |
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Abbreviated Series Title |
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| Series Volume |
|
Series Issue |
|
Edition |
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| ISSN |
978-1-6654-9617-9 |
ISBN |
|
Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record |
| Impact Factor |
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Times cited |
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Open Access |
OpenAccess |
| Notes |
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Approved |
Most recent IF: NA |
| Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:188471 |
Serial |
7161 |
| Permanent link to this record |
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| |
| Author |
De Tommasi, E.; Rogato, A.; Caratelli, D.; Mescia, L.; Gielis, J. |
| Title |
Following the photons route : mathematical models describing the interaction of diatoms with light |
Type |
H1 Book chapter |
| Year |
2022 |
Publication |
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Abbreviated Journal |
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| Volume |
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Issue |
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Pages |
1-53 |
| Keywords |
H1 Book chapter; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL) |
| Abstract |
The interaction of diatoms with sunlight is fundamental in order to deeply understand their role in terrestrial ecology and biogeochemistry, essentially due to their massive contribution to global primary production through photosynthesis and its e↵ect on carbon, oxygen and silicon cycles. Following the journey of light through natural waters, its propagation through the intricate frustule micro- and nano-structure and, finally, its fate inside the photosynthetic machinery of the living cell requires several mathematical and computational models in order to accurately describe all the involved phenomena taking place at di↵erent space scales and physical regimes. In this chapter, we review the main analytical models describing the underwater optical field, the essential numerical algorithms for the study of photonic properties of the diatom frustule seen as a natural metamaterial, as well as the principal models describing photon harvesting in diatom plastids and methods for complex EM propagation problems and wave propagation in dispersive materials with multiple relaxation times. These mathematical methods will be integrated in a unifying geometric perspective. |
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Thesis |
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Place of Publication |
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Editor |
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| Language |
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Wos |
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Publication Date |
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| Series Editor |
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Series Title |
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Abbreviated Series Title |
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| Series Volume |
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Series Issue |
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Edition |
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| ISSN |
|
ISBN |
978-1-119-74985-1 |
Additional Links |
UA library record |
| Impact Factor |
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Times cited |
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Open Access |
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| Notes |
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Approved |
Most recent IF: NA |
| Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:186731 |
Serial |
7165 |
| Permanent link to this record |
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| |
| Author |
Ricci, P.E.; Gielis, J. |
| Title |
From Pythagoras to Fourier and from geometry to nature |
Type |
MA3 Book as author |
| Year |
2022 |
Publication |
|
Abbreviated Journal |
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| Volume |
|
Issue |
|
Pages |
146 p. |
| Keywords |
MA3 Book as author; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL) |
| Abstract |
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| Address |
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| Corporate Author |
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Thesis |
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| Publisher |
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Place of Publication |
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Editor |
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| Language |
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Wos |
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Publication Date |
2022-03-23 |
| Series Editor |
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Series Title |
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Abbreviated Series Title |
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| Series Volume |
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Series Issue |
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Edition |
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| ISSN |
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ISBN |
978-90-832323-0-0; 978-90-832323-1-7 |
Additional Links |
UA library record |
| Impact Factor |
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Times cited |
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Open Access |
Not_Open_Access |
| Notes |
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Approved |
Most recent IF: NA |
| Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:186730 |
Serial |
7166 |
| Permanent link to this record |
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| Author |
Maes, R.R.; Potters, G.; Fransen, E.; Van Schaeren, R.; Lenaerts, S. |
| Title |
Influence of adding low concentration of oxygenates in mineral diesel oil and biodiesel on the concentration of NO, NO₂ and particulate matter in the exhaust gas of a one-cylinder diesel generator |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
| Year |
2022 |
Publication |
International journal of environmental research and public health |
Abbreviated Journal |
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| Volume |
19 |
Issue |
13 |
Pages |
7637-18 |
| Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL) |
| Abstract |
Air quality currently poses a major risk to human health worldwide. Transportation is one of the principal contributors to air pollution due to the quality of exhaust gases. For example, the widely used diesel fuel is a significant source of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter (PM). To reduce the content NOx and PM, different oxygenated compounds were mixed into a mineral diesel available at the pump, and their effect on the composition of exhaust gas emissions was measured using a one-cylinder diesel generator. In this setup, adding methanol gave the best relative results. The addition of 2000 ppm of methanol decreased the content of NO by 56%, 2000 ppm of isopropanol decreased NO2 by 50%, and 2000 ppm ethanol decreased PM by 63%. An interesting question is whether it is possible to reduce the impact of hazardous components in the exhaust gas even more by adding oxygenates to biodiesels. In this article, alcohol is added to biodiesel in order to establish the impact on PM and NOx concentrations in the exhaust gases. Adding methanol, ethanol, and isopropanol at concentrations of 2000 ppm and 4000 ppm did not improve NOx emissions. The best results were using pure RME for a low NO content, pure diesel for a low NO2 content, and for PM there were no statistically significant differences. |
| Address |
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| Corporate Author |
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Thesis |
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| Publisher |
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Place of Publication |
