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Author Pramanik, G.; Humpolickova, J.; Valenta, J.; Kundu, P.; Bals, S.; Bour, P.; Dracinsky, M.; Cigler, P.
Title Gold nanoclusters with bright near-infrared photoluminescence Type A1 Journal article
Year 2018 Publication Nanoscale Abbreviated Journal Nanoscale
Volume 10 Issue 10 Pages 3792-3798
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract The increase in nonradiative pathways with decreasing emission energy reduces the luminescence quantum yield (QY) of near-infrared photoluminescent (NIR PL) metal nanoclusters. Efficient surface ligand chemistry can significantly improve the luminescence QY of NIR PL metal nanoclusters. In contrast to the widely reported but modestly effective thiolate ligand-to-metal core charge transfer, we show that metal-to-ligand charge transfer (MLCT) can be used to greatly enhance the luminescence QY of NIR PL gold nanoclusters (AuNCs). We synthesized water-soluble and colloidally stable NIR PL AuNCs with unprecedentedly high QY (similar to 25%) upon introduction of triphenylphosphonium moieties into the surface capping layer. By using a combination of spectroscopic and theoretical methods, we provide evidence for gold core-to-ligand charge transfer occurring in AuNCs. We envision that this work can stimulate the development of these unusually bright AuNCs for promising optoelectronic, bioimaging, and other applications.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Cambridge Editor
Language Wos 000426148500026 Publication Date 2018-01-08
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2040-3364 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor (up) 7.367 Times cited 97 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes ; The authors acknowledge support from the GACR project Nr. 18-12533S. J. V. acknowledges funding from the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports of the Czech Republic via the V4+Japan project No. 8F15001 (cofinanced by the International Visegrad Fund). P. B. acknowledges GACR project No. 16-05935S and Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports of the Czech Republic project No. LTC17012. ; Approved Most recent IF: 7.367
Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:149901UA @ admin @ c:irua:149901 Serial 4935
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Author Lombardo, J.; Jelić, Ž.L.; Baumans, X.D.A.; Scheerder, J.E.; Nacenta, J.P.; Moshchalkov, V.V.; Van de Vondel, J.; Kramer, R.B.G.; Milošević, M.V.; Silhanek, A.V.
Title In situ tailoring of superconducting junctions via electro-annealing Type A1 Journal article
Year 2018 Publication Nanoscale Abbreviated Journal Nanoscale
Volume 10 Issue 4 Pages 1987-1996
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Abstract We demonstrate the in situ engineering of superconducting nanocircuitry by targeted modulation of material properties through high applied current densities. We show that the sequential repetition of such customized electro-annealing in a niobium (Nb) nanoconstriction can broadly tune the superconducting critical temperature T-c and the normal-state resistance R-n in the targeted area. Once a sizable R-n is reached, clear magneto-resistance oscillations are detected along with a Fraunhofer-like field dependence of the critical current, indicating the formation of a weak link but with further adjustable characteristics. Advanced Ginzburg-Landau simulations fully corroborate this picture, employing the detailed parametrization from the electrical characterization and high resolution electron microscope images of the region within the constriction where the material has undergone amorphization by electro-annealing.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Cambridge Editor
Language Wos 000423355300049 Publication Date 2017-12-29
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2040-3364 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor (up) 7.367 Times cited 23 Open Access
Notes ; The authors thank the Fonds de la Recherche Scientifique – FNRS, the ARC grant 13/18-08 for Concerted Research Actions, financed by the French Community of Belgium (Wallonia-Brussels Federation), the Research Foundation – Flanders (FWO-Vlaanderen) and the COST action NanoCoHybri (CA16218). The work is also suppported by Methusalem Funding by the Flemish Government. J. Lombardo acknowledges support from F. R. S.-FNRS (FRIA Research Fellowship). The LANEF framework (ANR-10-LABX-51-01) and the Nanoscience Foundation are acknowledged for their support with mutualized infrastructure. The work of A. V. Silhanek is partially supported by PDR T.0106.16 of the F. R. S.-FNRS. The authors thank the ULg Microscopy facility CAREM for part of the SEM investigations. ; Approved Most recent IF: 7.367
Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:149315UA @ admin @ c:irua:149315 Serial 4937
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Author Claes, N.; Asapu, R.; Blommaerts, N.; Verbruggen, S.W.; Lenaerts, S.; Bals, S.
Title Characterization of silver-polymer core–shell nanoparticles using electron microscopy Type A1 Journal article
Year 2018 Publication Nanoscale Abbreviated Journal Nanoscale
Volume 10 Issue 10 Pages 9186-9191
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract Silver-polymer core–shell nanoparticles show interesting optical properties, making them widely applicable in the field of plasmonics. The uniformity, thickness and homogeneity of the polymer shell will affect the properties of the system which makes a thorough structural characterization of these core–shell silver-polymer nanoparticles of great importance. However, visualizing the shell and the particle simultaneously is far from straightforward due to the sensitivity of the polymer shell towards the electron beam. In this study, we use different 2D and 3D electron microscopy techniques to investigate different structural aspects of the polymer coating.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000437007700028 Publication Date 2018-04-16
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2040-3364 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor (up) 7.367 Times cited 11 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes N. C. and S. B. acknowledge financial support from European Research Council (ERC Starting Grant #335078-COLOURATOMS) and from the FWO through project funding (G038116N). R. A. and S. L. acknowledge the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO) for financial support. (ROMEO:yellow; preprint:; postprint:restricted ; pdfversion:cannot); ECAS_Sara Approved Most recent IF: 7.367
Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:151290UA @ admin @ c:irua:151290 Serial 4959
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Author Rizzo, F.; Augieri, A.; Kursumovic, A.; Bianchetti, M.; Opherden, L.; Sieger, M.; Huehne, R.; Haenisch, J.; Meledin, A.; Van Tendeloo, G.; MacManus-Driscoll, J.L.; Celentano, G.
Title Pushing the limits of applicability of REBCO coated conductor films through fine chemical tuning and nanoengineering of inclusions Type A1 Journal article
Year 2018 Publication Nanoscale Abbreviated Journal Nanoscale
Volume 10 Issue 17 Pages 8187-8195
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract An outstanding current carrying performance (namely critical current density, J(c)) over a broad temperature range of 10-77 K for magnetic fields up to 12 T is reported for films of YBa2Cu3O7-x with Ba2Y(Nb,Ta)O-6 inclusion pinning centres (YBCO-BYNTO) and thicknesses in the range of 220-500 nm. J(c) values of 10 MA cm(-2) were measured at 30 K – 5 T and 10 K – 9 T with a corresponding maximum of the pinning force density at 10 K close to 1 TN m(-3). The system is very flexible regarding properties and microstructure tuning, and the growth window for achieving a particular microstructure is wide, which is very important for industrial processing. Hence, the dependence of J(c) on the magnetic field angle was readily controlled by fine tuning the pinning microstructure. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis highlighted that higher growth rates induce more splayed and denser BYNTO nanocolumns with a matching field as high as 5.2 T. Correspondingly, a strong peak at the B||c-axis is noticed when the density of vortices is lower than the nanocolumn density. YBCO-BYNTO is a very robust and reproducible composite system for high-current coated conductors over an extended range of magnetic fields and temperatures.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Cambridge Editor
Language Wos 000432261400037 Publication Date 2018-03-26
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2040-3364 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor (up) 7.367 Times cited 9 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes ; This work was partially financially supported by EUROTAPES, a collaborative project funded by the European Commission's Seventh Framework Program (FP7/ 2007-2013) under Grant Agreement No. 280432. This work has been partially carried out within the framework of the EUROfusion Consortium and has received funding from the Euratom research and training programme 2014-2018 under grant agreement no. 633053. The views and opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect those of the European Commission. ; Approved Most recent IF: 7.367
Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:151520 Serial 5038
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Author Kong, X.; Li, L.; Leenaerts, O.; Wang, W.; Liu, X.-J.; Peeters, F.M.
