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“Plasma Catalysis Modeling: How Ideal Is Atomic Hydrogen for Eley–Rideal?”.Michiels R, Gerrits N, Neyts E, Bogaerts A, The Journal of Physical Chemistry C 128, 11196 (2024). http://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jpcc.4c02193
Abstract: Plasma catalysis is an emerging technology, but a lot of questions about the underlying surface mechanisms remain unanswered. One of these questions is how important Eley−Rideal (ER) reactions are, next to Langmuir−Hinshelwood reactions. Most plasma catalysis kinetic models predict ER reactions to be important and sometimes even vital for the surface chemistry. In this work, we take a critical look at how ER reactions involving H radicals are incorporated in kinetic models describing CO2 hydrogenation and NH3 synthesis. To this end, we construct potential energy surface (PES) intersections, similar to elbow plots constructed for dissociative chemisorption. The results of the PES intersections are in agreement with ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) findings in literature while being computationally much cheaper. We find that, for the reactions studied here, adsorption is more probable than a reaction via the hot atom (HA) mechanism, which in turn is more probable than a reaction via the ER mechanism. We also conclude that kinetic models of plasma-catalytic systems tend to overestimate the importance if ER reactions. Furthermore, as opposed to what is often assumed in kinetic models, the choice of catalyst will influence the ER reaction probability. Overall, the description of ER reactions is too much “ideal” in models. Based on our indings, we make a number of recommendations on how to incorporate ER reactions in kinetic models to avoid overestimation of their importance.
Keywords: A1 Journal Article; Plasma, laser ablation and surface modeling Antwerp (PLASMANT) ;
Impact Factor: 3.7
DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcc.4c02193
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“Core–Shell Colloidal Nanocomposites for Local Temperature Monitoring during Photothermal Heating”. Zani V, Renero-Lecuna C, Jimenez de Aberasturi D, di Silvio D, Kavak S, Bals S, Signorini R, Liz-Marzán LM, The Journal of Physical Chemistry C (2024). http://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jpcc.4c05593
Abstract: Determining temperature changes at the heating site to accurately control thermal treatments has been a major goal in the field of nanothermometry. In this study, we address the need to effectively monitor local temperature during the application of photothermal therapies, which is essential to prevent uncontrolled heating induced by nanoparticle sensitizers used in such treatments. For this purpose, we developed a synthetic protocol to produce a nanocomposite probe that allows local photothermal heating and simultaneous in situ optical nanothermometry, within the biological transparency windows. The nanocomposite material comprises gold nanorods for light-to-heat conversion and neodymium (Nd3+)-based nanoparticles for local temperature monitoring. An inert spacer made of mesoporous silica provides a core-shell structure and ensures uniform separation between both functionalities to prevent photoluminescence quenching. By using an 808 nm laser as the source for both heating and photoluminescence excitation, we demonstrate a direct correlation between local temperature and near infrared Nd3+ emission intensities, thereby providing precise local temperature monitoring. Different levels of local heating were studied by varying the incident laser power, resulting in a maximum temperature increase of 47 °C detected with the nanothermometers. Albeit presented here as a proof of concept, this concept can be translated to the design of materials for photothermal therapy.
