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“Identification of nano-width variants in a fully monoclinic martensitic Ni50Ti50 alloy by scanning electron microscope-based transmission Kikuchi diffraction and improved groupoid structure approach”. Zhao ZX, Ma X, Cao S, Li YY, Zeng CY, Wang DX, Yao X, Deng ZJ, Zhang XP, Materials Letters 281, 128624 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.MATLET.2020.128624
Abstract: Nano-width martensite plates in a fully martensitic Ni50Ti50 alloy are indexed successfully by using the off-axis transmission Kikuchi diffraction in scanning electron microscope (i.e., SEM-based TKD). The data obtained by SEM-TKD are effectively interpreted using an improved approach based on the framework of the theoretical groupoid structure method, where the equivalent variants transformed from the monoclinic variants are introduced to calculate all theoretical axis/angle pairs of rotation, and to formulate a complete list of source martensite to target martensite pairs. Consequently, B19' monoclinic martensite variants in NiTi alloys are identified unambiguously, by using numerical comparison between the experimental and theoretical rotation components, without the reference of retained parent phase. (C) 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 3
DOI: 10.1016/J.MATLET.2020.128624
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“Probing the structure and composition of van der Waals heterostructures using the nonlocality of Dirac plasmons in the terahertz regime”. Lavor IR, Cavalcante LSR, Chaves A, Peeters FM, Van Duppen B, 2d Materials 8, 015014 (2021). http://doi.org/10.1088/2053-1583/ABBECC
Abstract: Dirac plasmons in graphene are very sensitive to the dielectric properties of the environment. We show that this can be used to probe the structure and composition of van der Waals heterostructures (vdWh) put underneath a single graphene layer. In order to do so, we assess vdWh composed of hexagonal boron nitride and different types of transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs). By performing realistic simulations that account for the contribution of each layer of the vdWh separately and including the importance of the substrate phonons, we show that one can achieve single-layer resolution by investigating the nonlocal nature of the Dirac plasmon-polaritons. The composition of the vdWh stack can be inferred from the plasmon-phonon coupling once it is composed by more than two TMD layers. Furthermore, we show that the bulk character of TMD stacks for plasmonic screening properties in the terahertz regime is reached only beyond 100 layers.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 6.937
Times cited: 4
DOI: 10.1088/2053-1583/ABBECC
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“Atomic-scale investigation of the heterogeneous precipitation in the E (Al₁₈Mg₃Cr₂) dispersoid of 7075 aluminum alloy”. Ding L, Zhao L, Weng Y, Schryvers D, Liu Q, Idrissi H, Journal Of Alloys And Compounds 851, 156890 (2021). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.JALLCOM.2020.156890
Abstract: The heterogeneous precipitation of the eta (MgZn2) phase on the E (Al18Mg3Cr2) dispersoids of the 7075 aluminum alloy was systematically investigated by atomic resolution high-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF-STEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDX). It is found that coarse B particles are heterogeneously precipitated at the E particle interface after water quenching and isothermal aging at 120 degrees C. The incoherent E/Al interface is responsible for the high tendency of heterogeneous precipitation of the B phase. Two different orientation relationships (ORs) between the eta, E and Al matrix are identified: OR1 [2 (11) over bar0](eta)[011](E)//[(1) over bar 12](Al), (01 (1) over bar0)(eta)//(13 (3) over bar)(E)//(201)(Al), OR2 [(1) over bar 12](E)//[0001](eta)//[011](Al), (01 (1) over bar0 )(eta)//(220)(E)//(34 (4) over bar)(Al). The eta phase is preferential to nucleate along the {111}(E) or the {220}(E) planes, depending on its OR. The heterogeneous nucleation of B phase on the E particle could stabilize the E/Al interface by introducing a coherent E/eta interface, which increases the drive force of heterogeneous precipitation. The reorientation of eta phase and mutual diffusion of solute atoms could assist the coherency of the E/eta interface. The present results suggest that increasing the coherency of the E/Al interface is a promising method to suppress the heterogeneous precipitation of the eta phase. (C) 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 3.133
DOI: 10.1016/J.JALLCOM.2020.156890
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Vermeiren V (2020) Chemical kinetics modeling of non-equilibrium and thermal effects in vibrationally active CO2 plasmas. 207 p
Keywords: Doctoral thesis; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
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“Analysis of Malagasy medical herbs by X-ray fluorescence in total reflectivity”. Razafindramisa FL, Andriambololona R, Brunel M, Van Grieken RE, Journal de physique: 4 6, 833 (1996)
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