Title Quantum anomalous Hall effect in a stable 1T-YN2 monolayer with a large nontrivial bandgap and a high Chern number Type A1 Journal article
Year 2018 Publication Nanoscale Abbreviated Journal Nanoscale
Volume 10 Issue 17 Pages 8153-8161
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Abstract The quantum anomalous Hall (QAH) effect is a topologically nontrivial phase, characterized by a non-zero Chern number defined in the bulk and chiral edge states in the boundary. Using first-principles calculations, we demonstrate the presence of the QAH effect in a 1T-YN2 monolayer, which was recently predicted to be a Dirac half metal without spin-orbit coupling (SOC). We show that the inclusion of SOC opens up a large nontrivial bandgap of nearly 0.1 eV in the electronic band structure. This results in the nontrivial bulk topology, which is confirmed by the calculation of Berry curvature, anomalous Hall conductance and the presence of chiral edge states. Remarkably, a QAH phase of high Chern number C = 3 is found, and there are three corresponding gapless chiral edge states emerging inside the bulk gap. Different substrates are also chosen to study the possible experimental realization of the 1T-YN2 monolayer, while retaining its nontrivial topological properties. Our results open a new avenue in searching for QAH insulators with high temperature and high Chern numbers, which can have nontrivial practical applications.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Cambridge Editor
Language Wos 000432261400033 Publication Date 2018-03-28
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2040-3364 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor (up) 7.367 Times cited 28 Open Access
Notes ; This work was supported by the Ministry of Science and Technology of China (MOST) (Grant No. 2016YFA0301604), the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) (No. 11574008), the Thousand-Young-Talent Program of China, the Fonds voor Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek (FWO-Vl) and the FLAG-ERA project TRANS 2D TMD. The computational resources and services used in this work were provided by the VSC (Flemish Supercomputer Center), funded by the Research Foundation – Flanders (FWO) and the Flemish Government department EWI, and the National Supercomputing Center in Tianjin, funded by the Collaborative Innovation Center of Quantum Matter. W. Wang acknowledges financial support from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 11404214) and the China Scholarship Council (CSC). ; Approved Most recent IF: 7.367
Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:151519UA @ admin @ c:irua:151519 Serial 5040
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Author Barreca, D.; Gri, F.; Gasparotto, A.; Carraro, G.; Bigiani, L.; Altantzis, T.; Žener, B.; Lavrenčič Štangar, U.; Alessi, B.; Padmanaban, D.B.; Mariotti, D.; Maccato, C.
Title Multi-functional MnO2nanomaterials for photo-activated applications by a plasma-assisted fabrication route Type A1 Journal article
Year 2019 Publication Nanoscale Abbreviated Journal Nanoscale
Volume 11 Issue 1 Pages 98-108
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Supported MnO2-based nanomaterials were fabricated on fluorine-doped tin oxide substrates by plasma enhanced-chemical vapor deposition (PE-CVD) between 100 °C and 400 °C, starting from a fluorinated Mn(II) diamine diketonate precursor. Growth experiments yielded -MnO2 nanosystems with hierarchical morphology tuneable from dendritic structures to quasi-1D nanosystems as a function of growth temperature, whose variation enabled also a concomitant tailoring of the system fluorine content, and of the optical absorption and band gap. Preliminary photocatalytic tests were aimed at the investigation of photoinduced hydrophilic (PH) and solid phase photocatalytic (PC) performances of the present nanomaterials, as well as at the photodegradation of Plasmocorinth B azo-dye aqueous solutions. The obtained findings highlighted an attractive system photoactivity even under visible light, finely tailored by fluorine content, morphological organization and optical properties of the prepared nanostructures. The results indicate that the synthesized MnO2 nanosystems have potential applications as advanced smart materials for anti-fogging/self-cleaning end uses and water purification.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000454327500037 Publication Date 2018-10-10
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2040-3364 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor (up) 7.367 Times cited 7 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Padova University DOR 2016–2017, P-DiSC #03BIRD2016-UNIPD projects, HERALD Cost Action MP1402 – 37831 and ACTION post-doc fellowship are acknowledged for financial support. T.A. acknowledges a post-doctoral grant from the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO). Thanks are also due to Prof. Sara Bals (EMAT, University of Antwerp, Belgium), Prof. Romana Cerc Korošec and to Dr. Lev Matoh (University of Ljubljana, Slovenia), and to Prof. Elza Bontempi (Brescia University, Italy). The work was also supported by EPSRC (award EP/R008841/1, EP/M024938/1). Approved Most recent IF: 7.367
Call Number EMAT @ emat @UA @ admin @ c:irua:156388 Serial 5148
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Author Vanrompay, H.; Bladt, E.; Albrecht, W.; Béché, A.; Zakhozheva, M.; Sánchez-Iglesias, A.; Liz-Marzán, L.M.; Bals, S.
Title 3D characterization of heat-induced morphological changes of Au nanostars by fast in situ electron tomography Type A1 Journal article
Year 2018 Publication Nanoscale Abbreviated Journal Nanoscale
Volume 10 Issue 10 Pages 22792-22801
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract A thorough understanding of the thermal stability and potential reshaping of anisotropic gold nanostars is required for various potential applications. Combination of a tomographic heating holder with fast tilt series acquisition has been used to monitor temperature-induced morphological changes of Au nanostars. The outcome of our 3D investigations can be used as an input for boundary element method simulations, enabling us to investigate the influence of reshaping on the nanostars’ plasmonic properties. Our work leads to a better understanding of the mechanism behind thermal reshaping. In addition, the approach presented here is generic and can hence be applied to a wide variety of nanoparticles made of different materials and with arbitrary morphology.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000453248100010 Publication Date 2018-11-28
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2040-3364 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor (up) 7.367 Times cited 55 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes H.V. acknowledges financial support by the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO grant 1S32617N). E.B. acknowledges a post-doctoral grant from the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO, Belgium). W.A. acknowledges an Individual Fellowship funded by the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) in Horizon 2020. The authors acknowledge funding from European Commission Grant (EUSMI 731019 to S.B., L.M.L.-M. and M.Z. and MUMMERING 765604 to S.B. and M.Z.). S.B. acknowledges financial support from European Research Council (ERC Starting Grant #335078- COLOURATOMS).; Ecas_sara Approved Most recent IF: 7.367
Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:155718UA @ admin @ c:irua:155718 Serial 5071
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Author Tonkikh, A.A.; Tsebro, V.I.; Obraztsova, E.A.; Rybkovskiy, D.V.; Orekhov, A.S.; Kondrashov, I.I.; Kauppinen, E.I.; Chuvilin, A.L.; Obraztsova, E.D.
