| Records |
| Author |
Gielis, J.; Tavkhelidze, I. |
| Title |
The Mӧbius phenomenon in Generalized Mӧbius-Listing bodies with cross sections of odd and even polygons |
Type |
A3 Journal article |
| Year |
2020 |
Publication |
Sn – 1512-0066 |
Abbreviated Journal |
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| Volume |
34 |
Issue |
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Pages |
23-26 |
| Keywords |
A3 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL) |
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Approved  |
Most recent IF: NA |
| Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:174474 |
Serial |
8257 |
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| Author |
Gielis, J.; Ricci, P.E.; Tavkhelidze, I. |
| Title |
The Möbius phenomenon in Generalized Möbius-Listing surfaces and bodies, and Arnold's Cat phenomenon |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
| Year |
2021 |
Publication |
Advanced Studies : Euro-Tbilisi Mathematical Journal |
Abbreviated Journal |
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| Volume |
14 |
Issue |
4 |
Pages |
17-35 |
| Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL) |
| Abstract |
Möbius bands have been studied extensively, mainly in topology. Generalized Möbius-Listing surfaces and bodies providing a full geometrical generalization, is a quite new field, motivated originally by solutions of boundary value problems. Analogous to cutting of the original Möbius band, for this class of surfaces and bodies, results have been obtained when cutting such bodies or surfaces. In general, cutting leads to interlinked and intertwined different surfaces or bodies, resulting in very complex systems. However, under certain conditions, the result of cutting can be a single surface or body, which reduces complexity considerably. Our research is motivated by this reduction of complexity. In the study of cutting Generalized Möbius-Listing bodies with polygons as cross section, the conditions under which a single body results, displaying the Möbius phenomenon of a one-sided body, have been determined for even and odd polygons. These conditions are based on congruence and rotational symmetry of the resulting cross sections after cutting, and on the knife cutting the origin. The Möbius phenomenon is important, since the process of cutting (or separation of zones in a GML body in general) then results in a single body, not in different, intertwined domains. In all previous works it was assumed that the cross section of the GML bodies is constant, but the main result of this paper is that it is sufficient that only one cross section on the whole GML structure meets the conditions for the Möbius phenomenon to occur. Several examples are given to illustrate this. |
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000774655100002 |
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OpenAccess |
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Approved |
Most recent IF: NA |
| Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:183081 |
Serial |
8258 |
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Wagaarachchige, J.; Idris, Z.; Kummamuru, N.B.; Sætre, K.A.; Halstensen, M.; Jens, K.-J. |
| Title |
A new sulfolane based solvent for CO₂ capture |
Type |
P1 Proceeding |
| Year |
2021 |
Publication |
SSRN electronic journal |
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Issue |
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Pages |
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P1 Proceeding; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL) |
| Abstract |
This study presents novel sulfolane based non-aqueous CO2 capture solvents, as an alternative solution for capturing CO2 from industrial processes. In order to select the most promising amine system, five different amines were tested by monitoring CO2 absorption and desorption processes using the time-base Attenuated Total Reflectance-Fourier Transform Infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy. During absorption experiments, we observed the formation of Monomethyl Carbonate (MMC) in diisopropylamine (DIPA) and 2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanol (AMP) systems, while carbamate was observed as the main product for the other three amine systems tested. In regeneration experiments, the MMC could be desorbed relatively easily from the amine solution at a mild temperature. |
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2021-04-17 |
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OpenAccess |
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Approved |
Most recent IF: NA |
| Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:180364 |
Serial |
8305 |
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| Author |
Marchetti, A. |
| Title |
Novel insights and approaches for the analytical characterization of tangible cultural heritage objects |
Type |
Doctoral thesis |
| Year |
2021 |
Publication |
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Abbreviated Journal |
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Issue |
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Pages |
333 p. |
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Doctoral thesis; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation) |
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Cultural heritage represents the vehicle of our cultural identity, handed over from past to future generations throughout human history. As a repository of fundamental cultural and social values, the preservation of all forms of cultural heritage is a responsibility of every society and of humankind as a whole. When it comes to tangible cultural heritage, preservation of heritage translates into preservation of objects and, therefore, of the materials they are constituted of. This crucial task relies heavily on the application of scientific analytical methods to answer material and conservation-related questions. The fundamental contribution of this analytical approach led, in the past decades, to an ever-deepening understanding of the factors governing the degradation of cultural heritage. However, the extreme complexity of the heritage object-environment system results in a massive research field, which inevitably presents relevant open questions. This is where the present PhD work comes into play, attempting to fill knowledge gaps in literature by starting from specific case studies and un-answered research questions. The multianalytical research conducted during this PhD unraveled fundamental information on the properties governing the reactivity and long-term behavior of different classes of materials, from α-brass in an indoor environment to artists’ pigments in the presence of light, moisture and soluble particulate matter (PM). The paramount importance of the synthesis conditions on the composition, physical properties and reactivity of heritage materials was also demonstrated, in particular for stable lead pyroantimonate and unstable Geranium lake artists’ pigments. Moreover, the study and characterization of specific heritage objects, namely a series of 16th century reliquary altarpieces and the painting L’Arlesienne, by Vincent Van Gogh, allowed to obtain relevant insights into their composition and on potential risks for their conservation. The challenging nature of the samples considered, created the perfect opportunity to test an innovative spectroscopic technique, optical photo-thermal IR (O-PTIR), for the characterization of heritage materials. Striking results were obtained, highlighting a great potential for the application of this non-destructive sub-micron molecular spectroscopy to the analysis of cultural heritage. Finally, in the last section of this work, strategies to implement the continuous monitoring of PM levels in indoor environmental quality studies were also considered, with a particular focus on the identification of environmental hazards for the collections housed in specific conservation environments (War Heritage Institute in Brussels and St. Martin’s church in Aalst, BE). |
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Approved |
Most recent IF: NA |
| Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:177849 |
Serial |
8319 |
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| Author |
Cong, S. |
| Title |
Numerical study on low-pressure hollow cathode argon arc plasma |
Type |
Doctoral thesis |
| Year |
2021 |
Publication |
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XIX, 126 p. |
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Doctoral thesis; Philosophy; Educational sciences; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT) |
| Abstract |
