“Appraisal of measurement methods, chemical composition and sources of fine atmospheric particles over six different areas of Northern Belgium”. Bencs L, Ravindra K, de Hoog J, Spolnik Z, Bleux N, Berghmans P, Deutsch F, Roekens E, Van Grieken R, Environmental pollution 158, 3421 (2010). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.ENVPOL.2010.07.012
Abstract: Daily and seasonal variation in the total elemental, organic carbon (OC) and elemental carbon (EC) content and mass of PM2.5 were studied at industrial, urban, suburban and agricultural/rural areas. Continuous (optical Dustscan, standard tapered element oscillating micro-balance (TEOM), TEOM with filter dynamics measurement system), semi-continuous (Partisol filter-sampling) and non-continuous (Dekati-impactor sampling and gravimetry) methods of PM2.5 mass monitoring were critically evaluated. The average elemental fraction accounted for 26% of the PM2.5 mass measured by gravimetry. Metals, like K, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn and Pb were strongly inter-correlated, also frequently with non-metallic elements (P, S, Cl and/or Br) and EC/OC. A high OC/EC ratio (29) was generally observed. The total carbon content of PM2.5 ranged between 3 and 77% (averages: 1232%), peaking near industrial/heavy trafficked sites. Principal component analysis identified heavy oil burning, ferrous/non-ferrous industry and vehicular emissions as the main sources of metal pollution. This work compares various aerosol monitoring methods to characterize PM2.5 over six locations of different anthropogenic activities over Northern Belgium.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
DOI: 10.1016/J.ENVPOL.2010.07.012
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“Determination of ultra-trace levels of palladium in environenmental samples by graphite furnace atomic spectrometry techniques”. Bencs L, Ravindra K, Van Grieken R page 173 (2006).
Keywords: H3 Book chapter; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
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“Methods for the determination of platinum group elements originating from the abrasion of automotive catalytic converters”. Bencs L, Ravindra K, Van Grieken R, Spectrochimica acta: part B : atomic spectroscopy 58, 1723 (2003). http://doi.org/10.1016/S0584-8547(03)00162-9
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
DOI: 10.1016/S0584-8547(03)00162-9
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“Platinum : environmental pollution and health effects”. Bencs L, Ravindra K, Van Grieken R page 580 (2011).
Keywords: H2 Book chapter; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
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“Spatial and temporal variation of anthropogenic palladium in the environment”. Bencs L, Ravindra K, Van Grieken R page 433 (2006).
Keywords: H3 Book chapter; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
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“Comparison of hot-air and low-radiant pew heating systems on the distribution and transport of gaseous air pollutants in the mountain church of Rocca Pietore from artwork conservation points of view”. Bencs L, Spolnik Z, Limpens-Neilen D, Schellen HL, Jütte BAHG, Van Grieken R, Journal of cultural heritage 8, 264 (2007). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.CULHER.2007.05.001
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
DOI: 10.1016/J.CULHER.2007.05.001
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“Effects of IR heating on distribution and transport of gaseous air pollutants in urban and mountain churches in Poland”. Bencs L, Spolnik Z, Worobiec A, Samek L, Jutte BAHG, Van Grieken R, Journal of cultural heritage 36, 200 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.CULHER.2018.09.007
Abstract: The spatial distribution and temporal concentration variation of a set of gaseous air components (e.g., CO2, CO, H2CO, H2O) have been monitored with a multi-channel photoacoustic gas-analyzer in an urban church ( Saint Catherine's, Cracow) and a mountain church ( Saint Michaels Archangel, Szalowa) of Poland, in order to assess the likely effects of air pollution indoors under the influence of provisory electrical infrared (IR) heaters and without heating. Likewise, the ventilation characteristic and the leakage of these buildings with different constructions (i.e., plastered stone and wooden structures) with the assistance of decay curves of SF6 tracer gas was evaluated and compared. The wooden building in Szalowa, due to its more open structure, developed about one order higher ventilation rates (e.g., 0.9-1.3 h(-1)) than the stone church in Cracow (e.g., 0.1 h(-1)). The IR-heating affected only modestly the ventilation rate of the wooden church (e.g., 1.2-1.6 h(-1)), but it increased significantly that of the plastered stone church (e.g., 0.27 h(-1)). The ventilation rates were also assessed with the use of the