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Author Bogaerts, A.; Centi, G.; Hessel, V.; Rebrov, E.
Title Challenges in unconventional catalysis Type A1 Journal article
Year 2023 Publication Catalysis today Abbreviated Journal
Volume 420 Issue Pages 114180
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract Catalysis science and technology increased efforts recently to progress beyond conventional “thermal” catalysis and face the challenges of net-zero emissions and electrification of production. Nevertheless, a better gaps and opportunities analysis is necessary. This review analyses four emerging areas of unconventional or less- conventional catalysis which share the common aspect of using directly renewable energy sources: (i) plasma catalysis, (ii) catalysis for flow chemistry and process intensification, (iii) application of electromagnetic (EM) fields to modulate catalytic activity and (iv) nanoscale generation at the catalyst interface of a strong local EM by plasmonic effect. Plasma catalysis has demonstrated synergistic effects, where the outcome is higher than the sum of both processes alone. Still, the underlying mechanisms are complex, and synergy is not always obtained. There is a crucial need for a better understanding to (i) design catalysts tailored to the plasma environment, (ii) design plasma reactors with optimal transport of plasma species to the catalyst surface, and (iii) tune the plasma conditions so they work in optimal synergy with the catalyst. Microfluidic reactors (flow chemistry) is another emerging sector leading to the intensification of catalytic syntheses, particularly in organic chemistry. New unconventional catalysts must be designed to exploit in full the novel possibilities. With a focus on (a) continuous-flow photocatalysis, (b) electrochemical flow catalysis, (c) microwave flow catalysis and (d) ultra­ sound flow activation, a series of examples are discussed, with also indications on scale-up and process indus­ trialisation. The third area discussed regards the effect on catalytic performances of applying oriented EM fields spanning several orders of magnitude. Under well-defined conditions, gas breakdown and, in some cases, plasma formation generates activated gas phase species. The EM field-driven chemical conversion processes depend further on structured electric/magnetic catalysts, which shape the EM field in strength and direction. Different effects influencing chemical conversion have been reported, including reduced activation energy, surface charging, hot spot generation, and selective local heating. The last topic discussed is complementary to the third, focusing on the possibility of tuning the photo- and electro-catalytic properties by creating a strong localised electrical field with a plasmonic effect. The novel possibilities of hot carriers generated by the plasmonic effect are also discussed. This review thus aims to stimulate the reader to make new, creative catalysis to address the challenges of reaching a carbon-neutral world.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001004623300001 Publication Date 2023-05-09
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0920-5861 ISBN Additional Links (up) UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 5.3 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes The EU ERC Synergy SCOPE project supported this work (project ID 810182) “ Surface-COnfined fast-modulated Plasma for process and Energy intensification in small molecules conversion”. This review thus aims to stimulate the reader to make new, creative catalysis to address the challenges of reaching a carbon-neutral world. Approved Most recent IF: 5.3; 2023 IF: 4.636
Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @c:irua:196446 Serial 7380
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Author Alvarado-Alvarado, A.A.; De Bock, A.; Ysebaert, T.; Belmans, B.; Denys, S.
Title Modeling the hygrothermal behavior of green walls in Comsol Multiphysics® : validation against measurements in a climate chamber Type A1 Journal article
Year 2023 Publication Building and environment Abbreviated Journal
Volume 238 Issue Pages 110377-12
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL); Energy and Materials in Infrastructure and Buildings
Abstract Green walls (GW) can diminish building's surface temperature through shading, insulation, and evapotranspiration mechanisms. These can be analyzed by computer models that account for heat and mass transfer phenomena. However, most previous models were one-dimensional thermal simulations in which boundary conditions (BC), like convective moisture transport, were not or only partly considered. The present work proposes a more comprehensive way to predict GW's hygrothermal behavior by integrating a 3D multiphysics model that couples heat and moisture transport in Comsol Multiphysics®. The air cavity that usually separates the GW from the building was also considered. Heat sink terms were added to represent plants' transpiration and substrates' evaporation, considering the leaf area density (LAD) and substrate's water saturation (Sr). The model was validated against experiments where four green wall-test panels (GW-TPs) were evaluated in a climate chamber under steady-state conditions. This provides a much sounder approach for validation than what currently exists (r = 0.97; RMSE = 0.33 °C). The four GW-TPs decreased the masonry's surface temperature in the range of 0.89–1.14 °C (0.97 ± 0.11 SD °C). The average contribution of the evapotranspiration effect was 30%, whereas the contribution of the air cavity was 60.7 ± 0.09%. The temperature at the substrate's rear was reduced on average by 0.57 ± 0.15 SD °C. When solar radiation was considered as a BC, the GW-TPs decreased the building's surface temperature by 10 °C. Lastly, high values of LAD and Sr translated into increased temperature reduction values.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001001412600001 Publication Date 2023-05-02
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0360-1323 ISBN Additional Links (up) UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 7.4 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 7.4; 2023 IF: 4.053
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:196467 Serial 8899
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Author Vasilakou, K.; Nimmegeers, P.; Thomassen, G.; Billen, P.; Van Passel, S.
Title Assessing the future of second-generation bioethanol by 2030 : a techno-economic assessment integrating technology learning curves Type A1 Journal article
Year 2023 Publication Applied energy Abbreviated Journal
Volume 344 Issue Pages 121263-15
Keywords A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM); Intelligence in PRocesses, Advanced Catalysts and Solvents (iPRACS)
Abstract Lignocellulosic biomass is the most abundant source of renewable biomass and is seen as a high-potential replacement for petroleum-based resources. The conversion technologies to advanced biofuels are still at a low maturity level, thus allowing for future cost reductions through technological learning. This fact is barely considered in state-of-the-art techno-economic assessments and a structured approach to account for technological learning in techno-economic assessments is needed. In this study, a framework for techno-economic assessments of advanced biofuels, integrating learning curves, is proposed. As a validation of this framework, the economic feasibility of the valorization of corn stover for the production of second-generation bioethanol in Belgium is studied. Process flowsheet simulations in Aspen Plus are developed, with an emphasis on the comparison of four different pretreatment technologies and two plant capacities at 156 dry kt biomass/y and 667 dry kt/y. The dilute acid pretreatment model of the large-scale biorefinery required the lowest minimum learning rate to reach an economically feasible biorefinery by 2030, being 3.9%, almost half as the one calculated for the smaller scale plant. This learning rate seems to be achievable based on learning rates commonly estimated in literature. We conclude that there is a potential for advanced ethanol production in Belgium under the current state of technology for large-scale biorefineries, which require additional biomass imports, when accounting for future cost reductions through learning
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001007488700001 Publication Date 2023-05-22
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0306-2619 ISBN Additional Links (up) UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 11.2 Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 11.2; 2023 IF: 7.182
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:196509 Serial 9186
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Author Perreault, P.; Van Hoecke, L.; Pourfallah, H.; Kummamuru, N.B.; Boruntea, C.-R.; Preuster, P.
Title Critical challenges towards the commercial rollouts of a LOHC-based H2 economy Type A1 Journal article
Year 2023 Publication Current opinion in green and sustainable chemistry Abbreviated Journal
Volume 41 Issue Pages 100836-100838
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract This short review discusses recent developments related to the storage and release of hydrogen from liquid organic hydrogen carriers (LOHCs). It focusses on three areas of recent literature: the application and development of novel, alternative LOHC systems, process development and process integration in the storage and release of hydrogen from LOHCs, and the electrochemical conversion of LOHCs. For the novel LOHC systems, we briefly focus on reaction enthalpy and storage capacity as main KPIs for the comparison of those systems and discuss the technical availability on a relevant scale. In the field of process- and reactor development our emphasis lies on the power density of the chemical conversion units. The LOHC technology still requires further development to reach the necessary energy efficiency, flexibility and overall research maturity for market competitivity and commercial impact.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001019180100001 Publication Date 2023-05-18
