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“Overcoming pulse mixing and signal tailing in laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry depth profiling”. Bleiner D, Belloni F, Doria D, Lorusso A, Nassisi V, Journal of analytical atomic spectrometry (2005). http://doi.org/10.1039/B509379C
Abstract: The laser ablation-induced plasma was used as a composition-con trolled source for ion implantation in Si crystals. Then, laser ablation in combination with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry was used for the elemental depth profiling of the implanted samples. Monte Carlo simulations permitted us to conclude that a depth resolution of tens of nm would be necessary to define the shape of the implantation profiles, as is obtained using XPS and RBS, whereas a hundred nm depth resolution is sufficient to determine the total implanted dose. The detection power of LA-ICP-MS would routinely allow rapid analytical control on the trace level implanted dose. Nevertheless, this technique is limited in terms of depth profiling resolution due to pulse mixing and signal tailing induced during the aerosol transport. Raw signal processing procedures were developed for the minimization of shapeline dispersion, deconvolution of pulse mixing and more appropriate assessment of the implanted profiles. Shapeline dispersion could be corrected for by determining the signal waning constant and implementing this information for a non-affine alibi transformation of the LA-ICP-MS signal traces. Pulse mixing deconvolution was attained with an algorithm that considered accumulated signal intensity due to pulse-on-pulse stacking, i.e., the latest pulse on top of all antecedent individual pulses' exponential tails proportionally.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 3.379
Times cited: 26
DOI: 10.1039/B509379C
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“Computer simulations of laser ablation sample introduction for plasma-source elemental microanalysis”. Bleiner D, Bogaerts A, Journal of analytical atomic spectrometry 21, 1161 (2006). http://doi.org/10.1039/b607627k
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 3.379
Times cited: 22
DOI: 10.1039/b607627k
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“Computer simulations of sample chambers for laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma spectrometry”. Bleiner D, Bogaerts A, Spectrochimica acta: part B : atomic spectroscopy 62, 155 (2007). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.sab.2007.02.010
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 3.241
DOI: 10.1016/j.sab.2007.02.010
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“Multiplicity and contiguity of ablation mechanisms in laser-assisted analytical micro-sampling”. Bleiner D, Bogaerts A, Spectrochimica acta: part B : atomic spectroscopy 61, 421 (2006). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.sab.2006.02.007
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 3.241
Times cited: 48
DOI: 10.1016/j.sab.2006.02.007
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“Laser-induced plasmas from the ablation of metallic targets: the problem of the onset temperature, and insights on the expansion dynamics”. Bleiner D, Bogaerts A, Belloni F, Nassisi V, Journal of applied physics 101, 083301 (2007). http://doi.org/10.1063/1.2721410
Abstract: Laser-induced plasmas are transient systems rapidly aging in few nanoseconds of evolution. Time-of-flight spectrometry allowed studying initial plasma characteristics based on frozen translational degrees of freedom, hence overcoming intrinsic limitations of optical spectroscopy. Experimental ion velocity distributions were reconstructed as developed during the longitudinal plasma expansion. The obtained onset plasma temperatures are in the range of similar to 18-45 eV depending on the ablated metals. Also the ion angular spreads were found to be a function of ablated metal, e.g., the narrowest for Fe, the broadest for Al, due to different collisional coupling in the plasma population. (c) 2007 American Institute of Physics.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 2.068
Times cited: 31
DOI: 10.1063/1.2721410
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“Role of laser-induced melting and vaporization of metals during ICP-MS and LIBS analysis, investigated with computer simulations and experiments”. Bleiner D, Chen Z, Autrique D, Bogaerts A, Journal of analytical atomic spectrometry 21, 910 (2006). http://doi.org/10.1039/b602800d
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 3.379
Times cited: 42
DOI: 10.1039/b602800d
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“FIB, TEM and LA-ICPMS investigations on melt inclusions in Martian meteorites –, Analytical capabilities and geochemical insights”. Bleiner D, Macri M, Gasser P, Sautter V, Maras A, Talanta : the international journal of pure and applied analytical chemistry (2006). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.TALANTA.2005.08.022
