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Author (up) Tinck, S.; Tillocher, T.; Dussart, R.; Neyts, E.C.; Bogaerts, A. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Elucidating the effects of gas flow rate on an SF6inductively coupled plasma and on the silicon etch rate, by a combined experimental and theoretical investigation Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2016 Publication Journal of physics: D: applied physics Abbreviated Journal J Phys D Appl Phys  
  Volume 49 Issue 49 Pages 385201  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)  
  Abstract Experiments show that the etch rate of Si with SF6 inductively coupled plasma (ICP) is significantly influenced by the absolute gas flow rate in the range of 50–600 sccm, with a maximum at around 200 sccm. Therefore, we numerically investigate the effects of the gas flow rate on the bulk plasma properties and on the etch rate, to obtain more insight in the underlying reasons of this effect. A hybrid Monte Carlo—fluid model is applied to simulate an SF6 ICP. It is found that the etch rate is influenced by two simultaneous effects: (i) the residence time of the gas and (ii) the temperature profile of the plasma in the ICP volume, resulting indeed in a maximum etch rate at 200 sccm.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000384095900011 Publication Date 2016-08-24  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0022-3727 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 2.588 Times cited 1 Open Access  
  Notes We are very grateful to Mark Kushner for providing the computational model. The Fund for Scientific Research Flanders (FWO; grant no. 0880.212.840) is acknowledged for financial support of this work. The work was carried out in part using the Turing HPC infrastructure at the CalcUA core facility of the Universiteit Antwerpen, a division of the Flemish Supercomputer Center VSC, funded by the Hercules Foundation, the Flemish Government (department EWI) and the University of Antwerp. Approved Most recent IF: 2.588  
  Call Number c:irua:134867 Serial 4108  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author (up) Tinck, S.; Tillocher, T.; Georgieva, V.; Dussart, R.; Neyts, E.; Bogaerts, A. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Concurrent effects of wafer temperature and oxygen fraction on cryogenic silicon etching with SF6/O2plasmas Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2017 Publication Plasma processes and polymers Abbreviated Journal Plasma Process Polym  
  Volume 14 Issue 9 Pages 1700018  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)  
  Abstract Cryogenic plasma etching is a promising technique for high-control wafer development with limited plasma induced damage. Cryogenic wafer temperatures effectively reduce surface damage during etching, but the fundamental mechanism is not well understood. In this study, the influences of wafer temperature, gas mixture and substrate bias on the (cryogenic) etch rates of Si with SF6/O2 inductively coupled plasmas are experimentally and computationally investigated. The etch rates are measured in situ with double-point reflectometry and a hybrid computational Monte Carlo – fluid model is applied to calculate plasma properties. This work allows the reader to obtain a better insight in the effects of wafer temperature on the etch rate and to find operating conditions for successful anisotropic (cryo)etching.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000410773200012 Publication Date 2017-04-03  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1612-8850 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 2.846 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access  
  Notes Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek, 0880.212.840 ; Hercules Foundation; Flemish Government (Department EWI); Universiteit Antwerpen; Approved Most recent IF: 2.846  
  Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @c:irua:145637 Serial 4708  
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Author (up) Titantah, J.T.; Lamoen, D.; Neyts, E.; Bogaerts, A. doi  openurl
  Title The effect of hydrogen on the electronic and bonding properties of amorphous carbon Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2006 Publication Journal of physics : condensed matter Abbreviated Journal J Phys-Condens Mat  
  Volume 18 Issue 48 Pages 10803-10815  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)  
  Abstract  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication London Editor  
  Language Wos 000242650600008 Publication Date 2006-11-18  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0953-8984;1361-648X; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 2.649 Times cited 13 Open Access  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 2.649; 2006 IF: 2.038  
  Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:60468 Serial 816  
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Author (up) Torfs, E.; Vajs, J.; Bidart de Macedo, M.; Cools, F.; Vanhoutte, B.; Gorbanev, Y.; Bogaerts, A.; Verschaeve, L.; Caljon, G.; Maes, L.; Delputte, P.; Cos, P.; Komrlj, J.; Cappoen, D. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Synthesis and in vitro investigation of halogenated 1,3-bis(4-nitrophenyl)triazenide salts as antitubercular compounds Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2017 Publication Chemical biology and drug design Abbreviated Journal Chem Biol Drug Des  
  Volume Issue Pages 1-10  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Pharmacology. Therapy; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)  
  Abstract The diverse pharmacological properties of the diaryltriazenes have sparked the interest to investigate their potential to be repurposed as antitubercular drug candidates. In an attempt to improve the antitubercular activity of a previously constructed diaryltriazene library, eight new halogenated nitroaromatic triazenides were synthesized and underwent biological evaluation. The potency of the series was confirmed against the Mycobacterium tuberculosis lab strain H37Ra, and for the most potent derivative, we observed a minimal inhibitory concentration of 0.85 μm. The potency of the triazenide derivatives against M. tuberculosis H37Ra was found to be highly dependent on the nature of the halogenated phenyl substituent and less dependent on cationic species used for the preparation of the salts. Although the inhibitory concentration against J774A.1 macrophages was observed at 3.08 μm, the cellular toxicity was not mediated by the generation of nitroxide intermediate as confirmed by electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy, whereas no in vitro mutagenicity could be observed for the new halogenated nitroaromatic triazenides when a trifluoromethyl substituent was present on both the aryl moieties.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Copenhagen Editor  
  Language Wos 000422952300027 Publication Date 2017-08-28  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1747-0277; 1747-0285; 1397-002x ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 2.396 Times cited 5 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 2.396  
  Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:147182 Serial 4794  
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Author (up) Trenchev, G.; Bogaerts, A. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Dual-vortex plasmatron: A novel plasma source for CO2 conversion Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2020 Publication Journal Of Co2 Utilization Abbreviated Journal J Co2 Util  
  Volume 39 Issue Pages 101152  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)  
  Abstract Atmospheric pressure gliding arc (GA) discharges are gaining increasing interest for CO2 conversion and other gas conversion applications, due to their simplicity and high energy efficiency. However, they are characterized by some drawbacks, such as non-uniform gas treatment, limiting the conversion, as well as the development of a hot cathode spot, resulting in severe electrode degradation. In this work, we built a dual-vortex plasmatron, which is a GA plasma reactor with innovative electrode configuration, to solve the above problems. The design aims to improve the CO2 conversion capability of the GA reactor by elongating the arc in two directions, to increase the residence time of the gas inside the arc, and to actively cool the cathode spot by rotation of the arc and gas convection. The measured CO2 conversion and corresponding energy efficiency indeed look very promising. In addition, we developed a fluid dynamics non-thermal plasma model with argon chemistry, to study the arc behavior in the reactor and to explain the experimental results.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000546648400008 Publication Date 2020-03-20  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2212-9820 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 7.7 Times cited Open Access  
  Notes Fund for Scientific Research – Flanders, G.0383.16N 11U53.16N ; Hercules Foundation, the Flemish Government; UAntwerpen; We acknowledge financial support from the Fund for Scientific Research – Flanders (FWO); grant numbers G.0383.16N and 11U53.16N. The calculations were performed using the Turing HPC infrastructure at the CalcUA core facility of the Universiteit Antwerpen (UAntwerpen), a division of the Flemish Supercomputer Center VSC, funded by the Hercules Foundation, the Flemish Government (department EWI), and the UAntwerpen. We would also like to thank G. Van Loon from the University of Antwerp for building the DVP reactor. Approved Most recent IF: 7.7; 2020 IF: 4.292  
  Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @c:irua:167593 Serial 6356  
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Author (up) Trenchev, G.; Kolev, S.; Bogaerts, A. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title A 3D model of a reverse vortex flow gliding arc reactor Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2016 Publication Plasma sources science and technology Abbreviated Journal Plasma Sources Sci T  
  Volume 25 Issue 25 Pages 035014  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)  
  Abstract In this computational study, a gliding arc plasma reactor with a reverse-vortex flow stabilization is modelled for the first time by a fluid plasma description. The plasma reactor operates with argon gas at atmospheric pressure. The gas flow is simulated using the k-ε Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes turbulent model. A quasi-neutral fluid plasma model is used for computing the plasma properties. The plasma arc movement in the reactor is observed, and the results for the gas flow, electrical characteristics, plasma density, electron temperature, and gas temperature are analyzed.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000376557400022 Publication Date 2016-04-09  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0963-0252 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 3.302 Times cited 20 Open Access  
  Notes This research was carried out in the framework of the network on Physical Chemistry of Plasma–Surface Interactions— Interuniversity Attraction Poles, phase VII (http://psi-iap7.ulb. ac.be/), and supported by the Belgian Science Policy Office (BELSPO), and it was also funded by the Fund for Scientific Research Flanders (FWO). Grant number: 11U5316N. Approved Most recent IF: 3.302  
  Call Number c:irua:132888 c:irua:132888 Serial 4063  
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Author (up) Trenchev, G.; Kolev, S.; Wang, W.; Ramakers, M.; Bogaerts, A. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title CO2Conversion in a Gliding Arc Plasmatron: Multidimensional Modeling for Improved Efficiency Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2017 Publication The journal of physical chemistry: C : nanomaterials and interfaces Abbreviated Journal J Phys Chem C  
