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Author Pankratova, G.; Bollella, P.; Pankratov, D.; Gorton, L. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Supercapacitive biofuel cells Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2022 Publication Current opinion in biotechnology Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 73 Issue Pages 179-187  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Antwerp Electrochemical and Analytical Sciences Lab (A-Sense Lab)  
  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.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000760339100024 Publication Date 2021-09-01  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0958-1669 ISBN Additional Links (down) UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor Times cited Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:187287 Serial 8937  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Van Putte, N.; Meire, P.; Seuntjens, P.; Joris, I.; Verreydt, G.; Hambsch, L.; Temmerman, S. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Solving hindered groundwater dynamics in restored tidal marshes by creek excavation and soil amendments : a model study Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2022 Publication Ecological engineering: the journal of ecotechnology Abbreviated Journal Ecol Eng  
  Volume 178 Issue Pages 106583-15  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL); Ecosphere  
  Abstract Groundwater fluxes in tidal marshes largely control key ecosystem functions and services, such as vegetation growth, soil carbon sequestration, and nutrient cycling. In tidal marshes restored on formerly embanked agricultural land, groundwater fluxes are often limited as compared to nearby natural marshes, as a result of historical agricultural soil compaction. To improve the functioning of restored tidal marshes, knowledge is needed on how much certain design options can optimize soil-groundwater interactions in future restoration projects. Based on measured data on soil properties and tidally induced groundwater dynamics, we calibrated and evaluated a 2D vertical model of a creek-marsh cross-section, accounting for both saturated and unsaturated groundwater flow and solute transport in a variably saturated groundwater flow model. We found that model simulations of common restoration practices such as soil amendments (increasing the depth of porous soil on top of the compact layer) and creek excavation (increasing the creek density) increase the soil aeration depth and time, the drainage depth and the solute flux, and decrease the residence time of solutes in the porewater. Our simulations indicate that increasing the depth to the compact layer from 20 cm to 40 cm, or increasing the creek density from 1 creek to 2 creeks along a 50 m marsh transect (while maintaining the total creek cross-sectional area), in both cases more than doubles the volume of water processed by the marsh soil. We discuss that this may stimulate nutrient cycling. As such, our study demonstrates that groundwater modelling can support the design of marsh restoration measures aiming to optimize groundwater fluxes and related ecosystem services.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000795478200005 Publication Date 2022-03-05  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0925-8574 ISBN Additional Links (down) UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 3.8 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 3.8  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:186605 Serial 7210  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Blansaer, N.; Alloul, A.; Verstraete, W.; Vlaeminck, S.E.; Smets, B.F. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Aggregation of purple bacteria in an upflow photobioreactor to facilitate solid/liquid separation : impact of organic loading rate, hydraulic retention time and water composition Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2022 Publication Bioresource technology Abbreviated Journal Bioresource Technol  
  Volume 348 Issue Pages 126806-126809  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)  
  Abstract Purple non-sulfur bacteria (PNSB) form an interesting group of microbes for resource recovery from wastewater. Solid/liquid separation is key for biomass and value-added products recovery, yet insights into PNSB aggregation are thus far limited. This study explored the effects of organic loading rate (OLR), hydraulic retention time (HRT) and water composition on the aggregation of Rhodobacter capsulatus in an anaerobic upflow photobioreactor. Between 2.0 and 14.6 gCOD/(L.d), the optimal OLR for aggregation was 6.1 gCOD/(L.d), resulting in a sedimentation flux of 5.9 kgTSS/(m2.h). With HRT tested between 0.04 and 1.00 d, disaggregation occurred at the relatively long HRT (1 d), possibly due to accumulation of thus far unidentified heat-labile metabolites. Chemical oxygen demand (COD) to nitrogen ratios (6–35 gCOD/gN) and the nitrogen source (ammonium vs. glutamate) also impacted aggregation, highlighting the importance of the type of wastewater and its pre-treatment. These novel insights to improve purple biomass separation pave the way for cost-efficient PNSB applications.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000800442200008 Publication Date 2022-02-04  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0960-8524 ISBN Additional Links (down) UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 11.4 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 11.4  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:185843 Serial 7123  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Zhu, W.; Van Tendeloo, M.; Alloul, A.; Vlaeminck, S.E. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Towards mainstream partial nitritation/anammox in four seasons : feasibility of bioaugmentation with stored summer sludge for winter anammox assistance Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2022 Publication Bioresource technology Abbreviated Journal Bioresource Technol  
  Volume 347 Issue Pages 126619-11  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)  
  Abstract The strong effect of low temperatures on anammox challenges its mainstream application over the winter in temperate climates. Winter bioaugmentation with stored summer surplus sludge is a potential solution to guarantee sufficient nitrogen removal in winter. Firstly, the systems for which nitrogen removal deteriorated by the temperature decrease (25 °C → 20 °C) could be fully restored bioaugmenting with granules resp. flocs stored for 6 months at 118 resp. 220% of the initial biomass levels. Secondly, the reactivation of these stored sludges was tested in lower temperature systems (15.3 ± 0.4/10.4 ± 0.4 °C). Compared to the activity before storage, between 56% and 41% of the activity of granules was restored within one month, and 41%–32% for flocs. Additionally, 85–87% of granules and 50–53% of flocs were retained in the systems. After reactivation (15.3 ± 0.4/10.4 ± 0.4 °C), a more specialized community was formed (diversity decreased) with Candidatus Brocadia still dominant in terms of relative abundance. Capital and operating expenditures (CAPEX, OPEX) were negligible, representing only 0.19–0.36% of sewage treatment costs.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000781730900001 Publication Date 2021-12-25  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0960-8524 ISBN Additional Links (down) UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 11.4 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 11.4  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:185210 Serial 7220  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Bollen, E.; Pagan, B.R.; Kuijpers, B.; Van Hoey, S.; Desmet, N.; Hendrix, R.; Dams, J.; Seuntjens, P. url  doi
openurl 
  Title A database system for querying of river networks : facilitating monitoring and prediction applications Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2021 Publication Water Science And Technology-Water Supply Abbreviated Journal Water Sci Tech-W Sup  
  Volume Issue Pages  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)  