The low-pressure hollow cathode discharge made of a hollow circular tube and an anode is a type of simple structure discharge system. In particular, under the arc discharge mode, hollow cathodes have high plasma density and energy density with a wide range of adaptability of pressure and current. Low-pressure hollow cathode arc (HCA) discharges have been widely used as plasma sources in various fields such as manufacturing, vacuum welding, and aerospace since the 1960s. Despite the early experimental and applied researches on low-pressure HCA discharges, the basic theoretical study was relatively lagged much behind, resulting in many unanswered questions, such as the optimal discharge operating parameters, the power deposition inside the cathode, the causes of plasma instability, and how to effectively reduce cathode erosion and so on. Due to the special discharge structure of the hollow cathode, it is difficult to make an accurate experimental diagnosis, so a reasonable numerical simulation is an effective study method. However, up to now, there is still a lack of complete and effective numerical models which can evaluate various physical fields in the low-pressure hollow cathode discharges. To address the above problems and difficulties, a comprehensive and self-consistent 2D multi-physical coupling numerical model based on a commercial program of finite element method, the COMSOL Multiphysics, was provided in this paper. The model involves plasma transport, arc flow and heat transfer, and cathode thermal equilibrium, and can consider the effect of an applied magnetic field. The processes of secondary electron emission, thermal-field electron emission, ions and backflow high-energy electrons bombardment, and thermal radiation from the cathode surface are considered in the cathode thermal equilibrium process. Based on the above background, this paper works from the following aspects： In Chapter 1, the basic concepts of low-pressure HCA discharge including the hollow cathode effect, the basic characteristics, and operation modes were introduced firstly; Secondly, the application fields, development history, and overseas and domestic research status of hollow cathode discharge were reviewed; finally, the problems were presented and the research background was explained, and the research purpose of this paper was clarified. In Chapter 2, a complete and self-consistent numerical model of low-pressure hollow cathode discharge was proposed based on the fundamental theory and assumptions, and the set of control equations and boundary conditions in the model were elaborated. In addition, the electron energy distribution function, the collision processes, the solving tools of this model, and calculation schemes were introduced in detail. Finally, a validation example was given to test the rationality and applicability of the numerical model. In Chapter 3, the fundamental plasma properties of low-pressure hollow cathode arcs were investigated. Firstly, the ion Joule heating effect was studied. The results showed that the temperature distributions of the arc and cathode are only able to approach the experimental measurements after considering the ion Joule heating, which shows that the Joule heating of ions is crucial for the heating of the arc plasma. Secondly, by comparing the radial distribution of electron and ion density inside the cathode, the structure of the cathode sheath could be simulated well using this model. Finally, it was shown that the thermal radiation from the cathode surface is an important cooling mechanism of the cathode and only under higher surface emissivity can balance the larger heat flow given by the plasma to the cathode, and the temperature distribution of the cathode shows a non-monotonic increasing trend and is consistent with the profile of experimental measurement so that the so-called active zone is formed. In Chapter 4, the power deposition in the low-pressure HCA was studied in simulation. Two main aspects were considered: the power deposition into particles (both electrons and heavy particles) and the power deposition onto the cathode. It was found that the deposited power into particles increases with the rise of discharge current, but there is no effect on the total power deposition onto the cathode. In high-density plasmas, Coulomb collisions between electrons and ions also become very important, especially since a portion of the deposition energy on heavy particles comes mainly from the energy transfer from electrons to ions. It was also found that regardless of external parameters, half of the power deposition onto the cathode always comes from the particle contribution, while the other half is the net contribution of heat transfer and cathode radiation. The HCA model also allows the simulation of multiple discharge modes for low-pressure HCA discharges over a wide range of gas flow rates. It was also shown that the discharge operating conditions and the external magnetic field can change the distribution of the particle flow on the cathode wall. In Chapter 5, the ion sputtering erosion process on the cathode was simulated by coupling the HCA numerical model with the moving grid technique. The results showed that the ion sputtering erosion on the cathode depends on the ion flux and the plasma potential near the cathode wall and that their distribution and magnitude jointly determine the erosion morphology of the cathode. It was also found that the location of the most severe erosion on the cathode is located in the region of the densest ion flux on the cathode wall, rather than in the longitudinal correspondence with the central region of the internal positive column (IPC). The external magnetic fields can mitigate the cathode erosion and reduce the erosion depth, but stronger magnetic fields lead to a concentration of current density at the cathode tip, which can enhance erosion slightly at the cathode outlet end. Finally, the conclusions and innovation highlights were summarized, and prospects for future work were discussed. |
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Approved |
Most recent IF: NA |
| Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:178725 |
Serial |
8323 |
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| Author |
Gielis, J. |
| Title |
Phi-bonacci in Ancient Greece |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
| Year |
2021 |
Publication |
Symmetry : culture and science |
Abbreviated Journal |
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| Volume |
32 |
Issue |
1 |
Pages |
25-40 |
| Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL) |
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Fibonacci numbers are a very popular subject in mathematics, culture and science. A major open question is why the ancient Greeks overlooked this series, while they were very familiar with the golden mean and division in extreme and mean ratio. Furthermore, they could compute the square root of five to a high degree of precision using Theon 's ladder. This fact is based on tables built with side and diagonal numbers, and it is a simple and incredibly efficient method to compute roots of integers, though it is little known even now among most of the experts. The biologist D 'Arcy Wentworth Thompson showed that the same method could be used to generate the Fibonacci series using a simple shift in the computation of the tables. He argues, quite convincingly, that the ancient Greeks could not have overlooked this. Actually, the same method can be used to generate all possible regular phyllotaxis patterns. |
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000643822700002 |
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2021-03-30 |
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0865-4824 |
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Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record |
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OpenAccess |
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Approved |
Most recent IF: NA |
| Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:178322 |
Serial |
8376 |
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Van Hal, M. |
| Title |
Photo(electro)catalytic air purification and soot degradation with simultaneous energy recovery |
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Doctoral thesis |
| Year |
2021 |
Publication |
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Issue |
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Pages |
XXXII, 203 p. |
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Doctoral thesis; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL) |
| Abstract |
Today’s society is increasingly challenged by a range of urgent environmental problems. Air pollution is one of these pressing topics. This thesis will mainly focus on the degradation of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and particulate matter (PM) – more specifically soot. A second globally urging topic is the quest for sustainable energy production. To simultaneously target both environmental problems, a photoelectrochemical (PEC) cell will be studied in this thesis, combining air purification and sustainable energy production in a single device. Photocatalysis is used at the anode of the PEC cell to drive the air purification process, while the energy contained in the degraded compounds is (partially) recovered at the cathode, either as H2 gas or electricity. The first two experimental chapters focus on the proof of concept of such an unbiased all-gas phase PEC cell targeting VOC degradation, using both TiO2- and WO3-based photocatalysts. In the two following experimental chapters the photocatalytic soot oxidation capacity of these TiO2- and WO3-based photocatalysts was studied. In the final experimental chapter the previously obtained results were combined, striving towards an efficient, sunlight-driven and soot-degrading waste gas-to-energy PEC cell. |
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Most recent IF: NA |
| Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:184521 |
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8378 |
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| Author |
Daems, E. |
| Title |
Shaping up oligonucleotides : aptamer-target recognition investigated by native mass spectrometry |
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Doctoral thesis |
| Year |
2021 |
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Issue |
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235 p. |
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Doctoral thesis; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation) |
