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“Optimizing control strategies for urine nitrification : narrow pH control band enhances process stability and reduces nitrous oxide emissions”. Faust V, Boon N, Ganigué, R, Vlaeminck SE, Udert KM, Frontiers in environmental science 11, 1275152 (2023). http://doi.org/10.3389/FENVS.2023.1275152
Abstract: Nitrification is well-suited for urine stabilization. No base dosage is required if the pH is controlled within an appropriate operating range by urine feeding, producing an ammonium-nitrate fertilizer. However, the process is highly dependent on the selected pH set-points and is susceptible to process failures such as nitrite accumulation or the growth of acid-tolerant ammonia-oxidizing bacteria. To address the need for a robust and reliable process in decentralized applications, two different strategies were tested: operating a two-position pH controller (inflow on/off) with a narrow pH control band at 6.20/6.25 (∆pH = 0.05, narrow-pH) vs. a wider pH control band at 6.00/6.50 (∆pH = 0.50, wide-pH). These variations in pH also cause variations in the chemical speciation of ammonia and nitrite and, as shown, the microbial production of nitrite. It was hypothesized that the higher fluctuations would result in greater microbial diversity and, thus, a more robust process. The diversity of nitrifiers was higher in the wide-pH reactor, while the diversity of the entire microbiome was similar in both systems. However, the wide-pH reactor was more susceptible to tested process disturbances caused by increasing pH or temperature, decreasing dissolved oxygen, or an influent stop. In addition, with an emission factor of 0.47%, the nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions from the wide-pH reactor were twice as high as the N2O emissions from the narrow-pH reactor, most likely due to the nitrite fluctuations. Based on these results, a narrow control band is recommended for pH control in urine nitrification.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
DOI: 10.3389/FENVS.2023.1275152
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“Paraformaldehyde-coated electrochemical sensor for improved on-site detection of amphetamine in street samples”. Schram J, Parrilla M, Slosse A, Van Durme F, Åberg J, Björk K, Bijvoets SM, Sap S, Heerschop MWJ, De Wael K, Microchemical journal 179, 107518 (2022). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.MICROC.2022.107518
Abstract: The increasing illicit production, distribution and abuse of amphetamine (AMP) poses a challenge for law enforcement worldwide. To effectively combat this issue, fast and portable tools for the on-site screening of suspicious samples are required. Electrochemical profile (EP)-based sensing of illicit drugs has proven to be a viable option for this purpose as it allows rapid voltammetric measurements via the use of disposable and low-cost graphite screen-printed electrodes (SPEs). In this work, a highly practical paraformaldehyde (PFA)-coated sensor, which unlocks the detectability of primary amines through derivatization, is developed for the on-site detection of AMP in seized drug samples. A potential interval was defined at the sole AMP peak (which is used for identification of the target analyte) to account for potential shifts due to fluctuations in concentration and temperature, which are relevant factors for on-site use. Importantly, it was found that AMP detection was not hindered by the presence of common diluents and adulterants such as caffeine, even when present in high amounts. When inter-drug differentiation is desired, a simultaneous second test with the same solution on an unmodified electrode is introduced to provide the required additional electrochemical information. Finally, the concept was validated by analyzing 30 seized AMP samples (reaching a sensitivity of 96.7 %) and comparing its performance to that of commercially available Raman and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) devices.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Antwerp Electrochemical and Analytical Sciences Lab (A-Sense Lab)
DOI: 10.1016/J.MICROC.2022.107518
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“Partial hydrolysis of diphosphonate ester during the formation of hybrid Tio₂, nanoparticles : role of acid concentration”. Ramesha BM, Pawlak B, Arenas Esteban D, Reekmans G, Bals S, Marchal W, Carleer R, Adriaensens P, Meynen V, ChemPhysChem : a European journal of chemical physics and physical chemistry , e202300437 (2023). http://doi.org/10.1002/CPHC.202300437
Abstract: In the present work, a method was utilized to control the in‐situ partial hydrolysis of a diphosphonate ester in presence of a titania precursor and in function of acid content and its impact on the hybrid nanoparticles was assessed. The hydrolysis degree of organodiphosphonate ester linkers during the formation of hybrid organic‐inorganic metal oxide nanoparticles, are relatively underexplored . Quantitative solution NMR spectroscopy revealed that during the synthesis of TiO2 nanoparticles, an increase in acid concentration introduces a higher degree of partial hydrolysis of the TEPD linker into diverse acid/ester derivatives of TEPD. Increasing the HCl/Ti ratio from 1 to 3, resulted in an increase in degree of partial hydrolysis of the TEPD linker in solution from 4% to 18.8% under the here applied conditions. As a result of the difference in partial hydrolysis, the linker‐TiO2 bonding was altered. Upon subsequent drying of the colloidal TiO2 solution, different textures, at nanoscale and macroscopic scale, were obtained dependent on the HCl/Ti ratio and thus the degree of hydrolysis of TEPD. Understanding such linker‐TiO2 nanoparticle surface dynamics is crucial for making hybrid organic‐inorganic materials (i.e. (porous) metal phosphonates) employed in applications such as electronic/photonic devices, separation technology and heterogeneous catalysts.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Laboratory of adsorption and catalysis (LADCA)
Impact Factor: 2.9
DOI: 10.1002/CPHC.202300437
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“Phase object reconstruction for 4D-STEM using deep learning”. Friedrich T, Yu C-P, Verbeeck J, Van Aert S, Microscopy and microanalysis 29, 395 (2023). http://doi.org/10.1093/MICMIC/OZAC002
Abstract: In this study, we explore the possibility to use deep learning for the reconstruction of phase images from 4D scanning transmission electron microscopy (4D-STEM) data. The process can be divided into two main steps. First, the complex electron wave function is recovered for a convergent beam electron diffraction pattern (CBED) using a convolutional neural network (CNN). Subsequently, a corresponding patch of the phase object is recovered using the phase object approximation. Repeating this for each scan position in a 4D-STEM dataset and combining the patches by complex summation yields the full-phase object. Each patch is recovered from a kernel of 3x3 adjacent CBEDs only, which eliminates common, large memory requirements and enables live processing during an experiment. The machine learning pipeline, data generation, and the reconstruction algorithm are presented. We demonstrate that the CNN can retrieve phase information beyond the aperture angle, enabling super-resolution imaging. The image contrast formation is evaluated showing a dependence on the thickness and atomic column type. Columns containing light and heavy elements can be imaged simultaneously and are distinguishable. The combination of super-resolution, good noise robustness, and intuitive image contrast characteristics makes the approach unique among live imaging methods in 4D-STEM.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 2.8