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2452-2236 ISBN Additional Links (up) UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 9.3 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 9.3; 2023 IF: NA
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:196520 Serial 8845
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Author Gheysen, J.; Kashiwar, A.; Idrissi, H.; Villanova, J.; Simar, A.
Title Suppressing hydrogen blistering in a magnesium-rich healable laser powder bed fusion aluminum alloy analyzed by in-situ high resolution techniques Type A1 Journal article
Year 2023 Publication Materials & design Abbreviated Journal
Volume 231 Issue Pages 112024-11
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
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.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001055174900001 Publication Date 2023-05-20
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0264-1275; 1873-4197 ISBN Additional Links (up) UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 8.4 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 8.4; 2023 IF: 4.364
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:196536 Serial 8939
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Author Bekaert, J.; Bringmans, L.; Milošević, M.V.
Title Ginzburg-Landau surface energy of multiband superconductors : derivation and application to selected systems Type A1 Journal article
Year 2023 Publication Journal of physics : condensed matter Abbreviated Journal
Volume 35 Issue 32 Pages 325602-325610
Keywords A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Abstract We determine the energy of an interface between a multiband superconducting and a normal half-space, in presence of an applied magnetic field, based on a multiband Ginzburg-Landau (GL) approach. We obtain that the multiband surface energy is fully determined by the critical temperature, electronic densities of states, and superconducting gap functions associated with the different band condensates. This furthermore yields an expression for the thermodynamic critical magnetic field, in presence of an arbitrary number of contributing bands. Subsequently, we investigate the sign of the surface energy as a function of material parameters, through numerical solution of the GL equations. Here, we consider two distinct cases: (i) standard multiband superconductors with attractive interactions, and (ii) a three-band superconductor with a chiral ground state with phase frustration, arising from repulsive interband interactions. Furthermore, we apply this approach to several prime examples of multiband superconductors, such as metallic hydrogen and MgB2, based on microscopic parameters obtained from first-principles calculations.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000986281900001 Publication Date 2023-05-03
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0953-8984 ISBN Additional Links (up) UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 2.7 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 2.7; 2023 IF: 2.649
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:196664 Serial 8875
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Author Linard, F.J.A.; Moura, V.N.; Covaci, L.; Milošević, M.V.; Chaves, A.
Title Wave-packet scattering at a normal-superconductor interface in two-dimensional materials : a generalized theoretical approach Type A1 Journal article
Year 2023 Publication Physical review B Abbreviated Journal
Volume 107 Issue 16 Pages 165306-165309
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Abstract A wave-packet time evolution method, based on the split-operator technique, is developed to investigate the scattering of quasiparticles at a normal-superconductor interface of arbitrary profile and shape. As a practical application, we consider a system where low-energy electrons can be described as Dirac particles, which is the case for most two-dimensional materials, such as graphene and transition-metal dichalcogenides. However, the method is easily adapted for other cases such as electrons in few-layer black phosphorus or any Schrodinger quasiparticles within the effective mass approximation in semiconductors. We employ the method to revisit Andreev reflection in mono-, bi-, and trilayer graphene, where specular-and retro-reflection cases are observed for electrons scattered by a steplike superconducting region. The effect of opening a zero-gap channel across the superconducting region on the electron and hole scattering is also addressed, as an example of the versatility of the technique proposed here.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000974675700006 Publication Date 2023-04-14
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2469-9969; 2469-9950 ISBN Additional Links (up) UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 3.7 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 3.7; 2023 IF: 3.836
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:196709 Serial 8954
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Author Sevik, C.; Bekaert, J.; Milošević, M.V.
Title Superconductivity in functionalized niobium-carbide MXenes Type A1 Journal article
Year 2023 Publication Nanoscale Abbreviated Journal
Volume 15 Issue 19 Pages 8792-8799
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
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.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000976973900001 Publication Date 2023-04-11
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2040-3364; 2040-3372 ISBN Additional Links (up) UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 6.7 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 6.7; 2023 IF: 7.367
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:196711 Serial 8938
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Author Wang, S.; Tian, H.; Sun, M.
Title Valley-polarized and enhanced transmission in graphene with a smooth strain profile Type A1 Journal article
Year 2023 Publication Journal of physics : condensed matter Abbreviated Journal
Volume 35 Issue 30 Pages 304002-304013
Keywords A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Abstract We explore the influence of strain on the valley-polarized transmission of graphene by employing the wave-function matching and the non-equilibrium Green's function technique. When the transmission is along the armchair direction, we show that the valley polarization and transmission can be improved by increasing the width of the strained region and increasing (decreasing) the extensional strain in the armchair (zigzag) direction. It is noted that the shear strain does not affect transmission and valley polarization. Furthermore, when we consider the smooth strain barrier, the valley-polarized transmission can be enhanced by increasing the smoothness of the strain barrier. We hope that our finding can shed new light on constructing graphene-based valleytronic and quantum computing devices by solely employing strain.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000977124700001 Publication Date 2023-04-11
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0953-8984 ISBN Additional Links (up) UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 2.7 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 2.7; 2023 IF: 2.649
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:196718 Serial 8953
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Author Kocabas, T.; Keceli, M.; Vazquez-Mayagoitia, A.; Sevik, C.
Title Gaussian approximation potentials for accurate thermal properties of two-dimensional materials Type A1 Journal article
Year 2023 Publication Nanoscale Abbreviated Journal
Volume 15 Issue 19 Pages 8772-8780
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Abstract Two-dimensional materials (2DMs) continue to attract a lot of attention, particularly for their extreme flexibility and superior thermal properties. Molecular dynamics simulations are among the most powerful methods for computing these properties, but their reliability depends on the accuracy of interatomic interactions. While first principles approaches provide the most accurate description of interatomic forces, they are computationally expensive. In contrast, classical force fields are computationally efficient, but have limited accuracy in interatomic force description. Machine learning interatomic potentials, such as Gaussian Approximation Potentials, trained on density functional theory (DFT) calculations offer a compromise by providing both accurate estimation and computational efficiency. In this work, we present a systematic procedure to develop Gaussian approximation potentials for selected 2DMs, graphene, buckled silicene, and h-XN (X = B, Al, and Ga, as binary compounds) structures. We validate our approach through calculations that require various levels of accuracy in interatomic interactions. The calculated phonon dispersion curves and lattice thermal conductivity, obtained through harmonic and anharmonic force constants (including fourth order) are in excellent agreement with DFT results. HIPHIVE calculations, in which the generated GAP potentials were used to compute higher-order force constants instead of DFT, demonstrated the first-principles level accuracy of the potentials for interatomic force description. Molecular dynamics simulations based on phonon density of states calculations, which agree closely with DFT-based calculations, also show the success of the generated potentials in high-temperature simulations.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000976615200001 Publication Date 2023-04-19