Abstract: In order to obtain full information coverage on melt inclusions in Martian meteorites (subgroup nakhlites) complementary micro-analytical techniques were used, i.e. focused ion beam, transmission electron microscopy and laser ablation. Using focused ion beam several lamellae for transmission electron microscopy were prepared and secondary electron images of cross-sections could be acquired. Laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry analyses were performed on selected inclusions to obtain mass-oriented bulk composition of inclusions at depth. The differences in composition between melt inclusions in olivine and augite crystals would suggest a xenocrystic origin for olivine. Furthermore, electron diffraction patterns clearly indicated that the SiO2-rich phase in inclusions from augite in meteorites from Northwest Africa site is re-crystallized, whereas it is still vitreous in the inclusions from Nakhla sampling site. Therefore, different post-entrapment evolutions were active for the two nakhlite meteorite sets, the Nakhla and the NWA817 set. Melt inclusions in Nakhla olivine presented alteration veins, which were presumably produced before their landing on Earth. If this is the case, this would indicate a alteration stage already on Mars with all the consequence in terms of climate history. Melt inclusions in Nakhla augite resulted unaffected by any alteration or modification following the entrapment, and therefore represent the best candidate to indicate the pristine magma composition. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 4.162
Times cited: 9
DOI: 10.1016/J.TALANTA.2005.08.022
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Blidar A-M (2021) The development of sensitive and selective electrochemical methods for the detection of antibiotics. 139 p
Abstract: The discovery of antibiotics represented one of the greatest breakthroughs in medicine. Their success combined with an increasing intensive use is apparently bound to be also their undoing. This is due to the development of acquired antibiotic resistance, leading to inefficient antibiotherapy and even to the impossibility of treatment and death. The development and spread of antibiotic resistance are fueled by the widespread presence of trace levels of antibiotics residue, in various media, from environment to aliments. One of the solutions is the rigorous monitoring of the levels of antibiotics, which in term requires an almost constant development of new, more accessible analytical methods, especially screening methods, capable of decentralized analysis. In this direction, the electrochemical detection of antibiotics represents a very viable alternative. In this context, the aim of this thesis was to develop new electrochemical methods for the detection of antibiotics by employing and expanding on several strategies, like biomimetic sensors and electrochemical fingerprinting. Five studies were described in this thesis, that can be roughly divided in three categories, based on the analytical strategy employed. The first group is represented by direct electrochemical methods. The second group focuses on the use of biomimetic elements, molecularly imprinted polymers and aptamers. The hyphenation of electrochemical methods with other analytical methods was explored in the last group. In the last study, included in this group, the singlet oxygen-based photoelectrochemical approach was used for the detection of a phenolic antibiotic, rifampicin. The originality of the thesis consists in the testing and development of new approaches to various strategies used in electrochemical detection, revealing new insights in the field of electrochemical detection of antibiotics. The complex electrochemical fingerprint and the mechanism of the electrochemical oxidation were created and investigated, respectively, for the antibiotic vancomycin. New sensitive nanoplatforms were prepared by employing and combining new protocols. Additionally, important contributions were brought through the study involving the singlet oxygen-based detection of rifampicin. We demonstrated how a photocatalyst can exhibit analyte selectivity by strongly interacting with a complex phenolic compound, rifampicin. Summing up, the studies presented in this thesis will have an important impact in the field of electrochemical detection of antibiotics.
Keywords: Doctoral thesis; Pharmacology. Therapy; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation); Antwerp Electrochemical and Analytical Sciences Lab (A-Sense Lab)
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“Enhanced photoelectrochemical detection of an analyte triggered by its concentration by a singlet oxygen-generating fluoro photosensitizer”. Blidar A, Trashin S, Carrion EN, Gorun SM, Cristea C, De Wael K, Acs Sensors 5, 3501 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1021/ACSSENSORS.0C01609
