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“Optimization of NBED simulations for disc-detection measurements”. Grieb T, Krause FF, Mahr C, Zillmann D, Müller-Caspary K, Schowalter M, Rosenauer A, Ultramicroscopy 181, 50 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.ULTRAMIC.2017.04.015
Abstract: Nano-beam electron diffraction (NBED) is a method which can be applied to measure lattice strain and polarisation fields in strained layer heterostructures and transistors. To investigate precision, accuracy and spatial resolution of such measurements in dependence of properties of the specimen as well as electron optical parameters, simulations of NBED patterns are required which allow to predict the result of common disc-detection algorithms. In this paper we demonstrate by focusing on the detection of the central disc in crystalline silicon that such simulations require to take several experimental characteristics into account in order to obtain results which are comparable to those from experimental NBED patterns. These experimental characteristics are the background intensity, the presence of Poisson noise caused by electron statistics and blurring caused by inelastic scattering and by the transfer quality of the microscope camera. By means of these optimized simulations, different effects of specimen properties on disc detection – such as strain, surface morphology and compositional changes on the nanometer scale – are investigated and discussed in the context of misinterpretation in experimental NBED evaluations. It is shown that changes in surface morphology and chemical composition lead to measured shifts of the central disc in the NBED pattern of tens to hundreds of grad. These shifts are of the same order of magnitude or even larger than shifts that could be caused by an electric polarisation field in the range of MV/cm. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 2.843
Times cited: 6
DOI: 10.1016/J.ULTRAMIC.2017.04.015
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“Electronic properties of bilayer phosphorene quantum dots in the presence of perpendicular electric and magnetic fields”. Li LL, Moldovan D, Xu W, Peeters FM, Physical review B 96, 155425 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1103/PHYSREVB.96.155425
Abstract: Using the tight-binding approach, we investigate the electronic properties of bilayer phosphorene (BLP) quantum dots (QDs) in the presence of perpendicular electric and magnetic fields. Since BLP consists of two coupled phosphorene layers, it is of interest to examine the layer-dependent electronic properties of BLP QDs, such as the electronic distributions over the two layers and the so-produced layer-polarization features, and to see how these properties are affected by the magnetic field and the bias potential. We find that in the absence of a bias potential only edge states are layer polarized while the bulk states are not, and the layer-polarization degree (LPD) of the unbiased edge states increases with increasing magnetic field. However, in the presence of a bias potential both the edge and bulk states are layer polarized, and the LPD of the bulk (edge) states depends strongly (weakly) on the interplay of the bias potential and the interlayer coupling. At high magnetic fields, applying a bias potential renders the bulk electrons in a BLP QD to be mainly distributed over the top or bottom layer, resulting in layer-polarized bulk Landau levels (LLs). In the presence of a large bias potential that can drive a semiconductor-to-semimetal transition in BLP, these bulk LLs exhibit different magnetic-field dependences, i.e., the zeroth LLs exhibit a linearlike dependence on the magnetic field while the other LLs exhibit a square-root-like dependence.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.836
Times cited: 28
DOI: 10.1103/PHYSREVB.96.155425
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“Unconventional two-dimensional vibrations of a decorated carbon nanotube under electric field : linking actuation to advanced sensing ability”. de Aquino BRH, Neek-Amal M, Milošević, MV, Scientific reports 7, 13481 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1038/S41598-017-12647-2
Abstract: We show that a carbon nanotube decorated with different types of charged metallic nanoparticles exhibits unusual two-dimensional vibrations when actuated by applied electric field. Such vibrations and diverse possible trajectories are not only fundamentally important but also have minimum two characteristic frequencies that can be directly linked back to the properties of the constituents in the considered nanoresonator. Namely, those frequencies and the maximal deflection during vibrations are very distinctively dependent on the geometry of the nanotube, the shape, element, mass and charge of the nanoparticle, and are vastly tunable by the applied electric field, revealing the unique sensing ability of devices made of molecular filaments and metallic nanoparticles.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 4.259
Times cited: 1
DOI: 10.1038/S41598-017-12647-2
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“Independent tuning of size and coverage of supported Pt nanoparticles using atomic layer deposition”. Dendooven J, Ramachandran RK, Solano E, Kurttepeli M, Geerts L, Heremans G, Ronge J, Minjauw MM, Dobbelaere T, Devloo-Casier K, Martens JA, Vantomme A, Bals S, Portale G, Coati A, Detavernier C, Nature communications 8, 1074 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1038/S41467-017-01140-Z