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Editor |
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| Language |
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Wos |
000825645900001 |
Publication Date |
2022-06-23 |
| Series Editor |
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Series Title |
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Abbreviated Series Title |
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| Series Volume |
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Series Issue |
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Edition |
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| ISSN |
1661-7827; 1660-4601 |
ISBN |
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Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles |
| Impact Factor |
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Times cited |
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Open Access |
OpenAccess |
| Notes |
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Approved |
Most recent IF: NA |
| Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:189476 |
Serial |
7172 |
| Permanent link to this record |
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| Author |
Loomba, V.; Pourfallah, H.; Olsen, J.E.; Einarsrud, K.E. |
| Title |
Lab-scale physical model experiments to understand the effect of particle bed on tapping flow rates |
Type |
P1 Proceeding |
| Year |
2022 |
Publication |
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Abbreviated Journal |
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| Volume |
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Issue |
|
Pages |
159-170 |
| Keywords |
P1 Proceeding; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL) |
| Abstract |
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| Address |
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| Corporate Author |
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Thesis |
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| Publisher |
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Place of Publication |
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Editor |
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| Language |
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Wos |
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Publication Date |
2022-02-03 |
| Series Editor |
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Series Title |
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Abbreviated Series Title |
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| Series Volume |
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Series Issue |
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Edition |
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| ISSN |
978-3-030-92543-7; 2367-1181; 2367-1696; 978-3-030-92546-8; 978-3-030-92544-4 |
ISBN |
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Additional Links |
UA library record |
| Impact Factor |
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Times cited |
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Open Access |
Not_Open_Access |
| Notes |
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Approved |
Most recent IF: NA |
| Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:186090 |
Serial |
7177 |
| Permanent link to this record |
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| Author |
Gielis, J.; Grigolia, R. |
| Title |
Lamé curves and Rvachev's R-functions |
Type |
A3 Journal article |
| Year |
2022 |
Publication |
Sn – 1512-0066 |
Abbreviated Journal |
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| Volume |
37 |
Issue |
|
Pages |
1-4 |
| Keywords |
A3 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL) |
| Abstract |
Gielis transformations are a generalization of Lame curves. To combine domains, we can make use of the natural alliance between Lame's work and Rvachev's R-functions. A logical next step is the extension to n-valued logic dening dierent partitions. |
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Thesis |
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Place of Publication |
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Editor |
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Wos |
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Publication Date |
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| Series Editor |
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Series Title |
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Abbreviated Series Title |
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| Series Volume |
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Series Issue |
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Edition |
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| ISSN |
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ISBN |
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Additional Links |
UA library record |
| Impact Factor |
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Times cited |
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Open Access |
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| Notes |
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Approved |
Most recent IF: NA |
| Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:189316 |
Serial |
7178 |
| Permanent link to this record |
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| Author |
Faust, V.; Gruber, W.; Ganigue, R.; Vlaeminck, S.E.; Udert, K.M. |
| Title |
Nitrous oxide emissions and carbon footprint of decentralized urine fertilizer production by nitrification and distillation |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
| Year |
2022 |
Publication |
ACS ES&T engineering |
Abbreviated Journal |
|
| Volume |
2 |
Issue |
9 |
Pages |
1745-1755 |
| Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL) |
| Abstract |
Combining partial nitrification, granular activated carbon (GAC) filtration, and distillation is a well-studied approach to convert urine into a fertilizer. To evaluate the environmental sustainability of a technology, the operational carbon footprint and therefore nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions should be known, but N2O emissions from urine nitrification have not been assessed yet. Therefore, N2O emissions of a decentralized urine nitrification reactor were monitored for 1 month. During nitrification, 0.4-1.2% of the total nitrogen load was emitted as N2O-N with an average N2O emission factor (EFN2O) of 0.7%. Additional N2O was produced during anoxic storage between nitrification and GAC filtration with an estimated EFN2O of 0.8%, resulting in an EFN2O of 1.5% for the treatment chain. N2O emissions during nitrification can be mitigated by 60% by avoiding low dissolved oxygen or anoxic conditions and nitrite concentrations above 5 mg-N L-1. Minimizing the hydraulic retention time between nitrification and GAC filtration can reduce N2O formation during intermediate storage by 100%. Overall, the N2O emissions accounted for 45% of the operational carbon footprint of 14 kg-CO2,equiv kg-N-1 for urine fertilizer production. Using electricity from renewable sources and applying the proposed N2O mitigation strategies could potentially lower the carbon footprint by 85%. |
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Thesis |
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Place of Publication |
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Wos |
000835412700001 |
Publication Date |
2022-07-29 |
| Series Editor |
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Series Title |
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Abbreviated Series Title |
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Series Issue |
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Edition |
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| ISSN |
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ISBN |
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Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles |
| Impact Factor |
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Times cited |
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Open Access |