Abstract: The use of a photocatalyst (photosensitizer) which produces singlet oxygen instead of enzymes for oxidizing analytes creates opportunities for designing cost-efficient and sensitive photoelectrochemical sensors. We report that perfluoroisopropyl-substituted zinc phthalocyanine (F64PcZn) interacts specifically with a complex phenolic compound, the antibiotic rifampicin (RIF), but not with hydroquinone or another complex phenolic compound, the antibiotic doxycycline. The specificity is imparted by the selective preconcentration of RIF in the photocatalytic layer, as revealed by electrochemical and optical measurements, complemented by molecular modeling that confirms the important role of a hydrophobic cavity formed by the iso-perfluoropropyl groups of the photocatalyst. The preconcentration effect favorably enhances the RIF photoelectrochemical detection limit as well as sensitivity to nanomolar (ppb) concentrations, LOD = 7 nM (6 ppb) and 2.8 A.M-1.cm(-2), respectively. The selectivity to RIF, retained in the photosensitizer layer, is further enhanced by the selective removal of all unretained phenols via simple washing of the electrodes with pure buffer. The utility of the sensor for analyzing municipal wastewater was demonstrated. This first demonstration of enhanced selectivity and sensitivity due to intrinsic interactions of a molecular photocatalyst (photosensitizer) with an analyte, without use of a biorecognition element, may allow the design of related, robust, simple, and viable sensors.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
Impact Factor: 8.9
DOI: 10.1021/ACSSENSORS.0C01609
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“Non-ionic surfactant (C13EOm, m=6, 12 and 18) for large pore mesoporous molecular sieves preparation”. Blin JL, Becue A, Pauwels B, Van Tendeloo G, Su BL, Microporous and mesoporous materials 44/45, 41 (2001). http://doi.org/10.1016/S1387-1811(01)00167-6
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 3.615
Times cited: 27
DOI: 10.1016/S1387-1811(01)00167-6
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“Theory and applications of free-electron vortex states”. Bliokh KY, Ivanov IP, Guzzinati G, Clark L, Van Boxem R, Béché, A, Juchtmans R, Alonso MA, Schattschneider P, Nori F, Verbeeck J, Physics reports 690, 1 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.physrep.2017.05.006
Abstract: Both classical and quantum waves can form vortices: with helical phase fronts and azimuthal current densities. These features determine the intrinsic orbital angular momentum carried by localized vortex states. In the past 25 years, optical vortex beams have become an inherent part of modern optics, with many remarkable achievements and applications. In the past decade, it has been realized and demonstrated that such vortex beams or wavepackets can also appear in free electron waves, in particular, in electron microscopy. Interest in free-electron vortex states quickly spread over different areas of physics: from basic aspects of quantum mechanics, via applications for fine probing of matter (including individual atoms), to high-energy particle collision and radiation processes. Here we provide a comprehensive review of theoretical and experimental studies in this emerging field of research. We describe the main properties of electron vortex states, experimental achievements and possible applications within transmission electron microscopy, as well as the possible role of vortex electrons in relativistic and high-energy processes. We aim to provide a balanced description including a pedagogical introduction, solid theoretical basis, and a wide range of practical details. Special attention is paid to translate theoretical insights into suggestions for future experiments, in electron microscopy and beyond, in any situation where free electrons occur.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 17.425
Times cited: 210
DOI: 10.1016/j.physrep.2017.05.006
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“Roadmap on structured waves”. Bliokh KY, Karimi E, Padgett MJ, Alonso MA, Dennis MR, Dudley A, Forbes A, Zahedpour S, Hancock SW, Milchberg HM, Rotter S, Nori F, Ozdemir SK, Bender N, Cao H, Corkum PB, Hernandez-Garcia C, Ren H, Kivshar Y, Silveirinha MG, Engheta N, Rauschenbeutel A, Schneeweiss P, Volz J, Leykam D, Smirnova DA, Rong K, Wang B, Hasman E, Picardi MF, Zayats AV, Rodriguez-Fortuno FJ, Yang C, Ren J, Khanikaev AB, Alu A, Brasselet E, Shats M, Verbeeck J, Schattschneider P, Sarenac D, Cory DG, Pushin DA, Birk M, Gorlach A, Kaminer I, Cardano F, Marrucci L, Krenn M, Marquardt F, Journal of optics 25, 103001 (2023). http://doi.org/10.1088/2040-8986/ACEA92
Abstract: Structured waves are ubiquitous for all areas of wave physics, both classical and quantum, where the wavefields are inhomogeneous and cannot be approximated by a single plane wave. Even the interference of two plane waves, or of a single inhomogeneous (evanescent) wave, provides a number of nontrivial phenomena and additional functionalities as compared to a single plane wave. Complex wavefields with inhomogeneities in the amplitude, phase, and polarization, including topological----- structures and singularities, underpin modern nanooptics and photonics, yet they are equally important, e.g. for quantum matter waves, acoustics, water waves, etc. Structured waves are crucial in optical and electron microscopy, wave propagation and scattering, imaging, communications, quantum optics, topological and non-Hermitian wave systems, quantum condensed-matter systems, optomechanics, plasmonics and metamaterials, optical and acoustic manipulation, and so forth. This Roadmap is written collectively by prominent researchers and aims to survey the role of structured waves in various areas of wave physics. Providing background, current research, and anticipating future developments, it will be of interest to a wide cross-disciplinary audience.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 2.1
