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Author Slaets, J.; Loenders, B.; Bogaerts, A.
Title Plasma-based dry reforming of CH4: Plasma effects vs. thermal conversion Type A1 Journal article
Year 2024 Publication Fuel Abbreviated Journal Fuel
Volume 360 Issue Pages 130650
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract In this work we evaluate the chemical kinetics of dry reforming of methane in warm plasmas (1000–4000 K) using modelling with a newly developed chemistry set, for a broad range of parameters (temperature, power density and CO2/CH4 ratio). We compare the model against thermodynamic equilibrium concentrations, serving as validation of the thermal chemical kinetics. Our model reveals that plasma-specific reactions (i.e., electron impact collisions) accelerate the kinetics compared to thermal conversion, rather than altering the overall kinetics pathways and intermediate products, for gas temperatures below 2000 K. For higher temperatures, the kinetics are dominated by heavy species collisions and are strictly thermal, with negligible influence of the electrons and ions on the overall kinetics. When studying the effects of different gas mixtures on the kinetics, we identify important intermediate species, side reactions and side products. The use of excess CO2 leads to H2O formation, at the expense of H2 formation, and the CO2 conversion itself is limited, only approaching full conversion near 4000 K. In contrast, full conversion of both reactants is only kinetically limited for mixtures with excess CH4, which also gives rise to the formation of C2H2, alongside syngas. Within the given parameter space, our model predicts the 30/70 ratio of CO2/CH4 to be the most optimal for syngas formation with a H2/CO ratio of 2.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001138077700001 Publication Date 2023-12-15
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0016-2361 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 7.4 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access
Notes This research was supported by the European Research Council (ERC) under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme (Grant Agreement No. 810182 – SCOPE ERC Synergy project), the Catalisti-ICON project BluePlasma (Project No. HBC.2022.0445), the FWO-SBO project PlasMaCatDESIGN (FWO Grant ID S001619N), the Independent Research Fund Denmark (Project No. 0217-00231B) and through long-term structural funding (Methusalem). The computational resources and services used in this work were provided by the HPC core facility CalcUA of the Universiteit Antwerpen, and VSC (Flemish Supercomputer Center), funded by the Research Foundation – Flanders (FWO) and the Flemish Government. We also thank Bart Wanten, Roel Michiels, Pepijn Heirman, Claudia Verheyen, dr. Senne Van Alphen, dr. Elise Vervloessem, dr. Kevin van ’t Veer, dr. Joshua Boothroyd, dr. Omar Biondo and dr. Eduardo Morais for their expertise and feedback regarding the kinetics scheme. Approved (up) Most recent IF: 7.4; 2024 IF: 4.601
Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @c:irua:201669 Serial 8973
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Author Steijlen, A.S.M.; Parrilla, M.; Van Echelpoel, R.; De Wael, K.
Title Dual microfluidic sensor system for enriched electrochemical profiling and identification of illicit drugs on-site Type A1 Journal article
Year 2024 Publication Analytical chemistry Abbreviated Journal
Volume 96 Issue 1 Pages 590-598
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Antwerp Electrochemical and Analytical Sciences Lab (A-Sense Lab)
Abstract Electrochemical sensors have emerged as a new analytical tool for illicit drug detection to facilitate ultrafast and accurate identification of suspicious compounds on-site. Drugs of abuse can be identified using their unique voltammetric fingerprint at a given pH. Today, the right buffer solution is manually selected based on drug appearance, and in some cases, a consecutive analysis in two different pH solutions is required. In this work, we present a disposable microfluidic multichannel sensor system that automatically records fingerprints in two pH solutions (e.g., pH 5 and pH 12). This system has two advantages. It will overcome the manual selection of a buffer solution at the right pH, decrease analysis time, and minimize the risk of human errors. Second, the combination of two fingerprints, the superfingerprint, contains more detailed information about the samples, which enhances the selectivity of the analytical technique. First, real-time pH measurements proved that the sample can be brought to the desired pH within a minute. Subsequently, an electrochemical study on the microfluidic platform with 1 mM illicit drug standards of MDMA, cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine showed that the characteristic voltammetric fingerprints and peak potentials are reproducible, also in the presence of common cutting agents. Finally, the microfluidic concept was validated with real confiscated samples, showing promising results for the user-friendly identification of drugs of abuse. In short, this paper presents a successful proof-of-concept study of a multichannel microfluidic sensor system to enrich the fingerprints of illicit drugs at pH 5 and pH 12, thus providing a low-cost, portable, and rapid identification system of illicit drugs with minimal user intervention.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001139443500001 Publication Date 2023-12-28
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0003-2700; 5206-882x ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 7.4 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access
Notes Approved (up) Most recent IF: 7.4; 2024 IF: 6.32
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:201877 Serial 9024
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Author Kelly, S.; Mercer, E.; Gorbanev, Y.; Fedirchyk, I.; Verheyen, C.; Werner, K.; Pullumbi, P.; Cowley, A.; Bogaerts, A.
Title Plasma-based conversion of martian atmosphere into life-sustaining chemicals: The benefits of utilizing martian ambient pressure Type A1 Journal article
Year 2024 Publication Journal of CO2 utilization Abbreviated Journal Journal of CO2 Utilization
Volume 80 Issue Pages 102668
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract We explored the potential of plasma-based In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) for Mars through the conversion of Martian atmosphere (~96% CO2, 2% N2, and 2% Ar) into life-sustaining chemicals. As the Martian surface pressure is about 1% of the Earth’s surface pressure, it is an ideal environment for plasma-based gas conversion using microwave reactors. At 1000 W and 10 Ln/min (normal liters per minute), we produced ~76 g/h of O2 and ~3 g/h of NOx using a 2.45 GHz waveguided reactor at 25 mbar, which is ~3.5 times Mars ambient pressure. The energy cost required to produce O2 was ~0.013 kWh/g, which is very promising compared to recently concluded MOXIE experiments on the Mars surface. This marks a crucial step towards realizing the extension of human exploration.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001156084300001 Publication Date 2024-01-09
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2212-9820 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 7.7 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access
Notes We acknowledge financial support by a European Space Agency (ESA) Open Science Innovation Platform study (contract no. 4000137001/21/NL/GLC/ov), the European Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowship ‘‘PENFIX’’ within Horizon 2020 (grant no. 838181), the European Research Council (ERC) under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Program (grant no. 810182; SCOPE ERC Synergy project), the Excellence of Science FWOFNRS PLASyntH2 project (FWO grant no. G0I1822N and EOS no. 4000751) and the Methusalem project of the University of Antwerp. Approved (up) Most recent IF: 7.7; 2024 IF: 4.292
Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @c:irua:202389 Serial 8986
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Author Xu, W.; Buelens, L.C.; Galvita, V.V.; Bogaerts, A.; Meynen, V.