Abstract: Synthetic methods that allow for the controlled design of well-defined Pt nanoparticles are highly desirable for fundamental catalysis research. In this work, we propose a strategy that allows precise and independent control of the Pt particle size and coverage. Our approach exploits the versatility of the atomic layer deposition (ALD) technique by combining two ALD processes for Pt using different reactants. The particle areal density is controlled by tailoring the number of ALD cycles using trimethyl(methylcyclopentadienyl) platinum and oxygen, while subsequent growth using the same Pt precursor in combination with nitrogen plasma allows for tuning of the particle size at the atomic level. The excellent control over the particle morphology is clearly demonstrated by means of in situ and ex situ X-ray fluorescence and grazing incidence small angle X-ray scattering experiments, providing information about the Pt loading, average particle dimensions, and mean center-to-center particle distance.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 12.124
Times cited: 88
DOI: 10.1038/S41467-017-01140-Z
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“Elucidation of plasma-induced chemical modifications on glutathione and glutathione disulphide”. Klinkhammer C, Verlackt C, Smilowicz D, Kogelheide F, Bogaerts A, Metzler-Nolte N, Stapelmann K, Havenith M, Lackmann J-W, Scientific reports 7, 13828 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1038/S41598-017-13041-8
Abstract: Cold atmospheric pressure plasmas are gaining increased interest in the medical sector and clinical trials to treat skin diseases are underway. Plasmas are capable of producing several reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS). However, there are open questions how plasma-generated RONS interact on a molecular level in a biological environment, e.g. cells or cell components. The redox pair glutathione (GSH) and glutathione disulphide (GSSG) forms the most important redox buffer in organisms responsible for detoxification of intracellular reactive species. We apply Raman spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and molecular dynamics simulations to identify the time-dependent chemical modifications on GSH and GSSG that are caused by dielectric barrier discharge under ambient conditions. We find GSSG, S-oxidised glutathione species, and S-nitrosoglutathione as oxidation products with the latter two being the final products, while glutathione sulphenic acid, glutathione sulphinic acid, and GSSG are rather reaction intermediates. Experiments using stabilized pH conditions revealed the same main oxidation products as were found in unbuffered solution, indicating that the dominant oxidative or nitrosative reactions are not influenced by acidic pH. For more complex systems these results indicate that too long treatment times can cause difficult-to-handle modifications to the cellular redox buffer which can impair proper cellular function.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 4.259
Times cited: 17
DOI: 10.1038/S41598-017-13041-8
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“Dry Reforming of Methane in a Gliding Arc Plasmatron: Towards a Better Understanding of the Plasma Chemistry”. Cleiren E, Heijkers S, Ramakers M, Bogaerts A, Chemsuschem 10, 4025 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1002/cssc.201701274
Abstract: Dry reforming of methane (DRM) in a gliding arc plasmatron is studied for different CH4 fractions in the mixture. The CO2 and CH4 conversions reach their highest values of approximately 18 and 10%, respectively, at 25% CH4 in the gas mixture, corresponding to an overall energy cost of 10 kJ L@1 (or 2.5 eV per molecule) and an energy efficiency of 66%. CO and H2 are the major products, with the formation of smaller fractions of C2Hx (x=2, 4, or 6) compounds and H2O. A chemical kinetics model is used to investigate the underlying chemical processes. The calculated CO2 and CH4 conversion and the energy efficiency are in good agreement with the experimental data. The model calculations reveal that the reaction of CO2 (mainly at vibrationally excited levels) with H radicals is mainly responsible for
the CO2 conversion, especially at higher CH4 fractions in the mixture, which explains why the CO2 conversion increases with increasing CH4 fraction. The main process responsible for CH4 conversion is the reaction with OH radicals. The excellent energy efficiency can be explained by the non-equilibrium character of the plasma, in which the electrons mainly activate the gas molecules, and by the important role of the vibrational kinetics of CO2. The results demonstrate that a gliding arc plasmatron is very promising for DRM.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 7.226
Times cited: 23
DOI: 10.1002/cssc.201701274
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“Quantum transport across van der Waals domain walls in bilayer graphene”. Abdullah HM, Van Duppen B, Zarenia M, Bahlouli H, Peeters FM, Journal of physics : condensed matter 29, 425303 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1088/1361-648X/AA81A8
Abstract: Bilayer graphene can exhibit deformations such that the two graphene sheets are locally detached from each other resulting in a structure consisting of domains with different van der Waals inter-layer coupling. Here we investigate how the presence of these domains affects the transport properties of bilayer graphene. We derive analytical expressions for the transmission probability, and the corresponding conductance, across walls separating different inter-layer coupling domains. We find that the transmission can exhibit a valley-dependent layer asymmetry and that the domain walls have a considerable effect on the chiral tunnelling properties of the charge carriers. We show that transport measurements allow one to obtain the strength with which the two layers are coupled. We perform numerical calculations for systems with two domain walls and find that the availability of multiple transport channels in bilayer graphene significantly modifies the conductance dependence on inter-layer potential asymmetry.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 2.649
Times cited: 15
DOI: 10.1088/1361-648X/AA81A8
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“Kinetics of growth and lipids accumulation in Chlorella vulgaris during batch heterotrophic cultivation : effect of different nutrient limitation strategies”. Sakarika M, Kornaros M, Bioresource technology 243, 356 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.BIORTECH.2017.06.110