Times cited: 1
DOI: 10.1093/MICMIC/OZAC002
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“Photo-responsive metal-organic frameworks –, design strategies and emerging applications in photocatalysis and adsorption”. Scandura G, Eid S, Alnajjar AA, Paul T, Karanikolos GN, Shetty D, Omer K, Alqerem R, Juma A, Wang H, Arafat HA, Dumee LF, Materials Advances 4, 1258 (2023). http://doi.org/10.1039/D2MA01022D
Abstract: Stimuli-responsive metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are highly versatile porous materials with the ability to respond to different external stimuli, including temperature, pressure, pH, and light. The MOF properties can switch reversibly under specific light irradiation, opening the doors to various applications. This review focuses on design strategies to obtain photo-responsive MOFs, namely (i) encapsulation of photo-switchable molecules as guests in MOF porous structures, (ii) fabrication of MOF composites, (iii) post-synthesis modification, and (iv) synthesis of MOFs with photo-responsive ligands. The most recent reports from the literature are herein reviewed and analyzed in terms of material chemistry and performance. Comparisons between the different strategies are performed and future challenges are discussed. The critical aspect of the fatigue of photo-responsive MOFs applied for prolonged cycling of irradiation is also discussed.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
DOI: 10.1039/D2MA01022D
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“Picometer-precision few-tilt ptychotomography of 2D materials”. Hofer C, Mustonen K, Skakalova V, Pennycook TJ, 2D materials 10, 035029 (2023). http://doi.org/10.1088/2053-1583/ACDD80
Abstract: From ripples to defects, edges and grain boundaries, the 3D atomic structure of 2D materials is critical to their properties. However the damage inflicted by conventional 3D analysis precludes its use with fragile 2D materials, particularly for the analysis of local defects. Here we dramatically increase the potential for precise local 3D atomic structure analysis of 2D materials, with both greatly improved dose efficiency and sensitivity to light elements. We demonstrate light atoms can now be located in complex 2D materials with picometer precision at doses 30 times lower than previously possible. Moreover we demonstrate this using WS2, in which the light atoms are practically invisible to conventional methods at low doses. The key advance is combining the concept of few tilt tomography with highly dose efficient ptychography in scanning transmission electron microscopy. We further demonstrate the method experimentally with the even more challenging and newly discovered 2D CuI, leveraging a new extremely high temporal resolution camera.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 5.5
DOI: 10.1088/2053-1583/ACDD80
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“Plant and microbial science and technology as cornerstones to Bioregenerative Life Support Systems in space”. De Micco V, Amitrano C, Mastroleo F, Aronne G, Battistelli A, Carnero-Diaz E, De Pascale S, Detrell G, Dussap C-G, Ganigué, R, Jakobsen ØM, Poulet L, Van Houdt R, Verseux C, Vlaeminck SE, Willaert R, Leys N, NPJ microgravity 9, 69 (2023). http://doi.org/10.1038/S41526-023-00317-9
Abstract: Long-term human space exploration missions require environmental control and closed Life Support Systems (LSS) capable of producing and recycling resources, thus fulfilling all the essential metabolic needs for human survival in harsh space environments, both during travel and on orbital/planetary stations. This will become increasingly necessary as missions reach farther away from Earth, thereby limiting the technical and economic feasibility of resupplying resources from Earth. Further incorporation of biological elements into state-of-the-art (mostly abiotic) LSS, leading to bioregenerative LSS (BLSS), is needed for additional resource recovery, food production, and waste treatment solutions, and to enable more self-sustainable missions to the Moon and Mars. There is a whole suite of functions crucial to sustain human presence in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and successful settlement on Moon or Mars such as environmental control, air regeneration, waste management, water supply, food production, cabin/habitat pressurization, radiation protection, energy supply, and means for transportation, communication, and recreation. In this paper, we focus on air, water and food production, and waste management, and address some aspects of radiation protection and recreation. We briefly discuss existing knowledge, highlight open gaps, and propose possible future experiments in the short-, medium-, and long-term to achieve the targets of crewed space exploration also leading to possible benefits on Earth.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
DOI: 10.1038/S41526-023-00317-9
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“Plasma-catalytic ammonia synthesis : packed catalysts act as plasma modifiers”. Ndayirinde C, Gorbanev Y, Ciocarlan R-G, De Meyer R, Smets A, Vlasov E, Bals S, Cool P, Bogaerts A, Catalysis today 419, 114156 (2023). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.CATTOD.2023.114156
Abstract: We studied the plasma-catalytic production of NH3 from H2 and N2 in a dielectric barrier discharge plasma reactor using five different Co-based catalysts supported on Al2O3, namely Co/Al2O3, CoCe/Al2O3, CoLa/Al2O3, CoCeLa/Al2O3 and CoCeMg/Al2O3. The catalysts were characterized via several techniques, including SEM-EDX, and their performance was compared. The best performing catalyst was found to be CoLa/Al2O3, but the dif-ferences in NH3 concentration, energy consumption and production rate between the different catalysts were limited under the same conditions (i.e. feed gas, flow rate and ratio, and applied power). At the same time, the plasma properties, such as the plasma power and current profile, varied significantly depending on the catalyst. Taken together, these findings suggest that in the production of NH3 by plasma catalysis, our catalysts act as plasma modifiers, i.e., they change the discharge properties and hence the gas phase plasma chemistry. Importantly, this effect dominates over the direct catalytic effect (as e.g. in thermal catalysis) defined by the chemistry on the catalyst surface.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Laboratory of adsorption and catalysis (LADCA); Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 5.3