Times cited: 7
DOI: 10.1088/2040-8986/ACEA92
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“Electron vortex beams in a magnetic field : a new twist on Landau levels and Aharonov-Bohm states”. Bliokh KY, Schattschneider P, Verbeeck J, Nori F, Physical review X 2, 041011 (2012). http://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevX.2.041011
Abstract: We examine the propagation of the recently discovered electron vortex beams in a longitudinal magnetic field. We consider both the Aharonov-Bohm configuration with a single flux line and the Landau case of a uniform magnetic field. While stationary Aharonov-Bohm modes represent Bessel beams with flux- and vortex-dependent probability distributions, stationary Landau states manifest themselves as nondiffracting Laguerre-Gaussian beams. Furthermore, the Landau-state beams possess field- and vortex-dependent phases: (i) the Zeeman phase from coupling the quantized angular momentum to the magnetic field and (ii) the Gouy phase, known from optical Laguerre-Gaussian beams. Remarkably, together these phases determine the structure of Landau energy levels. This unified Zeeman-Landau-Gouy phase manifests itself in a nontrivial evolution of images formed by various superpositions of modes. We demonstrate that, depending on the chosen superposition, the image can rotate in a magnetic field with either (i) Larmor, (ii) cyclotron (double-Larmor), or (iii) zero frequency. At the same time, its centroid always follows the classical cyclotron trajectory, in agreement with the Ehrenfest theorem. Interestingly, the nonrotating superpositions reproduce stable multivortex configurations that appear in rotating superfluids. Our results open an avenue for the direct electron-microscopy observation of fundamental properties of free quantum-electron states in magnetic fields.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 12.789
Times cited: 130
DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevX.2.041011
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“Assessing the molecular weight of a conducting polymer by grazing emission XRF”. Blockhuys F, Claes M, Van Grieken R, Geise HJ, Analytical chemistry 72, 3366 (2000). http://doi.org/10.1021/AC990877K
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
DOI: 10.1021/AC990877K
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“Magneto-oscillations of the gate current in a laterally modulated two-dimensional electron gas”. Blom FAP, Peeters FM, van de Zanden K, van Hove M, Surface science : a journal devoted to the physics and chemistry of interfaces 361/362, 851 (1996). http://doi.org/10.1016/0039-6028(96)00549-3
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 1.925
Times cited: 1
DOI: 10.1016/0039-6028(96)00549-3
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“Trace-element geochemistry of thermal water percolating through a karstic environment in the region of Saint Ghislain (Belgium)”. Blommaert W, Vandelannoote R, Sadurski A, Van 't dack L, Gijbels R, Journal of volcanology and geothermal research 19, 331 (1983). http://doi.org/10.1016/0377-0273(83)90117-8
Abstract: Five geothermal waters from the Mons area (southern Belgium) have been studied: one natural hot spring at Stambruges, one stagnant warm water from the inclined tunnels at Baudour, and three thermal waters from the drillholes at St. Ghislain, Ghlin and Douvrain, originating from the carbonate/anhydrite-bearing Visean strata, at depths of ca. 2600, 1550 and 1300 m, respectively. Multielement chemical analysis of the filtered water and its suspended matter > 0.4 μm) was carried out by instrumental neutron activation. Temperature in depth, calculated using the silica (chalcedony) chemical geothermometer, ranged from 75 to 88°C, in good agreement with experimentally determined values. Na/K and Na/K/Ca geothermometers yieilded erratic results, as expected from the geological environment in the aquifer. From the analytical data it can be calculated that the thermal waters of St. Ghislain, Ghlin and Douvrain are not only saturated with respect to chalcedony, but also to anhydrite, calcite, fluorite, barite, strontianite, and possibly zinc silicate, iron (III) hydroxide or siderite, albite, microcline, gibbsite and kaolinite. They are oversaturated with respect to muscovite. Data are also presented for the other thermal waters, and a cold spring water (Claire Fontaine, Stambruges). The similar trace-element composition of the thermal waters can be explained by percolation of the water in the same distant recharge zone, from where it descends, becomes heated at depth and rises along collapse breccia, and locally (Baudour, Stambruges) along fissures. The uptake of higher amounts of Ca, Mg, Sr and sulfate in St. Ghislain and Ghlin, as compared to Douvrain and Baudour is correlated with the boundary between the non-dissolved and dissolved evaporitic zones. This boundary is situated between St. Ghislain and Douvrain, and is roughly parallel with the direction of the groundwater flow (WNW).
