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Van der Paal J (2019) Generation, transport and molecular interactions of reactive species in plasma medicine. 237 p
Keywords: Doctoral thesis; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
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“The future of Ex-Ante LCA? Lessons learned and practical recommendations”. Buyle M, Audenaert A, Billen P, Boonen K, Van Passel S, Sustainability 11, 5456 (2019). http://doi.org/10.3390/SU11195456
Abstract: Every decision-oriented life cycle assessment (LCAs) entails, at least to some extent, a future-oriented feature. However, apart from the ex-ante LCAs, the majority of LCA studies are retrospective in nature and do not explicitly account for possible future effects. In this review a generic theoretical framework is proposed as a guideline for ex-ante LCA. This framework includes the entire technology life cycle, from the early design phase up to continuous improvements of mature technologies, including their market penetration. The compatibility with commonly applied system models yields an additional aspect of the framework. Practical methods and procedures are categorised, based on how they incorporate future-oriented features in LCA. The results indicate that most of the ex-ante LCAs focus on emerging technologies that have already gone through some research cycles within narrowly defined system boundaries. There is a lack of attention given to technologies that are at a very early development stage, when all options are still open and can be explored at a low cost. It is also acknowledged that technological learning impacts the financial and environmental performance of mature production systems. Once technologies are entering the market, shifts in market composition can lead to substantial changes in environmental performance.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM); Biochemical Wastewater Valorization & Engineering (BioWaVE); Energy and Materials in Infrastructure and Buildings (EMIB)
Impact Factor: 1.789
Times cited: 4
DOI: 10.3390/SU11195456
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“Screen versus cyclone for improved capacity and robustness for sidestream and mainstream deammonification”. Van Winckel T, Vlaeminck SE, Al-Omari A, Bachmann B, Sturm B, Wett B, Takács I, Bott C, Murthy SN, De Clippeleir H, Environmental Science: Water Research &, Technology 5, 1769 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1039/C9EW00384C
Abstract: Deammonification systems are being implemented as cost- and resource-efficient nitrogen removal processes. However, their complexity is a major hurdle towards successful transposition from side- to mainstream application. Merely out-selecting nitrite oxidizing bacteria (NOB) or retaining anammox bacteria (AnAOB) does not guarantee efficient mainstream deammonification. This paper presents for the first time the interactions and synergies between kinetic selection, through management of residual substrates, and physical selection, through separation of solid retention times (SRTs). This allowed the formulation of tangible operational recommendations for successful deammonification. Activity measurements were used to establish retention efficiencies (η) for AnAOB for full-scale cyclones and rotating drum screens installed at a sidestream and mainstream deammonification reactor (Strass, Austria). In the sidestream reactor, using a screen (η = 91%) instead of a cyclone (η = 88%) may increase the capacity by up to 29%. For the mainstream reactor, higher AnAOB retention efficiencies achieved by the screen (η = 72%) compared to the cyclone (η = 42%) induced a prospective increase in capacity by 80–90%. In addition, the switch in combination with bioaugmentation from the sidestream made the process less dependent on nitrite availability, thus aiding in the outselection of NOB. This allowed for a more flexible (intermittent) aeration strategy and a reduced need for tight SRT control for NOB washout. A sensitivity analysis explored expected trends to provide possible operational windows for further calibration. In essence, characterization of the physical selectors at full scale allowed a deeper understanding of operational windows of the process and quantification of capacity, ultimately leading to a more space and energy conservation process.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
DOI: 10.1039/C9EW00384C
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Van der Donck M (2019) Excitonic complexes in transition metal dichalcogenides and related materials. 224 p
Keywords: Doctoral thesis; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
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“Proof of concept of an upscaled photocatalytic multi-tube reactor : a combined modelling and experimental study”. van Walsem J, Roegiers J, Modde B, Lenaerts S, Denys S, Chemical engineering journal 378, 122038 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.CEJ.2019.122038