OpenAccess |
| Notes |
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Approved |
Most recent IF: NA |
| Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:189599 |
Serial |
7182 |
| Permanent link to this record |
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| Author |
Borah, R. |
| Title |
Photoactive nanostructures : from single plasmonic nanoparticles to self-assembled films |
Type |
Doctoral thesis |
| Year |
2022 |
Publication |
|
Abbreviated Journal |
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| Volume |
|
Issue |
|
Pages |
xxxiv, 220 p. |
| Keywords |
Doctoral thesis; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL) |
| Abstract |
Photoactive nanoparticles and their light-driven applications have gained tremendous scientific attention towards remediation of the global environmental problems, meeting alternative energy demands, and other new technological discoveries. The research work presented in this dissertation includes a fundamental investigation of such nanoparticles to gain deeper insights that will ultimately benefit their application. In particular, the study of plasmonic metal nanoparticles and metal oxide nanoparticles for light driven applications is the major theme of this work. The investigation begins with isolated plasmonic Au and Ag nanoparticles, followed by a natural extension to nanoparticle clusters, and then further to nanoparticle films. Next, the application of such plasmonic nanoparticle films for gaseous phase sensing of volatile organic compounds is explored. Finally, the film formation of metal-oxide nanoparticles by self-assembly is investigated for the fabrication of photoactive functional interfaces. The fundamental theoretical investigation of the isolated plasmonic nanoparticles encompasses alloy and core-shell nanostructures of Au-Ag bimetallic compositions. First, the optical properties of bimetallic alloy and core-shell nanoparticles are compared for different structures such as nanospheres, nanotriangles and nanorods. Based on the optical properties, the photothermal properties of these nanostructures are also evaluated for relevant light-driven applications. Further, to bridge the gap between the theoretical and experimental optical properties of colloidal plasmonic nanoparticles, the effect of different statistical parameters pertaining to the particle size distribution is studied. Going from isolated nanoparticles to nanoparticle clusters, the changes in the optical properties of plasmonic nanoparticles when they form finite clusters is investigated. A strong effect of clustering on the absorption intensities of the nanoparticles and hence, on the photothermal properties is found. Next, for the study of plasmonic nanoparticle infinite arrays, Au and Ag nanoparticles films are experimentally obtained by the self-assembly at the air-ethylene glycol interface. Upon further validation of the computational models with the experimental optical properties of these films, the near-field and far-field optical response of the plasmonic nanoparticle arrays is investigated. An application of the self-assembled Au nanoparticle film is then demonstrated in the sensing of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Finally, the focus is shifted from plasmonic nanoparticles to metal oxide nanoparticles for their self-assembly at the air-water interface to obtain self-assembled films. For this, the hydrophobic functionalization of four metal oxides nanoparticles namely, TiO2, ZnO, WO3 and CuO is investigated. The insights from this work is useful for the design and fabrication of functional nanoparticles and interfaces for light driven applications. |
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Abbreviated Series Title |
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Series Issue |
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Edition |
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ISBN |
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Additional Links |
UA library record |
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Times cited |
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Open Access |
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| Notes |
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Approved |
Most recent IF: NA |
| Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:189155 |
Serial |
7188 |
| Permanent link to this record |
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| |
| Author |
Ninakanti, R.; Dingenen, F.; Borah, R.; Peeters, H.; Verbruggen, S.W. |
| Title |
Plasmonic hybrid nanostructures in photocatalysis : structures, mechanisms, and applications |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
| Year |
2022 |
Publication |
Topics in Current Chemistry |
Abbreviated Journal |
|
| Volume |
380 |
Issue |
5 |
Pages |
40-62 |
| Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL) |
| Abstract |
(Sun)Light is an abundantly available sustainable source of energy that has been used in catalyzing chemical reactions for several decades now. In particular, studies related to the interaction of light with plasmonic nanostructures have been receiving increased attention. These structures display the unique property of localized surface plasmon resonance, which converts light of a specific wavelength range into hot charge carriers, along with strong local electromagnetic fields, and/or heat, which may all enhance the reaction efficiency in their own way. These unique properties of plasmonic nanoparticles can be conveniently tuned by varying the metal type, size, shape, and dielectric environment, thus prompting a research focus on rationally designed plasmonic hybrid nanostructures. In this review, the term “hybrid” implies nanomaterials that consist of multiple plasmonic or non-plasmonic materials, forming complex configurations in the geometry and/or at the atomic level. We discuss the synthetic techniques and evolution of such hybrid plasmonic nanostructures giving rise to a wide variety of material and geometric configurations. Bimetallic alloys, which result in a new set of opto-physical parameters, are compared with core–shell configurations. For the latter, the use of metal, semiconductor, and polymer shells is reviewed. Also, more complex structures such as Janus and antenna reactor composites are discussed. This review further summarizes the studies exploiting plasmonic hybrids to elucidate the plasmonic-photocatalytic mechanism. Finally, we review the implementation of these plasmonic hybrids in different photocatalytic application domains such as H2 generation, CO2 reduction, water purification, air purification, and disinfection. |
| Address |
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| Corporate Author |
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Thesis |
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| Publisher |
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Place of Publication |
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Editor |
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| Language |
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Wos |
000839670500009 |
Publication Date |
2022-08-11 |
| Series Editor |
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Series Title |
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Abbreviated Series Title |
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| Series Volume |
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Series Issue |
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Edition |
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| ISSN |
2364-8961 |
ISBN |
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Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles |
| Impact Factor |
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Times cited |
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Open Access |
OpenAccess |
| Notes |
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Approved |
Most recent IF: NA |
| Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:189825 |
Serial |
7195 |
| Permanent link to this record |
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| |