Keywords: A1 Journal Article; Electron Microscopy for Materials Science (EMAT) ;
Impact Factor: 3.7
DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcc.4c05593
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“H2S Decomposition into H2 and S2 by Plasma Technology: Comparison of Gliding Arc and Microwave Plasma”. Zhang Q-Z, Wang WZ, Thille C, Bogaerts A, Plasma Chemistry And Plasma Processing 40, 1163 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1007/s11090-020-10100-3
Abstract: We studied hydrogen sulfide (H2S) decomposition into hydrogen (H2) and sulfur (S2) in a gliding arc plasmatron (GAP) and microwave (MW) plasma by a combination of 0D and 2D models. The conversion, energy efficiency, and plasma distribution are examined for different discharge conditions, and validated with available experiments from literature. Furthermore, a comparison is made between GAP and MW plasma. The GAP operates at atmospheric pressure, while the MW plasma experiments to which comparison is made were performed at reduced pressure. Indeed, the MW discharge region becomes very much contracted near atmospheric pressure, at the conditions under study, as revealed by our 2D model. The models predict that thermal reactions play the most important role in H2S decomposition in both plasma types. The GAP has a higher energy efficiency but lower conversion than the MW plasma at their typical conditions. When compared at the same conversion, the GAP exhibits a higher energy efficiency and lower energy cost than the MW plasma.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 3.6
DOI: 10.1007/s11090-020-10100-3
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“SF₆, degradation in γ-Al₂O₃, packed DBD system : effects of hydration, reactive gases and plasma-induced surface charges”. Cui Z, Zhou C, Jafarzadeh A, Zhang X, Hao Y, Li L, Bogaerts A, Plasma chemistry and plasma processing 43, 635 (2023). http://doi.org/10.1007/S11090-023-10320-3
Abstract: Packed-bed DBD (PB-DBD) plasmas hold promise for effective degradation of greenhouse gases like SF6. In this work, we conducted a combined experimental and theoretical study to investigate the effect of the packing surface structure and the plasma surface discharge on the SF6 degradation in a gamma-Al2O3 packing DBD system. Experimental results show that both the hydration effect of the surface (upon moisture) and the presence of excessive reactive gases in the plasma can significantly reduce the SF6 degradation, but they hardly change the discharge behavior. DFT results show that the pre-adsorption of species such as H, OH, H2O and O-2 can occupy the active sites (Al-III site) which negatively impacts the SF6 adsorption. H2O molecules pre-adsorbed at neighboring sites can promote the activation of SF6 molecules and lower the reaction barrier for the S-F bond-breaking process. Surface-induced charges and local external electric fields caused by the plasma can both improve the SF6 adsorption and enhance the elongation of the S-F bonds. Our results indicate that both the surface structure of the packing material and the plasma surface discharge are crucial for SF6 degradation performance, and the packing beads should be kept dry during the degradation. This work helps to understand the underlying mechanisms of SF6 degradation in a PB-DBD system.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 3.6
DOI: 10.1007/S11090-023-10320-3
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“Special Issue on “Dielectric Barrier Discharges and their Applications&rdquo, in Commemoration of the 20th Anniversary of Dr. Ulrich Kogelschatz’s Work”. Bogaerts A, Plasma Chemistry and Plasma Processing 43, 1281 (2023). http://doi.org/10.1007/s11090-023-10431-x
Abstract: n/a
Keywords: A1 Journal Article; Plasma, laser ablation and surface modeling Antwerp (PLASMANT) ;
Impact Factor: 3.6
DOI: 10.1007/s11090-023-10431-x
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“Characterization of Non-Thermal Dielectric Barrier Discharges for Plasma Medicine: From Plastic Well Plates to Skin Surfaces”. Lin A, Gromov M, Nikiforov A, Smits E, Bogaerts A, Plasma Chemistry and Plasma Processing 43, 1587 (2023). http://doi.org/10.1007/s11090-023-10389-w
Abstract: technologies have been expanding, and one of the most exciting and rapidly growing
applications is in biology and medicine. Most biomedical studies with DBD plasma systems are performed in vitro, which include cells grown on the surface of plastic well plates, or in vivo, which include animal research models (e.g. mice, pigs). Since many DBD systems use the biological target as the secondary electrode for direct plasma generation and treatment, they are sensitive to the surface properties of the target, and thus can be altered based on the in vitro or in vivo system used. This could consequently affect biological response from plasma treatment. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the DBD plasma behavior both in vitro (i.e. 96-well flat bottom plates, 96-well U-bottom plates, and 24-well flat bottom plates), and in vivo (i.e. mouse skin). Intensified charge coupled device (ICCD) imaging was performed and the plasma discharges were visually distinguishable between the different systems. The geometry of the wells did not affect DBD plasma generation for low application distances (≤ 2 mm), but differentially affected plasma uniformity on the bottom of the well at greater distances. Since DBD plasma treatment in vitro is rarely performed in dry wells for plasma medicine experiments, the effect of well wetness was also investigated. In all in vitro cases, the uniformity of the DBD plasma was affected when comparing wet versus dry wells, with the plasma in the wide-bottom wells appearing the most similar to plasma generated on mouse skin. Interestingly, based on quantification of ICCD images, the DBD plasma intensity per surface area demonstrated an exponential one-phase decay with increasing application distance, regardless of the in vitro or in vivo system. This trend is similar to that of the energy per pulse of plasma, which is used to determine the total plasma treatment energy for biological systems. Optical emission spectroscopy performed on the plasma revealed similar trends in radical species generation between the plastic well plates and mouse skin. Therefore, taken together, DBD plasma intensity per surface area may be a valuable parameter to be used as a simple method for in situ monitoring during biological treatment and active plasma treatment control, which can be applied for in vitro and in vivo systems.