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“Do aptamers always bind? The need for a multifaceted analytical approach when demonstrating binding affinity between aptamer and low molecular weight compounds”. Bottari F, Daems E, de Vries A-M, Van Wielendaele P, Trashin S, Blust R, Sobott F, Madder A, Martins JC, De Wael K, Journal Of The American Chemical Society 142, jacs.0c08691 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1021/JACS.0C08691
Abstract: In this manuscript, we compare different analytical methodologies to validate or disprove the binding capabilities of aptamer sequences. This was prompted by the lack of a universally accepted and robust quality control protocol for the characterization of aptamer performances coupled with the observation of independent yet inconsistent data sets in the literature. As an example, we chose three aptamers with a reported affinity in the nanomolar range for ampicillin, a β-lactam antibiotic, used as biorecognition elements in several detection strategies described in the literature. Application of a well-known colorimetric assay based on aggregation of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) yielded conflicting results with respect to the original report. Therefore, ampicillin binding was evaluated in solution using isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC), native nano-electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (native nESI-MS), and 1H-nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H NMR). By coupling the thermodynamic data obtained with ITC with the structural information on the binding event given by native nESI-MS and 1H NMR we could verify that none of the ampicillin aptamers show any specific binding with their intended target. The effect of AuNPs on the binding event was studied by both ITC and 1H NMR, again without providing positive evidence of ampicillin binding. To validate the performance of our analytical approach, we investigated two well-characterized aptamers for cocaine/quinine (MN4), chosen for its nanomolar range affinity, and l-argininamide (1OLD) to show the versatility of our approach. The results clearly indicate the need for a multifaceted analytical approach, to unequivocally establish the actual detection potential and performance of aptamers aimed at small organic molecules.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation); Medical Biochemistry
Impact Factor: 15
DOI: 10.1021/JACS.0C08691
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Hendrickx M (2020) Study of the effect of cation substitution on the local structure and the properties of perovskites and Li-ion battery cathode materials. 208 p
Keywords: Doctoral thesis; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
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“Urban heat stress mitigation potential of green walls: A review”. Koch K, Ysebaert T, Denys S, Samson R, Urban Forestry &, Urban Greening 55, 126843 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.UFUG.2020.126843
Abstract: Cities with resilience to climate change appear to be a vision of the future, but are inevitable to ensure the quality of life for citizens and to avoid an increase in civilian mortality. Urban green infrastructure (UGI), with the focus on vertical green, poses a beneficial mitigation and adaptation strategy for challenges such as climate change through cooling effects on building and street level. This review article explores recent literature regarding this considerable topic and investigates how green walls can be applied to mitigate this problem. Summary tables (see additional information) and figures are presented that can be used by policy makers and researchers to make informed decisions when installing green walls in built-up environments. At last, knowledge gaps are uncovered that need further investigation to exploit the benefits at its best.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Art; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Impact Factor: 6.4
DOI: 10.1016/J.UFUG.2020.126843
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“Identification and distribution of metal soaps and oxalates in oil and tempera paint layers in fifteenth-century altarpieces using synchrotron radiation Techniques”. Salvadó N, Butí S, Pradell T, Beltran V, Cinque G, Juanhuix J page 195 (2019).
Abstract: The formation and distribution of metal soaps produced as a result of the reactivity and aging of the materials in a fifteenth-century egg tempera and oil paintings on wood are presented. The painting technique involves the application of several paint layers over a ground using, sometimes in the same paint layer sequence, drying oil and egg yolk binders. We show, with a selection of examples, how the use of thin sections and a combination of various micro-sensitive analytical techniques is adequate to obtain the high-quality data necessary for the unambiguous identification of metal soaps and metal oxalates as well as their distribution in the paint layers. The techniques include micro infrared spectroscopy (μSR-FTIR) and micro X-ray diffraction (μSR-XRD) with synchrotron radiation, optical microscopy (OM), and scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS). The data obtained sheds light about the underlying reaction and aging mechanisms happening in each paint layer and among them. This helps to define the state of conservation of the artworks.
