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“Effect of electric fields on plasma catalytic hydrocarbon oxidation from atomistic simulations”. Neyts EC, Bal KM, Plasma processes and polymers 14, e1600158 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1002/PPAP.201600158
Abstract: The catalytic oxidative dehydrogenation of hydrocarbons is an industrially important process, in which selectivity is a key issue. We here investigate the conversion of methanol to formaldehyde on a vanadia surface employing long timescale simulations, reaching a time scale of seconds. In particular, we compare the thermal process to the case where an additional external electric field is applied, as would be the case in a direct plasma-catalysis setup. We find that the electric field influences the retention time of the molecules at the catalyst surface. These simulations provide an atomic scale insight in the thermal catalytic oxidative dehydrogenation process, and in how an external electric field may affect this process.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 2.846
Times cited: 2
DOI: 10.1002/PPAP.201600158
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“A Comprehensive Chemical Model for the Splitting of CO2in Non-Equilibrium Plasmas: A Comprehensive Chemical Model for CO2Splitting”. Koelman P, Heijkers S, Tadayon Mousavi S, Graef W, Mihailova D, Kozak T, Bogaerts A, van Dijk J, Plasma processes and polymers 14, 1600155 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1002/ppap.201600155
Abstract: An extensive CO2 plasmamodel is presented that is relevant for the production of ‘‘solar fuels.’’ It is based on reaction rate coefficients fromrigorously reviewed literature, and is augmented with reactionrate coefficients that are obtained fromscaling laws.The input data set,which is suitable for usage with the plasma simulation software Plasimo (https://plasimo.phys.tue.nl/), is available via the Plasimo and publisher’s websites.1 The correctness of this model implementation has been established by independent ZDPlasKin implementation (http://www.zdplaskin.
laplace.univ-tlse.fr/), to verify that the results agree. Results of these ‘‘global models’’ are presented for a DBD plasma reactor.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 2.846
Times cited: 21
DOI: 10.1002/ppap.201600155
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“Molecular Dynamics Simulations for Plasma-Surface Interactions: Molecular Dynamics Simulations…”. Neyts EC, Brault P, Plasma processes and polymers 14, 1600145 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1002/ppap.201600145
Abstract: Plasma-surface interactions are in general highly complex due to the interplay of many concurrent processes. Molecular dynamics simulations provide insight in some of these processes, subject to the accessible time and length scales, and the availability of suitable force fields. In this introductory tutorial-style review, we aim to describe the current capabilities and limitations of molecular dynamics simulations in this field, restricting ourselves to low-temperature nonthermal plasmas. Attention is paid to the simulation of the various fundamental processes occurring, including sputtering, etching, implantation, and deposition, as well as to what extent the basic plasma components can be accounted for, including ground state and excited species, electric fields, ions, photons, and electrons. A number of examples is provided, giving an bird’s eye overview of the current state of the field.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 2.846
Times cited: 13
DOI: 10.1002/ppap.201600145
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“Influence of Gap Size and Dielectric Constant of the Packing Material on the Plasma Behaviour in a Packed Bed DBD Reactor: A Fluid Modelling Study: Influence of Gap Size and Dielectric Constant…”. Van Laer K, Bogaerts A, Plasma processes and polymers 14, 1600129 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1002/ppap.201600129
Abstract: A packed bed dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) was studied by means of fluid modelling, to investigate the influence of the dielectric constant of the packing on the plasma characteristics, for two different gap sizes. The electric field strength and electron temperature are much more enhanced in a microgap reactor than
in a mm-gap reactor, leading to more current peaks per half-cycle, but also to non-quasineutral plasma. Increasing the dielectric constant enhances the electric field further, but only up to a certain value of dielectric constant, being 9 for a microgap and 100 for a mm-gap reactor. The enhanced electric field results in a higher electron temperature, but also lower electron density. This last one strongly affects the reaction rate.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 2.846
Times cited: 23
DOI: 10.1002/ppap.201600129
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“Plasma-based liquefaction of methane: The road from hydrogen production to direct methane liquefaction”. Snoeckx R, Rabinovich A, Dobrynin D, Bogaerts A, Fridman A, Plasma processes and polymers 14, 1600115 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1002/ppap.201600115
