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“Single-site metal-organic framework catalysts for the oxidative coupling of arenes via C-H/C-H activation”. Van Velthoven N, Waitschat S, Chavan SM, Liu P, Smolders S, Vercammen J, Bueken B, Bals S, Lillerud KP, Stock N, De Vos DE, Chemical science 10, 3616 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1039/C8SC05510F
Abstract: C-H activation reactions are generally associated with relatively low turnover numbers (TONs) and high catalyst concentrations due to a combination of low catalyst stability and activity, highlighting the need for recyclable heterogeneous catalysts with stable single-atom active sites. In this work, several palladium loaded metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) were tested as single-site catalysts for the oxidative coupling of arenes (e.g. o-xylene) via C-H/C-H activation. Isolation of the palladium active sites on the MOF supports reduced Pd(0) aggregate formation and thus catalyst deactivation, resulting in higher turnover numbers (TONs) compared to the homogeneous benchmark reaction. Notably, a threefold higher TON could be achieved for palladium loaded MOF-808 due to increased catalyst stability and the heterogeneous catalyst could efficiently be reused, resulting in a cumulative TON of 1218 after three runs. Additionally, the palladium single-atom active sites on MOF-808 were successfully identified by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectroscopy.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 8.668
Times cited: 68
DOI: 10.1039/C8SC05510F
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“Electrochemical fingerprint of street samples for fast on-site screening of cocaine in seized drug powders”. De Jong M, Sleegers N, Kim J, Van Durme F, Samyn N, Wang J, De Wael K, Chemical science , 1 (2016). http://doi.org/10.1039/C5SC04309C
Abstract: We report on a wearable fingertip sensor for on-the-spot identification of cocaine and its cutting agents in street samples. Traditionally, on-site screening is performed by means of colour tests which are difficult to interpret and lack selectivity. By presenting the distinct voltammetric response of cocaine, cutting agents, binary mixtures of cocaine and street samples in solution and powder street samples, we were able to elucidate the electrochemical fingerprint of all these compounds. The new electrochemical concept holds considerable promise as an on-site screening method.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
Impact Factor: 8.668
Times cited: 37
DOI: 10.1039/C5SC04309C
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“Compatibility of Zr₂AlC MAX phase-based ceramics with oxygen-poor, static liquid lead-bismuth eutectic”. Tunca B, Lapauw T, Callaert C, Hadermann J, Delville R, Caspi E'ad N, Dahlqvist M, Rosen J, Marshal A, Pradeep KG, Schneider JM, Vleugels J, Lambrinou K, Corrosion Science 171, 108704 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.CORSCI.2020.108704
Abstract: This work investigates the compatibility of Zr2AlC MAX phase-based ceramics with liquid LBE, and proposes a mechanism to explain the observed local Zr2AlC/LBE interaction. The ceramics were exposed to oxygen-poor (C-O <= 2.2 x 10(-10) mass%), static liquid LBE at 500 degrees C for 1000 h. A new Zr-2(Al,Bi,Pb)C MAX phase solid solution formed in-situ in the LBE-affected Zr2AlC grains. Out-of-plane ordering was favorable in the new solid solution, whereby A-layers with high and low-Bi/Pb contents alternated in the crystal structure, in agreement with first-principles calculations. Bulk Zr-2(Al,Bi,Pb)C was synthesized by reactive hot pressing to study the crystal structure of the solid solution by neutron diffraction.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 8.3
Times cited: 3
DOI: 10.1016/J.CORSCI.2020.108704
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“Ferroelectric engineering : enhanced thermoelectric performance by local structural heterogeneity”. Meng X, Chen S, Peng H, Bai H, Zhang S, Su X, Tan G, Van Tendeloo G, Sun Z, Zhang Q, Tang X, Wu J, Science China : materials (2022). http://doi.org/10.1007/S40843-021-1927-9
Abstract: Although traditional ferroelectric materials are usually dielectric and nonconductive, GeTe is a typical ferroelectric semiconductor, possessing both ferroelectric and semiconducting properties. GeTe is also a widely studied thermoelectric material, whose performance has been optimized by doping with various elements. However, the impact of the ferroelectric domains on the thermoelectric properties remains unclear due to the difficulty to directly observe the ferroelectric domains and their evolutions under actual working conditions where the material is exposed to high temperatures and electric currents. Herein, based on in-situ investigations of the ferroelectric domains and domain walls in both pure and Sb-doped GeTe crystals, we have been able to analyze the dynamic evolution of the ferroelectric domains and domain walls, exposed to an electric field and temperature. Local structural heterogeneities and nano-sized ferroelectric domains are generated due to the interplay of the Sb3+ dopant and the Ge-vacancies, leading to the increased number of charged domain walls and a much improved thermoelectric performance. This work reveals the fundamental mechanism of ferroelectric thermoelectrics and provides insights into the decoupling of previously interdependent properties such as thermo-power and electrical conductivity.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 8.1
DOI: 10.1007/S40843-021-1927-9
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“Stoichiometry design in hierarchical CoNiFe phosphide for highly efficient water oxidation”. Chen J, Ying J, Xiao Y, Dong Y, Ozoemena K I, Lenaerts S, Yang X, Science China : materials 65, 2685 (2022). http://doi.org/10.1007/S40843-022-2061-X
Abstract: Rational composition design of trimetallic phosphide catalysts is of significant importance for enhanced surface reaction and efficient catalytic performance. Herein, hierarchical CoxNiyFezP with precise control of stoichiometric metallic elements (x:y:z = (1-10):(1-10):1) has been synthesized, and Co1.3Ni0.5Fe0.2P, as the most optimal composition, exhibits remarkable catalytic activity (eta = 320 mV at 10 mA cm(-2)) and long-term stability (ignorable decrease after 10 h continuous test at the current density of 10 mA cm(-2)) toward oxygen evolution reaction (OER). It is found that the surface P in Co1.3Ni0.5Fe0.2P was replaced by 0 under the OER process. The density function theory calculations before and after long-term stability tests suggest the clear increasing of the density of states near the Fermi level of Co1.3Ni0.5Fe0.2P/ Co1.3Ni0.5Fe0.2O, which could enhance the OH- adsorption of our electrocatalysts and the corresponding OER performance.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Impact Factor: 8.1
