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“Effect of atomic mass contrast on lattice thermal conductivity : a case study for alkali halides and alkaline-earth chalcogenides”. Rakesh Roshan SC, Yedukondalu N, Pandey T, Kunduru L, Muthaiah R, Rajaboina RK, Ehm L, Parise JB, ACS applied electronic materials 5, 5852 (2023). http://doi.org/10.1021/ACSAELM.3C00759
Abstract: Lattice thermal conductivity (kappa(L)) is of great scientific interest for the development of efficient energy conversion technologies. Therefore, microscopic understanding of phonon transport is critically important for designing functional materials. In our previous study (Roshan et al., ACS Applied Energy Mater. 2021, 5, 882-896), anomalous kappa(L) trends were predicted for rocksalt alkaline-earth chalcogenides (AECs). In the present work, we extended it to alkali halides (AHs) and conducted a thorough investigation to explore the role of atomic mass contrast on lattice dynamics and phonon transport properties of 36 binary compounds (20 AHs + 16 AECs). The calculated spectral and cumulative kappa(L) reveal that low-lying optical phonon modes significantly boost kappa(L) alongside acoustic phonons in materials where the atomic mass ratio approaches unity and cophonocity nears zero. Phonon scattering rates are relatively low for materials with a mass ratio close to one, and the corresponding phonon lifetimes are higher, which enhances kappa(L). Phonon lifetimes play a critical role, outweighing phonon group velocities, in determining the anomalous trends in kappa(L) for both AHs and AECs. To further explore the role of atomic mass contrast in kappa(L), the effect of tensile lattice strain on phonon transport has also been investigated. Under tensile strain, both group velocities and phonon lifetimes decrease in the low frequency range, leading to a decrease in kappa(L). This work provides insights on how atomic mass contrast can tune the contribution of optical phonons to kappa(L) and its implications on scattering rates by either enhancing or suppressing kappa(L). These insights would aid in the selection of elements for designing new functional materials with and without atomic mass contrast to achieve relatively high and low kappa(L) values, respectively.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
DOI: 10.1021/ACSAELM.3C00759
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“Intra-zero-energy Landau level crossings in bilayer graphene at high electric fields”. Xiang F, Gupta A, Chaves A, Krix ZE, Watanabe K, Taniguchi T, Fuhrer MS, Peeters FM, Neilson D, Milošević, MV, Hamilton AR, Nano letters 23, 9683 (2023). http://doi.org/10.1021/ACS.NANOLETT.3C01456
Abstract: The highly tunable band structure of the zero-energy Landau level (zLL) of bilayer graphene makes it an ideal platform for engineering novel quantum states. However, the zero-energy Landau level at high electric fields has remained largely unexplored. Here we present magnetotransport measurements of bilayer graphene in high transverse electric fields. We observe previously undetected Landau level crossings at filling factors nu = -2, 1, and 3 at high electric fields. These crossings provide constraints for theoretical models of the zero-energy Landau level and show that the orbital, valley, and spin character of the quantum Hall states at high electric fields is very different from low electric fields. At high E, new transitions between states at nu = -2 with different orbital and spin polarization can be controlled by the gate bias, while the transitions between nu = 0 -> 1 and nu = 2 -> 3 show anomalous behavior.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 10.8
Times cited: 1
DOI: 10.1021/ACS.NANOLETT.3C01456
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“The role of carbon monoxide in the catalytic synthesis of endohedral carbyne”. Mehmonov K, Ergasheva A, Yusupov M, Khalilov U, Journal of applied physics 134, 144303 (2023). http://doi.org/10.1063/5.0160892
Abstract: The unique physical properties of carbyne, a novel carbon nanostructure, have attracted considerable interest in modern nanotechnology. While carbyne synthesis has been accomplished successfully using diverse techniques, the underlying mechanisms governing the carbon monoxide-dependent catalytic synthesis of endohedral carbyne remain poorly understood. In this simulation-based study, we investigate the synthesis of endohedral carbyne from carbon and carbon monoxide radicals in the presence of a nickel catalyst inside double-walled carbon nanotubes with a (5,5)@(10,10) structure. The outcome of our investigation demonstrates that the incorporation of the carbon atom within the Ni-n@(5,5)@(10,10) model system initiates the formation of an elongated carbon chain. In contrast, upon the introduction of carbon monoxide radicals, the growth of the carbyne chain is inhibited as a result of the oxidation of endohedral nickel clusters by oxygen atoms after the initial steps of nucleation. Our findings align with prior theoretical, simulation, and experimental investigations, reinforcing their consistency and providing valuable insights into the synthesis of carbyne-based nanodevices that hold promising potential for future advancements in nanotechnology.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 3.2
DOI: 10.1063/5.0160892
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“A perspective on the state-of-the-art functionalized 2D materials”. Duran TA, Yayak YO, Aydin H, Peeters FM, Yagmurcukardes M, Journal of applied physics 134, 120901 (2023). http://doi.org/10.1063/5.0158859
Abstract: Two-dimensional (2D) ultra-thin materials are more crucial than their bulk counterparts for the covalent functionalization of their surface owing to atomic thinness, large surface-to-volume ratio, and high reactivity of surface atoms having unoccupied orbitals. Since the surface of a 2D material is composed of atoms having unoccupied orbitals, covalent functionalization enables one to improve or precisely modify the properties of the ultra-thin materials. Chemical functionalization of 2D materials not only modifies their intrinsic properties but also makes them adapted for nanotechnology applications. Such engineered materials have been used in many different applications with their improved properties. In the present Perspective, we begin with a brief history of functionalization followed by the introduction of functionalized 2D materials. Our Perspective is composed of the following sections: the applications areas of 2D graphene and graphene oxide crystals, transition metal dichalcogenides, and in-plane anisotropic black phosphorus, all of which have been widely used in different nanotechnology applications. Finally, our Perspectives on the future directions of applications of functionalized 2D materials are given. The present Perspective sheds light on the current progress in nanotechnological applications of engineered 2D materials through surface functionalization.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.2
DOI: 10.1063/5.0158859
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“Decoupled DFT-1/2 method for defect excitation energies”. Claes J, Partoens B, Lamoen D, Physical Review B 108, 125306 (2023). http://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.108.125306
Abstract: The DFT-1/2 method is a band-gap correction with GW precision at a density functional theory (DFT) computational cost. The method was also extended to correct the gap between defect levels, allowing for the calculation of optical transitions. However, this method fails when the atomic character of the occupied and unoccupied defect levels is similar as we illustrate by two examples, the tetrahedral hydrogen interstitial and the negatively charged vacancy in diamond. We solve this problem by decoupling the effect of the occupied and unoccupied defect levels and call this the decoupled DFT-1/2 method for defects.