Keywords: A1 Journal Article; Non-thermal plasma · Plasma medicine · Dielectric barrier discharge · Plasma diagnostics · Plasma surface interaction · In situ plasma monitoring; Plasma, laser ablation and surface modeling Antwerp (PLASMANT) ;
Impact Factor: 3.6
DOI: 10.1007/s11090-023-10389-w
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“A critical comparison of MINDO/3, MNDO, AM1 and PM3 for a model problem: carbon clusters C2-C10. An ad hoc reparametrization of MNDO well suited for the accurate prediction of their spectroscopic constants”. Martin JML, François JP, Gijbels R, Journal of computational chemistry 12, 52 (1991)
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 3.589
Times cited: 76
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“Hydrogeochemistry in the zinclead mining district of Les Malines (Gard, France)”. Bosch B, Leleu M, Oustrière P, Sarcia C, Sureau JF, Blommaert W, Gijbels R, Sadurski A, Vandelannoote R, Van Grieken R, Van 'T Dack L;, Chemical geology 55, 31 (1986). http://doi.org/10.1016/0009-2541(86)90125-7
Abstract: Sensitive multi-element analysis techniques together with major-element and isotopic analyses were applied to spring, mine and surface waters in the vicinity of an important known zinclead deposit in a carbonate environment, in the Les Malines area (Gard, France). Both the dissolved and suspended phases were investigated, and concretions and sediments were also considered in some cases. This methodological test shows that the ore body leaves various clear fingerprints, such as the Zn, As, Sb, Pb and U levels in the dissolved phase, the sulfate increment and the δ 34S. Some of the elements in solution are controlled by slightly soluble compounds, e.g. Zn by smithsonite and hydrozincite, Ba by barite, and Pb by hydrocerussite. Mapping the saturation indices for these elements appears useful for displaying the hydrogeochemical anomaly.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT); AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
Impact Factor: 3.524
Times cited: 3
DOI: 10.1016/0009-2541(86)90125-7
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“Computer simulations of a dielectric barrier discharge used for analytical spectrometry”. Martens T, Bogaerts A, Brok W, van Dijk J, Analytical and bioanalytical chemistry 388, 1583 (2007). http://doi.org/10.1007/s00216-007-1269-0
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 3.431
Times cited: 28
DOI: 10.1007/s00216-007-1269-0
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“Advantages of combined mu-XRF and mu-XRD for phase characterization of Ti-B-C ceramics compared with conventional X-ray diffraction”. Jaroszewicz J, de Nolf W, Janssens K, Michalski A, Falkenberg G, Analytical and bioanalytical chemistry 391, 1129 (2008). http://doi.org/10.1007/S00216-008-2097-6
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
Impact Factor: 3.431
Times cited: 7
DOI: 10.1007/S00216-008-2097-6
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“Compositional analysis of Tuscan glass samples: in search of raw materials fingerprints”. Cagno S, Janssens K, Mendera M, Analytical and bioanalytical chemistry 391, 1389 (2008). http://doi.org/10.1007/S00216-008-1945-8
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
Impact Factor: 3.431
Times cited: 26
DOI: 10.1007/S00216-008-1945-8
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“Euroanalysis 14: the European Conference on Analytical Chemistry”. Janssens K, van Espen P, Van 't dack L, Analytical and bioanalytical chemistry 391, 1107 (2008). http://doi.org/10.1007/S00216-008-2114-9
Keywords: Editorial; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation); Chemometrics (Mitac 3)
Impact Factor: 3.431
DOI: 10.1007/S00216-008-2114-9
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“Investigating morphological changes in treated vs. untreated stone building materials by x-ray micro-CT”. Bugani S, Camaiti M, Morselli L, Van de Casteele E, Janssens K, Analytical and bioanalytical chemistry 391, 1343 (2008). http://doi.org/10.1007/S00216-008-1946-7
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Vision lab; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
Impact Factor: 3.431
Times cited: 25
DOI: 10.1007/S00216-008-1946-7
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“Spatially resolved (semi)quantitative determination of iron (Fe) in plants by means of synchrotron micro X-ray fluorescence”. Terzano R, Alfeld M, Janssens K, Vekemans B, Schoonjans T, Vincze L, Tomasi N, Pinton R, Cesco S, Analytical and bioanalytical chemistry 405, 3341 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1007/S00216-013-6768-6