Abstract: Three upscaled multi-tube photocatalytic reactors designed for integration into HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) systems were proposed and evaluated using a CFD modelling approach, with emphasis on the flow, irradiation and concentration distribution in the reactor and hence, photocatalytic performance. Based on the obtained insights, the best reactor design was selected, further characterized and improved by an additional proof of concept study and eventually converted into practice. Subsequently, the scaled-up prototype was experimentally tested according to the CEN-EN-16846-1 standard (2017) for volatile organic compound (VOC) removal by an external scientific research center. The combined modelling and experimental approach used in this work, leads to essential insights into the design and assessment of photocatalytic reactors. Therefore, this study provides an essential step towards the optimization and commercialization of photocatalytic reactors for HVAC applications.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Impact Factor: 6.216
DOI: 10.1016/J.CEJ.2019.122038
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“Experimental methods in chemical engineering : mass spectrometry –, MS”. Perreault P, Robert E, Patience GS, The Canadian journal of chemical engineering 97, 1036 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1002/CJCE.23466
Abstract: Mass spectrometry identifies the atomic mass of molecules and fragments in the gas phase. The spectrometer ionizes the molecules that then pass through an electric or magnetic field towards a detector. The field modifies the molecule's trajectory and we infer mass from its direction and velocity in a static field or from the stability of its path in a dynamic field. The electric current is amplified and a mass spectrum is generated from the location or timing of the signal from the detector, translated into a plot of the intensity as a function of the mass‐over‐charge ratio. It is field deployable, measures concentrations in real time with a temporal resolution better than 100 ms, and detection limits of fg. However, the signal drifts with time so we have to calibrate it as frequently as every hour. Calibrating requires multiple mixtures with varying concentrations to map the non‐linear response. The Web of Science Core Collection indexed over 60 000 articles that refer to MS (2016 and 2017) with applications ranging from permanent gas analysis, to identifying protein, forensic science, and natural products. The bibliometric software VOSViewer(2010) identified four clusters of research related to MS: (1) proteomics, proteins, plasma, and metabolomics; (2) solid phase extraction together with gas chromatography; (3) tandem mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography; and (4) waste water and toxicity. We expect that the technique will continue to evolve with increased sensitivity, lower drift, and greater specificity. Miniaturization efforts should also continue in order to develop faster field deployable instruments.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
DOI: 10.1002/CJCE.23466
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“Process intensification in a gas–solid vortex unit : computational fluid dynamics model based analysis and design”. Vandewalle LA, Gonzalez-Quiroga A, Perreault P, Van Geem KM, Marin GB, Industrial and engineering chemistry research 58, 12751 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1021/ACS.IECR.9B01566
Abstract: The process intensification abilities of gas–solid vortex units (GSVU) are very promising for gas–solid processes. By working in a centrifugal force field, much higher gas–solid slip velocities can be obtained compared to gravitational fluidized beds, resulting in a significant increase in heat and mass transfer rates. In this work, local azimuthal and radial particle velocities for an experimental GSVU are simulated using the Euler–Euler framework in OpenFOAM and compared with particle image velocimetry measurements. With the validated model, the effect of the particle diameter, number of inlet slots and reactor length on the bed hydrodynamics is assessed. Starting from 1g-Geldart-B type particles, increasing the particle diameter or density, increasing the number of inlet slots or increasing the gas injection velocity leads to an increased bed stability and uniformity. However, a trade-off has to be made since increased bed stability and uniformity lead to higher shear stresses and attrition.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
DOI: 10.1021/ACS.IECR.9B01566
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“An experimental and numerical study of the suppression of jets, counterflow, and backflow in vortex units”. Kulkarni S, Gonzalez-Quiroga A, Nuñez M, Schuerewegen C, Perreault P, Goel C, Heynderickx GJ, Van Geem KM, Marin GB, AIChE journal 65, e16614 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1002/AIC.16614
Abstract: Vortex units are commonly considered for various single and multiphase applications due to their process intensification capabilities. The transition from gas‐only flow to gas–solid flow remains largely unexplored nonetheless. During this transition, primary flow phenomenon, jets, and secondary flow phenomena, counterflow and backflow, are substantially reduced, before a rotating solids bed is established. This transitional flow regime is referred to as the vortex suppression regime. In the present work, this flow transition is identified and validated through experimental and computational studies in two vortex units with a scale differing by a factor of 2, using spherical aluminum and alumina particles. This experimental data supports the proposed theoretical particle monolayer solids loading that allows estimation of vortex suppression regime solids capacity for any vortex unit. It is shown that the vortex suppression regime is established at a solids loading theoretically corresponding to a monolayer being formed in the unit for 1g‐Geldart D‐ and 1g‐Geldart B‐type particles. The model closely agrees with experimental vortex suppression range for both aluminum and alumina particles. The model, as well as the experimental data, shows that the flow suppression regime depends on unit dimensions, particle diameter, and particle density but is independent of gas flow rate. This combined study, based on experimental and computational data and on a theoretical model, reveals the vortex suppression to be one of the basic operational parameters to study flow in a vortex unit and that a simple monolayer model allows to estimate the needed solids loading for any vortex device to induce this flow transition.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