DOI: 10.1007/S40843-022-2061-X
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“High resolution electron tomography”. Bals S, Van Aert S, Van Tendeloo G, Current opinion in solid state and materials science 17, 107 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.cossms.2013.03.001
Abstract: Reaching atomic resolution in 3D has been the ultimate goal in the field of electron tomography for many years. Significant progress, both on the theoretical as well as the experimental side has recently resulted in several exciting examples demonstrating the ability to visualise atoms in 3D. In this paper, we will review the different steps that have pushed the resolution in 3D to the atomic level. A broad range of methodologies and practical examples together with their impact on materials science will be discussed. Finally, we will provide an outlook and will describe future challenges in the field of high resolution electron tomography.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 6.938
Times cited: 24
DOI: 10.1016/j.cossms.2013.03.001
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“Interaction of Ge with single layer GaAs : from Ge-island nucleation to formation of novel stable monolayers”. Sozen Y, Eren I, Ozen S, Yagmurcukardes M, Sahin H, Applied Surface Science 505, 144218 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.APSUSC.2019.144218
Abstract: In this study, reactivity of single-layer GaAs against Ge atoms is studied by means of ab initio density functional theory calculations. Firstly, it is shown that Ge atoms interact quite strongly with the GaAs layer which allows the formation of Ge islands while it hinders the growth of detached germanene monolayers. It is also predicted that adsorption of Ge atoms on GaAs single-layer lead to formation of two novel stable single-layer crystal structures, namely 1H-GaGeAs and 1H(A)-GaGeAs. Both the total energy optimizations and the calculated vibrational spectra indicate the dynamical stability of both single layer structures. Moreover, although both structures crystallize in 1H phase, 1H-GaGeAs and 1H(A)-GaGeAs exhibit distinctive vibrational features in their Raman spectra which is quite important for distinguishing the structures. In contrast to the semiconducting nature of single-layer GaAs, both polytypes of GaGeAs exhibit metallic behavior confirmed by the electronic band dispersions. Furthermore, the linear-elastic constants, in-plane stiffness and Poisson ratio, reveal the ultrasoft nature of the GaAs and GaGeAs structures and the rigidity of GaAs is found to be slightly enhanced via Ge adsorption. With their stable, ultra-thin and metallic properties, predicted single-layer GaGeAs structures can be promising candidates for nanoscale electronic and mechanical applications.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 6.7
DOI: 10.1016/J.APSUSC.2019.144218
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“Investigating the effect of sulphurization on volatility of compositions in Cu-poor and Sn-rich CZTS thin films”. Vishwakarma M, Agrawal K, Hadermann J, Mehta BR, Applied Surface Science 507, 145043 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.APSUSC.2019.145043
Abstract: In the present work, the Cu-poor and Sn-rich CZTS thin films were prepared in order to study the volatility of Sn with respect to other components. Thin film compositions were kept intentionally Sn-rich to understand the behaviour of loss and segregation of Sn during sulphurization. The homogeneous composition distribution in precursor thin films turns heterogeneous with a change in morphology after sulphurization. The inability of identifying nanoscale secondary phases in CZTS thin film by conventional analytical techniques such as XRD and Raman, can be fulfilled by employing HAADF-STEM analysis. XPS and HAADF-STEM analyses provide the quantification of nanoscale secondary phases across the thin film and surface, respectively. The volatility of Sn was revealed in the form of segregation in the middle layer of CZTS cross-sectional lamella rather than loss to annealing atmosphere. It was observed that among the cations of CZTS, Sn segregates more than Cu, while Zn segregates least. The nanoscale spurious phases were observed to vary across different regions in the sulphurized CZTS sample. The reactive annealing lead to grain growth and formation of grain boundary features in the CZTS thin films, where annealing significantly modifies the potential difference and band bending at grain boundaries with respect to intra-grains.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 6.7
Times cited: 4
DOI: 10.1016/J.APSUSC.2019.145043
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“Tunable electronic and magnetic properties of graphene/carbon-nitride van der Waals heterostructures”. Bafekry A, Akgenc B, Shayesteh SF, Mortazavi B, Applied Surface Science 505, 144450 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.APSUSC.2019.144450
Abstract: In this paper, we explore the electronic properties of C3N, C3N4 and C4N3 and graphene (Gr) van der Waals heterostructures by conducing extensive first-principles calculations. The acquired results show that these heterostructures can show diverse electronic properties, such as the metal (Gr on C3N), semiconductor with narrow band gap (Gr on C3N4) and ferromagnetic-metal (Gr on C4N3). We furthermore explored the effect of vacancies, atom substitution, topological, antisite and Stone-Wales defects on the structural and electronic properties of considered heterostructures. Our results show that the vacancy defects introduce localized states near the Fermi level and create a local magnetic moment. The Gr/C3N heterostructures with the single and double vacancy defects exhibit a ferromagnetic-metal, while Stone-Wales defects show an indirect semiconductor with the band gap of 0.2 eV. The effects of adsorption and insertion of O, C, Be, Cr, Fe and Co atoms on the electronic properties of Gr/C3N have been also elaborately studied. Our results highlight that the electronic and magnetic properties of garphene/carbon-nitride lateral heterostructures can be effectively modified by point defects and impurities.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 6.7