  Volume 121 Issue 44 Pages 24470-24479  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)  
  Abstract The gliding arc plasmatron (GAP) is a highly efficient atmospheric plasma source, which is very promising for CO2 conversion applications. To understand its operation principles and to improve its application, we present here comprehensive modeling results, obtained by means of computational fluid dynamics simulations and plasma modeling. Because of the complexity of the CO2 plasma, a full 3D plasma model would be computationally impractical. Therefore, we combine a 3D turbulent gas flow model with a 2D plasma and gas heating model in order to calculate the plasma parameters and CO2 conversion characteristics. In addition, a complete 3D gas flow and plasma model with simplified argon chemistry is used to evaluate the gliding arc evolution in space and time. The calculated values are compared with experimental data from literature as much as possible in order to validate the model. The insights obtained in this study are very helpful for improving the application of CO2 conversion, as they allow us to identify the limiting factors in the performance, based on which solutions can be provided on how to further improve the capabilities of CO2 conversion in the GAP.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000415140400014 Publication Date 2017-11-09  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1932-7447 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 4.536 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes H2020 Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions, 657304 ; Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek, 11U5316N G038316N ; Approved Most recent IF: 4.536  
  Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @c:irua:147193 Serial 4765  
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Author (up) Trenchev, G.; Nikiforov, A.; Wang, W.; Kolev, S.; Bogaerts, A. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Atmospheric pressure glow discharge for CO2 conversion : model-based exploration of the optimum reactor configuration Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2019 Publication Chemical engineering journal Abbreviated Journal Chem Eng J  
  Volume 362 Issue 362 Pages 830-841  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)  
  Abstract We investigate the performance of an atmospheric pressure glow discharge (APGD) reactor for CO2 conversion in three different configurations, through experiments and simulations. The first (basic) configuration utilizes the well-known pin-to-plate design, which offers a limited conversion. The second configuration improves the reactor performance by employing a vortex-flow generator. The third, “confined” configuration is a complete redesign of the reactor, which encloses the discharge in a limited volume, significantly surpassing the conversion rate of the other two designs. The plasma properties are investigated using an advanced plasma model.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000457863500084 Publication Date 2019-01-18  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1385-8947; 1873-3212 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 6.216 Times cited 4 Open Access Not_Open_Access: Available from 15.10.2019  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 6.216  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:157459 Serial 5269  
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Author (up) Tsonev, I.; Ahmadi Eshtehardi, H.; Delplancke, M.-P.; Bogaerts, A. doi  openurl
  Title Importance of geometric effects in scaling up energy-efficient plasma-based nitrogen fixation Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2024 Publication Sustainable energy & fuels Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume Issue Pages 1-19  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)  
  Abstract Despite the recent promising potential of plasma-based nitrogen fixation, the technology faces significant challenges in efficient upscaling. To tackle this challenge, we investigate two reactors, i.e., a small one, operating in a flow rate range of 5-20 ln min-1 and current range of 200-500 mA, and a larger one, operating at higher flow rate (100-300 ln min-1) and current (400-1000 mA). Both reactors operate in a pin-to-pin configuration and are powered by direct current (DC) from the same power supply unit, to allow easy comparison and evaluate the effect of upscaling. In the small reactor, we achieve the lowest energy cost (EC) of 2.8 MJ mol-1, for a NOx concentration of 1.72%, at a flow rate of 20 ln min-1, yielding a production rate (PR) of 33 g h-1. These values are obtained in air; in oxygen-enriched air, the results are typically better, at the cost of producing oxygen-enriched air. In the large reactor, the higher flow rates reduce the NOx concentration due to lower SEI, while maintaining a similar EC. This stresses the important effect of the geometrical configuration of the arc, which is typically concentrated in the center of the reactor, resulting in limited coverage of the reacting gas flow, and this is identified as the limiting factor for upscaling. However, our experiments reveal that by changing the reactor configuration, and thus the plasma geometry and power deposition mechanisms, the amount of gas treated by the plasma can be enhanced, leading to successful upscaling. To obtain more insights in our experiments, we performed thermodynamic equilibrium calculations. First of all, they show that our measured lowest EC closely aligns with the calculated minimum thermodynamic equilibrium at atmospheric pressure. In addition, they reveal that the limited NOx production in the large reactor results from the contracted nature of the plasma. To solve this limitation, we let the large reactor operate in so-called torch configuration. Indeed, the latter enhances the NOx concentrations compared to the pin-to-pin configuration, yielding a PR of 80 g h-1 at an EC of 2.9 MJ mol-1 and NOx concentration of 0.31%. This illustrates the importance of reactor design in upscaling. With the focus on feasibility evaluation of scaling-up plasma-based nitrogen fixation by combined experiments and thermodynamic modelling, we aim to tackle the challenge of design and development of an energy-efficient and scaled-up plasma reactor.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 001203657700001 Publication Date 2024-04-11  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record  
  Impact Factor Times cited Open Access  
  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:205435 Serial 9155  
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Author (up) Tsonev, I.; Boothroyd, J.; Kolev, S.; Bogaerts, A. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Simulation of glow and arc discharges in nitrogen: effects of the cathode emission mechanisms Type A1 Journal Article
  Year 2023 Publication PLASMA SOURCES SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 32 Issue 5 Pages 054002  
  Keywords A1 Journal Article; Plasma, laser ablation and surface modeling Antwerp (PLASMANT) ;  
  Abstract Experimental evidence in the literature has shown that low-current direct current nitrogen discharges can exist in both glow and arc regimes at atmospheric pressure. However, modelling investigations of the positive column that include the influence of the cathode phenomena are scarce. In this work we developed a 2D axisymmetric model of a plasma discharge in flowing nitrogen gas, studying the influence of the two cathode emission mechanisms—thermionic field emission and secondary electron emission—on the cathode region and the positive column. We show for an inlet gas flow velocity of 1 m s<sup>−1</sup>in the current range of 80–160 mA, that the electron emission mechanism from the cathode greatly affects the size and temperature of the cathode region, but does not significantly influence the discharge column at atmospheric pressure. We also demonstrate that in the discharge column the electron density balance is local and the electron production and destruction is dominated by volume processes. With increasing flow velocity, the discharge contraction is enhanced due to the increased convective heat loss. The cross sectional area of the conductive region is strongly dependent on the gas velocity and heat conductivity of the gas.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000987841800001 Publication Date 2023-05-01  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0963-0252 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record  
  Impact Factor 3.8 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access  
  Notes This research is financially supported by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under Grant Agreement No. 965546. Approved Most recent IF: 3.8; 2023 IF: 3.302  
  Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @c:irua:196972 Serial 8788  
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Author (up) Tsonev, I.; O’Modhrain, C.; Bogaerts, A.; Gorbanev, Y. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Nitrogen Fixation by an Arc Plasma at Elevated Pressure to Increase the Energy Efficiency and Production Rate of NOx Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2023 Publication ACS Sustainable Chemistry and Engineering Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 11 Issue 5 Pages 1888-1897  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)  
  Abstract Plasma-based nitrogen fixation for fertilizer production is an attractive alternative to the fossil fuel-based industrial processes. However, many factors hinder its applicability, e.g., the commonly observed inverse correlation between energy consumption and production rates or the necessity to enhance the selectivity toward NO2, the desired product for a more facile formation of nitrate-based fertilizers. In this work, we investigated the use of a rotating gliding arc plasma for nitrogen fixation at elevated pressures (up to 3 barg), at different feed gas flow rates and composition. Our results demonstrate a dramatic increase in the amount of NOx produced as a function of increasing pressure, with a record-low EC of 1.8 MJ/(mol N) while yielding a high production rate of 69 g/h and a high selectivity (94%) of NO2. We ascribe this improvement to the enhanced thermal Zeldovich mechanism and an increased rate of NO oxidation compared to the back reaction of NO with atomic oxygen, due to the elevated pressure.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000924366700001 Publication Date 2023-02-06  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2168-0485 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 8.4 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek, G0G2322N ; Horizon 2020 Framework Programme, 965546 ; Approved Most recent IF: 8.4; 2023 IF: 5.951  
  Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @c:irua:194281 Serial 7239  
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Author (up) Uytdenhouwen, Y.; Bal, Km.; Michielsen, I.; Neyts, Ec.; Meynen, V.; Cool, P.; Bogaerts, A. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title How process parameters and packing materials tune chemical equilibrium and kinetics in plasma-based CO2 conversion Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2019 Publication Chemical engineering journal Abbreviated Journal Chem Eng J  
  Volume 372 Issue Pages 1253-1264  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Laboratory of adsorption and catalysis (LADCA); Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)  
  Abstract Plasma (catalysis) reactors are increasingly being used for gas-based chemical conversions, providing an alternative method of energy delivery to the molecules. In this work we explore whether classical concepts such as