Abstract: For the energy industry, a process that is able to transform methane—being the prime component of natural gas—efficiently into a liquid product would be equivalent to a goose with golden eggs. As such it is no surprise that research efforts in this field already date back to the nineteen hundreds. Plasma technology can be considered to be a novel player in this field, but nevertheless one with great potential. Over the past decades this technology has evolved from sole hydrogen production, over indirect methane liquefaction to eventually direct plasma-assisted methane liquefaction processes. An overview of this evolution and these processes is presented, from which it becomes clear that the near future probably lies with the direct two phase plasma-assisted methane liquefaction and the far future with the direct oxidative methane liquefaction.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 2.846
Times cited: 16
DOI: 10.1002/ppap.201600115
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“Quasi-Neutral Modeling of Gliding Arc Plasmas: Quasi-Neutral Modeling of Gliding Arc Plasmas”. Kolev S, Sun S, Trenchev G, Wang W, Wang H, Bogaerts A, Plasma processes and polymers 14, 1600110 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1002/ppap.201600110
Abstract: The modelling of a gliding arc discharge (GAD) is studied by means of the quasineutral (QN) plasma modelling approach. The model is first evaluated for reliability and proper description of a gliding arc discharge at atmospheric pressure, by comparing with a more elaborate non-quasineutral (NQN) plasma model in two different geometries – a 2D axisymmetric and a Cartesian geometry. The NQN model is considered as a reference, since it provides a continuous self-consistent plasma description, including the near electrode regions. In general, the results of the QN model agree very well with those obtained from the NQN model. The small differences between both models are attributed to the approximations in the derivation of the QN model. The use of the QN model provides a substantial reduction of the computation time compared to the NQN model, which is crucial for the development of more complex models in three dimensions or with complicated chemistries. The latter is illustrated for (i) a reverse vortex flow(RVF) GAD in argon, and (ii) a GAD in CO2. The RVF discharge is modelled in three dimensions and the effect of the turbulent heat transport on the plasma and gas characteristics is
discussed. The GAD model in CO2 is in a 1D geometry with axial symmetry and provides results for the time evolution of the electron, gas and vibrational temperature of CO2, as well as for the molar fractions of the different species.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 2.846
Times cited: 9
DOI: 10.1002/ppap.201600110
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“Plasma based CO2and CH4conversion: A modeling perspective”. Bogaerts A, De Bie C, Snoeckx R, Koz?k T, Plasma processes and polymers 14, 1600070 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1002/ppap.201600070
Abstract: This paper gives an overview of our plasma chemistry modeling for CO2 and CH4 conversion in a dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) and microwave (MW) plasma. We focus on pure CO2 splitting and pure CH4 reforming, as well as mixtures of CO2/CH4, CH4/O2, and CO2/H2O. We show calculation results for the conversion, energy efficiency, and product formation, in comparison with experiments where possible. We also present the underlying chemical reaction pathways, to explain the observed
trends. For pure CO2, a comparison is made between a DBD and MW plasma, illustrating that the higher energy efficiency of the latter is attributed to the more important role of the vibrational levels.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 2.846
Times cited: 17
DOI: 10.1002/ppap.201600070
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“Synthesis of Micro- and Nanomaterials in CO2and CO Dielectric Barrier Discharges: Synthesis of Micro- and Nanomaterials…”. Belov I, Vanneste J, Aghaee M, Paulussen S, Bogaerts A, Plasma processes and polymers 14, 1600065 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1002/ppap.201600065
Abstract: Dielectric Barrier Discharges operating in CO and CO2 form solid products at atmospheric pressure. The main differences between both plasmas and their deposits were analyzed, at similar energy input. GC measurements revealed a mixture of CO2, CO, and O2 in the CO2 DBD exhaust, while no O2 was found in the CO plasma. A coating of nanoparticles composed of Fe, O, and C was produced by the CO2 discharge, whereas, a microscopic dendrite-like carbon structure was formed in the CO plasma. Fe3O4 and Fe crystalline phases were found in the CO2 sample. The CO
deposition was characterized as an amorphous structure, close to polymeric CO (p-CO). Interestingly, p-CO is not formed in the CO2 plasma, in spite of the significant amounts of CO produced (up to 30% in the reactor exhaust).