  Abstract The increasing availability of real-time in situ measurements and remote sensing observations have the potential to contribute to the optimization of water resources management. Global challenges such as climate change, intensive agriculture and urbanization put a high pressure on our water resources. Due to recent innovations in measuring both water quantity and quality, river systems can now be monitored in real time at an unprecedented spatial and temporal scale. To interpret the sensor measurements and remote sensing observations additional data for example on: the location of the measurement, upstream and downstream catchment characteristics, horizontal ellipsis are required. In this paper, we present a data management system to support flow-path related functionality for decision making and prediction modelling. Adding meta data sets and facilitating (near) real-time processing of sensor data questions are key concepts for the systems. The potential of the database framework for hydrological applications is demonstrated using different applications for the river system of Flanders. In one, the database framework is used to simulate the daily discharge for each segment within a catchment using a simple data-driven approach. The presented system is useful for numerous applications including pollution tracking, alerting and inter-sensor validation in river systems, or related networks.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000729755100001 Publication Date 2021-12-14  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1606-9749 ISBN Additional Links (down) UA library record; WoS full record  
  Impact Factor 0.573 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 0.573  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:184814 Serial 7387  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Van Tendeloo, M.; Bundervoet, B.; Carlier, N.; Van Beeck, W.; Mollen, H.; Lebeer, S.; Colsen, J.; Vlaeminck, S.E. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Piloting carbon-lean nitrogen removal for energy-autonomous sewage treatment Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2021 Publication Environmental Science-Water Research & Technology Abbreviated Journal Environ Sci-Wat Res  
  Volume 7 Issue 12 Pages 2268-2281  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)  
  Abstract Energy-autonomous sewage treatment can be achieved if nitrogen (N) removal does not rely on organic carbon (∼chemical oxygen demand, COD), so that a maximum of the COD can be redirected to energy recovery. Shortcut N removal technologies such as partial nitritation/anammox and nitritation/denitritation are therefore essential, enabling carbon- and energy-lean nitrogen removal. In this study, a novel three-reactor pilot design was tested and consisted of a denitrification, an intermittent aeration, and an anammox tank. A vibrating sieve was added for differential sludge retention time (SRT) control. The 13 m3 pilot was operated on pre-treated sewage (A-stage effluent) at 12–24 °C. Selective suppression of unwanted nitrite-oxidizing bacteria over aerobic ammonium-oxidizing bacteria was achieved with strict floccular SRT management combined with innovative aeration control, resulting in a minimal nitrate production ratio of 17 ± 10%. Additionally, anoxic ammonium-oxidizing bacteria (AnAOB) activity could be maintained in the reactor for at least 150 days because of long granular SRT management and the anammox tank. Consequently, the COD/N removal ratio of 2.3 ± 0.7 demonstrated shortcut N removal almost three times lower than the currently applied nitrification/denitrification technology. The effluent total N concentrations of 17 ± 3 mg TN per L (at 21 ± 1 °C) and 17 ± 6 mg TN per L (at 15 ± 1 °C) were however too high for application at the sewage treatment plant Nieuwveer (Breda, The Netherlands). Corresponding N removal efficiencies were 52 ± 12% and 37 ± 21%, respectively. Further development should focus on redirecting more nitrite to AnAOB in the B-stage, exploring effluent-polishing options, or cycling nitrate for increased A-stage denitrification.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000714159900001 Publication Date 2021-10-29  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2053-1400 ISBN Additional Links (down) UA library record; WoS full record  
  Impact Factor 2.817 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 2.817  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:183347 Serial 8383  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Borkowski, R.; Straub, M.; Ou, Y.; Lefevre, Y.; Jelić, Ž.L.; Lanneer, W.; Kaneda, N.; Mahadevan, A.; Hueckstaedt, V.; van Veen, D.; Houtsma, V.; Coomans, W.; Bonk, R.; Maes, J. pdf  doi
openurl 
  Title FLCS-PON : a 100 Gbit/s flexible passive optical network: concepts and field trial Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2021 Publication Journal Of Lightwave Technology Abbreviated Journal J Lightwave Technol  
  Volume 39 Issue 16 Pages 5314-5324  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Mass communications; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)  
  Abstract We demonstrate concepts and results of a field trial for a flexible-rate passive optical network (FLCS-PON), which delivers bitrates up to 100 Gbit/s and allows for adaptations in the transmission method to match the users' channel conditions and optimize throughput. FLCS-PON builds on top of the hardware ecosystem that will be developed for ITU-T 50 Gbit/s PON and employs three new ingredients: optical network unit (ONU) grouping, flexible modulation format, and flexible forward error correction (FEC) code rate. Together, these techniques take advantage of the optical distribution network (ODN) statistics to realize a system capable of more than twofold throughput increase compared to the upcoming 50 Gbit/s PON, but still able to support a full array of deployed fiber edge cases, which are problematic for legacy PONs. In this paper we explain the concepts behind enabling techniques of FLCS-PON. We then report on a field trial over a deployed fiber infrastructure, using a system consisting of one FLCS-PON OLT and two ONUs. We report both pre- and post-forward-error-correction (post-FEC) performance of our system, demonstrating achievable net bitrate over an operator's fiber infrastructure. We realize a downlink transmission at double the speed of ITU-T 50 Gbit/s PON for ONUs exhibiting lower optical path loss (OPL), while simultaneously continue to support ONUs at high OPLs. We additionally realize a record-high 31.5 dB loss budget for 100 Gbit/s transmission using a direct-detection ONU with an optical preamplifier.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000692209800017 Publication Date 2021-08-06  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0733-8724 ISBN Additional Links (down) UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 3.671 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 3.671  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:181586 Serial 6995  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Penders, A.; Konstantinovic, M.J.; Van Renterghem, W.; Bosch, R.W.; Schryvers, D. url  doi
openurl 
  Title TEM investigation of SCC crack tips in high Si stainless steel tapered specimens Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2021 Publication Corrosion Engineering Science And Technology Abbreviated Journal Corros Eng Sci Techn  
  Volume Issue Pages  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract The stress corrosion cracking (SCC) mechanism is investigated in high Si duplex stainless steel in a simulated PWR environment based on TEM analysis of FIB-extracted SCC crack tips. The microstructural investigation in the near vicinity of SCC crack tips illustrates a strain-rate dependence in SCC mechanisms. Detailed analysis of the crack tip morphology, that includes crack tip oxidation and surrounding deformation field, indicates the existence of an interplay between corrosion- and deformation-driven failure as a function of the strain rate. Slow strain-rate crack tips exhibit a narrow cleavage failure which can be linked to the film-induced failure mechanism, while rounded shaped crack tips for faster strain rates could be related to the strain-induced failure. As a result, two nominal strain-rate-dependent failure regimes dominated either by corrosion or deformation-driven cracking mechanisms can be distinguished.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000695956400001 Publication Date 2021-09-14  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1478-422x ISBN Additional Links (down) UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 0.879 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 0.879  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:181533 Serial 6892  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Van Tendeloo, M.; Xie, Y.; Van Beeck, W.; Zhu, W.; Lebeer, S.; Vlaeminck, S.E. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Oxygen control and stressor treatments for complete and long-term suppression of nitrite-oxidizing bacteria in biofilm-based partial nitritation/anammox Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2021 Publication Bioresource Technology Abbreviated Journal Bioresource Technol  
  Volume 342 Issue Pages 125996  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)  