DOI: 10.1002/AIC.16614
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“Azimuthal and radial flow patterns of 1g-Geldart B-type particles in a gas-solid vortex reactor”. Gonzalez-Quiroga A, Kulkarni SR, Vandewalle L, Perreault P, Goel C, Heynderickx GJ, van Geem KM, Marin GB, Powder technology 354, 410 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.POWTEC.2019.06.015
Abstract: Processes requiring intensive interfacial momentum, mass and heat exchange between gases and particulate solids can be greatly enhanced by operating in a centrifugal field. This is realized in the Gas-Solid Vortex Reactor (GSVR) with centrifugal accelerations up to two orders of magnitude higher than the Earth's gravitational acceleration. Here, the flow patterns of two 1g-Geldart B-type particles are experimentally assessed, over the gas inlet velocity range 82–126 m s−1, in an 80 mm diameter and 15 mm height GSVR. The particles are monosized aluminum spheres of 0.5 mm diameter, and walnut shell in the sieve fraction 0.50–0.56 mm and aspect ratio 1.3 ± 0.2. Two dimensional Particle Image Velocimetry combined with Digital Image Analysis and pressure measurements revealed that periodic fluctuations in solids azimuthal and radial velocity between gas inlet slots are strongly related to the average solids azimuthal velocity and bed uniformity. Aluminum particles feature steeper changes in azimuthal velocity and more attenuated changes in radial velocity than walnut shell particles. Within the assessed gas inlet velocity range the solids bed of aluminum exhibits average azimuthal velocities and bed voidages 40–50% and ≈10% lower than those of walnut shell. The aerodynamic response time of the particles, i.e. ρsdp2/18μg, emerged as an important parameter to assess the influence of the carrier gas jet on the radial deflection of the particles and the interaction solids bed-outer wall. Too low aerodynamic response time relates to nonuniformity in bed voidage due to solids radial velocity fluctuations. Excessive aerodynamic response time indicates low solids azimuthal velocities due to solids bed-outer wall friction.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
DOI: 10.1016/J.POWTEC.2019.06.015
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“High-TCInterfacial Ferromagnetism in SrMnO3/LaMnO3Superlattices”. Keunecke M, Lyzwa F, Schwarzbach D, Roddatis V, Gauquelin N, Müller-Caspary K, Verbeeck J, Callori SJ, Klose F, Jungbauer M, Moshnyaga V, Advanced functional materials , 1808270 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1002/adfm.201808270
Abstract: Heterostructures of strongly correlated oxides demonstrate various intriguing and potentially useful interfacial phenomena. LaMnO3/SrMnO3 superlattices are presented showcasing a new high‐temperature ferromagnetic phase with Curie temperature, TC ≈360 K, caused by electron transfer from the surface of the LaMnO3 donor layer into the neighboring SrMnO3 acceptor layer. As a result, the SrMnO3 (top)/LaMnO3 (bottom) interface shows an enhancement of the magnetization as depth‐profiled by polarized neutron reflectometry. The length scale of charge transfer, λTF ≈2 unit cells, is obtained from in situ growth monitoring by optical ellipsometry, supported by optical simulations, and further confirmed by high resolution electron microscopy and spectroscopy. A model of the inhomogeneous distribution of electron density in LaMnO3/SrMnO3 layers along the growth direction is concluded to account for a complex interplay between ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic layers in superlattices.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 15.621
Times cited: 26
DOI: 10.1002/adfm.201808270
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“Risk Assessment of kINPen Plasma Treatment of Four Human Pancreatic Cancer Cell Lines with Respect to Metastasis”. Bekeschus S, Freund E, Spadola C, Privat-Maldonado A, Hackbarth C, Bogaerts A, Schmidt A, Wende K, Weltmann K-D, von Woedtke T, Heidecke C-D, Partecke L-I, Käding A, Cancers 11, 1237 (2019). http://doi.org/10.3390/cancers11091237