Title Improving the performance of gliding arc plasma-catalytic dry reforming via a new post-plasma tubular catalyst bed Type A1 Journal Article
Year 2024 Publication Journal of CO2 Utilization Abbreviated Journal Journal of CO2 Utilization
Volume 83 Issue Pages 102820
Keywords A1 Journal Article; Dry reforming Gliding arc plasma Plasma catalytic DRM Ni-based mixed oxide Post-plasma catalysis; Plasma, laser ablation and surface modeling Antwerp (PLASMANT) ;
Abstract A combination of a gliding arc plasmatron (GAP) reactor and a newly designed tubular catalyst bed (N-bed) was applied to investigate the post-plasma catalytic (PPC) effect for dry reforming of methane (DRM). As comparison, a traditional plasma catalyst bed (T-bed) was also utilized. The post-plasma catalytic effect of a Ni-based mixed oxide (Ni/MO) catalyst with a thermal catalytic performance of 77% CO2 and 86% CH4 conversion at 700 ℃ was studied. Although applying the T-bed had little effect on plasma based CO2 and CH4 conversion, an increase in selectivity to H2 was obtained with a maximum value of 89% at a distance of 2 cm. However, even when only α-Al2O3 packing material was used in the N-bed configuration, compared to the plasma alone and the T-bed, an increase of the CO2 and CH4 conversion from 53% and 53% to 69% and 69% to 83% was achieved. Addition of the Ni/MO catalyst further enhanced the DRM reaction, resulting in conversions of 79% for CO2 and 91% for

CH4. Hence, although no insulation nor external heating was applied to the N-bed post plasma, it provides a slightly better conversion than the thermal catalytic performance with the same catalyst, while being fully electrically driven. In addition, an enhanced CO selectivity to 96% was obtained and the energy cost was reduced from ~ 6 kJ/L (plasma alone) to 4.3 kJ/L. To our knowledge, it is the first time that a post-plasma catalytic system achieves this excellent catalytic performance for DRM without extra external heating or insulation.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos Publication Date 2024-05-25
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2212-9820 ISBN Additional Links
Impact Factor 7.7 Times cited Open Access
Notes Wencong Xu, Vladimir V. Galvita, Annemie Bogaerts, and Vera Meynen would like to acknowledge the VLAIO Catalisti Moonshot project D2M and the VLAIO Catalisti transition project CO2PERATE (HBC.2017.0692). Lukas C. Buelens acknowledges financial support from the Fund for Scientific Research Flanders (FWO Flanders) through a postdoctoral fellowship grant 12E5623N. Vladimir V. Galvita also acknowledges a personal grant from the Research Fund of Ghent University (BOF; 01N16319). Approved (up) Most recent IF: 7.7; 2024 IF: 4.292
Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @ Serial 9131
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Author Kashiwar, A.; Arseenko, M.; Simar, A.; Idrissi, H.
Title On the role of microstructural defects on precipitation, damage, and healing behavior in a novel Al-0.5Mg2Si alloy Type A1 Journal article
Year 2024 Publication Materials & design Abbreviated Journal
Volume 239 Issue Pages 112765-112769
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract A recently developed healable Al-Mg2Si designed by the programmed damage and repair (PDR) strategy is studied considering the role microstructural defects play on precipitation, damage, and healing. The alloy incorporates sacrificial Mg2Si particles that precipitate after friction stir processing (FSP). They act as damage localization sites and are healable based on the solid-state diffusion of Al-matrix. A combination of different transmission electron microscopy (TEM) imaging techniques enabled the visualization and quantification of various crystallographic defects and the spatial distribution of Mg2Si precipitates. Intragrain nucleation is found to be the dominant mechanism for precipitation during FSP whereas grain boundaries and subgrain boundaries mainly lead to coarsening of the precipitates. The statistical and spatial analyses of the damaged particles have shown particle fracture as the dominant damage mechanism which is strongly dependent on the size and aspect ratio of the particles whereas the damage was not found to depend on the location of the precipitates within the matrix. The damaged particles are associated with dislocations accumulated around them. The interplay of these dislocations is directly visualized during healing based on in situ TEM heating which revealed recovery in the matrix as an operative mechanism during the diffusion healing of the PDR alloy.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001194110200001 Publication Date 2024-02-17
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0264-1275; 1873-4197 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 8.4 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access
Notes Approved (up) Most recent IF: 8.4; 2024 IF: 4.364
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:203298 Serial 9068
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Author Manaigo, F.; Bahnamiri, O.S.; Chatterjee, A.; Panepinto, A.; Krumpmann, A.; Michiels, M.; Bogaerts, A.; Snyders, R.
Title Electrical stability and performance of a nitrogen-oxygen atmospheric pressure gliding arc plasma Type A1 Journal article
Year 2024 Publication ACS Sustainable Chemistry and Engineering Abbreviated Journal
Volume 12 Issue 13 Pages 5211-5219
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract Nonthermal plasmas are currently being studied as a green alternative to the Haber-Bosch process, which is, today, the dominant industrial process allowing for the fixation of nitrogen and, as such, a fundamental component for the production of nitrogen-based industrial fertilizers. In this context, the gliding arc plasma (GAP) is considered a promising choice among nonthermal plasma options. However, its stability is still a key parameter to ensure industrial transfer of the technology. Nowadays, the conventional approach to stabilize this plasma process is to use external resistors. Although this indeed allows for an enhancement of the plasma stability, very little is reported about how it impacts the process efficiency, both in terms of NOx yield and energy cost. In this work, this question is specifically addressed by studying a DC-powered GAP utilized for nitrogen fixation into NOx at atmospheric pressure stabilized by variable external resistors. Both the performance and the stability of the plasma are reported as a function of the utilization of the resistors. The results confirm that while the use of a resistor indeed allows for a strong stabilization of the plasma without impacting the NOx yield, especially at high plasma current, it dramatically impacts the energy cost of the process, which increases from 2.82 to 7.9 MJ/mol. As an alternative approach, we demonstrate that the replacement of the resistor by an inductor is promising since it allows for decent stabilization of the plasma, while it does not affect either the energy cost of the process or the NOx yield.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001186347900001 Publication Date 2024-03-16
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2168-0485 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 8.4 Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved (up) Most recent IF: 8.4; 2024 IF: 5.951
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:204774 Serial 9146
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Author Xu, W.; Van Alphen, S.; Galvita, V.V.; Meynen, V.; Bogaerts, A.