Keywords: A1 Journal Article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT) ;
Impact Factor: 3.7
DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevB.108.125306
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“Origins of heat transport anisotropy in MoTe₂, and other bulk van der Waals materials”. Li H, Pandey T, Jiang Y, Gu X, Lindsay L, Koh YK, Materials Today Physics 37, 101196 (2023). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.MTPHYS.2023.101196
Abstract: Knowledge of how heat flows anisotropically in van der Waals (vdW) materials is crucial for thermal management of emerging 2D materials devices and design of novel anisotropic thermoelectric materials. Despite the importance, anisotropic heat transport in vdW materials is yet to be systematically studied and is often presumably attributed to anisotropic speeds of sound in vdW materials due to soft interlayer bonding relative to covalent in-plane networks of atoms. In this work, we investigate the origins of the anisotropic heat transport in vdW materials, through time-domain thermoreflectance (TDTR) measurements and first-principles calculations of anisotropic thermal conductivity of three different phases of MoTe2. MoTe2 is ideal for the study due to its weak anisotropy in the speeds of sound. We find that even when the speeds of sound are roughly isotropic, the measured thermal conductivity of MoTe2 along the c-axis is 5-8 times lower than that along the in-plane axes. We derive meaningful characteristic heat capacity, phonon group velocity, and relaxation times from our first principles calculations for selected vdW materials (MoTe2, BP, h-BN, and MoS2), to assess the contributions of these factors to the anisotropic heat transport. Interestingly, we find that the main contributor to the heat transport anisotropy in vdW materials is anisotropy in heat capacity of the dominant heat-carrying phonon modes in different directions, which originates from anisotropic optical phonon dispersion and disparity in the frequency of heat-carrying phonons in different directions. The discrepancy in frequency of the heat-carrying phonons also leads to similar to 2 times larger average relaxation times in the cross-plane direction, and partially explains the apparent dependence of the anisotropic heat transport on the anisotropic speeds of sound. This work provides insight into understanding of the anisotropic heat transport in vdW materials.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 11.5
DOI: 10.1016/J.MTPHYS.2023.101196
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“Direct observation of cation diffusion driven surface reconstruction at van der Waals gaps”. Cui W, Lin W, Lu W, Liu C, Gao Z, Ma H, Zhao W, Van Tendeloo G, Zhao W, Zhang Q, Sang X, Nature communications 14, 554 (2023). http://doi.org/10.1038/S41467-023-35972-9
Abstract: Weak interlayer van der Waals (vdW) bonding has significant impact on the surface/interface structure, electronic properties, and transport properties of vdW layered materials. Unraveling the complex atomistic dynamics and structural evolution at vdW surfaces is therefore critical for the design and synthesis of the next-generation vdW layered materials. Here, we show that Ge/Bi cation diffusion along the vdW gap in layered GeBi2Te4 (GBT) can be directly observed using in situ heating scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM). The cation concentration variation during diffusion was correlated with the local Te-6 octahedron distortion based on a quantitative analysis of the atomic column intensity and position in time-elapsed STEM images. The in-plane cation diffusion leads to out-of-plane surface etching through complex structural evolutions involving the formation and propagation of a non-centrosymmetric GeTe2 triple layer surface reconstruction on fresh vdW surfaces, and GBT subsurface reconstruction from a septuple layer to a quintuple layer. Our results provide atomistic insight into the cation diffusion and surface reconstruction in vdW layered materials. Weak interlayer van der Waals (vdW) bonding has significant impact on the structure and properties of vdW layered materials. Here authors use in-situ aberration-corrected ADF-STEM for an atomistic insight into the cation diffusion in the vdW gaps and the etching of vdW surfaces at high temperatures.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 16.6
DOI: 10.1038/S41467-023-35972-9
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“Deacetylation of mannosylerythritol lipids in hydrophobic natural deep eutectic solvents”. Cassimon J, Kovács A, Neyts E, Cornet I, Billen P, European journal of organic chemistry 27, e202300934 (2023). http://doi.org/10.1002/EJOC.202300934
Abstract: Mannosylerythritol lipids (MELs) are a promising group of biosurfactants due to their high fermentation yield, selfassembly and biological activity. During fermentation by Pseudozyma aphidis, a mixture of MELs with different levels of acylation is formed, of which the fully deacetylated form is the most valuable. In order to reduce the environmental impact of deacetylation, an enzymatic process using natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES) has been developed. We tested the deacetylation of a purified MELs mixture with immobilized Candida antarctica lipase B enzyme and 2-ethylhexanol as co-substrate in 140 h reactions with different NADES. We identified hydrophobic NADES systems with similar yields and kinetics as in pure 2-ethylhexanol solvent. Our results indicate that deacetylation of MELs mixtures in NADES as a solvent is possible with yields comparable to pure co-substrate and that hydrophobic NADES without carboxylic acid compounds facilitate the reaction to the greatest extent.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT); Biochemical Wastewater Valorization & Engineering (BioWaVE); Intelligence in PRocesses, Advanced Catalysts and Solvents (iPRACS)
Impact Factor: 2.8
DOI: 10.1002/EJOC.202300934
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“Special Issue on “Dielectric Barrier Discharges and their Applications&rdquo, in Commemoration of the 20th Anniversary of Dr. Ulrich Kogelschatz’s Work”. Bogaerts A, Plasma Chemistry and Plasma Processing 43, 1281 (2023). http://doi.org/10.1007/s11090-023-10431-x