Abstract: Cold physical plasma has limited tumor growth in many preclinical models and is, therefore, suggested as a putative therapeutic option against cancer. Yet, studies investigating the cells’ metastatic behavior following plasma treatment are scarce, although being of prime importance to evaluate the safety of this technology. Therefore, we investigated four human pancreatic cancer cell lines for their metastatic behavior in vitro and in chicken embryos (in ovo). Pancreatic cancer was chosen as it is particularly metastatic to the peritoneum and systemically, which is most predictive for outcome. In vitro, treatment with the kINPen plasma jet reduced pancreatic cancer cell activity and viability, along with unchanged or decreased motility. Additionally, the expression of adhesion markers relevant for metastasis was down-regulated, except for increased CD49d. Analysis of 3D tumor spheroid outgrowth showed a lack of plasma-spurred metastatic behavior. Finally, analysis of tumor tissue grown on chicken embryos validated the absence of an increase of metabolically active cells physically or chemically detached with plasma treatment. We conclude that plasma treatment is a safe and promising therapeutic option and that it does not promote metastatic behavior in pancreatic cancer cells in vitro and in ovo.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Times cited: 4
DOI: 10.3390/cancers11091237
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“Rational design of an XNA ligase through docking of unbound nucleic acids to toroidal proteins”. Vanmeert M, Razzokov J, Mirza MU, Weeks SD, Schepers G, Bogaerts A, Rozenski J, Froeyen M, Herdewijn P, Pinheiro VB, Lescrinier E, Nucleic acids research 47, 7130 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1093/nar/gkz551
Abstract: Xenobiotic nucleic acids (XNA) are nucleic acid analogues not present in nature that can be used for the storage of genetic information. In vivo XNA applications could be developed into novel biocontainment strategies, but are currently limited by the challenge of developing XNA processing enzymes such as polymerases, ligases and nucleases. Here, we present a structure-guided modelling-based strategy for the rational design of those enzymes essential for the development of XNA molecular biology. Docking of protein domains to unbound double-stranded nucleic acids is used to generate a first approximation of the extensive interaction of nucleic acid processing enzymes with their substrate. Molecular dynamics is used to optimise that prediction allowing, for the first time, the accurate prediction of how proteins that form toroidal complexes with nucleic acids interact with their substrate. Using the Chlorella virus DNA ligase as a proof of principle, we recapitulate the ligase's substrate specificity and successfully predict how to convert it into an XNA-templated XNA ligase.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 10.162
Times cited: 1
DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkz551
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Fatermans J (2019) Quantitative atom detection from atomic-resolution transmission electron microscopy images. 155 p
Keywords: Doctoral thesis; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
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“Influence of Cell Type and Culture Medium on Determining Cancer Selectivity of Cold Atmospheric Plasma Treatment”. Biscop, Lin, Boxem, Loenhout, Backer, Deben, Dewilde, Smits, Bogaerts, Cancers 11, 1287 (2019). http://doi.org/10.3390/cancers11091287
Abstract: Increasing the selectivity of cancer treatments is attractive, as it has the potential to reduce side-effects of therapy. Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) is a novel cancer treatment that disrupts the intracellular oxidative balance. Several reports claim CAP treatment to be selective, but retrospective analysis of these studies revealed discrepancies in several biological factors and culturing methods. Before CAP can be conclusively stated as a selective cancer treatment, the importance of these factors must be investigated. In this study, we evaluated the influence of the cell type, cancer type, and cell culture medium on direct and indirect CAP treatment. Comparison of cancerous cells with their non-cancerous counterparts was performed under standardized conditions to determine selectivity of treatment. Analysis of seven human cell lines (cancerous: A549, U87, A375, and Malme-3M; non-cancerous: BEAS-2B, HA, and HEMa) and five different cell culture media (DMEM, RPMI1640, AM, BEGM, and DCBM) revealed that the tested parameters strongly influence indirect CAP treatment, while direct treatment was less affected. Taken together, the results of our study demonstrate that cell type, cancer type, and culturing medium must be taken into account before selectivity of CAP treatment can be claimed and overlooking these parameters can easily result in inaccurate conclusions of selectivity.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT); Center for Oncological Research (CORE)
Times cited: 9
DOI: 10.3390/cancers11091287
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Heyne MH (2019) Chemistry and plasma physics challenges for 2D materials technology. 167 p