Times cited: 3
DOI: 10.1016/J.CATTOD.2023.114156
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“Rapid on-site detection of illicit drugs in smuggled samples with a portable electrochemical device”. Parrilla M, Slosse A, Van Echelpoel R, Montiel FN, Langley AR, Van Durme F, De Wael K, Chemosensors 10, 108 (2022). http://doi.org/10.3390/CHEMOSENSORS10030108
Abstract: The smuggling of illicit drugs urges the development of new tools for rapid on-site identification in cargos. Current methods rely on presumptive color tests and portable spectroscopic techniques. However, these methods sometimes exhibit inaccurate results due to commonly used cutting agents, the colorful nature of the sample or because the drugs are smuggled in common goods. Interestingly, electrochemical sensors can deal with these specific problems. Herein, an electrochemical device is presented that uses affordable screen-printed electrodes for the electrochemical profiling of several illicit drugs by square-wave voltammetry (SWV). The identification of the illicit compound is based on the oxidation potential of the analyte. Hence, a library of electrochemical profiles is built upon the analysis of illicit drugs and common cutting agents. This library allows the design of a tailor-made script that enables the identification of each drug through a user-friendly interface (laptop or mobile phone). Importantly, the electrochemical test is compared by analyzing 48 confiscated samples with other portable devices based on Raman and FTIR spectroscopy as well as a laboratory standard method (i.e., gas chromatography-mass spectrometry). Overall, the electrochemical results, obtained through the analysis of different samples from confiscated cargos at an end-user site, present a promising alternative to current methods, offering low-cost and rapid testing in the field.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Antwerp Electrochemical and Analytical Sciences Lab (A-Sense Lab)
DOI: 10.3390/CHEMOSENSORS10030108
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“Real-time electrochemical screening of cocaine in lab and field settings with automatic result generation”. de Jong M, Van Echelpoel R, Langley AR, Eliaerts J, van den Berg J, De Wilde M, Somers N, Samyn N, De Wael K, Drug testing and analysis 14, 1471 (2022). http://doi.org/10.1002/DTA.3276
Abstract: This work presents the results of a novel application for the fast on-site screening of cocaine and its main cutting agents in suspicious and confiscated samples. The methodology behind the novel application consists of portable electrochemical detection coupled with a peak-recognition algorithm for automated result output generation, validated both in laboratory and field settings. Currently used field tests, predominantly colorimetric tests, are lacking accuracy, often giving false positive or negative results. This presses the need for alternative approaches to field testing. By combining portable electrochemical approaches with peak-recognition algorithms, an accuracy of 98.4% concerning the detection of cocaine was achieved on a set of 374 powder samples. In addition, the approach was tested on multiple 'smuggled', colored cocaine powders and cocaine mixtures in solid and liquid states, typically in matrices such as charcoal, syrup and clothing. Despite these attempts to hide cocaine, our approach succeeded in detecting cocaine during on-site screening scenarios. This feature presents an advantage over colorimetric and optical detection techniques, which can fail with colored sample matrices. This enhanced accuracy on smuggled samples will lead to increased efficiency in confiscation procedures in the field, thus significantly reducing societal economic and safety concerns and highlighting the potential for electrochemical approaches in on-the-spot identification of drugs of abuse.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Pharmacology. Therapy; Engineering sciences. Technology; Antwerp Electrochemical and Analytical Sciences Lab (A-Sense Lab)
DOI: 10.1002/DTA.3276
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“Resolution of opiate illicit drugs signals in the presence of some cutting agents with use of a voltammetric sensor array and machine learning strategies”. Ortiz-Aguayo D, Ceto X, De Wael K, del Valle M, Sensors and actuators : B : chemical 357, 131345 (2022). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.SNB.2021.131345
Abstract: In the present work, the resolution and quantification of mixtures of different opiate compounds in the presence of common cutting agents using an electronic tongue (ET) is evaluated. More specifically, ternary mixtures of heroin, morphine and codeine were resolved in the presence of caffeine and paracetamol. To this aim, an array of three carbon screen-printed electrodes were modified with different ink-like solutions of graphite, cobalt (II) phthalocyanine and palladium, and their responses towards the different drugs were characterized by means of square wave voltammetry (SWV). Developed sensors showed a good performance with good linearity at the mu M level, LODs between 1.8 and 5.3 mu M for the 3 actual drugs, and relative standard deviation (RSD) ca. 2% for over 50 consecutive measurements. Next, a quantitative model that allowed the identification and quantification of the individual substances from the overlapped voltammograms was built using partial least squares regression (PLS) as the modeling tool. With this approach, quantification of the different drugs was achieved at the mu M level, with a total normalized root mean square error (NRMSE) of 0.084 for the test subset.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Antwerp Electrochemical and Analytical Sciences Lab (A-Sense Lab)
DOI: 10.1016/J.SNB.2021.131345
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“Restructuring of titanium oxide overlayers over nickel nanoparticles during catalysis”. Monai M, Jenkinson K, Melcherts AEM, Louwen JN, Irmak EA, Van Aert S, Altantzis T, Vogt C, van der Stam W, Duchon T, Smid B, Groeneveld E, Berben P, Bals S, Weckhuysen BM, Science 380, 644 (2023). http://doi.org/10.1126/SCIENCE.ADF6984
Abstract: Reducible supports can affect the performance of metal catalysts by the formation of suboxide overlayers upon reduction, a process referred to as the strong metal-support interaction (SMSI). A combination of operando electron microscopy and vibrational spectroscopy revealed that thin TiOx overlayers formed on nickel/titanium dioxide catalysts during 400 degrees C reduction were completely removed under carbon dioxide hydrogenation conditions. Conversely, after 600 degrees C reduction, exposure to carbon dioxide hydrogenation reaction conditions led to only partial reexposure of nickel, forming interfacial sites in contact with TiOx and favoring carbon-carbon coupling by providing a carbon species reservoir. Our findings challenge the conventional understanding of SMSIs and call for more-detailed operando investigations of nanocatalysts at the single-particle level to revisit static models of structure-activity relationships.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Applied Electrochemistry & Catalysis (ELCAT)