  Abstract Mainstream nitrogen removal by partial nitritation/anammox (PN/A) can realize energy and cost savings for sewage treatment. Selective suppression of nitrite oxidizing bacteria (NOB) remains a key bottleneck for PN/A implementation. A rotating biological contactor was studied with an overhead cover and controlled air/N2 inflow to regulate oxygen availability at 20 °C. Biofilm exposure to dissolved oxygen concentrations < 0.51 ± 0.04 mg O2 L-1 when submerged in the water and < 1.41 ± 0.31 mg O2 L-1 when emerged in the headspace (estimated), resulted in complete and long-term NOB suppression with a low relative nitrate production ratio of 10 ± 4%. Additionally, weekly biofilm stressor treatments with free ammonia (FA) (29 ± 1 mg NH3-N L-1 for 3 h) could improve the NOB suppression while free nitrous acid treatments had insufficient effect. This study demonstrated the potential of managing NOB suppression in biofilm-based systems by oxygen control and recurrent FA exposure, opening opportunities for resource efficient nitrogen removal.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000704455300005 Publication Date 2021-09-21  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0960-8524 ISBN Additional Links (down) UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 5.651 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 5.651  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:181301 Serial 8355  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Kerckhof, F.-M.; Sakarika, M.; Van Giel, M.; Muys, M.; Vermeir, P.; De Vrieze, J.; Vlaeminck, S.E.; Rabaey, K.; Boon, N. url  doi
openurl 
  Title From biogas and hydrogen to microbial protein through co-cultivation of methane and hydrogen oxidizing bacteria Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2021 Publication Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 9 Issue Pages 733753  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)  
  Abstract Increasing efforts are directed towards the development of sustainable alternative protein sources among which microbial protein (MP) is one of the most promising. Especially when waste streams are used as substrates, the case for MP could become environmentally favorable. The risks of using organic waste streams for MP production–the presence of pathogens or toxicants–can be mitigated by their anaerobic digestion and subsequent aerobic assimilation of the (filter-sterilized) biogas. Even though methane and hydrogen oxidizing bacteria (MOB and HOB) have been intensively studied for MP production, the potential benefits of their co-cultivation remain elusive. Here, we isolated a diverse group of novel HOB (that were capable of autotrophic metabolism), and co-cultured them with a defined set of MOB, which could be grown on a mixture of biogas and H2/O2. The combination of MOB and HOB, apart from the CH4 and CO2 contained in biogas, can also enable the valorization of the CO2 that results from the oxidation of methane by the MOB. Different MOB and HOB combinations were grown in serum vials to identify the best-performing ones. We observed synergistic effects on growth for several combinations, and in all combinations a co-culture consisting out of both HOB and MOB could be maintained during five days of cultivation. Relative to the axenic growth, five out of the ten co-cultures exhibited 1.1–3.8 times higher protein concentration and two combinations presented 2.4–6.1 times higher essential amino acid content. The MP produced in this study generally contained lower amounts of the essential amino acids histidine, lysine and threonine, compared to tofu and fishmeal. The most promising combination in terms of protein concentration and essential amino acid profile was Methyloparacoccus murrelli LMG 27482 with Cupriavidus necator LMG 1201. Microbial protein from M. murrelli and C. necator requires 27–67% less quantity than chicken, whole egg and tofu, while it only requires 15% more quantity than the amino acid-dense soybean to cover the needs of an average adult. In conclusion, while limitations still exist, the co-cultivation of MOB and HOB creates an alternative route for MP production leveraging safe and sustainably-produced gaseous substrates.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000697897900001 Publication Date 2021-09-06  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2296-4185 ISBN Additional Links (down) UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor Times cited Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: NA  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:180591 Serial 7985  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Osca, J.; Moors, K.; Sorée, B.; Serra, L. pdf  doi
openurl 
  Title Fabry-Perot interferometry with gate-tunable 3D topological insulator nanowires Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2021 Publication Nanotechnology Abbreviated Journal Nanotechnology  
  Volume 32 Issue 43 Pages 435002  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)  
  Abstract Three-dimensional topological insulator (3D TI) nanowires display remarkable magnetotransport properties that can be attributed to their spin-momentum-locked surface states such as quasiballistic transport and Aharonov-Bohm oscillations. Here, we focus on the transport properties of a 3D TI nanowire with a gated section that forms an electronic Fabry-Perot (FP) interferometer that can be tuned to act as a surface-state filter or energy barrier. By tuning the carrier density and length of the gated section of the wire, the interference pattern can be controlled and the nanowire can become fully transparent for certain topological surface-state input modes while completely filtering out others. We also consider the interplay of FP interference with an external magnetic field, with which Klein tunneling can be induced, and transverse asymmetry of the gated section, e.g. due to a top-gated structure, which displays an interesting analogy with Rashba nanowires. Due to its rich conductance phenomenology, we propose a 3D TI nanowire with gated section as an ideal setup for a detailed transport-based characterization of 3D TI nanowire surface states near the Dirac point, which could be useful towards realizing 3D TI nanowire-based topological superconductivity and Majorana bound states.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000682173800001 Publication Date 2021-07-20  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0957-4484 ISBN Additional Links (down) UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 3.44 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 3.44  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:180487 Serial 6990  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author De Paepe, J.; Clauwaert, P.; Gritti, M.C.; Ganigue, R.; Sas, B.; Vlaeminck, S.E.; Rabaey, K. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Electrochemical in situ pH control enables chemical-free full urine nitrification with concomitant nitrate extraction Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2021 Publication Environmental Science & Technology Abbreviated Journal Environ Sci Technol  
  Volume 55 Issue 12 Pages 8287-8298  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)  
  Abstract Urine is a valuable resource for nutrient recovery. Stabilization is, however, recommended to prevent urea hydrolysis and the associated risk for ammonia volatilization, uncontrolled precipitation, and malodor. This can be achieved by alkalinization and subsequent biological conversion of urea and ammonia into nitrate (nitrification) and organics into CO2. Yet, without pH control, the extent of nitrification is limited as a result of insufficient alkalinity. This study explored the feasibility of an integrated electrochemical cell to obtain on-demand hydroxide production through water reduction at the cathode, compensating for the acidification caused by nitritation, thereby enabling full nitrification. To deal with the inherent variability of the urine influent composition and bioprocess, the electrochemical cell was steered via a controller, modulating the current based on the pH in the bioreactor. This provided a reliable and innovative alternative to base addition, enabling full nitrification while avoiding the use of chemicals, the logistics associated with base storage and dosing, and the associated increase in salinity. Moreover, the electrochemical cell could be used as an in situ extraction and concentration technology, yielding an acidic concentrated nitrate-rich stream. The make-up of the end product could be tailored by tweaking the process configuration, offering versatility for applications on Earth and in space.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000663939900052 Publication Date 2021-06-04  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0013-936x; 1520-5851 ISBN Additional Links (down) UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 6.198 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 6.198  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:179779 Serial 7862  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Alloul, A.; Cerruti, M.; Adamczyk, D.; Weissbrodt, D.G.; Vlaeminck, S.E. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Operational strategies to selectively produce purple bacteria for microbial protein in raceway reactors Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2021 Publication Environmental Science & Technology Abbreviated Journal Environ Sci Technol  