Abstract: Transition-metal dichalcogenides such as MoS2 or WS2 are semiconducting materials with a layered structure. One single layer consists of a plane of metal atoms terminated on the top and bottom by the chalcogen atoms sulfur, selenium, or tellurium. These layers show strong in-plane covalent bonding, whereas the Van-der-Waals bonds in between adjacent layers are weak. Those weak bonds allow the microcleavage and extraction of a monolayer. Transistors built on such monolayer nanosheets are promising due to high electrostatic controllability in comparison to a bulk semiconductor. This is important for fast switching speed and low-power consumption in the OFF-state. Nonetheless, prototypes of such nanosheet transistors show non-idealities due to the fabrication process. Closed films on a large area cannot be obtained by mechanical exfoliation from mm-sized crystals. For wafer-level processing, synthetic growth methods are needed. It is a challenge to obtain a few layer thick crystals with large lateral grains or even without grain boundaries with synthetic growth techniques. This requires pre-conditioned monocrystalline substrates, high-temperature deposition, and polymer-assisted transfer to other target substrates after the growth. Such transfer is a source of cracks in the film and degrades the layers' promising properties by residual polymer from the bond material. Apart from transfer, patterning of the stacked 2D layers is necessary to build devices. The patterning of a 2D material itself or another material on top of it is challenging. The integration of the nanosheets into miniaturized devices cannot be done by conventional continuous-wave dry etching techniques due to the absence of etch stop layers and the vulnerability of these thin layers. To eliminate these issues in growth and integration, we explored the deposition methods on wafer-level and low-damage integration schemes. To this end, we studied the growth of MoS2 by a hybrid physical-chemical vapor deposition for which metal layers were deposited and subsequently sulfurized in H2S to obtain large area 2D layers. The impact of sulfurization temperature, time, partial H2S pressure, and H2 addition on the stoichiometry, crystallinity, and roughness were explored. Furthermore, a selective low-temperature deposition and conversion process at 450 °C for WS2 by the precursors WF6, H2S, and Si was considered. Si was used as a reducing agent for WF6 to deposit thin W films and H2S sulfurized this film in situ. The impact of the reducing agent amount, its surface condition, the temperature window, and the necessary time for the conversion of Si into W and W into WS2 were studied. Further quality improvement strategies on the WS2 were implemented by using extra capping layers in combination with annealing. Capping layers such as Ni and Co for metal-induced crystallization were compared to dielectric capping layers. The impact of the metal capping layer and its thickness on the recrystallization was evaluated. The dielectric capping layer's property to suppress sulfur loss under high temperature was explored. The annealings, which were done by rapid thermal annealing and nanosecond laser annealing, were discussed. Eventually, the fabrication of a heterostack with a MoS2 base layer and selectively grown WS2 was studied. Atomic layer etching was identified as attractive technique to remove the solid precursor Si from MoS2 in a layer-by-layer fashion. The in-situ removal of native SiO2 and the impact towards MoS2 was determined. The created patterned Si on MoS2 was then converted into patterned WS2 on MoS2 by the selective WF6/H2S process developed earlier. This procedure offers an attractive, scalable way to enable the fabrication of 2D devices with CMOS-compatible processes and contributes essential progress in the field 2D materials technology.
Keywords: Doctoral thesis; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
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Vieira De Castro L (2019) Properties of quasi particles on two dimensional materials and related structures. 79 p
Keywords: Doctoral thesis; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
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Cautaerts N (2019) Nanoscale study of ageing and irradiation induced precipitates in the DIN 1.4970 alloy. 306 p
Keywords: Doctoral thesis; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
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“Tuning the electronic and magnetic properties of antimonene nanosheets via point defects and external fields: first-principles calculations”. Bafekry A, Ghergherehchi M, Shayesteh SF, Physical chemistry, chemical physics 21, 10552 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1039/C9CP01378D
Abstract: Defects are inevitably present in materials, and their existence in a material strongly affects its fundamental physical properties. We have systematically investigated the effects of surface adsorption, substitutional impurities, defect engineering, an electric field and strain engineering on the structural, electronic and magnetic properties of antimonene nanosheets, using spin-polarized density functional calculations based on first-principles. The adsorption or substitution of atoms can locally modify the atomic and electronic structures as well as induce a variety of electronic behaviors including metal, half-metal, ferromagnetic metal, dilute magnetic semiconductor and spin-glass semiconductor. Our calculations show that the presence of typical defects (vacancies and Stone-Wales defect) in antimonene affects the geometrical symmetry as well as the band gap in the electronic band structure and induces magnetism to antimonene. Moreover, by applying an external electric field and strain (uniaxial and biaxial), the electronic structure of antimonene can be easily modified. The calculation results presented in this paper provide a fundamental insight into the tunable nature of the electronic properties of antimonene, supporting its promise for use in future applications.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 4.123
Times cited: 17
DOI: 10.1039/C9CP01378D