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 2.846
Times cited: 10
DOI: 10.1002/ppap.201600065
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“Determinants of internal governance quality : evidence from corporations in Ethiopia”. Adane YG, Engida TG, Asfaw YA, Azadi H, Van Passel S, Cogent economics &, finance 6, 1537051 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1080/23322039.2018.1537051
Abstract: The study analysed the factors that affect the internal governance quality of corporations in Ethiopia. It performed an ordered logistic regression analysis on a randomly selected sample of 76 corporations to analyse the effect of the ownership structure, form of ownership (private or government), leverage, corporate size, and sales growth on the internal governance quality score (IGQS). The governance quality score was measured using 20 indices categorized into four perspectives: disclosure, board characteristics, ethics, and shareholder rights. In this study, a significant positive effect of the corporate size and sales growth on the IGQS was found. In addition, government-owned corporations were found to perform better than privately owned corporations. It is recommended that appropriate authorities and officials should encourage the use of the corporate governance system in privately owned corporations and the convergence of internal governance quality of the two groups of corporations to the highest level.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering Management (ENM)
DOI: 10.1080/23322039.2018.1537051
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“Defect-modulated transistors and gas-enhanced photodetectors on ReS2 nanosheets”. Yang S, Kang J, Yue Q, Coey JMD, Jiang C, Advanced Materials Interfaces 3, 1500707 (2016). http://doi.org/10.1002/admi.201500707
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 4.279
Times cited: 22
DOI: 10.1002/admi.201500707
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“Intrinsic thermal instability of methylammonium lead trihalide perovskite”. Conings B, Drijkoningen J, Gauquelin N, Babayigit A, D'Haen J, D'Olieslaeger L, Ethirajan A, Verbeeck J, Manca J, Mosconi E, Angelis FD, Boyen HG;, Laser physics review 5, 1500477 (2015). http://doi.org/10.1002/aenm.201500477
Abstract: Organolead halide perovskites currently are the new front-runners as light absorbers in hybrid solar cells, as they combine efficiencies passing already 20% with deposition temperatures below 100 °C and cheap solution-based fabrication routes. Long-term stability remains a major obstacle for application on an industrial scale. Here, it is demonstrated that significant decomposition effects already occur during annealing of a methylammonium lead triiode perovskite at 85 °C even in inert atmosphere thus violating international standards. The observed behavior supports the view of currently used perovskite materials as soft matter systems with low formation energies, thus representing a major bottleneck for their application, especially in countries with high average temperatures. This result can trigger a broader search for new perovskite families with improved thermal stability.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 16.721
Times cited: 1691
DOI: 10.1002/aenm.201500477
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“Fe2O3-TiO2Nano-heterostructure Photoanodes for Highly Efficient Solar Water Oxidation”. Barreca D, Carraro G, Gasparotto A, Maccato C, Warwick MEA, Kaunisto K, Sada C, Turner S, Gönüllü, Y, Ruoko T-P, Borgese L, Bontempi E, Van Tendeloo G, Lemmetyinen H, Mathur S, Advanced Materials Interfaces 2, 1500313 (2015). http://doi.org/10.1002/admi.201500313
Abstract: Harnessing solar energy for the production of clean hydrogen by photoelectrochemical water splitting represents a very attractive, but challenging approach for sustainable energy generation. In this regard, the fabrication of Fe2O3–TiO2 photoanodes is reported, showing attractive performances [≈2.0 mA cm−2 at 1.23 V vs. the reversible hydrogen electrode in 1 M NaOH] under simulated one-sun illumination. This goal, corresponding to a tenfold photoactivity enhancement with respect to bare Fe2O3, is achieved by atomic layer deposition of TiO2 over hematite (α-Fe2O3) nanostructures fabricated by plasma enhanced-chemical vapor deposition and final annealing at 650 °C. The adopted approach enables an intimate Fe2O3–TiO2 coupling, resulting in an electronic interplay at the Fe2O3/TiO2 interface. The reasons for the photocurrent enhancement determined by TiO2 overlayers with increasing thickness are unraveled by a detailed chemico-physical investigation, as well as by the study of photogenerated charge carrier dynamics. Transient absorption spectroscopy shows that the increased photoelectrochemical response of heterostructured photoanodes compared to bare hematite is due to an enhanced separation of photogenerated charge carriers and more favorable hole dynamics for water oxidation. The stable responses obtained even in simulated seawater provides a feasible route in view of the eventual large-scale generation of renewable energy.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 4.279
Times cited: 56
DOI: 10.1002/admi.201500313
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“Non-thermal plasma induces immunogenic cell death in vivo in murine CT26 colorectal tumors”. Lin AG, Xiang B, Merlino DJ, Baybutt TR, Sahu J, Fridman A, Snook AE, Miller V, Oncoimmunology 7, e1484978 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1080/2162402X.2018.1484978
Abstract: Immunogenic cell death is characterized by the emission of danger signals that facilitate activation of an adaptive immune response against dead-cell antigens. In the case of cancer therapy, tumor cells undergoing immunogenic death promote cancer-specific immunity. Identification, characterization, and optimization of stimuli that induce immunogenic cancer cell death has tremendous potential to improve the outcomes of cancer therapy. In this study, we show that non-thermal, atmospheric pressure plasma can be operated to induce immunogenic cell death in an animal model of colorectal cancer. In vitro, plasma treatment of CT26 colorectal cancer cells induced the release of classic danger signals. Treated cells were used to create a whole-cell vaccine which elicited protective immunity in the CT26 tumor mouse model. Moreover, plasma treatment of subcutaneous tumors elicited emission of danger signals and recruitment of antigen presenting cells into tumors. An increase in T cell responses targeting the colorectal cancer-specific antigen guanylyl cyclase C (GUCY2C) were also observed. This study provides the first evidence that non-thermal plasma is a bone fide inducer of immunogenic cell death and highlights its potential for clinical translation for cancer immunotherapy.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Times cited: 28
DOI: 10.1080/2162402X.2018.1484978
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“Recent breakthroughs in scanning transmission electron microscopy of small species”. van den Bos KHW, Altantzis T, De Backer A, Van Aert S, Bals S, Advances in Physics: X 3, 1480420 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1080/23746149.2018.1480420