Title Effect of Gas Composition on Temperature and CO2Conversion in a Gliding Arc Plasmatron reactor: Insights for Post‐Plasma Catalysis from Experiments and Computation Type A1 Journal Article
Year 2024 Publication ChemSusChem Abbreviated Journal ChemSusChem
Volume Issue Pages
Keywords A1 Journal Article; CO2 conversion · Plasma · Gliding arc plasmatron · Temperature profiles · Computational modelling; Plasma, laser ablation and surface modeling Antwerp (PLASMANT) ;
Abstract Plasma‐based CO<sub>2</sub>conversion has attracted increasing interest. However, to understand the impact of plasma operation on post‐plasma processes, we studied the effect of adding N<sub>2</sub>, N<sub>2</sub>/CH<sub>4</sub>and N<sub>2</sub>/CH<sub>4</sub>/H<sub>2</sub>O to a CO<sub>2</sub>gliding arc plasmatron (GAP) to obtain valuable insights into their impact on exhaust stream composition and temperature, which will serve as feed gas and heat for post‐plasma catalysis (PPC). Adding N<sub>2</sub>improves the CO<sub>2</sub>conversion from 4 % to 13 %, and CH<sub>4</sub>addition further promotes it to 44 %, and even to 61 % at lower gas flow rate (6 L/min), allowing a higher yield of CO and hydrogen for PPC. The addition of H<sub>2</sub>O, however, reduces the CO<sub>2</sub>conversion from 55 % to 22 %, but it also lowers the energy cost, from 5.8 to 3 kJ/L. Regarding the temperature at 4.9 cm post‐plasma, N<sub>2</sub>addition increases the temperature, while the CO<sub>2</sub>/CH<sub>4</sub>ratio has no significant effect on temperature. We also calculated the temperature distribution with computational fluid dynamics simulations. The obtained temperature profiles (both experimental and calculated) show a decreasing trend with distance to the exhaust and provide insights in where to position a PPC bed.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001200297300001 Publication Date 2024-04-11
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1864-5631 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 8.4 Times cited Open Access
Notes We acknowledge the VLAIO Catalisti Moonshot project D2M and the VLAIO Catalisti transition project CO2PERATE (HBC.2017.0692) for financial support. We acknowledge Gilles Van Loon for his help to make the quartz and steel devices for the reactor. Vladimir V. Galvita also acknowledges a personal grant from the Research Fund of Ghent University (BOF; 01N16319). Approved (up) Most recent IF: 8.4; 2024 IF: 7.226
Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @c:irua:205101 Serial 9128
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Author Zhou, R.; Neek-Amal, M.; Peeters, F.M.; Bai, B.; Sun, C.
Title Interlink between Abnormal Water Imbibition in Hydrophilic and Rapid Flow in Hydrophobic Nanochannels Type A1 Journal Article
Year 2024 Publication Physical Review Letters Abbreviated Journal Phys. Rev. Lett.
Volume 132 Issue 18 Pages 184001
Keywords A1 Journal Article; CMT
Abstract Nanoscale extension and refinement of the Lucas-Washburn model is presented with a detailed analysis of recent experimental data and extensive molecular dynamics simulations to investigate rapid water flow and water imbibition within nanocapillaries. Through a comparative analysis of capillary rise in hydrophilic nanochannels, an unexpected reversal of the anticipated trend, with an abnormal peak, of imbibition length below the size of 3 nm was discovered in hydrophilic nanochannels, surprisingly sharing the same physical origin as the well-known peak observed in flow rate within hydrophobic nanochannels. The extended imbibition model is applicable across diverse spatiotemporal scales and validated against simulation results and existing experimental data for both hydrophilic and hydrophobic
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos Publication Date 2024-04-30
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0031-9007 ISBN Additional Links
Impact Factor 8.6 Times cited 1 Open Access
Notes We gratefully acknowledge the financial support pro- vided by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Projects No. 52488201 and No. 52222606). Part of this project was supported by the Flemish Science Foundations (FWO-Vl) and the Iranian National Science Foundation (No. 4025061 and No. 4021261). Approved (up) Most recent IF: 8.6; 2024 IF: 8.462
Call Number UA @ lucian @ Serial 9122
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Author Vandemeulebroucke, D.; Batuk, M.; Hajizadeh, A.; Wastiaux, M.; Roussel, P.; Hadermann, J.
Title Incommensurate Modulations and Perovskite Growth in LaxSr2–xMnO4−δAffecting Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Conductivity Type A1 Journal Article
Year 2024 Publication Chemistry of Materials Abbreviated Journal Chem. Mater.
Volume Issue Pages
Keywords A1 Journal Article; Electron Microscopy for Materials Science (EMAT) ;
Abstract Ruddlesden-Popper La????Sr2−????MnO4−???? materials are interesting symmetric solid oxide

fuel cell electrodes due to their good redox stability, mixed ionic and electronic conducting behavior and thermal expansion that matches well with common electrolytes. In reducing environments – as at a solid oxide fuel cell anode – the x = 0.5 member, i.e. La0.5Sr1.5MnO4−????, has a much higher total conductivity than compounds with a different La/Sr ratio, although all those compositions have the same K2NiF4-type I4/mmm structure. The origin for this conductivity difference is not yet known in literature. Now, a combination of in-situ and ex-situ 3D electron diffraction, high-resolution imaging, energy-dispersive X-ray analysis and electron energy-loss spectroscopy uncovered clear differences between x=0.25 and x=0.5 in the pristine structure, as well as in the transformations upon high-temperature reduction. In La0.5Sr1.5MnO4−????, Ruddlesden-Popper n=2 layer defects and an amorphous surface layer are present, but not in La0.25Sr1.75MnO4−????. After annealing at 700°C in 5% H2/Ar, La0.25Sr1.75MnO4−???? transforms to a tetragonal 2D incommensurately modulated structure with modulation vectors ⃗????1 = 0.2848(1) · (⃗????* +⃗????*) and ⃗????2 =0.2848(1) · (⃗????* – ⃗????*), whereas La0.5Sr1.5MnO4−???? only partially transforms to an orthorhombic 1D incommensurately modulated structure,

with ⃗???? = 0.318(2) · ⃗????*. Perovskite domains grow at the crystal edge at 700°C in 5%

H2 or vacuum, due to the higher La concentration on the surface compared to the bulk, which leads to a different thermodynamic equilibrium. Since it is known that a lower degree of oxygen vacancy ordering and a higher amount of perovskite blocks enhance oxygen mobility, those differences in defect structure and structural transformation upon reduction, might all contribute to the higher conductivity of La0.5Sr1.5MnO4−???? in solid oxide fuel cell anode conditions compared to other La/Sr ratios.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language English Wos 001174840900001 Publication Date 2024-02-20
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0897-4756 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 8.6 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access
Notes Universiteit Antwerpen, BOF TOP 38689 ; Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek, I003218N ; European Commission NanED, 956099 ; Approved (up) Most recent IF: 8.6; 2024 IF: 9.466
Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:204354 Serial 8997
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Author Gorbanev, Y.; Fedirchyk, I.; Bogaerts, A.
Title Plasma catalysis in ammonia production and decomposition: Use it, or lose it? Type A1 Journal Article
Year 2024 Publication Current Opinion in Green and Sustainable Chemistry Abbreviated Journal Current Opinion in Green and Sustainable Chemistry
Volume 47 Issue Pages 100916
Keywords A1 Journal Article; Plasma Nitrogen fixation Ammonia Plasma catalysis Production and decomposition; Plasma, laser ablation and surface modeling Antwerp (PLASMANT) ;
Abstract The combination of plasma with catalysis for the synthesis and decomposition of NH3 is an attractive route to the production of carbon-neutral fertiliser and energy carriers and its conversion into H2. Recent years have seen fast developments in the field of plasma-catalytic NH3 life cycle. This work summarises the most recent advances in plasma-catalytic and related NH3-focussed processes, identifies some of the most important discoveries, and addresses plausible strategies for future developments in plasma-based NH3 technology.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos Publication Date 2024-03-29
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2452-2236 ISBN Additional Links
Impact Factor 9.3 Times cited Open Access
Notes The work was supported by the Fund for Scientific Research (FWO) Flanders Bioeconomy project (grant G0G2322N) funded by the European Union-NextGe- nerationEU, the HyPACT project funded by the Belgian Energy Transition Fund, and the MSCA4Ukraine project 1233629 funded by the European Union. Approved (up) Most recent IF: 9.3; 2024 IF: NA
Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @ Serial 9117
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Author Mary Joy, R.; Pobedinskas, P.; Baule, N.; Bai, S.; Jannis, D.; Gauquelin, N.; Pinault-Thaury, M.-A.; Jomard, F.; Sankaran, K.J.; Rouzbahani, R.; Lloret, F.; Desta, D.; D’Haen, J.; Verbeeck, J.; Becker, M.F.; Haenen, K.