Times cited: 26
DOI: 10.1016/J.APSUSC.2019.144450
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“Vanadium dopant- and strain-dependent magnetic properties of single-layer VI₃”. Baskurt M, Eren I, Yagmurcukardes M, Sahin H, Applied Surface Science 508, 144937 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.APSUSC.2019.144937
Abstract: Motivated by the recent synthesis of two-dimensional VI3 [Kong et al. Adv. Mater. 31, 1808074 (2019)], we investigate the effect of V doping on the magnetic and electronic properties of monolayer VI3 by means of first-principles calculations. The dynamically stable semiconducting ferromagnetic (FM) and antiferromagnetic (AFM) phases of monolayer VI3 are found to display distinctive vibrational features that the magnetic state can be distinguished by Raman spectroscopy. In order to clarify the effect of experimentally observed excessive V atoms, the magnetic and electronic properties of the V-doped VI3 structures are analyzed. Our findings indicate that partially doped VI3 structures display FM ground state while the fully-doped structure exhibits AFM ground state. The fully-doped monolayer VI3 is found to be a semiconductor with a relatively larger band gap than its pristine structure. In addition, strain-dependent electronic and magnetic properties of fully- and partially-doped VI3 structures reveal that pristine monolayer displays a FM-to-AFM phase transition with robust semiconducting nature for 5% of compressive strain, while fully-doped monolayer VI3 structure possesses AFM-to-FM semiconducting transition at tensile strains larger than 4%. In contrast, the partially-doped VI3 monolayers are found to display robust FM ground state under biaxial strain. Its dopant and strain tunable electronic and magnetic nature makes monolayer VI3 a promising material for applications in nanoscale spintronic devices.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 6.7
Times cited: 10
DOI: 10.1016/J.APSUSC.2019.144937
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“A type-II GaSe/HfS₂, van der Waals heterostructure as promising photocatalyst with high carrier mobility”. Obeid MM, Bafekry A, Rehman SU, Nguyen C V, Applied Surface Science 534, 147607 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.APSUSC.2020.147607
Abstract: In this paper, the electronic, optical, and photocatalytic properties of GaSe/HfS2 heterostructure are studied via first-principles calculations. The stability of the vertically stacked heterobilayers is validated by the binding energy, phonon spectrum, and ab initio molecular dynamics simulation. The results reveal that the most stable GaSe/HfS2 heterobilayer retains a type-II alignment with an indirect bandgap 1.40 eV. As well, the results also show strong optical absorption intensity in the studied heterostructure (1.8 x 10(5) cm(-1)). The calculated hole mobility is 1376 cm(2) V-1 s(-1), while electron mobility reaches 911 cm(2) V-1 s(-1) along the armchair and zigzag directions. By applying an external electric field, the bandgap and band offset of the designed heterostructure can be effectively modified. Remarkably, a stronger external electric field can create nearly free electron states in the vicinity of the bottom of the conduction band, which induces indirect-to-direct bandgap transition as well as a semiconductor-to-metal transition. In contrast, the electronic properties of GaSe/HfS2 heterostructure are predicted to be insensitive to biaxial strain. The current work reveals that GaSe/HfS2 heterostructure is a promising candidate as a novel photocatalytic material for hydrogen generation in the visible range.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 6.7
Times cited: 4
DOI: 10.1016/J.APSUSC.2020.147607
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“Synthesis &ndash, properties correlation and the unexpected role of the titania support on the Grignard surface modification”. Van Dijck JG, Mampuys P, Ching HYV, Krishnan D, Baert K, Hauffman T, Verbeeck J, Van Doorslaer S, Maes BUW, Dorbec M, Buekenhoudt A, Meynen V, Applied Surface Science 527, 146851 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.APSUSC.2020.146851
Abstract: While the impact of reaction conditions on surface modification with Grignard reactants has been studied for silica supports, such information is absent for metal oxides like titania. Differences between modified titania and silica are observed, making it paramount to explore the reaction mechanism. A detailed study on the impact of the reaction conditions is reported, with a focus on the chain length of the alkyl Grignard reactant, its concentration, the reaction time and temperature, and the type of titania support. While the increase in the chain length reduces the amount of organic groups on the surface, the concentration, time and temperature show little/no influence on the modification degree. However, the type of titania support used and the percentage of amorphous phase present has a significant impact on the amount of grafted groups. Even though the temperature and concentration show no clear impact on the modification degree, they can cause changes in the surface hydroxyl population, which are thus not linked to the modification degree. Furthermore, the titania support is reduced during functionalization. This reduction dependents on the reaction temperature, the titania support and the chain length of the Grignard reactant. Similarly, this reduction is not linked to the modification degree.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Laboratory of adsorption and catalysis (LADCA); Organic synthesis (ORSY); Applied Electrochemistry & Catalysis (ELCAT)
Impact Factor: 6.7
Times cited: 5
DOI: 10.1016/J.APSUSC.2020.146851
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“First-principles investigation of structural, Raman and electronic characteristics of single layer Ge3N4”. Yayak YO, Sozen Y, Tan F, Gungen D, Gao Q, Kang J, Yagmurcukardes M, Sahin H, Applied surface science 572, 151361 (2022). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.APSUSC.2021.151361