Impact Factor: 56.9
Times cited: 29
DOI: 10.1126/SCIENCE.ADF6984
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“The role of singlet oxygen, superoxide, hydroxide, and hydrogen peroxide in the photoelectrochemical response of phenols at a supported highly fluorinated zinc phthalocyanine”. Neven L, Barich H, Pelmuş, M, Gorun SM, De Wael K, ChemElectroChem 9, e202200108 (2022). http://doi.org/10.1002/CELC.202200108
Abstract: Photoelectrochemical (PEC) sensing of phenolic compounds using singlet oxygen (1O2)-generating photocatalysts has emerged as a powerful detection tool. However, it is currently not known how experimental parameters, such as pH and applied potential, influence the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and their photocurrents. In this article, the PEC response was studied over the 6 to 10 pH range using a rotating (ring) disk (R(R)DE) set-up in combination with quenchers, to identify the ROS formed upon illumination of a supported photosensitizer, F64PcZn. The photocurrents magnitude depended on the applied potential and the pH of the buffer solution. The anodic responses were caused by the oxidation of O2.−, generated due to the quenching of 1O2 with −OH and the reaction of 3O2 with [F64Pc(3-)Zn]. The cathodic responses were assigned to the reduction of 1O2 and O2.−, yielding H2O2. These insights may benefit 1O2 – based PEC sensing applications.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Antwerp Electrochemical and Analytical Sciences Lab (A-Sense Lab)
DOI: 10.1002/CELC.202200108
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“Shuffling atomic layer deposition gas sequences to modulate bimetallic thin films and nanoparticle properties”. Filez M, Feng J-Y, Minjauw MM, Solano E, Poonkottil N, Van Daele M, Ramachandran RK, Li C, Bals S, Poelman H, Detavernier C, Dendooven J, Filez M, Minjauw M, Solano E, Poonkottil N, Li C, Bals S, Dendooven J, Chemistry of materials (2022). http://doi.org/10.1021/acs.chemmater.2c01304
Abstract: Atomic layer deposition (ALD) typically employs metal precursors and co-reactant pulses to deposit thin films in a layer-by-layer fashion. While conventional ABAB-type ALD sequences implement only two functionalities, namely, a metal source and ligand exchange agent, additional functionalities have emerged, including etching and reduction agents. Herein, we construct gas-phase sequences-coined as ALD+-with complex-ities reaching beyond the classic ABAB-type ALD by freely combining multiple functionalities within irregular pulse schemes, e.g., ABCADC. The possibilities of such combinations are explored as a smart strategy to tailor bimetallic thin films and nanoparticle (NP) properties. By doing so, we demonstrate that bimetallic thin films can be tailored with target thickness and through the full compositional range, while the morphology can be flexibly modulated from thin films to NPs by shuI 1ing the pulse sequence. These complex pulse schemes are expected to be broadly applicable but are here explored for Pd-Ru bimetallic thin films and NPs.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Times cited: 2
DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemmater.2c01304
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“Singlet oxygen-based photoelectrochemical detection of DNA”. Thiruvottriyur Shanmugam S, Trashin S, De Wael K, Biosensors and bioelectronics 195, 113652 (2022). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.BIOS.2021.113652
Abstract: The current work, designed for the photoelectrochemical detection of DNA, evaluates light-responsive DNA probes carrying molecular photosensitizers generating singlet oxygen (1O2). We take advantage of their chromophore’s ability to produce 1O2 upon photoexcitation and subsequent photocurrent response. Type I, fluorescent and type II photosensitizers were studied using diode lasers at 406 nm blue, 532 nm green and 659 nm red lasers in the presensce and absence of a redox reporter, hydroquinone (HQ). Only type II photosensitizers (producing 1O2) resulted in a noticeable photocurrent in 1–4 nA range upon illumination, in particular, dissolved DNA probes labeled with chlorin e6 and erythrosine were found to give a well-detectable photocurrent response in the presence of HQ. Whereas, Type I photosensitizers and fluorescent chromophores generate negligible photocurrents (<0.15 nA). The analytical performance of the sensing system was evaluated using a magnetic beads-based DNA assay on disposable electrode platforms, with a focus to enhance the sensitivity and robustness of the technique in detecting complementary DNA targets. Amplified photocurrent responses in the range of 70–100 nA were obtained and detection limits of 17 pM and 10 pM were achieved using magnetic beads-captured chlorin e6 and erythrosine labeled DNA probes respectively. The presented novel photoelectrochemical detection can further be optimized and employed in applications for which enzymatic amplification such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is not applicable owing to their limitations and as an effective alternative to colorimetric detection when rapid detection of specific nucleic acid targets is required.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Antwerp Electrochemical and Analytical Sciences Lab (A-Sense Lab)
DOI: 10.1016/J.BIOS.2021.113652
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“Spontaneous skyrmion conformal lattice and transverse motion during dc and ac compression”. Bellizotti Souza JC, Vizarim NP, Reichhardt CJO, Reichhardt C, Venegas PA, New journal of physics 25, 053020 (2023). http://doi.org/10.1088/1367-2630/ACD46F
Abstract: We use atomistic-based simulations to investigate the behavior of ferromagnetic skyrmions being continuously compressed against a rigid wall under dc and ac drives. The compressed skyrmions can be annihilated close to the wall and form a conformal crystal with both a size and a density gradient, making it distinct from conformal crystals observed previously for superconducting vortices and colloidal particles. For both dc and ac driving, the skyrmions can move transverse to the compression direction due to a combination of density and size gradients. Forces in the compression direction are converted by the Magnus force into transverse motion. Under ac driving, the amount of skyrmion annihilation is reduced and we find a skyrmion Magnus ratchet pump. We also observe shear banding in which skyrmions near the wall move up to twice as fast as skyrmions further from the wall. When we vary the magnitude of the applied drive, we find a critical current above which the skyrmions are completely annihilated during a time scale that depends on the magnitude of the drive. By varying the magnetic parameters, we find that the transverse motion is strongly dependent on the skyrmion size. Smaller skyrmions are more rigid, which interferes with the size gradient and destroys the transverse motion. We also confirm the role of the size gradient by comparing our atomistic simulations with a particle-based model, where we find that the transverse motion is only transient. Our results are relevant for applications where skyrmions encounter repulsive magnetic walls, domain walls, or interfaces.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.3