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 2.543
Times cited: 2
DOI: 10.1016/0377-0273(83)90117-8
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“Relative evaluation of neutron activation, X-ray fluorescence and spark source mass spectrometry for multi-element analysis of geothermal waters”. Blommaert W, Vandelannoote R, Van 't dack L, Gijbels R, van Grieken R, Journal of radioanalytical chemistry 57, 382 (1980)
Keywords: A3 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT); AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
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Blommaerts N (2019) Plasmonic core shell nanoparticles : from synthesis to photocatalytic applications. 153 p
Abstract: Het gebruik van plasmon-actieve nanodeeltjes heeft de laatste 10 jaar zeer veel interesse gewekt bij onderzoekers in verschillende toepassingsdomeinen zoals fotokatalyse of oppervlakte versterkte Raman spectroscopie. Er is echter een grote limiterende factor bij het gebruik van edelmetaal nanodeeltjes zoals goud en zilver en dat is de stabiliteit. Deze oxideren en aggregeren snel, zeker in oxidatieve omgeving zoals in lucht. Een interessante aanpak om plasmon-actieve nanodeeltjes te stabiliseren, is om ze te omgeven in een schil, met andere woorden om een kern-schil nanodeeltje te vormen. Er zijn een heel aantal verschillende manieren waarop kern-schil nanodeeltjes gesynthetiseerd kunnen worden. In eerste instantie werden metaal nanodeeltjes omgeven door een (dunne) TiO2 laag. Afhankelijk van de hoeveelheid TiO2 precursor kon de dikte van de laag gecontroleerd worden tot enkele nanometers dik. De stalen werden getest voor de fotokatalytische afbraak van een vaste laag stearinezuur waarbij toevoeging van 2 wt% metaal@TiO2 op P25 leidde tot een significante verbetering in afbraakefficiëntie in vergelijking met zuiver P25. Een andere manier voor het stabiliseren van metaal nanodeeltjes is door ze te omgeven met een polymeerschil. Op deze manier kon de laagdikte gecontroleerd worden met sub-nanometer controle wat een zeer belangrijke factor is voor de hoeveelheid near-field versterking dat buiten de polymeer schil kan gaan. Een XTT test werd uitgevoerd om te bepalen wat de zuurstofactivatie snelheid was van goud en zilver (en goud-zilver bimetallische) nanodeeltjes, al dan niet omgeven door een (niet-)geleidende polymeer laag. Wanneer de stalen gecoat werden met vier niet-geleidende polymeerlagen zakte de zuurstofactivatie nagenoeg tot nul. Aan de andere kant, als goud nanodeeltjes werden omgeven door een geleidende schil was er nog steeds zuurstofactivatie, hoewel lager dan in het geval van goud zonder laag. Het laatste deel van deze thesis focuste meer op mogelijke toepassingen in luchtzuivering. In dit werk werd een glazen buis, gecoat aan de binnenkant met (Ag@polymer gemodificeerd) TiO2, als een spiraal rond een UVA lamp gewikkeld. De geoptimaliseerde spiraalreactor werd dan vergeleken met een conventionele cilindervormige fotoreactor, met dezelfde dimensies en totale katalysatorbelading, over een grote range aan experimentele condities. Uit de resultaten bleek dat de spiraalreactor significant betere afbraakefficiënties vertoonde in vergelijking met de conventionele cilindervormige reactor over een grote range aan debieten. Een adsorptiestap in combinatie met de geoptimaliseerde spiraalreactor zou kunnen leiden tot een zeer krachtige luchtzuiveringstechnologie.