Abstract: n/a
Keywords: A1 Journal Article; Plasma, laser ablation and surface modeling Antwerp (PLASMANT) ;
Impact Factor: 3.6
DOI: 10.1007/s11090-023-10431-x
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“Numerical study on the impact of traffic lane adjustments and low boundary walls on pedestrian exposure to NO2 in street canyons”. Voordeckers D, Lauriks T, Baetens D, Ysebaert T, Denys S, Billen P, Tytgat T, Van Acker M, Landscape and urban planning 243, 104974 (2023). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.LANDURBPLAN.2023.104974
Abstract: Mitigating the adverse effects of air pollution, especially on human health, is one of the greater contemporary challenges for cities. Street canyons have herein been identified as bottleneck areas in urbanized environments. Focusing on the necessity of fast-response interventions, strategies to control source-receptor pathways (e.g. implementing low boundary walls (LBWs)) are gaining interest. A potential strategy which is greatly overlooked is the adjustment (reduction or displacement) of traffic lanes in order to increase the distance between source (traffic) and recipient (pedestrians). Within our study, computation fluid dynamics (CFD) is used to simulate the impact of alternations to traffic lanes (whether or not combined with LBWs) on the pedestrian exposure to NO2 for a specific case-study (Belgie center dot lei, Antwerp) under two prevailing wind directions. The average differences in NO2 concentrations for the entire pedestrian area ranged between +1.0 % to-3.6 %. On specific locations, reduction up to-8.0 % were reached. In case of perpendicular winds, a lateral displacement of all traffic lanes towards the windward facade including LBWs was found most beneficial to reduce pedestrian exposure. LBWs also showed to be efficient in reducing potential adverse effects of lane displacement under less frequent wind directions.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Economics; Law; Engineering sciences. Technology; Art; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL); Research Group for Urban Development; Intelligence in PRocesses, Advanced Catalysts and Solvents (iPRACS); Research Group for Urban Development; Intelligence in PRocesses, Advanced Catalysts and Solvents (iPRACS)
Impact Factor: 9.1
DOI: 10.1016/J.LANDURBPLAN.2023.104974
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“Phonon-mediated superconductivity in ternary silicides X₄, CoSi (X = Nb, Ta)”. Bekaert J, Physical review B 108, 134504 (2023). http://doi.org/10.1103/PHYSREVB.108.134504
Abstract: The superconducting properties of two recently synthesized ternary silicides with unit formula X<sub>4</sub>CoSi (X = Nb, Ta) are investigated through ab initio calculations combined with Eliashberg theory. Interestingly, their crystal structure comprises interlocking honeycomb networks of Nb/Ta atoms. Nb<sub>4</sub>CoSi is found to harbor better conditions for phonon-mediated superconductivity, as it possesses a higher density of states at the Fermi level, fostering stronger electron-phonon coupling. The superconducting critical temperatures (T<sub>c</sub>) follow the same trend, with Nb<sub>4</sub>CoSi having a twice higher value than Ta<sub>4</sub>CoSi. Furthermore, the calculated T<sub>c</sub> values (5.9 K vs 3.1 K) agree excellently with the experimentally obtained ones, establishing superconductivity in this new materials class as mediated by the electron-phonon coupling. Furthermore, my calculations show that the superconducting properties of these compounds do not simply correlate with the parameters of their honeycomb networks, contrary to proposals raised in the literature. Rather, their complete fermiology and phonon spectrum should be taken into account in order to explain their respective superconducting properties.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.7
DOI: 10.1103/PHYSREVB.108.134504
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“Single-organoid analysis reveals clinically relevant treatment-resistant and invasive subclones in pancreatic cancer”. Le Compte M, Cardenas De La Hoz E, Peeters S, Rodrigues Fortes F, Hermans C, Domen A, Smits E, Lardon F, Vandamme T, Lin A, Vanlanduit S, Roeyen G, van Laere S, Prenen H, Peeters M, Deben C, npj Precision Oncology 7, 128 (2023). http://doi.org/10.1038/S41698-023-00480-Y
Abstract: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most lethal diseases, characterized by a treatment-resistant and invasive nature. In line with these inherent aggressive characteristics, only a subset of patients shows a clinical response to the standard of care therapies, thereby highlighting the need for a more personalized treatment approach. In this study, we comprehensively unraveled the intra-patient response heterogeneity and intrinsic aggressive nature of PDAC on bulk and single-organoid resolution. We leveraged a fully characterized PDAC organoid panel ( N = 8) and matched our artificial intelligence-driven, live-cell organoid image analysis with retrospective clinical patient response. In line with the clinical outcomes, we identified patient-specific sensitivities to the standard of care therapies (gemcitabine-paclitaxel and FOLFIRINOX) using a growth rate-based and normalized drug response metric. Moreover, the single-organoid analysis was able to detect resistant as well as invasive PDAC organoid clones, which was orchestrates on a patient, therapy, drug, concentration and time-specific level. Furthermore, our in vitro organoid analysis indicated a correlation with the matched patient progression-free survival (PFS) compared to the current, conventional drug response readouts. This work not only provides valuable insights on the response complexity in PDAC, but it also highlights the potential applications (extendable to other tumor types) and clinical translatability of our approach in drug discovery and the emerging era of personalized medicine.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Center for Oncological Research (CORE); Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT); Antwerp Surgical Training, Anatomy and Research Centre (ASTARC)
DOI: 10.1038/S41698-023-00480-Y