equilibrium constants, (overall) rate coefficients, and catalysis exist under plasma conditions. We specifically

investigate the existence of a so-called partial chemical equilibrium (PCE), and how process parameters and

packing properties influence this equilibrium, as well as the overall apparent rate coefficient, for CO2 splitting in

a DBD plasma reactor. The results show that a PCE can be reached, and that the position of the equilibrium, in

combination with the rate coefficient, greatly depends on the reactor parameters and operating conditions (i.e.,

power, pressure, and gap size). A higher power, higher pressure, or smaller gap size enhance both the equilibrium constant and the rate coefficient, although they cannot be independently tuned. Inserting a packing

material (non-porous SiO2 and ZrO2 spheres) in the reactor reveals interesting gap/material effects, where the

type of material dictates the position of the equilibrium and the rate (inhibition) independently. As a result, no

apparent synergistic effect or plasma-catalytic behaviour was observed for the non-porous packing materials

studied in this reaction. Within the investigated parameters, equilibrium conversions were obtained between 23

and 71%, while the rate coefficient varied between 0.027 s−1 and 0.17 s−1. This method of analysis can provide

a more fundamental insight in the overall reaction kinetics of (catalytic) plasma-based gas conversion, in order

to be able to distinguish plasma effects from true catalytic enhancement.
 