  Volume 55 Issue 12 Pages 8278-8286  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)  
  Abstract Purple non-sulfur bacteria (PNSB) show potential for microbial protein production on wastewater as animal feed. They offer good selectivity (i.e., low microbial diversity and high abundance of one species) when grown anaerobically in the light. However, the cost of closed anaerobic photobioreactors is prohibitive for protein production. Although open raceway reactors are cheaper, their feasibility to selectively grow PNSB is thus far unexplored. This study developed operational strategies to boost PNSB abundance in the biomass of a raceway reactor fed with volatile fatty acids. For a flask reactor run at a 2 day sludge retention time (SRT), matching the chemical oxygen demand (COD) loading rate to the removal rate in the light period prevented substrate availability during the dark period and increased the PNSB abundance from 50-67 to 88-94%. A raceway reactor run at a 2 day SRT showed an increased PNSB abundance from 14 to 56% when oxygen supply was reduced (no stirring at night). The best performance was achieved at the highest surface-to-volume ratio (10 m(2) m(-3) increased light availability) showing productivities up to 0.2 g protein L-1 day(-1) and a PNSB abundance of 78%. This study pioneered in PNSB-based microbial protein production in raceway reactors, yielding high selectivity while avoiding the combined availability of oxygen, COD, and darkness.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000663939900051 Publication Date 2021-06-04  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0013-936x; 1520-5851 ISBN Additional Links (down) UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 6.198 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 6.198  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:179768 Serial 8334  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Bahnamiri, O.S.; Verheyen, C.; Snyders, R.; Bogaerts, A.; Britun, N. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Nitrogen fixation in pulsed microwave discharge studied by infrared absorption combined with modelling Type A1 Journal Article;nitrogen fixation
  Year 2021 Publication Plasma Sources Science & Technology Abbreviated Journal Plasma Sources Sci T  
  Volume 30 Issue 6 Pages 065007  
  Keywords A1 Journal Article;nitrogen fixation; pulsed microwave discharge; FTIR spectroscopy; discharge modelling; vibrational excitation; NO yield; energy cost; Plasma, laser ablation and surface modeling Antwerp (PLASMANT) ;  
  Abstract A pulsed microwave surfaguide discharge operating at 2.45 GHz was used for the conversion of molecular nitrogen into valuable compounds in several gas mixtures: N2 :O2 , N2 :O2 :CO2 and N2 :CO2 . The ro-vibrational absorption bands of the molecular species were monitored by a Fourier transform infrared apparatus in the post-discharge region in order to evaluate the relative number density of species, specifically NO production. The effects of specific energy input, pulse frequency, gas flow fraction, gas admixture and gas flow rate were studied for better understanding and optimization of the NO production yield and the corresponding energy cost (EC). By both the experiment and modelling, a highest NO yield is obtained at N2 :O2 (1:1) gas ratio in N2 :O2 mixture. The NO yield reveals a small growth followed by saturation when pulse repetition frequency increases. The energy efficiency start decreasing after the energy input reaches about 5 eV/molec, whereas the NO yield rises steadily at the same time. The lowest EC of about 8 MJ mol−1 corresponding to the yield and the energy efficiency of about 7% and 1% are found, respectively, in an optimum discharge condition in our case.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000659671000001 Publication Date 2021-06-01  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0963-0252 ISBN Additional Links (down) UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 3.302 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes Fonds De La Recherche Scientifique—FNRS, EOS O005118F ; The research is supported by the FNRS-FWO project ‘NITROPLASM’, EOS O005118F. O Samadi also acknowledges PhD student F Manaigo for cooperation in doing the additional measurements. Approved Most recent IF: 3.302  
  Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @c:irua:179170 Serial 6798  
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Author Spanoghe, J.; Vermeir, P.; Vlaeminck, S.E. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Microbial food from light, carbon dioxide and hydrogen gas : kinetic, stoichiometric and nutritional potential of three purple bacteria Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2021 Publication Bioresource Technology Abbreviated Journal Bioresource Technol  
  Volume 337 Issue Pages 125364  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)  
  Abstract The urgency for a protein transition towards more sustainable solutions is one of the major societal challenges. Microbial protein is one of the alternative routes, in which land- and fossil-free production should be targeted. The photohydrogenotrophic growth of purple bacteria, which builds on the H2– and CO2-economy, is unexplored for its microbial protein potential. The three tested species (Rhodobacter capsulatus, Rhodobacter sphaeroides and Rhodopseudomonas palustris) obtained promising growth rates (2.3–2.7 d−1 at 28°C) and protein productivities (0.09–0.12 g protein L−1 d−1), rendering them likely faster and more productive than microalgae. The achieved protein yields (2.6–2.9 g protein g−1 H2) transcended the ones of aerobic hydrogen oxidizing bacteria. Furthermore, all species provided full dietary protein matches for humans and their fatty acid content was dominated by vaccenic acid (82–86%). Given its kinetic and nutritional performance we recommend to consider Rhodobacter capsulatus as a high-potential sustainable source of microbial food.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000694862500007 Publication Date 2021-06-03  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0960-8524 ISBN Additional Links (down) UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 5.651 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 5.651  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:178752 Serial 8243  
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Author Kelly, S.; van de Steeg, A.; Hughes, A.; van Rooij, G.; Bogaerts, A. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Thermal instability and volume contraction in a pulsed microwave N2plasma at sub-atmospheric pressure Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2021 Publication Plasma Sources Science & Technology Abbreviated Journal Plasma Sources Sci T  
  Volume 30 Issue 5 Pages 055005  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)  
  Abstract We studied the evolution of an isolated pulsed plasma in a vortex flow stabilised microwave (MW) discharge in N2 at 25 mbar via the combination of 0D kinetics modelling, iCCD imaging and laser scattering diagnostics. Quenching of electronically excited N2 results in fast gas heating and the onset of a thermal-ionisation instability, contracting the discharge volume. The onset of a thermal-ionisation instability driven by vibrational excitation pathways is found to facilitate significantly higher N2 conversion (i.e. dissociation to atomic N2 ) compared to pre-instability conditions, emphasizing the potential utility of this dynamic in future fixation applications. The instability onset is found to be instigated by super-elastic heating of the electron energy distribution tail via vibrationally excited N2 . Radial contraction of the discharge to the skin depth is found to occur post instability, while the axial elongation is found to be temporarily contracted during the thermal instability onset. An increase in power reflection during the thermal instability onset eventually limits the destabilising effects of exothermic electronically excited N2 quenching. Translational and vibrational temperature reach a quasi-non-equilibrium after the discharge contraction, with translational temperatures reaching ∼1200 K at the pulse end, while vibrational temperatures are found in near equilibrium with the electron energy (1 eV, or ∼11 600 K). This first description of the importance of electronically excited N2 quenching in thermal instabilities gives an additional fundamental understanding of N2 plasma behaviour in pulsed MW context, and thereby brings the eventual implementation of this novel N2 fixation method one step closer.