Keywords: H1 Book chapter; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-90617-1_11
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“Microstructure characterization of oceanic polyethylene debris”. Rowenczyk L, Dazzi A, Deniset-Besseau A, Beltran V, Goudounèche D, Wong-Wah-Chung P, Boyron O, George M, Fabre P, Roux C, Mingotaud AF, ter Halle A, Environmental Science &, Technology 54, 4102 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1021/ACS.EST.9B07061
Abstract: Plastic pollution has become a worldwide concern. It was demonstrated that plastic breaks down to nanoscale particles in the environment, forming so-called nanoplastics. It is important to understand their ecological impact, but their structure is not elucidated. In this original work, we characterize the microstructure of oceanic polyethylene debris and compare it to the nonweathered objects. Cross sections are analyzed by several emergent mapping techniques. We highlight deep modifications of the debris within a layer a few hundred micrometers thick. The most intense modifications are macromolecule oxidation and a considerable decrease in the molecular weight. The adsorption of organic pollutants and trace metals is also confined to this outer layer. Fragmentation of the oxidized layer of the plastic debris is the most likely source of nanoplastics. Consequently the nanoplastic chemical nature differs greatly from plastics.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
Impact Factor: 11.4
Times cited: 3
DOI: 10.1021/ACS.EST.9B07061
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“Origin of the extra capacity in nitrogen-doped porous carbon nanofibers for high-performance potassium ion batteries”. Liu F, Meng J, Xia F, Liu Z, Peng H, Sun C, Xu L, Van Tendeloo G, Mai L, Wu J, Journal Of Materials Chemistry A 8, 18079 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1039/D0TA05626J
Abstract: While graphite has limited capacity as an anode material for potassium-ion batteries, nitrogen-doped carbon materials are more promising as extra capacity can usually be produced. However, the mechanism behind the origin of the extra capacity remains largely unclear. Here, the potassium storage mechanisms have been systematically studied in freestanding and porous N-doped carbon nanofibers with an additional similar to 100 mA h g(-1)discharge capacity at 0.1 A g(-1). The extra capacity is generated in the whole voltage window range from 0.01 to 2 V, which corresponds to both surface/interface K-ion absorptions due to the pyridinic N and pyrrolic N induced atomic vacancies and layer-by-layer intercalation due to the effects of graphitic N. As revealed by transmission electron microscopy, the N-doped samples have a clear and enhanced K-intercalation reaction. Theoretical calculations confirmed that the micropores with pyridinic N and pyrrolic N provide extra sites to form bonds with K, resulting in the extra capacity at high voltage. The chemical absorption of K-ions occurring inside the defective graphitic layer will prompt fast diffusion of K-ions and full realization of the intercalation capacity at low voltage. The approach of preparing N-doped carbon-based materials and the mechanism revealed by this work provide directions for the development of advanced materials for efficient energy storage.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 11.9
Times cited: 2
DOI: 10.1039/D0TA05626J
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“Tunable magnetic focusing using Andreev scattering in superconductor-graphene hybrid devices”. Chaves A, Moura VN, Linard FJA, Covaci L, Milošević, MV, Journal Of Applied Physics 128, 124303 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1063/5.0020392
Abstract: We perform the wavepacket dynamics simulation of a graphene-based device where propagating electron trajectories are tamed by an applied magnetic field toward a normal/superconductor interface. The magnetic field controls the incidence angle of the incoming electronic wavepacket at the interface, which results in the tunable electron-hole ratio in the reflected wave function due to the angular dependence of the Andreev reflection. Here, mapped control of the quasiparticle trajectories by the external magnetic field not only defines an experimental probe for fundamental studies of the Andreev reflection in graphene but also lays the foundation for further development of magnetic focusing devices based on nanoengineered superconducting two-dimensional materials.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.2
Times cited: 1
DOI: 10.1063/5.0020392
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“Skyrmion spin transfer torque due to current confined in a nanowire”. Osca J, Sorée B, Physical Review B 102, 125436 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1103/PHYSREVB.102.125436
Abstract: In this work we compute the torque field present in a ferromagnet in contact with a metallic nanowire when a skyrmion is present. If the nanowire is narrow enough, then the current is carried by a single conduction band. In this regime the classical torque model breaks down and we show that a skyrmion driven by spin transfer torque moves in a different direction than predicted by the classical model. However, the amount of charge current required to move a skyrmion with a certain velocity in the single-band regime is similar to a classical model of torque where it is implicitly assumed current transport by many conduction bands. The single-band regime is more efficient creating spin current from charge current because of the perfect polarization of the single band but is less efficient creating torque from spin current. Nevertheless, it is possible to take profit of the single-band regime to move skyrmions even with no net charge or spin current flowing between the device contacts. We have also been able to recover the classical limit considering an ensemble of only a few electronic states. In this limit we have discovered that electron diffusion needs to be considered even in ballistic nanowires due the effect of the skyrmion structure on the electron current.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.7
DOI: 10.1103/PHYSREVB.102.125436
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“Fast pixelated detectors in scanning transmission electron microscopy. part II : post-acquisition data processing, visualization, and structural characterization”. Paterson GW, Webster RWH, Ross A, Paton KA, Macgregor TA, McGrouther D, MacLaren I, Nord M, Microscopy And Microanalysis 26, 944 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1017/S1431927620024307
Abstract: Fast pixelated detectors incorporating direct electron detection (DED) technology are increasingly being regarded as universal detectors for scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), capable of imaging under multiple modes of operation. However, several issues remain around the post-acquisition processing and visualization of the often very large multidimensional STEM datasets produced by them. We discuss these issues and present open source software libraries to enable efficient processing and visualization of such datasets. Throughout, we provide examples of the analysis methodologies presented, utilizing data from a 256 x 256 pixel Medipix3 hybrid DED detector, with a particular focus on the STEM characterization of the structural properties of materials. These include the techniques of virtual detector imaging; higher-order Laue zone analysis; nanobeam electron diffraction; and scanning precession electron diffraction. In the latter, we demonstrate a nanoscale lattice parameter mapping with a fractional precision <= 6 x 10(-4) (0.06%).