Abstract: By means of density functional theory-based first-principle calculations, the structural, vibrational and electronic properties of single-layer Ge3N4 are investigated. Structural optimizations and phonon band dispersions reveal that single-layer ultrathin form of Ge3N4 possesses a dynamically stable buckled structure with large hexagonal holes. Predicted Raman spectrum of single-layer Ge3N4 indicates that the buckled holey structure of the material exhibits distinctive vibrational features. Electronic band dispersion calculations indicate the indirect band gap semiconducting nature of single-layer Ge3N4. It is also proposed that single-layer Ge3N4 forms type-II vertical heterostructures with various planar and puckered 2D materials except for single-layer GeSe which gives rise to a type-I band alignment. Moreover, the electronic properties of single-layer Ge3N4 are investigated under applied external in-plane strain. It is shown that while the indirect gap behavior of Ge3N4 is unchanged by the applied strain, the energy band gap increases (decreases) with tensile (compressive) strain.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 6.7
DOI: 10.1016/J.APSUSC.2021.151361
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“Selectivity of Mo-NC sites for electrocatalytic N₂, reduction : a function of the single atom position on the surface and local carbon topologies”. Nematollahi P, Applied surface science 612, 155908 (2023). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.APSUSC.2022.155908
Abstract: Transition metal (TM) doped two-dimensional single-atom catalysts are known as a promising class of catalysts for electrocatalytic gas conversion. However, the detailed mechanisms that occur at the surface of these catalysts are still unknown. In the present work, we simulate three Mo-doped nitrogenated graphene structures. In each catalyst, the position of the Mo active site and the corresponding local carbon topologies are different, i.e. MoN4C10 with in-plane Mo atom, MoN4C8 in which Mo atom bridges two adjacent armchair-like graphitic edges, and MoN2C3 in which Mo is doped at the edge of the graphene sheet. Using Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations we discuss the electrocatalytic activity of Mosingle bondNsingle bondC structures for nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) with a focus on unraveling the corresponding mechanisms concerning different Mo site positions and C topologies. Our results indicate that the position of the active site centers has a great effect on its electrocatalytic behavior. The gas phase N2 efficiently reduces to ammonia on MoN4C8 via the distal mechanism with an onset potential of −0.51 V. We confirm that the proposed pyridinic structure, MoN4C8, can catalyze NRR effectively with a low overpotential of 0.35 V.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 6.7
DOI: 10.1016/J.APSUSC.2022.155908
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“Directly revealing the structure-property correlation in Na+-doped cathode materials”. Li C-F, Chen L-D, Wu L, Liu Y, Hu Z-Y, Cui W-J, Dong W-D, Liu X, Yu W-B, Li Y, Van Tendeloo G, Su B-L, Applied surface science 612, 155810 (2023). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.APSUSC.2022.155810
Abstract: The introduction of Na+ is considered as an effective way to improve the performance of Ni-rich cathode materials. However, the direct structure-property correlation for Na+ doped NCM-based cathode materials remain unclear, due to the difficulty of local and accurate structural characterization for light elements such as Li and Na. Moreover, there is the complexity of the modeling for the whole Li ion battery (LIB) system. To tackle the above-mentioned issues, we prepared Na+-doped LiNi0.6Co0.2Mn0.2O2 (Na-NCM622) material. The crystal structure change and the lattice distortion with picometers precision of the Na+-doped material is revealed by Cs-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM). Density functional theory (DFT) and the recently proposed electrochemical model, i.e., modified Planck-Nernst-Poisson coupled Frumkin-Butler-Volmer (MPNP-FBV), has been applied to reveal correlations between the activation energy and the charge transfer resistance at multiscale. It is shown that Na+ doping can reduce the activation energy barrier from. G = 1.10 eV to 1.05 eV, resulting in a reduction of the interfacial resistance from 297 O to 134 Omega. Consequently, the Na-NCM622 cathode delivers a superior capacity retention of 90.8 % (159 mAh.g(-1)) after 100 cycles compared to the pristine NCM622 (67.5 %, 108 mAh.g(-1)). Our results demonstrate that the kinetics of Li+ diffusion and the electrochemical reaction can be enhanced by Na+ doping the cathode material.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 6.7
DOI: 10.1016/J.APSUSC.2022.155810
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“Functionalization of graphitic carbon nitride systems by cobalt and cobalt-iron oxides boosts solar water oxidation performances”. Benedet M, Andrea Rizzi G, Gasparotto A, Gauquelin N, Orekhov A, Verbeeck J, Maccato C, Barreca D, Applied surface science 618, 156652 (2023). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.apsusc.2023.156652
Abstract: The ever-increasing energy demand from the world population has made the intensive use of fossil fuels an overarching threat to global environment and human health. An appealing alternative is offered by sunlight-assisted photoelectrochemical water splitting to yield carbon-free hydrogen fuel, but kinetic limitations associated to the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) render the development of cost-effective, eco-friendly and stable electrocatalysts an imperative issue. In the present work, OER catalysts based on graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) were deposited on conducting glass substrates by a simple decantation procedure, followed by functionalization with low amounts of nanostructured CoO and CoFe2O4 by radio frequency (RF)-sputtering, and final annealing under inert atmosphere. A combination of advanced characterization tools was used to investigate the interplay between material features and electrochemical performances. The obtained results highlighted the formation of a p-n junction for the g-C3N4-CoO system, whereas a Z-scheme junction accounted for the remarkable performance enhancement yielded by g-C3N4-CoFe2O4. The intimate contact between the system components also afforded an improved electrocatalyst stability in comparison to various bare and functionalized g-C3N4-based systems. These findings emphasize the importance of tailoring g-C3N4 chemico-physical properties through the dispersion of complementary catalysts to fully exploit its applicative potential.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 6.7