Abstract: The present study aimed at: (1) determining the effect of sulfur addition on biomass growth and (2) assessing the effect of sulfur, phosphorus and nitrogen limitation on lipid accumulation by C. vulgaris SAG 211-11b. The sulfur cellular content was more than two-fold higher under nitrogen and phosphorus limitation (0.52% and 0.54% w w(-1), respectively) compared to sulfur requirements (0.20% w w(-1)) under sulfur limiting conditions. The nitrogen needs are significantly lower (2.81-3.35% w w(-1)) when compared to other microalgae and become 23% lower under nitrogen or phosphorus limitation. The microalga exhibited substrate inhibition above 30 g L-1 initial glucose concentration. Sulfur limitation had the most significant effect on lipid accumulation, resulting in maximum total lipid content of 53.43 +/- 3.93% g g(DW)(1). In addition to enhancing lipid productivity, adopting the optimal nutrient limitation strategy can result in cost savings by avoiding unnecessary nutrient additions and eliminate the environmental burden due to wasted resources. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
DOI: 10.1016/J.BIORTECH.2017.06.110
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“Hysteresis and parent-metabolite analyses unravel characteristic pesticide transport mechanisms in a mixed land use catchment”. Tang T, Stamm C, van Griensven A, Seuntjens P, Bronders J, Water research 124, 663 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.WATRES.2017.08.016
Abstract: To properly estimate and manage pesticide occurrence in urban rivers, it is essential, but often highly challenging, to identify the key pesticide transport pathways in association to the main sources. This study examined the concentration-discharge hysteresis behaviour (hysteresis analysis) for three pesticides and the parent-metabolite concentration dynamics for two metabolites at sites with different levels of urban influence in a mixed land use catchment (25 km(2)) within the Swiss Greifensee area, aiming to identify the dominant pesticide transport pathways. Combining an adapted hysteresis classification framework with prior knowledge of the field conditions and pesticide usage, we demonstrated the possibility of using hysteresis analysis to qualitatively infer the dominant pesticide transport pathway in mixed land-use catchments. The analysis showed that hysteresis types, and therefore the dominant transport pathway, vary among pesticides, sites and rainfall events. Hysteresis loops mostly correspond to dominant transport by flow components with intermediate response time, although pesticide sources indicate that fast transport pathways are responsible in most cases (e.g. urban runoff and combined sewer overflows). The discrepancy suggests the fast transport pathways can be slowed down due to catchment storages, such as topographic depressions in agricultural areas, a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) and other artificial storage units (e.g. retention basins) in urban areas. Moreover, the WWTP was identified as an important factor modifying the parent-metabolite concentration dynamics during rainfall events. To properly predict and manage pesticide occurrence in catchments of mixed land uses, the hydrological delaying effect and chemical processes within the artificial structures need to be accounted for, in addition to the catchment hydrology and the diversity of pesticide sources. This study demonstrates that in catchments with diverse pesticide sources and complex transport mechanisms, the adapted hysteresis analysis can help to improve our understanding on pesticide transport behaviours and provide a basis for effective management strategies.(C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
DOI: 10.1016/J.WATRES.2017.08.016
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“The formation of Cr2O3 nanoclusters over graphene sheet and carbon nanotubes”. Dabaghmanesh S, Neek-Amal M, Partoens B, Neyts EC, Chemical physics letters 687, 188 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.CPLETT.2017.09.005
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT); Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 1.815
Times cited: 2
DOI: 10.1016/J.CPLETT.2017.09.005
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“Modeling of CO2plasma: effect of uncertainties in the plasma chemistry”. Berthelot A, Bogaerts A, Plasma sources science and technology 26, 115002 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1088/1361-6595/aa8ffb
Abstract: Low-temperature plasma chemical kinetic models are particularly important to the plasma community. These models typically require dozens of inputs, especially rate coefficients. The latter are not always precisely known and it is not surprising that the error on the rate coefficient data can propagate to the model output. In this paper, we present a model that uses N = 400 different combinations of rate coefficients based on the uncertainty attributed to each rate coefficient, giving a good estimation of the uncertainty on the model output due to the rate coefficients. We demonstrate that the uncertainty varies a lot with the conditions and the type of output. Relatively low uncertainties (about 15%) are found for electron density and temperature, while the uncertainty can reach more than an order of magnitude for the population of the vibrational levels in some cases and it can rise up to 100% for the CO2 conversion. The reactions that are mostly responsible for the largest uncertainties are identified. We show that the conditions of pressure, gas temperature and power density have a great effect on the uncertainty and on which reactions lead to this uncertainty. In all the cases tested here, while the absolute values may suffer from large uncertainties, the trends observed in previous modeling work are still valid. Finally, in accordance with the work of Turner, a number of ‘good practices’ is recommended.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 3.302
Times cited: 16