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Aptamers are short, synthetic DNA or RNA molecules that are characterized by a specific 3D conformation which enables specific target recognition. Aptamers are promising tools in many application fields from sensing to therapeutics. One of the major challenges in the aptamer field is understanding the relationship between the sequence and what determines the higher-order structure and specific interactions with targets. Therefore, this PhD thesis focuses on the use of different mass spectrometry (MS) based approaches to characterize aptamers and their interactions. Several of these approaches are already widely applied to study other biomolecules, such as proteins, but are still largely unexplored for aptamers and oligonucleotides in general. A first focus was put on obtaining information on the higher-order structure and conformational stability of aptamers using a combination of MS and with ion mobility (IM) spectrometry by performing collision-induced unfolding (CIU) experiments. CIU was shown to hold great promise to analyze the conformational dynamics and gas-phase stabilities of aptamers. Next, the capabilities and limitations of native IM-MS for the analysis of noncovalent interactions of aptamers were demonstrated. The conformational behavior and interactions of cocaine-binding aptamers were studied and it was found that relative binding affinities of aptamers that only differ slightly in sequence and structure can be determined using native MS. Moreover, native IM-MS allowed the detection of small conformational changes upon binding of a target, which were found to be dependent on the binding mode of the aptamer. An adaptive binding mechanism was suggested for flexible aptamers that require more reorganization upon binding. In the final part of this thesis, the importance of thoroughly characterizing and validating aptamer-target interactions before using them in an application was emphasized. Moreover, the gathered insights were applied in our own development of a proof-of-concept aptamer-based sensor. This was shown by investigating the interactions of ampicillin aptamers which were found to not bind the target they were selected for in the first place. A multi-analytical approach combining complementary techniques was used for this purpose since no single technique is generally applicable to characterize all aptamers and their interactions and to obtain a comprehensive picture of the aptamer-target interactions. Furthermore, such multi-analytical approach was used to characterize a testosterone-binding aptamer while developing an aptamer-based electrochemiluminescent sensing strategy for this target. This shows the importance of native MS, in combination with other techniques, to thoroughly understand the aptamer-target interactions in the development of a designed application. |
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Most recent IF: NA |
| Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:178116 |
Serial |
8517 |
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Al-Emam, E.; Motawea, A.G.; Caen, J.; Janssens, K. |
| Title |
Soot removal from ancient Egyptian complex painted surfaces using a double network gel : empirical tests on the ceiling of the sanctuary of Osiris in the temple of Seti I-Abydos |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
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2021 |
Publication |
Heritage science |
Abbreviated Journal |
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9 |
Issue |
1 |
Pages |
1-10 |
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A1 Journal article; Art; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation); Antwerp Cultural Heritage Sciences (ARCHES) |
| Abstract |
In this study, we evaluated the ease of removal of soot layers from ancient wall paintings by employing double network gels as a controllable and safe cleaning method. The ceiling of the temple of Seti I (Abydos, Egypt) is covered with thick layers of soot; this is especially the case in the sanctuary of Osiris. These layers may have been accumulated during the occupation of the temple by Christians, fleeing the Romans in the first centuries A.D. Soot particulates are one of the most common deposits to be removed during conservation-restoration activities of ancient Egyptian wall paintings. They usually mask the painted reliefs and reduce the permeability of the painted surface. A Polyvinyl alcohol-borax/agarose (PVA-B/AG) double network gel was selected for this task since its properties were expected to be compatible with the cleaning treatment requirements. The gel is characterized by its flexibility, permitting to take the shape of the reliefs, while also having self-healing properties, featuring shape stability and an appropriate capacity to retain liquid. The gel was loaded with several cleaning reagents that proved to be effective for soot removal. Soot removal tests were conducted with these gel composites. The cleaned surfaces were evaluated with the naked eye, a digital microscope, and color measurements in order to select the best gel composite. The gel composite, loaded with a solution of 5% ammonia, 0.3% ammonium carbonate, and 0.3% EDTA yielded the most satisfactory results and allowed to safely remove a crust of thick soot layers from the surface. Thus, during the final phase of the study, it was used successfully to clean a larger area of the ceiling. |
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000604977300001 |
Publication Date |
2021-01-04 |
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2050-7445 |
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Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles |
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OpenAccess |
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Approved |
Most recent IF: NA |
| Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:174948 |
Serial |
8557 |
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Van Loenhout, J. |
| Title |
Targeting pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and glioblastoma with oxidative stress-mediated treatment strategies : focus on tumor cell death and modulation of the tumor microenvironment |
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Doctoral thesis |
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2021 |
Publication |
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Issue |
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Pages |
167 p. |
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Doctoral thesis; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT); Center for Oncological Research (CORE) |
| Abstract |
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) are two of the most malignant solid tumor types with poor survival rates, which underscore the urgency of novel and efficacious treatment strategies. Within the last decade, immunotherapy has been established as a breakthrough in cancer therapy. This mainly has been driven by the clinical data and approval associated with several immune checkpoint inhibitors (e.g. anti-CTLA-4 and anti-PD-1/L1). Despite the clinical benefit in specific tumor types, these inhibitors have not yet fulfilled their promise in low immunogenic tumors such as PDAC and GBM. Oxidative stress in cancer cells due to elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) and an inability to balance intracellular redox state has recently been highlighted as promising target for anticancer treatment strategies with possible immunogenic effects. In this PhD dissertation, I investigated novel oxidative stress-mediated treatment approaches to target PDAC and GBM and to enhance immunogenicity by inducing immunogenic cell death (ICD). In the first part of this thesis (chapter 2), I reviewed the mechanistic responses of cancer cells towards different oxidative stress-inducing treatment strategies and their immunomodulating effects. The resulting literature demonstrated that different exogenous and endogenous ROS-inducing therapies show direct and indirect immunomodulating effects, which can be either immunostimulatory or immunosuppressive. One of the indirect immunostimulatory effects of the ROS-mediating therapies is the capacity of inducing immunogenic cell death (ICD) in tumor cells, which can increase the immunogenicity and consequently can trigger an antitumoral immune response. In chapter 3, I investigated a novel exogenous ROS-inducing treatment method, namely cold atmospheric plasma, to determine the therapeutic and ICD-inducing effects in PDAC, in vitro. I revealed that plasma-treated PBS (pPBS) has the potential to induce ICD in pancreatic cancer cells (PCCs) and to reduce the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) by attacking the tumor supportive pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs). Although the cell death induced in PSCs was non-immunogenic as seen by the lack of danger-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) emission and DC activation, I showed that pPBS could disrupt the physical barrier and lower the immunosuppressive secretion profile (lower TGF-β) of PSCs. In contrast, DAMPs were released by PCCs after treatment with pPBS which resulted in activation and maturation of DCs and a more immunostimulatory secretion profile (higher TNF-α, IFN-γ). Hence, indirect plasma treatment via pPBS has the potential to enhance immunogenicity in PDAC by triggering ICD and by attacking the immunosuppressive PSCs. Tumor cells can evolve adaptation mechanisms to protect themselves against intrinsic oxidative stress by upregulation of pro-survival molecules and their antioxidant defense system to maintain the redox balance. As such, tumor cells can become resistant towards exogenous ROS-inducing therapies, like plasma. Dual targeting of the redox balance of tumor cells by increasing exogenous levels of ROS and inhibiting