Times cited: 11
DOI: 10.1016/j.apsusc.2023.156652
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“Does non-thermal plasma modify biopolymers in solution? A chemical and mechanistic study for alginate”. Tampieri F, Espona-Noguera A, Labay C, Ginebra M-P, Yusupov M, Bogaerts A, Canal C, Biomaterials Science (2023). http://doi.org/10.1039/D3BM00212H
Abstract: In the last decades, non-thermal plasma has been extensively investigated as a relevant tool for various biomedical applications, ranging from tissue decontamination to regeneration and from skin treatment to tumor therapies. This high versatility is due to the different kinds and amount of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species that can be generated during a plasma treatment and put in contact with the biological target. Some recent studies report that solutions of biopolymers with the ability to generate hydrogels, when treated with plasma, can enhance the generation of reactive species and influence their stability, resulting thus in the ideal media for indirect treatments of biological targets. The direct effects of the plasma treatment on the structure of biopolymers in water solution, as well as the chemical mechanisms responsible for the enhanced generation of RONS, are not yet fully understood. In this study, we aim at filling this gap by investigating, on the one hand, the nature and extent of the modifications induced by plasma treatment in alginate solutions, and, on the other hand, at using this information to explain the mechanisms responsible for the enhanced generation of reactive species as a consequence of the treatment. The approach we use is twofold: (i) investigating the effects of plasma treatment on alginate solutions, by size exclusion chromatography, rheology and scanning electron microscopy and (ii) study of a molecular model (glucuronate) sharing its chemical structure, by chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry and by molecular dynamics simulations. Our results point out the active role of the biopolymer chemistry during direct plasma treatment. Short-lived reactive species, such as OH radicals and O atoms, can modify the polymer structure, affecting its functional groups and causing partial fragmentation. Some of these chemical modifications, like the generation of organic peroxide, are likely responsible for the secondary generation of long-lived reactive species such as hydrogen peroxide and nitrite ions. This is relevant in view of using biocompatible hydrogels as vehicles for storage and delivery reactive species for targeted therapies.
Keywords: A1 Journal Article; Plasma, laser ablation and surface modeling Antwerp (PLASMANT) ;
Impact Factor: 6.6
DOI: 10.1039/D3BM00212H
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“Dislocation structures and the role of grain boundaries in cyclically deformed Ni micropillars”. Samaee V, Sandfeld S, Idrissi H, Groten J, Pardoen T, Schwaiger R, Schryvers D, Materials Science And Engineering A-Structural Materials Properties Microstructure And Processing 769, 138295 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.msea.2019.138295
Abstract: Transmission electron microscopy and finite element-based dislocation simulations were combined to study the development of dislocation microstructures after cyclic deformation of single crystal and bicrystal Ni micropillars oriented for multi-slip. A direct correlation between large accumulation of plastic strain and the presence of dislocation cell walls in the single crystal micropillars was observed, while the presence of the grain boundary hampered the formation of wall-like structures in agreement with a smaller accumulated plastic strain. Automated crystallographic orientation and nanostrain mapping using transmission electron microscopy revealed the presence of lattice heterogeneities associated to the cell walls including long range elastic strain fields. By combining the nanostrain mapping with an inverse modelling approach, information about dislocation density, line orientation and Burgers vector direction was derived, which is not accessible otherwise in such dense dislocation structures. Simulations showed that the image forces associated with the grain boundary in this specific bicrystal configuration have only a minor influence on dislocation behavior. Thus, the reduced occurrence of “mature” cell walls in the bicrystal can be attributed to the available volume, which is too small to accommodate cell structures.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 6.4
Times cited: 1
DOI: 10.1016/j.msea.2019.138295
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“Quantified contribution of β&Prime, and β&prime, precipitates to the strengthening of an aged Al–Mg–Si alloy”. Yang M, Chen H, Orekhov A, Lu Q, Lan X, Li K, Zhang S, Song M, Kong Y, Schryvers D, Du Y, Materials Science And Engineering A-Structural Materials Properties Microstructure And Processing 774, 138776 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.msea.2019.138776
Abstract: It is generally believed that β00 precipitates, rather than β0 precipitates, are the major strengthening precipitates in
aged Al–Mg–Si alloys. The reason for this difference is not well understood. To clarify this, two samples of the
same Al–Mg–Si alloy but with different aging states were prepared. The under-aged sample only contains nanoprecipitates
of the β00 type, while the peak-aged one contains nearly equal volumes of β00 and β0 precipitates. We
have, for the first time, separated the strengthening effect of the contribution from βʺ and βʹ precipitates,
respectively, by an indirect approach based on high-precision measurements of volume fractions, number densities,
sizes, proportions of the precipitates, their lattice strains, the composition and grain size of the matrix. The
β0 precipitates, which take 45.6% of the total precipitate volume in the peak-aged sample, contribute to the entire
precipitation strengthening by only 31.6%. The main reason why they are less useful compared to β00 precipitates
has been found to be associated with their smaller lattice strains relative to the matrix, which is 0.99% versus
2.10% (for β00 ).