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“A titanium(IV)-based metal-organic framework featuring defect-rich Ti-O sheets as an oxidative desulfurization catalyst”. Smolders S, Willhammar T, Krajnc A, Şentosun K, Wharmby MT, Lomachenko KA, Bals S, Mali G, Roeffaers MBJ, De Vos DE, Bueken B, Angewandte Chemie: international edition in English 58, 9160 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1002/ANIE.201904347
Abstract: While titanium-based metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have been widely studied for their (photo) catalytic potential, only a few Ti-IV MOFs have been reported owing to the high reactivity of the employed titanium precursors. The synthesis of COK-47 is now presented, the first Ti carboxylate MOF based on sheets of (TiO6)-O-IV octahedra, which can be synthesized with a range of different linkers. COK-47 can be synthesized as an inherently defective nanoparticulate material, rendering it a highly efficient catalyst for the oxidation of thiophenes. Its structure was determined by continuous rotation electron diffraction and studied in depth by X-ray total scattering, EXAFS, and solid-state NMR. Furthermore, its photoactivity was investigated by electron paramagnetic resonance and demonstrated by catalytic photodegradation of rhodamine 6G.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 11.994
Times cited: 97
DOI: 10.1002/ANIE.201904347
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“Phase transformation of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles via thermal annealing : implications for hyperthermia applications”. Crippa F, Rodriguez-Lorenzo L, Hua X, Goris B, Bals S, Garitaonandia JS, Balog S, Burnand D, Hirt AM, Haeni L, Lattuada M, Rothen-Rutishauser B, Petri-Fink A, ACS applied nano materials 2, 4462 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1021/ACSANM.9B00823
Abstract: Magnetic hyperthermia has the potential to play an important role in cancer therapy and its efficacy relies on the nanomaterials selected. Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) are excellent candidates due to the ability of producing enough heat to kill tumor cells by thermal ablation. However, their heating properties depend strongly on crystalline structure and size, which may not be controlled and tuned during the synthetic process; therefore, a postprocessing is needed. We show how thermal annealing can be simultaneously coupled with ligand exchange to stabilize the SPIONs in polar solvents and to modify their crystal structure, which improves hyperthermia behavior. Using high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Mossbauer spectroscopy, vibrating sample magnetometry, and lock-in thermography, we systematically investigate the impact of size and ligand exchange procedure on crystallinity, their magnetism, and heating ability. We describe a valid and simple approach to optimize SPIONs for hyperthermia by carefully controlling the size, colloidal stability, and crystallinity.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Times cited: 18
DOI: 10.1021/ACSANM.9B00823
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“Material relaxation in chalcogenide OTS SELECTOR materials”. Clima S, Garbin D, Devulder W, Keukelier J, Opsomer K, Goux L, Kar GS, Pourtois G, Microelectronic engineering 215, 110996 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.MEE.2019.110996
Abstract: Nature of the mobility-gap states in amorphous Ge-rich Ge50Se50 was found to be related to homopolar Ge bonds in the chains/clusters of Ge atoms. Threshold switching material suffers Ge-Ge bond concentration drift during material ageing, which can explain the observed reliability of the aGe(50)Se(50) selector devices. Strong Ge-N bonds were introduced to alleviate the observed instability.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 1.806
Times cited: 1
DOI: 10.1016/J.MEE.2019.110996
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“Self‐Assembly of Atomically Thin Chiral Copper Heterostructures Templated by Black Phosphorus”. Nerl HC, Pokle A, Jones L, Müller‐Caspary K, Bos KHW, Downing C, McCarthy EK, Gauquelin N, Ramasse QM, Lobato I, Daly D, Idrobo JC, Van Aert S, Van Tendeloo G, Sanvito S, Coleman JN, Cucinotta CS, Nicolosi V, Advanced functional materials 29, 1903120 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1002/adfm.201903120
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 12.124
Times cited: 1
DOI: 10.1002/adfm.201903120
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“Electronic, vibrational, elastic, and piezoelectric properties of monolayer Janus MoSTe phases: A first-principles study”. Yagmurcukardes M, Sevik C, Peeters FM, Physical review B 100, 045415 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1103/PHYSREVB.100.045415