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“Exploring benzyl alcohol derivatives and related compounds in the cleaning of oil paintings”. Liu C(T), Alvarez-Martin A, Keune K, Studies in conservation , 1 (2023). http://doi.org/10.1080/00393630.2023.2233374
Abstract: This study examines five benzyl alcohol derivatives and three chemically similar compounds and compares them against benzyl alcohol in gelled emulsions for the removal of overpaint during cleaning of oil paintings. Comparative cleaning tests using xanthan gels, Pemulen® TR-2 gels, and neat solvent were made on overpaint on fragments of a seventeenth-century test painting. This approach demonstrated that molecular changes to a benzyl alcohol core resulted in enhanced control during the cleaning process. In some cases a benzyl alcohol derivative enabled selective removal of non-original material, when benzyl alcohol appeared to affect the original paint. Select derivatives were also tested in an area of overpaint on a sixteenth-century oil on panel painting by Jan van Scorel in the Rijksmuseum Collection through modifying the chemical activity of benzyl alcohol. Finally, two GC-MS-based methods were used to monitor benzyl alcohol retention and possible oxidation in paint layers post-treatment.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Antwerp X-ray Imaging and Spectroscopy (AXIS)
Impact Factor: 0.8
DOI: 10.1080/00393630.2023.2233374
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“Chemical mapping of the degradation of geranium lake in paint cross sections by MALDI-MSI”. Alvarez-Martin A, Quanico J, Scovacricchi T, Avranovich Clerici E, Baggerman G, Janssens K, Analytical chemistry 95, 18215 (2023). http://doi.org/10.1021/ACS.ANALCHEM.3C03992
Abstract: Matrix assisted laser desorption ionization-mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI-MSI) has become a powerful method to extract spatially resolved chemical information in complex materials. This study provides the first use of MALDI-MSI to define spatial–temporal changes in oil paints. Due to the highly heterogeneous nature of oil paints, the sample preparation had to be optimized to prevent molecules from delocalizing. Here, we present a new protocol for the layer-specific analysis of oil paint cross sections achieving a lateral resolution of 10 μm and without losing ionization efficiency due to topographic effects. The efficacy of this method was investigated in oil paint samples containing a mixture of two historic organic pigments, geranium lake and lead white, a mixture often employed in the work of painter Vincent Van Gogh. This methodology not only allows for spatial visualization of the molecules responsible for the pink hue of the paint but also helps to elucidate the chemical changes behind the discoloration of paintings with this composition. The results demonstrate that this approach provides valuable molecular compositional information about the degradation pathways of pigments in specific paint layers and their interaction with the binding medium and other paint components and with light over time. Since a spatial correlation between molecular species and the visual pattern of the discoloration pattern can be made, we expect that mass spectrometry imaging will become highly relevant in future degradation studies of many more historical pigments and paints.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Antwerp X-ray Imaging and Spectroscopy (AXIS); Ecosphere
Impact Factor: 7.4
DOI: 10.1021/ACS.ANALCHEM.3C03992
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“Plasma-based dry reforming of CH4: Plasma effects vs. thermal conversion”. Slaets J, Loenders B, Bogaerts A, Fuel 360, 130650 (2024). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.fuel.2023.130650
Abstract: In this work we evaluate the chemical kinetics of dry reforming of methane in warm plasmas (1000–4000 K) using modelling with a newly developed chemistry set, for a broad range of parameters (temperature, power density and CO2/CH4 ratio). We compare the model against thermodynamic equilibrium concentrations, serving as validation of the thermal chemical kinetics. Our model reveals that plasma-specific reactions (i.e., electron impact collisions) accelerate the kinetics compared to thermal conversion, rather than altering the overall kinetics pathways and intermediate products, for gas temperatures below 2000 K. For higher temperatures, the kinetics are dominated by heavy species collisions and are strictly thermal, with negligible influence of the electrons and ions on the overall kinetics. When studying the effects of different gas mixtures on the kinetics, we identify important intermediate species, side reactions and side products. The use of excess CO2 leads to H2O formation, at the expense of H2 formation, and the CO2 conversion itself is limited, only approaching full conversion near 4000 K. In contrast, full conversion of both reactants is only kinetically limited for mixtures with excess CH4, which also gives rise to the formation of C2H2, alongside syngas. Within the given parameter space, our model predicts the 30/70 ratio of CO2/CH4 to be the most optimal for syngas formation with a H2/CO ratio of 2.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 7.4
DOI: 10.1016/j.fuel.2023.130650
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“Conformation-Dependent Monolayer and Bilayer Structures of an Alkylated TTF Derivative Revealed using STM and Molecular Modeling”. Delfino CL, Hao Y, Martin C, Minoia A, Gopi E, Mali KS, Van der Auweraer M, Geerts YH, Van Aert S, Lazzaroni R, De Feyter S, The Journal of Physical Chemistry C 127, 23023 (2023). http://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jpcc.3c04913
Abstract: In this study, the multi-layer self-assembled molecular network formation of an alkylated tetrathiafulvalene compound is studied at the liquid-solid interface between 1-phenyloctane and graphite. A combined theoretical/experimental approach associating force-field and quantum-chemical calculations with scanning tunnelling microscopy is used to determine the two-dimensional self-assembly beyond the monolayer, but also to further the understanding of the molecular adsorption conformation and its impact on the molecular packing within the assemblies at the monolayer and bilayer level.