Title Films of filled single-wall carbon nanotubes as a new material for high-performance air-sustainable transparent conductive electrodes operating in a wide spectral range Type A1 Journal article
Year 2019 Publication Nanoscale Abbreviated Journal Nanoscale
Volume 11 Issue 14 Pages 6755-6765
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract In this paper we show the advantages of transparent high conductive films based on filled single-wall carbon nanotubes. The nanotubes with internal channels filled with acceptor molecules (copper chloride or iodine) form networks demonstrating significantly improved characteristics. Due to the charge transfer between the nanotubes and filler, the doped-nanotube films exhibit a drop in electrical sheet resistance of an order of magnitude together with a noticeable increase of film transparency in the visible and near-infrared spectral range. The thermoelectric power measurements show a significant improvement of air-stability of the nanotube network in the course of the filling procedure. For the nanotube films with an initial transparency of 87% at 514 nm and electrical sheet resistance of 862 Ohm sq(-1) we observed an improvement of transparency up to 91% and a decrease of sheet resistance down to 98 Ohm sq(-1). The combination of the nanotube synthesis technique and molecules for encapsulation has been optimized for applications in optoelectronics.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000464454400024 Publication Date 2019-03-05
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2040-3364 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor (up) 7.367 Times cited 2 Open Access Not_Open_Access: Available from 06.09.2019
Notes ; The work was supported by the RFBR project 18-29-19113-mk, grant no. 311533 of Academy of Finland, Russian Federation President Program for young scientist MK-3140.2018.2. Also, the reported study was funded by RFBR and Moscow city Government according to the research project no. 19-32-70004. TEM measurements were performed with financial support from the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation within the state assignment for the Federal Scientific Research Centre “Crystallography and Photonics” of the Russian Academy of Sciences. ; Approved Most recent IF: 7.367
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:159339 Serial 5249
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Author Yu, S.; Sankaran, K.J.; Korneychuk, S.; Verbeeck, J.; Haenen, K.; Jiang, X.; Yang, N.
Title High-performance supercabatteries using graphite@diamond nano-needle capacitor electrodes and redox electrolytes Type A1 Journal article
Year 2019 Publication Nanoscale Abbreviated Journal Nanoscale
Volume 11 Issue 38 Pages 17939-17946
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Supercabatteries have the characteristics of supercapacitors and batteries, namely high power and energy densities as well as long cycle life. To construct them, capacitor electrodes with wide potential windows and/or redox electrolytes are required. Herein, graphite@diamond nano-needles and an aqueous solution of Fe(CN)(6)(3-/4-) are utilized as the capacitor electrode and the electrolyte, respectively. This diamond capacitor electrode has a nitrogen-doped diamond core and a nano-graphitic shell. In 0.05 M Fe(CN)(6)(3-/4-) + 1.0 M Na2SO4 aqueous solution, the fabricated supercabattery has a capacitance of 66.65 mF cm(-2) at a scan rate of 10 mV s(-1). It is stable over 10 000 charge/discharge cycles. The symmetric supercabattery device assembled using a two-electrode system possesses energy and power densities of 10.40 W h kg(-1) and 6.96 kW kg(-1), respectively. These values are comparable to those of other energy storage devices. Therefore, diamond supercabatteries are promising for many industrial applications.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000489646900036 Publication Date 2019-09-06
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2040-3364 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor (up) 7.367 Times cited 26 Open Access
Notes ; S. Yu and K. J. Sankaran contributed equally to this work. N. Yang acknowledges funding from the German Science Foundation under the project of YA344/1-1. J. Verbeeck and S. Korneychuk acknowledge the funding from the GOA project “Solarpaint” of the University of Antwerp. The Qu-Ant-EM microscope was partly funded by the Hercules fund from the Flemish Government. K. J. Sankaran and K. Haenen like to acknowledge the financial support of the Methusalem “NANO” network. S. Yu likes to acknowledge the financial support from fundamental research funds for the central universities (Grant No. SWU019001). ; Approved Most recent IF: 7.367
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:163723 Serial 5388
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Author Liu, P.; Wu, T.; Madsen, J.; Schiotz, J.; Wagner, J.B.; Hansen, T.W.
Title Transformations of supported gold nanoparticles observed by in situ electron microscopy Type A1 Journal article
Year 2019 Publication Nanoscale Abbreviated Journal Nanoscale
Volume 11 Issue 24 Pages 11885-11891
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Oxide supported metal nanoparticles play an important role in heterogeneous catalysis. However, understanding the metal/oxide interface and their evolution under reaction conditions remains challenging. Herein, we investigate the interface between Au nanoparticles and a CeO2 substrate by environmental transmission electron microscopy with atomic resolution. We find that the Au nanoparticles have two preferential epitaxial relationships with the substrate, i.e. Type I (111)[-110]CeO2//(111)[-110]Au and Type II (111)[-110]CeO2//(111)[1-10]Au orientation relationships, where Type I is preferred. In situ observations in the presence of O-2 show that the gas can stimulate the supported Au nanoparticles to transform between these two orientations even at room temperature. Moreover, when increasing the temperature to 973 K, the transformation of an Au nanoparticle between the two orientation states and a non-crystalline state in the presence of O-2 is also observed. DFT calculations of the binding between Au and CeO2 in the two relationships are strongly influenced by the presence of oxygen vacancies. For a given position of a vacancy, there is a significant energy difference between the energy of the two types. However, for some positions, Type I is preferred, and for others, Type II, but the most favourable position of the vacancy for the two types has a very similar energy. This is consistent with the observation of both types of adhesion.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000472559800049 Publication Date 2019-05-22
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2040-3364 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor (up) 7.367 Times cited 1 Open Access
Notes ; ; Approved Most recent IF: 7.367
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:161313 Serial 5402
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Author Liu, P.; Arslan Irmak, E.; De Backer, A.; De wael, A.; Lobato, I.; Béché, A.; Van Aert, S.; Bals, S.
Title Three-dimensional atomic structure of supported Au nanoparticles at high temperature Type A1 Journal article
Year 2021 Publication Nanoscale Abbreviated Journal Nanoscale
Volume 13 Issue Pages
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Au nanoparticles (NPs) deposited on CeO2 are extensively used as thermal catalysts since the morphology of the NPs is expected to be stable at elevated temperatures. Although it is well known that the activity of Au NPs depends on their size and surface structure, their three-dimensional (3D) structure at the atomic scale has not been completely characterized as a function of temperature. In this paper, we overcome the limitations of conventional electron tomography by combining atom counting applied to aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy images and molecular dynamics relaxation. In this manner, we are able to perform an atomic resolution 3D investigation of supported Au NPs. Our results enable us to characterize the 3D equilibrium structure of single NPs as a function of temperature. Moreover, the dynamic 3D structural evolution of the NPs at high temperatures, including surface layer jumping and crystalline transformations, has been studied.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000612999200029 Publication Date 2020-12-29
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2040-3364 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor (up) 7.367 Times cited 13 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes This work was supported by the European Research Council (Grant 815128 REALNANO to SB, Grant 770887 PICOMETRICS to SVA, Grant 823717 ESTEEM3). The authors acknowledge financial support from the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO, Belgium) through grants to A. D. w. and A. D. B. and project funding G.0267.18N.; sygma; esteem3JRA; esteem3reported Approved Most recent IF: 7.367
Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:174858 Serial 6665
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Author Geerts, L.; Geerts-Claes, H.; Skorikov, A.; Vermeersch, J.; Vanbutsele, G.; Galvita, V.; Constales, D.; Chandran, C.V.; Radhakrishnan, S.; Seo, J.W.; Breynaert, E.; Bals, S.; Sree, S.P.; Martens, J.A.