CO2 curve decay method, and satisfactory agreement was found with those observed by the use of SF6 tracer. The spatial distribution of the studied gaseous pollutants (CO2, H2O) was found to be in some occasions nonhomogeneous in both buildings, due to the active usage of the IR-heating, especially, during a couple of consecutive liturgical services. Besides the pollution events due to ingress of gaseous air pollutants, present at enhanced levels outdoors, increased CO, CO2 and H2CO peaks were observed indoors too, which, in most cases, could be associated with incense burning. (C) 2018 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Art; History; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation); Laboratory Experimental Medicine and Pediatrics (LEMP)
DOI: 10.1016/J.CULHER.2018.09.007
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“Characteristics of atomic absorption calibration curves with the transversely heated graphite furnace”. Bencs L, Szakács O, Szoboszlai N, Ajtony Z, Bozsai G, Journal of analytical atomic spectrometry 18, 105 (2003). http://doi.org/10.1039/B208198A
Abstract: Calibration curves with two quasi-linear sections ("double sloping'') were observed for the medium volatile elements, Cr and Cu, with the use of a SIMAA 6000 graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometer under interrupted internal gas flow conditions. If a standard transversally heated graphite atomizer (THGA) tube was shortened by 0.5 mm at both of its ends, (i.e. the gaps were enlarged between graphite furnace housing and tube ends), a stronger declination of the calibration curves resulted. Elements with fairly high diffusion coefficients (>5.8 cm(2) s(-1)) and with short appearance time of their transients (<0.6 s), such as Cr and Cu, have shown the most characteristic sensitivity drop towards higher concentrations. This anomalous feature could be eliminated in three different ways; (1) by applying end-capped THGA tubes, (2) using mini-flow (50 cm(3) min(-1)) conditions during the atomization stage, and (3) by adding Pd-Mg chemical modifier. For the low volatile Mo and V, the calibration curves had no irregular shape. For Ag, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn and Ni, the mini-flow settings improved the linearity of the calibration curves and extended the upper limit of the linear calibration range by a factor of 1.5-2.0. The irregular characteristic of the analytical curves was interpreted as an increased vapour loss at higher analyte concentrations through the opened ends of the standard THGA tubes. This vapour loss was associated with the significantly diverse expulsion velocities of atoms, caused by the difference in temperature and concentration gradients, when evaporating amounts of analytes with more than one order of magnitude difference.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
DOI: 10.1039/B208198A
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“Role of coating-metallic support interaction in the properties of electrosynthesized Rh-based structured catalysts”. Benito P, de Nolf W, Nuyts G, Janssens K, et al, ACS catalysis 4, 3779 (2014). http://doi.org/10.1021/CS501079K
Abstract: Rh-structured catalysts for the catalytic partial oxidation of CH4 to syngas were prepared by electrosynthesis of Rh-containing hydrotalcite-type (HT) compounds on FeCrAlloy foams followed by calcination at 900 degrees C. During the calcination the simultaneous decomposition of the layered HT structure and formation of the protective FeCrAlloy outer shell in alumina occurred. Here, we studied the role of the coating-metallic support interaction in the properties of the catalysts after calcination, H-2 reduction, and catalytic tests, by a combination of electron (FEG-SEM/EDS) and synchrotron X-ray (XRF/XRPD and XRF/XANES) microscopic techniques. The characterization of crystalline phases in the metallic support and coating and distribution of Rh active species was carried out on several samples prepared by modifying the Rh content in the electrolytic solution (Rh/Mg/Al = 11.0/70.0/19.0, 5.0/70.0/25.0, 0/70.0/30.0 atomic ratio). A sample was also prepared with no aluminum in the electrolytic solution (Rh/Mg/Al = 13.6/86.4/0.0 atomic ratio) and calcined at 550 and 900 degrees C. The interaction between the elements of the metallic support and the catalytic coating increased the film adhesion during the thermal treatment and catalytic tests and modified the catalyst crystalline phases. A chemical reaction between Al corning from the foam and Mg in the coating occurred during calcination at high temperature leading to the formation of spinel phases in which rhodium is solved, together with some Rh2O3 and Rh. The metallic support was oxidized forming the corundum scale and chromium oxides, moreover t-Al2O3 was identified. For the Rh11.0Mg70.0Al19.0 catalyst the inclusion of Rh in the spinel phase decreased its reducibility in the H-2 pretreatment. The reduction continued during catalytic tests by feeding diluted CH4/O-2/He gas mixtures, evidenced by the catalyst activation. While under concentrated gas mixtures the deactivation occurred, probably by oxidation.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