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 6.4
DOI: 10.1016/j.msea.2019.138776
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“Carbon segregation and cementite precipitation at grain boundaries in quenched and tempered lath martensite”. Morsdorf L, Kashiwar A, Kübel C, Tasan CC, Materials science and engineering: part A: structural materials: properties, microstructure and processing 862, 144369 (2023). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.MSEA.2022.144369
Abstract: Tempering is widely applied to make carbon atoms beneficially rearrange in high strength steel microstructures after quenching; though the nano-scale interaction of carbon atoms with crystallographic defects is hard to experimentally observe. To improve, we investigate the redistribution of carbon atoms along martensite grain boundaries in a quenched and tempered low carbon steel. We observe the tempering-induced microstructural evolution by in-situ heating in a transmission electron microscope (TEM) and by compositional analysis through atom probe tomography (APT). Probe volumes for APT originate from a single martensite packet but in different tempering conditions, which is achieved via a sequential lift-out with in-between tempering treatments. The complementary use of TEM and APT provides crystallographic as well as chemical information on carbon segregation and subsequent carbide precipitation at martensite grain boundaries. The results show that the amount of carbon segregation to martensite grain boundaries is influenced by the boundary type, e.g. low-angle lath or high-angle block boundaries. Also, the growth behavior of cementite precipitates from grain boundary nucleation sites into neighboring martensite grains differs at low- and high-angle grain boundaries. This is due to the crystallographic constraints arising from the semi-coherent orientation relationship between cementite and adjacent martensite. We also show that slower quenching stabilizes thin retained austenite films between martensite grains because of enhanced carbon segregation during cooling. Finally, we demonstrate the effect of carbon redistribution along martensite grain boundaries on the mechanical properties. Here, we compare micro-scale Vickers hardness results from boundary-containing probe volumes to nanoindentation results from pure bulk martensite (boundary-free) probe volumes.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 6.4
DOI: 10.1016/J.MSEA.2022.144369
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“Chabazite : stable cation-exchanger in hyper alkaline concrete pore water”. Van Tendeloo L, Wangermez W, Kurttepeli M, de Blochouse B, Bals S, Van Tendeloo G, Martens JA, Maes A, Kirschhock CEA, Breynaert E, Environmental science and technology 49, 2358 (2015). http://doi.org/10.1021/es505346j
Abstract: To avoid impact on the environment, facilities for permanent disposal of hazardous waste adopt multibarrier design schemes. As the primary barrier very often consists of cement-based materials, two distinct aspects are essential for the selection of suitable complementary barriers: (1) selective sorption of the contaminants in the repository and (2) long-term chemical stability in hyperalkaline concrete-derived media. A multidisciplinary approach combining experimental strategies from environmental chemistry and materials science is therefore essential to provide a reliable assessment of potential candidate materials. Chabazite is typically synthesized in 1 M KOH solutions but also crystallizes in simulated young cement pore water, a pH 13 aqueous solution mainly containing K+ and Na+ cations. Its formation and stability in this medium was evaluated as a function of temperature (60 and 85 °C) over a timeframe of more than 2 years and was also asessed from a mechanistic point of view. Chabazite demonstrates excellent cation-exchange properties in simulated young cement pore water. Comparison of its Cs+ cation exchange properties at pH 8 and pH 13 unexpectedly demonstrated an increase of the KD with increasing pH. The combined results identify chabazite as a valid candidate for inclusion in engineered barriers for concrete-based waste disposal.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 6.198
Times cited: 13
DOI: 10.1021/es505346j
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“Gas purification by nonthermal plasma : a case study of ethylene”. Aerts R, Tu X, Van Gaens W, Whitehead JC, Bogaerts A, Environmental science and technology 47, 6478 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1021/es400405c
Abstract: The destruction of ethylene in a dielectric barrier discharge plasma is investigated by the combination of kinetic modeling and experiments, as a case study for plasma-based gas purification. The influence of the specific energy deposition on the removal efficiency and the selectivity toward CO and CO2 is studied for different concentrations of ethylene. The model allows the identication of the destruction pathway in dry and humid air. The latter is found to be mainly initiated by metastable N2 molecules, but the further destruction steps are dominated by O atoms and OH radicals. Upon increasing air humidity, the removal efficiency drops by ±15% (from 85% to 70%), but the selectivity toward CO and CO2 stays more or less constant at 60% and 22%, respectively. Beside CO and CO2, we also identified acetylene, formaldehyde, and water as byproducts of the destruction process, with concentrations of 1606 ppm, 15033 ppm, and 185 ppm in humid air (with 20% RH), respectively. Finally, we investigated the byproducts generated by the humid air discharge itself, which are the greenhouse gases O3, N2O, and the toxic gas NO2.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 6.198
Times cited: 56
DOI: 10.1021/es400405c
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“Particle deposition in airways of chronic respiratory patients exposed to an urban aerosol”. Horemans B, Van Holsbeke C, Vos W, Darchuk L, Novakovic V, Fontan AC, de Backer J, van Grieken R, de Backer W, De Wael K, Environmental science and technology 46, 12162 (2012). http://doi.org/10.1021/es302755s
Abstract: Urban atmospheres in modern cities carry characteristic mixtures of particulate pollution which are potentially aggravating for chronic respiratory patients (CRP). Although air quality surveys can be detailed, the obtained information is not always useful to evaluate human health effects. This paper presents a novel approach to estimate particle deposition rates in airways of CRP, based on real air pollution data. By combining computational fluid dynamics with physical-chemical characteristics of particulate pollution, deposition rates are estimated for particles of different toxicological relevance, that is, minerals, iron oxides, sea salts, ammonium salts, and carbonaceous particles. Also, it enables some qualitative evaluation of the spatial, temporal, and patient specific effects on the particle dose upon exposure to the urban atmosphere. Results show how heavy traffic conditions increases the deposition of anthropogenic particles in the trachea and lungs of respiratory patients (here, +0.28 and +1.5 μg·h1, respectively). In addition, local and synoptic meteorological conditions were found to have a strong effect on the overall dose. However, the pathology and age of the patient was found to be more crucial, with highest deposition rates for toxic particles in adults with a mild anomaly, followed by mild asthmatic children and adults with severe respiratory dysfunctions (7, 5, and 3 μg·h1, respectively).