Title Spherical core–shell alumina support particles for model platinum catalysts Type A1 Journal article
Year 2021 Publication Nanoscale Abbreviated Journal Nanoscale
Volume 13 Issue 7 Pages 4221-4232
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract γ- and δ-alumina are popular catalyst support materials. Using a hydrothermal synthesis method starting from aluminum nitrate and urea in diluted solution, spherical core–shell particles with a uniform particle size of about 1 μm were synthesized. Upon calcination at 1000 °C, the particles adopted a core–shell structure with a γ-alumina core and δ-alumina shell as evidenced by 2D and 3D electron microscopy and<sup>27</sup>Al magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The spherical alumina particles were loaded with Pt nanoparticles with an average size below 1 nm using the strong electrostatic adsorption method. Electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy revealed a homogeneous platinum dispersion over the alumina surface. These platinum loaded alumina spheres were used as a model catalyst for bifunctional catalysis. Physical mixtures of Pt/alumina spheres and spherical zeolite particles are equivalent to catalysts with platinum deposited on the zeolite itself facilitating the investigation of the catalyst components individually. The spherical alumina particles are very convenient supports for obtaining a homogeneous distribution of highly dispersed platinum nanoparticles. Obtaining such a small Pt particle size is challenging on other support materials such as zeolites. The here reported and well-characterized Pt/alumina spheres can be combined with any zeolite and used as a bifunctional model catalyst. This is an interesting strategy for the examination of the acid catalytic function without the interference of the supported platinum metal on the investigated acid material.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000621767000026 Publication Date 2021-01-21
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2040-3364 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor (up) 7.367 Times cited 3 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek, G0A5417N G038116N ; Vlaamse regering, Methusalem ; Hercules Foundation, AKUL/13/19 ; Approved Most recent IF: 7.367
Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:176021 Serial 6679
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Author Jalali, H.; Khoeini, F.; Peeters, F.M.; Neek-Amal, M.
Title Hydration effects and negative dielectric constant of nano-confined water between cation intercalated MXenes Type A1 Journal article
Year 2021 Publication Nanoscale Abbreviated Journal Nanoscale
Volume 13 Issue 2 Pages 922-929
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Abstract Using electrochemical methods a profound enhancement of the capacitance of electric double layer capacitor electrodes was reported when water molecules are strongly confined into the two-dimensional slits of titanium carbide MXene nanosheets [A. Sugahara et al., Nat. Commun., 2019, 10, 850]. We study the effects of hydration on the dielectric properties of nanoconfined water and supercapacitance properties of the cation intercalated MXene. A model for the electric double layer capacitor is constructed where water molecules are strongly confined in two-dimensional slits of MXene. We report an abnormal dielectric constant and polarization of nano-confined water between MXene layers. We found that by decreasing the ionic radius of the intercalated cations and in a critical hydration shell radius the capacitance of the system increases significantly (similar or equal to 200 F g(-1)) which can be interpreted as a negative permittivity. This study builds a bridge between the fundamental understanding of the dielectric properties of nanoconfined water and the capability of using MXene films for supercapacitor technology, and in doing so provides a solid theoretical support for recent experiments.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000610368100035 Publication Date 2020-12-08
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2040-3364 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor (up) 7.367 Times cited 7 Open Access Not_Open_Access
Notes ; ; Approved Most recent IF: 7.367
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:176141 Serial 6690
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Author Wu, L.; Kolmeijer, K.E.; Zhang, Y.; An, H.; Arnouts, S.; Bals, S.; Altantzis, T.; Hofmann, J.P.; Costa Figueiredo, M.; Hensen, E.J.M.; Weckhuysen, B.M.; van der Stam, W.
Title Stabilization effects in binary colloidal Cu and Ag nanoparticle electrodes under electrochemical CO₂ reduction conditions Type A1 Journal article
Year 2021 Publication Nanoscale Abbreviated Journal Nanoscale
Volume 13 Issue 9 Pages 4835-4844
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Applied Electrochemistry & Catalysis (ELCAT)
Abstract Nanoparticle modified electrodes constitute an attractive way to tailor-make efficient carbon dioxide (CO2) reduction catalysts. However, the restructuring and sintering processes of nanoparticles under electrochemical reaction conditions not only impedes the widespread application of nanoparticle catalysts, but also misleads the interpretation of the selectivity of the nanocatalysts. Here, we colloidally synthesized metallic copper (Cu) and silver (Ag) nanoparticles with a narrow size distribution (<10%) and utilized them in electrochemical CO2 reduction reactions. Monometallic Cu and Ag nanoparticle electrodes showed severe nanoparticle sintering already at low overpotential of -0.8 V vs. RHE, as evidenced by ex situ SEM investigations, and potential-dependent variations in product selectivity that resemble bulk Cu (14% for ethylene at -1.3 V vs. RHE) and Ag (69% for carbon monoxide at -1.0 V vs. RHE). However, by co-deposition of Cu and Ag nanoparticles, a nanoparticle stabilization effect was observed between Cu and Ag, and the sintering process was greatly suppressed at CO2 reducing potentials (-0.8 V vs. RHE). Furthermore, by varying the Cu/Ag nanoparticle ratio, the CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) selectivity towards methane (maximum of 20.6% for dense Cu-2.5-Ag-1 electrodes) and C-2 products (maximum of 15.7% for dense Cu-1-Ag-1 electrodes) can be tuned, which is attributed to a synergistic effect between neighbouring Ag and Cu nanoparticles. We attribute the stabilization of the nanoparticles to the positive enthalpies of Cu-Ag solid solutions, which prevents the dissolution-redeposition induced particle growth under CO2RR conditions. The observed nanoparticle stabilization effect enables the design and fabrication of active CO2 reduction nanocatalysts with high durability.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000628024200011 Publication Date 2021-02-22
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2040-3364 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor (up) 7.367 Times cited 24 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes This work is funded by the Strategic UU-TU/e Alliance project ‘Joint Centre for Chemergy Research’ (budget holder B. M. W.). S. B. acknowledges support from the European Research Council (ERC Consolidator Grant #815128 REALNANO). S. A. and T. A. acknowledge funding from the University of Antwerp Research fund (BOF). We thank Eric Hellebrand (Faculty of Geosciences, Utrecht University) for the assistance in SEM measurements. Dr Ramon Oord (ARC Chemical Building Blocks Consortium, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University) is acknowledged for assisting with the grazing incidence XRD measurements; sygma Approved Most recent IF: 7.367
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:176723 Serial 6737
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Author Skorikov, A.; Heyvaert, W.; Albecht, W.; Pelt, D.M.; Bals, S.
Title Deep learning-based denoising for improved dose efficiency in EDX tomography of nanoparticles Type A1 Journal article
Year 2021 Publication Nanoscale Abbreviated Journal Nanoscale
Volume 13 Issue Pages 12242-12249
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract The combination of energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and electron tomography is a powerful approach to retrieve the 3D elemental distribution in nanomaterials, providing an unprecedented level of information for complex, multi-component systems, such as semiconductor devices, as well as catalytic and plasmonic nanoparticles. Unfortunately, the applicability of EDX tomography is severely limited because of extremely long acquisition times and high electron irradiation doses required to obtain 3D EDX reconstructions with an adequate signal-to-noise ratio. One possibility to address this limitation is intelligent denoising of experimental data using prior expectations about the objects of interest. Herein, this approach is followed using the deep learning methodology, which currently demonstrates state-of-the-art performance for an increasing number of data processing problems. Design choices for the denoising approach and training data are discussed with a focus on nanoparticle-like objects and extremely noisy signals typical for EDX experiments. Quantitative analysis of the proposed method demonstrates its significantly enhanced performance in comparison to classical denoising approaches. This allows for improving the tradeoff between the reconstruction quality, acquisition time and radiation dose for EDX tomography. The proposed method is therefore especially beneficial for the 3D EDX investigation of electron beam-sensitive materials and studies of nanoparticle transformations.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000671395800001 Publication Date 2021-07-08
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2040-3364 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor (up) 7.367 Times cited 11 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Nederlandse Organisatie voor Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek, 016.Veni.192.235 ; H2020 European Research Council, 815128 ; H2020 Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, 797153 ; H2020 Research Infrastructures, 731019; realnano; sygmaSB Approved Most recent IF: 7.367
Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:179756 Serial 6799
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Author Pramanik, G.; Kvakova, K.; Thottappali, M.A.; Rais, D.; Pfleger, J.; Greben, M.; El-Zoka, A.; Bals, S.; Dracinsky, M.; Valenta, J.; Cigler, P.