Abstract: Iron (Fe) is an essential element for plant growth and development; hence determining Fe distribution and concentration inside plant organs at the microscopic level is of great relevance to better understand its metabolism and bioavailability through the food chain. Among the available microanalytical techniques, synchrotron mu-XRF methods can provide a powerful and versatile array of analytical tools to study Fe distribution within plant samples. In the last years, the implementation of new algorithms and detection technologies has opened the way to more accurate (semi)quantitative analyses of complex matrices like plant materials. In this paper, for the first time the distribution of Fe within tomato roots has been imaged and quantified by means of confocal mu-XRF and exploiting a recently developed fundamental parameter-based algorithm. With this approach, Fe concentrations ranging from few hundreds of ppb to several hundreds of ppm can be determined at the microscopic level without cutting sections. Furthermore, Fe (semi)quantitative distribution maps were obtained for the first time by using two opposing detectors to collect simultaneously the XRF radiation emerging from both sides of an intact cucumber leaf.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
Impact Factor: 3.431
Times cited: 27
DOI: 10.1007/S00216-013-6768-6
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“Study on the impregnation of archaeological waterlogged wood with consolidation treatments using synchrotron radiation microtomography”. Bugani S, Modugno F, Lucejko JJ, Giachi G, Cagno S, Cloetens P, Janssens K, Morselli L, Analytical and bioanalytical chemistry 395, 1977 (2009). http://doi.org/10.1007/S00216-009-3101-5
Abstract: In favourable conditions of low temperature and low oxygen concentration, archaeological waterlogged wooden artefacts, such as shipwrecks, can survive with a good state of preservation. Nevertheless, anaerobic bacteria can considerably degrade waterlogged wooden objects with a significant loss in polysaccharidic components. Due to these decay processes, wood porosity and water content increase under ageing. In such conditions, the conservation treatments of archaeological wooden artefacts often involve the replacement of water with substances which fill the cavities and help to prevent collapse and stress during drying. The treatments are very often expensive and technically difficult, and their effectiveness very much depends on the chemical and physical characteristics of the substances used for impregnation. Also important are the degree of cavity-filling, penetration depth and distribution in the structure of the wood. In this study, the distribution in wood cavities of some mixtures based on polyethylene glycols and colophony, used for the conservation of waterlogged archaeological wood, was investigated using synchrotron radiation X-ray computed microtomography (SR-A mu CT). This non-destructive imaging technique was useful for the study of the degraded waterlogged wood and enabled us to visualise the morphology of the wood and the distribution of the materials used in the wood treatments. The study has shown how deposition is strictly related to the dimension of the wooden cavities. The work is currently proceeding with the comparison of synchrotron observations with the data of the solutions viscosity and with those of the properties imparted to the wood by the treatments.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
Impact Factor: 3.431
Times cited: 30
DOI: 10.1007/S00216-009-3101-5
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“Unraveling the effect of the aptamer complementary element on the performance of duplexed aptamers : a thermodynamic study”. Dillen A, Vandezande W, Daems D, Lammertyn J, Analytical And Bioanalytical Chemistry 413, 4739 (2021). http://doi.org/10.1007/S00216-021-03444-Y
Abstract: Duplexed aptamers (DAs) are widespread aptasensor formats that simultaneously recognize and signal the concentration of target molecules. They are composed of an aptamer and aptamer complementary element (ACE) which consists of a short oligonucleotide that partially inhibits the aptamer sequence. Although the design principles to engineer DAs are straightforward, the tailored development of DAs for a particular target is currently based on trial and error due to limited knowledge of how the ACE sequence affects the final performance of DA biosensors. Therefore, we have established a thermodynamic model describing the influence of the ACE on the performance of DAs applied in equilibrium assays and demonstrated that this relationship can be described by the binding strength between the aptamer and ACE. To validate our theoretical findings, the model was applied to the 29-mer anti-thrombin aptamer as a case study, and an experimental relation between the aptamer-ACE binding strength and performance of DAs was established. The obtained results indicated that our proposed model could accurately describe the effect of the ACE sequence on the performance of the established DAs for thrombin detection, applied for equilibrium assays. Furthermore, to characterize the binding strength between the aptamer and ACEs evaluated in this work, a set of fitting equations was derived which enables thermodynamic characterization of DNA-based interactions through thermal denaturation experiments, thereby overcoming the limitations of current predictive software and chemical denaturation experiments. Altogether, this work encourages the development, characterization, and use of DAs in the field of biosensing.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