Title The effect of microstructure and film composition on the mechanical properties of linear antenna CVD diamond thin films Type A1 Journal article
Year 2024 Publication Acta materialia Abbreviated Journal Acta Materialia
Volume 264 Issue Pages 119548
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract This study reports the impact of film microstructure and composition on the Young’s modulus and residual stress in nanocrystalline diamond (NCD) thin films ( thick) grown on silicon substrates using a linear antenna microwave plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (CVD) system. Combining laser acoustic wave spectroscopy to determine the elastic properties with simple wafer curvature measurements, a straightforward method to determine the intrinsic stress in NCD films is presented. Two deposition parameters are varied: (1) the substrate temperature from 400 °C to 900 °C, and (2) the [P]/[C] ratio from 0 ppm to 8090 ppm in the H2/CH4/CO2/PH3 diamond CVD plasma. The introduction of PH3 induces a transition in the morphology of the diamond film, shifting from NCD with larger grains to ultra-NCD with a smaller grain size, concurrently resulting in a decrease in Young’s modulus. Results show that the highest Young’s modulus of (113050) GPa for the undoped NCD deposited at 800 °C is comparable to single crystal diamond, indicating that NCD with excellent mechanical properties is achievable with our process for thin diamond films. Based on the film stress results, we propose the origins of tensile intrinsic stress in the diamond films. In NCD, the tensile intrinsic stress is attributed to larger grain size, while in ultra-NCD films the tensile intrinsic stress is due to grain boundaries and impurities.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001126632800001 Publication Date 2023-11-23
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1359-6454 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 9.4 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access
Notes This work was financially supported by the Special Research Fund (BOF) via Methusalem NANO network, the Research Foundation – Flanders (FWO) via Project G0D4920N, and the CORNET project nr 263-EN “ULTRAHARD: Ultrahard optical diamond coatings” (2020–2021). Approved (up) Most recent IF: 9.4; 2024 IF: 5.301
Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:202169 Serial 8989
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Author Coulombier, M.; Baral, P.; Orekhov, A.; Dohmen, R.; Raskin, J.P.; Pardoen, T.; Cordier, P.; Idrissi, H.
Title On-chip very low strain rate rheology of amorphous olivine films Type A1 Journal article
Year 2024 Publication Acta materialia Abbreviated Journal
Volume 266 Issue Pages 119693-12
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Recent observations made by the authors revealed the activation of stress induced amorphization and sliding at grain boundary in olivine [1], a mechanism which is expected to play a pivotal role in the viscosity drop at the lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary and the brittle -ductile transition in the lithospheric mantle. However, there is a lack of information in the literature regarding the intrinsic mechanical properties and the elementary deformation mechanisms of this material, especially at time scales relevant for geodynamics. In the present work, amorphous olivine films were obtained by pulsed laser deposition (PLD). The mechanical response including the rate dependent behavior are investigated using a tension -on -chip (TOC) method developed at UCLouvain allowing to perform creep/relaxation tests on thin films at extremely low strain rates. In the present work, strain rate down to 10-12 s- 1 was reached which is unique. High strain rate sensitivity of 0.054 is observed together with the activation of relaxation at the very early stage of deformation. Furthermore, digital image correlation (DIC), used for the first time on films deformed by TOC, reveals local strain heterogeneities. The relationship between such heterogeneities, the high strain rate sensitivity and the effect of the electron beam in the scanning electron microscope is discussed and compared to the literature.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001170513400001 Publication Date 2024-01-17
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1359-6454 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 9.4 Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved (up) Most recent IF: 9.4; 2024 IF: 5.301
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:204864 Serial 9163
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Author Le Noir de Carlan, C.; Kaarlejarvi, E.; De Tender, C.; Heinecke, T.; Eskelinen, A.; Verbruggen, E.
Title Shifts in mycorrhizal types of fungi and plants in response to fertilisation, warming and herbivory in a tundra grassland Type A1 Journal article
Year 2024 Publication New phytologist Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue Pages
Keywords A1 Journal article; Plant and Ecosystems (PLECO) – Ecology in a time of change
Abstract Climate warming is severely affecting high-latitude regions. In the Arctic tundra, it may lead to enhanced soil nutrient availability and interact with simultaneous changes in grazing pressure. It is presently unknown how these concurrently occurring global change drivers affect the root-associated fungal communities, particularly mycorrhizal fungi, and whether changes coincide with shifts in plant mycorrhizal types. We investigated changes in root-associated fungal communities and mycorrhizal types of the plant community in a 10-yr factorial experiment with warming, fertilisation and grazing exclusion in a Finnish tundra grassland. The strongest determinant of the root-associated fungal community was fertilisation, which consistently increased potential plant pathogen abundance and had contrasting effects on the different mycorrhizal fungal types, contingent on other treatments. Plant mycorrhizal types went through pronounced shifts, with warming favouring ecto- and ericoid mycorrhiza but not under fertilisation and grazing exclusion. Combination of all treatments resulted in dominance by arbuscular mycorrhizal plants. However, shifts in plant mycorrhizal types vs fungi were mostly but not always aligned in their magnitude and direction. Our results show that our ability to predict shifts in symbiotic and antagonistic fungal communities depend on simultaneous consideration of multiple global change factors that jointly alter plant and fungal communities.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001220955000001 Publication Date 2024-05-14
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0028-646x ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 9.4 Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved (up) Most recent IF: 9.4; 2024 IF: 7.33
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:206016 Serial 9228
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Van den Hoek, J.; Daems, N.; Arnouts, S.; Hoekx, S.; Bals, S.; Breugelmans, T.