Title Inverse heavy-atom effect in near infrared photoluminescent gold nanoclusters Type A1 Journal article
Year 2021 Publication Nanoscale Abbreviated Journal Nanoscale
Volume 12 Issue 23 Pages 10462-10467
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Fluorophores functionalized with heavy elements show enhanced intersystem crossing due to increased spin-orbit coupling, which in turn shortens the fluorescence decay lifetime (tau(PL)). This phenomenon is known as the heavy-atom effect (HAE). Here, we report the observation of increased tau(PL) upon functionalisation of near-infrared photoluminescent gold nanoclusters with iodine. The heavy atom-mediated increase in tau(PL) is in striking contrast with the HAE and referred to as inverse HAE. Femtosecond and nanosecond transient absorption spectroscopy revealed overcompensation of a slight decrease in lifetime of the transition associated with the Au core (ps) by a large increase in the long-lived triplet state lifetime associated with the Au shell, which contributed to the observed inverse HAE. This unique observation of inverse HAE in gold nanoclusters provides the means to enhance the triplet excited state lifetime.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000657052500001 Publication Date 2021-06-30
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2040-3364 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor (up) 7.367 Times cited 1 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes The authors acknowledge support from GACR project no. 18-12533S. G. P. acknowledges support from EUSMI project no. E180200060; J. P. from the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports of the Czech Republic – Program INTER-EXCELLENCE (LTAUSA19066). Approved Most recent IF: 7.367
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:179052 Serial 6843
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Author Pramanik, G.; Kvakova, K.; Thottappali, M.A.; Rais, D.; Pfleger, J.; Greben, M.; El-Zoka, A.; Bals, S.; Dracinsky, M.; Valenta, J.; Cigler, P.
Title Inverse heavy-atom effect in near infrared photoluminescent gold nanoclusters Type A1 Journal Article
Year 2021 Publication Nanoscale Abbreviated Journal Nanoscale
Volume 13 Issue 23 Pages 10462-10467
Keywords A1 Journal Article; Electron Microscopy for Materials Science (EMAT) ;
Abstract Fluorophores functionalized with heavy elements show enhanced intersystem crossing due to increased spin–orbit coupling, which in turn shortens the fluorescence decay lifetime (<italic>τ</italic><sup>PL</sup>). This phenomenon is known as the heavy-atom effect (HAE). Here, we report the observation of increased<italic>τ</italic><sup>PL</sup>upon functionalisation of near-infrared photoluminescent gold nanoclusters with iodine. The heavy atom-mediated increase in<italic>τ</italic><sup>PL</sup>is in striking contrast with the HAE and referred to as inverse HAE. Femtosecond and nanosecond transient absorption spectroscopy revealed overcompensation of a slight decrease in lifetime of the transition associated with the Au core (ps) by a large increase in the long-lived triplet state lifetime associated with the Au shell, which contributed to the observed inverse HAE. This unique observation of inverse HAE in gold nanoclusters provides the means to enhance the triplet excited state lifetime.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos Publication Date 2021-05-24
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2040-3364 ISBN Additional Links
Impact Factor (up) 7.367 Times cited 7 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes The authors acknowledge support from GACR project Nr.18- 12533S. G. P. acknowledges support from EUSMI project No. E180200060; J.P. from the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports of the Czech Republic – Program INTER-EXCELLENCE (LTAUSA19066). Approved Most recent IF: 7.367
Call Number EMAT @ emat @ Serial 6950
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Author Yagmurcukardes, M.; Sozen, Y.; Baskurt, M.; Peeters, F.M.; Sahin, H.
Title Interface-dependent phononic and optical properties of GeO/MoSO heterostructures Type A1 Journal article
Year 2021 Publication Nanoscale Abbreviated Journal Nanoscale
Volume Issue Pages
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Abstract The interface-dependent electronic, vibrational, piezoelectric, and optical properties of van der Waals heterobilayers, formed by buckled GeO (b-GeO) and Janus MoSO structures, are investigated by means of first-principles calculations. The electronic band dispersions show that O/Ge and S/O interface formations result in a type-II band alignment with direct and indirect band gaps, respectively. In contrast, O/O and S/Ge interfaces give rise to the formation of a type-I band alignment with an indirect band gap. By considering the Bethe-Salpeter equation (BSE) on top of G(0)W(0) approximation, it is shown that different interfaces can be distinguished from each other by means of the optical absorption spectra as a consequence of the band alignments. Additionally, the low- and high-frequency regimes of the Raman spectra are also different for each interface type. The alignment of the individual dipoles, which is interface-dependent, either weakens or strengthens the net dipole of the heterobilayers and results in tunable piezoelectric coefficients. The results indicate that the possible heterobilayers of b-GeO/MoSO asymmetric structures possess various electronic, optical, and piezoelectric properties arising from the different interface formations and can be distinguished by means of various spectroscopic techniques.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000738899600001 Publication Date 2021-12-09
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2040-3364 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor (up) 7.367 Times cited 5 Open Access Not_Open_Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 7.367
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:184722 Serial 6998
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Author Rahemi, V.; Trashin, S.; Hafideddine, Z.; Van Doorslaer, S.; Meynen, V.; Gorton, L.; De Wael, K.
Title Amperometric flow-injection analysis of phenols induced by reactive oxygen species generated under daylight irradiation of titania impregnated with horseradish peroxidase Type A1 Journal article
Year 2020 Publication Analytical Chemistry Abbreviated Journal Anal Chem
Volume 92 Issue 92 Pages 3643-3649
Keywords A1 Journal article; Laboratory of adsorption and catalysis (LADCA); AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
Abstract Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is a unique material for biosensing applications due to its capability of hosting enzymes. For the first time, we show that TiO2 can accumulate reactive oxygen species (ROS) under daylight irradiation and can support the catalytic cycle of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) without the need of H2O2 to be present in the solution. Phenolic compounds, such as hydroquinone (HQ) and 4-aminophenol (4-AP), were detected amperometrically in flow-injection analysis (FIA) mode via the use of an electrode modified with TiO2 impregnated with HRP. In contrast to the conventional detection scheme, no H2O2 was added to the analyte solution. Basically, the inherited ability of TiO2 to generate reactive oxygen species is used as a strategy to avoid adding H2O2 in the solution during the detection of phenolic compounds. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy indicates the presence of ROS on titania which, in interaction with HRP, initiate the electrocatalysis toward phenolic compounds. The amperometric response to 4-AP was linear in the concentration range between 0.05 and 2 μM. The sensitivity was 0.51 A M–1 cm–2, and the limit of detection (LOD) 26 nM. The proposed sensor design opens new opportunities for the detection of phenolic traces by HRP-based electrochemical biosensors, yet in a more straightforward and sensitive way following green chemistry principles of avoiding the use of reactive and harmful chemical, such as H2O2.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000518234700023 Publication Date 2020-01-27
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0003-2700; 5206-882x ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor (up) 7.4 Times cited 3 Open Access
Notes ; The authors thank Scientific Reseatch-Flanders (F-WO) (grant 12T4219N) for funding. ; Approved Most recent IF: 7.4; 2020 IF: 6.32
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:166241 Serial 5463
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Author Schram, J.; Parrilla, M.; Sleegers, N.; Samyn, N.; Bijvoets, S.M.; Heerschop, M.W.J.; van Nuijs, A.L.N.; De Wael, K.