the antioxidant defense system can maximally exploit ROS-mediated cell death mechanisms as therapeutic anticancer strategy. In this regard, cold atmospheric plasma was combined with auranofin, a thioredoxin reductase inhibitor, in GBM (chapter 4). A synergistic effect was shown after this combination treatment in 2D and 3D, however, in 3D only high concentrations of auranofin synergized with plasma treatment. I confirmed a ROS-mediated response after combination treatment, which was able to induce distinct cell death mechanisms, specifically apoptosis and ferroptosis. Additionally, the auranofin and plasma combined treatment strategy induced cell death, which resulted in an increased release of DAMPs. Together with the observed DC maturation, these results indicates the potential increase in immunogenicity, though, the phagocytotic capacity of DCs was inhibited by auranofin. In chapter 5, I evaluated this promising oxidative stress combination therapy in GBM, in vivo. A decrease in tumor kinetics and an increased survival in GBM-bearing mice was observed when auranofin was sequentially combined with direct plasma treatment. No T cell infiltration was observed after auranofin monotherapy. However, further characterization of the TME after the combination therapy is necessary to provide more insight in the immunogenic effects in vivo. In conclusion, this PhD dissertation comprises novel and important therapeutic and immunogenic insights in cold atmospheric plasma and auranofin as promising oxidative stress-mediated treatment strategies for low immunogenic tumors, like PDAC and GBM. These preclinical results provide a solid basis for future research towards combinations with immunotherapeutic approaches. |
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Approved |
Most recent IF: NA |
| Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:181309 |
Serial |
8643 |
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| Author |
Gielis, J.; Brasili, S. |
| Title |
The apeirogon and dual numbers |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
| Year |
2021 |
Publication |
Symmetry : culture and science |
Abbreviated Journal |
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| Volume |
32 |
Issue |
2 |
Pages |
157-160 |
| Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL) |
| Abstract |
The richness, diversity, connection, depth and pleasure of studying symmetry continue to open doors. Here we report a connection between Coxeter's Apeirogon and the geometry associated with pictorial space, parabolic rotation and dual numbers. |
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000670122100011 |
Publication Date |
2021-07-02 |
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Edition |
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0865-4824 |
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Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record |
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Open Access |
Not_Open_Access |
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Approved |
Most recent IF: NA |
| Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:179759 |
Serial |
8652 |
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Nakhaee, M. |
| Title |
Tight-binding model for two-dimensional materials |
Type |
Doctoral thesis |
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2020 |
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Pages |
139 p. |
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Doctoral thesis; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT) |
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abstract not available |
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Approved |
Most recent IF: NA |
| Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:166134 |
Serial |
8671 |
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Baij, L.; Liu, C.; Buijs, J.; Alvarez Martin, A.; Westert, D.; Raven, L.; Geels, N.; Noble, P.; Sprakel, J.; Keune, K. |
| Title |
Understanding and optimizing Evolon® CR for varnish removal from oil paintings |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
| Year |
2021 |
Publication |
Heritage science |
Abbreviated Journal |
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| Volume |
9 |
Issue |
1 |
Pages |
155-17 |
| Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation); Antwerp X-ray Imaging and Spectroscopy (AXIS) |
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Publication Date |
2021-11-27 |
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Edition |
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| ISSN |
2050-7445 |
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UA library record |
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Open Access |
Not_Open_Access |
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Approved |
Most recent IF: NA |
| Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:183747 |
Serial |
8707 |
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| Author |
Mary Joy, R.; Pobedinskas, P.; Bourgeois, E.; Chakraborty, T.; Görlitz, J.; Herrmann, D.; Noël, C.; Heupel, J.; Jannis, D.; Gauquelin, N.; D'Haen, J.; Verbeeck, J.; Popov, C.; Houssiau, L.; Becher, C.; Nesládek, M.; Haenen, K. |
| Title |
Germanium vacancy centre formation in CVD nanocrystalline diamond using a solid dopant source |
Type |
A3 Journal article |
| Year |
2023 |
Publication |
Science talks |
Abbreviated Journal |
Science Talks |
| Volume |
5 |
Issue |
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Pages |
100157 |
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A3 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT) |
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Publication Date |
2023-02-09 |
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Edition |
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| ISSN |
2772-5693 |
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UA library record |
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Open Access |
OpenAccess |
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Approved |
Most recent IF: NA |
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EMAT @ emat @c:irua:196969 |
Serial |
8791 |
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Zheng, J.; Zhang, H.; Lv, J.; Zhang, M.; Wan, J.; Gerrits, N.; Wu, A.; Lan, B.; Wang, W.; Wang, S.; Tu, X.; Bogaerts, A.; Li, X. |
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Enhanced NH3Synthesis from Air in a Plasma Tandem-Electrocatalysis System Using Plasma-Engraved N-Doped Defective MoS2 |
Type |
A1 Journal Article |
| Year |
2023 |
Publication |
JACS Au |
Abbreviated Journal |
JACS Au |
| Volume |
3 |
Issue |
5 |
Pages |
1328-1336 |
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A1 Journal Article; Plasma, laser ablation and surface modeling Antwerp (PLASMANT) ; |
| Abstract |
We have developed a sustainable method to produce NH3 directly from air using a plasma tandem-electrocatalysis system that operates via the N2−NOx−NH3 pathway. To efficiently reduce NO2− to NH3, we propose a novel electrocatalyst consisting of defective N-doped molybdenum sulfide nanosheets on vertical graphene arrays (N-MoS2/VGs). We used a plasma engraving process to form the metallic 1T phase, N doping, and S vacancies in the electrocatalyst simultaneously. Our system exhibited a remarkable NH3 production rate of 7.3 mg h−1 cm−2 at −0.53 V vs RHE, which is almost 100 times higher than the state-of-the-art electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction and more than double that of other hybrid systems. Moreover, a low energy consumption of only 2.4 MJ molNH3−1 was achieved in this study. Density functional theory calculations revealed that S vacancies and doped N atoms play a dominant role in the selective reduction of NO2− to NH3. This study opens up new avenues for efficient NH3 production using cascade systems. |
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000981779300001 |
Publication Date |
2023-05-22 |
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Edition |
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2691-3704 |
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UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles |
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| Notes |
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (51976191, 5227060056, 52276214) and the National Key Technologies R&D Program of China (2018YFE0117300). N.G. was financially supported through an NWO Rubicon Grant (019.202EN.012). X.T. acknowl- edges the support of the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EP/X002713/1). |
Approved |
Most recent IF: NA |
| Call Number |
PLASMANT @ plasmant @c:irua:196761 |
Serial |
8792 |
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Vlasov, E.; Skorikov, A.; Sánchez-Iglesias, A.; Liz-Marzán, L.M.; Verbeeck, J.; Bals, S. |
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Secondary electron induced current in scanning transmission electron microscopy: an alternative way to visualize the morphology of nanoparticles |
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A1 Journal article |
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2023 |
Publication |
ACS materials letters |
Abbreviated Journal |
ACS Materials Lett. |
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1916-1921 |
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A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT) |