| Author |
Spanoghe, J. |
| Title |
Purple bacteria cultivation on light, carbon dioxide and hydrogen gas : exploring and tuning the potential for microbial food production |
Type |
Doctoral thesis |
| Year |
2022 |
Publication |
|
Abbreviated Journal |
|
| Volume |
|
Issue |
|
Pages |
vi, 207 p. |
| Keywords |
Doctoral thesis; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL) |
| Abstract |
The human population is projected to grow to 9.7 billion by 2050, resulting in an estimated increase in protein demand of 50%. From an environmental perspective, the current and future demand of protein cannot be sustainably met as the conventional food production chain is severely altering biogeochemical cycles of nitrogen and phosphorus, biodiversity and land-use, with flows towards the biosphere and oceans that are exceeding the planetary boundaries. Microbial protein (protein derived from microorganisms) has been suggested as an excellent sustainable protein source, a fortiori when produced in a land- and fossil free manner. The photoautohydrogenotrophic cultivation (i.e. with light, CO2 and H2) of purple bacteria links up perfectly with the upcoming green electrification of industry (green H2) and the need for carbon capture and utilization. However, this metabolism represented a gap in literature, and thus this thesis aimed to establish a basic knowledge platform on its kinetic, stoichiometric and nutritional performance. At first, three originally photoheterotrophically enriched purple bacteria were studied of which Rhodobacter capsulatus reached the highest protein productivity of 0.16 g protein/L/d, which aligned well with the commonly-known photoautotrophic microalgae. Moreover, a full dietary essential amino acid match was found for human food, while the fatty acid content was dominated by the health-stimulating vaccenic acid (82-86%). Lastly, the achieved protein yield in photoautohydrogenotrophic purple bacteria was 2.3 times higher compared to hydrogen oxidizing bacteria, indicating a resource-efficient use of H2. Next, a photoautohydrogenotrophic enrichment of wastewater treatment microbiomes was performed in search for specialist species. While the isolates of this enrichment showed improvements in their performance during acclimation, the kinetic and nutritional performance of Rhodobacter capsulatus still excelled. Subsequently, the influence of nutrient limitations (C or N) and nitrogen gas fixation was studied on the nutritional tuning potential. Both the limitations as well as the N2 fixation resulted in the shift of the essential amino acid profiles. Additionally, the limitations significantly decreased the pigment content, while an increase in the storage of poly-P was seen in case of carbon limitations. The next major challenge was the production intensification in a photobioreactor of which the design was linked to minimizing both H2 and light limitations. The chosen bubble-column photobioreactor already resulted in a doubled biomass productivity. Finally, the remaining technological and non-technological challenges ahead for the production of a high-value, cost-efficient, environment-friendly microbial protein that complies with legislative requirements and appeals to future consumers were discussed. |
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Thesis |
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| Publisher |
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Place of Publication |
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Editor |
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Wos |
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Publication Date |
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| Series Editor |
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Series Title |
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Abbreviated Series Title |
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| Series Volume |
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Series Issue |
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Edition |
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| ISSN |
|
ISBN |
978-90-5728-741-1 |
Additional Links |
UA library record |
| Impact Factor |
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Times cited |
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Open Access |
|
| Notes |
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Approved |
Most recent IF: NA |
| Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:188233 |
Serial |
7198 |
| Permanent link to this record |
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| |
| Author |
Wang, L.; Miao, Q.; Niinemets, Ü.; Gielis, J.; Shi, P. |
| Title |
Quantifying the variation in the geometries of the outer rims of corolla tubes of Vinca major L |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
| Year |
2022 |
Publication |
Plants |
Abbreviated Journal |
|
| Volume |
11 |
Issue |
15 |
Pages |
1987-12 |
| Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL) |
| Abstract |
Many geometries of plant organs can be described by the Gielis equation, a polar coordinate equation extended from the superellipse equation, . Here, r is the polar radius corresponding to the polar angle φ; m is a positive integer that determines the number of angles of the Gielis curve when φ ∈ [0 to 2π); and the rest of the symbols are parameters to be estimated. The pentagonal radial symmetry of calyxes and corolla tubes in top view is a common feature in the flowers of many eudicots. However, prior studies have not tested whether the Gielis equation can depict the shapes of corolla tubes. We sampled randomly 366 flowers of Vinca major L., among which 360 had five petals and pentagonal corolla tubes, and six had four petals and quadrangular corolla tubes. We extracted the planar coordinates of the outer rims of corolla tubes (in top view) (ORCTs), and then fitted the data with two simplified versions of the Gielis equation with k = 1 and m = 5: (Model 1), and (Model 2). The adjusted root mean square error (RMSEadj) was used to evaluate the goodness of fit of each model. In addition, to test whether ORCTs are radially symmetrical, we correlated the estimates of n2 and n3 in Model 1 on a log-log scale. The results validated the two simplified Gielis equations. The RMSEadj values for all corolla tubes were smaller than 0.05 for both models. The numerical values of n2 and n3 were demonstrated to be statistically equal based on the regression analysis, which suggested that the ORCTs of V. major are radially symmetrical. It suggests that Model 1 can be replaced by the simpler Model 2 for fitting the ORCT in this species. This work indicates that the pentagonal or quadrangular corolla tubes (in top view) can both be modeled by the Gielis equation and demonstrates that the pentagonal or quadrangular corolla tubes of plants tend to form radial symmetrical geometries during their development and growth. |
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| Corporate Author |
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Thesis |
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| Publisher |
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Place of Publication |
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Editor |
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| Language |
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Wos |
000839115100001 |
Publication Date |
2022-08-01 |
| Series Editor |
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Series Title |
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Abbreviated Series Title |
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| Series Volume |
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Series Issue |
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Edition |
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| ISSN |
2223-7747 |
ISBN |
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Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles |
| Impact Factor |
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Times cited |
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Open Access |
OpenAccess |