DOI: 10.1088/1367-2630/ACD46F
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“Strain-Induced Exciton Hybridization in WS2 Monolayers Unveiled by Zeeman-Splitting Measurements”. Blundo E, Faria PE Jr, Surrente A, Pettinari G, Prosnikov MA, Olkowska-Pucko K, Zollner K, Wozniak T, Chaves A, Kazimierczuk T, Felici M, Babinski A, Molas MR, Christianen PCM, Fabian J, Polimeni A, Physical review letters 129, 067402 (2022). http://doi.org/10.1103/PHYSREVLETT.129.067402
Abstract: Mechanical deformations and ensuing strain are routinely exploited to tune the band gap energy and to enhance the functionalities of two-dimensional crystals. In this Letter, we show that strain leads also to a strong modification of the exciton magnetic moment in WS2 monolayers. Zeeman-splitting measurements under magnetic fields up to 28.5 T were performed on single, one-layer-thick WS2 microbubbles. The strain of the bubbles causes a hybridization of k-space direct and indirect excitons resulting in a sizable decrease in the modulus of they factor of the ground-state exciton. These findings indicate that strain may have major effects on the way the valley number of excitons can be used to process binary information in two-dimensional crystals.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
DOI: 10.1103/PHYSREVLETT.129.067402
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“Supercapacitive biofuel cells”. Pankratova G, Bollella P, Pankratov D, Gorton L, Current opinion in biotechnology 73, 179 (2022). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.COPBIO.2021.08.008
Abstract: Supercapacitive biofuel cells' (SBFCs) most recent advancements are herein disclosed. In conventional SBFCs the biocomponent is employed as the pseudocapacitive component, while in self-charging biodevices it also works as the biocatalyst. The performance of different types of SBFCs are summarized according to the categorization based on the biocatalyst employed: supercapacitive microbial fuel cells (sMFCs), supercapacitive biophotovoltaics (SBPV) and supercapacitive enzymatic fuel cells (s-EFCs). SBFCs could be considered as promising 'alternative' energy devices (low-cost, environmentally friendly, and technically undemanding electric power sources etc.) being suitable for powering a new generation of miniaturized electronic applications.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Antwerp Electrochemical and Analytical Sciences Lab (A-Sense Lab)
DOI: 10.1016/J.COPBIO.2021.08.008
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“Superconductivity in functionalized niobium-carbide MXenes”. Sevik C, Bekaert J, Milošević, MV, Nanoscale 15, 8792 (2023). http://doi.org/10.1039/D3NR00347G
Abstract: We detail the effects of Cl and S functionalization on the superconducting properties of layered (bulk) and monolayer niobium carbide (Nb2C) MXene crystals, based on first-principles calculations combined with Eliashberg theory. For bulk layered Nb2CCl2, the calculated superconducting transition temperature (T-c) is in very good agreement with the recently measured value of 6 K. We show that T-c is enhanced to 10 K for monolayer Nb2CCl2, due to an increase in the density of states at the Fermi level, and the corresponding electron-phonon coupling. We further demonstrate feasible gate- and strain-induced enhancements of T-c for both bulk-layered and monolayer Nb2CCl2 crystals, resulting in T-c values of around 38 K. In the S-functionalized Nb2CCl2 crystals, our calculations reveal the importance of phonon softening in understanding their superconducting properties. Finally, we predict that Nb3C2S2 in bulk-layered and monolayer forms is also superconducting, with a T-c of around 28 K. Considering that Nb2C is not superconducting in pristine form, our findings promote functionalization as a pathway towards robust superconductivity in MXenes.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 6.7
DOI: 10.1039/D3NR00347G
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“Suppressing hydrogen blistering in a magnesium-rich healable laser powder bed fusion aluminum alloy analyzed by in-situ high resolution techniques”. Gheysen J, Kashiwar A, Idrissi H, Villanova J, Simar A, Materials &, design 231, 112024 (2023). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.MATDES.2023.112024
Abstract: Hydrogen blistering, i.e. precipitation of supersaturated hydrogen at elevated temperatures, increases porosity during heat treatments in 4xxx series Al alloys manufactured by laser powder bed fusion (LPBF), as demonstrated by 3D X-ray nano-imaging in AlSi12. This paper proposes the design of a healable Al alloy to suppress hydrogen blistering and improve the damage management. The strategy consists of solute atoms diffusing towards nano-voids and precipitating on their surface, thereby filling the damage sites. A new healable Al alloy was thus developed and successfully manufactured by LPBF. 3D X-ray nano-imaging evidenced that the addition of Mg in 4xxx series Al alloys suppresses the hydrogen blistering. This is expectedly due to Mg in solid solution which increases the hydrogen solubility in the Al matrix and due to the healing of these hydrogen pores. Moreover, a significant healing of voids smaller than 500 nm diameter is observed. In-situ heating inside transmission electron microscopy pointed out that Al matrix diffuses inside the fractured Mg2Si particles, thereby demonstrating the healing ability of the new alloy. This has opened the doors to development of new healable Al alloys manufactured by LPBF as well as to new post-treatments to tailor mechanical properties and microstructure without hydrogen blistering.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 8.4
DOI: 10.1016/J.MATDES.2023.112024
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“Surfactant layers on gold nanorods”. Mosquera J, Wang D, Bals S, Liz-Marzan LM, Accounts of chemical research 56, 1204 (2023). http://doi.org/10.1021/ACS.ACCOUNTS.3C00101