Title Improving stability of CO₂ electroreduction by incorporating Ag NPs in N-doped ordered mesoporous carbon structures Type A1 Journal article
Year 2024 Publication ACS applied materials and interfaces Abbreviated Journal
Volume 16 Issue 6 Pages 6931-6947
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Applied Electrochemistry & Catalysis (ELCAT)
Abstract The electroreduction of carbon dioxide (eCO2RR) to CO using Ag nanoparticles as an electrocatalyst is promising as an industrial carbon capture and utilization (CCU) technique to mitigate CO2 emissions. Nevertheless, the long-term stability of these Ag nanoparticles has been insufficient despite initial high Faradaic efficiencies and/or partial current densities. To improve the stability, we evaluated an up-scalable and easily tunable synthesis route to deposit low-weight percentages of Ag nanoparticles (NPs) on and into the framework of a nitrogen-doped ordered mesoporous carbon (NOMC) structure. By exploiting this so-called nanoparticle confinement strategy, the nanoparticle mobility under operation is strongly reduced. As a result, particle detachment and agglomeration, two of the most pronounced electrocatalytic degradation mechanisms, are (partially) blocked and catalyst durability is improved. Several synthesis parameters, such as the anchoring agent, the weight percentage of Ag NPs, and the type of carbonaceous support material, were modified in a controlled manner to evaluate their respective impact on the overall electrochemical performance, with a strong emphasis on operational stability. The resulting powders were evaluated through electrochemical and physicochemical characterization methods, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), N2-physisorption, Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), SEM-energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), high-angle annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF-STEM), STEM-EDS, electron tomography, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The optimized Ag/soft-NOMC catalysts showed both a promising selectivity (∼80%) and stability compared with commercial Ag NPs while decreasing the loading of the transition metal by more than 50%. The stability of both the 5 and 10 wt % Ag/soft-NOMC catalysts showed considerable improvements by anchoring the Ag NPs on and into a NOMC framework, resulting in a 267% improvement in CO selectivity after 72 h (despite initial losses) compared to commercial Ag NPs. These results demonstrate the promising strategy of anchoring Ag NPs to improve the CO selectivity during prolonged experiments due to the reduced mobility of the Ag NPs and thus enhanced stability.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001158812100001 Publication Date 2023-12-21
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1944-8244 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 9.5 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access: Available from 21.06.2024
Notes Approved (up) Most recent IF: 9.5; 2024 IF: 7.504
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:202309 Serial 9045
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Author Guerrero, R.M.; Lemir, I.D.; Carrasco, S.; Fernández-Ruiz, C.; Kavak, S.; Pizarro, P.; Serrano, D.P.; Bals, S.; Horcajada, P.; Pérez, Y.
Title Scaling-Up Microwave-Assisted Synthesis of Highly Defective Pd@UiO-66-NH2Catalysts for Selective Olefin Hydrogenation under Ambient Conditions Type A1 Journal Article
Year 2024 Publication ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces Abbreviated Journal ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces
Volume Issue Pages
Keywords A1 Journal Article; Electron Microscopy for Materials Science (EMAT) ;
Abstract The need to develop green and cost-effective industrial catalytic processes has led to growing interest in preparing more robust, efficient, and selective heterogeneous catalysts at a large scale. In this regard, microwave-assisted synthesis is a fast method for fabricating heterogeneous catalysts (including metal oxides, zeolites, metal–organic frameworks, and supported metal nanoparticles) with enhanced catalytic properties, enabling synthesis scale-up. Herein, the synthesis of nanosized UiO-66-NH2 was optimized via a microwave-assisted hydrothermal method to obtain defective matrices essential for the stabilization of metal nanoparticles, promoting catalytically active sites for hydrogenation reactions (760 kg·m–3·day–1 space time yield, STY). Then, this protocol was scaled up in a multimodal microwave reactor, reaching 86% yield (ca. 1 g, 1450 kg·m–3·day–1 STY) in only 30 min. Afterward, Pd nanoparticles were formed in situ decorating the nanoMOF by an effective and fast microwave-assisted hydrothermal method, resulting in the formation of Pd@UiO-66-NH2 composites. Both the localization and oxidation states of Pd nanoparticles (NPs) in the MOF were achieved using high-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF-STEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), respectively. The optimal composite, loaded with 1.7 wt % Pd, exhibited an extraordinary catalytic activity (>95% yield, 100% selectivity) under mild conditions (1 bar H2, 25 °C, 1 h reaction time), not only in the selective hydrogenation of a variety of single alkenes (1-hexene, 1-octene, 1-tridecene, cyclohexene, and tetraphenyl ethylene) but also in the conversion of a complex mixture of alkenes (i.e., 1-hexene, 1-tridecene, and anethole). The results showed a powerful interaction and synergy between the active phase (Pd NPs) and the catalytic porous scaffold (UiO-66-NH2), which are essential for the selectivity and recyclability.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos Publication Date 2024-04-26
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1944-8244 ISBN Additional Links
Impact Factor 9.5 Times cited Open Access
Notes The authors gratefully acknowledge financial support from “Comunidad de Madrid” and European Regional Development Fund-FEDER through the project HUB MADRID+CIRCULAR; the State Research Agency (MCIN/AEI /10.13039/501100011033) through the grant with reference number CEX2019-000931-M received in the 2019 call for “Severo Ochoa Centres of Excellence” and “María de Maeztu Units of Excellence” of the State Programme for Knowledge Generation and Scientific and Technological Strengthening of the R&D&I System; and MICIU through the project “NAPOLION” (PID2022-139956OB-I00). S.K. acknowledges the Flemish Fund for Scientific Research (FWO Vlaanderen) through a PhD research grant (1181124N). Approved (up) Most recent IF: 9.5; 2024 IF: 7.504
Call Number EMAT @ emat @ Serial 9126
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Author Tiwari, S.; Van de Put, M.; Sorée, B.; Hinkle, C.; Vandenberghe, W.G.
Title Reduction of magnetic interaction due to clustering in doped transition-metal dichalcogenides : a case study of Mn-, V-, and Fe-doped WSe₂ Type A1 Journal article
Year 2024 Publication ACS applied materials and interfaces Abbreviated Journal
Volume 16 Issue 4 Pages 4991-4998
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Abstract Using Hubbard-U-corrected density functional theory calculations, lattice Monte Carlo simulations, and spin Monte Carlo simulations, we investigate the impact of dopant clustering on the magnetic properties of WSe2 doped with period four transition metals. We use manganese (Mn) and iron (Fe) as candidate n-type dopants and vanadium (V) as the candidate p-type dopant, substituting the tungsten (W) atom in WSe2. Specifically, we determine the strength of the exchange interaction in Fe-, Mn-, and V-doped WSe2 in the presence of clustering. We show that the clusters of dopants are energetically more stable than discretely doped systems. Further, we show that in the presence of dopant clustering, the magnetic exchange interaction significantly reduces because the magnetic order in clustered WSe2 becomes more itinerant. Finally, we show that the clustering of the dopant atoms has a detrimental effect on the magnetic interaction, and to obtain an optimal Curie temperature, it is important to control the distribution of the dopant atoms.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001155511900001 Publication Date 2024-01-18
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1944-8244 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 9.5 Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved (up) Most recent IF: 9.5; 2024 IF: 7.504
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:203830 Serial 9169
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Ni, S.; Houwman, E.; Gauquelin, N.; Chezganov, D.; Van Aert, S.; Verbeeck, J.; Rijnders, G.; Koster, G.