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000471670400116 Publication Date 2019-05-08  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1385-8947 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 6.216 Times cited 3 Open Access Not_Open_Access: Available from 05.05.2021  
  Notes European Fund for Regional Development; FWOFWO, G.0254.14N ; University of Antwerp; FWO-FlandersFWO-Flanders, 11V8915N ; The authors acknowledge financial support from the European Fund for Regional Development through the cross-border collaborative Interreg V program Flanders-the Netherlands (project EnOp), the Fund for Scientific Research (FWO; Grant Number: G.0254.14N), a TOP-BOF project and an IOF-SBO (SynCO2Chem) project from the University of Antwerp. K. M. B. was funded as a PhD fellow (aspirant) of the FWOFlanders (Fund for Scientific Research-Flanders), Grant 11V8915N. Approved Most recent IF: 6.216  
  Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @UA @ admin @ c:irua:159979 Serial 5171  
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Author (up) Uytdenhouwen, Y.; Bal, Km.; Neyts, Ec.; Meynen, V.; Cool, P.; Bogaerts, A. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title On the kinetics and equilibria of plasma-based dry reforming of methane Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2021 Publication Chemical Engineering Journal Abbreviated Journal Chem Eng J  
  Volume 405 Issue Pages 126630  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Laboratory of adsorption and catalysis (LADCA); Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)  
  Abstract Plasma reactors are interesting for gas-based chemical conversion but the fundamental relation between the plasma chemistry and selected conditions remains poorly understood. Apparent kinetic parameters for the loss and formation processes of individual components of gas conversion processes, can however be extracted by performing experiments in an extended residence time range (2–75 s) and fitting the gas composition to a firstorder kinetic model of the evolution towards partial chemical equilibrium (PCE). We specifically investigated the differences in kinetic characteristics and PCE state of the CO2 dissociation and CH4 reforming reactions in a dielectric barrier discharge reactor (DBD), how these are mutually affected when combining both gases in the dry reforming of methane (DRM) reaction, and how they change when a packing material (non-porous SiO2) is added to the reactor. We find that CO2 dissociation is characterized by a comparatively high reaction rate of 0.120 s−1 compared to CH4 reforming at 0.041 s−1; whereas CH4 reforming reaches higher equilibrium conversions, 82% compared to 53.6% for CO2 dissociation. Combining both feed gases makes the DRM reaction to proceed at a relatively high rate (0.088 s−1), and high conversion (75.4%) compared to CO2 dissociation, through accessing new chemical pathways between the products of CO2 and CH4. The addition of the packing material can also distinctly influence the conversion rate and position of the equilibrium, but its precise effect depends strongly on the gas composition. Comparing different CO2:CH4 ratios reveals the delicate balance of the combined chemistry. CO2 drives the loss reactions in DRM, whereas CH4 in the mixture suppresses back reactions. As a result, our methodology provides some of the insight necessary to systematically tune the conversion process.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000621197700003 Publication Date 2020-08-12  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1385-8947 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 6.216 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes The authors acknowledge financial support from the European Fund for Regional Development through the cross-border collaborative Interreg V program Flanders-the Netherlands (project EnOp), the Fund for Scientific Research (FWO; grant number: G.0254.14N), a TOP-BOF project and an IOF-SBO (SynCO2Chem) project from the University of Antwerp. Approved Most recent IF: 6.216  
  Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @c:irua:172458 Serial 6411  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author (up) Uytdenhouwen, Y.; Hereijgers, J.; Breugelmans, T.; Cool, P.; Bogaerts, A. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title How gas flow design can influence the performance of a DBD plasma reactor for dry reforming of methane Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2021 Publication Chemical Engineering Journal Abbreviated Journal Chem Eng J  
  Volume 405 Issue Pages 126618  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Laboratory of adsorption and catalysis (LADCA); Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT); Applied Electrochemistry & Catalysis (ELCAT)  
  Abstract DBD plasma reactors are commonly used in a static ‘one inlet – one outlet’ design that goes against reactor design principles for multi-component reactions, such as dry reforming of methane (DRM). Therefore, in this paper we have developed a novel reactor design, and investigated how the shape and size of the reaction zone, as well as gradual gas addition, and the method of mixing CO2 and CH4 can influence the conversion and product com­ position of DRM. Even in the standard ‘one inlet – one outlet’ design, the direction of the gas flow (i.e. short or long path through the reactor, which defines the gas velocity at fixed residence time), as well as the dimensions of the reaction zone and the power delivery to the reactor, largely affect the performance. Using gradual gas addition and separate plasma activation zones for the individual gases give increased conversions within the same operational parameters, by optimising mixing ratios and kinetics. The choice of the main (pre-activated) gas and the direction of gas flow largely affect the conversion and energy cost, while the gas inlet position during separate addition only influences the product distribution.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000626511800005 Publication Date 2020-08-12  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1385-8947 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 6.216 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes Interreg; Flanders; FWO; University of Antwerp; The authors acknowledge financial support from the European Fund for Regional Development through the cross-border collaborative Interreg V program Flanders-the Netherlands (project EnOp), the Fund 13 for Scientific Research (FWO; grant number: G.0254.14N), and an IOFSBO (SynCO2Chem) project from the University of Antwerp. Approved Most recent IF: 6.216  
  Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @c:irua:170609 Serial 6410  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author (up) Uytdenhouwen, Y.; Meynen, V.; Cool, P.; Bogaerts, A. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title The Potential Use of Core-Shell Structured Spheres in a Packed-Bed DBD Plasma Reactor for CO2 Conversion Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2020 Publication Catalysts Abbreviated Journal Catalysts  
  Volume 10 Issue 5 Pages 530  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Laboratory of adsorption and catalysis (LADCA); Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)  
  Abstract This work proposes to use core-shell structured spheres to evaluate whether it allows to individually optimize bulk and surface effects of a packing material, in order to optimize conversion and energy efficiency. Different core-shell materials have been prepared by spray coating, using dense spheres (as core) and powders (as shell) of SiO2, Al2O3, and BaTiO3. The materials are investigated for their performance in CO2 dissociation and compared against a benchmark consisting of a packed-bed reactor with the pure dense spheres, as well as an empty reactor. The results in terms of CO2 conversion and energy efficiency show various interactions between the core and shell material, depending on their combination. Al2O3 was found as the best core material under the applied conditions here, followed by BaTiO3 and SiO2, in agreement with their behaviour for the pure spheres. Applying a thin shell layer on the cores showed equal performance between the different shell materials. Increasing the layer thickness shifts this behaviour, and strong combination effects were observed depending on the specific material. Therefore, this method of core-shell spheres has the potential to allow tuning of the packing properties more closely to the application by designing an optimal combination of core and shell.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000546007000092 Publication Date 2020-05-11  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2073-4344 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 3.9 Times cited Open Access  
  Notes Interreg, Project EnOp ; Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek, G.0254.14N ; Universiteit Antwerpen, Project SynCO2Chem ; We want to thank Jasper Lefevre (VITO) for assistance in the development of the coating suspension for the core-shell spheres. Approved Most recent IF: 3.9; 2020 IF: 3.082  
  Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @c:irua:169222 Serial 6364  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author (up) Uytdenhouwen, Y.; Van Alphen, S.; Michielsen, I.; Meynen, V.; Cool, P.; Bogaerts, A. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title A packed-bed DBD micro plasma reactor for CO 2 dissociation: Does size matter? Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2018 Publication Chemical engineering journal Abbreviated Journal Chem Eng J  
  Volume 348 Issue Pages 557-568  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Laboratory of adsorption and catalysis (LADCA); Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)  
  Abstract DBD plasma reactors are of great interest for environmental and energy applications, such as CO2 conversion, but they suffer from limited conversion and especially energy efficiency. The introduction of packing materials has been a popular subject of investigation in order to increase the reactor performance. Reducing the discharge gap of the reactor below one millimetre can enhance the plasma performance as well. In this work, we combine both effects and use a packed-bed DBD micro plasma reactor to investigate the influence of gap size reduction, in combination with a packing material, on the conversion and efficiency of CO2 dissociation. Packing materials used in this work were SiO2, ZrO2, and Al2O3 spheres as well as glass wool. The results are compared to a regular size reactor as a benchmark. Reducing the discharge gap can greatly increase the CO2 conversion, although at a lower energy efficiency. Adding a packing material further increases the conversion when keeping a constant residence time, but is greatly dependent on the material composition, gap and sphere size used. Maximum conversions of 50–55% are obtained for very long residence times (30 s and higher) in an empty reactor or with certain packing material combinations, suggesting a balance in CO2 dissociation and recombination reactions. The maximum energy efficiency achieved is 4.3%, but this is for the regular sized reactor at a short residence time (7.5 s). Electrical characterization is performed to reveal some trends in the electrical behaviour of the plasma upon reduction of the discharge gap and addition of a packing material.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000434467000055 Publication Date 2018-05-03  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1385-8947 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 6.216 Times cited 22 Open Access Not_Open_Access: Available from 03.05.2020  
  Notes We acknowledge financial support from the European Fund for Regional Development through the cross-border collaborative Interreg V program Flanders-the Netherlands (project EnOp), the Fund for Scientific Research (FWO; Grant Number: G.0254.14N) and an IOF-SBO (SynCO2Chem) project from the University of Antwerp. Approved Most recent IF: 6.216  
  Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @c:irua:151238 Serial 4956  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author (up) Van Aelst, J.; Philippaerts, A.; Bartholomeeusen, E.; Fayad, E.; Thibault-Starzyk, F.; Lu, J.; Schryvers, D.; Ooms, R.; Verboekend, D.; Jacobs, P.; Sels, B. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Towards biolubricant compatible vegetable oils by pore mouth hydrogenation with shape-selective Pt/ZSM-5 catalysts Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2016 Publication Catalysis science & technology Abbreviated Journal Catal Sci Technol  
  Volume 6 Issue 6 Pages 2820-2828  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Pt/ZSM-5 catalysts with various crystal sizes were prepared via competitive ion-exchange, followed by a slow activation procedure. Even when using very large ZSM-5 crystals, highly dispersed Pt nano-clusters were contained within the zeolite crystal's voids, as ascertained by 2D pressure-jump IR spectroscopy of adsorbed CO and focussed ion-beam transmission electron microscopy. The shape-selective properties of the Pt/ZSM-5 catalysts were evaluated in the partial hydrogenation of soybean oil. Unique hydrogenation selectivities were observed, as the fatty acids located at the central position of the triacylglycerol (TAG) molecules were preferentially hydrogenated. The resulting oil has therefore high levels of intermediately melting TAGs, which are compatible with biolubricants due to their improved oxidative stability and still appropriate low-temperature fluidity. The TAG distribution in the partially hydrogenated soybean oil samples was independent from the zeolite crystal size, while the hydrogenation activity linearly increases with the crystal's external surface area. This trend was confirmed with a Pt loaded mesoporous ZSM-5 zeolite, obtained via a mild alkaline treatment. These observations imply and confirm a genuine pore mouth catalysis mechanism, in which only one fatty acid chain of the TAG is able to enter the micropores of ZSM-5, where the double bonds are hydrogenated by the crystal encapsulated Pt-clusters.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000374790200031 Publication Date 2016-03-31  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2044-4753 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 5.773 Times cited 5 Open Access  
  Notes The research was funded through a PhD grant to J. V. A. of the Agency for Innovation by Science and Technology in Flanders (IWT). A. P. and D. V. acknowledge the F. W. O.-Vlaanderen (Research Foundation Flanders) for a post-doctoral fellowship. E. B. was kindly funded by an F. W. O.-Vlaanderen project. This work was performed in the framework of an Associated International Laboratory between FWO and CNRS. Approved Most recent IF: 5.773  
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @ c:irua:138981 Serial 4335  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author (up) Van Aelst, J.; Philippaerts, A.; Turner, S.; Van Tendeloo, G.; Jacobs, P.; Sels, B. pdf  doi
openurl 
  Title Heterogeneous conjugation of vegetable oil with alkaline treated highly dispersed Ru/USY catalysts Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2016 Publication Applied catalysis : A : general Abbreviated Journal Appl Catal A-Gen  
  Volume 526 Issue 526 Pages 172-182  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Heterogeneous metal catalysts enable the direct conjugation of linoleic acid tails in vegetable oil to their conjugated linoleic acid (CIA) isomers. CIA-enriched oils are useful as renewable feedstock for the chemical industry and as nutraceutical. Up to now, a solvent-free process for conjugated oils without significant formation of undesired hydrogenation products was not existing. This work shows the design of Ru/USY catalysts able to directly conjugate highly unsaturated vegetable oils such as safflower oil in absence of solvent and hydrogen. Key is fast molecular transport of the bulky reagent and reactive product triglycerides in the zeolite crystal. A two-step zeolite post-synthetic treatment (with NH4OH and acetate salt) was applied to create the necessary mesoporosity. More open zeolite structures allow for a faster conjugation reaction, while securing a fast removal of the reactive conjugated triglycerides, otherwise rapidly deactivating through fouling and pore blockage by polymers. The best Ru/USY catalyst in this contribution is capable of producing exceptionally high yields of conjugated oils, containing up to almost 30 wt% conjugated fatty acid tails in safflower oil, at an initial production rate of 328 g(CLA) mL(-1) h(-1) per gram metal catalyst. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Amsterdam Editor  
  Language Wos 000384865600021 Publication Date 2016-09-03  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0926-860x ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 4.339 Times cited 1 Open Access  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 4.339  
  Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:137242 Serial 4383  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author (up) Van Aelst, J.; Verboekend, D.; Philippaerts, A.; Nuttens, N.; Kurttepeli, M.; Gobechiya, E.; Haouas, M.; Sree, S.P.; Denayer, J.F.M.; Martens, J.A.; Kirschhock, C.E.A.; Taulelle, F.; Bals, S.; Baron, G.V.; Jacobs, P.A.; Sels, B.F. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Catalyst design by NH4OH treatment of USY zeolite Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2015 Publication Advanced functional materials Abbreviated Journal Adv Funct Mater  
  Volume 25 Issue 25 Pages 7130-7144  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Hierarchical zeolites are a class of superior catalysts which couples the intrinsic zeolitic properties to enhanced accessibility and intracrystalline mass transport to and from the active sites. The design of hierarchical USY (Ultra-Stable Y) catalysts is achieved using a sustainable postsynthetic room temperature treatment with mildly alkaline NH4OH ( 0.02(M)) solutions. Starting from a commercial dealuminated USY zeolite (Si/Al = 47), a hierarchical material is obtained by selective and tuneable creation of interconnected and accessible small mesopores (2- 6 nm). In addition, the treatment immediately yields the NH4+ form without the need for additional ion exchange. After NH4OH modification, the crystal morphology is retained, whereas the microporosity and relative crystallinity are decreased. The gradual formation of dense amorphous phases throughout the crystal without significant framework atom leaching rationalizes the very high material yields (>90%). The superior catalytic performance of the developed hierarchical zeolites is demonstrated in the acid-catalyzed isomerization of alpha-pinene and the metal-catalyzed conjugation of safflower oil. Significant improvements in activity and selectivity are attained, as well as a lowered susceptibility to deactivation. The catalytic performance is intimately related to the introduced mesopores, hence enhanced mass transport capacity, and the retained intrinsic zeolitic properties.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Weinheim Editor  
  Language Wos 000366503700003 Publication Date 2015-10-30  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1616-301x ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 12.124 Times cited 64 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes ; The authors thank Dr. M. Thommes and Dr. K. Cychosz for numerous and helpful discussions on the correct evaluation of the Ar isotherms. I. Cuppens is acknowledged for ICP-AES analyses. Research was funded through a PhD grant to J.V.A. of the Agency for Innovation by Science and Technology in Flanders (IWT). D.V. and A.P. acknowledge F.W.O.-Vlaanderen (Research Foundation Flanders) for a postdoctoral fellowship. N.N. thanks the KU Leuven for financial support (FLOF). E.G., C.K., and J.M. acknowledge the long-term structural funding by the Flemish Government (Methusalem). S.B. acknowledges the European Research Council for funding under the European Union's Seventh Framework Programme (FP7/2007-2013)/ERC grant agreement No. 335078-COLOURATOMS. The authors are grateful for financial support by the Belgian government through Interuniversity Attraction Poles (IAP-PAI). They also thank Oleon NV for supplying safflower oil. ; ecas_Sara Approved Most recent IF: 12.124; 2015 IF: 11.805  
  Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:130214 Serial 4147  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author (up) Van Alphen, S.; Ahmadi Eshtehardi, H.; O'Modhrain, C.; Bogaerts, J.; Van Poyer, H.; Creel, J.; Delplancke, M.-P.; Snyders, R.; Bogaerts, A. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Effusion nozzle for energy-efficient NOx production in a rotating gliding arc plasma reactor Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2022 Publication Chemical Engineering Journal Abbreviated Journal Chem Eng J  
  Volume 443 Issue Pages 136529  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)  
  Abstract Plasma-based NOx production is of interest for sustainable N2 fixation, but more research is needed to improve its performance. One of the current limitations is recombination of NO back into N2 and O2 molecules immediately after the plasma reactor. Therefore, we developed a novel so-called “effusion nozzle”, to improve the perfor­mance of a rotating gliding arc plasma reactor for NOx production, but the same principle can also be applied to other plasma types. Experiments in a wide range of applied power, gas flow rates and N2/O2 ratios demonstrate an enhancement in NOx concentration by about 8%, and a reduction in energy cost by 22.5%. In absolute terms, we obtain NOx concentrations up to 5.9%, at an energy cost down to 2.1 MJ/mol, which are the best values reported to date in literature. In addition, we developed four complementary models to describe the gas flow, plasma temperature and plasma chemistry, aiming to reveal why the effusion nozzle yields better performance. Our simulations reveal that the effusion nozzle acts as very efficient heat sink, causing a fast drop in gas tem­perature when the gas molecules leave the plasma, hence limiting the recombination of NO back into N2 and O2. This yields an overall higher NOx concentration than without the effusion nozzle. This immediate quenching right at the end of the plasma makes our effusion nozzle superior to more conventional cooling options, like water cooling In addition, this higher NOx concentration can be obtained at a slightly lower power, because the effusion nozzle allows for the ignition and sustainment of the plasma at somewhat lower power. Hence, this also explains the lower energy cost. Overall, our experimental results and detailed modeling analysis will be useful to improve plasma-based NOx production in other plasma reactors as well.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000800010600003 Publication Date 0000-00-00  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1385-8947 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 15.1 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes This research was supported by the Excellence of Science FWO-FNRS project (FWO grant ID GoF9618n, EOS ID 30505023), the European Research Council (ERC) under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme (grant agreement No 810182 – SCOPE ERC Synergy project), and through long-term structural funding (Methusalem). The calculations were performed using the Turing HPC infrastructure at the CalcUA core facility of the Universiteit Antwerpen (UAntwerpen), a division of the Flemish Supercomputer Center VSC, funded by the Hercules Foundation, the Flemish Government (depart­ment EWI) and the UAntwerpen. Approved Most recent IF: 15.1  
  Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @c:irua:188283 Serial 7057  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author (up) Van Alphen, S.; Hecimovic, A.; Kiefer, C.K.; Fantz, U.; Snyders, R.; Bogaerts, A. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Modelling post-plasma quenching nozzles for improving the performance of CO2 microwave plasmas Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2023 Publication Chemical engineering journal Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 462 Issue Pages 142217  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)  
  Abstract Given the ecological problems associated to the CO2 emissions of fossil fuels, plasma technology has gained