Keywords: Doctoral thesis; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
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“Gas phase photocatalytic spiral reactor for fast and efficient pollutant degradation”. Blommaerts N, Asapu R, Claes N, Bals S, Lenaerts S, Verbruggen SW, Chemical engineering journal 316, 850 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2017.02.038
Abstract: Photocatalytic reactors for the degradation of gaseous organic pollutants often suffer from major limitations such as small reaction area, sub-optimal irradiation conditions and thus limited reaction rate. In this work, an alternative solution is presented that involves a glass tube coated on the inside with (silvermodified) TiO2 and spiraled around a UVA lamp. First, the spiral reactor is coated from the inside with TiO2 using an experimentally verified procedure that is optimized toward UV light transmission. This procedure is kept as simple as possible and involves a single casting step of a 1 wt% suspension of TiO2 in ethanol through the spiral. This results in a coated tube that absorbs nearly all incident UV light under the experimental conditions used. The optimized coated spiral reactor is then benchmarked to a conventional annular photoreactor of the same outer dimensions and total catalyst loading over a broad range of experimental conditions. Although residence time distribution experiments indicate slightly longer dwelling of molecules in the spiral reactor, no significant difference in by-passing of gas between the spiral reactor and the annular reactor can be claimed. Acetaldehyde degradation efficiency of 100% is obtained with the spiral reactor for a residence time as low as 60 s, whereas the annular reactor could not achieve full degradation even at 1000 s residence time. In a final case study, addition of long-term stable silver nanoparticles, protected by an ultra-thin polymer shell applied via the layer-by-layer (LbL) method, to the spiral reactor coating is shown to double the degradation efficiency and provides an interesting strategy to cope with higher pollutant concentrations without changing the overall dimensions.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Impact Factor: 6.216
Times cited: 30
DOI: 10.1016/j.cej.2017.02.038
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“Ultrafast screening of commercial sorbent materials for VOC adsorption using real-time FTIR spectroscopy”. Blommaerts N, Dingenen F, Middelkoop V, Savelkouls J, Goemans M, Tytgat T, Verbruggen SW, Lenaerts S, Separation and purification technology 207, 284 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.SEPPUR.2018.06.062
Abstract: Recovery of valuable volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from waste streams is of great industrial importance. Adsorption on zeolites offers an economically and environmentally friendly alternative to conventional activated carbon. When evaluating the suitability of a given zeolite for a particular adsorption application, its adsorption capacity has to be determined. This is traditionally achieved using gas chromatography as an analysis tool, yielding only a few discrete sampling points that constitute the adsorption profile. Meanwhile, only low flow rates and low concentrations of volatile organics can be used, rendering the procedure troublesome and time consuming. Herein, we propose a tool for the fast screening of a large amount of zeolites using on-line and quasi real-time Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). The technique was used to determine the adsorption capacity of three different commercial zeolites and two silica gels, for five industrially relevant VOCs: acetone; methanol; isohexane; isopentane; and toluene. A series of rapid measurements of the individual adsorption capacities were carried out to obtain a detailed overview of the versatility of the proposed method for the characterization of multi-component and multi-sorption bed systems.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Impact Factor: 3.359
Times cited: 5
DOI: 10.1016/J.SEPPUR.2018.06.062
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“Tuning the turnover frequency and selectivity of photocatalytic CO2 reduction to CO and methane using platinum and palladium nanoparticles on Ti-Beta zeolites”. Blommaerts N, Hoeven N, Arenas Esteban D, Campos R, Mertens M, Borah R, Glisenti A, De Wael K, Bals S, Lenaerts S, Verbruggen SW, Cool P, Chemical Engineering Journal 410, 128234 (2021). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2020.128234
Abstract: A Ti-Beta zeolite was used in gas phase photocatalytic CO2 reduction to reduce the charge recombination rate and increase the surface area compared to P25 as commercial benchmark, reaching 607 m2 g-1. By adding Pt nanoparticles, the selectivity can be tuned toward CO, reaching a value of 92% and a turnover frequency (TOF) of 96 µmol.gcat-1.h-1, nearly an order of magnitude higher in comparison with P25. By adding Pd nanoparticles the selectivity can be shifted from CO (70% for a bare Ti-Beta zeolite), toward CH4 as the prevalent species (60%). In this way, the selectivity toward CO or CH4 can be tuned by either using Pt or Pd. The TOF values obtained in this work outperform reported state-of-the-art values in similar research. The improved activity by adding the nanoparticles was attributed to an improved charge separation efficiency, together with a plasmonic contribution of the metal nanoparticles under the applied experimental conditions.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL); Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Laboratory of adsorption and catalysis (LADCA); AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
Impact Factor: 6.216
Times cited: 15
DOI: 10.1016/j.cej.2020.128234
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“Unraveling Structural Information of Turkevich Synthesized Plasmonic Gold-Silver Bimetallic Nanoparticles”. Blommaerts N, Vanrompay H, Nuti S, Lenaerts S, Bals S, Verbruggen SW, Small 15, 1902791 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1002/smll.201902791