Abstract: Gold nanorods (Au NRs) are an exceptionally promising tool in nanotechnology due to three key factors: (i) their strong interaction with electromagnetic radiation, stemming from their plasmonic nature, (ii) the ease with which the resonance frequency of their longitudinal plasmon mode can be tuned from the visible to the near-infrared region of the electromagnetic spect r u m based on their aspect ratio, and (iii) their simple and cost-effective preparation through seed-mediated chemical growth. In this synthetic method, surfactants play a critical role in controlling the size, shape, and colloidal stabi l i t y of Au NRs. For example, surfactants can stabilize specific crystallographic facets during the formation of Au NRs, leading to t h e formation of NRs with specific morphologies. The process of surfactant adsorption onto the NR surface may result in various assemblies of surfactant molecules, such as spherical micelles, elongated micelles, or bilayers. Again, the assembly mode is critical toward determining the further availabi l i t y of the Au NR surface to the surrounding medium. Despite its importance and a great deal of research effort, the interaction between Au NPs and surfactants remains insufficiently understood, because the assembly process is influenced by numerous factors, including the chemical nature of the surfactant, the surface morphology of Au NPs, and solution parameters. Therefore, gaining a more comprehensive understanding of these interactions is essential to unlock the full potential of the seed-mediated growth method and the applications of plasmonic NPs. A plethora of characterization techniques have been applied to reach such an understanding , but many open questions remain. In this Account, we review the current knowledge on the interactions between surfactants and Au NRs. We briefly introduce the state-of-the-art methods for synthesizing Au NRs and highlight the crucial role of cationic surfactants during this process. The self-assembly and organization of surfactants on the Au NR surface is then discussed to better understand their role in seed-mediated growth. Subsequently, we provide examples and elucidate how chemical additives can be used to modulate micellar assemblies, in turn allowing for a finer control over the growth of Au NRs, including chiral NRs. Next, we review the main experimental characterization and computational modeling techniques that have been applied to shed light on the arrangement of surfactants on Au NRs and summarize the advantages and disadvantages for each technique. The Account ends with a “Conclusions and Outlook” section, outlining promising future research directions and developments that we consider are sti l l required, mostly related to the application of electron microscopy in liquid and in 3D. Finally, we remark on the potential of exploiting machine learning techniques to predict synthetic routes for NPs with predefined structures and properties.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 18.3
Times cited: 8
DOI: 10.1021/ACS.ACCOUNTS.3C00101
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“Synthesis and characterization of a highly electroactive composite based on Au nanoparticles supported on nanoporous activated carbon for electrocatalysis”. Moggia G, Hoekx S, Daems N, Bals S, Breugelmans T, ChemElectroChem , 1 (2023). http://doi.org/10.1002/CELC.202300293
Abstract: A facile, “one-pot”, chemical approach to synthesize gold-based nanoparticles finely dispersed on porous activated carbon (Norit) was demonstrated in this work. The pH of the synthesis bath played a critical role in determining the optimal gold-carbon interaction, which enabled a successful deposition of the gold nanoparticles onto the carbon matrix with a maximized metal utilization of 93 %. The obtained AuNP/C nanocomposite was characterized using SEM, HAADF-STEM electron tomography and electrochemical techniques. It was found that the Au nanoparticles, with diameters between 5 and 20 nm, were evenly distributed over the carbon matrix, both inside and outside the pores. Electrochemical characterization indicated that the composite had a very large electroactive surface area (EASA), as high as 282.4 m2 gAu-1. By exploiting its very high EASA, the catalyst was intended to boost the productivity of glucaric acid in the electrooxidation of its precursor, gluconic acid. However, cyclic voltammetry experiments revealed a very limited reactivity towards gluconic acid oxidation, due to the spacial hindrance of gluconic acid molecule which prevented diffusion inside the catalyst nanopores. On the other hand, the as-synthesized nanocomposite promises to be effective towards the ORR, and might thus find potential application as anode catalyst for fuel cells as well as for the scalability of all those electrochemical reactions involving small molecules with high diffusivity and catalysed by noble metals (i. e. CO2, CH4, N2, etc..). Electrocatalysis: Gold nanoparticles with diameter between 5 and 20 nm evenly distributed onto porous activated carbon (Norit) were obtained using a facile “one-pot” chemical synthesis technique with very high metal utilization. The AuNP/C nanocomposite was characterized using SEM, HAADF-STEM electron tomography and electrochemical techniques, revealing a very large electroactive surface area (EASA). The figure shows the HAADF-STEM image (a) and the respective EDX elemental distribution (b) for the AuNP/C composite with 9.3 % Au-loading developed in this work (Au is marked in red and C in green).image
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Applied Electrochemistry & Catalysis (ELCAT)
Impact Factor: 4
Times cited: 1
DOI: 10.1002/CELC.202300293
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“Total electron yield (TEY) detection mode Cr K-edge XANES spectroscopy as a direct method to probe the composition of the surface of darkened chrome yellow (PbCr1-xSxO4) and potassium chromate paints”. Monico L, d'Acapito F, Cotte M, Janssens K, Romani A, Ricci G, Miliani C, Cartechini L, Nuclear instruments and methods in physics research: B: beam interactions with materials and atoms 539, 141 (2023). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.NIMB.2023.03.040
Abstract: The darkening of chromate-pigments, including chrome yellows (PbCr1-xSxO4), is a surface phenomenon affecting late 19th-early 20th c. paintings, such as those by Van Gogh. Exploring analytical strategies that contribute to a deep understanding of darkening is therefore significant for the long-term conservation of unique masterpieces. Here, we examined the capabilities of Cr K-edge XANES spectroscopy collected at the same time in X-ray fluorescence yield (XFY) and total electron yield (TEY) detection modes to selectively study the surface composition of darkened oil paint mock-ups composed of chrome yellow (PbCr0.2S0.8O4) or potassium chromate. By discussing advantages and drawbacks in using XFY/TEY modes in relation to XFY & mu;-XANES analysis from sectioned samples, we aim at assessing if TEY-XANES spectroscopy: (i) is a selective surface method to determine the abundance of different Cr-species from paint fragments; (ii) can contribute to optimize the analytical strategy by limiting time consuming sample preparation procedures; (iii) can decrease the probability of radiation damage.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Antwerp X-ray Imaging and Spectroscopy (AXIS)
Impact Factor: 1.3
DOI: 10.1016/J.NIMB.2023.03.040
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“Towards a novel strategy for soot removal from water-soluble materials : the synergetic effect of hydrogels and cyclomethicone on gelatine emulsion-based photographs”. Ortega Saez N, Arno R, Marchetti A, Cauberghs S, Janssens K, Van der Snickt G, Al-Emam E, Heritage science 11, 78 (2023). http://doi.org/10.1186/S40494-023-00916-5