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000648710900001 Publication Date 2021-05-01  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0963-0252 ISBN Additional Links (down) UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 3.302 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes Stichting voor de Technische Wetenschappen, 733.000.002 ; Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek, 30505023 GoF9618n ; H2020 European Research Council, 810182 ; H2020 Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, 813393 838181 ; SK & AB acknowledge financial support by the European Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowship ‘PENFIX’ within Horizon 2020 (Grant No. 838181), the European Research Council (ERC) under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme (Grant Agreement No. 810182—SCOPE ERC Synergy project), and the Excellence of Science FWO-FNRS project (FWO Grant ID GoF9618n, EOS ID 30505023). The calculations were performed using the Turing HPC infrastructure at the CalcUA core facility of the Universiteit Antwerpen (UAntwerpen), a division of the Flemish Supercomputer Centre VSC, funded by the Hercules Foundation, the Flemish Government (department EWI) and the UAntwerpen. SK and AB would like to thank Mr Luc van ’t dack, Dr Karen Leyssens and Ing. Karel Venken for their technical assistance. AvdS, AH and GvR are grateful to Ampleon for the use of their solid-state microwave amplifier units and acknowledge financial support from the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO Grant No. 733.000.002) in the framework of the CO2 -to-products programme with kind support from Shell, and the ENW PPP Fund for the top sectors. This project has been partially funded by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme ‘Pioneer’ under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Grant Agreement No. 813393. Approved Most recent IF: 3.302  
  Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @c:irua:178122 Serial 6759  
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Author Herzog, M.J.; Gauquelin, N.; Esken, D.; Verbeeck, J.; Janek, J. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Facile dry coating method of high-nickel cathode material by nanostructured fumed alumina (Al2O3) improving the performance of lithium-ion batteries Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2021 Publication Energy technology Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 9 Issue 4 Pages 2100028  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Surface coating is a crucial method to mitigate the aging problem of high-Ni cathode active materials (CAMs). By avoiding the direct contact of the CAM and the electrolyte, side reactions are hindered. Commonly used techniques like wet or ALD coating are time consuming and costly. Therefore, a more cost-effective coating technique is desirable. Herein, a facile and fast dry powder coating process for CAMs with nanostructured fumed metal oxides are reported. As the model case, the coating of high-Ni NMC (LiNi0.7Mn0.15Co0.15O2) by nanostructured fumed Al2O3 is investigated. A high coverage of the CAM surface with an almost continuous coating layer is achieved, still showing some porosity. Electrochemical evaluation shows a significant increase in capacity retention, cycle life and rate performance of the coated NMC material. The coating layer protects the surface of the CAM successfully and prevents side reactions, resulting in reduced solid electrolyte interface (SEI) formation and charge transfer impedance during cycling. A mechanism on how the coating layer enhances the cycling performance is hypothesized. The stable coating layer effectively prevents crack formation and particle disintegration of the NMC. In depth analysis indicates partial formation of LixAl2O3/LiAlO2 in the coating layer during cycling, enhancing lithium ion diffusivity and thus, also the rate performance.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000621000700001 Publication Date 2021-01-23  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2194-4296; 2194-4288 ISBN Additional Links (down) UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor Times cited 25 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes The authors would like to thank Erik Peldszus and Steve Rienecker for the support with scanning electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis. The Qu-Ant-EM microscope and the direct electron detector were partly funded by the Hercules fund from the Flemish Government. N.G. and J.V. acknowledge funding from GOA project “Solarpaint” of the University of Antwerp. Funding from the Flemish Research Fund (FWO) project G0F1320N is acknowledged.; Open access funding enabled and organized by Projekt DEAL. Approved Most recent IF: NA  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:176670 Serial 6724  
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Author Bafekry, A.; Shahrokhi, M.; Shafique, A.; Jappor, H.R.; Shojaei, F.; Feghhi, S.A.H.; Ghergherehchi, M.; Gogova, D. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Two-dimensional carbon nitride C₆N nanosheet with egg-comb-like structure and electronic properties of a semimetal Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2021 Publication Nanotechnology Abbreviated Journal Nanotechnology  
  Volume 32 Issue 21 Pages 215702  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)  
  Abstract In this study, the structural, electronic and optical properties of theoretically predicted C6N monolayer structure are investigated by means of Density Functional Theory-based First-Principles Calculations. Phonon band dispersion calculations and molecular dynamics simulations reveal the dynamical and thermal stability of the C6N single-layer structure. We found out that the C6N monolayer has large negative in-plane Poisson's ratios along both X and Y direction and the both values are almost four times that of the famous-pentagraphene. The electronic structure shows that C6N monolayer is a semi-metal and has a Dirac-point in the BZ. The optical analysis using the random phase approximation method constructed over HSE06 illustrates that the first peak of absorption coefficient of the C6N monolayer along all polarizations is located in the IR range of spectrum, while the second absorption peak occurs in the visible range, which suggests its potential applications in optical and electronic devices. Interestingly, optically anisotropic character of this system is highly desirable for the design of polarization-sensitive photodetectors. Thermoelectric properties such as Seebeck coefficient, electrical conductivity, electronic thermal conductivity and power factor are investigated as a function of carrier doping at temperatures 300, 400, and 500 K. In general, we predict that the C6N monolayer could be a new platform for study of novel physical properties in two-dimensional semi-metal materials, which may provide new opportunities to realize high-speed low-dissipation devices.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000624531500001 Publication Date 2020-12-18  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0957-4484 ISBN Additional Links (down) UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 3.44 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 3.44  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:176648 Serial 6740  
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Author Alloul, A.; Spanoghe, J.; Machado, D.; Vlaeminck, S.E. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Unlocking the genomic potential of aerobes and phototrophs for the production of nutritious and palatable microbial food without arable land or fossil fuels Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2022 Publication Microbial biotechnology Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 15 Issue 1 Pages 6-12  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)  