Abstract: For the synthesis of gold-silver bimetallic nanoparticles, the Turkevich method has been the state-of-the-art method for several decades. It has been presumed that this procedure results in a homogeneous alloy, although this has been debatable for many years. In this work, it is shown that neither a full alloy, nor a perfect core-shell particle is formed but rather a core-shell-like particle with altering metal composition along the radial direction. In-depth wet-chemical experiments are performed in combination with advanced transmission electron microscopy, including EDX tomography, and Finite Element Method modeling to support the observations. From the electron tomography results, the core-shell structure could be clearly visualized and the spatial distribution of gold and silver atoms could be quantified. Theoretical simulations are performed to demonstrate that even though UV-Vis spectra show only one plasmon band, this still originates from core-shell type structures. The simulations also indicate that the core-shell morphology does not so much affect the location of the plasmon band, but mainly results in significant band broadening. Wet-chemistry experiments provide the evidence that the synthesis pathway starts with gold enriched alloy cores, and later on in the synthesis mainly silver is incorporated to end up with a silver enriched alloy shell.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Impact Factor: 8.643
Times cited: 26
DOI: 10.1002/smll.201902791
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“Bio-based aromatic amines from lignin-derived monomers”. Blondiaux E, Bomon J, Smolen M, Kaval N, Lemière F, Sergeyev S, Diels L, Sels B, Maes BUW, ACS Sustainable Chemistry and Engineering 7, 6906 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1021/ACSSUSCHEMENG.8B06467
Abstract: A new approach to synthesize valuable 3,4-dialkoxyanilines and alkyl propionates from lignin-derived 4-propylguaiacol and -catechol with overall isolated yields up to 65% has been described. The strategy is based on the introduction of nitrogen via a Beckmann rearrangement. Amino introduction therefore coincides with a C-defunctionalization reaction; overall a replacement of the propyl chain by an amino group is obtained. The process only requires cheap bulk chemicals as reagents/reactants and does not involve column chromatography to purify the reaction products. Furthermore, all carbon atoms from the biorenewable lignin-derived monomers are transformed into valuable compounds. Greenness was assessed by performing a Green Metrics analysis on two dialkoxyanilines. A comparison was made with literature routes for these compounds starting from a petrochemical substrate.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Organic synthesis (ORSY); Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
DOI: 10.1021/ACSSUSCHEMENG.8B06467
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Blumenau AT, Frauenheim T, Ö,berg S, Willems B, Van Tendeloo G (2004) Dislocation structures in diamond: density-functional based modelling and high resolution electron microscopy. Trans Tech Publications, s.l
Keywords: MA1 Book as author; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
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“Dislocations in diamond : dissociation into partials and their glide motion”. Blumenau AT, Jones R, Frauenheim T, Willems B, Lebedev OI, Van Tendeloo G, Fisher D, Martineau PM, Physical review : B : condensed matter and materials physics 68, 014115 (2003). http://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.68.014115
Abstract: The dissociation of 60degrees and screw dislocations in diamond is modeled in an approach combining isotropic elasticity theory with ab initio-based tight-binding total-energy calculations. Both dislocations are found to dissociate with a substantial lowering of their line energies. For the 60degrees dislocation, however, an energy barrier to dissociation is found. We investigate the core structure of a screw dislocation distinguishing “shuffle,” “mixed,” and “glide” cores. The latter is found to be the most stable undissociated screw dislocation. Further, the glide motion of 90degrees and 30degrees partials is discussed in terms of a process involving the thermal formation and subsequent migration of kinks along the dislocation line. The calculated activation barriers to dislocation motion show that the 30degrees partial is less mobile than the 90degrees partial. Finally, high-resolution electron microscopy is performed on high-temperature, high-pressure annealed natural brown diamond, allowing the core regions of 60degrees dislocations to be imaged. The majority of dislocations are found to be dissociated. However, in some cases, undissociated 60degrees dislocations were also observed.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 3.836
Times cited: 39
DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevB.68.014115
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“Strain-Induced Exciton Hybridization in WS2 Monolayers Unveiled by Zeeman-Splitting Measurements”. Blundo E, Faria PE Jr, Surrente A, Pettinari G, Prosnikov MA, Olkowska-Pucko K, Zollner K, Wozniak T, Chaves A, Kazimierczuk T, Felici M, Babinski A, Molas MR, Christianen PCM, Fabian J, Polimeni A, Physical review letters 129, 067402 (2022). http://doi.org/10.1103/PHYSREVLETT.129.067402
Abstract: Mechanical deformations and ensuing strain are routinely exploited to tune the band gap energy and to enhance the functionalities of two-dimensional crystals. In this Letter, we show that strain leads also to a strong modification of the exciton magnetic moment in WS2 monolayers. Zeeman-splitting measurements under magnetic fields up to 28.5 T were performed on single, one-layer-thick WS2 microbubbles. The strain of the bubbles causes a hybridization of k-space direct and indirect excitons resulting in a sizable decrease in the modulus of they factor of the ground-state exciton. These findings indicate that strain may have major effects on the way the valley number of excitons can be used to process binary information in two-dimensional crystals.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
DOI: 10.1103/PHYSREVLETT.129.067402
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Blust RJP, Dardenne F, De Wael K, Nagels L, Van Camp G (2013) Electrochemical aptasensors with a gelatin B matrix : EP13175128
Abstract: An aptamer-based electrochemical sensor, wherein said aptamer is covalently bonded to or chemisorbed on an electrode, said aptamer forming a robust complex with a target molecule and is encapsulated by a gelatin B matrix; a method of manufacturing an aptamer-based electrochemical sensor for determining a concentration of a target molecule comprising the steps of: selecting an aptamer to form a robust complex with a target molecule using the SELEX procedure; synthesizing said aptamer; adsorbing said aptamer on or covalently coupling said aptamer with an electrode; and providing a gelatin B matrix for said aptamer on said electrode thereby realising said aptamer-based potentiometric or amperometric sensor; and the use of the aptamer-based electrochemical sensor produced according to the above method for the electrochemical determination of a concentration of 15 the target molecule.