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2040-3364; 2040-3372 ISBN Additional Links (up) UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 6.7 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 6.7; 2023 IF: 7.367
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:196722 Serial 8873
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Author Shi, P.; Chen, L.; Quinn, B.K.; Yu, K.; Miao, Q.; Guo, X.; Lian, M.; Gielis, J.; Niklas, K.J.
Title A simple way to calculate the volume and surface area of avian eggs Type A1 Journal article
Year 2023 Publication Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences Abbreviated Journal
Volume 1524 Issue 1 Pages 118-131
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract Egg geometry can be described using Preston's equation, which has seldom been used to calculate egg volume (V) and surface area (S) to explore S versus V scaling relationships. Herein, we provide an explicit re-expression of Preston's equation (designated as EPE) to calculate V and S, assuming that an egg is a solid of revolution. The side (longitudinal) profiles of 2221 eggs of six avian species were digitized, and the EPE was used to describe each egg profile. The volumes of 486 eggs from two avian species predicted by the EPE were compared with those obtained using water displacement in graduated cylinders. There was no significant difference in V using the two methods, which verified the utility of the EPE and the hypothesis that eggs are solids of revolution. The data also indicated that V is proportional to the product of egg length (L) and maximum width (W) squared. A 2/3-power scaling relationship between S and V for each species was observed, that is, S is proportional to (LW2)(2/3). These results can be extended to describe the shapes of the eggs of other species to study the evolution of avian (and perhaps reptilian) eggs.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000975679400001 Publication Date 2023-04-28
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0077-8923; 1749-6632 ISBN Additional Links (up) UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 5.2 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 5.2; 2023 IF: 4.706
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:196724 Serial 8827
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Author Vijayakumar, J.; Savchenko, T.M.; Bracher, D.M.; Lumbeeck, G.; Béché, A.; Verbeeck, J.; Vajda, Š.; Nolting, F.; Vaz, Ca.f.; Kleibert, A.
Title Absence of a pressure gap and atomistic mechanism of the oxidation of pure Co nanoparticles Type A1 Journal article
Year 2023 Publication Nature communications Abbreviated Journal Nat Commun
Volume 14 Issue 1 Pages 174
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Understanding chemical reactivity and magnetism of 3<italic>d</italic>transition metal nanoparticles is of fundamental interest for applications in fields ranging from spintronics to catalysis. Here, we present an atomistic picture of the early stage of the oxidation mechanism and its impact on the magnetism of Co nanoparticles. Our experiments reveal a two-step process characterized by (i) the initial formation of small CoO crystallites across the nanoparticle surface, until their coalescence leads to structural completion of the oxide shell passivating the metallic core; (ii) progressive conversion of the CoO shell to Co<sub>3</sub>O<sub>4</sub>and void formation due to the nanoscale Kirkendall effect. The Co nanoparticles remain highly reactive toward oxygen during phase (i), demonstrating the absence of a pressure gap whereby a low reactivity at low pressures is postulated. Our results provide an important benchmark for the development of theoretical models for the chemical reactivity in catalysis and magnetism during metal oxidation at the nanoscale.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000955726400021 Publication Date 2023-01-12
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2041-1723 ISBN Additional Links (up) UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 16.6 Times cited 1 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Schweizerischer Nationalfonds zur Förderung der Wissenschaftlichen Forschung, 200021160186 2002153540 ; EC | Horizon 2020 Framework Programme, 810310 823717 ; University of Basel | Swiss Nanoscience Institute, P1502 ; This work is funded by Swiss National Foundation (SNF) (Grants. No 200021160186 and 2002153540) and the Swiss Nanoscience Institut (SNI) (Grant No. SNI P1502). S.V. acknowledges support from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement no. 810310, which corresponds to the J. Heyrovsky Chair project (“ERA Chair at J. Heyrovský Institute of Physical Chemistry AS CR – The institutional approach towards ERA”). The funders had no role in the preparation of the article. Part of this work was performed at the Surface/Interface: Microscopy (SIM) beamline of the Swiss Light Source (SLS), Paul Scherrer Institut, Villigen, Switzerland. We kindly acknowledge Anja Weber and Elisabeth Müller from PSI for their help in fabricating the sample markers. A.B. and J. Verbeeck received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 Research Infrastructure – Integrating Activities for Advanced Communities under grant agreement No. 823717 – ESTEEM3 reported Approved Most recent IF: 16.6; 2023 IF: 12.124
Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:196738 Serial 8804
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Author Conti, S.; Perali, A.; Hamilton, A.R.; Milošević, M.V.; Peeters, F.M.; Neilson, D.
Title Chester supersolid of spatially indirect excitons in double-layer semiconductor heterostructures Type A1 Journal article
Year 2023 Publication Physical review letters Abbreviated Journal
Volume 130 Issue 5 Pages 057001-57006
Keywords A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Abstract A supersolid, a counterintuitive quantum state in which a rigid lattice of particles flows without resistance, has to date not been unambiguously realized. Here we reveal a supersolid ground state of excitons in a double-layer semiconductor heterostructure over a wide range of layer separations outside the focus of recent experiments. This supersolid conforms to the original Chester supersolid with one exciton per supersolid site, as distinct from the alternative version reported in cold-atom systems of a periodic density modulation or clustering of the superfluid. We provide the phase diagram augmented by the supersolid. This new phase appears at layer separations much smaller than the predicted exciton normal solid, and it persists up to a solid-solid transition where the quantum phase coherence collapses. The ranges of layer separations and exciton densities in our phase diagram are well within reach of the current experimental capabilities.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000968650900001 Publication Date 2023-02-01
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0031-9007; 1079-7114 ISBN Additional Links (up) UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 8.6 Times cited 7 Open Access Not_Open_Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 8.6; 2023 IF: 8.462
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:196742 Serial 8817
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Author Zheng, J.; Zhang, H.; Lv, J.; Zhang, M.; Wan, J.; Gerrits, N.; Wu, A.; Lan, B.; Wang, W.; Wang, S.; Tu, X.; Bogaerts, A.; Li, X.
Title Enhanced NH3Synthesis from Air in a Plasma Tandem-Electrocatalysis System Using Plasma-Engraved N-Doped Defective MoS2 Type A1 Journal Article
Year 2023 Publication JACS Au Abbreviated Journal JACS Au
Volume 3 Issue 5 Pages 1328-1336
Keywords A1 Journal Article; Plasma, laser ablation and surface modeling Antwerp (PLASMANT) ;
Abstract We have developed a sustainable method to produce NH3 directly from air using a plasma tandem-electrocatalysis system that operates via the N2−NOx−NH3 pathway. To efficiently reduce NO2− to NH3, we propose a novel electrocatalyst consisting of defective N-doped molybdenum sulfide nanosheets on vertical graphene arrays (N-MoS2/VGs). We used a plasma engraving process to form the metallic 1T phase, N doping, and S vacancies in the electrocatalyst simultaneously. Our system exhibited a remarkable NH3 production rate of 7.3 mg h−1 cm−2 at −0.53 V vs RHE, which is almost 100 times higher than the state-of-the-art electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction and more than double that of other hybrid systems. Moreover, a low energy consumption of only 2.4 MJ molNH3−1 was achieved in this study. Density functional theory calculations revealed that S vacancies and doped N atoms play a dominant role in the selective reduction of NO2− to NH3. This study opens up new avenues for efficient NH3 production using cascade systems.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000981779300001 Publication Date 2023-05-22
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2691-3704 ISBN Additional Links (up) UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access
Notes ACKNOWLEDGMENTS This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (51976191, 5227060056, 52276214) and the National Key Technologies R&D Program of China (2018YFE0117300). N.G. was financially supported through an NWO Rubicon Grant (019.202EN.012). X.T. acknowl- edges the support of the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EP/X002713/1). Approved Most recent IF: NA
Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @c:irua:196761 Serial 8792
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Author Broers, F.T.H.; Janssens, K.; Weker, J.N.; Webb, S.M.; Mehta, A.; Meirer, F.; Keune, K.