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Electron tomography (ET) is a powerful tool to determine the three-dimensional (3D) structure of nanomaterials in a transmission electron microscope. However, the acquisition of a conventional tilt series for ET is a time-consuming process and can therefore not provide 3D structural information in a time-efficient manner. Here, we propose surface-sensitive secondary electron (SE) imaging as an alternative to ET for the investigation of the morphology of nanomaterials. We use the SE electron beam induced current (SEEBIC) technique that maps the electrical current arising from holes generated by the emission of SEs from the sample. SEEBIC imaging can provide valuable information on the sample morphology with high spatial resolution and significantly shorter throughput times compared with ET. In addition, we discuss the contrast formation mechanisms that aid in the interpretation of SEEBIC data. |
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Wos |
001006191600001 |
Publication Date |
2023-06-12 |
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Series Issue |
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Edition |
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2639-4979 |
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Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles |
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Times cited |
1 |
Open Access |
OpenAccess |
| Notes |
The funding for this project was provided by European Research Council (ERC Consolidator Grant 815128, REALNANO). J.V. acknowledges the eBEAM project, which is supported by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under grant agreement no. 101017720 (FET-Proactive EBEAM). L.M.L.-M. acknowledges funding from MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 (grant # PID2020-117779RB-I00). |
Approved |
Most recent IF: NA |
| Call Number |
EMAT @ emat @c:irua:197004 |
Serial |
8795 |
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Abduvokhidov, D.; Yusupov, M.; Shahzad, A.; Attri, P.; Shiratani, M.; Oliveira, M.C.; Razzokov, J. |
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Unraveling the Transport Properties of RONS across Nitro-Oxidized Membranes |
Type |
A1 Journal Article |
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2023 |
Publication |
Biomolecules |
Abbreviated Journal |
Biomolecules |
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13 |
Issue |
7 |
Pages |
1043 |
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A1 Journal Article; Plasma, laser ablation and surface modeling Antwerp (PLASMANT) ; |
| Abstract |
The potential of cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) in biomedical applications has received significant interest, due to its ability to generate reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS). Upon exposure to living cells, CAP triggers alterations in various cellular components, such as the cell membrane. However, the permeation of RONS across nitrated and oxidized membranes remains understudied. To address this gap, we conducted molecular dynamics simulations, to investigate the permeation capabilities of RONS across modified cell membranes. This computational study investigated the translocation processes of less hydrophilic and hydrophilic RONS across the phospholipid bilayer (PLB), with various degrees of oxidation and nitration, and elucidated the impact of RONS on PLB permeability. The simulation results showed that less hydrophilic species, i.e., NO, NO2, N2O4, and O3, have a higher penetration ability through nitro-oxidized PLB compared to hydrophilic RONS, i.e., HNO3, s-cis-HONO, s-trans-HONO, H2O2, HO2, and OH. In particular, nitro-oxidation of PLB, induced by, e.g., cold atmospheric plasma, has minimal impact on the penetration of free energy barriers of less hydrophilic species, while it lowers these barriers for hydrophilic RONS, thereby enhancing their translocation across nitro-oxidized PLB. This research contributes to a better understanding of the translocation abilities of RONS in the field of plasma biomedical applications and highlights the need for further analysis of their role in intracellular signaling pathways. |
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001035160000001 |
Publication Date |
2023-06-27 |
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Edition |
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2218-273X |
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UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles |
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Open Access |
Not_Open_Access |
| Notes |
This research was funded by the Innovative Development Agency of the Republic of Uzbekistan, grant number FZ-2020092817. |
Approved |
Most recent IF: NA |
| Call Number |
PLASMANT @ plasmant @c:irua:198154 |
Serial |
8803 |
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Parrilla, M.; Vanhooydonck, A.; Johns, M.; Watts, R.; De Wael, K. |
| Title |
3D-printed microneedle-based potentiometric sensor for pH monitoring in skin interstitial fluid |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
| Year |
2023 |
Publication |
Sensors and actuators : B : chemical |
Abbreviated Journal |
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378 |
Issue |
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Pages |
133159-10 |
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A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Internet Data Lab (IDLab); Product development; Antwerp Electrochemical and Analytical Sciences Lab (A-Sense Lab) |
| Abstract |
Wearable electrochemical sensors are driven by the user-friendly capability of continuous monitoring of key biomarkers for diagnostic or therapeutic operations. Particularly, microneedle (MN)-based sensors can access the interstitial fluid (ISF) in the dermis layer of skin to carry out on-body transdermal detection of analytes. Interestingly, 3D-printing technology allows for rapid and versatile prototyping reaching micrometer resolution. Herein, for the first time, we explore 3D-printed hollow MN patches (1 mm height x 1 mm base with 0.3 mm hole) which are modified with conductive inks to develop a potentiometric sensor for pH monitoring. First, the piercing capability of 3D-printed MN patches is demonstrated by using the parafilm model and their insertion in porcine skin. Subsequently, the hollow MNs are filled with conductive inks to engineer a set of microelectrodes. Thereafter, the working and reference electrodes are properly modified with polyaniline and polyvinyl butyral, respectively, toward a highly stable potentiometric cell. A full in vitro characterization is performed within a broad range of pH (i.e. pH 4 to pH 9). Besides, the MN sensor is analytically assessed in phantom gel and pierced on porcine skin to evaluate the resilience of the MN sensor. Finally, the MN sensor is pierced on the forearm of a subject and tested for its on-body monitoring capability. Overall, 3D-printed MN-based potentiometric sensing brings a versatile and affordable technology to minimally-invasively monitor key physiological parameters in the body. |
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Wos |
000904590500008 |
Publication Date |
2022-12-12 |
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Abbreviated Series Title |
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Series Issue |
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Edition |
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0925-4005 |
ISBN |
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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:192381 |
Serial |
8824 |
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Saeumel, I.; Ramirez, L.R.; Santolin, J.; Pintado, K. |
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A step to disentangle diversity patterns in Uruguayan grasslands : climatic seasonality, novel land-uses, and landscape context drive diversity of ground flora |
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A1 Journal article |
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2023 |
Publication |
Conservation Science and Practice |
Abbreviated Journal |
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5 |
Issue |
9 |
Pages |
1-20 |
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A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL) |
| Abstract |
South American grasslands contain extraordinary biodiversity and play a central role in the subsistence of regional agroecosystems. In recent decades, afforestation, followed by the soybean planting boom, have led to drastic land-use changes at the expense of grasslands. Impacts on local biodiversity have remained understudied. We explored the taxonomic richness and ss-diversity of plants of ground layer (excluding trees and shrubs) at different land uses, its interplay at regional scale with environmental heterogeneity, and at local scale with novel land cover types and landscape configurations. We conducted correlation, principal component, NDMS, and SDR analysis to explore variation of taxonomic richness, richness difference, replacement, and similarity of ground flora as response to environmental filters and land use change across Uruguay. We surveyed 160 plots distributed in 10 land cover types, that is, closed and open native forests, different grasslands, crops, orchards, and timber plantations. We observed overlaying regional patterns driven by seasonality of temperature and precipitation, and land cover shaping taxonomic richness at local scale. Landscape configuration affects diversity patterns of native ground flora, which seems to be sustained mainly by the “old growth grassland” species pool. Taxonomic richness of native species decreases with an increase of distance to grassland. Crops and grasslands harbor a higher number of native species in the ground flora than native forests and timber plantations. The introduction of exotics is driven mostly by crops or highly modified pastures. Diversity patterns only partially reflect the ecoregion concept. Expanding the perspective from conservation in purely natural ecosystems to measures conserving species richness in human-modified landscapes is a powerful tool against species loss in the Anthropocene. |