DOI: 10.1088/1361-6595/aa8ffb
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“Bandgap measurement of high refractive index materials by off-axis EELS”. Vatanparast M, Egoavil R, Reenaas TW, Verbeeck J, Holmestad R, Vullum PE, Ultramicroscopy 182, 92 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.ULTRAMIC.2017.06.019
Abstract: In the present work Cs aberration corrected and monochromated scanning transmission electron microscopy electron energy loss spectroscopy (STEM-EELS) has been used to explore experimental setups that allow bandgaps of high refractive index materials to be determined. Semi-convergence and collection angles in the mu rad range were combined with off-axis or dark field EELS to avoid relativistic losses and guided light modes in the low loss range to contribute to the acquired EEL spectra. Off-axis EELS further supressed the zero loss peak and the tail of the zero loss peak. The bandgap of several GaAs-based materials were successfully determined by simple regression analyses of the background subtracted EEL spectra. The presented set-up does not require that the acceleration voltage is set to below the. Cerenkov limit and can be applied over the entire acceleration voltage range of modern TEMs and for a wide range of specimen thicknesses. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 2.843
Times cited: 3
DOI: 10.1016/J.ULTRAMIC.2017.06.019
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“Enhancing immobilization of arsenic in groundwater: A model-based evaluation”. Peng L, Liu Y, Sun J, Wang D, Dai X, Ni B-J, Journal of cleaner production 166, 449 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.JCLEPRO.2017.08.051
Abstract: The mobilization of arsenic (As) in aquatic environment (groundwater) can cause severe environmental and healthy issues. To develop remediation strategies, we proposed a comprehensive mathematical model to describe the As removal in a arsenite (As (III)) oxidizing and ferrous iron (Fe (II)) oxidizing denitrifying granular biofilm system. In the model framework, the growth-linked microbial oxidation of As (III) and Fe (II) was coupled to chemolithotrophic denitrification of one-step reduction of nitrate to nitrogen gas. Meanwhile, the precipitation of ferric iron (Fe (III)) and adsorption of arsenate (As (V)) onto the biogenic Fe (III) (hydr)oxides were also considered. The model was calibrated by comparing the model predictions against experimental data from batch experiments. The validity of the model was further demonstrated through testing against long-term experimental results from five independent bioreactors with different reactor configurations and operational conditions. Modeling results revealed that the granule size would exert a limited impact on arsenic and iron removal. Nevertheless, their removal efficiencies increased rapidly with the increase of hydraulic retention time (HRT) from 1 h to 12 h, but became independent of HRT as it further increased. The established model framework enables interpretation of a range of experimental observations on As and Fe removal and helps to identify the optimal conditions for enhanced arsenic remediation. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
DOI: 10.1016/J.JCLEPRO.2017.08.051
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“Optimizing sulfur-driven mixotrophic denitrification process : system performance and nitrous oxide emission”. Liu Y, Ngo HH, Guo W, Zhou J, Peng L, Wang D, Chen X, Sun J, Ni B-J, Chemical engineering science 172, 414 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.CES.2017.07.005
Abstract: Nitrate contamination of groundwater has been recognized as a significant environmental problem world widely. Sulfur-driven mixotrophic denitrification has been demonstrated as a promising groundwater treatment process, which though plays an important role in nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions, significantly contributing to the overall carbon footprint of the system. However, the current process optimizations only focus on nitrate removal and excess sulfate control, with the N2O emission being ignored. In this work, an integrated mathematical model was proposed to evaluate the N2O emission as well as the excess sulfate production and carbon source utilization in sulfur-driven mixotrophic denitrification process. In this model, autotrophic and heterotrophic denitrifiers use their corresponding electron donors (sulfur and organic matter, respectively) to reduce nitrate to nitrogen gas, with each modeled as three-step denitrification (NO3 to N-2 via NO2 and N2O) driven by sulfur or organic matter to describe all potential N2O accumulation steps. The developed model, employing model parameters previously reported in literature, was successfully validated using N2O and sulfate data from two mixotrophic denitrification systems with different initial conditions. Modeling results revealed substantial N2O accumulation due to the relatively low autotrophic N2O reduction activity as compared to heterotrophic N2O reduction activity, explaining the observation that higher carbon source addition resulted in lower N2O accumulation in sulfur-driven mixotrophic denitrifying system. Based on the validated model, optimizations of the overall system performance were carried out. Application of the model to simulate long-term operations of sulfur-driven mixotrophic denitrification process indicates that longer sludge retention time reduces N2O emission due to better retention of active biomass. High-level total nitrogen removal with significant N2O emission mitigation, appropriate excess sulfate control and maximized COD utilization can be achieved simultaneously through controlling the influent nitrate and COD concentrations. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
DOI: 10.1016/J.CES.2017.07.005
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“Efficient solution of the Wigner-Liouville equation using a spectral decomposition of the force field”. Van de Put ML, Sorée B, Magnus W, Journal of computational physics 350, 314 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.JCP.2017.08.059