Title Two pathways for the degradation of orpiment pigment (As₂S₃) found in paintings Type A1 Journal article
Year 2023 Publication Journal of the American Chemical Society Abbreviated Journal
Volume 145 Issue 16 Pages 8847-8859
Keywords A1 Journal article; Antwerp X-ray Imaging and Spectroscopy (AXIS)
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.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000974346900001 Publication Date 2023-04-14
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0002-7863 ISBN Additional Links (up) UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 15 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 15; 2023 IF: 13.858
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:196762 Serial 8948
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Author Mosquera, J.; Wang, D.; Bals, S.; Liz-Marzan, L.M.
Title Surfactant layers on gold nanorods Type A1 Journal article
Year 2023 Publication Accounts of chemical research Abbreviated Journal
Volume 56 Issue 10 Pages 1204-1212
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
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.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000986447000001 Publication Date 2023-05-08
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0001-4842 ISBN Additional Links (up) UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 18.3 Times cited 8 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes The authors acknowledge financial support by the European Research Council (ERC CoG No. 815128 REALNANO to S.B.; ERC AdG No. 787510, 4DbioSERS to L.M.L.-M.) , from MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 and “ESF Investing in your future” (Grant PID2020-117779RB-I00 to L.M.L.-M. and Grants RYC2019-027842-I , PID2020-117885GA-I00 to J.M.) , and by Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Optical Information Materials and Technology (No. 2017B030301007) , National Center for International Research on Green Optoelectronics (No. 2016B01018) , MOE Interna-tional Laboratory for Optical Information Technologies, and the 111 projects. Approved Most recent IF: 18.3; 2023 IF: 20.268
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:196768 Serial 8940
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Author Tampieri, F.; Espona-Noguera, A.; Labay, C.; Ginebra, M.-P.; Yusupov, M.; Bogaerts, A.; Canal, C.
Title Does non-thermal plasma modify biopolymers in solution? A chemical and mechanistic study for alginate Type A1 Journal Article
Year 2023 Publication Biomaterials Science Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue Pages
Keywords A1 Journal Article; Plasma, laser ablation and surface modeling Antwerp (PLASMANT) ;
Abstract In the last decades, non-thermal plasma has been extensively investigated as a relevant tool for various biomedical applications, ranging from tissue decontamination to regeneration and from skin treatment to tumor therapies. This high versatility is due to the different kinds and amount of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species that can be generated during a plasma treatment and put in contact with the biological target. Some recent studies report that solutions of biopolymers with the ability to generate hydrogels, when treated with plasma, can enhance the generation of reactive species and influence their stability, resulting thus in the ideal media for indirect treatments of biological targets. The direct effects of the plasma treatment on the structure of biopolymers in water solution, as well as the chemical mechanisms responsible for the enhanced generation of RONS, are not yet fully understood. In this study, we aim at filling this gap by investigating, on the one hand, the nature and extent of the modifications induced by plasma treatment in alginate solutions, and, on the other hand, at using this information to explain the mechanisms responsible for the enhanced generation of reactive species as a consequence of the treatment. The approach we use is twofold: (i) investigating the effects of plasma treatment on alginate solutions, by size exclusion chromatography, rheology and scanning electron microscopy and (ii) study of a molecular model (glucuronate) sharing its chemical structure, by chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry and by molecular dynamics simulations. Our results point out the active role of the biopolymer chemistry during direct plasma treatment. Short-lived reactive species, such as OH radicals and O atoms, can modify the polymer structure, affecting its functional groups and causing partial fragmentation. Some of these chemical modifications, like the generation of organic peroxide, are likely responsible for the secondary generation of long-lived reactive species such as hydrogen peroxide and nitrite ions. This is relevant in view of using biocompatible hydrogels as vehicles for storage and delivery reactive species for targeted therapies.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000973699000001 Publication Date 2023-04-11
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2047-4830 ISBN Additional Links (up) UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 6.6 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access
Notes Agència de Gestió d’Ajuts Universitaris i de Recerca, SGR2022-1368 ; H2020 European Research Council, 714793 ; European Cooperation in Science and Technology, CA19110 CA20114 ; Secretaría de Estado de Investigación, Desarrollo e Innovación, PID2019-103892RB-I00/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 ; We thank Gonzalo Rodríguez Cañada and Xavier Solé-Martí (Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya) for help in collecting some of the experimental data and for the useful discussions. This work has been primarily funded by the European Research Council (ERC) under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program (grant agreement no. 714793). The authors acknowledge MINECO for PID2019103892RB-I00/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 project (CC). The authors belong to SGR2022-1368 (FT, AEN, CL, MPG, CC) and acknowledge Generalitat de Catalunya for the ICREA Academia Award for Excellence in Research of CC. We thank also COST Actions CA20114 (Therapeutical Applications of Cold Plasmas) and CA19110 (Plasma Applications for Smart and Sustainable Agriculture) for the stimulating environment provided. Approved Most recent IF: 6.6; 2023 IF: 4.21
Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @c:irua:196773 Serial 8794
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Author Vallicrosa, H.; Lugli, L.F.; Fuchslueger, L.; Sardans, J.; Ramirez-Rojas, I.; Verbruggen, E.; Grau, O.; Brechet, L.; Peguero, G.; Van Langenhove, L.; Verryckt, L.T.; Terrer, C.; Llusia, J.; Ogaya, R.; Marquez, L.; Roc-Fernandez, P.; Janssens, I.; Penuelas, J.
Title Phosphorus scarcity contributes to nitrogen limitation in lowland tropical rainforests Type A1 Journal article
Year 2023 Publication Ecology Abbreviated Journal
Volume 104 Issue 6 Pages e4049-12
Keywords A1 Journal article; Plant and Ecosystems (PLECO) – Ecology in a time of change
Abstract There is increasing evidence to suggest that soil nutrient availability can limit the carbon sink capacity of forests, a particularly relevant issue considering today's changing climate. This question is especially important in the tropics, where most part of the Earth's plant biomass is stored. To assess whether tropical forest growth is limited by soil nutrients and to explore N and P limitations, we analyzed stem growth and foliar elemental composition of the five stem widest trees per plot at two sites in French Guiana after 3 years of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and N + P addition. We also compared the results between potential N-fixer and non-N-fixer species. We found a positive effect of N fertilization on stem growth and foliar N, as well as a positive effect of P fertilization on stem growth, foliar N, and foliar P. Potential N-fixing species had greater stem growth, greater foliar N, and greater foliar P concentrations than non-N-fixers. In terms of growth, there was a negative interaction between N-fixer status, N + P, and P fertilization, but no interaction with N fertilization. Because N-fixing plants do not show to be completely N saturated, we do not anticipate N providing from N-fixing plants would supply non-N-fixers. Although the soil-age hypothesis only anticipates P limitation in highly weathered systems, our results for stem growth and foliar elemental composition indicate the existence of considerable N and P co-limitation, which is alleviated in N-fixing plants. The evidence suggests that certain mechanisms invest in N to obtain the scarce P through soil phosphatases, which potentially contributes to the N limitation detected by this study.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000977760600001 Publication Date 2023-04-11
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0012-9658; 1939-9170 ISBN Additional Links (up) UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 4.8 Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 4.8; 2023 IF: 4.809
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:196804 Serial 9218
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Author Wang, J.; Zhang, K.; Mertens, M.; Bogaerts, A.; Meynen, V.
Title Plasma-based dry reforming of methane in a dielectric barrier discharge reactor: Importance of uniform (sub)micron packings/catalysts to enhance the performance Type A1 Journal Article
Year 2023 Publication APPLIED CATALYSIS B-ENVIRONMENTAL Abbreviated Journal
Volume 337 Issue Pages 122977
Keywords A1 Journal Article; Plasma, laser ablation and surface modeling Antwerp (PLASMANT) ;
Abstract This study presents new insights on the effect of (sub)micrometer particle sized materials in plasma-based CO2-