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001034673500001 |
Publication Date |
2023-07-24 |
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Edition |
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2578-4854 |
ISBN |
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UA library record; WoS full record |
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Open Access |
OpenAccess |
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Approved |
Most recent IF: NA |
| Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:198300 |
Serial |
8828 |
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Espinosa, I.M.P.; Karaaslan, Y.; Sevik, C.; Martini, A. |
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Atomistic model of the anisotropic response of ortho-Mo₂C to indentation |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
| Year |
2023 |
Publication |
AIP advances |
Abbreviated Journal |
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13 |
Issue |
6 |
Pages |
065125-65127 |
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A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT) |
| Abstract |
Molybdenum carbide has various applications for which studying the material using classical molecular dynamics simulations would be valuable. Here, we develop an empirical potential within the Tersoff formalism using particle swarm optimization for the orthorhombic phase of Mo2C. The developed potential is shown to predict lattice constants, elastic properties, and equation of state results that are consistent with current and previously reported results from experiments and first principles calculations. We demonstrate the potential with simulations of indentation using multiple indenter sizes that load and unload in three different directions relative to the crystallographic lattice of orthorhombic Mo2C. Direction-dependent force-displacement trends are analyzed and explained in terms of the spatial distributions of stress and strain within the material during indentation. This study reveals the anisotropic elasticity of orthorhombic Mo2C and, more generally, provides researchers with a new empirical potential that can be used to explore the properties and behavior of the material going forward. |
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001016472500005 |
Publication Date |
2023-06-23 |
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Abbreviated Series Title |
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Series Issue |
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Edition |
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| ISSN |
2158-3226 |
ISBN |
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Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record |
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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:198333 |
Serial |
8834 |
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Liu, J.; Wang, C.; Yu, W.; Zhao, H.; Hu, Z.-Y.; Liu, F.; Hasan, T.; Li, Y.; Van Tendeloo, G.; Li, C.; Su, B.-L. |
| Title |
Bioinspired noncyclic transfer pathway electron donors for unprecedented hydrogen production |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
| Year |
2023 |
Publication |
CCS chemistry |
Abbreviated Journal |
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| Volume |
5 |
Issue |
6 |
Pages |
1470-1482 |
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A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT) |
| Abstract |
Electron donors are widely exploited in visible-light photocatalytic hydrogen production. As a typical electron donor pair and often the first choice for hydrogen production, the sodium sulfide-sodium sulfite pair has been extensively used. However, the resultant thiosulfate ions consume the photogenerated electrons to form an undesirable pseudocyclic electron transfer pathway during the photocatalytic process, strongly limiting the solar energy conversion efficiency. Here, we report novel and bioinspired electron donor pairs offering a noncyclic electron transfer pathway that provides more electrons without the consumption of the photogenerated electrons. Compared to the state-of-the-art electron donor pair Na2S-Na2SO3, these novel Na2S-NaH2PO2 and Na2S-NaNO2 electron donor pairs enable an unprecedented enhancement of up to 370% and 140% for average photocatalytic H-2 production over commercial CdS nanoparticles, and they are versatile for a large series of photocatalysts for visible-light water splitting. The discovery of these novel electron donor pairs can lead to a revolution in photocatalysis and is of great significance for industrial visible-light-driven H-2 production. [GRAPHICS] . |
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| Language |
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Wos |
001037091900008 |
Publication Date |
2022-06-30 |
| 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; 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:198409 |
Serial |
8837 |
| Permanent link to this record |
| |
|
| |
| Author |
Perreault, P.; Boruntea, C.-R.; Dhawan Yadav, H.; Portela Soliño, I.; Kummamuru, N.B. |
| Title |
Combined methane pyrolysis and solid carbon gasification for electrified CO₂-free hydrogen and syngas production |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
| Year |
2023 |
Publication |
Energies |
Abbreviated Journal |
|
| Volume |
16 |
Issue |
21 |
Pages |
7316-7320 |
| Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL) |
| Abstract |
The coupling of methane pyrolysis with the gasification of a solid carbon byproduct provides CO2-free hydrogen and hydrogen-rich syngas, eliminating the conundrum of carbon utilization. Firstly, the various types of carbon that are known to result during the pyrolysis process and their dependencies on the reaction conditions for catalytic and noncatalytic systems are summarized. The synchronization of the reactions’ kinetics is considered to be of paramount importance for efficient performance. This translates to the necessity of finding suitable reaction conditions, carbon reactivities, and catalysts that might enable control over competing reactions through the manipulation of the reaction rates. As a consequence, the reaction kinetics of methane pyrolysis is then emphasized, followed by the particularities of carbon deposition and the kinetics of carbon gasification. Given the urgency in finding suitable solutions for decarbonizing the energy sector and the limited information on the gasification of pyrolytic carbon, more research is needed and encouraged in this area. In order to provide CO2-free hydrogen production, the reaction heat should also be provided without CO2. Electrification is one of the solutions, provided that low-carbon sources are used to generate the electricity. Power-to-heat, i.e., where electricity is used for heating, represents the first step for the chemical industry. |
| 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 |
001103312100001 |
Publication Date |
2023-10-29 |
| 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 |
1996-1073 |
ISBN |
|
Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record |
| Impact Factor |
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Times cited |
|
Open Access |
OpenAccess |
| Notes |
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Approved |
Most recent IF: NA |
| Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:200456 |
Serial |
8842 |
| Permanent link to this record |
| |
|
| |
| Author |
Vizarim, N.P. |
| Title |
Dynamic behavior of Skyrmions under the influence of periodic pinning in chiral magnetic infinite thin films |
Type |
Doctoral thesis |
| Year |
2023 |
Publication |
|
Abbreviated Journal |
|
| Volume |
|
Issue |
|
Pages |
212 p. |
| Keywords |
Doctoral thesis; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT) |
| Abstract |
The miniaturization of transistors for application in new processors and logic devices poses a significant challenge in the field of materials. Spintronics, which relies on controlled movement of magnetic nanostructures, offers a promising solution. Among the candidates, magnetic skyrmions are considered one of the most promising. These chiral spin structures, characterized by topological protection and enhanced stability compared to vortices or magnetic bubbles, have been extensively studied. To advance in the control of skyrmion motion, essential for practical applications, we investigated their dynamic behavior in a two-dimensional chiral magnet at zero temperature. Our study focused on the influence of periodic arrays of pinning centers. The simulations considered skyrmions as point-like particles considering the following interactions: skyrmion-skyrmion interactions, interactions with pinning center arrays, a current of polarized spins, and the Magnus force. We conducted calculations for scenarios involving a single skyrmion as well as different skyrmion density values in the material. The aim was to explore possibilities for controlled skyrmion motion, investigate different dynamic regimes, and examine collective effects. The results demonstrate that by adjusting the size, strength, and density of the pinning centers, we can effectively control the motion of individual skyrmions and manage the flow of multiple skyrmions. Furthermore, we discovered that periodic arrays of pinning centers can facilitate topological selection when different species of skyrmions with distinct Magnus components are present. Employing alternating currents, we observed the significant role of the ratchet effect in the skyrmion dynamics. By fine-tuning the amplitudes of the alternating currents, we achieved direct and controlled motion of skyrmions in specific directions. These findings hold potential for advancing our understanding of skyrmion dynamics and can inspire future technological applications involving these quasi-particles. Overall, we anticipate that our results will be valuable to the scientific community, contributing to a deeper comprehension of skyrmion dynamics and paving the way for future technological applications. |