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation); Laboratory Experimental Medicine and Pediatrics (LEMP)
Impact Factor: 6.198
Times cited: 5
DOI: 10.1021/es302755s
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“Platinum particle size and support effects in NOx mediated carbon oxidation over platinum catalysts”. Villani K, Vermandel W, Smets K, Liang D, Van Tendeloo G, Martens JA, Environmental science &, technology 40, 2727 (2006). http://doi.org/10.1021/es051871h
Abstract: Platinum metal was dispersed on microporous, mesoporous, and nonporous support materials including the zeolites Na-Y, Ba-Y, Ferrierite, ZSM-22, ETS-10, and AlPO-11, alumina, and titania. The oxidation of carbon black loosely mixed with catalyst powder was monitored gravimetrically in a gas stream containing nitric oxide, oxygen, and water. The carbon oxidation activity of the catalysts was found to be uniquely related to the Pt dispersion and little influenced by support type. The optimum dispersion is around 3-4% corresponding to relatively large Pt particle sizes of 2040 nm. The carbon oxidation activity reflects the NO oxidation activity of the platinum catalyst, which reaches an optimum in the 20-40 nm Pt particle size range. The lowest carbon oxidation temperatures were achieved with platinum loaded ZSM-22 and AlPO-11 zeolite crystallites bearing platinum of optimum dispersion on their external surfaces.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 6.198
Times cited: 29
DOI: 10.1021/es051871h
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“Confocal micrometer-scale X-ray fluorescence and X-ray absorption fine structure studies of uranium speciation in a tertiary sediment from a waste disposal natural analogue site”. Denecke MA, Janssens K, Proost K, Rothe J, Noseck U, Environmental science and technology 39, 2049 (2005). http://doi.org/10.1021/ES048644K
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
Impact Factor: 6.198
Times cited: 47
DOI: 10.1021/ES048644K
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“Copper stabilization by zeolite synthesis in polluted soils treated with coal fly ash”. Terzano R, Spagnuolo M, Medici L, Vekemans B, Vincze L, Janssens K, Ruggiero P, Environmental science and technology 39, 6280 (2005). http://doi.org/10.1021/ES050079D
Abstract: This study deals with the process of zeolite formation in an agricultural soil artificially polluted by high amounts of Cu (15 mg of Cu/g of soil dry weight) and treated with fused coal fly ash at 30 and 60 degrees C and how this process affects the mobility and availability of the metal. As a consequence of the treatment, the amount of dissolved Cu, and thus its mobility, was strongly reduced, and the percentage of the metal stabilized in the solid phase increased over time, reaching values of 30% at 30 degrees C and 40% at 60 degrees C. The physicochemical phenomena responsible for Cu stabilization in the solid phase have been evaluated by EDTA sequential extractions and synchrotron radiation based X-ray microanalytical techniques. These techniques were used for the visualization of the spatial distribution and the speciation of Cu in and/or on the neo-formed zeolite particles. In particular, micro XRF (X-ray fluorescence) tomography showed direct evidence that Cu can be entrapped as clusters inside the porous zeolitic structures while,mu-XANES (X-ray absorption near edge structure) spectroscopy determinations revealed Cu to be present mainly as Cu(II) hydroxide and Cu(II) oxide. The reported results could be useful as a basic knowledge for planning new technologies for the on site physicochemical stabilization of heavy metals in heavily polluted soils.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
Impact Factor: 6.198
Times cited: 39
DOI: 10.1021/ES050079D
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“Valorization of flue gas by combining photocatalytic gas pretreatment with microalgae production”. Van Eynde E, Lenaerts B, Tytgat T, Blust R, Lenaerts S, Environmental science and technology 50, 2538 (2016). http://doi.org/10.1021/ACS.EST.5B04824
Abstract: Utilization of flue gas for algae cultivation seems to be a promising route because flue gas from fossil-fuel combustion processes contains the high amounts of carbon (CO2) and nitrogen (NO) that are required for algae growth. NO is a poor nitrogen source for algae cultivation because of its low reactivity and solubility in water and its toxicity for algae at high concentrations. Here, we present a novel strategy to valorize NO from flue gas as feedstock for algae production by combining a photocatalytic gas pretreatment unit with a microalgal photobioreactor. The photocatalytic air pretreatment transforms NO gas into NO2 gas and thereby enhances the absorption of NO in the cultivation broth. The absorbed NOx will form NO2- and NO3- that can be used as a nitrogen source by algae. The effect of photocatalytic air pretreatment on the growth and biomass productivity of the algae Thalassiosira weissflogii in a semicontinuous system aerated with a model flue gas (1% CO2 and 50 ppm of NO) is investigated during a long-term experiment. The integrated system makes it possible to produce algae with NO from flue gas as the sole nitrogen source and reduces the NOx content in the exhaust gas by 84%.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Impact Factor: 6.198
Times cited: 6
DOI: 10.1021/ACS.EST.5B04824