Impact Factor: 3.431
DOI: 10.1007/S00216-021-03444-Y
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“Antarctic fish versus human cytoglobins : the same but yet so different”. Cuypers B, Vermeylen S, Hammerschmid D, Trashin S, Rahemi V, Konijnenberg A, De Schutter A, Cheng C-HC, Giordano D, Verde C, De Wael K, Sobott F, Dewilde S, Van Doorslaer S, Journal of inorganic biochemistry 173, 66 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.JINORGBIO.2017.04.025
Abstract: The cytoglobins of the Antarctic fish Chaenocephalus aceratus and Dissostichus mawsoni have many features in common with human cytoglobin. These cytoglobins are heme proteins in which the ferric and ferrous forms have a characteristic hexacoordination of the heme iron, i.e. axial ligation of two endogenous histidine residues, as confirmed by electron paramagnetic resonance, resonance Raman and optical absorption spectroscopy. The combined spectroscopic analysis revealed only small variations in the heme-pocket structure, in line with the small variations observed for the redox potential. Nevertheless, some striking differences were also discovered. Resonance Raman spectroscopy showed that the stabilization of an exogenous heme ligand, such as CO, occurs differently in human cytoglobin in comparison with Antarctic fish cytoglobins. Furthermore, while it has been extensively reported that human cytoglobin is essentially monomeric and can form an intramolecular disulfide bridge that can influence the ligand binding kinetics, 3D modeling of the Antarctic fish cytoglobins indicates that the cysteine residues are too far apart to form such an intramolecular bridge. Moreover, gel filtration and mass spectrometry reveal the occurrence of non-covalent multimers (up to pentamers) in the Antarctic fish cytoglobins that are formed at low concentrations. Stabilization of these oligomers by disulfide-bridge formation is possible, but not essential. If intermolecular disulfide bridges are formed, they influence the heme-pocket structure, as is shown by EPR measurements.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
Impact Factor: 3.348
Times cited: 7
DOI: 10.1016/J.JINORGBIO.2017.04.025
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“Electrochemical determination of hydrogen peroxide with cytochrome c peroxidase and horse heart cytochrome c entrapped in a gelatin hydrogel”. De Wael K, Bashir Q, van Vlierberghe S, Dubruel P, Heering HA, Adriaens A, Bioelectrochemistry: an international journal devoted to electrochemical aspects of biology and biological aspects of electrochemistry 83, 15 (2012). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.BIOELECHEM.2011.07.001
Abstract: A novel and versatile method, based on a membrane-free enzyme electrode in which both the enzyme and a mediator protein are entrapped in a gelatine hydrogel was developed for the fabrication of biosensors. As a proof of principle, we prepared a hydrogen peroxide biosensor by successfully entrapping both horse heart cytochrome c (HHC) and Saccharomyces cerevisae cytochrome c peroxidase (CCP) in a gelatin matrix which is immobilized on a gold electrode. This electrode was first pretreated with 6-mercaptohexanol. The biosensor displayed a rapid response and an expanded linear response range from 0 to 0.3 mM (R = 0.987) with a detection limit of 1 × 10− 5 M in a HEPES buffer solution (pH 7.0). This method of encapsulation is now further investigated for industrial biosensor applications.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
Impact Factor: 3.346
Times cited: 31
DOI: 10.1016/J.BIOELECHEM.2011.07.001
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“Parametrization and Molecular Dynamics Simulations of Nitrogen Oxyanions and Oxyacids for Applications in Atmospheric and Biomolecular Sciences”. Cordeiro RM, Yusupov M, Razzokov J, Bogaerts A, Journal Of Physical Chemistry B 124, 1082 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jpcb.9b08172