Impact Factor: 10.614
Times cited: 13
DOI: 10.1021/CS501079K
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“Improvement in the coating homogeneity in electrosynthesized Rh structured catalysts for the partial oxidation of methane”. Benito P, Monti M, de Nolf W, Nuyts G, Janssens K, et al, Catalysis today 246, 154 (2015). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.CATTOD.2014.10.003
Abstract: The precipitation of Rh/Mg/Al and Rh/Al hydroxides on the surface of FeCrAlloy foams by a base electrogeneration method was investigated to improve the properties of the deposited film (homogeneity and composition) and therefore the performances of the structured catalysts, obtained by calcination, in the Catalytic Partial Oxidation of CH4 to syngas. The work focussed on decreasing current gradients within open-cell foam cylinders by increasing the number of electrical contacts from 1 to 3 points to promote a more homogeneous precipitation of the hydroxides. Electrochemical and catalytic tests as well as SEM/EDS and mu-XRFIXRD analyses allowed to correlate the effect of the number of electrical contact points with materials properties. Lastly, syntheses were performed on Pt plates to study the effect of the electrical behaviour and shape of the support on the composition of the film. A more homogeneous coating of the foam surface was achieved by adopting a configuration with 3 contact points since the reduction of nitrates and water molecules that generates the basic media in the vicinity of the support was enhanced. Layer thicknesses up to 5-15 mu m were deposited; however, the sequential precipitation of a film with composition closer to the expected one and a layer enriched in Al and Rh (outer layer) was not avoided. The improvement in the coating gave rise to enhanced performances for a sample prepared at -1.1 V for 3000 s. Contrarily, the low adherence of the outer layer in a sample prepared at -1.2 V for 2000 s during both calcination and catalytic tests may be responsible of the unexpected decrease in catalytic performances. The same sequential precipitation was observed by performing the syntheses on Pt plates, showing that the electrical nature the support did not play a key role on this phenomenon. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
Impact Factor: 4.636
Times cited: 14
DOI: 10.1016/J.CATTOD.2014.10.003
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“Stable Rh particles in hydrotalcite-derived catalysts coated on FeCrAlloy foams by electrosynthesis”. Benito P, Nuyts G, Monti M, de Nolf W, Fornasari G, Janssens K, Scavetta E, Vaccari A, Applied catalysis : B : environmental 179, 321 (2015). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.APCATB.2015.05.035
Abstract: Rh-based structured catalysts for the Catalytic Partial Oxidation of CH4 to syngas were prepared by electrosynthesis of Rh/Mg/Al hydrotalcite-type compounds on FeCrAlloy foams and calcination. The effects of Rh content, total metal concentration, and partial replacement of Mg2+ by Ni2+ in the electrolytic solution on coating thickness, Rh speciation, metallic particle size, and catalytic activity were investigated by SEM/EDS, mu-XRF/XANES and tests under diluted and concentrated reaction conditions. The amount of Rh species, present as Mg (RhxAl1-x)(2)O-4, depended on the thickness of the electrosynthesised layer as well as the Rh particle size and dispersion. Smaller and more dispersed particles were obtained by decreasing the Rh concentration in the electrolytic solution from Rh/Mg/Al=11/70/19 to 5/70/25 and 2/70/28 atomic ratio% (a.r.%) and in thinner rather than thicker layers. Despite the improvement in metallic particles features, the CH4 conversion was negatively affected by the low amount of active sites in the coating, the high metal support interaction and possibly the oxidation of metallic particles and carbon formation. A larger amount of solid containing well dispersed Rh particles was deposited by increasing the total metal concentration from 0.03 M to 0.06 M with the Rh/Mg/Al=5/70/25 a.r.%, and the catalytic performances were enhanced. The partial replacement of Mg2+ by Ni2+ gave rise to a very active bimetallic Rh/Ni catalyst, CH4 conversion and selectivity to syngas were above 90%, however, it slightly deactivated with time-on-stream. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
Impact Factor: 9.446
Times cited: 14
DOI: 10.1016/J.APCATB.2015.05.035
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“Electron microprobe analysis of suspended matter in the Angola Basin”. Bernard P, Eisma D, Van Grieken R, Journal of sea research 41, 19 (1999). http://doi.org/10.1016/S1385-1101(98)00043-4