Abstract: The Wigner-Liouville equation is reformulated using a spectral decomposition of the classical force field instead of the potential energy. The latter is shown to simplify the Wigner-Liouville kernel both conceptually and numerically as the spectral force Wigner-Liouville equation avoids the numerical evaluation of the highly oscillatory Wigner kernel which is nonlocal in both position and momentum. The quantum mechanical evolution is instead governed by a term local in space and non-local in momentum, where the non locality in momentum has only a limited range. An interpretation of the time evolution in terms of two processes is presented; a classical evolution under the influence of the averaged driving field, and a probability-preserving quantum-mechanical generation and annihilation term. Using the inherent stability and reduced complexity, a direct deterministic numerical implementation using Chebyshev and Fourier pseudo-spectral methods is detailed. For the purpose of illustration, we present results for the time evolution of a one-dimensional resonant tunneling diode driven out of equilibrium. (C) 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 2.744
Times cited: 5
DOI: 10.1016/J.JCP.2017.08.059
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“Modelling cometabolic biotransformation of sulfamethoxazole by an enriched ammonia oxidizing bacteria culture”. Peng L, Kassotaki E, Liu Y, Sun J, Dai X, Pijuan M, Rodriguez-Roda I, Buttiglieri G, Ni B-J, Chemical engineering science 173, 465 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.CES.2017.08.015
Abstract: Antibiotics such as sulfamethoxazole (SFX) are environmentally hazardous after being released into the aquatic environment and challenges remain in the development of engineered prevention strategies. In this work, a mathematical model was developed to describe and evaluate cometabolic biotransformation of SFX and its transformation products (TPs) in an enriched ammonia oxidizing bacteria (AOB) culture. The growth-linked cometabolic biodegradation by AOB, non-growth transformation by AOB and nongrowth transformation by heterotrophs were considered in the model framework. The production of major TPs comprising 4-Nitro-SFX, Desamino-SFX and N-4-Acetyl-SFX was also specifically modelled. The validity of the model was demonstrated through testing against literature reported data from extensive batch tests, as well as from long-term experiments in a partial nitritation sequencing batch reactor (SBR) and in a combined SBR + membrane aerated biofilm reactor performing nitrification/denitrification. Modelling results revealed that the removal efficiency of SFX increased with the increase of influent ammonium concentration, whereas the influent organic matter, hydraulic retention time and solid retention time exerted a limited effect on SFX biodegradation with the removal efficiencies varying in a narrow range. The variation of influent SFX concentration had no impact on SFX removal efficiency. The established model framework enables interpretation of a range of experimental observations on SFX biodegradation and helps to identify the optimal conditions for efficient removal. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
DOI: 10.1016/J.CES.2017.08.015
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Chirumamilla CS, Palagani A, Kamaraj B, Declerck K, Verbeek MWC, Ryabtsova O, De Bosscher K, Bougarne N, Ruttens B, Gevaert K, Houtman R, De Vos WH, Joossens J, van der Veken P, Augustyns K, van Ostade X, Bogaerts A, De Winter H, Vanden Berghe W (2017) Selective glucocorticoid receptor properties of GSK866 analogs with cysteine reactive warheads. Place of publication unknown, 1324
Abstract: Synthetic glucocorticoids (GC) are the mainstay therapy for treatment of acute and chronic inflammatory disorders. Due to the high adverse effects associated with long-term use, GC pharmacology has focused since the nineties on more selective GC ligand-binding strategies, classified as selective glucocorticoid receptor (GR) agonists (SEGRAs) or selective glucocorticoid receptor modulators (SEGRMs). In the current study, GSK866 analogs with electrophilic covalent-binding warheads were developed with potential SEGRA properties to improve their clinical safety profile for long-lasting topical skin disease applications. Since the off-rate of a covalently binding drug is negligible compared to that of a non-covalent drug, its therapeutic effects can be prolonged and typically, smaller doses of the drug are necessary to reach the same level of therapeutic efficacy, thereby potentially reducing systemic side effects. Different analogs of SEGRA GSK866 coupled to cysteine reactive warheads were characterized for GR potency and selectivity in various biochemical and cellular assays. GR- and NFκB-dependent reporter gene studies show favorable anti-inflammatory properties with reduced GR transactivation of two non-steroidal GSK866 analogs UAMC-1217 and UAMC-1218, whereas UAMC-1158 and UAMC-1159 compounds failed to modulate cellular GR activity. These results were further supported by GR immuno-localization and S211 phospho-GR western analysis, illustrating significant GR phosphoactivation and nuclear translocation upon treatment of GSK866, UAMC-1217, or UAMC-1218, but not in case of UAMC-1158 or UAMC-1159. Furthermore, mass spectrometry analysis of tryptic peptides of recombinant GR ligand-binding domain (LBD) bound to UAMC-1217 or UAMC-1218 confirmed covalent cysteine-dependent GR binding. Finally, molecular dynamics simulations, as well as glucocorticoid receptor ligand-binding domain (GR-LBD) coregulator interaction profiling of the GR-LBD bound to GSK866 or its covalently binding analogs UAMC-1217 or UAMC-1218 revealed subtle conformational differences that might underlie their SEGRA properties. Altogether, GSK866 analogs UAMC-1217 and UAMC-1218 hold promise as a novel class of covalent-binding SEGRA ligands for the treatment of topical inflammatory skin disorders.