Keywords: A1 Journal Article; Electron Microscopy for Materials Science (EMAT) ;
Impact Factor: 3.7
DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcc.3c04913
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“Adaptation to climate change : the irrigation technology mix of Italian farmers”. Fabri C, Tsagris M, Moretti M, Van Passel S, Applied economic perspectives and policy , 1 (2023). http://doi.org/10.1002/AEPP.13411
Abstract: Farmers should increasingly adopt more water‐efficient irrigation technologies—such as drip irrigation—as a result of climate warming and aggravating water scarcity. We analyze how Italian farmers adapt to climate change by changing their irrigation technology mix. We apply a two‐stage econometric model to data from 5876 Italian farms. We find that farmers' initial reaction to increasing temperatures is reducing their surface‐irrigated fractions. When temperatures increase further, farmers switch toward more sprinkler irrigation. Our results show that farmers are not autonomously moving to drip irrigation in response to climate change, suggesting that government incentives are needed to encourage this transition.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering Management (ENM)
Impact Factor: 5.8
DOI: 10.1002/AEPP.13411
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“Dual microfluidic sensor system for enriched electrochemical profiling and identification of illicit drugs on-site”. Steijlen ASM, Parrilla M, Van Echelpoel R, De Wael K, Analytical chemistry 96, 590 (2024). http://doi.org/10.1021/ACS.ANALCHEM.3C05039
Abstract: Electrochemical sensors have emerged as a new analytical tool for illicit drug detection to facilitate ultrafast and accurate identification of suspicious compounds on-site. Drugs of abuse can be identified using their unique voltammetric fingerprint at a given pH. Today, the right buffer solution is manually selected based on drug appearance, and in some cases, a consecutive analysis in two different pH solutions is required. In this work, we present a disposable microfluidic multichannel sensor system that automatically records fingerprints in two pH solutions (e.g., pH 5 and pH 12). This system has two advantages. It will overcome the manual selection of a buffer solution at the right pH, decrease analysis time, and minimize the risk of human errors. Second, the combination of two fingerprints, the superfingerprint, contains more detailed information about the samples, which enhances the selectivity of the analytical technique. First, real-time pH measurements proved that the sample can be brought to the desired pH within a minute. Subsequently, an electrochemical study on the microfluidic platform with 1 mM illicit drug standards of MDMA, cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine showed that the characteristic voltammetric fingerprints and peak potentials are reproducible, also in the presence of common cutting agents. Finally, the microfluidic concept was validated with real confiscated samples, showing promising results for the user-friendly identification of drugs of abuse. In short, this paper presents a successful proof-of-concept study of a multichannel microfluidic sensor system to enrich the fingerprints of illicit drugs at pH 5 and pH 12, thus providing a low-cost, portable, and rapid identification system of illicit drugs with minimal user intervention.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Antwerp Electrochemical and Analytical Sciences Lab (A-Sense Lab)
Impact Factor: 7.4
DOI: 10.1021/ACS.ANALCHEM.3C05039
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“New indices to balance α-diversity against tree size inequality”. Zhang L, Quinn BK, Hui C, Lian M, Gielis J, Gao J, Shi P, Journal of forestry research 35, 31 (2024). http://doi.org/10.1007/S11676-023-01686-3
Abstract: The number and composition of species in a community can be quantified with alpha-diversity indices, including species richness (R), Simpson's index (D), and the Shannon-Wiener index (HGREEK TONOS). In forest communities, there are large variations in tree size among species and individuals of the same species, which result in differences in ecological processes and ecosystem functions. However, tree size inequality (TSI) has been largely neglected in studies using the available diversity indices. The TSI in the diameter at breast height (DBH) data for each of 999 20 m x 20 m forest census quadrats was quantified using the Gini index (GI), a measure of the inequality of size distribution. The generalized performance equation was used to describe the rotated and right-shifted Lorenz curve of the cumulative proportion of DBH and the cumulative proportion of number of trees per quadrat. We also examined the relationships of alpha-diversity indices with the GI using correlation tests. The generalized performance equation effectively described the rotated and right-shifted Lorenz curve of DBH distributions, with most root-mean-square errors (990 out of 999 quadrats) being < 0.0030. There were significant positive correlations between each of three alpha-diversity indices (i.e., R, D, and H') and the GI. Nevertheless, the total abundance of trees in each quadrat did not significantly influence the GI. This means that the TSI increased with increasing species diversity. Thus, two new indices are proposed that can balance alpha-diversity against the extent of TSI in the community: (1 – GI) x D, and (1 – GI) x H'. These new indices were significantly correlated with the original D and HGREEK TONOS, and did not increase the extent of variation within each group of indices. This study presents a useful tool for quantifying both species diversity and the variation in tree sizes in forest communities, especially in the face of cumulative species loss under global climate change.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Impact Factor: 3
DOI: 10.1007/S11676-023-01686-3
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“Revisiting dry deposition modelling of particulate matter on vegetation at the microscale”. Ysebaert T, Samson R, Denys S, Air quality, atmosphere &, health (2023). http://doi.org/10.1007/S11869-023-01473-3