Abstract: By performing density functional theory based first-principles calculations, the electronic, vibrational, elastic, and piezoelectric properties of two dynamically stable crystal phases of monolayer Janus MoSTe, namely 1H-MoSTe and 1T'-MoSTe, are investigated. Vibrational frequency analysis reveals that the other possible crystal structure, 1T-MoSTe, of this Janus monolayer does not exhibit dynamical stability. The 1H-MoSTe phase is found to be an indirect band-gap semiconductor while 1T'-MoSTe is predicted as small-gap semiconductor. Notably, in contrast to the direct band-gap nature of monolayers 1H-MoS2 and 1H-MoTe2, 1H-MoSTe is found to be an indirect gap semiconductor driven by the induced surface strains on each side of the structure. The calculated Raman spectrum of each structure shows unique character enabling us to clearly distinguish the stable crystal phases via Raman measurements. The systematic piezoelectric stress and strain coefficient analysis reveals that out-of-plane piezoelectricity appears in 1H-MoSTe and the noncentral symmetric 1T'-MoSTe has large piezoelectric coefficients. Static total-energy calculations show clearly that the formation of 1T'-MoSTe is feasible by using 1T'-MoTe2 as a basis monolayer. Therefore, we propose that the Janus MoSTe structure can be fabricated in two dynamically stable phases which possess unique electronic, dynamical, and piezoelectric properties.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.836
Times cited: 128
DOI: 10.1103/PHYSREVB.100.045415
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“Monolayer fluoro-InSe : formation of a thin monolayer via fluorination of InSe”. Yagmurcukardes M, Physical review B 100, 024108 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1103/PHYSREVB.100.024108
Abstract: By performing density functional theory-based first-principles calculations, the formation of a thin monolayer structure, namely InSeF, via fluorination of monolayer InSe is predicted. It is shown that strong interaction of F and In atoms leads to the detachment of In-Se layers in monolayer InSe and 1T-like monolayer InSeF structure is formed. Monolayer InSeF is found to be dynamically stable in terms of its phonon band dispersions. In addition, its Raman spectrum is shown to exhibit totally distinctive features as compared to monolayer InSe. The electronic band dispersions reveal that monolayer InSeF is a direct gap semiconductor whose valence and conduction band edges reside at the Gamma point. Moreover, the orientation-dependent linear elastic properties of monolayer InSeF are investigated in terms of the in-plane stiffness and Poisson ratio. It is found that monolayer InSeF displays strong in-plane anisotropy in elastic constants and it is slightly softer material as compared to monolayer InSe. Overall, it is proposed that a thin, direct gap semiconducting monolayer InSeF can be formed by full fluorination of monolayer InSe as a new member of the two-dimensional family.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.836
Times cited: 9
DOI: 10.1103/PHYSREVB.100.024108
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“Manipulation of magnetic skyrmions by superconducting vortices in ferromagnet-superconductor heterostructures”. Menezes RM, Neto JFS, de Souza Silva CC, Milošević, MV, Physical review B 100, 014431 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1103/PHYSREVB.100.014431
Abstract: Dynamics of magnetic skyrmions in hybrid ferromagnetic films harbors interesting physical phenomena and holds promise for technological applications. In this work, we discuss the behavior of magnetic skyrmions when coupled to superconducting vortices in a ferromagnet-superconductor heterostructure. We use numerical simulations and analytic arguments within London and Thiele formalisms to reveal broader possibilities for manipulating the skyrmion-vortex dynamic correlations in the hybrid system, that are not possible in its separated constituents. We explore the thresholds of particular dynamic phases, and quantify the phase diagram as a function of the relevant material parameters, applied current, and induced magnetic torques. Finally, we demonstrate the broad and precise tunability of the skyrmion Hall angle in the presence of vortices, with respect to currents applied to either or both the superconductor and the ferromagnet within the heterostructure.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.836
Times cited: 17
DOI: 10.1103/PHYSREVB.100.014431
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“Electron collimation at van der Waals domain walls in bilayer graphene”. Abdullah HM, da Costa DR, Bahlouli H, Chaves A, Peeters FM, Van Duppen B, Physical review B 100, 045137 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1103/PHYSREVB.100.045137
Abstract: We show that a domain wall separating single-layer graphene and AA-stacked bilayer graphene (AA-BLG) can be used to generate highly collimated electron beams which can be steered by a magnetic field. Two distinct configurations are studied, namely, locally delaminated AA-BLG and terminated AA-BLG whose terminal edge types are assumed to be either zigzag or armchair. We investigate the electron scattering using semiclassical dynamics and verify the results independently with wave-packet dynamics simulations. We find that the proposed system supports two distinct types of collimated beams that correspond to the lower and upper cones in AA-BLG. Our computational results also reveal that collimation is robust against the number of layers connected to AA-BLG and terminal edges.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.836
Times cited: 12
DOI: 10.1103/PHYSREVB.100.045137
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“Single-layer structures of a100- and b010-Gallenene : a tight-binding approach”. Nakhaee M, Yagmurcukardes M, Ketabi SA, Peeters FM, Physical chemistry, chemical physics 21, 15798 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1039/C9CP02515D