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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 |
|
| Notes |
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Approved |
Most recent IF: NA |
| Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:198101 |
Serial |
8852 |
| Permanent link to this record |
| |
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| |
| Author |
Truta, F.; Drăgan, A.-M.; Tertis, M.; Parrilla, M.; Slosse, A.; Van Durme, F.; De Wael, K.; Cristea, C. |
| Title |
Electrochemical rapid detection of methamphetamine from confiscated samples using a graphene-based printed platform |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
| Year |
2023 |
Publication |
Sensors |
Abbreviated Journal |
|
| Volume |
23 |
Issue |
13 |
Pages |
6193-18 |
| Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Antwerp Electrochemical and Analytical Sciences Lab (A-Sense Lab) |
| Abstract |
Methamphetamine (MAP) is a highly addictive and illegal stimulant drug that has a significant impact on the central nervous system. Its detection in biological and street samples is crucial for various organizations involved in forensic medicine, anti-drug efforts, and clinical diagnosis. In recent years, nanotechnology and nanomaterials have played a significant role in the development of analytical sensors for MAP detection. In this study, a fast, simple, and cost-effective electrochemical sensor is presented that is used for the sensitive detection of MAP in confiscated street samples with a complex matrix. The optimized screen-printed sensor based on a carbon working electrode modified with graphene demonstrated an excellent limit of detection, good sensitivity, and a wide dynamic range (1–500 μM) for the target illicit drug both for standard solutions and real samples (seized samples, tap water, and wastewater samples). It can detect MAP at concentrations as low as 300 nM in real samples. This limit of detection is suitable for the rapid preliminary screening of suspicious samples in customs, ports, airports, and on the street. Furthermore, the sensor exhibits a good recovery rate, indicating its reliability and repeatability. This quality is crucial for ensuring consistent and accurate results during screening processes. |
| 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 |
001033277900001 |
Publication Date |
2023-07-07 |
| 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 |
1424-8220 |
ISBN |
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Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles |
| Impact Factor |
|
Times cited |
|
Open Access |
OpenAccess |
| Notes |
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Approved |
Most recent IF: NA |
| Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:198181 |
Serial |
8857 |
| Permanent link to this record |
| |
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| |
| Author |
Beckwee, E.J.; Watson, G.; Houlleberghs, M.; Arenas Esteban, D.; Bals, S.; Van Der Voort, P.; Breynaert, E.; Martens, J.; Baron, G.V.; Denayer, J.F.M. |
| Title |
Enabling hydrate-based methane storage under mild operating conditions by periodic mesoporous organosilica nanotubes |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
| Year |
2023 |
Publication |
Heliyon |
Abbreviated Journal |
|
| Volume |
9 |
Issue |
7 |
Pages |
e17662-14 |
| Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT) |
| Abstract |
Biomethane is a renewable natural gas substitute produced from biogas. Storage of this sustainable energy vector in confined clathrate hydrates, encapsulated in the pores of a host material, is a highly promising avenue to improve storage capacity and energy efficiency. Herein, a new type of periodic mesoporous organosilica (PMO) nanotubes, referred to as hollow ring PMO (HR-PMO), capable of promoting methane clathrate hydrate formation under mild working conditions (273 K, 3.5 MPa) and at high water loading (5.1 g water/g HR-PMO) is reported. Gravimetric uptake measurements reveal a steep single-stepped isotherm and a noticeably high methane storage capacity (0.55 g methane/g HR-PMO; 0.11 g methane/g water at 3.5 MPa). The large working capacity throughout consecutive pressure-induced clathrate hydrate formationdissociation cycles demonstrates the material's excellent recyclability (97% preservation of capacity). Supported by ex situ cryo-electron tomography and x-ray diffraction, HR-PMO nanotubes are hypothesized to promote clathrate hydrate nucleation and growth by distribution and confinement of water in the mesopores of their outer wall, along the central channels of the nanotubes and on the external nanotube surface. These findings showcase the potential for application of organosilica materials with hierarchical and interconnected pore systems for pressure-based storage of biomethane in confined clathrate hydrates. |
| 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 |
001056264100001 |
Publication Date |
2023-06-28 |
| 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 |
2405-8440 |
ISBN |
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Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles |
| Impact Factor |
|
Times cited |
4 |
Open Access |
OpenAccess |
| Notes |
E.J.B., G.W. and M.H. contributed equally to this work. M.H. acknowledges FWO for an FWO-SB fellowship. All authors acknowledge VLAIO for Moonshot funding (ARCLATH, n ? HBC.2019.0110, ARCLATH2, n ? HBC.2021.0254) . J.A.M. acknowledges the Flemish Government for long-term structural funding (Methusalem) and department EWI for infrastructure investment via the Hermes Fund (AH.2016.134) . NMRCoRe acknowledges the Flemish government, department EWI for financial support as International Research Infrastructure (I001321N: Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy Platform for Molecular Water Research) . J.A.M. acknowledges the European Research Council (ERC) for an Advanced Research Grant under the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under grant agreement No. 834134 (WATUSO) . S.B acknowledges financial support by the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO grant G.0381.16N) . This project also received funding from the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under grant agreement No 731019 (EUSMI) and No 815128 (REALNANO) . |
Approved |
Most recent IF: NA |
| Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:199249 |
Serial |
8862 |
| Permanent link to this record |
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| |
| Author |
Hassani, H. |
| Title |
First-principles study of polarons in WO₃ |
Type |
Doctoral thesis |
| Year |
2023 |
Publication |
|
Abbreviated Journal |
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| Volume |
|
Issue |
|
Pages |
181 p. |
| Keywords |
Doctoral thesis; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT) |
| Abstract |
Polarons are quasiparticles emerging in materials from the interaction of extra charge carriers with the surrounding atomic lattice. They appear in a wide va- riety of compounds and can have a profound impact on their properties, making the concept of a polaron a central and ubiquitous topic in material science. Al- though the concept is known for about 75 years, the origin of polarons is not yet fully elucidated. This thesis focuses on WO 3 as a well-known prototypical system for studying polarons, which inherent polaronic nature is linked to its remark- able electrical and chromic properties. The primary objective of this research is to provide a comprehensive atomistic description and understanding of polaron formation in WO 3 using first-principles density functional theory (DFT) calcula- tions. Additionally, the investigation explores the interactions between polarons and the possibility of bipolaron formation. Following a systematic strategy, we first extensively analyze the dielectric and lattice dynamical properties of WO 3 in both the room-temperature P 2 1 /n and ground-state P 2 1 /c phases. Our specific focus is on characterizing the zone-center phonons, which serve as the founda- tion for identifying the phonon modes involved in the polaron formation and charge localization process. Subsequently, we examine the impact of structural distortions on the electronic structure of WO 3 to elucidate the interplay between structural distortions and electronic properties, thereby laying the groundwork for understanding electron-phonon couplings. By incorporating these critical fac- tors, we address our primary research goals. The most common explanation for the polaron formation is associated with the electrostatic screening of the extra charge by the polarizable lattice. Here, we show that, even in ionic crystals, this is not necessarily the case. We demonstrate that polarons in this compound arise primarily from non-polar atomic distortions. We then unveil that this unexpected behavior originates from the undoing of distortive atomic motions, which lowers the bandgap. As such, we coin the name of anti-distortive polaron and validate its appearance through a simple quantum-dot model, in which charge localization is the result of balancing structural, electronic, and confinement energy costs. Then, we also study the polaron-polaron interaction and present the formation of the antiferromagnetic W 4+ bipolaronic state with relatively large formation energy. Our analysis of the W 4+ bipolaronic distortions on the global structure reveals the same behavior as in experiments where the highly distorted monoclinic phase transforms into a tetragonal phase as a function of doping. Additionally, leveraging our previous findings on asymmetric polaronic distortion and examin- ing different merging orientations, we stabilize the antiferromagnetic W 5+ -W 5+ bipolaronic state with an energy lower than the W 4+ state. This thesis clari- fies the formation of unusual medium-size 2D polarons and bipolarons in WO3,which might be relevant to the whole family of ABO 3 perovskites, to which WO 3 is closely related. The simplicity of the concept provides also obvious guidelines for tracking similar behavior in other families of compounds. |