Title Stabilizing perovskite Pb(Mg0.33Nb0.67)O3-PbTiO3 thin films by fast deposition and tensile mismatched growth template Type A1 Journal article
Year 2024 Publication ACS applied materials and interfaces Abbreviated Journal
Volume 16 Issue 10 Pages 12744-12753
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Because of its low hysteresis, high dielectric constant, and strong piezoelectric response, Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O-3-PbTiO3 (PMN-PT) thin films have attracted considerable attention for the application in PiezoMEMS, field-effect transistors, and energy harvesting and storage devices. However, it remains a great challenge to fabricate phase-pure, pyrochlore-free PMN-PT thin films. In this study, we demonstrate that a high deposition rate, combined with a tensile mismatched template layer can stabilize the perovskite phase of PMN-PT films and prevent the nucleation of passive pyrochlore phases. We observed that an accelerated deposition rate promoted mixing of the B-site cation and facilitated relaxation of the compressively strained PMN-PT on the SrTiO3 (STO) substrate in the initial growth layer, which apparently suppressed the initial formation of pyrochlore phases. By employing La-doped-BaSnO3 (LBSO) as the tensile mismatched buffer layer, 750 nm thick phase-pure perovskite PMN-PT films were synthesized. The resulting PMN-PT films exhibited excellent crystalline quality close to that of the STO substrate.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001176343700001 Publication Date 2024-02-29
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1944-8244 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 9.5 Times cited Open Access
Notes We would like to acknowledge the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research (NWO) for the financial support of this work. This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under grant agreement No. 823717-ESTEEM3. Approved (up) Most recent IF: 9.5; 2024 IF: 7.504
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:204754 Serial 9174
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Author Van Tendeloo, M.; Baptista, M.C.; Van Winckel, T.; Vlaeminck, S.E.
Title Recurrent multi-stressor floc treatments with sulphide and free ammonia enabled mainstream partial nitritation/anammox Type A1 Journal article
Year 2024 Publication The science of the total environment Abbreviated Journal
Volume 912 Issue Pages 169449-12
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract Selective suppression of nitrite-oxidising bacteria (NOB) over aerobic and anoxic ammonium-oxidising bacteria (AerAOB and AnAOB) remains a major challenge for mainstream partial nitritation/anammox implementation, a resource-efficient nitrogen removal pathway. A unique multi-stressor floc treatment was therefore designed and validated for the first time under lab-scale conditions while staying true to full-scale design principles. Two hybrid (suspended + biofilm growth) reactors were operated continuously at 20.2 ± 0.6 °C. Recurrent multi-stressor floc treatments were applied, consisting of a sulphide-spiked deoxygenated starvation followed by a free ammonia shock. A good microbial activity balance with high AnAOB (71 ± 21 mg N L−1 d−1) and low NOB (4 ± 17 % of AerAOB) activity was achieved by combining multiple operational strategies: recurrent multi-stressor floc treatments, hybrid sludge (flocs & biofilm), short floc age control, intermittent aeration, and residual ammonium control. The multi-stressor treatment was shown to be the most important control tool and should be continuously applied to maintain this balance. Excessive NOB growth on the biofilm was avoided despite only treating the flocs to safeguard the AnAOB activity on the biofilm. Additionally, no signs of NOB adaptation were observed over 142 days. Elevated effluent ammonium concentrations (25 ± 6 mg N L−1) limited the TN removal efficiency to 39 ± 9 %, complicating a future full-scale implementation. Operating at higher sludge concentrations or reducing the volumetric loading rate could overcome this issue. The obtained results ease the implementation of mainstream PN/A by providing and additional control tool to steer the microbial activity with the multi-stressor treatment, thus advancing the concept of energy neutrality in sewage treatment plants.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos Publication Date 2023-12-18
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0048-9697; 1879-1026 ISBN Additional Links UA library record
Impact Factor 9.8 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access
Notes Approved (up) Most recent IF: 9.8; 2024 IF: 4.9
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:202286 Serial 9083
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Reynaert, S.; D’Hose, T.; de Boeck, H.J.; Laorden, D.; Dult, L.; Verbruggen, E.; Nijs, I.
Title Can permanent grassland soils with elevated organic carbon buffer negative effects of more persistent precipitation regimes on forage grass performance? Type A1 Journal article
Year 2024 Publication The science of the total environment Abbreviated Journal
Volume 918 Issue Pages 170623-15
Keywords A1 Journal article; Plant and Ecosystems (PLECO) – Ecology in a time of change
Abstract Agricultural practices enhancing soil organic carbon (SOC) show potential to buffer negative effects of climate change on forage grass performance. We tested this by subjecting five forage grass varieties differing in fodder quality and drought/flooding resistance to increased persistence in summer precipitation regimes (PR) across sandy and sandy-loam soils from either permanent (high SOC) or temporary grasslands (low SOC) in adjacent parcels. Over the course of two consecutive summers, monoculture mesocosms were subjected to rainy/dry weather alternation either every 3 days or every 30 days, whilst keeping total precipitation equal. Increased PR persistence induced species-specific drought damage and productivity declines. Soils from permanent grasslands with elevated SOC buffered plant quality, but buffering effects of SOC on drought damage, nutrient availability and yield differed between texture classes. In the more persistent PR, Festuca arundinacea FERMINA was the most productive species but had the lowest quality under both ample water supply and mild soil drought, whilst under the most intense soil droughts, Festulolium FESTILO maintained the highest yields. The hybrid Lolium × boucheanum kunth MELCOMBI had intermediate productivity and both Lolium perenne varieties showed the lowest yields under soil drought, but the highest forage quality (especially the tetraploid variety MELFORCE). Performance varied with plant maturity stage and across seasons/years and was driven by altered water and nutrient availability and related nitrogen nutrition among species during drought and upon rewetting. Moreover, whilst permanent grassland soils showed the most consistent positive effects on plant performance, their available water capacity also declined under increased PR persistence. We conclude that permanent grassland soils with historically elevated SOC likely buffer negative effects of increasing summer weather persistence on forage grass performance, but may also be more sensitive to degradation under climate change.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001183615800001 Publication Date 2024-02-04
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0048-9697; 1879-1026 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 9.8 Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved (up) Most recent IF: 9.8; 2024 IF: 4.9
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:204498 Serial 9191
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Fang, W.; Wang, X.; Li, S.; Hao, Y.; Yang, Y.; Zhao, W.; Liu, R.; Li, D.; Li, C.; Gao, X.; Wang, L.; Guo, H.; Yi, Y.
Title Plasma-catalytic one-step steam reforming of CH₄ to CH₃OH and H₂ promoted by oligomerized [Cu-O-Cu] species on zeolites Type A1 Journal article
Year 2024 Publication Green chemistry : cutting-edge research for a greener sustainable future Abbreviated Journal
Volume 26 Issue 9 Pages 5150-5154
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract Oligomerized [Cu-O-Cu] species are reported to be efficient in promoting plasma catalytic one-step steam reforming of methane to methanol and hydrogen, achieving 6.8% CH4 conversion and 73.1% CH3OH selectivity without CO2.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001195192800001 Publication Date 2024-04-02
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1463-9262; 1463-9270 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 9.8 Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved (up) Most recent IF: 9.8; 2024 IF: 9.125
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:205514 Serial 9165
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Lobato, I.; Friedrich, T.; Van Aert, S.