Abstract: Over the last decade, scanning transmission electron microscopy has become one of the most powerful tools to characterise nanomaterials at the atomic scale. Often, the ultimate goal is to retrieve the three-dimensional structure, which is very challenging since small species are typically sensitive to electron irradiation. Nevertheless, measuring individual atomic positions is crucial to understand the relation between the structure and physicochemical properties of these (nano)materials. In this review, we highlight the latest approaches that are available to reveal the 3D atomic structure of small species. Finally, we will provide an outlook and will describe future challenges where the limits of electron microscopy will be pushed even further.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Times cited: 8
DOI: 10.1080/23746149.2018.1480420
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“Cascades of multiheaded chimera states for coupled phase oscillators”. Maistrenko YL, Vasylenko A, Sudakov O, Levchenko R, Maistrenko VL, International journal of bifurcation and chaos in applied sciences and engineering 24, 1440014 (2014). http://doi.org/10.1142/S0218127414400148
Abstract: Chimera state is a recently discovered dynamical phenomenon in arrays of nonlocally coupled oscillators, that displays a self-organized spatial pattern of coexisting coherence and incoherence. We discuss the appearance of the chimera states in networks of phase oscillators with attractive and with repulsive interactions, i.e. when the coupling respectively favors synchronization or works against it. By systematically analyzing the dependence of the spatiotemporal dynamics on the level of coupling attractivity/repulsivity and the range of coupling, we uncover that different types of chimera states exist in wide domains of the parameter space as cascades of the states with increasing number of intervals of irregularity, so-called chimera's heads. We report three scenarios for the chimera birth: (1) via saddle-node bifurcation on a resonant invariant circle, also known as SNIC or SNIPER, (2) via blue-sky catastrophe, when two periodic orbits, stable and saddle, approach each other creating a saddle-node periodic orbit, and (3) via homoclinic transition with complex multistable dynamics including an “eight-like” limit cycle resulting eventually in a chimera state.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 1.329
DOI: 10.1142/S0218127414400148
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“Shelf life degradation of bulk heterojunction solar cells : intrinsic evolution of charge transfer complex”. Guerrero A, Heidari H, Ripolles TS, Kovalenko A, Pfannmöller M, Bals S, Kauffmann L-D, Bisquert J, Garcia-Belmonte G, Laser physics review 5, 1401997 (2015). http://doi.org/10.1002/aenm.201401997
Abstract: Achievement of long-term stability of organic photovoltaics is currently one of the major topics for this technology to reach maturity. Most of the techniques used to reveal degradation pathways are destructive and/or do not allow for real-time measurements in operating devices. Here, three different, nondestructive techniques able to provide real-time information, namely, film absorbance, capacitance-voltage (C-V), and impedance spectroscopy (IS), are combined over a period of 1 year using non-accelerated intrinsic degradation conditions. It is discerned between chemical modifications in the active layer, physical processes taking place in the bulk of the blend from those at the active layer/contact interfaces. In particular, it is observed that during the ageing experiment, the main source for device performance degradation is the formation of donor-acceptor charge-transfer complex (P3HT(center dot+)-PCBM center dot-) that acts as an exciton quencher. Generation of these radical species diminishes photocurrent and reduces open-circuit voltage by the creation of electronic defect states. Conclusions extracted from absorption, C-V, and IS measurements will be further supported by a range of other techniques such as atomic force microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and dark-field imaging of scanning transmission electron microscopy on ultrathin cross-sections.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 16.721
Times cited: 30
DOI: 10.1002/aenm.201401997
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“Enhanced local magnetization by interface engineering in perovskite-type correlated oxide heterostructures”. Huijben M, Liu Y, Boschker H, Lauter V, Egoavil R, Verbeeck J, te Velthuis SGE, Rijnders G, Koster G, Advanced Materials Interfaces 2, 1400416 (2015). http://doi.org/10.1002/admi.201400416
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 4.279
Times cited: 30
DOI: 10.1002/admi.201400416
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Finizola e Silva M, Cools J, Cools J, Van Passel S (2024) A systematic review identifying the drivers and barriers to the adoption of climate-smart agriculture by smallholder farmers in Africa. 1356335–14
Abstract: Climate change impact, food security concerns, and greenhouse gas emissions are pressuring agricultural production systems in developing countries. There is a need for a shift toward sustainable food systems. One of the concepts introduced to drive this shift is climate-smart agriculture (CSA), endorsed by international organizations to address multifaceted challenges. Despite widespread attention and support, the adoption of CSA among African farmers remains low. This systematic literature review aims to shed light on the factors influencing CSA adoption amongst African farmers. Within the articles identified as relevant, over 50 CSA practices and more than 40 factors influencing CSA adoption were distinguished. These influencing factors can be categorized as personal, farm- related, financial, environmental, and informational. The focus of this review is to identify and explain the overall impact (positive, negative, or mixed) of these factors on CSA adoption. Overall, many factors result in mixed effects, only some factors have an unambiguous positive or negative effect on CSA adoption. For instance, educational level emerges as a key personal factor, positively impacting CSA adoption, along with positive influences from farmers’ experience and farm size among farm-related factors. Financial factors reveal distinct patterns, with income from farming and access to credit positively influencing adoption, while off-farm income exhibits a negative effect. Environmental factors, though less researched, indicate positive impacts related to changes in rainfall patterns, temperature, and droughts. Lastly, informational factors consistently exhibit a positive effect on CSA adoption, with training, access to extension, group memberships, climate information, and CSA awareness playing crucial roles. These findings provide valuable insights for policymakers seeking to enhance CSA adoption in Africa, offering a nuanced understanding of the multifaceted dynamics at play.