| Notes |
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Approved |
Most recent IF: NA |
| Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:189315 |
Serial |
7200 |
| Permanent link to this record |
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| |
| Author |
Van Tendeloo, M. |
| Title |
Resource-efficient nitrogen removal from sewage : kinetic, physical and chemical tools for mainstream partial nitritation/anammox |
Type |
Doctoral thesis |
| Year |
2022 |
Publication |
|
Abbreviated Journal |
|
| Volume |
|
Issue |
|
Pages |
iv, 204 p. |
| Keywords |
Doctoral thesis; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL) |
| Abstract |
Adequate removal of pollutants from sewage is important to protect the environment and public health. Today, sewage treatment plants are operational in many parts of the world, and although the used technologies are effective in removing pollutants from wastewater, they are energy- and resource-intensive. Reshaping sewage treatment into a two-stage system, with separated organic carbon and nitrogen removal, facilitates the transformation towards energy-positive sewage treatment. This thesis will focus on resource-efficient nitrogen removal from sewage via partial nitritation/anammox (PN/A), with reduced organic carbon and oxygen consumption compared to conventional techniques. PN/A relies on the teamwork between two microbial groups to convert ammonium into nitrogen gas. Several other groups of microbes however can proliferate in the sludge, competing for substrate with the key players, lowering the nitrogen removal efficiency and increasing the energy demand. To obtain the desired microbial community, control tools should be applied to selectively promote the desired microbes while suppressing the unwanted competitors. In this thesis, multiple control tools were studied to establish a workable framework for successful implementation of PN/A in the main stream of a sewage treatment plant. These tools can be divided into three categories: i) kinetic tools, regulating substrate availability (e.g., oxygen availability control and residual ammonium concentration), ii) physical tools, revolving around sludge retention and selection (e.g., sludge age control and sludge aggregation form), and iii) chemical tools, exposing the sludge to stress conditions for which the unwanted microbes are vulnerable (e.g., sludge treatments with a single stressor such as free ammonia). The first research chapter focussed on oxygen availability control and single-stressor sludge treatments. The following two chapters covered the development of a novel multi-stressor concept combining substrate starvation and exposure to sulphide and free ammonia. In the final research chapter, the previously obtained knowledge was combined into a demonstration study on pilot-scale. The combination of these control tools was found effective in achieving nitrogen removal via PN/A, both on lab- and pilot-scale. Consequently, the obtained results in this thesis can catalyse the implementation of mainstream PN/A by providing a toolbox with multiple control tools and clever reactor design, thus advancing the concept of energy neutrality and resource efficiency in sewage treatment plants. |
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Place of Publication |
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Publication Date |
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Series Title |
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Abbreviated Series Title |
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Series Issue |
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Edition |
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ISBN |
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Additional Links |
UA library record |
| Impact Factor |
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Times cited |
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Open Access |
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| Notes |
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Approved |
Most recent IF: NA |
| Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:187665 |
Serial |
7204 |
| Permanent link to this record |
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| Author |
Gielis, J.; Shi, P.; Caratelli, D. |
| Title |
Universal equations : a fresh perspective |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
| Year |
2022 |
Publication |
Growth and Form |
Abbreviated Journal |
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| Volume |
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Issue |
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Pages |
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| Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL) |
| Abstract |
A uniform description of natural shapes and phenomena is an important goal in science. Such description should check some basic principles, related to 1) the complexity of the model, 2) how well its fits real objects, phenomena and data, and 3) ia direct connection with optimization principles and the calculus of variations. In this article, we present nine principles, three for each group, and we compare some models with a claim to universality. It is also shown that Gielis Transformations and power laws have a common origin in conic sections |
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Place of Publication |
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Wos |
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Publication Date |
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Series Title |
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Abbreviated Series Title |
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Series Issue |
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Edition |
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ISBN |
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Additional Links |
UA library record |
| Impact Factor |
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Times cited |
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Open Access |
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| Notes |
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Approved |
Most recent IF: NA |
| Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:189317 |
Serial |
7224 |
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| Author |
Yao, W.; Niinemets, Ü.; Yao, W.; Gielis, J.; Schrader, J.; Yu, K.; Shi, P. |
| Title |
Comparison of two simplified versions of the Gielis equation for describing the shape of bamboo leaves |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
| Year |
2022 |
Publication |
Plants |
Abbreviated Journal |
|
| Volume |
11 |
Issue |
22 |
Pages |
3058-11 |
| Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL) |
| Abstract |
Bamboo is an important component in subtropical and tropical forest communities. The plant has characteristic long lanceolate leaves with parallel venation. Prior studies have shown that the leaf shapes of this plant group can be well described by a simplified version (referred to as SGE-1) of the Gielis equation, a polar coordinate equation extended from the superellipse equation. SGE-1 with only two model parameters is less complex than the original Gielis equation with six parameters. Previous studies have seldom tested whether other simplified versions of the Gielis equation are superior to SGE-1 in fitting empirical leaf shape data. In the present study, we compared a three-parameter Gielis equation (referred to as SGE-2) with the two-parameter SGE-1 using the leaf boundary coordinate data of six bamboo species within the same genus that have representative long lanceolate leaves, with >300 leaves for each species. We sampled 2000 data points at approximately equidistant locations on the boundary of each leaf, and estimated the parameters for the two models. The root–mean–square error (RMSE) between the observed and predicted radii from the polar point to data points on the boundary of each leaf was used as a measure of the model goodness of fit, and the mean percent error between the RMSEs from fitting SGE-1 and SGE-2 was used to examine whether the introduction of an additional parameter in SGE-1 remarkably improves the model’s fitting. We found that the RMSE value of SGE-2 was always smaller than that of SGE-1. The mean percent errors among the two models ranged from 7.5% to 20% across the six species. These results indicate that SGE-2 is superior to SGE-1 and should be used in fitting leaf shapes. We argue that the results of the current study can be potentially extended to other lanceolate leaf shapes. |