CH4 reforming by investigating the performance of SiO2 spheres (with/without supported metal) of varying

particle sizes. (Sub)micron particles synthesized through the St¨ober method were used instead of (sub)millimeter

particles employed in previous studies. Increasing particle size (from 120 nm to 2390 nm) was found to first

increase and then decrease conversion and energy yield, with optimal performance achieved using 740 nm 5 wt%

Ni loaded SiO2, which improved CO2 and CH4 conversion, and energy yield to 44%, 55%, and 0.271 mmol/kJ,

respectively, compared to 20%, 27%, and 0.116 mmol/kJ in an empty reactor at the same flow rate. This is the

first to achieve significant performance improvement in a fully packed reactor, highlighting the importance of

selecting a suitable particle size. The findings can offer guidance towards rational design of catalysts for plasmabased

reactions.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001056527600001 Publication Date 2023-06-09
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0926-3373 ISBN Additional Links (up) UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 22.1 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access
Notes This work is supported by the China Scholarship Council (No. 201806060123); and the VLAIO Catalisti transition project CO2PERATE (HBC.2017.0692). K.Z acknowledges the EASiCHEM project funded by the Flemish Strategic Basic Research Program of the Catalisti cluster and Flanders Innovation & Entrepreneurship (HBC.2018.0484). Approved Most recent IF: 22.1; 2023 IF: 9.446
Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @c:irua:196955 Serial 8797
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Author Wang, J.; Zhang, K.; Mertens, M.; Bogaerts, A.; Meynen, V.
Title Plasma-based dry reforming of methane in a dielectric barrier discharge reactor: Importance of uniform (sub)micron packings/catalysts to enhance the performance Type A1 Journal Article
Year 2023 Publication APPLIED CATALYSIS B-ENVIRONMENTAL Abbreviated Journal
Volume 337 Issue Pages 122977
Keywords A1 Journal Article; Plasma, laser ablation and surface modeling Antwerp (PLASMANT) ;
Abstract This study presents new insights on the effect of (sub)micrometer particle sized materials in plasma-based CO2-

CH4 reforming by investigating the performance of SiO2 spheres (with/without supported metal) of varying

particle sizes. (Sub)micron particles synthesized through the St¨ober method were used instead of (sub)millimeter

particles employed in previous studies. Increasing particle size (from 120 nm to 2390 nm) was found to first

increase and then decrease conversion and energy yield, with optimal performance achieved using 740 nm 5 wt%