Keywords: Administrative Services; A3 Journal article; Economics; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM)
DOI: 10.3389/FREVC.2024.1356335
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“Performance optimization of the nano-sized pick-up loop of a dc-SQUID”. Hasnat A, Physica C-Superconductivity And Its Applications 583, 1353852 (2021). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.PHYSC.2021.1353852
Abstract: A flux transformer, consisting of a superconducting primary loop (pick-up loop) in series with a superconducting secondary loop on which measurement is done, is considered to optimize the approach and sensitivity of the Superconducting QUantum Interference Device (SQUID). Performance of such a pick-up loop placed above a magnetic particle is investigated using the numerical Ginzburg-Landau (GL) simulations. By solving 3D GL equations, static properties of the device such as the distribution of Cooper-pair density and the screening current in the secondary coil have been investigated as a function of the dimensions of the primary loop. Dynamic properties, such as current-voltage characteristics and flux-dependent critical current of the device have also been addressed, all leading to conclusion that smaller size pick-up loop is the first requirement for its optimal sensitivity.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 1.404
DOI: 10.1016/J.PHYSC.2021.1353852
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“Optimizing control strategies for urine nitrification : narrow pH control band enhances process stability and reduces nitrous oxide emissions”. Faust V, Boon N, Ganigué, R, Vlaeminck SE, Udert KM, Frontiers in environmental science 11, 1275152 (2023). http://doi.org/10.3389/FENVS.2023.1275152
Abstract: Nitrification is well-suited for urine stabilization. No base dosage is required if the pH is controlled within an appropriate operating range by urine feeding, producing an ammonium-nitrate fertilizer. However, the process is highly dependent on the selected pH set-points and is susceptible to process failures such as nitrite accumulation or the growth of acid-tolerant ammonia-oxidizing bacteria. To address the need for a robust and reliable process in decentralized applications, two different strategies were tested: operating a two-position pH controller (inflow on/off) with a narrow pH control band at 6.20/6.25 (∆pH = 0.05, narrow-pH) vs. a wider pH control band at 6.00/6.50 (∆pH = 0.50, wide-pH). These variations in pH also cause variations in the chemical speciation of ammonia and nitrite and, as shown, the microbial production of nitrite. It was hypothesized that the higher fluctuations would result in greater microbial diversity and, thus, a more robust process. The diversity of nitrifiers was higher in the wide-pH reactor, while the diversity of the entire microbiome was similar in both systems. However, the wide-pH reactor was more susceptible to tested process disturbances caused by increasing pH or temperature, decreasing dissolved oxygen, or an influent stop. In addition, with an emission factor of 0.47%, the nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions from the wide-pH reactor were twice as high as the N2O emissions from the narrow-pH reactor, most likely due to the nitrite fluctuations. Based on these results, a narrow control band is recommended for pH control in urine nitrification.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
DOI: 10.3389/FENVS.2023.1275152
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“Multi-wavelength Raman microscopy of nickel-based electron transport in cable bacteria”. Smets B, Boschker HTS, Wetherington MT, Lelong G, Hidalgo-Martinez S, Polerecky L, Nuyts G, De Wael K, Meysman FJR, Frontiers in microbiology 15, 1208033 (2024). http://doi.org/10.3389/FMICB.2024.1208033
Abstract: Cable bacteria embed a network of conductive protein fibers in their cell envelope that efficiently guides electron transport over distances spanning up to several centimeters. This form of long-distance electron transport is unique in biology and is mediated by a metalloprotein with a sulfur-coordinated nickel (Ni) cofactor. However, the molecular structure of this cofactor remains presently unknown. Here, we applied multi-wavelength Raman microscopy to identify cell compounds linked to the unique cable bacterium physiology, combined with stable isotope labeling, and orientation-dependent and ultralow-frequency Raman microscopy to gain insight into the structure and organization of this novel Ni-cofactor. Raman spectra of native cable bacterium filaments reveal vibrational modes originating from cytochromes, polyphosphate granules, proteins, as well as the Ni-cofactor. After selective extraction of the conductive fiber network from the cell envelope, the Raman spectrum becomes simpler, and primarily retains vibrational modes associated with the Ni-cofactor. These Ni-cofactor modes exhibit intense Raman scattering as well as a strong orientation-dependent response. The signal intensity is particularly elevated when the polarization of incident laser light is parallel to the direction of the conductive fibers. This orientation dependence allows to selectively identify the modes that are associated with the Ni-cofactor. We identified 13 such modes, some of which display strong Raman signals across the entire range of applied wavelengths (405–1,064 nm). Assignment of vibrational modes, supported by stable isotope labeling, suggest that the structure of the Ni-cofactor shares a resemblance with that of nickel bis(1,2-dithiolene) complexes. Overall, our results indicate that cable bacteria have evolved a unique cofactor structure that does not resemble any of the known Ni-cofactors in biology.