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Thesis |
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Place of Publication |
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Editor |
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Wos |
000887783400001 |
Publication Date |
2022-11-14 |
| Series Editor |
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Series Title |
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Abbreviated Series Title |
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| Series Volume |
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Series Issue |
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Edition |
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| ISSN |
2223-7747 |
ISBN |
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Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles |
| Impact Factor |
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Times cited |
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Open Access |
OpenAccess |
| Notes |
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Approved |
Most recent IF: NA |
| Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:191859 |
Serial |
7289 |
| Permanent link to this record |
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| Author |
Tavkhelidze, I.; Gielis, J.; Pinelas, S. |
| Title |
About some methods of analytic representation and classification of a wide set of geometric figures with “complex” configuration |
Type |
A3 Journal article |
| Year |
2020 |
Publication |
Sn – 1512-0066 |
Abbreviated Journal |
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| Volume |
34 |
Issue |
|
Pages |
81-84 |
| Keywords |
A3 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL) |
| Abstract |
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Place of Publication |
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Publication Date |
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Series Title |
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Abbreviated Series Title |
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Series Issue |
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Edition |
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ISBN |
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Additional Links |
UA library record |
| Impact Factor |
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Times cited |
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Open Access |
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| Notes |
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Approved |
Most recent IF: NA |
| Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:174475 |
Serial |
7406 |
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| Author |
Tavkhelidze, I.; Gielis, J.; Pinelas, S. |
| Title |
About some methods of analytic representation and classification of a wide set of geometric figures with “complex” configuration |
Type |
H1 Book chapter |
| Year |
2020 |
Publication |
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Abbreviated Journal |
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| Volume |
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Issue |
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Pages |
347-359
T2 - Differential and difference equations |
| Keywords |
H1 Book chapter; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL) |
| Abstract |
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Thesis |
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Place of Publication |
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Wos |
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Publication Date |
2020-10-21 |
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Series Title |
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Abbreviated Series Title |
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Series Issue |
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Edition |
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| ISSN |
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ISBN |
978-3-030-56322-6 |
Additional Links |
UA library record |
| Impact Factor |
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Times cited |
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Open Access |
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| Notes |
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Approved |
Most recent IF: NA |
| Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:174479 |
Serial |
7407 |
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| 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 |
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Abbreviated Journal |
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Issue |
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Pages |
iv, 205 p. |
| Keywords |
Doctoral thesis; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL) |
| Abstract |
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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Additional Links |
UA library record |
| Impact Factor |
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Times cited |
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Open Access |
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| Notes |
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Approved |
Most recent IF: NA |
| Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:182099 |
Serial |
7563 |
| Permanent link to this record |
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| Author |
Voordeckers, D. |
| Title |
Design to breathe : understanding and altering wind patterns in street canyons to reduce human exposure to air pollution |
Type |
Doctoral thesis |
| Year |
2023 |
Publication |
|
Abbreviated Journal |
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| Volume |
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Issue |
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Pages |
xxii, 303 p. |
| Keywords |
Doctoral thesis; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL); Research Group for Urban Development; Intelligence in PRocesses, Advanced Catalysts and Solvents (iPRACS) |
| Abstract |
Air pollution is proclaimed by the World Health Organiaation (WHO) as the biggest environmental threat to human health. Street canyons, or urban roads flanked by a continuous row of high buildings on both sides, are perceived as typical bottleneck areas for air quality due to their lack of natural ventilation. This doctoral thesis aims to integrate expert knowledge on in-canyon flow fields and pollution dispersion in street canyons from the specialized field of (bio)engineering into the field of urban planning and vice versa. In Chapter 1, a Geospatial Information System (GIS) method was developed to detect exposure zones and hotspot street canyons. A critical combination between aspect ratio (AR > 0.65) and traffic volume (TVmax > 300) was detected and subsequently used to detect hotspot street canyons in three major European cities (Antwerp, London and Paris). Chapter 2 focusses on acquiring in-depth knowledge on flow and concentration fields in street canyons by conducting an extensive literature review on over 200 studies and translates this knowledge into nineteen guidelines and eleven spatial tools, comprised in a toolbox for urban planning. Subsequently, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) was used into a research trough design process (Chapter 4) to illustrate how the design tools can be applied to a specific case study (Belgiëlei, Antwerp). Alternations to traffic lanes (traffic lane reduction and lateral displacement) combined with low boundary walls (LBWs), were found to reduce NO2 levels in the entire pedestrian area up to – 3.6 % and peak pollutions were reduced by -8 %. A maximum NO2 reduction was reached by combining a traffic lane displacement with hedges, adjustments to the tree planting pattern and an increased ground-level permeability, leading to reductions up to – 4.5 % in the pedestrian areas. In conclusion, urban design was found to be a valuable tool to enhance the effect of emission reduction strategies and draw in-canyon concentrations closer to the value of the background concentration. However, the background concentration seemed to dominate the efficiency of the urban design interventions and therefore, additional measures should be taken to reduce background pollution levels. This dissertation aims to contribute to the awareness of air pollution in street canyons, as well as support local governments in taking action by delivering spatial tools and guidelines applicable for urban planning and represents a framework for the dissemination of expert information on air quality in street canyons to the field of urban planning. |