Keywords: Administrative Services; A1 Journal article; Pharmacology. Therapy; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT); Medicinal Chemistry (UAMC)
Impact Factor: 6.429
Times cited: 2
DOI: 10.3389/FIMMU.2017.01324
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“Recent advances in electrochemical biosensors based on fullerene-C60 nano-structured platforms”. Pilehvar S, De Wael K page 173 (2017).
Keywords: H1 Book chapter; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
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“Electrodeposition of gold nanoparticles on boron doped diamond electrodes for the enhanced reduction of small organic molecules”. Bottari F, De Wael K, Journal of electroanalytical chemistry : an international journal devoted to all aspects of electrode kynetics, interfacial structure, properties of electrolytes, colloid and biological electrochemistry. 801, 521 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.JELECHEM.2017.07.053
Abstract: The performance of gold nanoparticles electrodeposited on boron doped diamond (BDD) electrodes was investigated in respect to the reduction of chloramphenicol (CAP), an antibiotic of the phenicols family. The chosen deposition protocol, three nucleation-growing pulses, shows a remarkable surface coverage, with an even distribution of average-sized gold particles (~ 50 nm), and it was proven capable of generating a three-fold increase in the CAP reduction current. A calibration plot for CAP detection was obtained in the micromolar range (535 μM) with good correlation coefficient (0.9959) and an improved sensitivity of 0.053 μA μM− 1 mm− 2 compared to the electrochemistry of CAP at a bare BDD electrode.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
Impact Factor: 3.012
Times cited: 4
DOI: 10.1016/J.JELECHEM.2017.07.053
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“Indoor environmental quality index for conservation environments : the importance of including particulate matter”. Marchetti A, Pilehvar S, 't Hart L, Leyva Pernia D, Voet O, Anaf W, Nuyts G, Otten E, Demeyer S, Schalm O, De Wael K, Building and environment 126, 132 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.BUILDENV.2017.09.022
Abstract: It is commonly known that the conservation state of works of arts exhibited inside museums is strongly influenced by the indoor environmental quality (IEQ). Heritage institutions traditionally record and evaluate their IEQ by monitoring temperature, relative humidity, and -more rarely-light. However, smart use of technology enables monitoring other parameters that give a more complete insight in environmental air aggressiveness. One of this parameters is particulate matter (PM) and especially its concentration, size distribution and chemical composition. In this work, we present a selection of data sets which were obtained in a measuring campaign performed in the War Heritage Institute in Brussels, Belgium. A continuous monitoring of PM concentration with a light scattering based particle counter was performed. In addition the daily mass concentration and size distribution of airborne PM was monitored by means of Harvard impactors. The chemical composition of sampled PM was inferred from the results of XRF and IC analysis. The insights from these datasets are combined with the results of traditional environmental monitoring (temperature, relative humidity and light intensity), and assessed against the recommended guidelines for conservation environments. By using an integrated approach based on the calculation of an IEQ-index, we present a straightforward methodology to evaluate and visualize the IEQ including also continuous PM monitoring. It is clear from the results of this study how including PM in IEQ analysis allows to identify potential risks for museum collections that remain invisible when only traditional parameters are considered.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Antwerp Systems and software Modelling (AnSyMo); AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation); Antwerp Cultural Heritage Sciences (ARCHES)
Impact Factor: 4.053
Times cited: 10
DOI: 10.1016/J.BUILDENV.2017.09.022
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Belov I (2017) Plasma-assisted conversion of carbon dioxide
Keywords: Doctoral thesis; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
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“Vapor Phase Fabrication of Nanoheterostructures Based on ZnO for Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting”. Barreca D, Carraro G, Gasparotto A, Maccato C, Altantzis T, Sada C, Kaunisto K, Ruoko T-P, Bals S, Advanced Materials Interfaces 4, 1700161 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1002/admi.201700161
Abstract: Nanoheterostructures based on metal oxide semiconductors have emerged
as promising materials for the conversion of sunlight into chemical energy.