Abstract: Using the simplified linear combination of atomic orbitals (LCAO) method in combination with ab initio calculations, we construct a tight-binding (TB) model for two different crystal structures of monolayer gallium: a(100)- and b(010)-Gallenene. The analytical expression for the Hamiltonian and numerical results for the overlap matrix elements between different orbitals of the Ga atoms and for the Slater and Koster (SK) integrals are obtained. We find that the compaction of different structures affects significantly the formation of the orbitals. The results for a(100)-Gallenene can be very well explained with an orthogonal basis set, while for b(010)-Gallenene we have to assume a non-orthogonal basis set in order to construct the TB model. Moreover, the transmission properties of nanoribbons of both monolayers oriented along the AC and ZZ directions are also investigated and it is shown that both AC- and ZZ-b(010)-Gallenene nanoribbons exhibit semiconducting behavior with zero transmission while those of a(100)-Gallenene nanoribbons are metallic.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 4.123
Times cited: 14
DOI: 10.1039/C9CP02515D
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“Ceramide cross-linking leads to pore formation: Potential mechanism behind CAP enhancement of transdermal drug delivery”. Van der Paal J, Fridman G, Bogaerts A, Plasma processes and polymers 16, 1900122 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1002/PPAP.201900122
Abstract: In recent years, cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) has been proposed as a novel method to enhance transdermal drug delivery, while avoiding tissue damage. However, the underlying mechanism for the increasing skin permeability upon CAP treatment is still undefined. We propose a mechanism in which CAP-generated reactive species induce cross-linking of skin lipids, leading to the generation of nanopores, thereby facilitating the permeation of drug molecules. Molecular dynamics simulations support this proposed mechanism. Furthermore, our results indicate that to achieve maximum enhancement of the permeability, the optimal treatment will depend on the exact lipid composition of the skin, as well as on the CAP source used.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 2.846
DOI: 10.1002/PPAP.201900122
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“Interstitial defects in the van der Waals gap of Bi2Se3”. Callaert C, Bercx M, Lamoen D, Hadermann J, Acta Crystallographica. Section B: Structural Science, Crystal Engineering and Materials (Online) 75, 717 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1107/S2052520619008357
Abstract: Bi<sub>2</sub>Se<sub>3</sub>is a thermoelectric material and a topological insulator. It is slightly conducting in its bulk due to the presence of defects and by controlling the defects different physical properties can be fine tuned. However, studies of the defects in this material are often contradicting or inconclusive. Here, the defect structure of Bi<sub>2</sub>Se<sub>3</sub>is studied with a combination of techniques: high-resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy (HR-STEM), high-resolution energy-dispersive X-ray (HR-EDX) spectroscopy, precession electron diffraction tomography (PEDT), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and first-principles calculations using density functional theory (DFT). Based on these results, not only the observed defects are discussed, but also the discrepancies in results or possibilities across the techniques. STEM and EDX revealed interstitial defects with mainly Bi character in an octahedral coordination in the van der Waals gap, independent of the applied sample preparation method (focused ion beam milling or cryo-crushing). The inherent character of these defects is supported by their observation in the structure refinement of the EDT data. Moreover, the occupancy probability of the defects determined by EDT is inversely proportional to their corresponding DFT calculated formation energies. STEM also showed the migration of some atoms across and along the van der Waals gap. The kinetic barriers calculated using DFT suggest that some paths are possible at room temperature, while others are most probably beam induced.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 2.032
DOI: 10.1107/S2052520619008357
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“Structure solution and refinement of metal-ion battery cathode materials using electron diffraction tomography”. Hadermann J, Abakumov AM, And Materials 75, 485 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1107/S2052520619008291
Abstract: The applicability of electron diffraction tomography to the structure solution and refinement of charged, discharged or cycled metal-ion battery positive electrode (cathode) materials is discussed in detail. As these materials are often only available in very small amounts as powders, the possibility of obtaining single-crystal data using electron diffraction tomography (EDT) provides unique access to crucial information complementary to X-ray diffraction, neutron diffraction and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy techniques. Using several examples, the ability of EDT to be used to detect lithium and refine its atomic position and occupancy, to solve the structure of materials ex situ at different states of charge and to obtain in situ data on structural changes occurring upon electrochemical cycling in liquid electrolyte is discussed.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Times cited: 2
DOI: 10.1107/S2052520619008291
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