Ni loaded SiO2, which improved CO2 and CH4 conversion, and energy yield to 44%, 55%, and 0.271 mmol/kJ,

respectively, compared to 20%, 27%, and 0.116 mmol/kJ in an empty reactor at the same flow rate. This is the

first to achieve significant performance improvement in a fully packed reactor, highlighting the importance of

selecting a suitable particle size. The findings can offer guidance towards rational design of catalysts for plasmabased

reactions.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001056527600001 Publication Date 2023-06-09
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0926-3373 ISBN Additional Links (up) UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 22.1 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access
Notes This work is supported by the China Scholarship Council (No. 201806060123); and the VLAIO Catalisti transition project CO2PERATE (HBC.2017.0692). K.Z acknowledges the EASiCHEM project funded by the Flemish Strategic Basic Research Program of the Catalisti cluster and Flanders Innovation & Entrepreneurship (HBC.2018.0484). Approved Most recent IF: 22.1; 2023 IF: 9.446
Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @c:irua:196955 Serial 8798
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Author Gauquelin, N.; Forte, F.; Jannis, D.; Fittipaldi, R.; Autieri, C.; Cuono, G.; Granata, V.; Lettieri, M.; Noce, C.; Miletto-Granozio, F.; Vecchione, A.; Verbeeck, J.; Cuoco, M.
Title Pattern Formation by Electric-Field Quench in a Mott Crystal Type A1 Journal article
Year 2023 Publication Nano letters Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue Pages
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract The control of Mott phase is intertwined with the spatial reorganization of the electronic states. Out-of-equilibrium driving forces typically lead to electronic patterns that are absent at equilibrium, whose nature is however often elusive. Here, we unveil a nanoscale pattern formation in the Ca2 RuO4 Mott insulator. We demonstrate how an applied electric field spatially reconstructs the insulating phase that, uniquely after switching off the electric field, exhibits nanoscale stripe domains. The stripe pattern has regions with inequivalent octahedral distortions that we directly observe through high-resolution scanning transmission electron