  Abstract The increasing world population and living standards urgently necessitate the transition towards a sustainable food system. One solution is microbial protein, i.e. using microbial biomass as alternative protein source for human nutrition, particularly based on renewable electron and carbon sources that do not require arable land. Upcoming green electrification and carbon capture initiatives enable this, yielding new routes to H2, CO2 and CO2-derived compounds like methane, methanol, formic- and acetic acid. Aerobic hydrogenotrophs, methylotrophs, acetotrophs and microalgae are the usual suspects for nutritious and palatable biomass production on these compounds. Interestingly, these compounds are largely un(der)explored for purple non-sulfur bacteria, even though these microbes may be suitable for growing aerobically and phototrophically on these substrates. Currently, selecting the best strains, metabolisms and cultivation conditions for nutritious and palatable microbial food mainly starts from empirical growth experiments, and mostly does not stretch beyond bulk protein. We propose a more target-driven and efficient approach starting from the genome-embedded potential to tuning towards, for instance, essential amino- and fatty acids, vitamins, taste,... Genome-scale metabolic models combined with flux balance analysis will facilitate this, narrowing down experimental variations and enabling to get the most out of the 'best' combinations of strain and electron and carbon sources.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000613868600001 Publication Date 2021-02-06  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1751-7915 ISBN Additional Links (down) UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 5.7 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 5.7  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:176174 Serial 7225  
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Author Cerruti, M.; Stevens, B.; Ebrahimi, S.; Alloul, A.; Vlaeminck, S.E.; Weissbrodt, D.G. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Enrichment and aggregation of purple non-sulfur bacteria in a mixed-culture sequencing-batch photobioreactor for biological nutrient removal from wastewater Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2020 Publication Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 8 Issue Pages 557234  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)  
  Abstract Mixed-culture biotechnologies are widely used to capture nutrients from wastewater. Purple non-sulfur bacteria (PNSB), a guild of anoxygenic photomixotrophic organisms, rise interest for their ability to directly assimilate nutrients in the biomass. One challenge targets the aggregation and accumulation of PNSB biomass to separate it from the treated water. Our aim was to enrich and produce a concentrated, fast-settling PNSB biomass with high nutrient removal capacity in a 1.5-L, stirred-tank, anaerobic sequencing-batch photobioreactor (SBR). PNSB were rapidly enriched after inoculation with activated sludge at 0.1 gVSS L–1 in a first batch of 24 h under continuous irradiance of infrared (IR) light (>700 nm) at 375 W m–2, with Rhodobacter reaching 54% of amplicon sequencing read counts. SBR operations with decreasing hydraulic retention times (48 to 16 h, i.e., 1–3 cycles d–1) and increasing volumetric organic loading rates (0.2–1.3 kg COD d–1 m–3) stimulated biomass aggregation, settling, and accumulation in the system, reaching as high as 3.8 g VSS L–1. The sludge retention time (SRT) increased freely from 2.5 to 11 days. Acetate, ammonium, and orthophosphate were removed up to 96% at a rate of 1.1 kg COD d–1 m–3, 77% at 113 g N d–1 m–3, and 73% at 15 g P d–1 m–3, respectively, with COD:N:P assimilation ratio of 100:6.7:0.9 m/m/m. SBR regime shifts sequentially selected for Rhodobacter (90%) under shorter SRT and non-limiting concentration of acetate during reaction phases, for Rhodopseudomonas (70%) under longer SRT and acetate limitation during reaction, and Blastochloris (10%) under higher biomass concentrations, underlying competition for substrate and photons in the PNSB guild. With SBR operations we produced a fast-settling biomass, highly (>90%) enriched in PNSB. A high nutrient removal was achieved by biomass assimilation, reaching the European nutrient discharge limits. We opened further insights on the microbial ecology of PNSB-based processes for water resource recovery.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000603626100001 Publication Date 2021-06-02  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2296-4185 ISBN Additional Links (down) UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 5.7 Times cited Open Access  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 5.7; 2020 IF: NA  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:174085 Serial 7921  
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Author Rowenczyk, L.; Dazzi, A.; Deniset-Besseau, A.; Beltran, V.; Goudounèche, D.; Wong-Wah-Chung, P.; Boyron, O.; George, M.; Fabre, P.; Roux, C.; Mingotaud, A.F.; ter Halle, A. pdf  doi
openurl 
  Title Microstructure characterization of oceanic polyethylene debris Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2020 Publication Environmental Science & Technology Abbreviated Journal Environ Sci Technol  
  Volume 54 Issue 7 Pages 4102-4109  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)  
  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.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000526418000041 Publication Date 2020-03-09  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0013-936x; 1520-5851 ISBN Additional Links (down) UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 11.4 Times cited 3 Open Access  
  Notes ; Foundation and The French National Reaserch Program for Environmental and Occupational Health of Anses (EST/2017/1/219). We thank the 7th Continent Expedition Association, as well as the staff and crew, for the sea sampling campaign. ; Approved Most recent IF: 11.4; 2020 IF: 6.198  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:172890 Serial 6560  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Kenawy, A.; Magnus, W.; Milošević, M.V.; Sorée, B. pdf  doi
openurl 
  Title Electronically tunable quantum phase slips in voltage-biased superconducting rings as a base for phase-slip flux qubits Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2020 Publication Superconductor Science & Technology Abbreviated Journal Supercond Sci Tech  
  Volume 33 Issue 12 Pages 125002  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)  
  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.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000577207000001 Publication Date 2020-09-16  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0953-2048 ISBN Additional Links (down) UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 3.6 Times cited 4 Open Access  
  Notes ; ; Approved Most recent IF: 3.6; 2020 IF: 2.878  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:172643 Serial 6503  
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Author Verheyen, C.; Silva, T.; Guerra, V.; Bogaerts, A. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title The effect of H2O on the vibrational populations of CO2in a CO2/H2O microwave plasma: a kinetic modelling investigation Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2020 Publication Plasma Sources Science & Technology Abbreviated Journal Plasma Sources Sci T  
  Volume 29 Issue 9 Pages 095009  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)  
  Abstract Plasma has been studied for several years to convert CO2 into value-added products. If CO2 could be converted in the presence of H2O as a cheap H-source for making syngas and oxygenates, it would mimic natural photosynthesis. However, CO2/H2O plasmas have not yet been extensively studied, not by experiments, and certainly not computationally. Therefore, we present here a kinetic modelling study to obtain a greater understanding of the vibrational kinetics of a CO2/H2O microwave plasma. For this purpose, we first created an electron impact cross section set for H2O, using a swarm-derived method. We added the new cross section set and CO2/H2O-related chemistry to a pure CO2 model. While it was expected that H2O addition mainly causes quenching of the CO2 asymmetric mode vibrational levels due to the additional CO2/H2O vibrational-translational relaxation, our model shows that the modifications in the vibrational kinetics are mainly induced by the strong electron dissociative attachment to H2O molecules, causing a reduction in electron density, and the corresponding changes in the input of energy into the CO2 vibrational levels by electron impact processes.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000570601300001 Publication Date 2020-09-16  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1361-6595 ISBN Additional Links (down) UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 3.8 Times cited Open Access  
  Notes Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek, 1184820N ; Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia, under projects UIDB/50010/2020 and ; This research was supported by FWO–PhD fellowshipaspirant, Grant 1184820N. VG and TS were partially supported by the Portuguese FCT, under projects UIDB/50010/2020 and UIDP/50010/2020 Approved Most recent IF: 3.8; 2020 IF: 3.302  
  Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @c:irua:172011 Serial 6433  