interest for conversion of CO2 into value-added products. Microwave plasmas operating at atmospheric pressure

have proven to be especially interesting, due to the high gas temperatures inside the reactor (i.e. up to 6000 K)

allowing for efficient thermal dissociation of CO2 into CO and O2. However, the performance of these high

temperature plasmas is limited by recombination of CO back into CO2 once the gas cools down in the afterglow.

In this work, we computationally investigated several quenching nozzles, developed and experimentally tested

by Hecimovic et al., [1] for their ability to quickly cool the gas after the plasma, thereby quenching the CO

recombination reactions. Using a 3D computational fluid dynamics model and a quasi-1D chemical kinetics

model, we reveal that a reactor without nozzle lacks gas mixing between hot gas in the center and cold gas near

the reactor walls. Especially at low flow rates, where there is an inherent lack of convective cooling due to the

low gas flow velocity, the temperature in the afterglow remains high (between 2000 and 3000 K) for a relatively

long time (in the 0.1 s range). As shown by our quasi-1D chemical kinetics model, this results in a important loss

of CO due to recombination reactions. Attaching a nozzle in the effluent of the reactor induces fast gas quenching

right after the plasma. Indeed, it introduces (i) more convective cooling by forcing cool gas near the walls to mix

with hot gas in the center of the reactor, as well as (ii) more conductive cooling through the water-cooled walls of

the nozzle. Our model shows that gas quenching and the suppression of recombination reactions have more

impact at low flow rates, where recombination is the most limiting factor in the conversion process.
 
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000962382600001 Publication Date 2023-03-03  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1385-8947 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 15.1 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes This research was supported by the Excellence of Science FWO-FNRS project (FWO grant ID GoF9618n, EOS ID 30505023), the European Research Council (ERC) under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme (grant agreement No 810182 – SCOPE ERC Synergy project), and through long-term structural funding (Methusalem). The calculations were performed using the Turing HPC infrastructure at the CalcUA core facility of the Universiteit Antwerpen (UAntwerpen), a division of the Flemish Supercomputer Center VSC, funded by the Hercules Foundation, the Flemish Government (department EWI) and the UAntwerpen. Approved Most recent IF: 15.1; 2023 IF: 6.216  
  Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @c:irua:195889 Serial 7250  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author (up) Van Alphen, S.; Hecimovic, A.; Kiefer, C.K.; Fantz, U.; Snyders, R.; Bogaerts, A. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Modelling post-plasma quenching nozzles for improving the performance of CO2 microwave plasmas Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2023 Publication Chemical engineering journal Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 462 Issue Pages 142217  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)  
  Abstract Given the ecological problems associated to the CO2 emissions of fossil fuels, plasma technology has gained

interest for conversion of CO2 into value-added products. Microwave plasmas operating at atmospheric pressure

have proven to be especially interesting, due to the high gas temperatures inside the reactor (i.e. up to 6000 K)

allowing for efficient thermal dissociation of CO2 into CO and O2. However, the performance of these high

temperature plasmas is limited by recombination of CO back into CO2 once the gas cools down in the afterglow.

In this work, we computationally investigated several quenching nozzles, developed and experimentally tested

by Hecimovic et al., [1] for their ability to quickly cool the gas after the plasma, thereby quenching the CO

recombination reactions. Using a 3D computational fluid dynamics model and a quasi-1D chemical kinetics

model, we reveal that a reactor without nozzle lacks gas mixing between hot gas in the center and cold gas near

the reactor walls. Especially at low flow rates, where there is an inherent lack of convective cooling due to the

low gas flow velocity, the temperature in the afterglow remains high (between 2000 and 3000 K) for a relatively

long time (in the 0.1 s range). As shown by our quasi-1D chemical kinetics model, this results in a important loss

of CO due to recombination reactions. Attaching a nozzle in the effluent of the reactor induces fast gas quenching

right after the plasma. Indeed, it introduces (i) more convective cooling by forcing cool gas near the walls to mix

with hot gas in the center of the reactor, as well as (ii) more conductive cooling through the water-cooled walls of

the nozzle. Our model shows that gas quenching and the suppression of recombination reactions have more

impact at low flow rates, where recombination is the most limiting factor in the conversion process.
 