Title Identifying Electrochemical Fingerprints of Ketamine with Voltammetry and Liquid Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry for Its Detection in Seized Samples Type A1 Journal article
Year 2020 Publication Analytical Chemistry Abbreviated Journal Anal Chem
Volume 92 Issue 19 Pages 13485-13492
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation); Toxicological Centre
Abstract Herein, a straightforward electrochemical approach for the determination of ketamine in street samples and seizures is presented by employing screen-printed electrodes (SPE). Square wave voltammetry (SWV) is used to study the electrochemical behavior of the illicit drug, thus profiling the different oxidation states of the substance at different pHs. Besides, the oxidation pathway of ketamine on SPE is investigated for the first time with liquid chromatography–high-resolution mass spectrometry. Under the optimized conditions, the calibration curve of ketamine at buffer solution (pH 12) exhibits a sensitivity of 8.2 μA μM–1, a linear relationship between 50 and 2500 μM with excellent reproducibility (RSD = 2.2%, at 500 μM, n = 7), and a limit of detection (LOD) of 11.7 μM. Subsequently, binary mixtures of ketamine with adulterants and illicit drugs are analyzed with SWV to investigate the electrochemical fingerprint. Moreover, the profile overlapping between different substances is addressed by the introduction of an electrode pretreatment and the integration of a tailor-made script for data treatment. Finally, the approach is tested on street samples from forensic seizures. Overall, this system allows for the on-site identification of ketamine by law enforcement agents in an easy-to-use and rapid manner on cargos and seizures, thereby disrupting the distribution channel and avoiding the illicit drug reaching the end-user.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000580426800091 Publication Date 2020-10-06
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0003-2700 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor (up) 7.4 Times cited Open Access
Notes Universiteit Antwerpen; H2020 Societal Challenges, 833787 ; Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek, 1S3765817N 1SB8120N ; Approved Most recent IF: 7.4; 2020 IF: 6.32
Call Number AXES @ axes @c:irua:170523 Serial 6435
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Author Kara De Maeijer, P.; Craeye, B.; Snellings, R.; Kazemi-Kamyab, H.; Loots, M.; Janssens, K.; Nuyts, G.
Title Effect of ultra-fine fly ash on concrete performance and durability Type A1 Journal article
Year 2020 Publication Construction And Building Materials Abbreviated Journal Constr Build Mater
Volume 263 Issue Pages 120493-13
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation); Energy and Materials in Infrastructure and Buildings (EMIB)
Abstract In the present study ultra-fine fly ash as a novel by-product obtained by a dry and closed separation process was investigated as cement replacement in concrete. The impact of ultra-fine fly ash on material properties was investigated following an upscaling as an approach considering paste, mortar and concrete properties. Two types of cement, Portland cement (CEMI) and slag cement (CEMIII), two types of ultra-fly ashes, one with particle size d90< 9.3lm (FA1) and second with d90< 4.6lm (FA2) were used.At paste- and mortar- level, cement was replaced at 0%, 15%, 25%, 35% and 50% with FA1 and FA2. At concrete- level, cement was replaced at 0%, 15% and 25% with different ratios of FA1 and FA2. The results at paste- and mortar- level showed that an increased fineness of the fly ash (FA2) contributes to better workability of the mix. For CEMI, the compressive strength of concrete with FA2 at 25% cement replacement was already equal to the reference 0% replacement concrete at the age of 28 days. For CEMIII, the compressive strength of concrete mix with FA1 with 15% and FA2 with 25% cement replacements reached the reference concrete value at the age of 91 days. Regarding the durability, replacing cement with ultra-fine fly ash (FA2) had a positive influence on the resistivity, chloride migration coefficient and alkali-silica reaction (ASR), and a negative influence on the carbonation resistance.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000582567100093 Publication Date 2020-10-13
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0950-0618 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor (up) 7.4 Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 7.4; 2020 IF: 3.169
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:171815 Serial 6498
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Author Omranian, S.R.; Geluykens, M.; Van Hal, M.; Hasheminejad, N.; Rocha Segundo, I.; Pipintakos, G.; Denys, S.; Tytgat, T.; Fraga Freitas, E.; Carneiro, J.; Verbruggen, S.; Vuye, C.
Title Assessing the potential of application of titanium dioxide for photocatalytic degradation of deposited soot on asphalt pavement surfaces Type A1 Journal article
Year 2022 Publication Construction and building materials Abbreviated Journal Constr Build Mater
Volume 350 Issue Pages 128859-13
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract It is known that pollutants and their irreparable influence can considerably jeopardize the environment and human health. Such disastrous, growing, hazardous particles urged researchers to find effective ways and diminish their destructive impacts and preserve our planet. This study evaluates the potential of incorporating Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) semiconductor nanoparticles on asphalt pavements to degrade pollutants without compromising bitumen performance. Accordingly, the Response Surface Method (RSM) was employed to develop an experimental matrix based on the central composite design. Image Analysis (IA) was used to determine the rate of soot degradation (as pollutant representative) using MATLAB and ImageJ software. Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy (CLSM), Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and Dynamic Shear Rheometer (DSR) were finally carried out to estimate the effects of adding different percentages of TiO2 on the micro -structural features and dispersion of the TiO2, chemical fingerprinting, and rheological performance of the bituminous binder. The results showed a promising potential of TiO2 to degrade soot (over 50%) during the conducted experiments. In addition, the RSM outcomes showed that applying a higher amount of TiO2 is more efficient for pollutant degradation. Finally, no negative impact was observed, neither on the rheological behavior nor on the aging susceptibility of the bitumen, even though the homogenous dispersion of the TiO2 was clearly captured via CLSM.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000848227000001 Publication Date 2022-08-20
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0950-0618 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor (up) 7.4 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 7.4
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:189820 Serial 7128
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Author Quintero-Coronel, D.A.; Lenis-Rodas, Y.A.; Corredor, L.; Perreault, P.; Bula, A.; Gonzalez-Quiroga, A.
Title Co-gasification of biomass and coal in a top-lit updraft fixed bed gasifier : syngas composition and its interchangeability with natural gas for combustion applications Type A1 Journal article
Year 2022 Publication Fuel Abbreviated Journal Fuel
Volume 316 Issue Pages 123394-11
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract The co-gasification of biomass and coal is a promising approach for efficiently integrating the unique advantages of different gasification feedstock with syngas production. Additionally, syngas from the co-gasification of locally available biomass and coal could supplement the natural gas used in household and industrial burners. The top-lit updraft gasifier features a moving ignition front that starts at the top and propagates downward through the solids bed, while air enters from the bottom and the gas product flows upwards. This study assesses the co-gasification performance of palm kernel shell and high-volatile bituminous coal in a top-lit updraft fixed bed gasifier using 70, 85, and 100 vol% biomass and equivalence ratios ranging from 0.26 to 0.34. The results indicate that the ignition front propagates faster and is more uniform as the biomass volume increases. Micro GC analysis revealed that the H2/CO ratio remained in the range of 0.57–0.59, 0.49–0.51, and 0.42–0.46 for experiments with 70, 85, and 100 vol% biomass, respectively. A gas interchangeability analysis showed that syngas-natural gas blends with up to 15 vol% of syngas could combust in atmospheric natural gas burners without modifications. Thus, the top-lit updraft gasifier shows excellent potential for the co-gasification of coal and biomass. Further research on this technology should explore steam as a gasification agent to enhance the syngas energy content and continuous solids feeding.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000783173000003 Publication Date 2022-01-29
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0016-2361 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor (up) 7.4 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 7.4
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:187752 Serial 7136
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Author Neven, L.; Barich, H.; Ching, H.Y.V.; Khan, S.U.; Colomier, C.; Patel, H.H.; Gorun, S.M.; Verbruggen, S.; Van Doorslaer, S.; De Wael, K.