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Author Alloul, A.; Muys, M.; Hertoghs, N.; Kerckhof, F.-M.; Vlaeminck, S.E. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Cocultivating aerobic heterotrophs and purple bacteria for microbial protein in sequential photo- and chemotrophic reactors Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2021 Publication Bioresource Technology Abbreviated Journal Bioresource Technol  
  Volume 319 Issue Pages 124192  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)  
  Abstract Aerobic heterotrophic bacteria (AHB) and purple non-sulfur bacteria (PNSB) are typically explored as two separate types of microbial protein, yet their properties as respectively a bulk and added-value feed ingredient make them appealing for combined use. The feasibility of cocultivation in a sequential photo- and chemotrophic approach was investigated. First, mapping the chemotrophic growth kinetics for four Rhodobacter, Rhodopseudomonas and Rhodospirillum species on different carbon sources showed a preference for fructose (µmax 2.4–3.9 d−1 28 °C; protein 36–59%DW). Secondly, a continuous photobioreactor inoculated with Rhodobacter capsulatus (VFA as C-source) delivered the starter culture for an aerobic batch reactor (fructose as C-source). This two-stage system showed an improved nutritional quality compared to AHB production: higher protein content (45–71%DW), more attractive amino/fatty acid profile and contained up to 10% PNSB. The findings strengthen protein production with cocultures and might enable the implementation of the technology for resource recovery on streams such as wastewater.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000613136600013 Publication Date 2020-09-30  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0960-8524 ISBN Additional Links (down) UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 5.651 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 5.651  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:171766 Serial 7677  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Penders, A.; Konstantinovic, M.J.; Bosch, R.W.; Schryvers, D. pdf  doi
openurl 
  Title Crack initiation in tapered high Si stainless steel specimens : stress threshold analyses Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2020 Publication Corrosion Engineering Science And Technology Abbreviated Journal Corros Eng Sci Techn  
  Volume Issue Pages 1-8  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Tapered specimens were used for an accelerated test technique to study the crack initiation of high Si stainless steel by means of constant elongation rate tensile testing in a simulated pressurised water reactor environment. Detailed crack density distributions were obtained by applying an advanced crack detection algorithm on iteratively displaced scanning electron microscopy pictures featuring stress corrosion cracks along the specimen's gauge length. By means of finite-element analysis, prominent peaks in the crack density graphs are demonstrated to be related to stress relief and stress build-up during the crack initiation phase. Intrinsic scatter related to the crack detection suggests that stress corrosion cracking is independent of the strain-rate for strain-rates lower than 10(-6 )s(-1). Based on the extrapolation to constant load conditions, the critical threshold value for the duplex high Si stainless steel is estimated to be around 580 MPa.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000549651600001 Publication Date 2020-06-30  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1478-422x ISBN Additional Links (down) UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 1.8 Times cited 1 Open Access Not_Open_Access  
  Notes ; We would like to acknowledge ENGIE Electrabel for the financial support of this work under the contract number BSUEZ5500. ; Approved Most recent IF: 1.8; 2020 IF: 0.879  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:171292 Serial 6478  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Mehta, A.N.; Gauquelin, N.; Nord, M.; Orekhov, A.; Bender, H.; Cerbu, D.; Verbeeck, J.; Vandervorst, W. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Unravelling stacking order in epitaxial bilayer MX₂ using 4D-STEM with unsupervised learning Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2020 Publication Nanotechnology Abbreviated Journal Nanotechnology  
  Volume 31 Issue 44 Pages 445702  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Following an extensive investigation of various monolayer transition metal dichalcogenides (MX2), research interest has expanded to include multilayer systems. In bilayer MX2, the stacking order strongly impacts the local band structure as it dictates the local confinement and symmetry. Determination of stacking order in multilayer MX(2)domains usually relies on prior knowledge of in-plane orientations of constituent layers. This is only feasible in case of growth resulting in well-defined triangular domains and not useful in-case of closed layers with hexagonal or irregularly shaped islands. Stacking order can be discerned in the reciprocal space by measuring changes in diffraction peak intensities. Advances in detector technology allow fast acquisition of high-quality four-dimensional datasets which can later be processed to extract useful information such as thickness, orientation, twist and strain. Here, we use 4D scanning transmission electron microscopy combined with multislice diffraction simulations to unravel stacking order in epitaxially grown bilayer MoS2. Machine learning based data segmentation is employed to obtain useful statistics on grain orientation of monolayer and stacking in bilayer MoS2.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000561424400001 Publication Date 2020-07-14  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0957-4484 ISBN Additional Links (down) UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 3.5 Times cited 13 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes ; J.V. acknowledges funding from FLAG-ERA JTC2017 project 'Graph-Eye'. N.G. acknowledges funding from GOA project 'Solarpaint' of the University of Antwerp. This project has received funding from the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under Grant Agreement No. 823717-ESTEEM3. 4D STEM data was acquired on a hybrid pixel detector funded with a Hercules fund 'Direct electron detector for soft matter TEM' from the Flemish Government. M. N. acknowledges funding from a Marie Curie Fellowship agreement No 838001. We thank Dr Jiongjiong Mo and Dr Benjamin Groven for developing the CVD-MoS<INF>2</INF> growth on sapphire and providing the material used in this article. ; Approved Most recent IF: 3.5; 2020 IF: 3.44  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:171119 Serial 6649  
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Author Zhu, W.; Li, J.; Wang, B.; Chen, G. pdf  doi
openurl 
  Title Enhancement of pollutants removal from saline wastewater through simultaneous anammox and denitrification (SAD) process with glycine betaine addition Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2020 Publication Bioresource Technology Abbreviated Journal Bioresource Technol  
  Volume 315 Issue Pages 123784  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)  
  Abstract Enhanced pollutants removal from saline wastewater was investigated in simultaneous anammox and denitrification (SAD) process with glycine betaine (GB) addition. Long-term operation indicated the optimal GB dose was around 0.4 mM, which enhanced both anammox and denitrifying activity by 30% and 45%, respectively. The total nitrogen and organic removal rates were 0.38 +/- 0.2 kgN/m(3)/d and 0.34 +/- 0.3 kgCOD/m(3)/d, respectively, which increased by 34.5% and 20.5%. Independent of GB dose, denitrifying activity was promoted, but anammox activity was drastically deteriorated after excessive GB addition. The optimal GB dose predicated by both Gaussian and Modified-Boltzmann models were 0.42-0.45 mM. Besides, the bacterial activity recovery after excessive GB addition could be analyzed by the Modified-Boltzmann model. With 1.5 mM GB, granular floatation occurred since numerous gas bubbles were inside the granules. In general, exogenous GB addition can mitigate salinity inhibition and promote pollutants removal from saline wastewater.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000560717900013 Publication Date 2020-07-06  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0960-8524 ISBN Additional Links (down) UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 11.4 Times cited 1 Open Access  
  Notes ; This study was financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (51878362), China Postdoctoral Science Foundation (2017M610410, 2018T110665) and State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control (Research Center for Eco-environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences) (18K02ESPCR). The authors also thank Dr. Yuan Hou and Dr. Chao Fang from University of Antwerp for numerous discussion. ; Approved Most recent IF: 11.4; 2020 IF: 5.651  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:171118 Serial 6508  