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 2.8
Times cited: 3
DOI: 10.1017/S1431927620024307
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“Assessment of sulfur-functionalized MXenes for li-ion battery applications”. Siriwardane EMD, Demiroglu I, Sevik C, Peeters FM, Çakir D, Journal Of Physical Chemistry C 124, 21293 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1021/ACS.JPCC.0C05287
Abstract: The surface termination of MXenes greatly determines the electrochemical properties and ion kinetics on their surfaces. So far, hydroxyl-, oxygen-, and fluorine-terminated MXenes have been widely studied for energy storage applications. Recently, sulfur-functionalized MXene structures, which possess low diffusion barriers, have been proposed as candidate materials to enhance battery performance. We performed first-principles calculations on the structural, stability, electrochemical, and ion dynamic properties of Li-adsorbed sulfur-functionalized groups 3B, 4B, 5B, and 6B transition-metal (M)-based MXenes (i.e., M2CS2 with M = Sc, Ti, Zr, Hf, V, Nb, Ta, Cr, Mo, and W). We performed phonon calculations, which indicated that all of the above M2CS2 MXenes, except for Sc, are dynamically stable at T = 0 K. The ground-state structure of each M2CS2 monolayer depends on the type of M atom. For instance, while sulfur prefers to sit at the FCC site on Ti2CS2, it occupies the HCP site of Cr-based MXene. We determined the Li adsorption configurations at different concentrations using the cluster expansion method. The highest maximum open-circuit voltages were computed for the group 4B element (i.e., Ti, Zr, and Hf)-based M2CS2, which are larger than 2.1 V, while their average voltages are approximately 1 V. The maximum voltage for the group 6B element (i.e., Cr, Mo, W)-based M2CS2 is less than 1 V, and the average voltage is less than 0.71 V. We found that S functionalization is helpful for capacity improvements over the O-terminated MXenes. In this respect, the computed storage gravimetric capacity may reach up to 417.4 mAh/g for Ti2CS2 and 404.5 mAh/g for V2CS2. Ta-, Cr-, Mo-, and W-based M2CS2 MXenes show very low capacities, which are less than 100 mAh/g. The Li surface diffusion energy barriers for all of the considered MXenes are less than 0.22 eV, which is favorable for high charging and discharging rates. Finally, ab initio molecular dynamic simulations performed at 400 K and bond-length analysis with respect to Li concentration verify that selected promising systems are robust against thermally induced perturbations that may induce structural transformations or distortions and undesirable Li release.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.7
Times cited: 24
DOI: 10.1021/ACS.JPCC.0C05287
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“Monolayer 1T-LaN₂, : Dirac spin-gapless semiconductor of p-state and Chern insulator with a high Chern number”. Li L, Kong X, Chen X, Li J, Sanyal B, Peeters FM, Applied Physics Letters 117, 143101 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1063/5.0023531
Abstract: Two-dimensional transition-metal dinitrides have attracted considerable attention in recent years due to their rich magnetic properties. Here, we focus on rare-earth-metal elements and propose a monolayer of lanthanum dinitride with a 1T structural phase, 1T-LaN2. Using first-principles calculations, we systematically investigated the structure, stability, magnetism, and band structure of this material. It is a flexible and stable monolayer exhibiting a low lattice thermal conductivity, which is promising for future thermoelectric devices. The monolayer shows the ferromagnetic ground state with a spin-polarized band structure. Two linear spin-polarized bands cross at the Fermi level forming a Dirac point, which is formed by the p atomic orbitals of the N atoms, indicating that monolayer 1T-LaN2 is a Dirac spin-gapless semiconductor of p-state. When the spin-orbit coupling is taken into account, a large nontrivial indirect bandgap (86/354meV) can be opened at the Dirac point, and three chiral edge states are obtained, corresponding to a high Chern number of C=3, implying that monolayer 1T-LaN2 is a Chern insulator. Importantly, this kind of band structure is expected to occur in more monolayers of rare-earth-metal dinitride with a 1T structural phase.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 4
Times cited: 19
DOI: 10.1063/5.0023531
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“Electronically tunable quantum phase slips in voltage-biased superconducting rings as a base for phase-slip flux qubits”. Kenawy A, Magnus W, Milošević, MV, Sorée B, Superconductor Science &, Technology 33, 125002 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1088/1361-6668/ABB8EB
Abstract: Quantum phase slips represent a coherent mechanism to couple flux states of a superconducting loop. Since their first direct observation, there have been substantial developments in building charge-insensitive quantum phase-slip circuits. At the heart of these devices is a weak link, often a nanowire, interrupting a superconducting loop. Owing to the very small cross-sectional area of such a nanowire, quantum phase slip rates in the gigahertz range can be achieved. Instead, here we present the use of a bias voltage across a superconducting loop to electrostatically induce a weak link, thereby amplifying the rate of quantum phase slips without physically interrupting the loop. Our simulations reveal that the bias voltage modulates the free energy barrier between subsequent flux states in a very controllable fashion, providing a route towards a phase-slip flux qubit with a broadly tunable transition frequency.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.6
Times cited: 4
DOI: 10.1088/1361-6668/ABB8EB