Abstract: Dry deposition is an important process determining pollutant concentrations, especially when studying the influence of urban green infrastructure on particulate matter (PM) levels in cities. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models of PM capture by vegetation are useful tools to increase their applicability. The meso-scale models of Zhang et al. (Atmos Environ 35:549-560, 2001) and Petroff and Zhang (Geosci Model Dev 3(2):753-769, 2010) have often been adopted in CFD models, however a comparison of these models with measurements including all PM particle sizes detrimental to health has been rarely reported and certainly not for green wall species. This study presents dry deposition experiments on real grown Hedera helix in a wind tunnel setup with wind speeds from 1 to 4 m s(-1) and PM consisting of a mixture of soot (0.02 – 0.2 mu mu m) and dust particles (0.3 – 10 mu mu m). Significant factors determining the collection efficiency (%) were particle diameter and wind speed, but relative air humidity and the type of PM (soot or dust) did not have a significant influence. Zhang's model outperformed Petroff's model for particles < 0.3 mu mu m, however the inclusion of turbulent impaction in Petroff's model resulted in better agreement with the measurements for particles > 2 – 3 mu mu m. The optimised model had an overall root-mean-square-error of similar to 4% for collection efficiency (CE) and 0.4 cm s-1 for deposition velocity (nu d), which was shown to be highly competitive against previously described models. It can thus be used to model PM deposition on other plant species, provided the correct parameterisation of the drag by this species. A detailed description of the spatial distribution of the vegetation could solve the underestimation for particle sizes of 0.3 – 2 mu mu m.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Impact Factor: 5.1
DOI: 10.1007/S11869-023-01473-3
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“Liquid treatment with a plasma jet surrounded by a gas shield: effect of the treated substrate and gas shield geometry on the plasma effluent conditions”. Heirman P, Verloy R, Baroen J, Privat-Maldonado A, Smits E, Bogaerts A, Journal of physics: D: applied physics 57, 115204 (2024). http://doi.org/10.1088/1361-6463/ad146b
Abstract: The treatment of a well plate by an atmospheric pressure plasma jet is common for<italic>in vitro</italic>plasma medicine research. Here, reactive species are largely produced through the mixing of the jet effluent with the surrounding atmosphere. This mixing can be influenced not only by the ambient conditions, but also by the geometry of the treated well. To limit this influence and control the atmosphere, a shielding gas is sometimes applied. However, the interplay between the gas shield and the well geometry has not been investigated. In this work, we developed a 2D-axisymmetric computational fluid dynamics model of the kINPen plasma jet, to study the mixing of the jet effluent with the surrounding atmosphere, with and without gas shield. Our computational and experimental results show that the choice of well type can have a significant influence on the effluent conditions, as well as on the effectiveness of the gas shield. Furthermore, the geometry of the shielding gas device can substantially influence the mixing as well. Our results provide a deeper understanding of how the choice of setup geometry can influence the plasma treatment, even when all other operating parameters are unchanged.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT); Center for Oncological Research (CORE)
Impact Factor: 3.4
DOI: 10.1088/1361-6463/ad146b
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“Biochemical composition changes can be linked to the tolerance of four grassland species under more persistent precipitation regimes”. Zi L, Reynaert S, Nijs I, De Boeck H, Verbruggen E, Beemster GTS, Asard H, Abdelgawad H, Physiologia plantarum 175, e14083 (2023). http://doi.org/10.1111/PPL.14083
Abstract: Climate models suggest that the persistence of summer precipitation regimes (PRs) is on the rise, characterized by both longer dry and longer wet durations. These PR changes may alter plant biochemical composition and thereby their economic and ecological characteristics. However, impacts of PR persistence have primarily been studied at the community level, largely ignoring the biochemistry of individual species. Here, we analyzed biochemical components of four grassland species with varying sensitivity to PR persistence (Holcus lanatus, Phleum pratense, Lychnis flos-cuculi, Plantago lanceolata) along a range of increasingly persistent PRs (longer consecutive dry and wet periods) in a mesocosm experiment. The more persistent PRs decreased nonstructural sugars, whereas they increased lignin in all species, possibly reducing plant quality. The most sensitive species Lychnis seemed less capable of altering its biochemical composition in response to altered PRs, which may partly explain its higher sensitivity. The more tolerant species may have a more robust and dynamic biochemical network, which buffers the effects of changes in individual biochemical components on biomass. We conclude that the biochemical composition changes are important determinants for plant performance under increasingly persistent precipitation regimes.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Integrated Molecular Plant Physiology Research (IMPRES); Plant and Ecosystems (PLECO) – Ecology in a time of change
Impact Factor: 6.4
DOI: 10.1111/PPL.14083
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“On central focusing for contrast optimization in direct electron ptychography of thick samples”. Gao C, Hofer C, Pennycook TJ, Ultramicroscopy 256, 113879 (2024). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.ULTRAMIC.2023.113879
Abstract: Ptychography provides high dose efficiency images that can reveal light elements next to heavy atoms. However, despite ptychography having an otherwise single signed contrast transfer function, contrast reversals can occur when the projected potential becomes strong for both direct and iterative inversion ptychography methods. It has recently been shown that these reversals can often be counteracted in direct ptychography methods by adapting the focus. Here we provide an explanation of why the best contrast is often found with the probe focused to the middle of the sample. The phase contribution due to defocus at each sample slice above and below the central plane in this configuration effectively cancels out, which can prevent contrast reversals when dynamical scattering effects are not overly strong. In addition we show that the convergence angle can be an important consideration for removal of contrast reversals in relatively thin samples.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 2.2
DOI: 10.1016/J.ULTRAMIC.2023.113879
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“Injectable Plasma‐Treated Alginate Hydrogel for Oxidative Stress Delivery to Induce Immunogenic Cell Death in Osteosarcoma”. Živanić, M, Espona‐Noguera A, Verswyvel H, Smits E, Bogaerts A, Lin A, Canal C, Advanced functional materials (2023). http://doi.org/10.1002/adfm.202312005