In the present study, ZnO-based nanocomposites have been developed by
a hybrid vapor phase route, consisting in the chemical vapor deposition
of ZnO systems on fluorine-doped tin oxide substrates, followed by the
functionalization with Fe2O3 or WO3 via radio frequency-sputtering. The
target systems are subjected to thermal treatment in air both prior and after
sputtering, and their properties, including structure, chemical composition,
morphology, and optical absorption, are investigated by a variety of characterization
methods. The obtained results evidence the formation of highly
porous ZnO nanocrystal arrays, conformally covered by an ultrathin Fe2O3
or WO3 overlayer. Photocurrent density measurements for solar-triggered
water splitting reveal in both cases a performance improvement with respect
to bare zinc oxide, that is mainly traced back to an enhanced separation of
photogenerated charge carriers thanks to the intimate contact between the
two oxides. This achievement can be regarded as a valuable result in view of
future optimization of similar nanoheterostructured photoanodes.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 4.279
Times cited: 30
DOI: 10.1002/admi.201700161
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“Disentangling the effect of seed size and crystal habit on gold nanoparticle seeded growth”. González-Rubio G, de Oliveira TM, Altantzis T, La Porta A, Guerrero-Martínez A, Bals S, Scarabelli L, Liz-Marzán LM, Chemical communications 53, 11360 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1039/C7CC06854A
Abstract: Oxidative etching was used to produce gold seeds of different sizes and crystal habits. Following detailed characterization, the seeds were grown under different conditions. Our results bring new insights toward understanding the effect of size and crystallinity on the growth of anisotropic particles, whilst identifying guidelines for the optimisation of new synthetic protocols of predesigned seeds.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 6.319
Times cited: 29
DOI: 10.1039/C7CC06854A
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“Advanced electron tomography of nanoparticle assemblies”. Altantzis T, Zanaga D, Bals S, Europhysics letters 119, 38001 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1209/0295-5075/119/38001
Abstract: Nanoparticle assemblies have attracted enormous scientific interest during the last
years, due to their unique properties compared to those of their building blocks. To understand
the origin of these properties and to establish the connection with their structure, a detailed and
quantitative structural characterization is essential. Transmission electron microscopy has been
widely used to investigate nano-assemblies. However, TEM images only correspond to a twodimensional
projection of a three-dimensional object. Therefore, in order to obtain the necessary
3D structural information electron tomography has to be applied. By means of advanced electron
tomography, both qualitative and quantitative information can be obtained, which can be used
for detailed theoretical studies.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 1.957
Times cited: 8
DOI: 10.1209/0295-5075/119/38001
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“Composite Supraparticles with Tunable Light Emission”. Montanarella F, Altantzis T, Zanaga D, Rabouw FT, Bals S, Baesjou P, Vanmaekelbergh D, van Blaaderen A, ACS nano 11, 9136 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1021/acsnano.7b03975
Abstract: Robust luminophores emitting light with broadly tunable colors are desirable in many applications such as light-emitting diode (LED)-based lighting, displays, integrated optoelectronics and biology. Nanocrystalline quantum dots with multicolor emission, from core- and shell-localized excitons, as well as solid layers of mixed quantum dots that emit different colors have been proposed. Here, we report on colloidal supraparticles that are composed of three types of Cd(Se,ZnS) core/(Cd,Zn)S shell nanocrystals with emission in the red, green, and blue. The emission of the supraparticles can be varied from pure to composite colors over the entire visible region and finetuned into variable shades of white light by mixing the nanocrystals in controlled proportions. Our approach results in supraparticles with sizes spanning the colloidal domain and beyond that combine versatility and processability with a broad, stable, and tunable emission, promising applications in lighting devices and biological research.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 13.942
Times cited: 36
DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.7b03975
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“p -CoO x / n -SnO 2 nanostructures: New highly selective materials for H 2 S detection”. Rumyantseva MN, Vladimirova SA, Vorobyeva NA, Giebelhaus I, Mathur S, Chizhov AS, Khmelevsky NO, Aksenenko AY, Kozlovsky VF, Karakulina OM, Hadermann J, Abakumov AM, Gaskov AM, Sensors and actuators : B : chemical (2017). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.snb.2017.08.096
Abstract: Nanostructures p-CoOx/n-SnO2 based on tin oxide nanowires have been prepared by two step CVD technique and characterized in detail by XRD, XRF, XPS, HAADF-STEM imaging and EDX-STEM mapping. Depending on the temperature of decomposition of cobalt complex during the second step of CVD synthesis of nanostructures cobalt oxide forms a coating and/or isolated nanoparticles on SnO2 nanowire surface. It was found that cobalt presents in +2 and +3 oxidation states. The measurements of gas sensor properties have been carried out during exposure to CO (14 ppm), NH3 (21 ppm), and H2S (2 ppm) in dry air. The opposite trends were observed in the effect of cobalt oxide on the SnO2 gas sensitivity when detecting CO or NH3 in comparison to H2S. The decrease of sensor signal toward CO and NH3 was attributed to high catalytic activity of Co3O4 in oxidation of these gases. Contrary, the significant increase of sensor signal in the presence of H2S was attributed to the formation of metallic cobalt sulfide and removal of the barrier between p-CoOx and n-SnO2. This effect provides an excellent selectivity of p-CoOx/n-SnO2 nanostructures in H2S detection.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 5.401
Times cited: 13
DOI: 10.1016/j.snb.2017.08.096
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“Plasma technology &ndash, a novel solution for CO2conversion?”.Snoeckx R, Bogaerts A, Chemical Society reviews 46, 5805 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1039/C6CS00066E
Abstract: CO2 conversion into value-added chemicals and fuels is considered as one of the great challenges of the 21st century. Due to the limitations of the traditional thermal approaches, several novel technologies are being developed. One promising approach in this field, which has received little attention to date, is plasma