microscopy. The nanotexture depends on the orientation of the electric field, it is non-volatile and rewritable. We theoretically simulate the charge and orbital reconstruction induced by a quench dynamics of the applied electric field providing clear-cut mechanisms for the stripe phase formation. Our results open the path for the design of non-volatile electronics based on voltage-controlled nanometric phases.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001012061600001 Publication Date 2023-05-18
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1530-6984 ISBN Additional Links (up) UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 10.8 Times cited 2 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innova- tion programme under grant agreement No 823717 – ESTEEM3. The Merlin camera used in the experiment received funding from the FWO-Hercules fund G0H4316N ’Direct electron detector 15for soft matter TEM’. C. A. and G. C. are supported by the Foundation for Polish Science through the International Research Agendas program co-financed by the European Union within the Smart Growth Operational Programme. C. A. and G. C. acknowledge the access to the computing facil- ities of the Interdisciplinary Center of Modeling at the University of Warsaw, Grant No. GB84-0, GB84-1 and GB84-7 and GB84-7 and Poznan Supercomputing and Networking Center Grant No. 609.. C. A. and G. C. acknowledge the CINECA award under the ISCRA initiative IsC85 “TOP- MOST” Grant, for the availability of high-performance computing resources and support. We acknoweldge A. Guarino and C. Elia for providing support about the electrical characterization of the sample. M.C., R.F., and A.V. acknowledge support from the EU’s Horizon 2020213 research and innovation program under Grant Agreement No. 964398 (SUPERGATE). Approved Most recent IF: 10.8; 2023 IF: 12.712
Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:196970 Serial 8789
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Author Kavak, S.; Kadu, A.A.; Claes, N.; Sánchez-Iglesias, A.; Liz-Marzán, L.M.; Batenburg, K.J.; Bals, S.
Title Quantitative 3D Investigation of Nanoparticle Assemblies by Volumetric Segmentation of Electron Tomography Data Sets Type A1 Journal article
Year 2023 Publication The journal of physical chemistry: C : nanomaterials and interfaces Abbreviated Journal
Volume 127 Issue 20 Pages 9725-9734
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Morphological characterization of nanoparticle assemblies and hybrid nanomaterials is critical in determining their structure-property relationships as well as in the development of structures with desired properties. Electron tomography has become a widely utilized technique for the three-dimensional characterization of nanoparticle assemblies. However, the extraction of quantitative morphological parameters from the reconstructed volume can be a complex and labor-intensive task. In this study, we aim to overcome this challenge by automating the volumetric segmentation process applied to three-dimensional reconstructions of nanoparticle assemblies. The key to enabling automated characterization is to assess the performance of different volumetric segmentation methods in accurately extracting predefined quantitative descriptors for morphological characterization. In our methodology, we compare the quantitative descriptors obtained through manual segmentation with those obtained through automated segmentation methods, to evaluate their accuracy and effectiveness. To show generality, our study focuses on the characterization of assemblies of CdSe/CdS quantum dots, gold nanospheres and CdSe/CdS encapsulated in polymeric micelles, and silica-coated gold nanorods decorated with both CdSe/CdS or PbS quantum dots. We use two unsupervised segmentation algorithms: the watershed transform and the spherical Hough transform. Our results demonstrate that the choice of automated segmentation method is crucial for accurately extracting the predefined quantitative descriptors. Specifically, the spherical Hough transform exhibits superior performance in accurately extracting quantitative descriptors, such as particle size and interparticle distance, thereby allowing for an objective, efficient, and reliable volumetric segmentation of complex nanoparticle assemblies.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000991752700001 Publication Date 2023-05-25
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1932-7447 ISBN Additional Links (up) UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 3.7 Times cited 2 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek, 1181122N ; Horizon 2020 Framework Programme, 861950 ; H2020 European Research Council, 815128 ; Approved Most recent IF: 3.7; 2023 IF: 4.536
Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:196971 Serial 8793
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Author Tsonev, I.; Boothroyd, J.; Kolev, S.; Bogaerts, A.
Title Simulation of glow and arc discharges in nitrogen: effects of the cathode emission mechanisms Type A1 Journal Article
Year 2023 Publication PLASMA SOURCES SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY Abbreviated Journal
Volume 32 Issue 5 Pages 054002
Keywords A1 Journal Article; Plasma, laser ablation and surface modeling Antwerp (PLASMANT) ;
Abstract Experimental evidence in the literature has shown that low-current direct current nitrogen discharges can exist in both glow and arc regimes at atmospheric pressure. However, modelling investigations of the positive column that include the influence of the cathode phenomena are scarce. In this work we developed a 2D axisymmetric model of a plasma discharge in flowing nitrogen gas, studying the influence of the two cathode emission mechanisms—thermionic field emission and secondary electron emission—on the cathode region and the positive column. We show for an inlet gas flow velocity of 1 m s<sup>−1</sup>in the current range of 80–160 mA, that the electron emission mechanism from the cathode greatly affects the size and temperature of the cathode region, but does not significantly influence the discharge column at atmospheric pressure. We also demonstrate that in the discharge column the electron density balance is local and the electron production and destruction is dominated by volume processes. With increasing flow velocity, the discharge contraction is enhanced due to the increased convective heat loss. The cross sectional area of the conductive region is strongly dependent on the gas velocity and heat conductivity of the gas.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000987841800001 Publication Date 2023-05-01
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0963-0252 ISBN Additional Links (up) UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 3.8 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access
Notes This research is financially supported by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under Grant Agreement No. 965546. Approved Most recent IF: 3.8; 2023 IF: 3.302
Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @c:irua:196972 Serial 8788
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Author Samal, D.; Gauquelin, N.; Takamura, Y.; Lobato, I.; Arenholz, E.; Van Aert, S.; Huijben, M.; Zhong, Z.; Verbeeck, J.; Van Tendeloo, G.; Koster, G.
Title Unusual structural rearrangement and superconductivity in infinite layer cuprate superlattices Type A1 Journal article
Year 2023 Publication Physical review materials Abbreviated Journal
Volume 7 Issue 5 Pages 054803
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001041792100007 Publication Date 2023-05-30
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2475-9953 ISBN Additional Links (up) UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 3.4 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Air Force Office of Scientific Research; European Office of Aerospace Research and Development, FA8655-10-1-3077 ; Office of Science, DE-AC02-05CH11231 ; National Science Foundation, DMR-1745450 ; Seventh Framework Programme, 278510 ; Bijzonder Onderzoeksfonds UGent; Approved Most recent IF: 3.4; 2023 IF: NA
Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:196973 Serial 8790
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Author Bjørnåvold, A.; David, M.; Mermet-Bijon, V.; Beaumais, O.; Crastes dit Sourd, R.; Van Passel, S.; Martinet, V.
Title To tax or to ban? A discrete choice experiment to elicit public preferences for phasing out glyphosate use in agriculture Type A1 Journal article
Year 2023 Publication PLoS ONE Abbreviated Journal
Volume 18 Issue 3 Pages 1-12
Keywords A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering Management (ENM)
Abstract In 2023, the European Union will vote on the reauthorization of glyphosate use, renewed in 2017 despite concern on impacts on the environment and public health. A ban is supported by several Member States but rejected by most farmers. What are citizens’ preferences to phase out glyphosate? To assess whether taxation could be an alternative to a ban, we conducted a discrete choice experiment in five European countries. Our results reveal that the general public is strongly willing to pay for a reduction in glyphosate use. However, while 75.5% of respondents stated to support a ban in the pre-experimental survey, experimental results reveal that in 73.35% of cases, earmarked taxation schemes are preferred when they lead to a strong reduction in glyphosate use for an increase in food price lower than that induced by a ban. When glyphosate reduction is balanced against its costs, a tax may be preferred.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000985134400084 Publication Date 2023-03-16
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1932-6203 ISBN Additional Links (up) UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 3.7 Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 3.7; 2023 IF: 2.806
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:196999 Serial 9236
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Author Vlasov, E.; Skorikov, A.; Sánchez-Iglesias, A.; Liz-Marzán, L.M.; Verbeeck, J.; Bals, S.
Title Secondary electron induced current in scanning transmission electron microscopy: an alternative way to visualize the morphology of nanoparticles Type A1 Journal article
Year 2023 Publication ACS materials letters Abbreviated Journal ACS Materials Lett.
Volume Issue Pages 1916-1921
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Electron tomography (ET) is a powerful tool to determine the three-dimensional (3D) structure of nanomaterials in a transmission electron microscope. However, the acquisition of a conventional tilt series for ET is a time-consuming process and can therefore not provide 3D structural information in a time-efficient manner. Here, we propose surface-sensitive secondary electron (SE) imaging as an alternative to ET for the investigation of the morphology of nanomaterials. We use the SE electron beam induced current (SEEBIC) technique that maps the electrical current arising from holes generated by the emission of SEs from the sample. SEEBIC imaging can provide valuable information on the sample morphology with high spatial resolution and significantly shorter throughput times compared with ET. In addition, we discuss the contrast formation mechanisms that aid in the interpretation of SEEBIC data.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001006191600001 Publication Date 2023-06-12
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2639-4979 ISBN Additional Links (up) UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor Times cited 1 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes The funding for this project was provided by European Research Council (ERC Consolidator Grant 815128, REALNANO). J.V. acknowledges the eBEAM project, which is supported by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under grant agreement no. 101017720 (FET-Proactive EBEAM). L.M.L.-M. acknowledges funding from MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 (grant # PID2020-117779RB-I00). Approved Most recent IF: NA
Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:197004 Serial 8795
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Author Saniz, R.; Baldinozzi, G.; Arts, I.; Lamoen, D.; Leinders, G.; Verwerft, M.
Title Charge order, frustration relief, and spin-orbit coupling in U3O8 Type A1 Journal article
Year 2023 Publication Physical review materials Abbreviated Journal
Volume 7 Issue 5 Pages 054410
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Research efforts on the description of the low-temperature magnetic order and electronic properties of U3O8 have been inconclusive so far. Reinterpreting neutron scattering results, we use group representation theory to show that the ground state presents collinear out-of-plane magnetic moments, with antiferromagnetic coupling both in-layer and between layers. Charge order relieves the initial geometric frustration, generating a slightly distorted honeycomb sublattice with Néel-type order. The precise knowledge of the characteristics of this magnetic ground state is then used to explain the fine features of the band gap. In this system, spin-orbit coupling (SOC) is of critical importance, as it strongly affects the electronic structure, narrowing the gap by ∼38%, compared to calculations neglecting SOC. The predicted electronic structure actually explains the salient features of recent optical absorption measurements, further demonstrating the excellent agreement between the calculated ground state properties and experiment.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001041429800007 Publication Date 2023-05-31
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2475-9953 ISBN Additional Links (up) UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 3.4 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Financial support for this research was partly provided by the Energy Transition Fund of the Belgian FPS Economy (Project SF-CORMOD Spent Fuel CORrosion MODeling).Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek; Vlaams Supercomputer Centrum; Universiteit Antwerpen; Vlaamse regering; Approved Most recent IF: 3.4; 2023 IF: NA
Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:197043 Serial 8796
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Author Vertongen, R.; Bogaerts, A.
Title How important is reactor design for CO2 conversion in warm plasmas? Type A1 Journal Article
Year 2023 Publication Journal of CO2 Utilization Abbreviated Journal
Volume 72 Issue Pages 102510
Keywords A1 Journal Article; Plasma, laser ablation and surface modeling Antwerp (PLASMANT) ;
Abstract In this work, we evaluated several new electrode configurations for CO2 conversion in a gliding arc plasmatron

(GAP) reactor. Although the reactor design influences the performance, the best results give only slightly higher