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“Excitation and propagation of spin waves in non-uniformly magnetized waveguides”. Vanderveken F, Ahmad H, Heyns M, Sorée B, Adelmann C, Ciubotaru F, Journal Of Physics D-Applied Physics 53, 495006 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1088/1361-6463/ABB2BE
Abstract: The characteristics of spin waves in ferromagnetic waveguides with non-uniform magnetization have been investigated for situations where the shape anisotropy field of the waveguide is comparable to the external bias field. Spin-wave generation was realized by the magnetoelastic effect by applying normal and shear strain components, as well as by the Oersted field emitted by an inductive antenna. The magnetoelastic excitation field has a non-uniform profile over the width of the waveguide because of the non-uniform magnetization orientation, whereas the Oersted field remains uniform. Using micromagnetic simulations, we indicate that both types of excitation fields generate quantised width modes with both odd and even mode numbers as well as tilted phase fronts. We demonstrate that these effects originate from the average magnetization orientation with respect to the main axes of the magnetic waveguide. Furthermore, it is indicated that the excitation efficiency of the second-order mode generally surpasses that of the first-order mode due to their symmetry. The relative intensity of the excited modes can be controlled by the strain state as well as by tuning the dimensions of the excitation area. Finally, we demonstrate that the nonreciprocity of spin-wave radiation due to the chirality of an Oersted field generated by an inductive antenna is absent for magnetoelastic spin-wave excitation.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.4
Times cited: 1
DOI: 10.1088/1361-6463/ABB2BE
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“Physicochemical and rheological properties of a transparent asphalt binder modified with nano-TiO₂”. Rocha Segundo I, Landi Jr S, Margaritis A, Pipintakos G, Freitas E, Vuye C, Blom J, Tytgat T, Denys S, Carneiro J, Nanomaterials 10, 2152 (2020). http://doi.org/10.3390/NANO10112152
Abstract: Transparent binder is used to substitute conventional black asphalt binder and to provide light-colored pavements, whereas nano-TiO2 has the potential to promote photocatalytic and self-cleaning properties. Together, these materials provide multifunction effects and benefits when the pavement is submitted to high solar irradiation. This paper analyzes the physicochemical and rheological properties of a transparent binder modified with 0.5%, 3.0%, 6.0%, and 10.0% nano-TiO2 and compares it to the transparent base binder and conventional and polymer modified binders (PMB) without nano-TiO2. Their penetration, softening point, dynamic viscosity, master curve, black diagram, Linear Amplitude Sweep (LAS), Multiple Stress Creep Recovery (MSCR), and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) were obtained. The transparent binders (base and modified) seem to be workable considering their viscosity, and exhibited values between the conventional binder and PMB with respect to rutting resistance, penetration, and softening point. They showed similar behavior to the PMB, demonstrating signs of polymer modification. The addition of TiO2 seemed to reduce fatigue life, except for the 0.5% content. Nevertheless, its addition in high contents increased the rutting resistance. The TiO2 modification seems to have little effect on the chemical functional indices. The best percentage of TiO2 was 0.5%, with respect to fatigue, and 10.0% with respect to permanent deformation.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL); Energy and Materials in Infrastructure and Buildings (EMIB)
Impact Factor: 5.3
DOI: 10.3390/NANO10112152
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“Covalent immobilization of delipidated human serum albumin on poly(pyrrole-2-carboxylic) acid film for the impedimetric detection of perfluorooctanoic acid”. Moro G, Bottari F, Liberi S, Covaceuszach S, Cassetta A, Angelini A, De Wael K, Moretto LM, Bioelectrochemistry 134, 107540 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.BIOELECHEM.2020.107540
Abstract: The immobilization of biomolecules at screen printed electrodes for biosensing applications is still an open challenge. To enrich the toolbox of bioelectrochemists, graphite screen printed electrodes (G-SPE) were modified with an electropolymerized film of pyrrole-2-carboxilic acid (Py-2-COOH), a pyrrole derivative rich in carboxylic acid functional groups. These functionalities are suitable for the covalent immobilization of biomolecular recognition layers. The electropolymerization was first optimized to obtain stable and conductive polymeric films, comparing two different electrolytes: sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) and sodium perchlorate. The G-SPE modified with Py-2-COOH in 0.1 M SDS solution showed the required properties and were further tested. A proof-of-concept study for the development of an impedimetric sensor for perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) was carried out using the delipidated human serum albumin (hSA) as bioreceptor. The data interpretation was supported by size exclusion chromatography and small-angle X-ray scattering (SEC-SAXS) analysis of the bioreceptor-target complex and the preliminary results suggest the possibility to further develop this biosensing strategy for toxicological and analytical studies.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
Impact Factor: 5
DOI: 10.1016/J.BIOELECHEM.2020.107540
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“Gold-sputtered microelectrodes with built-in gold reference and counter electrodes for electrochemical DNA detection”. Thiruvottriyur Shanmugam S, Trashin S, De Wael K, Analyst (2020). http://doi.org/10.1039/D0AN01387K