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Author Seuntjens, D.; Carvajal Arroyo, J.M.; Van Tendeloo, M.; Chatzigiannidou, I.; Molina, J.; Nop, S.; Boon, N.; Vlaeminck, S.E. pdf  doi
openurl 
  Title Mainstream partial nitritation/anammox with integrated fixed-film activated sludge : combined aeration and floc retention time control strategies limit nitrate production Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2020 Publication Bioresource Technology Abbreviated Journal Bioresource Technol  
  Volume 314 Issue Pages 123711-10  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)  
  Abstract Implementation of mainstream partial nitritation/anammox (PN/A) can lead to more sustainable and cost-effective sewage treatment. For mainstream PN/A reactor, an integrated fixed-film activated sludge (IFAS) was operated (26 °C). The effects of floccular aerobic sludge retention time (AerSRT_floc), a novel aeration strategy, and N-loading rate were tested to optimize the operational strategy. The best performance was observed with a low, but sufficient AerSRTfloc (~7d) and continuous aeration with two alternating dissolved oxygen setpoints: 10 min at 0.07–0.13 mg O2 L−1 and 5 min at 0.27–0.43 mg O2 L−1. Nitrogen removal rates were 122 ± 23 mg N L−1 d−1, and removal efficiencies 73 ± 13%. These conditions enabled flocs to act as nitrite sources while the carriers were nitrite sinks, with low abundance of nitrite oxidizing bacteria. The operational strategies in the source-sink framework can serve as a guideline for successful operation of mainstream PN/A reactors.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000558601200004 Publication Date 2020-06-24  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0960-8524 ISBN Additional Links (down) UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 11.4 Times cited 3 Open Access  
  Notes ; D.S. was supported by a Ph.D. grant from the Institute for the Promotion of Innovation by Science and Technology in Flanders (IWTVlaanderen, SB-131769). M.V.T. was supported by a Ph.D. SB Fellowship from the Research Foundation -Flanders (FWO-Vlaanderen, 1S03218N). ; Approved Most recent IF: 11.4; 2020 IF: 5.651  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:170054 Serial 6559  
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Author Capson-Tojo, G.; Batstone, D.J.; Grassino, M.; Vlaeminck, S.E.; Puyol, D.; Verstraete, W.; Kleerebezem, R.; Oehmen, A.; Ghimire, A.; Pikaar, I.; Lema, J.M.; Hülsen, T.; Grassino, M.; Hulsen, T. pdf  doi
openurl 
  Title Purple phototrophic bacteria for resource recovery : challenges and opportunities Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2020 Publication Biotechnology Advances Abbreviated Journal Biotechnol Adv  
  Volume 43 Issue Pages 107567-27  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)  
  Abstract Sustainable development is driving a rapid focus shift in the wastewater and organic waste treatment sectors, from a “removal and disposal” approach towards the recovery and reuse of water, energy and materials (e.g. carbon or nutrients). Purple phototrophic bacteria (PPB) are receiving increasing attention due to their capability of growing photoheterotrophically under anaerobic conditions. Using light as energy source, PPB can simultaneously assimilate carbon and nutrients at high efficiencies (with biomass yields close to unity (1 g CODbiomass·g CODremoved−1)), facilitating the maximum recovery of these resources as different value-added products. The effective use of infrared light enables selective PPB enrichment in non-sterile conditions, without competition with other phototrophs such as microalgae if ultraviolet-visible wavelengths are filtered. This review reunites results systematically gathered from over 177 scientific articles, aiming at producing generalized conclusions. The most critical aspects of PPB-based production and valorisation processes are addressed, including: (i) the identification of the main challenges and potentials of different growth strategies, (ii) a critical analysis of the production of value-added compounds, (iii) a comparison of the different value-added products, (iv) insights into the general challenges and opportunities and (v) recommendations for future research and development towards practical implementation. To date, most of the work has not been executed under real-life conditions, relevant for full-scale application. With the savings in wastewater discharge due to removal of organics, nitrogen and phosphorus as an important economic driver, priorities must go to using PPB-enriched cultures and real waste matrices. The costs associated with artificial illumination, followed by centrifugal harvesting/dewatering and drying, are estimated to be 1.9, 0.3–2.2 and 0.1–0.3 $·kgdry biomass−1. At present, these costs are likely to exceed revenues. Future research efforts must be carried out outdoors, using sunlight as energy source. The growth of bulk biomass on relatively clean wastewater streams (e.g. from food processing) and its utilization as a protein-rich feed (e.g. to replace fishmeal, 1.5–2.0 $·kg−1) appears as a promising valorisation route.  
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  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000572355300007 Publication Date 2020-05-26  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0734-9750 ISBN Additional Links (down) UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 16 Times cited 6 Open Access  
  Notes ; Tim Hulsen acknowledges The Queensland Government, GHD, Ridley, Aquatec Maxcon and Ingham for financial support as part of an Advanced Queensland Industry Fellowship (061-2018). This project is supported by Meat and Livestock Australia through funding from the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment (Australia; RnD4Profit-16-03-002) as part of its Rural R&D for Profit program and the partners. Gabriel Capson-Tojo is grateful to the Xunta de Galicia (Spain) for his postdoctoral fellowship (ED481B-2018/017). The authors acknowledge Eucalyp, Freepick, Good Ware, Nhor Phai, photo3idea_studio, smalllikea and Smashicons for the icons used (taken from www.flaticon.com). ; Approved Most recent IF: 16; 2020 IF: 10.597  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:169736 Serial 6588  
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Author Lumbeeck, G.; Delvaux, A.; Idrissi, H.; Proost, J.; Schryvers, D. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Analysis of internal stress build-up during deposition of nanocrystalline Ni thin films using transmission electron microscopy Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2020 Publication Thin solid films : an international journal on the science and technology of thin and thick films Abbreviated Journal Thin Solid Films  
  Volume 707 Issue Pages 138076  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Ni thin films sputter-deposited at room temperature with varying Ar pressures were investigated with automated crystal orientation mapping in a transmission electron microscope to uncover the mechanisms controlling the internal stress build-up recorded in-situ during deposition. Large grains were found to induce behaviour similar to a stress-free nucleation layer. The measurements of grain size in most of the Ni thin films are in agreement with the island coalescence model. Low internal stress was observed at low Ar pressure and was explained by the presence of large grains. Relaxation of high internal stress was also noticed at the highest Ar pressure, which was attributed to a decrease of Σ3 twin boundary density due to a low deposition rate. The results provide insightful information to better understand the relationship between structural boundaries and the evolution of internal stress upon deposition of thin films.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000539312200011 Publication Date 2020-05-12  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN ISBN Additional Links (down) UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor Times cited Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes This work was supported by the Hercules Foundation [Grant No. AUHA13009], the Flemish Research Fund (FWO) [Grant No. G.0365.15N], and the Flemish Strategic Initiative for Materials (SIM) under the project InterPoCo. Thin film deposition has been realised as part of the WallonHY project, funded by the Public Service of Wallonia – Department of Energy and Sustainable Building. H. Idrissi is mandated by the Belgian National Fund for Scientific Research (FSR-FNRS). Approved Most recent IF: NA  
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:169708 Serial 6370  
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