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
DOI: 10.1016/S1385-1101(98)00043-4
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“Study of individual estuarine suspension particles by automated electron-probe X-ray microanalysis”. Bernard P, Van Grieken R, Eisma D, (1985)
Keywords: P3 Proceeding; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
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“Comparison and evaluation of hierarchical cluster techniques applied to automated electron probe X-ray microanalysis data”. Bernard PC, Van Grieken RE, Analytica chimica acta 267, 81 (1992). http://doi.org/10.1016/0003-2670(92)85009-U
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
DOI: 10.1016/0003-2670(92)85009-U
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“Geochemistry of suspended matter from the baltic sea : 1 : results of individual particle characterization by automated electron microprobe”. Bernard PC, Van Grieken RE, Brügmann L, Marine chemistry 26, 155 (1989). http://doi.org/10.1016/0304-4203(89)90058-3
Abstract: Automated electron probe X-ray microanalysis was used to characterize some 15 000 individual suspension particles from 50 samples of suspended matter collected from different depths at 18 stations throughout the Baltic Sea and the transient area to the North Sea. For each particle, 14 minor and major elements were determined and size information data were obtained. To process this huge amount of results, multivariate analysis techniques were invoked: the particles were classified into specific types and the abundance variations of these groups were studied. It appeared that 80% of all investigated particles contained mostly silicon, and seemed to consist of quartz, and K-rich and Fe-rich aluminosilicates. The abundance of BaSO4 particles averaged 5% throughout the Baltic Sea, but amounted to up to 44% at some stations. The abundance of the Fe-rich particles varied significantly with location and depth, and averaged ∼ 4%. They were often found to be associated with significant amounts of P. Both of these particle types and the Mn-rich particles are thought to be mainly authigenic. Calcium carbonate particles are more abundant towards the North Sea (which seems to act as a source). Principal component analysis of the data revealed that most of the compositional variability can be explained by differences between deep and surface waters and by the influences of inflowing North Sea waters. Additional information about the types and sources of the suspended matter in the Baltic Sea was gained from the comparison and correlation of the single particle results with different fractions of the bulk concentrations of elements such as Al, Ca, Mn, Fe, Zn and Ba.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
DOI: 10.1016/0304-4203(89)90058-3
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“Characterisation of individual suspension particles in the Ems estuary”. Bernard PC, Van Grieken RE, Eisma D, (1986)
Keywords: P3 Proceeding; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
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“Classification of estuarine particles using automated electron-microprobe analysis and multivariate techniques”. Bernard PC, Van Grieken RE, Eisma D, Environmental science and technology 20, 467 (1986). http://doi.org/10.1021/ES00147A005
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
DOI: 10.1021/ES00147A005
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“A methodology to monitor the pollution impact on historic buildings surfaces : the TeACH project”. Bernardi A, Becherini F, Bonazza A, Van Grieken R, et al, Lecture notes in computer science
T2 –, Progress in Cultural Heritage Preservation : proceedings of EUROMED-2012, the 4th International Conference on Cultural Heritage / Ioannides, M. [edit.], et al. , 765 (2012). http://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-34234-9
Abstract: The available scenarios of pollutant trends in Europe indicate that the effect of industrial, domestic and transport emissions on corrosion and soiling will continue to constitute a serious threat to Cultural Heritage. Such effects require improved methods for a more accurate diagnosis, monitoring and assessment of the damage. Within this framework, the monitoring methodology applied within the European project TeACH (Technologies and tools to prioritize assessment and diagnosis of air pollution impact on immovable and movable cultural heritage) (2008-2012) allows to assess the impact of the main pollutants on historic buildings. As a part of this approach, a new kit able to monitor the environmental parameters critical for the conservation of architectural surfaces and to evaluate the related damage in terms of surface color change was developed. The monitoring methodology described in the present paper has valuable application potential in the definition of preventive conservation strategies for a wide range of heritage assets.