Keywords: A1 Journal article
DOI: 10.3389/FMICB.2024.1208033
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“Editorial: leaf functional traits : ecological and evolutionary implications”. Niklas KJ, Shi P, Gielis J, Schrader J, Niinemets U, Frontiers in plant science 14, 1169558 (2023). http://doi.org/10.3389/FPLS.2023.1169558
Keywords: Editorial; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Impact Factor: 5.6
DOI: 10.3389/FPLS.2023.1169558
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“A cross-European analysis of the impact of electricity pricing on battery uptake in residential microgrids with photovoltaic units”. Saviuc I, Milis K, Peremans H, Van Passel S, Journal of Sustainable Development of Energy, Water and Environment Systems 9, 1080368 (2021). http://doi.org/10.13044/J.SDEWES.D8.0368
Abstract: As decentralized electricity generation is supporting grid development into the prosumer era, this paper investigates the economic viability of adding batteries to residential microgrids powered by photovoltaic units, under various electricity pricing schemes. Batteries bring the benefits of grid-stabilization and congestion relief, and they are also becoming cheaper. The problem identified is that the main grid effectively acts as a lossless storage system, especially under the net-metering scheme, whereas using a battery involves investment costs and energy losses. This mismatch is addressed by analysing residential microgrid projects under seven tariff designs, each in seven countries of the European Union, and compare the economic viability of photovoltaic systems with and without batteries. The findings show that the conditions most favourable to batteries are given by a capacity tariff scheme allowing price arbitrage. Based on these findings, the paper discusses possibilities for further support in order to bring the economic viability of microgrids with batteries on par with that of microgrids without batteries.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering Management (ENM)
DOI: 10.13044/J.SDEWES.D8.0368
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“Grand challenges in low temperature plasmas”. Lu XP, Bruggeman PJ, Reuter S, Naidis G, Bogaerts A, Laroussi M, Keidar M, Robert E, Pouvesle J-M, Liu DW, Ostrikov K(K), Frontiers in physics 10, 1040658 (2022). http://doi.org/10.3389/FPHY.2022.1040658
Abstract: Low temperature plasmas (LTPs) enable to create a highly reactive environment at near ambient temperatures due to the energetic electrons with typical kinetic energies in the range of 1 to 10 eV (1 eV = 11600K), which are being used in applications ranging from plasma etching of electronic chips and additive manufacturing to plasma-assisted combustion. LTPs are at the core of many advanced technologies. Without LTPs, many of the conveniences of modern society would simply not exist. New applications of LTPs are continuously being proposed. Researchers are facing many grand challenges before these new applications can be translated to practice. In this paper, we will discuss the challenges being faced in the field of LTPs, in particular for atmospheric pressure plasmas, with a focus on health, energy and sustainability.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 3.1
DOI: 10.3389/FPHY.2022.1040658
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“Dynamic spectral cues do not affect human sound localization during small head movements”. McLachlan G, Majdak P, Reijniers J, Mihocic M, Peremans H, Frontiers in neuroscience 17, 1027827 (2023). http://doi.org/10.3389/FNINS.2023.1027827
Abstract: Natural listening involves a constant deployment of small head movement. Spatial listening is facilitated by head movements, especially when resolving front-back confusions, an otherwise common issue during sound localization under head-still conditions. The present study investigated which acoustic cues are utilized by human listeners to localize sounds using small head movements (below ±10° around the center). Seven normal-hearing subjects participated in a sound localization experiment in a virtual reality environment. Four acoustic cue stimulus conditions were presented (full spectrum, flattened spectrum, frozen spectrum, free-field) under three movement conditions (no movement, head rotations over the yaw axis and over the pitch axis). Localization performance was assessed using three metrics: lateral and polar precision error and front-back confusion rate. Analysis through mixed-effects models showed that even small yaw rotations provide a remarkable decrease in front-back confusion rate, whereas pitch rotations did not show much of an effect. Furthermore, MSS cues improved localization performance even in the presence of dITD cues. However, performance was similar between stimuli with and without dMSS cues. This indicates that human listeners utilize the MSS cues before the head moves, but do not rely on dMSS cues to localize sounds when utilizing small head movements.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Psychology; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT); Engineering Management (ENM)