Abstract: Gold-sputtered microelectrodes with built-in gold reference and counter electrodes represent a promising platform for the development of disposable DNA sensors. Pretreating gold electrode surfaces and immobilization of DNA thereon is commonly employed in biosensing applications. However, with no scientific or practical guidelines to prepare a DNA sensor using these miniature gold-sputtered microelectrodes, cleaning and immobilization steps need to be systematically optimized and updated. In this work, we present efficient cleaning and modification of miniaturized gold-sputtered microelectrodes with thiolated DNA probes for DNA detection. Additional discussions on subtleties and nuances involved at each stage of pretreating and modifying gold-sputtered microelectrodes are included to present a robust, well-founded protocol. It was evident that the insights on cleaning polycrystalline gold disk electrodes with a benchmark electrode surface for DNA sensors, cannot be transferred to clean these miniature gold-sputtered microelectrodes. Therefore, a comparison between five different cleaning protocols was made to find the optimal one for gold-sputtered microelectrodes. Additionally, two principally different immobilization techniques for gold-sputtered microelectrode modification with thiolated ssDNA were compared i.e., immobilization through passive chemisorption and potential perturbation were compared in terms of thiol-specific attachment and thiol-unspecific adsorption through nitrogenous bases. The hybridization performance of these prepared electrodes was characterized by their sensitive complementary DNA capturing ability, detected by a standard alkaline phosphatase assay. Immobilization through passive chemisorption proved to be efficient in capturing the complementary target DNA with a detection limit of 0.14 nM and sensitivity of 9.38 A M−1 cm2. In general, this work presents a comprehensive understanding of cleaning, modification and performance of gold-sputtered microelectrodes with built-in gold reference and counter electrodes for both fundamental investigations and practical DNA sensing applications.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
Impact Factor: 4.2
DOI: 10.1039/D0AN01387K
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“Magnetoexcitons in semiconductor quantum rings with complicated (Kane's) dispersion law”. Avetisyan AA, Ghazaryan AV, Djotyan AP, Kirakosyan AA, Moulopoulos K, Acta physica Polonica: A: general physics, solid state physics, applied physics
T2 –, 4th Workshop on Quantum Chaos and Localisation Phenomena, MAY 22-24, 2009, Polish Acad Sci, Ctr Theoret Phys, Inst Phys, Polish Acad Sci, Ctr Theoret Phys, Inst Phys, War 116, 826 (2009). http://doi.org/10.12693/APHYSPOLA.116.826
Abstract: The influence of the nonparabolicity of charge carriers dispersion law (Kane's dispersion) on a magnetoexciton energy spectrum in InSb quantum rings is theoretically investigated The analytical expression for the energy spectrum of exciton in a narrow-gap semiconductor nanoring in a magnetic field is obtained. The Aharonov – Bohm oscillations in the energy of excited states are studied.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
DOI: 10.12693/APHYSPOLA.116.826
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“Investigation of strain and doping on the electronic properties of single layers of C₆N₆, and C₆N₈: a first principles study”. Bafekry A, Nguyen C V, Goudarzi A, Ghergherehchi M, Shafieirad M, Rsc Advances 10, 27743 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1039/D0RA04463F
Abstract: In this work, by performing first-principles calculations, we explore the effects of various atom impurities on the electronic and magnetic properties of single layers of C(6)N(6)and C6N8. Our results indicate that atom doping may significantly modify the electronic properties. Surprisingly, doping Cr into a holey site of C(6)N(6)monolayer was found to exhibit a narrow band gap of 125 meV upon compression strain, considering the spin-orbit coupling effect. Also, a C atom doped in C(6)N(8)monolayer shows semi-metal nature under compression strains larger than -2%. Our results propose that Mg or Ca doped into strained C(6)N(6)may exhibit small band gaps in the range of 10-30 meV. In addition, a magnetic-to-nonmagnetic phase transition can occur under large tensile strains in the Ca doped C(6)N(8)monolayer. Our results highlight the electronic properties and magnetism of C(6)N(6)and C(6)N(8)monolayers. Our results show that the electronic properties can be effectively modified by atom doping and mechanical strain, thereby offering new possibilities to tailor the electronic and magnetic properties of C(6)N(6)and C(6)N(8)carbon nitride monolayers.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.9
Times cited: 11
DOI: 10.1039/D0RA04463F
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“The mechanical, electronic, optical and thermoelectric properties of two-dimensional honeycomb-like of XSb (X = Si, Ge, Sn) monolayers: a first-principles calculations”. Bafekry A, Shojai F, Hoat DM, Shahrokhi M, Ghergherehchi M, Nguyen C, Rsc Advances 10, 30398 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1039/D0RA05587E