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Approved |
Most recent IF: NA |
| Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:196399 |
Serial |
7767 |
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| Author |
Geerts, R.; Vandermoere, F.; Halet, D.; Joos, P.; Van Den Steen, K.; Van Meenen, E.; Blust, R.; Van Winckel, T.; Vlaeminck, S. |
| Title |
Drinking waste? An exploration of public support for wastewater reuse in Flanders |
Type |
P3 Proceeding |
| Year |
2020 |
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P3 Proceeding; Sociology; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL); Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change |
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Approved |
Most recent IF: NA |
| Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:186706 |
Serial |
7825 |
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Yildiz, A.; Chouki, T.; Atli, A.; Harb, M.; Verbruggen, S.W.; Ninakanti, R.; Emin, S. |
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Efficient iron phosphide catalyst as a counter electrode in dye-sensitized solar cells |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
| Year |
2021 |
Publication |
ACS applied energy materials |
Abbreviated Journal |
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| Volume |
4 |
Issue |
10 |
Pages |
10618-10626 |
| Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL) |
| Abstract |
Developing an efficient material as a counter electrode (CE) with excellent catalytic activity, intrinsic stability, and low cost is essential for the commercial application of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Transition metal phosphides have been demonstrated as outstanding multifunctional catalysts in a broad range of energy conversion technologies. Here, we exploited different phases of iron phosphide as CEs in DSSCs with an I–/I3–-based electrolyte. Solvothermal synthesis using a triphenylphosphine precursor as a phosphorus source allows to grow a Fe2P phase at 300 °C and a FeP phase at 350 °C. The obtained iron phosphide catalysts were coated on fluorine-doped tin oxide substrates and heat-treated at 450 °C under an inert gas atmosphere. The solar-to-current conversion efficiency of the solar cells assembled with the Fe2P material reached 3.96 ± 0.06%, which is comparable to the device assembled with a platinum (Pt) CE. DFT calculations support the experimental observations and explain the fundamental origin behind the improved performance of Fe2P compared to FeP. These results indicate that the Fe2P catalyst exhibits excellent performance along with desired stability to be deployed as an efficient Pt-free alternative in DSSCs. |
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000711236300022 |
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2021-10-08 |
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Edition |
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2574-0962 |
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UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles |
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Open Access |
OpenAccess |
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Approved |
Most recent IF: NA |
| Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:181953 |
Serial |
7853 |
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Gielis, J. |
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Er bestaan geen absurde, irrationele, onregelmatige of onderling niet-onmeetbare meetkundige getallen |
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A2 Journal article |
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2021 |
Publication |
Wiskunde en onderwijs |
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47 |
Issue |
188 |
Pages |
23-33 |
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A2 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL) |
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2032-0485 |
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UA library record |
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Approved |
Most recent IF: NA |
| Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:183083 |
Serial |
7934 |
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Kerckhof, F.-M.; Sakarika, M.; Van Giel, M.; Muys, M.; Vermeir, P.; De Vrieze, J.; Vlaeminck, S.E.; Rabaey, K.; Boon, N. |
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From biogas and hydrogen to microbial protein through co-cultivation of methane and hydrogen oxidizing bacteria |
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A1 Journal article |
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2021 |
Publication |
Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology |
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9 |
Issue |
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Pages |
733753 |
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A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL) |
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Increasing efforts are directed towards the development of sustainable alternative protein sources among which microbial protein (MP) is one of the most promising. Especially when waste streams are used as substrates, the case for MP could become environmentally favorable. The risks of using organic waste streams for MP production–the presence of pathogens or toxicants–can be mitigated by their anaerobic digestion and subsequent aerobic assimilation of the (filter-sterilized) biogas. Even though methane and hydrogen oxidizing bacteria (MOB and HOB) have been intensively studied for MP production, the potential benefits of their co-cultivation remain elusive. Here, we isolated a diverse group of novel HOB (that were capable of autotrophic metabolism), and co-cultured them with a defined set of MOB, which could be grown on a mixture of biogas and H2/O2. The combination of MOB and HOB, apart from the CH4 and CO2 contained in biogas, can also enable the valorization of the CO2 that results from the oxidation of methane by the MOB. Different MOB and HOB combinations were grown in serum vials to identify the best-performing ones. We observed synergistic effects on growth for several combinations, and in all combinations a co-culture consisting out of both HOB and MOB could be maintained during five days of cultivation. Relative to the axenic growth, five out of the ten co-cultures exhibited 1.1–3.8 times higher protein concentration and two combinations presented 2.4–6.1 times higher essential amino acid content. The MP produced in this study generally contained lower amounts of the essential amino acids histidine, lysine and threonine, compared to tofu and fishmeal. The most promising combination in terms of protein concentration and essential amino acid profile was Methyloparacoccus murrelli LMG 27482 with Cupriavidus necator LMG 1201. Microbial protein from M. murrelli and C. necator requires 27–67% less quantity than chicken, whole egg and tofu, while it only requires 15% more quantity than the amino acid-dense soybean to cover the needs of an average adult. In conclusion, while limitations still exist, the co-cultivation of MOB and HOB creates an alternative route for MP production leveraging safe and sustainably-produced gaseous substrates. |