Keywords: P1 Proceeding; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
DOI: 10.1007/978-3-642-34234-9
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“Effects of air pollution and microclimate on stained glass windows: prliminary results in the Sainte Chapelle (Paris)”. Bernardi A, Becherini F, Kontozova V, Godoi RHM, Van Grieken R, Deutsch F page 133 (2004).
Keywords: H3 Book chapter; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
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“Conservation of stained glass windows with protective glazing : main results from the European VIDRIO research programme”. Bernardi A, Becherini F, Verità, M, Godoi RHM, Kontozova-Deutsch V, Van Grieken R, et al, Journal of cultural heritage 14, 527 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.CULHER.2012.11.009
Abstract: The methodology of protecting the European stained glass windows against environmental risk (e.g. meteorological factors, air pollution, microorganisms) by means of an external glazing is not new. In spite of many scientific studies carried out in the last 20 years, some questions were still up for discussion. The European VIDRIO (20022005) project gave an answer to these questions. The research carried out by the different project partners established a new multidisciplinary approach aimed at evaluating the efficiency of the protective glazing systems and their effects on stained glass windows conservation, and finally at assessing the most appropriate strategy to preserve stained glass windows. Scientific results showed that the so-called isothermal glazing (i.e. ventilation by the air coming from the inside of the building) protected efficiently the ancient stained glass window from environmental attack (i.e. rain, pollutants, condensation, thermal shocks) with very limited secondary effects. The scientific research highlighted that its efficiency was strongly related to the technical design of the protective system. In particular, the ventilation and the size of the interspace had to be carefully considered. The research developed within the VIDRIO project was turned into general recommendations to the owners and practitioners on the best practice for the stained glass windows future conservation.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Art; History; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
DOI: 10.1016/J.CULHER.2012.11.009
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“Cultural heritage and archaeology materials studied by synchrotron spectroscopy and imaging”. Bertrand L, Robinet L, Thoury M, Janssens K, Cohen SX, Schöder S, Applied physics A : materials science &, processing 106, 377 (2012). http://doi.org/10.1007/S00339-011-6686-4
Abstract: The use of synchrotron radiation techniques to study cultural heritage and archaeological materials has undergone a steep increase over the past 10-15 years. The range of materials studied is very broad and encompasses painting materials, stone, glass, ceramics, metals, cellulosic and wooden materials, and a cluster of organic-based materials, in phase with the diversity observed at archaeological sites, museums, historical buildings, etc. Main areas of investigation are: (1) the study of the alteration and corrosion processes, for which the unique non-destructive speciation capabilities of X-ray absorption have proved very beneficial, (2) the understanding of the technologies and identification of the raw materials used to produce archaeological artefacts and art objects and, to a lesser extent, (3) the investigation of current or novel stabilisation, conservation and restoration practices. In terms of the synchrotron methods used, the main focus so far has been on X-ray techniques, primarily X-ray fluorescence, absorption and diffraction, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. We review here the use of these techniques from recent works published in the field demonstrating the breadth of applications and future potential offered by third generation synchrotron techniques. New developments in imaging and advanced spectroscopy, included in the UV/visible and IR ranges, could even broaden the variety of materials studied, in particular by fostering more studies on organic and complex organic-inorganic mixtures, while new support activities at synchrotron facilities might facilitate transfer of knowledge between synchrotron specialists and users from archaeology and cultural heritage sciences.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
Impact Factor: 1.455
Times cited: 55
DOI: 10.1007/S00339-011-6686-4