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000962382600001 Publication Date 2023-03-03  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1385-8947 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 15.1 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes This research was supported by the Excellence of Science FWO-FNRS project (FWO grant ID GoF9618n, EOS ID 30505023), the European Research Council (ERC) under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme (grant agreement No 810182 – SCOPE ERC Synergy project), and through long-term structural funding (Methusalem). The calculations were performed using the Turing HPC infrastructure at the CalcUA core facility of the Universiteit Antwerpen (UAntwerpen), a division of the Flemish Supercomputer Center VSC, funded by the Hercules Foundation, the Flemish Government (department EWI) and the UAntwerpen. Approved Most recent IF: 15.1; 2023 IF: 6.216  
  Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @c:irua:195889 Serial 7259  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author (up) Van Alphen, S.; Jardali, F.; Creel, J.; Trenchev, G.; Snyders, R.; Bogaerts, A. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Sustainable gas conversion by gliding arc plasmas: a new modelling approach for reactor design improvement Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2021 Publication Sustainable energy & fuels Abbreviated Journal Sustainable Energy Fuels  
  Volume 5 Issue 6 Pages 1786-1800  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)  
  Abstract Research in plasma reactor designs is developing rapidly as plasma technology is gaining increasing interest for sustainable gas conversion applications, like the conversion of greenhouse gases into value-added chemicals and renewable fuels, and fixation of N<sub>2</sub>from air into precursors of mineral fertilizer. As plasma is generated by electric power and can easily be switched on/off, these applications allows for efficient conversion and energy storage of intermittent renewable electricity. In this paper, we present a new comprehensive modelling approach for the design and development of gliding arc plasma reactors, which reveals the fluid dynamics, the arc behaviour and the plasma chemistry by solving a unique combination of five complementary models. This results in a complete description of the plasma process, which allows one to efficiently evaluate the performance of a reactor and indicate possible design improvements before actually building it. We demonstrate the capabilities of this method for an experimentally validated study of plasma-based NO<sub>x</sub>formation in a rotating gliding arc reactor, which is gaining increasing interest as a flexible, electricity-driven alternative for the Haber–Bosch process. The model demonstrates the importance of the vortex flow and the presence of a recirculation zone in the reactor, as well as the formation of hot spots in the plasma near the cathode pin and the anode wall that are responsible for most of the NO<sub>x</sub>formation. The model also reveals the underlying plasma chemistry and the vibrational non-equilibrium that exists due to the fast cooling during each arc rotation. Good agreement with experimental measurements on the studied reactor design proves the predictive capabilities of our modelling approach.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000631643300013 Publication Date 2021-02-22  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2398-4902 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor Times cited Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek, GoF9618n ; Vlaamse regering, HBC.2019.0107 ; European Research Council, 810182 ; This research was supported by the Excellence of Science FWOFNRS project (FWO grant ID GoF9618n, EOS ID 30505023), the European Research Council (ERC) under the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme (grant agreement no. 810182 – SCOPE ERC Synergy project), the 1798 | Sustainable Energy Fuels, 2021, 5, 1786–1800 Approved Most recent IF: NA  
  Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @c:irua:177540 Serial 6745  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author (up) Van Alphen, S.; Slaets, J.; Ceulemans, S.; Aghaei, M.; Snyders, R.; Bogaerts, A. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Effect of N2 on CO2-CH4 conversion in a gliding arc plasmatron: Can this major component in industrial emissions improve the energy efficiency? Type A1 Journal Article;Plasma-based CO2-CH4 conversion
  Year 2021 Publication Journal Of Co2 Utilization Abbreviated Journal J Co2 Util  
  Volume 54 Issue Pages 101767  
  Keywords A1 Journal Article;Plasma-based CO2-CH4 conversion; Effect of N2; Plasma chemistry; Computational modelling; Gliding arc plasmatron; Plasma, laser ablation and surface modeling Antwerp (PLASMANT) ;  
  Abstract Plasma-based CO2 and CH4 conversion is gaining increasing interest, and a great portion of research is dedicated to adapting the process to actual industrial conditions. In an industrial context, the process needs to be able to process N2 admixtures, since most industrial gas emissions contain significant amounts of N2, and gas separations are financially costly. In this paper we therefore investigate the effect of N2 on the CO2 and CH4 conversion in a gliding arc plasmatron reactor. The addition of 20 % N2 reduces the energy cost of the conversion process by 21 % compared to a pure CO2/CH4 mixture, from 2.9 down to 2.2 eV/molec (or from 11.5 to 8.7 kJ/L), yielding a CO2 and CH4 (absolute) conversion of 28.6 and 35.9 % and an energy efficiency of 58 %. These results are among the best reported in literature for plasma-based DRM, demonstrating the benefits of N2 present in the mix. Compared to DRM results in different plasma reactor types, a low energy cost was achieved. To understand the underlying mechanisms of N2 addition, we developed a combination of four different computational models, which reveal that the beneficial effect of N2 addition is attributed to (i) a rise in the electron density (increasing the plasma conductivity, and therefore reducing the plasma power needed to sustain the plasma, which reduces the energy cost), as well as (ii) a rise in the gas temperature, which accelerates the CO2 and CH4 conversion reactions.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000715057300005 Publication Date 2021-10-28  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2212-9820 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 4.292 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes This research was supported by the European Research Council (ERC) under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innova­ tion programme (grant agreement No 810182 – SCOPE ERC Synergy project), the Excellence of Science FWO-FNRS project (FWO grant ID GoF9618n, EOS ID 30505023), and through long-term structural fund­ing (Methusalem). The calculations were performed using the Turing HPC infrastructure at the CalcUA core facility of the Universiteit Ant­werpen (UAntwerpen), a division of the Flemish Supercomputer Center VSC, funded by the Hercules Foundation, the Flemish Government (department EWI) and the UAntwerpen. Approved Most recent IF: 4.292  
  Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @c:irua:184044 Serial 6827  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author (up) Van Alphen, S.; Vermeiren, V.; Butterworth, T.; van den Bekerom, D.C.M.; van Rooij, G.J.; Bogaerts, A. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Power Pulsing To Maximize Vibrational Excitation Efficiency in N2Microwave Plasma: A Combined Experimental and Computational Study Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2020 Publication Journal Of Physical Chemistry C Abbreviated Journal J Phys Chem C  
  Volume 124 Issue 3 Pages 1765-1779  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)  
  Abstract Plasma is gaining increasing interest for N2 fixation, being a flexible, electricity-driven alternative for the current conventional fossil fuel-based N2 fixation processes. As the vibrational-induced dissociation of N2 is found to be an energy-efficient pathway to acquire atomic N for the fixation processes, plasmas that are in vibrational nonequilibrium seem promising for this application. However, an important challenge in using nonequilibrium plasmas lies in preventing vibrational−translational (VT) relaxation processes, in which vibrational energy crucial for N2 dissociation is lost to gas heating. We present here both experimental and modeling results for the vibrational and gas temperature in a microsecond-pulsed microwave (MW) N2 plasma, showing how power pulsing can suppress this unfavorable VT relaxation and achieve a maximal vibrational nonequilibrium. By means of our kinetic model, we demonstrate that pulsed plasmas take advantage of the long time scale on which VT processes occur, yielding a very pronounced nonequilibrium over the whole N2 vibrational ladder. Additionally, the effect of pulse parameters like the pulse frequency and pulse width are investigated, demonstrating that the advantage of pulsing to inhibit VT relaxation diminishes for high pulse frequencies (around 7000 kHz) and long power pulses (above 400 μs). Nevertheless, all regimes studied here demonstrate a clear vibrational nonequilibrium while only requiring a limited power-on time, and thus, we may conclude that a pulsed plasma seems very interesting for energyefficient vibrational excitation.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000509438600001 Publication Date 2020-01-23  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1932-7447 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 3.7 Times cited Open Access  
  Notes Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek, 30505023 GoF9618n ; This research was supported by the Excellence of Science FWO-FNRS project (FWO Grant ID GoF9618n, EOS ID 30505023). The calculations were performed using the Turing HPC infrastructure at the CalcUA core facility of the Universiteit Antwerpen (UAntwerpen), a division of the Flemish Supercomputer Center VSC, funded by the Hercules Foundation, the Flemish Government (department EWI) and the UAntwerpen. Approved Most recent IF: 3.7; 2020 IF: 4.536  
  Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @c:irua:165586 Serial 5443  
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Author (up) Van Boxem, W.; Van der Paal, J.; Gorbanev, Y.; Vanuytsel, S.; Smits, E.; Dewilde, S.; Bogaerts, A. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Anti-cancer capacity of plasma-treated PBS: effect of chemical composition on cancer cell cytotoxicity Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2017 Publication Scientific reports Abbreviated Journal Sci Rep-Uk  
  Volume 7 Issue 1 Pages 16478  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)  