Title Correlation between the fluorination degree of perfluorinated zinc phthalocyanines, their singlet oxygen generation ability, and their photoelectrochemical response for phenol sensing Type A1 Journal article
Year 2022 Publication Analytical chemistry Abbreviated Journal Anal Chem
Volume 94 Issue 13 Pages 5221-5230
Keywords A1 Journal article; Organic synthesis (ORSY); Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL); Antwerp Electrochemical and Analytical Sciences Lab (A-Sense Lab)
Abstract Electron-withdrawing perfluoroalkyl peripheral groups grafted on phthalocyanine (Pc) macrocycles improve their single-site isolation, solubility, and resistance to self-oxidation, all beneficial features for catalytic applications. A high degree of fluorination also enhances the reducibility of Pcs and could alter their singlet oxygen (1O2) photoproduction. The ethanol/toluene 20:80 vol % solvent mixture was found to dissolve perfluorinated FnPcZn complexes, n = 16, 52, and 64, and minimize the aggregation of the sterically unencumbered F16PcZn. The 1O2 production ability of FnPcZn complexes was examined using 9,10-dimethylanthracene (DMA) and 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine (TEMP) in combination with UV–vis and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy, respectively. While the photoreduction of F52PcZn and F64PcZn in the presence of redox-active TEMP lowered 1O2 production, DMA was a suitable 1O2 trap for ranking the complexes. The solution reactivity was complemented by solid-state studies via the construction of photoelectrochemical sensors based on TiO2-supported FnPcZn, FnPcZn|TiO2. Phenol photo-oxidation by 1O2, followed by its electrochemical reduction, defines a redox cycle, the 1O2 production having been found to depend on the value of n and structural features of the supported complexes. Consistent with solution studies, F52PcZn was found to be the most efficient 1O2 generator. The insights on reactivity testing and structural–activity relationships obtained may be useful for designing efficient and robust sensors and for other 1O2-related applications of FnPcZn.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000786254500002 Publication Date 2022-03-22
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0003-2700; 5206-882x ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor (up) 7.4 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 7.4
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:187522 Serial 7141
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Author Girard-Sahun, F.; Lefrancois, P.; Badets, V.; Arbault, S.; Clement, F.
Title Direct sensing of superoxide and its relatives reactive oxygen and nitrogen species in phosphate buffers during cold atmospheric plasmas exposures Type A1 Journal article
Year 2022 Publication Analytical Chemistry Abbreviated Journal Anal Chem
Volume 94 Issue 14 Pages 5555-5565
Keywords A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract This study aims at sensing in situ reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) and specifically superoxide anion (O-2(center dot-)) in aqueous buffer solutions exposed to cold atmospheric plasmas (CAPs). CAPs were generated by ionizing He gas shielded with variable N-2/O-2 mixtures. Thanks to ultramicroelectrodes protected against the high electric fields transported by the ionization waves of CAPs, the production of superoxide and several RONS was electrochemically directly detected in liquids during their plasma exposure. Complementarily, optical emissive spectroscopy (OES) was used to study the plasma phase composition and its correlation with the chemistry in the exposed liquid. The specific production of O-2(center dot-), a biologically reactive redox species, was analyzed by cyclic voltammetry (CV), in both alkaline (pH 11), where the species is fairly stable, and physiological (pH 7.4) conditions, where it is unstable. To understand its generation with respect to the plasma chemistry, we varied the shielding gas composition of CAPs to directly impact on the RONS composition at the plasma-liquid interface. We observed that the production and accumulation of RONS in liquids, including O(2)(center dot-)depends on the plasma composition, with N-2-based shieldings providing the highest superoxide concentrations (few 10s of micromolar at most) and of its derivatives (hundreds of micromolar). In situ spectroscopic and electrochemical analyses provide a high resolution kinetic and quantitative understanding of the interactions between CAPs and physiological solutions for biomedical applications.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000805334400013 Publication Date 2022-03-28
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0003-2700; 5206-882x ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor (up) 7.4 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 7.4
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:189093 Serial 7143
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Author Kummamuru, N.B.; Verbruggen, S.W.; Lenaerts, S.; Perreault, P.
Title Experimental investigation of methane hydrate formation in the presence of metallic packing Type A1 Journal article
Year 2022 Publication Fuel Abbreviated Journal Fuel
Volume 323 Issue Pages 124269-10
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract Clathrate hydrates gained significant attention as a viable option for large-scale storage of natural gas, primarily methane (CH4). Unlike employing the nanoconfinement for enhancing the nucleation sites and hydrate growth as in the porous materials, whose synthesis is often associated with high costs and poor batch reproducibility, a new approach for promoting CH4 hydrates using pure water (H2O) in an unstirred reactor packed with stainless steel beads (SSB) was proposed in this fundamental work, where the interstitial space between the beads was exploited for enhanced hydrate growth. SSB of two diameters, 5 mm and 2 mm, were used as. a packed bed to investigate their effects on CH4 hydrate formation at 273.65 K, 275.65 K, and 277.65 K with an initial pressure of 6 MPa. The thermal conductivity of SSB packing potentially aided hydrate growth by expelling the hydration heat, while, the results also revealed that driving force has a substantial impact on the rate of CH4 hydrate formation and gas uptake. The experiments conducted in both 5 mm and 2 mm SSB packed bed reactors showed a maximum gas uptake of 0.147 mol CH4/mol H2O at 273.65 K with water to hydrate conversion of 84.42% with no significant variation. The results established the promotion effect on the kinetics of CH4 hydrate formation in the unstirred reactor packed with 2 mm SSB due to the availability of more interstitial space offering multiple nucleation sites for CH4 hydrate by providing a larger specific surface area for H2O-CH4 reaction. Experiments with varying H2O content were also performed and the results showed that the water to hydrate conversion and rate of hydrate formation could be enhanced at a lower H2O content in a packed bed reactor. This study demonstrates that the use of costly or intricate porous materials can be made redundant, by exploiting the interstitial voids in packing of cheap and widely available SSB as a promising alternative material for enhancing the kinetics of artificial CH4 hydrate synthesis.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000799165400007 Publication Date 2022-04-27
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0016-2361 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor (up) 7.4 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 7.4
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:187830 Serial 7159
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Author Khan, S.U.; Trashin, S.; Beltran, V.; Korostei, Y.S.; Pelmus, M.; Gorun, S.M.; Dubinina, T., V.; Verbruggen, S.W.; De Wael, K.