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“Mitigation strategies for radiation damage in the analysis of ancient materials”. Bertrand L, Schoeeder S, Anglos D, Breese MBH, Janssens K, Moini M, Simon A, Trends in analytical chemistry 66, 128 (2015). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.TRAC.2014.10.005
Abstract: The study of materials in cultural heritage artifacts and micro-samples benefits from diagnostic techniques based on intense radiation sources, such as synchrotrons, ion-beam accelerators and lasers. While most of the corresponding techniques are classified as non-destructive, investigation with photons or charged particles entails a number of fundamental processes that may induce changes in materials. These changes depend on irradiation parameters, properties of materials and environmental factors. In some cases, radiation-induced damage may be detected by visual inspection. When it is not, irradiation may still lead to atomic and molecular changes resulting in immediate or delayed alteration and bias of future analyses. Here we review the effects of radiation reported on a variety of cultural heritage materials and describe the usual practice for assessing short-term and long-term effects. This review aims to raise awareness and encourage subsequent research activities to limit radiation side effects.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
Impact Factor: 8.442
Times cited: 35
DOI: 10.1016/J.TRAC.2014.10.005
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“Component selection for a compact micro-XRF spectrometer”. Bichlmeier S, Janssens K, Heckel J, Gibson D, Hoffmann P, Ortner HM, X-ray spectrometry 30, 8 (2001). http://doi.org/10.1002/XRS.457
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
Impact Factor: 1.298
Times cited: 33
DOI: 10.1002/XRS.457
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“Comparative material characterization of historical and industrial samples by using a compact micro-XRF spectrometer”. Bichlmeier S, Janssens K, Heckel J, Hoffmann P, Ortner HM, X-ray spectrometry 31, 87 (2002). http://doi.org/10.1002/XRS.563
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
Impact Factor: 1.298
Times cited: 12
DOI: 10.1002/XRS.563
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“Heavy metal distribution in the Godavari river basin”. Biksham G, Subramanian V, Ramanathan A, Van Grieken R, Environmental geology and water sciences 17, 117 (1991)
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
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“Research frontiers in energy-related materials and applications for 2020-2030”. Blay V, Galian RE, Muresan LM, Pancratov D, Pinyou P, Zampardi G, Advanced sustainable systems 4, 1900145 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1002/ADSU.201900145
Abstract: This article delineates the state of the art for several materials used in the harvest, conversion, and storage of energy, and analyzes the challenges to be overcome in the decade ahead for them to reach the market and benefit society. The materials covered have had a special interest in recent years and include perovskites, materials for batteries and supercapacitors, graphene, and materials for hydrogen production and storage. Looking at the common challenges for these different systems, scientists in basic research should carefully consider commercial requirements when designing new materials. These include cost and ease of synthesis, abundance of precursors, recyclability of spent devices, toxicity, and stability. Improvements in these areas deserve more attention, as they can help bridge the gap for these technologies and facilitate the creation of partnerships between academia and industry. These improvements should be pursued in parallel with the design of novel compositions, nanostructures, and devices, which have led most interest during the past decade. Research groups are encouraged to adopt a cross-disciplinary mindset, which may allow more efficient use of existing knowledge and facilitate breakthrough innovation in both basic and applied research of energy-related materials.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
Impact Factor: 7.1
Times cited: 2
DOI: 10.1002/ADSU.201900145
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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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“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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“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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