Abstract: Herein, by using first-principles calculations, we demonstrate a two-dimensional (2D) of XSb (X = Si, Ge, and Sn) monolayers that have a honey-like crystal structure. The structural, mechanical, electronic, thermoelectric efficiency, and optical properties of XSb monolayers are studied.Ab initiomolecular dynamic simulations and phonon dispersion calculations suggests their good thermal and dynamical stabilities. The mechanical properties of XSb monolayers shows that the monolayers are considerably softer than graphene, and their in-plane stiffness decreases from SiSb to SnSb. Our results shows that the single layers of SiSb, GeSb and SnSb are semiconductor with band gap of 1.48, 0.77 and 0.73 eV, respectively. The optical analysis illustrate that the first absorption peaks of the SiSb, GeSb and SnSb monolayers along the in-plane polarization are located in visible range of light which may serve as a promising candidate to design advanced optoelectronic devices. Thermoelectric properties of the XSb monolayers, including Seebeck coefficient, electrical conductivity, electronic thermal conductivity, power factor and figure of merit are calculated as a function of doping level at temperatures of 300 K and 800 K. Between the studied two-dimensional materials (2DM), SiSb single layer may be the most promising candidate for application in the thermoelectric generators.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.9
Times cited: 2
DOI: 10.1039/D0RA05587E
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“Bandgap engineering of two-dimensional semiconductor materials”. Chaves A, Azadani JG, Alsalman H, da Costa DR, Frisenda R, Chaves AJ, Song SH, Kim YD, He D, Zhou J, Castellanos-Gomez A, Peeters FM, Liu Z, Hinkle CL, Oh S-H, Ye PD, Koester SJ, Lee YH, Avouris P, Wang X, Low T, npj 2D Materials and Applications 4, 29 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1038/S41699-020-00162-4
Abstract: Semiconductors are the basis of many vital technologies such as electronics, computing, communications, optoelectronics, and sensing. Modern semiconductor technology can trace its origins to the invention of the point contact transistor in 1947. This demonstration paved the way for the development of discrete and integrated semiconductor devices and circuits that has helped to build a modern society where semiconductors are ubiquitous components of everyday life. A key property that determines the semiconductor electrical and optical properties is the bandgap. Beyond graphene, recently discovered two-dimensional (2D) materials possess semiconducting bandgaps ranging from the terahertz and mid-infrared in bilayer graphene and black phosphorus, visible in transition metal dichalcogenides, to the ultraviolet in hexagonal boron nitride. In particular, these 2D materials were demonstrated to exhibit highly tunable bandgaps, achieved via the control of layers number, heterostructuring, strain engineering, chemical doping, alloying, intercalation, substrate engineering, as well as an external electric field. We provide a review of the basic physical principles of these various techniques on the engineering of quasi-particle and optical bandgaps, their bandgap tunability, potentials and limitations in practical realization in future 2D device technologies.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Times cited: 604
DOI: 10.1038/S41699-020-00162-4
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“Molecular collapse in graphene: Sublattice symmetry effect”. Wang J, Andelkovic M, Wang G, Peeters FM, Physical Review B 102, 064108 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1103/PHYSREVB.102.064108
Abstract: Atomic collapse can be observed in graphene because of its large “effective” fine structure constant, which enables this phenomenon to occur for an impurity charge as low as Z(c) similar to 1-2. Here we investigate the effect of the sublattice symmetry on molecular collapse in two spatially separated charge tunable vacancies, which are located on the same (A-A type) or different (A-B type) sublattices. We find that the broken sublattice symmetry: (1) does not affect the location of the main bonding and antibonding molecular collapse peaks, (2) but shifts the position of the satellite peaks, because they are a consequence of the breaking of the local sublattice symmetry, and (3) there are vacancy characteristic collapse peaks that only occur for A-B type vacancies, which can be employed to distinguish them experimentally from the A-A type. As the charge, energy, and separation distance increase, the additional collapse features merge with the main molecular collapse peaks. We show that the spatial distribution around the vacancy site of the collapse states allows us to differentiate the molecular from the frustrated collapse.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.7
Times cited: 3
DOI: 10.1103/PHYSREVB.102.064108
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“Three-dimensional electron-hole superfluidity in a superlattice close to room temperature”. Van der Donck M, Conti S, Perali A, Hamilton AR, Partoens B, Peeters FM, Neilson D, Physical Review B 102, 060503 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1103/PHYSREVB.102.060503
Abstract: Although there is strong theoretical and experimental evidence for electron-hole superfluidity in separated sheets of electrons and holes at low T, extending superfluidity to high T is limited by strong two-dimensional fluctuations and Kosterlitz-Thouless effects. We show this limitation can be overcome using a superlattice of alternating electron- and hole-doped semiconductor monolayers. The superfluid transition in a three-dimensional superlattice is not topological, and for strong electron-hole pair coupling, the transition temperature T-c can be at room temperature. As a quantitative illustration, we show T-c can reach 270 K for a superfluid in a realistic superlattice of transition metal dichalcogenide monolayers.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.7
Times cited: 8
DOI: 10.1103/PHYSREVB.102.060503
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“Two-dimensional silicon bismotide (SiBi) monolayer with a honeycomb-like lattice: first-principles study of tuning the electronic properties”. Bafekry A, Shojaei F, Obeid MM, Ghergherehchi M, Nguyen C, Oskouian M, Rsc Advances 10, 31894 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1039/D0RA05026A