Title Photoelectrochemical behavior of phthalocyanine-sensitized TiO₂ in the presence of electron-shuttling mediators Type A1 Journal article
Year 2022 Publication Analytical chemistry Abbreviated Journal Anal Chem
Volume 94 Issue 37 Pages 12723-12731
Keywords A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL); Antwerp Electrochemical and Analytical Sciences Lab (A-Sense Lab)
Abstract Dye-sensitized TiO(2 )has found many applications for dye sensitized solar cells (DSSC), solar-to-chemical energy conversion, water/air purification systems, and (electro)chemical sensors. We report an electrochemical system for testing dye-sensitized materials that can be utilized in photoelectrochemical (PEC) sensors and energy conversion. Unlike related systems, the reported system does not require a direct electron transfer from semiconductors to electrodes. Rather, it relies on electron shuttling by redox mediators. A range of model photocatalytic materials were prepared using three different TiO2 materials (P25, P90, and PC500) and three sterically hindered phthalocyanines (Pcs) with electron-rich tert-butyl substituents (t-Bu4PcZn, t-Bu4PcAlCl, and t-Bu4PcH2). The materials were compared with previously developed TiO(2 )modified by electron-deficient, also sterically hindered fluorinated phthalocyanine F64PcZn, a singlet oxygen (O-1(2)) producer, as well as its metal-free derivative, F64PcH2. The PEC activity depended on the redox mediator, as well as the type of TiO2 and Pc. By comparing the responses of one-electron shuttles, such as K4Fe(CN)(4), and O-1(2)-reactive electron shuttles, such as phenol, it is possible to reveal the action mechanism of the supported photosensitizers, while the overall activity can be assessed using hydroquinone. t-Bu4PcAlCl showed significantly lower blank responses and higher specific responses toward chlorophenols compared to t-Bu4PcZn due to the electron-withdrawing effect of the Al3+ metal center. The combination of reactivity insights and the need for only microgram amounts of sensing materials renders the reported system advantageous for practical applications.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000855284300001 Publication Date 2022-09-12
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0003-2700; 5206-882x ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor (up) 7.4 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 7.4
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:190602 Serial 7190
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Author Mercer, Er.; Van Alphen, S.; van Deursen, Cf.a.m.; Righart, Tw.h.; Bongers, Wa.; Snyders, R.; Bogaerts, A.; van de Sanden, Mc.m.; Peeters, Fj.j.
Title Post-plasma quenching to improve conversion and energy efficiency in a CO2 microwave plasma Type A1 Journal article
Year 2023 Publication Fuel Abbreviated Journal
Volume 334 Issue Pages 126734
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract Transforming CO2 into value-added chemicals is crucial to realizing a carbon–neutral economy, and plasma-based conversion, a Power-2-X technology, offers a promising route to realizing an efficient and scalable process. This paper investigates the effects of post-plasma placement of a converging–diverging nozzle in a vortex-stabilized 2.45 GHz CO2 microwave plasma reactor to increase energy efficiency and conversion. The CDN leads to a 21 % relative increase in energy efficiency (31 %) and CO2 conversion (13 %) at high flow rates and near-atmospheric conditions. The most significant performance improvement was seen at low flow rates and sub-atmospheric pressure (300 mbar), where energy efficiency was 23 % and conversion was 28 %, a 71 % relative increase over conditions without the CDN. Using CFD simulations, we found that the CDN produces a change in the flow geometry, leading to a confined temperature profile at the height of the plasma, and forced extraction of CO to the post-CDN region.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000891307400008 Publication Date 2022-11-26
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0016-2361 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor (up) 7.4 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes This research was supported by the European Research Council (ERC) under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program (grant agreement No 810182 – SCOPE ERC Synergy project) and the Excellence of Science FWO-FNRS project (FWO grant ID GoF9618n, EOS ID 30505023). The computational resources and services used in this work were provided by the HPC core facility CalcUA of the Universiteit Antwerpen, and VSC (Flemish Supercomputer Center), funded by the Research Foundation – Flanders (FWO) and the Flemish Government. In addition, this work has been carried out as part of the Plasma Power to Gas research program with reference 15325, which is by the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research (NWO) and Alliander N.V. Approved Most recent IF: 7.4; 2023 IF: 4.601
Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @c:irua:192784 Serial 7235
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Author Monico, L.; Cotte, M.; Vanmeert, F.; Amidani, L.; Janssens, K.; Nuyts, G.; Garrevoet, J.; Falkenberg, G.; Glatzel, P.; Romani, A.; Miliani, C.
Title Damages induced by synchrotron radiation-based X-ray microanalysis in chrome yellow paints and related Cr-compounds : assessment, quantification, and mitigation strategies Type A1 Journal article
Year 2020 Publication Analytical Chemistry Abbreviated Journal Anal Chem
Volume 92 Issue 20 Pages 14164-14173
Keywords A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
Abstract Synchrotron radiation (SR)-based X-ray methods are powerful analytical tools for several purposes. They are widely used to probe the degradation mechanisms of inorganic artists' pigments in paintings, including chrome yellows (PbCr1-xSxO4; 0 <= x <= 0.8), a class of compounds often found in Van Gogh masterpieces. However, the high intensity and brightness of SR beams raise important issues regarding the potential damage inflicted on the analyzed samples. A thorough knowledge of the SR X-ray sensitivity of each class of pigment in the painting matrix is therefore required to find analytical strategies that seek to minimize the damage for preserving the integrity of the analyzed samples and to avoid data misinterpretation. Here, we employ a combination of Cr K-edge X-ray absorption near-edge structure spectroscopy, Cr-K-beta X-ray emission spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction to monitor and quantify the effects of SR X-rays on the stability of chrome yellows and related Cr compounds and to define mitigation strategies. We found that the SR X-ray beam exposure induces changes in the oxidation state and local coordination environment of Cr ions and leads to a loss of the compound's crystalline structure. The extent of X-ray damage depends on some intrinsic properties of the samples (chemical composition of the pigment and the presence/absence and nature of the binder). It can be minimized by optimizing the overall fluence/dose released to the samples and by working in vacuum and under cryogenic conditions.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000584418100072 Publication Date 2020-09-21
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0003-2700; 5206-882x ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor (up) 7.4 Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 7.4; 2020 IF: 6.32
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:174363 Serial 7754
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Author Wiorek, A.; Parrilla, M.; Cuartero, M.; Crespo, G.A.
Title Epidermal patch with glucose biosensor : pH and temperature correction toward more accurate sweat analysis during sport practice Type A1 Journal article
Year 2020 Publication Analytical Chemistry Abbreviated Journal Anal Chem
Volume 92 Issue 14 Pages 10153-10161
Keywords A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
Abstract We present an epidermal patch for glucose analysis in sweat incorporating for the first time pH and temperature correction according to local dynamic fluctuations in sweat during on-body tests. This sort of correction is indeed the main novelty of the paper, being crucial toward reliable measurements in every sensor based on an enzymatic element whose activity strongly depends on pH and temperature. The results herein reported for corrected glucose detection during on-body measurements are supported by a two-step validation protocol: with the biosensor operating off- and on-bodily, correlating the results with UV-vis spectrometry and/or ion chromatography. Importantly, the wearable device is a flexible skin patch that comprises a microfluidic cell designed with a sweat collection zone coupled to a fluidic channel in where the needed electrodes are placed: glucose biosensor, pH potentiometric electrode and a temperature sensor. The glucose biosensor presents a linear range of response within the expected physiological levels of glucose in sweat (10-200 mu M), and the calibration parameters are dynamically adjusted to any change in pH and temperature during the sport practice by means of a new “correction approach”. In addition, the sensor displays a fast response time, appropriate selectivity, and excellent reversibility. A total of 9 validated on-body tests are presented: the outcomes revealed a great potential of the wearable glucose sensor toward the provision of reliable physiological data linked to individuals during sport activity. In particular, the developed “correction approach” is expected to impact into the next generation of wearable devices that digitalize physiological activities through chemical information in a trustable manner for both sport and healthcare applications.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000554986200089 Publication Date 2020-06-26
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0003-2700; 5206-882x ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor (up) 7.4 Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 7.4; 2020 IF: 6.32
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:175265 Serial 7931
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