  Abstract We evaluate the anti-cancer capacity of plasma-treated PBS (pPBS), by measuring the concentrations of NO2 − and H2O2 in pPBS, treated with a plasma jet, for different values of gas flow rate, gap and plasma treatment time, as well as the effect of pPBS on cancer cell cytotoxicity, for three different glioblastoma cancer cell lines, at exactly the same plasma treatment conditions. Our experiments reveal that pPBS is cytotoxic for all conditions investigated. A small variation in gap between plasma jet and liquid surface (10 mm vs 15 mm) significantly affects the chemical composition of pPBS and its anti-cancer capacity, attributed to the occurrence of discharges onto the liquid. By correlating the effect of gap, gas flow rate and plasma treatment time on the chemical composition and anti-cancer capacity of pPBS, we may conclude that H2O2 is a more important species for the anti-cancer capacity of pPBS than NO2 −. We also used a 0D model, developed for plasma-liquid interactions, to elucidate the most important mechanisms for the generation of H2O2 and NO2 −. Finally, we found that pPBS might be more suitable for practical applications in a clinical setting than (commonly used) plasma-activated media (PAM), because of its higher stability.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000416398100028 Publication Date 2017-11-22  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2045-2322 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 4.259 Times cited 40 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes We acknowledge financial support from the Fund for Scientific Research (FWO) Flanders (Grant No. 11U5416N), the Research Council of the University of Antwerp and the European Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowship “LTPAM” within Horizon2020 (Grant No. 743151). Finally, we would like to thank P. Attri and A. Privat Maldonado for the valuable discussions. Approved Most recent IF: 4.259  
  Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @c:irua:147192 Serial 4766  
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Author (up) Van der Paal, J.; Aernouts, S.; van Duin, A.C.T.; Neyts, E.C.; Bogaerts, A. pdf  doi
openurl 
  Title Interaction of O and OH radicals with a simple model system for lipids in the skin barrier : a reactive molecular dynamics investigation for plasma medicine Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2013 Publication Journal of physics: D: applied physics Abbreviated Journal J Phys D Appl Phys  
  Volume 46 Issue 39 Pages 395201  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)  
  Abstract Plasma medicine has been claimed to provide a novel route to heal wounds and regenerate skin, although very little is currently known about the elementary processes taking place. We carried out a series of ReaxFF-based reactive molecular dynamics simulations to investigate the interaction of O and OH radicals with lipids, more specifically with α-linolenic acid as a model for the free fatty acids present in the upper skin layer. Our calculations predict that the O and OH radicals most typically abstract a H atom from the fatty acids, which can lead to the formation of a conjugated double bond, but also to the incorporation of alcohol or aldehyde groups, thereby increasing the hydrophilic character of the fatty acids and changing the general lipid composition of the skin. Within the limitations of the investigated model, no formation of possibly toxic products was observed.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication London Editor  
  Language Wos 000324810400007 Publication Date 2013-09-11  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0022-3727;1361-6463; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 2.588 Times cited 36 Open Access  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 2.588; 2013 IF: 2.521  
  Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:109904 Serial 1684  
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Author (up) Van der Paal, J.; Fridman, G.; Bogaerts, A. pdf  doi
openurl 
  Title Ceramide cross-linking leads to pore formation: Potential mechanism behind CAP enhancement of transdermal drug delivery Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2019 Publication Plasma processes and polymers Abbreviated Journal Plasma Process Polym  
  Volume 16 Issue 16 Pages 1900122  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)  
  Abstract In recent years, cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) has been proposed as a novel method to enhance transdermal drug delivery, while avoiding tissue damage. However, the underlying mechanism for the increasing skin permeability upon CAP treatment is still undefined. We propose a mechanism in which CAP-generated reactive species induce cross-linking of skin lipids, leading to the generation of nanopores, thereby facilitating the permeation of drug molecules. Molecular dynamics simulations support this proposed mechanism. Furthermore, our results indicate that to achieve maximum enhancement of the permeability, the optimal treatment will depend on the exact lipid composition of the skin, as well as on the CAP source used.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000479747500001 Publication Date 2019-07-30  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1612-8850 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 2.846 Times cited Open Access  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 2.846  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:161874 Serial 6287  
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Author (up) Van der Paal, J.; Hong, S.-H.; Yusupov, M.; Gaur, N.; Oh, J.-S.; Short, R.D.; Szili, E.J.; Bogaerts, A. url  doi
openurl 
  Title How membrane lipids influence plasma delivery of reactive oxygen species into cells and subsequent DNA damage : an experimental and computational study Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2019 Publication Physical chemistry, chemical physics Abbreviated Journal Phys Chem Chem Phys  
  Volume 21 Issue 35 Pages 19327-19341  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)  
  Abstract The mechanisms of plasma in medicine are broadly attributed to plasma-derived reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS). In order to exert any intracellular effects, these plasma-derived RONS must first traverse a major barrier in the cell membrane. The cell membrane lipid composition, and thereby the magnitude of this barrier, is highly variable between cells depending on type and state (e.g. it is widely accepted that healthy and cancerous cells have different membrane lipid compositions). In this study, we investigate how plasma-derived RONS interactions with lipid membrane components can potentially be exploited in the future for treatment of diseases. We couple phospholipid vesicle experiments, used as simple cell models, with molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of the lipid membrane to provide new insights into how the interplay between phospholipids and cholesterol may influence the response of healthy and diseased cell membranes to plasma-derived RONS. We focus on the (i) lipid tail saturation degree, (ii) lipid head group type, and (iii) membrane cholesterol fraction. Using encapsulated molecular probes, we study the influence of the above membrane components on the ingress of RONS into the vesicles, and subsequent DNA damage. Our results indicate that all of the above membrane components can enhance or suppress RONS uptake, depending on their relative concentration within the membrane. Further, we show that higher RONS uptake into the vesicles does not always correlate with increased DNA damage, which is attributed to ROS reactivity and lifetime. The MD simulations indicate the multifactorial chemical and physical processes at play, including (i) lipid oxidation, (ii) lipid packing, and (iii) lipid rafts formation. The methods and findings presented here provide a platform of knowledge that could be leveraged in the development of therapies relying on the action of plasma, in which the cell membrane and oxidative stress response in cells is targeted.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000486175400045 Publication Date 2019-08-21  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1463-9076; 1463-9084 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 4.123 Times cited 1 Open Access  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 4.123  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:162782 Serial 6303  
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Author (up) Van der Paal, J.; Neyts, E.C.; Verlackt, C.C.W.; Bogaerts, A. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Effect of lipid peroxidation on membrane permeability of cancer and normal cells subjected to oxidative stress Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2016 Publication Chemical science Abbreviated Journal Chem Sci  
  Volume 7 Issue 7 Pages 489-498  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)  
  Abstract We performed molecular dynamics simulations to investigate the effect of lipid peroxidation products on the structural and dynamic properties of the cell membrane. Our simulations predict that the lipid order in a phospholipid bilayer, as a model system for the cell membrane, decreases upon addition of lipid peroxidation products. Eventually, when all phospholipids are oxidized, pore formation can occur. This will allow reactive species, such as reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS), to enter the cell and cause oxidative damage to intracellular macromolecules, such as DNA or proteins. On the other hand, upon increasing the cholesterol fraction of lipid bilayers, the cell membrane order increases, eventually reaching a certain threshold, from which cholesterol is able to protect the membrane against pore formation. This finding is crucial for cancer treatment by plasma technology, producing a large number of RONS, as well as for other cancer treatment methods that cause an increase in the concentration of extracellular RONS. Indeed, cancer cells contain less cholesterol than their healthy counterparts. Thus, they will be more vulnerable to the consequences of lipid peroxidation, eventually enabling the penetration of RONS into the interior of the cell, giving rise to oxidative stress, inducing pro-apoptotic factors. This provides, for the first time, molecular level insight why plasma can selectively treat cancer cells, while leaving their healthy counterparts undamaged, as is indeed experimentally demonstrated.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000366826900058 Publication Date 2015-10-16  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2041-6520 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 8.668 Times cited 106 Open Access  
  Notes The authors acknowledge nancial support from the Fund for Scientic Research (FWO) Flanders, grant number G012413N. The calculations were performed in part using the Turing HPC infrastructure of the CalcUA core facility of the Universiteit Antwerpen, a division of the Flemish Supercomputer Center VSC, funded by the Hercules Foundation, the Flemish Government (department EWI) and the Universiteit Antwerpen. Approved Most recent IF: 8.668  
  Call Number c:irua:131058 Serial 3986  
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