Keywords: Patent; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
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“Use of online water quality monitoring for assessing the effects of WWTP overflows in rivers”. Boënne W, Desmet N, Van Looy S, Seuntjens P, Environmental science : processes &, impacts 16, 1510 (2014). http://doi.org/10.1039/C3EM00449J
Abstract: The effects on river water quality of sewer overflows are not well known. Since the duration of the overflow is in the order of magnitude of minutes to hours, continuous measurements of water quality are needed and traditional grab sampling is unable to quantify the pollution loads. The objective of this paper was to demonstrate the applicability of high frequency measurements for assessing the impacts of waste water treatment plants on the water quality of the receiving surface water. In our in situ water quality monitoring setup, two types of multiparameter sensors mounted on a floating fixed platform were used to determine the dynamics of dissolved oxygen, specific conductivity, ammonium-N, nitrate-N and dissolved organic carbon downstream of a waste water treatment plant (WWTP), in combination with data on rainfall, river discharge and WWTP overflow discharge. The monitoring data for water quantity and water quality were used to estimate the pollution load from waste water overflow events and to assess the impact of waste water overflows on the river water quality. The effect of sewer overflow on a small river in terms of N load was shown to be significant. The WWTP overflow events accounted for about 1/3 of the river discharge. The NH4-N loads during overflow events contributed 29% and 21% to the August 2010 and June 2011 load, respectively, in only 8% and 3% of the monthly time span. The results indicate that continuous monitoring is needed to accurately represent the effects of sewer overflows in river systems.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
DOI: 10.1039/C3EM00449J
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“Cost-effectiveness analysis of ecosystem management with ecosystem services : from theory to practice”. Boerema A, Van Passel S, Meire P, Ecological Economics 152, 207 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.ECOLECON.2018.06.005
Abstract: Integrated ecosystem management is challenging due to many, often conflicting, targets and limited resources to allocate. A valuable and straightforward approach is to integrate an ecosystem services assessment in a cost-effectiveness analysis as method to evaluate and compare the cost-effectiveness of several management scenarios to reach one or more objectives and take into account the potential effects on other ecosystem functions and services. Nevertheless, this method is not commonly used in ecosystem management evaluation but can provide an alternative for the frequently used but often contested cost-benefit analysis (which requires the step of assigning a monetary value to each benefit). The aim of this study is to apply the cost-effectiveness analysis in combination with an ecosystem services assessment on a real case-study (comparing alternative management strategies for estuaries) to derive lessons learned to go from theory to practice. The application of this method for the case-study reveals many remaining challenges such as data availability and knowledge to assess ecosystem effects of management measures. Nevertheless, the analysis demonstrates that this method can be used for making a more integrated evaluation and supporting better-informed management decisions.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering Management (ENM); Ecosystem Management
Impact Factor: 2.965
Times cited: 2
DOI: 10.1016/J.ECOLECON.2018.06.005
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“The afterglow mystery of pulsed glow discharges and the role of dissociative electron-ion recombination”. Bogaerts A, Journal of analytical atomic spectrometry 22, 502 (2007). http://doi.org/10.1039/b618035c
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 3.379
Times cited: 56
DOI: 10.1039/b618035c
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