Abstract: Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) is a source of cell‐damaging oxidant molecules that may be used as low‐cost cancer treatment with minimal side effects. Liquids treated with cold plasma and enriched with oxidants are a modality for non‐invasive treatment of internal tumors with cold plasma via injection. However, liquids are easily diluted with body fluids which impedes high and localized delivery of oxidants to the target. As an alternative, plasma‐treated hydrogels (PTH) emerge as vehicles for the precise delivery of oxidants. This study reports an optimal protocol for the preparation of injectable alginate PTH that ensures the preservation of plasma‐generated oxidants. The generation, storage, and release of oxidants from the PTH are assessed. The efficacy of the alginate PTH in cancer treatment is demonstrated in the context of cancer cell cytotoxicity and immunogenicity–release of danger signals and phagocytosis by immature dendritic cells, up to now unexplored for PTH. These are shown in osteosarcoma, a hard‐to‐treat cancer. The study aims to consolidate PTH as a novel cold plasma treatment modality for non‐invasive or postoperative tumor treatment. The results offer a rationale for further exploration of alginate‐based PTHs as a versatile platform in biomedical engineering.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT); Center for Oncological Research (CORE)
Impact Factor: 19
DOI: 10.1002/adfm.202312005
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“Statistical analysis of porcelain tiles' technical properties : full factorial design investigation on oxide ratios and temperature”. Zamani M, Yapicioglu H, Kara A, Sevik C, Physica scripta 98, 125953 (2023). http://doi.org/10.1088/1402-4896/AD0AE9
Abstract: This study focuses on optimizing the composition and firing temperature of porcelain tiles using statistical analysis techniques. A full factorial design, including model adequacy checking, analysis of variance, Pareto charts, interaction plots, regression model, and response optimizer is employed. The key factors were the Seger ratios of SiO2/Al2O3, Na2O/K2O, MgO/CaO, and firing temperature. The response variables investigated were bulk density, water absorption, linear shrinkage, coefficient of thermal expansion (at 500 degrees C), and strength. The statistical analysis revealed highly significant results, which were further validated, confirming their reliability for practical use in the production of porcelain tiles. The study demonstrated the effectiveness of utilizing Seger formulas and properties of typical raw materials to accurately predict the final properties of ceramic tiles. By employing SiO2/Al2O3 = 5.2, Na2O/K2O = 1.50, MgO/CaO = 3.0, and firing temperature of 1180 degrees C, optimized properties, such as maximum strength, maximum bulk density, and minimum water absorption, was achieved with a composite desirability of 0.9821.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 2.9
DOI: 10.1088/1402-4896/AD0AE9
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“Quantum wavefront shaping with a 48-element programmable phase plate for electrons”. Yu CP, Vega Ibañez F, Béché, A, Verbeeck J, SciPost Physics 15, 223 (2023). http://doi.org/10.21468/SciPostPhys.15.6.223
Abstract: We present a 48-element programmable phase plate for coherent electron waves produced by a combination of photolithography and focused ion beam. This brings the highly successful concept of wavefront shaping from light optics into the realm of electron optics and provides an important new degree of freedom to prepare electron quantum states. The phase plate chip is mounted on an aperture rod placed in the C2 plane of a transmission electron microscope operating in the 100-300 kV range. The phase plate's behavior is characterized by a Gerchberg-Saxton algorithm, showing a phase sensitivity of 0.075 rad/mV at 300 kV, with a phase resolution of approximately 3x10e−3π. In addition, we provide a brief overview of possible use cases and support it with both simulated and experimental results.
Keywords: A1 Journal Article; Electron Microscopy for Materials Science (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 5.5
Times cited: 1
DOI: 10.21468/SciPostPhys.15.6.223
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“Evaluation of an electrochemical sensor and comparison with spectroscopic approaches as used today in practice for harm reduction in a festival setting: a case study : analysis of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine samples”. Deconinck E, Polet MA, Canfyn M, Duchateau C, De Braekeleer K, Van Echelpoel R, De Wael K, Gremeaux L, Degreef M, Balcaen M, Drug testing and analysis , 1 (2023). http://doi.org/10.1002/DTA.3625
Abstract: More and more countries and organisations emphasise the value of harm reduction measures in the context of illicit drug use and abuse. One of these measures is drug checking, a preventive action that can represent a quick win by tailored consultation on the risks of substance use upon analytical screening of a submitted sample. Unlike drop-in centres that operate within a fixed setting, enabling drug checking in a harm reduction context at events requires portable, easy to use analytical approaches, operated by personnel with limited knowledge of analytical chemistry. In this case study, four different approaches were compared for the characterisation of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine samples and this in the way the approaches would be applied today in an event context. The four approaches are mid-infrared (MIR), near-infrared, and Raman spectroscopy, which are today used in drug checking context in Belgium, as well as an electrochemical sensor approach initially developed in the context of law enforcement at ports. The MIR and the electrochemical approach came out best, with the latter allowing for a direct straightforward analysis of the percentage 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (as base equivalent) in the samples. However, MIR has the advantage that, in a broader drug checking context, it allows to screen for several molecules and so is able to identify unexpected active components or at least the group to which such components belong. The latter is also an important advantage in the context of the growing emergence of new psychotropic substances. MIR, NIR, Raman spectroscopy, and an electrochemical sensor (Narcoreader (R)) for MDMA analysis were compared in a realistic harm reduction context. NIR and Raman failed in simple library approaches. MIR and Narcoreader (R) were preferred. MIR came out as first choice. MIR and Narcoreader (R) have complementary (dis)advantages and could be used in a two-step approach: MIR for screening and Narcoreader (R) for dosage/risk evaluation of MDMA samples.image