Abstract: Gels are a popular cleaning method for paper conservators and a lot of research has been done concerning gel cleaning of paper objects over the last 15 years. Despite the close interconnection between the conservation fields of paper and photographic material, research on using gels for cleaning photographs is very scarce. However, gels can provide an excellent cleaning method for photographic material. Cleaning silver gelatine prints with aqueous solvents is very complex due to the hydrophilic properties and fragility of the gelatine layer which makes mechanical cleaning difficult. The properties of gels ensure better control over the flow and evaporation of the solvent, facilitating the cleaning process. This study is the first insight into the viability of using gellan gum gel and polyvinyl acetate-borax (PVAc-borax) gel to clean contaminants from the surface of silver gelatine photographs. It is based on self-made samples that were artificially aged and contaminated with soot. Water, ethanol (EtOH), and Kodak Photo-flo were studied as solvents to remove the soot from the silver gelatine-based prints. These solvents were loaded into the aforementioned gels and applied to the samples in two different methods. These gel cleaning methods were subsequently compared with traditional cleaning methods. In addition, the usage of cyclomethicone D4 as a protective mask for the gelatine layer was studied. Measuring methods used to evaluate the cleaning were visual comparison, microscopic observation, and densitometry. ATR-FTIR measurements were also conducted to investigate potential side-effects of the cleaning methods on the prints, such as unwanted chemical transformations or the presence of gel residues after the treatments. Most of the gel cleaning methods within this study proved to be inadequate, with the exception of the gellan gum gel loaded with 30% EtOH. It was used as a granulated gel applied mechanically on a print saturated with cyclomethicone (octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane D4). Cyclomethicone proved to be a very effective protective barrier for the water-sensitive gelatine layer with minimal reduction in cleaning effectiveness.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Art; Antwerp Cultural Heritage Sciences (ARCHES); Antwerp X-ray Imaging and Spectroscopy (AXIS)
Impact Factor: 2.5
DOI: 10.1186/S40494-023-00916-5
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“Transdermal on-demand drug delivery based on an iontophoretic hollow microneedle array system”. Detamornrat U, Parrilla M, Domínguez-Robles J, Anjani QK, Larrañeta E, De Wael K, Donnelly RF, Lab on a chip 23, 2304 (2023). http://doi.org/10.1039/D3LC00160A
Abstract: Transdermal drug delivery has emerged as an alternative administration route for therapeutic drugs, overcoming current issues in oral and parenteral administration. However, this technology is hindered by the low permeability of the stratum corneum of the skin. In this work, we develop a synergic combination of two enhancing technologies to contribute to an improved and on-demand drug delivery through an iontophoretic system coupled with hollow microneedles (HMNs). For the first time, a polymeric HMN array coupled with integrated iontophoresis for the delivery of charged molecules and macromolecules (e.g. proteins) is devised. To prove the concept, methylene blue, fluorescein sodium, lidocaine hydrochloride, and bovine serum albumin-fluorescein isothiocyanate conjugate (BSA-FITC) were first tested in an in vitro setup using 1.5% agarose gel model. Subsequently, the ex vivo drug permeation study using a Franz diffusion cell was conducted, exhibiting a 61-fold, 43-fold, 54-fold, and 17-fold increment of the permeation of methylene blue, fluorescein sodium, lidocaine hydrochloride, and BSA-FITC, respectively, during the application of 1 mA cm(-2) current for 6 h. Moreover, the total amount of drug delivered (i.e. in the skin and receptor compartment) was analysed to untangle the different delivery profiles according to the types of molecule. Finally, the integration of the anode and cathode into an iontophoretic hollow microneedle array system (IHMAS) offers the full miniaturisation of the concept. Overall, the IHMAS device provides a versatile wearable technology for transdermal on-demand drug delivery that can improve the administration of personalised doses, and potentially enhance precision medicine.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Antwerp Electrochemical and Analytical Sciences Lab (A-Sense Lab)
Impact Factor: 6.1
DOI: 10.1039/D3LC00160A
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“Tunable magnon topology in monolayer CrI₃, under external stimuli”. Soenen M, Milošević, MV, Physical review materials 7, 084402 (2023). http://doi.org/10.1103/PHYSREVMATERIALS.7.084402
Abstract: Two-dimensional (2D) honeycomb ferromagnets, such as monolayer chromium trihalides, are predicted to behave as topological magnon insulators, characterized by an insulating bulk and topologically protected edge states, giving rise to a thermal magnon Hall effect. Here we report the behavior of the topological magnons in monolayer CrI3 under external stimuli, including biaxial and uniaxial strain, electric gating, as well as in-plane and out-of-plane magnetic field, revealing that one can thereby tailor the magnetic states as well as the size and the topology of the magnonic bandgap. These findings broaden the perspective of using 2D magnetic materials to design topological magnonic devices.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.4
DOI: 10.1103/PHYSREVMATERIALS.7.084402
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“Two pathways for the degradation of orpiment pigment (As₂S₃) found in paintings”. Broers FTH, Janssens K, Weker JN, Webb SM, Mehta A, Meirer F, Keune K, Journal of the American Chemical Society 145, 8847 (2023). http://doi.org/10.1021/JACS.2C12271
Abstract: Paintings are complex objects containing many different chemical compounds that can react over time. The degradation of arsenic sulfide pigments causes optical changes in paintings. The main degradation product was thought to be white arsenolite (As2O3), but previous research also showed the abundant presence of As(V) species. In this study, we investigate the influence of the presence of a medium on the degradation mechanism of orpiment (As2S3) using synchrotron radiation (SR)-based tomographic transmission X-ray microscopy, SR-based micro-X-ray fluorescence, and Xray absorption near edge structure spectroscopy. Upon direct illumination of dry orpiment powder using UV-visible light, only the formation of As2O3 was observed. When As2S3 was surrounded by a medium and illuminated, As2O3 was only observed in the area directly exposed to light, while As(V) degradation species were found elsewhere in the medium. Without accelerated artificial light aging, As(V)(aq) species are formed and migrate throughout the medium within weeks after preparation. In both scenarios, the As(V) species form via intermediate As(III)(aq) species and the presence of a medium is necessary. As(V)(aq) species can react with available cations to form insoluble metal arsenates, which induces stress within the paint layers (leading to, e.g., cracks and delamination) or can lead to a visual change of the image of the painting.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Antwerp X-ray Imaging and Spectroscopy (AXIS)