CO2 conversion than the basic GAP reactor design, which indicates that this reactor may have reached its performance

limits. Moreover, we compared our results to those of four completely different plasma reactors, also

operating at atmospheric pressure and with contact between the plasma and the electrodes. Surprisingly, the

performance of all these warm plasmas is very similar (CO2 conversion around 10 % for an energy efficiency

around 30 %). In view of these apparent performance limits regarding the reactor design, we believe further

improvements should focus on other aspects, such as the post-plasma-region where the implementation of

nozzles or a carbon bed are promising. We summarize the performance of our GAP reactor by comparing the

energy efficiency and CO2 conversion for all different plasma reactors reported in literature. We can conclude

that the GAP is not the best plasma reactor, but its operation at atmospheric pressure makes it appealing for

industrial application. We believe that future efforts should focus on process design, techno-economic assessments

and large-scale demonstrations: these will be crucial to assess the real industrial potential of this warm

plasma technology
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001024970900001 Publication Date 2023-06-16
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2212-9820 ISBN Additional Links (up) UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 7.7 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access
Notes We acknowledge financial support from the Fund for Scientific Research (FWO) Flanders (Grant ID 110221N) and the European Research Council (ERC) under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme (grant agreements No 810182 – SCOPE ERC Synergy project and No. 101081162 — “PREPARE” ERC Proof of Concept project). We also thank I. Tsonev, P. Heirman, F. Girard-Sahun and G. Trenchev for the interesting discussions and practical help with the experiments, as well as J. Creel for his ideas on the inserted anode designs. Approved Most recent IF: 7.7; 2023 IF: 4.292
Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @c:irua:197044 Serial 8799
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Author Carrasco, S.; Orcajo, G.; Martínez, F.; Imaz, I.; Kavak, S.; Arenas-Esteban, D.; Maspoch, D.; Bals, S.; Calleja, G.; Horcajada, P.
Title Hf/porphyrin-based metal-organic framework PCN-224 for CO2 cycloaddition with epoxides Type A1 Journal article
Year 2023 Publication Materials Today Advances Abbreviated Journal
Volume 19 Issue Pages 100390
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Herein, we describe for the first time the synthesis of the highly porous Hf-tetracarboxylate porphyrin-based metal-organic framework (MOF) (Hf)PCN-224(M) (M = H2, Co2+). (Hf)PCN-224(H2) was easily and efficiently prepared following a simple microwave-assisted procedure with good yields (56–67%; space-time yields: 1100–1270 kg m−3·day−1), high crystallinity and phase purity by using trifluoromethanesulfonic acid and benzoic acid as modulators in less than 30 min. By simply introducing a preliminary step (10 min), 5,10,15,20-(tetra-4-carboxyphenyl)porphyrin linker (TCPP) was quantitatively metalated with Co2+ without additional purification and/or time consuming protection/deprotection steps to further obtain (Hf)PCN-224(Co). (Hf)PCN-224(Co) was then tested as catalyst in CO2 cycloaddition reaction with different epoxides to yield cyclic carbonates, showing the best catalytic performance described to date compared to other PCNs, under mild conditions (1 bar CO2, room temperature, 18–24 h). Twelve epoxides were tested, obtaining from moderate to excellent conversions (35–96%). Moreover, this reaction was gram scaled-up (x50) without significant loss of yield to cyclic carbonates. (Hf)PCN-224(Co) maintained its integrity and crystallinity even after 8 consecutive runs, and poisoning was efficiently reverted by a simple thermal treatment (175 °C, 6 h), fully recovering the initial catalytic activity.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001025764000001 Publication Date 2023-06-19
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2590-0498 ISBN Additional Links (up) UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 10 Times cited 1 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes S.C. acknowledges the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie (MSCA-COFUND) grant agreement No 754382 (GOT Energy Talent). S.C. and P.H. acknowledge “Comunidad de Madrid” and European Regional Development Fund-FEDER 2014-2020-OE REACT-UE 1 for their financial support to VIRMOF-CM project associated to R&D projects in response to COVID-19. The authors acknowledge H2020-MSCA-ITN-2019 HeatNMof (ref. 860942), the M-ERA-NET C-MOF-cell (grant PCI2020-111998 funded by MCIN/AEI /10.13039/501100011033 and European Union NextGenerationEU/PRTR) project, and Retos Investigación MOFSEIDON (grant PID2019-104228RB-I00 funded by MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033) project. This work has been also supported by the Regional Government of Madrid (Project ACES2030-CM, S2018/EMT-4319) and the Universidad Rey Juan Carlos IMPULSO Project (grant MATER M − 3000). S.K acknowledges the Flemish Fund for Scientific Research (FWO Vlaanderen) through a PhD research grant (1181122 N). Approved Most recent IF: 10; 2023 IF: NA
Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:197198 Serial 8800
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Author Muravev, V.; Parastaev, A.; van den Bosch, Y.; Ligt, B.; Claes, N.; Bals, S.; Kosinov, N.; Hensen, E.J.M.
Title Size of cerium dioxide support nanocrystals dictates reactivity of highly dispersed palladium catalysts Type A1 Journal article
Year 2023 Publication Science Abbreviated Journal
Volume 380 Issue 6650 Pages 1174-1179
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract The catalytic performance of heterogeneous catalysts can be tuned by modulation of the size and structure of supported transition metals, which are typically regarded as the active sites. In single-atom metal catalysts, the support itself can strongly affect the catalytic properties. Here, we demonstrate that the size of cerium dioxide (CeO2) support governs the reactivity of atomically dispersed palladium (Pd) in carbon monoxide (CO) oxidation. Catalysts with small CeO2 nanocrystals (~4 nanometers) exhibit unusually high activity in a CO-rich reaction feed, whereas catalysts with medium-size CeO2 (~8 nanometers) are preferred for lean conditions. Detailed spectroscopic investigations reveal support size–dependent redox properties of the Pd-CeO2 interface.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001010846100008 Publication Date 2023-06-16
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0036-8075 ISBN Additional Links (up) UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 56.9 Times cited 22 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes We thank the staff of the MAX IV Laboratory for time on beamline SPECIES under proposals 20200412 and 20190983; E. Kokkonen and A. Klyushin for assistance with NAP-XPS and RPES experiments conducted at SPECIES; staff of the MAX IV Laboratory for time on beamline BALDER under proposal 20200378; K. Klementiev for assistance with XAS measurements; J. Drnec at the ESRF for providing assistance in using beamline ID31; and V. Perez-Dieste and I. Villar Garcia at the CIRCE beamline at ALBA Synchrotron for help with acquiring preliminary RPES data obtained under proposal 2020024219. The synchrotron-based XRD measurements were performed on beamline ID31 at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF), Grenoble, France. Funding: This work was supported by the Netherlands Center for Multiscale Catalytic Energy Conversion (MCEC), a NWO Gravitation program funded by the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science of the Government of the Netherlands (V.M. and E.J.M.H.); the European Research Council (ERC consolidator grant 815128 REALNANO to S.B. and N.C.); and the European Union’s Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Program (grant 823717–ESTEEM to S.B. and N.C). Research conducted at MAX IV, a Swedish national user facility, is supported by the Swedish Research council under contract 2018-07152, the Swedish Governmental Agency for Innovation Systems under contract 2018-04969, and Formas under contract 2019-02496 (VM). Approved Most recent IF: 56.9; 2023 IF: 37.205
Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:197199 Serial 8801
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