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Pharmacology. Therapy; Antwerp Electrochemical and Analytical Sciences Lab (A-Sense Lab)
Impact Factor: 2.9
DOI: 10.1002/DTA.3625
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“Design of smart nanoparticles for the electrochemical detection of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine to allow in field screening by law enforcement officers”. Truta FM, Cruz AG, Dragan A-M, Tertis M, Cowen T, Stefan M-G, Topala T, Slosse A, Piletska E, Van Durme F, Kiss B, De Wael K, Piletsky SA, Cristea C, Drug testing and analysis , 1 (2023). http://doi.org/10.1002/DTA.3605
Abstract: A portable and highly sensitive sensor was designed for the specific detection of 3,4-methyl-enedioxy-methamphetamine (MDMA), in a range of field-testing situations. The sensor can detect MDMA in street samples, even when other controlled substances drugs, or adulterants are present. In this work, we report for the first time a sensor using electroactive molecularly imprinted polymer nanoparticles computationally designed to recognize MDMA and then produced using solid phase synthesis. A composite comprising chitosan, reduced graphene oxide, and molecularly imprinted polymer nanoparticles synthesized for MDMA for the first time was immobilized on screen-printed carbon electrodes. The sensors displayed a satisfactory sensitivity (106.8 nA x mu M-1), limit of detection (1.6 nM; 0.31 ng/mL), and recoveries (92-99%). The accuracy of the results was confirmed through validation using Ultra-High Performance Liquid Chromatography coupled with tandem Mass Spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). This technology could be used in forensic analysis and make it possible to selectively detect MDMA in street samples. A highly sensitive and portable sensor has been developed to detect MDMA in street samples. It uses electroactive molecularly imprinted polymer nanoparticles computationally designed to recognize MDMA, which were immobilized on screen-printed carbon electrodes with chitosan and graphene. The sensor showed good sensitivity and satisfactory recoveries (92-99%), confirmed with UPLC-MS/MS validation. This technology has the potential to be used in forensic analysis.image
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Pharmacology. Therapy; Antwerp Electrochemical and Analytical Sciences Lab (A-Sense Lab)
Impact Factor: 2.9
DOI: 10.1002/DTA.3605
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“First-principles investigation of mechanical and thermal properties of M Al B (M = Mo, W), Cr₂, AlB₂, and Ti₂, In B₂”. Akande SO, Samanta B, Sevik C, Cakir D, Physical review applied 20, 044064 (2023). http://doi.org/10.1103/PHYSREVAPPLIED.20.044064
Abstract: The atomically laminated layered ternary transition-metal borides (the MAB phases) have demonstrated outstanding properties and have been applied in various fields. Understanding their thermal and mechanical properties is critical to determining their applicability in various fields such as high-temperature applications. To achieve this, we conducted first-principles calculations based on density-functional theory and the quasiharmonic approximation to determine the thermal expansion coefficients, Gruneisen parameters, bulk moduli, hardness, thermal conductivity, electron-phonon coupling parameters, and the structural and vibrational properties of MoAlB, WAlB, Cr2AlB2, and Ti2InB2. We found varying degrees of anisotropy in the thermal expansion and mechanical properties in spite of similarities in their crystal structures. MoAlB has a mild degree of anisotropy in its thermal expansion coefficient (TEC), while Cr2AlB2 and WAlB display the highest level of TEC anisotropy. We assessed various empirical models to calculate hardness and thermal conductivity, and correlated the calculated values with the material properties such as elastic moduli, Gruneisen parameter, Debye temperature, and type of bonding. Owing to their higher Gruneisen parameters, implying a greater degree of anharmonicity in lattice vibrations and lower phonon group velocities, MoAlB and WAlB have significantly lower lattice thermal conductivity values than those of Cr2AlB2 and Ti2InB2. The hardness and lattice thermal conductivity of MAB phases can be predicted with high accuracy if one utilizes an appropriate model.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 4.6
DOI: 10.1103/PHYSREVAPPLIED.20.044064
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“Fabrication of larger surface area of ZIF8@ZIF67 reverse core-shell nanostructures for energy storage applications”. Rabani I, Tahir MS, Nisar S, Parrilla M, Truong HB, Kim M, Seo Y-S, Electrochimica acta 475, 143532 (2024). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.ELECTACTA.2023.143532
Abstract: The construction of uniform nanostructure with larger surface area electrodes is a huge challenge for the highvalue added energy storage application. Herein, we demonstrates ZIF67@ZIF8 (core-shell) and ZIF8@ZIF67 (reverse core-shell) nanostructures using a low-cost wet chemical route and used them as supercapacitors. Pristine ZIF-67 and ZIF-8 was used as reference electrodes. Benefiting from the synergistic effect between the ZIF8 and ZIF67, the ZIF8@ZIF67 exhibited the outstanding electrochemical consequences owing to its larger surface area with uniform hexagonal morphology. As optimized ZIF8@ZIF67 nanostructure displayed the highcapacity of 1521 F/g at 1 A/g of current density in a three-electrode assembly in 1 M KOH electrolyte compared with other as-fabricated electrodes. In addition, the ZIF8@ZIF67 nanostructure employed into the symmetric supercapacitors (SSCs) with 1 M KOH electrolyte in two-electrode setup and it exhibited still superior output including capacity (249.8 F/g at 1 A/g), remarkable repeatability (87 % over 10,000 GCD cycles) along with high energy and power density (61.2 Wh/kg & 1260 W/kg). The present study uncovers the relationship between the larger surface area and electrocatalyst performance, supporting an effective approach to prepare favorable materials for enhanced capacity, extended lifespan, and energy density.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Antwerp Electrochemical and Analytical Sciences Lab (A-Sense Lab)
Impact Factor: 6.6
DOI: 10.1016/J.ELECTACTA.2023.143532
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