DOI: 10.3389/FNINS.2023.1027827
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“Probing oxygen activation on plasmonic photocatalysts”. Dingenen F, Borah R, Ninakanti R, Verbruggen SW, Frontiers in Chemistry 10, 988542 (2022). http://doi.org/10.3389/FCHEM.2022.988542
Abstract: In this work we present an assay to probe the oxygen activation rate on plasmonic nanoparticles under visible light. Using a superoxide-specific XTT molecular probe, the oxygen activation rate on bimetallic gold-silver “rainbow” nanoparticles with a broadband visible light (> 420 nm) response, is determined at different light intensities by measuring its conversion into the colored XTT-formazan derivate. A kinetic model is applied to enable a quantitative estimation of the rate constant, and is shown to match almost perfectly with the experimental data. Next, the broadband visible light driven oxygen activation capacity of this plasmonic rainbow system, supported on nano-sized SiO 2 , is demonstrated towards the oxidation of aniline to azobenzene in DMSO. To conclude, a brief theoretical discussion is devoted to the possible mechanisms behind such plasmon-driven reactions.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Impact Factor: 5.5
DOI: 10.3389/FCHEM.2022.988542
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“Spontaneous riboflavin-overproducing Limosilactobacillus reuteri for biofortification of fermented foods”. Spacova I, Ahannach S, Breynaert A, Erreygers I, Wittouck S, Bron PA, Van Beeck W, Eilers T, Alloul A, Blansaer N, Vlaeminck SE, Hermans N, Lebeer S, Frontiers in Nutrition 9, 916607 (2022). http://doi.org/10.3389/FNUT.2022.916607
Abstract: Riboflavin-producing lactic acid bacteria represent a promising and cost-effective strategy for food biofortification, but production levels are typically insufficient to support daily human requirements. In this study, we describe the novel human isolate Limosilactobacillus reuteri AMBV339 as a strong food biofortification candidate. This strain shows a high natural riboflavin (vitamin B2) overproduction of 18.36 mu g/ml, biomass production up to 6 x 10(10) colony-forming units/ml (in the typical range of model lactobacilli), and pH-lowering capacities to a pH as low as 4.03 in common plant-based (coconut, soy, and oat) and cow milk beverages when cultured up to 72 h at 37 degrees C. These properties were especially pronounced in coconut beverage and butter milk fermentations, and were sustained in co-culture with the model starter Streptococcus thermophilus. Furthermore, L. reuteri AMBV339 grown in laboratory media or in a coconut beverage survived in gastric juice and in a simulated gastrointestinal dialysis model with colon phase (GIDM-colon system) inoculated with fecal material from a healthy volunteer. Passive transport of L. reuteri AMBV339-produced riboflavin occurred in the small intestinal and colon stage of the GIDM system, and active transport via intestinal epithelial Caco-2 monolayers was also demonstrated. L. reuteri AMBV339 did not cause fecal microbiome perturbations in the GIDM-colon system and inhibited enteric bacterial pathogens in vitro. Taken together, our data suggests that L. reuteri AMBV339 represents a promising candidate to provide riboflavin fortification of plant-based and dairy foods, and has a high application potential in the human gastrointestinal tract.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Impact Factor: 5
DOI: 10.3389/FNUT.2022.916607
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“Preparation and study of 2-D semiconductors with Dirac type bands due to the honeycomb nanogeometry”. Kalesaki E, Boneschanscher MP, Geuchies JJ, Delerue C, Morais Smith C, Evers WH, Allan G, Altantzis T, Bals S, Vanmaekelbergh D, Proceedings of the Society of Photo-optical Instrumentation Engineers
T2 –, Proceedings of SPIE 8981, 898107 (2014). http://doi.org/10.1117/12.2042882
Abstract: The interest in 2-dimensional systems with a honeycomb lattice and related Dirac-type electronic bands has exceeded the prototype graphene1. Currently, 2-dimensional atomic2,3 and nanoscale4-8 systems are extensively investigated in the search for materials with novel electronic properties that can be tailored by geometry. The immediate question that arises is how to fabricate 2-D semiconductors that have a honeycomb nanogeometry, and as a consequence of that, display a Dirac-type band structure? Here, we show that atomically coherent honeycomb superlattices of rocksalt (PbSe, PbTe) and zincblende (CdSe, CdTe) semiconductors can be obtained by nanocrystal self-assembly and facet-to-facet atomic bonding, and subsequent cation exchange. We present a extended structural analysis of atomically coherent 2-D honeycomb structures that were recently obtained with self-assembly and facet-to-facet bonding9. We show that this process may in principle lead to three different types of honeycomb