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“Electrochemical in situ pH control enables chemical-free full urine nitrification with concomitant nitrate extraction”. De Paepe J, Clauwaert P, Gritti MC, Ganigue R, Sas B, Vlaeminck SE, Rabaey K, Environmental Science &, Technology 55, 8287 (2021). http://doi.org/10.1021/ACS.EST.1C00041
Abstract: Urine is a valuable resource for nutrient recovery. Stabilization is, however, recommended to prevent urea hydrolysis and the associated risk for ammonia volatilization, uncontrolled precipitation, and malodor. This can be achieved by alkalinization and subsequent biological conversion of urea and ammonia into nitrate (nitrification) and organics into CO2. Yet, without pH control, the extent of nitrification is limited as a result of insufficient alkalinity. This study explored the feasibility of an integrated electrochemical cell to obtain on-demand hydroxide production through water reduction at the cathode, compensating for the acidification caused by nitritation, thereby enabling full nitrification. To deal with the inherent variability of the urine influent composition and bioprocess, the electrochemical cell was steered via a controller, modulating the current based on the pH in the bioreactor. This provided a reliable and innovative alternative to base addition, enabling full nitrification while avoiding the use of chemicals, the logistics associated with base storage and dosing, and the associated increase in salinity. Moreover, the electrochemical cell could be used as an in situ extraction and concentration technology, yielding an acidic concentrated nitrate-rich stream. The make-up of the end product could be tailored by tweaking the process configuration, offering versatility for applications on Earth and in space.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Impact Factor: 6.198
DOI: 10.1021/ACS.EST.1C00041
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“Operational strategies to selectively produce purple bacteria for microbial protein in raceway reactors”. Alloul A, Cerruti M, Adamczyk D, Weissbrodt DG, Vlaeminck SE, Environmental Science &, Technology 55, 8278 (2021). http://doi.org/10.1021/ACS.EST.0C08204
Abstract: Purple non-sulfur bacteria (PNSB) show potential for microbial protein production on wastewater as animal feed. They offer good selectivity (i.e., low microbial diversity and high abundance of one species) when grown anaerobically in the light. However, the cost of closed anaerobic photobioreactors is prohibitive for protein production. Although open raceway reactors are cheaper, their feasibility to selectively grow PNSB is thus far unexplored. This study developed operational strategies to boost PNSB abundance in the biomass of a raceway reactor fed with volatile fatty acids. For a flask reactor run at a 2 day sludge retention time (SRT), matching the chemical oxygen demand (COD) loading rate to the removal rate in the light period prevented substrate availability during the dark period and increased the PNSB abundance from 50-67 to 88-94%. A raceway reactor run at a 2 day SRT showed an increased PNSB abundance from 14 to 56% when oxygen supply was reduced (no stirring at night). The best performance was achieved at the highest surface-to-volume ratio (10 m(2) m(-3) increased light availability) showing productivities up to 0.2 g protein L-1 day(-1) and a PNSB abundance of 78%. This study pioneered in PNSB-based microbial protein production in raceway reactors, yielding high selectivity while avoiding the combined availability of oxygen, COD, and darkness.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Impact Factor: 6.198
DOI: 10.1021/ACS.EST.0C08204
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“SEM-EDX hyperspectral data analysis for the study of soil aggregates”. Allegretta I, Legrand S, Alfeld M, Gattullo CE, Porfido C, Spagnuolo M, Janssens K, Terzano R, Geoderma: an international journal of soil science 406 (2022). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.GEODERMA.2021.115540
Abstract: Scanning electron microscopy coupled with microanalysis (SEM-EDX) is an important analytical tool for the morphological and chemical characterization of different types of materials. In many applications, SEM-EDX elemental maps are usually used and processed as images, thus flattening and reducing the spectroscopic information contained in EDX hyperspectral data cubes. The exploitation of the full hyperspectral dataset could be indeed very useful for the study of complex matrices like soil. In order to maximize the information attainable by SEM-EDX data cubes analysis, the software package “Datamuncher Gamma” was implemented and applied to study soil aggregates. By using this approach, different phases (silicates, aluminosilicates, Ca-carbonates, Ca-phosphates, organic matter, iron oxides) inside soil aggregates were successfully identified and segmented. The advantages of this method over the common ROI imaging approach are presented. Finally, this method was used to compare different aggregates in a Cr-polluted soil and understand their possible pedological history. The present method can be used for the analysis of every type of SEM-EDX data cubes, allowing its application to different types of samples and fields of study.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Antwerp X-ray Imaging and Spectroscopy (AXIS)
Impact Factor: 6.1
DOI: 10.1016/J.GEODERMA.2021.115540
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