Abstract: Using density functional theory, we investigate a novel two-dimensional silicon bismotide (SiBi) that has a layered GaSe-like crystal structure.Ab initiomolecular dynamic simulations and phonon dispersion calculations suggest its good thermal and dynamical stability. The SiBi monolayer is a semiconductor with a narrow indirect bandgap of 0.4 eV. Our results show that the indirect bandgap decreases as the number of layers increases, and when the number of layers is more than six layers, direct-to-indirect bandgap switching occurs. The SiBi bilayer is found to be very sensitive to an E-field. The bandgap monotonically decreases in response to uniaxial and biaxial compressive strain, and reaches 0.2 eV at 5%, while at 6%, the semiconductor becomes a metal. For both uniaxial and biaxial tensile strains, the material remains a semiconductor and indirect-to-direct bandgap transition occurs at a strain of 3%. Compared to a SiBi monolayer with a layer thickness of 4.89 angstrom, the bandgap decreases with either increasing or decreasing layer thickness, and at a thicknesses of 4.59 to 5.01 angstrom, the semiconductor-to-metal transition happens. In addition, under pressure, the semiconducting character of the SiBi bilayer with a 0.25 eV direct bandgap is preserved. Our results demonstrate that the SiBi nanosheet is a promising candidate for designing high-speed low-dissipation devices.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.9
Times cited: 8
DOI: 10.1039/D0RA05026A
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“Binary icosahedral clusters of hard spheres in spherical confinement”. Wang D, Dasgupta T, van der Wee EB, Zanaga D, Altantzis T, Wu Y, Coli GM, Murray CB, Bals S, Dijkstra M, van Blaaderen A, Nature Physics , 1 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1038/S41567-020-1003-9
Abstract: The influence of geometry on the local and global packing of particles is important to many fundamental and applied research themes, such as the structure and stability of liquids, crystals and glasses. Here we show by experiments and simulations that a binary mixture of hard-sphere-like nanoparticles crystallizing into a MgZn(2)Laves phase in bulk spontaneously forms icosahedral clusters in slowly drying droplets. Using advanced electron tomography, we are able to obtain the real-space coordinates of all the spheres in the icosahedral clusters of up to about 10,000 particles. The local structure of 70-80% of the particles became similar to that of the MgCu(2)Laves phase. These observations are important for photonic applications. In addition, we observed in simulations that the icosahedral clusters nucleated away from the spherical boundary, which is distinctly different from that of the single species clusters. Our findings open the way for particle-level studies of nucleation and growth of icosahedral clusters, and of binary crystallization. The authors investigate out-of-equilibrium crystallization of a binary mixture of sphere-like nanoparticles in small droplets. They observe the spontaneous formation of an icosahedral structure with stable MgCu(2)phases, which are promising for photonic applications.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Applied Electrochemistry & Catalysis (ELCAT)
Impact Factor: 19.6
Times cited: 38
DOI: 10.1038/S41567-020-1003-9
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“From fast-track implementation to livelihood deterioration: The dam-based Ribb Irrigation and Drainage Project in Northwest Ethiopia”. Annys S, Van Passel S, Dessein J, Adgo E, Nyssen J, Agricultural Systems 184, 102909 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.AGSY.2020.102909
Abstract: The 21st century revival of large-scale water resources development projects makes it important to keep assessing their impacts – preferably from an interdisciplinary perspective – in order to not repeat past mistakes and explore whether they could improve livelihood conditions for rural communities. In this study, costs and benefits of the World Bank-funded Ribb Irrigation and Drainage Project (RIDP) were investigated using a unique systems approach. The impact for farmers with different initial farming systems (rainfed – residual moisture – irrigated) was studied using field observations, document analyses, remote sensing, agronomic data and semi-structured interviews (n = 165). Data on project-induced changes to land and water availability, cropping patterns, farming systems and farm-level economics were collected. The results show that dam and dyke construction has reduced flooding, which has resulted in declining rice productivity ( – 42%) and concomitant shifts to lower value cropping systems. Results also reveal that the land redistribution has caused widespread livelihood deterioration as households had to give up 25% of their farmland and the communal grazing land was fully converted into farmland. Due to top-down implementation, nontransparent communication, delayed construction and lagging financial compensation, social resistance has appeared in the command area, impeding the construction works. In addition to these problems, if no rapid change to higher value crops can be realized, 20.5% of the farmers (those who already irrigate) will experience a loss of livelihood, 64.1% of the farmers (those with rainfed and residual moisture cultivation) will be on the verge of livelihood deterioration and only 13.5% of the farmers (those with solely rainfed cultivation) will enjoy RIDP-induced improved livelihoods. The fate of this project stresses the importance of investigating initial farming systems, exploring worthy project alternatives, improving participation, communication and benefit-sharing and strengthening the institutional capacity of implementing authorities.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering Management (ENM)
Impact Factor: 6.6
DOI: 10.1016/J.AGSY.2020.102909
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