technology. Its advantages include mild operating conditions, easy upscaling, and gas activation by energetic electrons instead of heat. This allows thermodynamically difficult reactions, such as CO2 splitting and the dry reformation of methane, to occur with reasonable energy cost. In this review, after exploring the traditional thermal approaches, we have provided a brief overview of the fierce competition between various novel approaches in a quest to find the most effective and efficient CO2 conversion technology. This is needed to critically assess whether plasma technology can be successful in an already crowded arena. The following questions need to be answered in this regard: are there key advantages to using plasma technology over other novel approaches, and if so, what is the flip side to the use of this technology? Can plasma technology be successful on its own, or can synergies be achieved by combining it with other technologies? To answer
these specific questions and to evaluate the potentials and limitations of plasma technology in general, this review presents the current state-of-the-art and a critical assessment of plasma-based CO2 conversion, as well as the future challenges for its practical implementation.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 38.618
Times cited: 168
DOI: 10.1039/C6CS00066E
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“Bottom-Up Mechanical Nanometrology of Granular Ag Nanoparticles Thin Films”. Benetti G, Caddeo C, Melis C, Ferrini G, Giannetti C, Winckelmans N, Bals S, J Van Bael M, Cavaliere E, Gavioli L, Banfi F, The journal of physical chemistry: C : nanomaterials and interfaces 121, 22434 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jpcc.7b05795
Abstract: Ultrathin metal nanoparticles coatings, synthesized by gas-phase deposition, are emerging as go-to materials in a variety of fields ranging from pathogens control, sensing to energy storage. Predicting their morphology and mechanical properties beyond a trial-and-error approach is a crucial issue limiting their exploitation in real-life applications. The morphology and mechanical properties of Ag nanoparticles ultrathin films, synthesized by supersonic cluster beam deposition, are here assessed adopting a bottom-up, multi-technique approach. A virtual film model is proposed merging high resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy, supersonic cluster beam dynamics and molecular dynamics simulations. The model is validated against mechanical nanometrology measurements and is readily extendable to metals other than Ag. The virtual film is shown to be a flexible and reliable predictive tool to access morphology-dependent properties such as mesoscale gas-dynamics and elasticity of ultrathin films synthesized by gas-phase deposition.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 4.536
Times cited: 30
DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcc.7b05795
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“Shape control in ZIF-8 nanocrystals and metal nanoparticles@ZIF-8 heterostructures”. Zheng G, Chen Z, Sentosun K, Pérez-Juste I, Bals S, Liz-Marzán LM, Pastoriza-Santos I, Pérez-Juste J, Hong M, Nanoscale 9, 16645 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1039/C7NR03739B
Abstract: Shape control in metal-organic frameworks still remains a challenge. We propose a strategy based on the capping agent modulator method to control the shape of ZIF-8 nanocrystals. This approach requires the use of a surfactant, cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), and a second capping agent, tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane (TRIS), to obtain ZIF-8 nanocrystals with morphology control in aqueous media. Semiempirical computational simulations suggest that both shape-inducing agents adsorb onto different surface facets of ZIF-8, thereby slowing down their crystal growth rates. While CTAB molecules preferentially adsorb onto the {100} facets, leading to ZIF-8 particles with cubic morphology, TRIS preferentially stabilizes the {111} facets, inducing the formation of octahedral crystals. Interestingly, the presence of both capping agents leads to nanocrystals with irregular shapes and higher index facets, such as hexapods and burr puzzles. Additionally, the combination of ZIF-8 nanocrystals with other materials is expected to impart additional properties due to the hybrid nature of the resulting nanocomposites. In the present case, the presence of CTAB and TRIS molecules as capping agents facilitates the synthesis of metal nanoparticle@ZIF-8 nanocomposites, due to synergistic effects which could be of use in a number of applications such as catalysis, gas sensing and storage.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 7.367
Times cited: 109
DOI: 10.1039/C7NR03739B
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“Quantifying inflow uncertainties in RANS simulations of urban pollutant dispersion”. García Sánchez C, Van Tendeloo G, Gorle C, Atmospheric environment : an international journal 161, 263 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.ATMOSENV.2017.04.019
Abstract: Numerical simulations of flow and pollutant dispersion in urban environments have the potential to support design and policy decisions that could reduce the population's exposure to air pollution. Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes simulations are a common modeling technique for urban flow and dispersion, but several sources of uncertainty in the simulations can affect the accuracy of the results. The present study proposes a method to quantify the uncertainty related to variability in the inflow boundary conditions. The method is applied to predict flow and pollutant dispersion in downtown Oklahoma City and the results are compared to field measurements available from the Joint Urban 2003 measurement campaign. Three uncertain parameters that define the inflow profiles for velocity, turbulence kinetic energy and turbulence dissipation are defined: the velocity magnitude and direction, and the terrain roughness length. The uncertain parameter space is defined based on the available measurement data, and a non-intrusive propagation approach that employs 729 simulations is used to quantify the uncertainty in the simulation output. A variance based sensitivity analysis is performed to identify the most influential uncertain parameters, and it is shown that the predicted tracer concentrations are influenced by all three uncertain variables. Subsequently, we specify different probability distributions for the uncertain inflow variables based on the available measurement data and calculate the corresponding means and 95% confidence intervals for comparison with the field measurements at 35 locations in downtown Oklahoma City. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 3.629
Times cited: 17
DOI: 10.1016/J.ATMOSENV.2017.04.019
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