Title Deep convolutional neural networks to restore single-shot electron microscopy images Type A1 Journal article
Year 2024 Publication N P J Computational Materials Abbreviated Journal npj Comput Mater
Volume 10 Issue 1 Pages 10
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Advanced electron microscopy techniques, including scanning electron microscopes (SEM), scanning transmission electron microscopes (STEM), and transmission electron microscopes (TEM), have revolutionized imaging capabilities. However, achieving high-quality experimental images remains a challenge due to various distortions stemming from the instrumentation and external factors. These distortions, introduced at different stages of imaging, hinder the extraction of reliable quantitative insights. In this paper, we will discuss the main sources of distortion in TEM and S(T)EM images, develop models to describe them, and propose a method to correct these distortions using a convolutional neural network. We validate the effectiveness of our method on a range of simulated and experimental images, demonstrating its ability to significantly enhance the signal-to-noise ratio. This improvement leads to a more reliable extraction of quantitative structural information from the images. In summary, our findings offer a robust framework to enhance the quality of electron microscopy images, which in turn supports progress in structural analysis and quantification in materials science and biology.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001138183000001 Publication Date 2024-01-09
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2057-3960 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes This work was supported by the European Research Council (Grant 770887 PICOMETRICS to S.V.A.). The authors acknowledge financial support from the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO, Belgium) through project fundings (G034621N, G0A7723N and EOS 40007495). S.V.A. acknowledges funding from the University of Antwerp Research Fund (BOF). The authors thank Lukas Grünewald for data acquisition and support for Fig. 7. Approved (up) Most recent IF: NA
Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:202714 Serial 8994
Permanent link to this record
 

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

 
Author Jorissen, B.; Covaci, L.; Partoens, B.
Title Comparative analysis of tight-binding models for transition metal dichalcogenides Type A1 Journal article
Year 2024 Publication SciPost physics core Abbreviated Journal
Volume 7 Issue 1 Pages 004-30
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Abstract We provide a comprehensive analysis of the prominent tight-binding (TB) models for transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) available in the literature. We inspect the construction of these TB models, discuss their parameterization used and conduct a thorough comparison of their effectiveness in capturing important electronic properties. Based on these insights, we propose a novel TB model for TMDs designed for enhanced computational efficiency. Utilizing MoS2 as a representative case, we explain why specific models offer a more accurate description. Our primary aim is to assist researchers in choosing the most appropriate TB model for their calculations on TMDs.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001170769300001 Publication Date 2024-02-06
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access
Notes Approved (up) Most recent IF: NA
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:202983 Serial 9012
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Schram, J.
Title Electrochemical sensing strategies for multiple illicit drugs Type Doctoral thesis
Year 2024 Publication Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue Pages 290 p.
Keywords Doctoral thesis; Pharmacology. Therapy; Engineering sciences. Technology; Antwerp Electrochemical and Analytical Sciences Lab (A-Sense Lab)
Abstract Today, illicit drugs are omnipresent in society. Clandestine markets are growing faster than ever before, record amounts of cocaine are seized in seaports and airports, while the associated violence is spiralling out of control. In addition, drug monitoring centres worldwide are warning for the increasing complexity of the drug markets, as the traditionally popular drugs are joined by countless new synthetic variants, while medical drugs are also increasingly being abused. In order to provide services confronted with illicit drug samples (police, customs, forensic scientists, first responders, …) with important information on the identity of an unknown sample, suitable analytical tests are required. While these exist for laboratory environments, on-site applicable tests are important to accelerate the decision-making process. Electrochemical sensors have all the advantages required for such on-site tests: they are fast, portable, easy-to-use and reliable. Furthermore, they are not influenced by colours, which are frequently added to drug samples to deceive the existing tests. Previous work has mainly focussed on the detection of a single drug per analysis. However, many drugs could be encountered due to the diversity of the drug markets. Therefore, this project developed electrochemical strategies for the detection of multiple drugs simultaneously. First, the electrochemical behaviour of the individual drugs was studied in different measuring conditions (assessing the influence of pH, concentration and temperature). Then, all findings and strategies were combined to detect multiple targets simultaneously. An electrochemical sensor was developed for the four most popular drugs at music festivals: cocaine, MDMA, amphetamine and ketamine. This sensor generates a so-called ‘superfingerprint’ of the sample, which is then automatically interpreted by a developed algorithm in order to produce a straightforward output. Finally, a pill analysis sensor was developed in the context of drug checking services, where a consumer can anonymously have a sample chemically analysed to obtain information on the composition, dose and potentially harmful additives. The sensor achieved an outstanding accuracy in identifying the main component and provided the option to quantify, as well as an indication on the presence of other substances in the sample. The project’s findings demonstrate the potential for electrochemistry in illicit drug detection and provide a basis for the development of new sensors, targeting other drug combinations.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos Publication Date
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN ISBN Additional Links UA library record
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved (up) Most recent IF: NA
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:203199 Serial 9029
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Faust, V.; Vlaeminck, S.E.; Ganigué, R.; Udert, K.M.
Title Influence of pH on urine nitrification : community shifts of ammonia-oxidizing bacteria and inhibition of nitrite-oxidizing bacteria Type A1 Journal article
Year 2024 Publication ACS ES&T engineering Abbreviated Journal
Volume 4 Issue 2 Pages 342-353
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract Urine nitrification is pH-sensitive due to limited alkalinity and high residual ammonium concentrations. This study aimed to investigate how the pH affects nitrogen conversion and the microbial community of urine nitrification with a pH-based feeding strategy. First, kinetic parameters for NH3, HNO2, and NO2– limitation and inhibition were determined for nitrifiers from a urine nitrification reactor. The turning point for ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB), i.e., the substrate concentration at which a further increase would lead to a decrease in activity due to inhibitory effects, was at an NH3 concentration of 12 mg-N L–1, which was reached only at pH values above 7. The total nitrite turning point for nitrite-oxidizing bacteria (NOB) was pH-dependent, e.g., 18 mg-N L–1 at pH 6.3. Second, four years of data from two 120 L reactors were analyzed, showing that stable nitrification with low nitrite was most likely between pH 5.8 and 6.7. And third, six 12 L urine nitrification reactors were operated at total nitrogen concentrations of 1300 and 3600 mg-N L–1 and pH values between 2.5 and 8.5. At pH 6, the AOB Nitrosomonas europaea was found, and the NOB belonged to the genus Nitrobacter. At pH 7, nitrite accumulated, and Nitrosomonas halophila was the dominant AOB. NOB were inhibited by HNO2 accumulation. At pH 8.5, the AOB Nitrosomonas stercoris became dominant, and NH3 inhibited NOB. Without influent, the pH dropped to 2.5 due to the growth of the acid-tolerant AOB “Candidatus Nitrosacidococcus urinae”. In conclusion, pH is a decisive process control parameter for urine nitrification by influencing the selection and kinetics of nitrifiers.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos Publication Date 2023-11-02
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN ISBN Additional Links UA library record
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access
Notes Approved (up) Most recent IF: NA
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:203306 Serial 9048
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Derks, K.; Youchaeva, M.; Van der Snickt, G.; Van der Stighelen, K.; Janssens, K.