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000697897900001 |
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2021-09-06 |
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2296-4185 |
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UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles |
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Open Access |
OpenAccess |
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Approved |
Most recent IF: NA |
| Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:180591 |
Serial |
7985 |
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Gielis, J.; Caratelli, D.; Tavkhelidze, I. |
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The general case of cutting GML bodies : the geometrical solution |
Type |
H1 Book chapter |
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2020 |
Publication |
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Pages |
397-411
T2 - Differential and difference equations |
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H1 Book chapter; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL) |
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2020-10-21 |
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978-3-030-56322-6 |
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Approved |
Most recent IF: NA |
| Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:174477 |
Serial |
7991 |
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Gielis, J.; Tavkhelidze, I. |
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The general case of cutting of Generalized Möbius-Listing surfaces and bodies |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
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2020 |
Publication |
4Open |
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3 |
Issue |
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Pages |
7-48 |
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A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL) |
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The original motivation to study Generalized Möbius-Listing GML surfaces and bodies was the observation that the solution of boundary value problems greatly depends on the domains. Since around 2010 GML’s were merged with (continuous) Gielis Transformations, which provide a unifying description of geometrical shapes, as a generalization of the Pythagorean Theorem. The resulting geometrical objects can be used for modeling a wide range of natural shapes and phenomena. The cutting of GML bodies and surfaces, with the Möbius strip as one special case, is related to the field of knots and links, and classifications were obtained for GML with cross sectional symmetry of 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6. The general case of cutting GML bodies and surfaces, in particular the number of ways of cutting, could be solved by reducing the 3D problem to planar geometry. This also unveiled a range of connections with topology, combinatorics, elasticity theory and theoretical physics. |
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2020-08-31 |
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2557-0250 |
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Most recent IF: NA |
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UA @ admin @ c:irua:174471 |
Serial |
7992 |
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Chapman, D.; Gielis, J. |
| Title |
Gielis transformations for the audiovisual geometry database |
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A1 Journal article |
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2021 |
Publication |
Symmetry : culture and science |
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32 |
Issue |
2 |
Pages |
177-180 |
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A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL) |
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This publication introduces the audiovisual geometry database with Gielis transformations as initial records for a prototype of the database. A concise overview is given of the rationale behind the database and studying wave phenomena with Gielis transformations. First results on a form of timbral polyphony observed in Gielis curves and future work are briefly discussed. |
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2021-07-02 |
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0865-4824 |
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Not_Open_Access |
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Most recent IF: NA |
| Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:180965 |
Serial |
8004 |
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Gupta, A.; Baron, G.V.; Perreault, P.; Lenaerts, S.; Ciocarlan, R.-G.; Cool, P.; Mileo, P.G.M.; Rogge, S.; Van Speybroeck, V.; Watson, G.; Van Der Voort, P.; Houlleberghs, M.; Breynaert, E.; Martens, J.; Denayer, J.F.M. |
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Hydrogen clathrates : next generation hydrogen storage materials |
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A1 Journal article |
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2021 |
Publication |
Energy Storage Materials |
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41 |
Issue |
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Pages |
69-107 |
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A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Laboratory of adsorption and catalysis (LADCA); Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL) |
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Extensive research has been carried on the molecular adsorption in high surface area materials such as carbonaceous materials and MOFs as well as atomic bonded hydrogen in metals and alloys. Clathrates stand among the ones to be recently suggested for hydrogen storage. Although, the simulations predict lower capacity than the expected by the DOE norms, the additional benefits of clathrates such as low production and operational cost, fully reversible reaction, environmentally benign nature, low risk of flammability make them one of the most promising materials to be explored in the next decade. The inherent ability to tailor the properties of clathrates using techniques such as addition of promoter molecules, use of porous supports and formation of novel reverse micelles morphology provide immense scope customisation and growth. As rapidly evolving materials, clathrates promise to get as close as possible in the search of “holy grail” of hydrogen storage. This review aims to provide the audience with the background of the current developments in the solid-state hydrogen storage materials, with a special focus on the hydrogen clathrates. The in-depth analysis of the hydrogen clathrates will be provided beginning from their discovery, various additives utilised to enhance their thermodynamic and kinetic properties, challenges in the characterisation of hydrogen in clathrates, theoretical developments to justify the experimental findings and the upscaling opportunities presented by this system. The review will present state of the art in the field and also provide a global picture for the path forward. |
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000685118300009 |
Publication Date |
2021-06-08 |
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Edition |
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2405-8297 |
ISBN |
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Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles |
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Times cited |
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Open Access |
OpenAccess |
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Approved |
Most recent IF: NA |
| Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:178744 |
Serial |
8045 |
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