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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:198169 |
Serial |
8868 |
| Permanent link to this record |
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| Author |
Gielis, J. |
| Title |
Fred Van Oystaeyen : Time hybrids: a new generic theory of reality |
Type |
Review |
| Year |
2023 |
Publication |
Symmetry, Culture and Science |
Abbreviated Journal |
|
| Volume |
34 |
Issue |
3 |
Pages |
347-351 |
| Keywords |
Review; 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 |
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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 |
OpenAccess |
| Notes |
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Approved |
Most recent IF: NA |
| Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:199538 |
Serial |
8871 |
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| 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. |
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Thesis |
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Place of Publication |
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Wos |
001138183000001 |
Publication Date |
2024-01-09 |
| 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 |
2057-3960 |
ISBN |
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Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record |
| Impact Factor |
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Times cited |
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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 |
Most recent IF: NA |
| Call Number |
EMAT @ emat @c:irua:202714 |
Serial |
8994 |
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| Author |
Wittner, N. |
| Title |
Improving and characterising solid-state fungal pretreatment by Phanerochaete chrysosporium for sugar production from poplar wood |
Type |
Doctoral thesis |
| Year |
2023 |
Publication |
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Abbreviated Journal |
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| Volume |
|
Issue |
|
Pages |
206 p. |
| Keywords |
Doctoral thesis; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL); Biochemical Wastewater Valorization & Engineering (BioWaVE) |
| Abstract |
Pretreatment is a critical step in the conversion of lignocellulose into biofuels and biochemicals. During pretreatment, the recalcitrance of lignocellulose is reduced, e.g. by removing lignin, thereby making the carbohydrates more accessible for enzymatic saccharification. Fungal delignification by white-rot fungi is a biotechnological alternative to chemical/physicochemical methods, which is carried out in solid-state fermentation with mild reaction conditions and without the formation of microbial inhibitors. However, fungal pretreatment presents some challenges, such as long pretreatment time, non-selective and low delignification, low enzymatic digestibility and feedstock sterilisation requirement, making its commercial implementation challenging compared to conventional methods. This study investigates the possibility of improving and characterising the solid-state fungal pretreatment of poplar wood by Phanerochaete chrysosporium. The individual and combined effects of MnSO4 and CuSO4 supplements on the delignification of sterilised wood are investigated using response surface methodology to improve the degree and selectivity of fungal delignification. Spore-inoculated solid-state fermentations are carried out for 4 weeks in sterile vented bottles. The mechanism of the concerted action of the metal ions on lignin degradation is then elucidated by relating fungal growth and ligninolytic enzyme activities to lignocellulose degradation as a function of pretreatment time. The optimised metal-supplemented system is then applied to the pretreatment of non-sterilised wood using different inoculation techniques (spores and pre-colonised substrate), nutrients (metal ions with or without glucose and sodium nitrate) and cultivation environments (sterile aerated bottles and open trays). The fermentations are then characterised using infrared spectroscopy, in particular NIR and ATR-FTIR spectroscopy, with the aim of developing rapid lignin quantification methods as an alternative to conventional wet chemical methods. Finally, the feasibility of producing fermentable sugars from sterilised and non-sterilised poplar wood using fungal pretreatment is evaluated through a techno-economic analysis. Supplementing the pretreatment system with 2.01 µmol CuSO4 and 0.77 µmol MnSO4 g-1 wood resulted in 1.9-fold higher lignin degradation, 2.3-fold higher delignification selectivity value and 2.9-fold higher glucose yield. The improved delignification could be explained by the concerted action of Mn2+ and Cu2+ ions, with Mn2+ ions inducing and Cu2+ prolonging manganese peroxidase production responsible for delignification. Fungal pretreatment at non-sterile conditions was obtained using trays in a simple solid-state fermentation set-up without sterile aeration. A 1:3 ratio of pre-colonised and untreated wood was applied for inoculation and only Cu2+, Mn2+ and sodium nitrate as supplements. Remarkably, this technology resulted in a comparably high glucose yield (28.51 ± 0.28%) to the traditional method using sterilised wood, sterile aeration and spores as inoculum, while reducing the amount of wood to be sterilised by 71.2%. Infrared spectroscopy-based methods with high coefficients of determination (R_CV |
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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:197185 |
Serial |
8883 |
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| Author |
Van Putte, N. |
| Title |
Improving groundwater dynamics : a key factor for successful tidal marsh restoration |
Type |
Doctoral thesis |
| Year |
2023 |
Publication |
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Abbreviated Journal |
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| Volume |
|
Issue |
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Pages |
166 p. |
| Keywords |
Doctoral thesis; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL); Ecosphere |
| Abstract |
Tidal marshes take up and release certain elements from and to the river water. Hence, they act as a filter, improving the estuarine water quality. This filtering function depends on the interaction between the marsh soil and water that infiltrates into the marsh platform at high tide and seeps out of the creek banks at low tide. In the past centuries, many tidal marshes disappeared due to large scale land reclamations, together with their associated ecosystem services. Nowadays, tidal marshes are increasingly restored on formerly embanked agricultural areas to regain these ecosystem services. Here, we studied the effect of historical agricultural land use on the contribution of restored tidal marshes to water quality improvement, and we investigated several solutions to stimulate the water quality improving function in newly restored tidal marshes. In restored tidal marshes, the soil is often compacted due to the historical agricultural land use, leading to a reduced organic matter content and micro- and macroporosity. In this compacted soil, groundwater flow is hindered, leading to a more waterlogged soil and reduced groundwater dynamics in the restored marsh as compared to a natural marsh. The depth of groundwater drainage and the groundwater flow velocity have important implications for the processes that contribute to water quality improvement, e.g. removal of nitrogen, phosphorus retention and silica cycling. Where groundwater drains deeper, i.e. in the vicinity of tidal creeks and in a more porous soil, these processes are promoted. We suggest that, in newly restored tidal marshes, the soil porosity can be increased by amending the soil (e.g. with organic matter), and the distance to the nearest tidal creek can be reduced by creek excavation. Numerical modelling showed that the largest gain in groundwater dynamics and seepage was attained when both measures were applied together. The effect of organic soil amendments on groundwater dynamics and nutrient cycling was further explored in a large scale in situ mesocosm experiment. Where the soil was amended, groundwater drained deeper and nitrogen removal increased. For new tidal marsh restoration projects, we advise to conduct an explorative soil study. When the soil is heavily compacted, design measures, such as creek initiation and organic soil amendments can be applied to jumpstart the contribution to water quality improvement of newly restored tidal marshes. |
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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:196965 |
Serial |
8884 |
| Permanent link to this record |