structures, one with a graphene type-, and two others with a silicene-type structure. Using TEM, electron diffraction, STM and GISAXS it is convincingly shown that the structures are from the silicene-type. In the second part of this work, we describe the electronic structure of graphene-type and silicene type honeycomb semiconductors. We present the results of advanced electronic structure calculations using the sp3d5s* atomistic tight-binding method10. For simplicity, we focus on semiconductors with a simple and single conduction band for the native bulk semiconductor. When the 3-D geometry is changed into 2-D honeycomb, a conduction band structure transformation to two types of Dirac cones, one for S- and one for P-orbitals, is observed. The width of the bands depends on the honeycomb period and the coupling between the nanocrystals. Furthermore, there is a dispersionless P-orbital band, which also forms a landmark of the honeycomb structure. The effects of considerable intrinsic spin-orbit coupling are briefly considered. For heavy-element compounds such as CdTe, strong intrinsic spin-‐orbit coupling opens a non-trivial gap at the P-orbital Dirac point, leading to a quantum Spin Hall effect10-12. Our work shows that well known semiconductor crystals, known for centuries, can lead to systems with entirely new electronic properties, by the simple action of nanogeometry. It can be foreseen that such structures will play a key role in future opto-electronic applications, provided that they can be fabricated in a straightforward way.
Keywords: P1 Proceeding; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Times cited: 2
DOI: 10.1117/12.2042882
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“Composition and state of alteration of 18th century glass from the Cistercian nunnery of Clairefontaine (Belgium)”. Herremans D, Cagno S, Vincke A, de Clercq W, Janssens K, Proceedings of the Society of Photo-optical Instrumentation Engineers
T2 –, Conference on Integrated Approaches to the Study of Historical Glass, (IASHG), APR 16-17, 2012, Brussels, BELGIUM , 842206 (2012). http://doi.org/10.1117/12.975247
Abstract: An extended set of 18th century glass vessels was analyzed by means of SEM-EDX (major and minor element composition) The fragmented archaeological objects were recovered from a latrine belonging to the early 18th century building phase of the nunnery of Clairefontaine, near Arlon (B). On the basis of typology and decoration, the major part of the vessels could be dated around the middle of the 18th century. Variety in color and weathering of the glass suggest differences in glassmaking recipes and in the composition and origin of raw materials. The results of the analysis show how two main compositional groups constitute about 90% of the analyzed glass set, and these are constituted by potash glass (transparent beakers) and high lime low alkali glass (green bottles). Next to these, a few potash-lime and soda glasses are also found. The type of alteration has also a clear relation with the original glass composition.
Keywords: P1 Proceeding; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
DOI: 10.1117/12.975247
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“Composition of Facon de Venise glass from early 17th century London in comparison with luxury glass of the same age”. Cagno S, de Raedt I, Jeffries T, Janssens K, Proceedings of the Society of Photo-optical Instrumentation Engineers
T2 –, Conference on Integrated Approaches to the Study of Historical Glass, (IASHG), APR 16-17, 2012, Brussels, BELGIUM , 842205 (2012). http://doi.org/10.1117/12.975212
Abstract: SEM-EDX and LA-ICP-MS analyses were performed on a set of early 17th century London glass fragments. The samples originate from two archaeological sites (Aldgate and Old Broad Street) where glass workshops were active in this period. The great majority of the samples are made of soda glass. Two distinct compositional groups are observed, each typical of one site of provenance. The samples originating from the Old Broad Street excavation feature a silica-soda-lime composition, with a moderate amount of potash. The samples from Aldgate are richer in potassium and feature higher amounts of trace elements such as Rb, Zr and Cu. The distinction between the two groups stems from different flux and silica sources used for glassmaking. A comparison with different European glass compositions of that time reveals no resemblance with genuine Venetian production, yet the composition of the Old Broad Street glass shows a close similarity to that of fragments produced 'a la facon de Venise' in Antwerp at the end of the 16th century. This coincides with historical sources attesting the arrival of glassworkers from the Low Countries in England and suggests that a transfer of technology took place near the turn of the century.
Keywords: P1 Proceeding; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
Times cited: 1
DOI: 10.1117/12.975212
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