Impact Factor: 15
DOI: 10.1021/JACS.2C12271
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“Additivity of Atomic Strain Fields as a Tool to Strain-Engineering Phase-Stabilized CsPbI3Perovskites”. Teunissen JL, Braeckevelt T, Skvortsova I, Guo J, Pradhan B, Debroye E, Roeffaers MBJ, Hofkens J, Van Aert S, Bals S, Rogge SMJ, Van Speybroeck V, The Journal of Physical Chemistry C 127, 23400 (2023). http://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jpcc.3c05770
Abstract: CsPbI3 is a promising perovskite material for photovoltaic applications in its photoactive perovskite or black phase. However, the material degrades to a photovoltaically inactive or yellow phase at room temperature. Various mitigation strategies are currently being developed to increase the lifetime of the black phase, many of which rely on inducing strains in the material that hinder the black-to-yellow phase transition. Physical insight into how these strategies exactly induce strain as well as knowledge of the spatial extent over which these strains impact the material is crucial to optimize these approaches but is still lacking. Herein, we combine machine learning potential-based molecular dynamics simulations with our in silico strain engineering approach to accurately quantify strained large-scale atomic structures on a nanosecond time scale. To this end, we first model the strain fields introduced by atomic substitutions as they form the most elementary strain sources. We demonstrate that the magnitude of the induced strain fields decays exponentially with the distance from the strain source, following a decay rate that is largely independent of the specific substitution. Second, we show that the total strain field induced by multiple strain sources can be predicted to an excellent approximation by summing the strain fields of each individual source. Finally, through a case study, we illustrate how this additive character allows us to explain how complex strain fields, induced by spatially extended strain sources, can be predicted by adequately combining the strain fields caused by local strain sources. Hence, the strain additivity proposed here can be adopted to further our insight into the complex strain behavior in perovskites and to design strain from the atomic level onward to enhance their sought-after phase stability.
Keywords: A1 Journal Article; Electron Microscopy for Materials Science (EMAT) ;
Impact Factor: 3.7
DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcc.3c05770
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“Unveiling the electronic structure of pseudotetragonal WO₃, thin films”. Mazzola F, Hassani H, Amoroso D, Chaluvadi SK, Fujii J, Polewczyk V, Rajak P, Koegler M, Ciancio R, Partoens B, Rossi G, Vobornik I, Ghosez P, Orgiani P, The journal of physical chemistry letters 14, 7208 (2023). http://doi.org/10.1021/ACS.JPCLETT.3C01546
Abstract: WO3 isa 5d compound that undergoes severalstructuraltransitions in its bulk form. Its versatility is well-documented,with a wide range of applications, such as flexopiezoelectricity,electrochromism, gating-induced phase transitions, and its abilityto improve the performance of Li-based batteries. The synthesis ofWO(3) thin films holds promise in stabilizing electronicphases for practical applications. However, despite its potential,the electronic structure of this material remains experimentally unexplored.Furthermore, its thermal instability limits its use in certain technologicaldevices. Here, we employ tensile strain to stabilize WO3 thin films, which we call the pseudotetragonal phase, and investigateits electronic structure using a combination of photoelectron spectroscopyand density functional theory calculations. This study reveals theFermiology of the system, notably identifying significant energy splittingsbetween different orbital manifolds arising from atomic distortions.These splittings, along with the system's thermal stability,offer a potential avenue for controlling inter- and intraband scatteringfor electronic applications.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 5.7
DOI: 10.1021/ACS.JPCLETT.3C01546
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“Validated portable device for the qualitative and quantitative electrochemical detection of MDMA ready for on-site use”. Van Echelpoel R, Parrilla M, Sleegers N, Thiruvottriyur Shanmugam S, van Nuijs ALN, Slosse A, Van Durme F, De Wael K, Microchemical journal 190, 108693 (2023). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.MICROC.2023.108693
Abstract: Identifying and quantifying 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) on-site in suspected illicit drug samples, whether it be at recreational settings or manufacturing sites, is a major challenge for law enforcement agencies (LEAs). Various analytical techniques exist to fulfil this goal, e.g. colourimetry and portable spectroscopic techniques, each having its specific limitations (e.g. low accuracy, fluorescence, no quantification) and strengths (e.g. fast, easy to use). In this work, for the first time, an electrochemical MDMA sensor is presented to become a detection tool that can realistically be used on-site. More specifically, the use of a single buffer solution and an unmodified screen-printed electrode, along with the integration of a data analysis algorithm and mobile application permits the straightforward on-site identification and quantification of MDMA in suspicious samples. Multiple studies investigating different parameters, including pH, concentration, reproducibility, temperature and binary mixture analyses, were executed. To fully understand all the occurring redox processes, liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry analysis of partially electrolyzed MDMA samples was performed unravelling oxidation of the methylenedioxy group. Validation of the methodology was executed on 15 MDMA street samples analysed by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry and compared with the performance of a commercial portable Raman and Attenuated Total Reflection Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) device. The novel methodology outperformed the spectroscopic techniques, correctly identifying all 15 street samples. Additionally, the electrochemical sensor predicted the purity of the tablets with a mean absolute error of 2.3%. Overall, this new, electrochemical detection strategy provides LEAs the rapid, low-cost, on-site detection and quantification of MDMA in suspicious samples, without requiring specialized training.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Toxicological Centre; Antwerp Electrochemical and Analytical Sciences Lab (A-Sense Lab)
Impact Factor: 4.8
DOI: 10.1016/J.MICROC.2023.108693
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