Title Reconstructing Sweerts : practical insights into the historical dark halo technique based on paint reconstructions Type P1 Proceeding
Year 2024 Publication Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue Pages 259-271 T2 - Alla maniera : technical art history
Keywords P1 Proceeding; Engineering sciences. Technology; Art; Antwerp Cultural Heritage Sciences (ARCHES); Antwerp X-ray Imaging and Spectroscopy (AXIS)
Abstract
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos Publication Date
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 978-90-429-5216-4 ISBN Additional Links UA library record
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved (up) Most recent IF: NA
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:203062 Serial 9082
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Vermeulen, B.B.; Raymenants, E.; Pham, V.T.; Pizzini, S.; Sorée, B.; Wostyn, K.; Couet, S.; Nguyen, V.D.; Temst, K.
Title Towards fully electrically controlled domain-wall logic Type A1 Journal article
Year 2024 Publication AIP advances Abbreviated Journal
Volume 14 Issue 2 Pages 025030-25035
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Abstract Utilizing magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJs) for write/read and fast spin-orbit-torque (SOT)-driven domain-wall (DW) motion for propagation, enables non-volatile logic and majority operations, representing a breakthrough in the implementation of nanoscale DW logic devices. Recently, current-driven DW logic gates have been demonstrated via magnetic imaging, where the Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction (DMI) induces chiral coupling between perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA) regions via an in-plane (IP) oriented region. However, full electrical operation of nanoscale DW logic requires electrical write/read operations and a method to pattern PMA and IP regions compatible with the fabrication of PMA MTJs. Here, we study the use of a Hybrid Free Layer (HFL) concept to combine an MTJ stack with DW motion materials, and He+ ion irradiation to convert the stack from PMA to IP. First, we investigate the free layer thickness dependence of 100-nm diameter HFL-MTJ devices and find an optimal CoFeB thickness, from 7 to 10 angstrom, providing high tunneling magnetoresistance (TMR) readout and efficient spin-transfer torque (STT) writing. We then show that high DMI materials, like Pt/Co, can be integrated into an MTJ stack via interlayer exchange coupling with the CoFeB free layer. In this design, DMI values suitable for SOT-driven DW motion are measured by asymmetric bubble expansion. Finally, we demonstrate that He+ irradiation reliably converts the coupled free layers from PMA to IP. These findings offer a path toward the integration of fully electrically controlled DW logic circuits.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001163573400005 Publication Date 2024-02-16
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2158-3226 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access
Notes Approved (up) Most recent IF: NA
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:203823 Serial 9109
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Author Van Echelpoel, R.; De Wael, K.
Title Voltammetric drug testing makes sense at the border Type A1 Journal article
Year 2024 Publication Nature Reviews Chemistry Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue Pages 1-2
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Antwerp Electrochemical and Analytical Sciences Lab (A-Sense Lab)
Abstract The European BorderSens project leverages voltammetric sensors, developed with end-users' input, to rapidly and accurately detect illicit drugs. By embracing practicalities and validation, this technology has the potential to combat the illicit drug problem.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001142000900001 Publication Date 2024-01-12
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2397-3358 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access
Notes Approved (up) Most recent IF: NA
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:202646 Serial 9112
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Author Verbeelen, T.; Fernandez, C.A.; Nguyen, T.H.; Gupta, S.; Aarts, R.; Tabury, K.; Leroy, B.; Wattiez, R.; Vlaeminck, S.E.; Leys, N.; Ganigué, R.; Mastroleo, F.
Title Whole transcriptome analysis highlights nutrient limitation of nitrogen cycle bacteria in simulated microgravity Type A1 Journal article
Year 2024 Publication NPJ microgravity Abbreviated Journal
Volume 10 Issue 1 Pages 3-19
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract Regenerative life support systems (RLSS) will play a vital role in achieving self-sufficiency during long-distance space travel. Urine conversion into a liquid nitrate-based fertilizer is a key process in most RLSS. This study describes the effects of simulated microgravity (SMG) on Comamonas testosteroni, Nitrosomonas europaea, Nitrobacter winogradskyi and a tripartite culture of the three, in the context of nitrogen recovery for the Micro-Ecological Life Support System Alternative (MELiSSA). Rotary cell culture systems (RCCS) and random positioning machines (RPM) were used as SMG analogues. The transcriptional responses of the cultures were elucidated. For CO2-producing C. testosteroni and the tripartite culture, a PermaLifeTM PL-70 cell culture bag mounted on an in-house 3D-printed holder was applied to eliminate air bubble formation during SMG cultivation. Gene expression changes indicated that the fluid dynamics in SMG caused nutrient and O2 limitation. Genes involved in urea hydrolysis and nitrification were minimally affected, while denitrification-related gene expression was increased. The findings highlight potential challenges for nitrogen recovery in space.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001140007100001 Publication Date 2024-01-10
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2373-8065 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access
Notes Approved (up) Most recent IF: NA
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:202285 Serial 9113
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Author Esteban, D.A.; Chamocho, E.G.; Carretero González, J.; Urones Garrote, E.; Otero Díaz, L.C.; Brande, D.Á.
Title Enhancing Electrochemical Properties of Walnut Shell Activated Carbon with Embedded MnO Clusters for Supercapacitor Applications Type A1 Journal Article
Year 2024 Publication Batteries & Supercaps Abbreviated Journal Batteries &amp; Supercaps
Volume Issue Pages
Keywords A1 Journal Article; Electron Microscopy for Materials Science (EMAT) ;
Abstract Activated carbon (AC) materials from renewable sources are widely used in electrochemical applications due to their well‐known high surface area. However, their application as electrode material in double‐layer electrochemical devices may be limited due to their relatively low electrical conductivity and lightweight. To overcome these limitations, the incorporation of pseudocapacitance metal oxide nanoparticles is an optimum approach. These nanoparticles can provide a second energy storage mechanism to the composite, mitigating the loss of surface area associated with their incorporation. As a result, the composite material is endowed with increased conductivity and higher density, making it more suitable for practical implementation in real devices. In this study, we have incorporated a fine dispersion of 1 % of MnO clusters into a highly porous activated carbon synthesized from walnut shells (WAC). The high‐resolution electron microscopy studies, combined with their related analytical techniques, allow us to determine the presence of the cluster within the matrix carbon precisely. The resulting MnO@WAC composite demonstrated significantly improved capacitive behavior compared with the WAC material, with increased volumetric capacitance and higher charge retention at higher current densities. The composite‘s electrochemical performance suggests its potential as a promising electrode material for supercapacitors, addressing drawbacks associated with traditional AC materials.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001198179300001 Publication Date 2024-04-08
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2566-6223 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes Grants PID2020-112848RB-C21 funded by MCIN/AEI/ 10.13039/501100011033 and by the European Union PRTR funding through projects are acknowledged. Access to the ICTS- CNME for TEM is also acknowledged. Approved (up) Most recent IF: NA
Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:205463 Serial 9119
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