Abstract: Nitrogen oxyanions and oxyacids are important agents in atmospheric chemistry and medical biology. Although their chemical behavior in solution is relatively well understood, they may behave very differently at the water/air interface of atmospheric aerosols or at the membrane/water interface of cells. Here, we developed a fully classical model for molecular dynamics simulations of NO3−, NO2−, HNO3, and HNO2 in the framework of the GROMOS 53A6 and 54A7 force field versions. The model successfully accounted for the poorly structured solvation shell and ion pairing tendency of NO3−. Accurate pure-liquid properties and hydration free energies were obtained for the oxyacids. Simulations at the water/air interface showed a local enrichment of HNO3 and depletion of NO3−. The effect was discussed in light of earlier spectroscopic data and ab initio calculations, suggesting that HNO3 behaves as a weaker acid at the surface of water. Our model will hopefully allow for efficient and accurate simulations of nitrogen oxyanions and oxyacids in solution and at microheterogeneous interface environments.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 3.3
DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.9b08172
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“CaLa2FeCoSbO9 and ALa2FeNiSbO9 (A = Ca, Sr, Ba): cation-ordered, inhomogeneous, ferrimagnetic perovskites”. Hendrickx M, Tang Y, Hunter EC, Battle PD, Cadogan Jm, Hadermann J, Journal Of Solid State Chemistry 285, 121226 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.jssc.2020.121226
Abstract: Polycrystalline samples of CaLa2FeCoSbO9 and ALa2FeNiSbO9 (A=Ca, Sr, Ba) have been prepared in solid-state reactions and studied by a combination of transmission electron microscopy, magnetometry, X-ray diffraction, neutron diffraction and Mössbauer spectroscopy. Diffraction and TEM showed that each shows 1:1 B-site ordering in which Co2+/Ni2+ and Sb5+ tend to occupy two distinct crystallographic sites while Fe3+ is distributed over both sites. While X-ray and neutron diffraction agreed that all four compositions are monophasic with space group P21/n, TEM revealed different levels of compositional inhomogeneity at the subcrystal scale, which, in the case of BaLa2FeNiSbO9, leads to the occurrence of both a P21/n and an I2/m phase. Magnetometry and neutron diffraction show that these perovskites are ferrimagnets with a G-type magnetic structure. Their relatively low magnetisation can be attributed to their inhomogeneity. This work demonstrates the importance of studying the microstructure of complex compositions.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 3.3
DOI: 10.1016/j.jssc.2020.121226
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“Control of C3N4 and C4N3 carbon nitride nanosheets' electronic and magnetic properties through embedded atoms”. Bafekry A, Stampfl C, Akgenc B, Ghergherehchi M, Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics 22, 2249 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1039/C9CP06031F
Abstract: In the present work, the effect of various embedded atom impurities on tuning electronic and magnetic properties of C3N4 and C4N3 nanosheets have been studied using first-principles calculations. Our calculations show that C3N4 is a semiconductor and it exhibits extraordinary electronic properties such as dilute-magnetic semiconductor (with H, F, Cl, Be, V, Fe and Co); metal (with N, P, Mg and Ca), half-metal (with Li, Na, K, Al, Sc, Cr, Mn, and Cu) and semiconductor (with O, S, B, C, Si, Ti, Ni and Zn) with the band gaps in the range of 0.3-2.0 eV depending on the species of embedded atom. The calculated electronic properties reveal that C4N3 is a half-metal and it retains half-metallic character with embedded H, O, S, F, B, N, P, Be, Mg, Al, Sc, V, Fe, Ni and Zn atoms. The substitution of Cl, C, Cr and Mn atoms create ferromagnetic-metal character in the C4N3 nanosheet, embedded Co and Cu atoms exhibit a dilute-magnetic semiconductor nature, and embedded Ti atoms result in the system becoming a semiconductor. Therefore, our results reveal the fact that the band gap and magnetism can be modified or induced by various atom impurities, thus, offering effective possibilities to tune the electronic and magnetic properties of C3N4 and C4N3 nanosheets.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.3
Times cited: 18
DOI: 10.1039/C9CP06031F
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“Embedding of atoms into the nanopore sites of the C₆N₆, and C₆N₈, porous carbon nitride monolayers with tunable electronic properties”. Bafekry A, Stampfl C, Akgenc B, Mortazavi B, Ghergherehchi M, Nguyen CV, Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics 22, 6418 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1039/D0CP00093K
Abstract: Using first-principles calculations, we study the effect of embedding various atoms into the nanopore sites of both C6N6 and C6N8 monolayers. Our results indicate that the embedded atoms significantly affect the electronic and magnetic properties of C6N6 and C6N8 monolayers and lead to extraordinary and multifarious electronic properties, such as metallic, half-metallic, spin-glass semiconductor and dilute-magnetic semiconductor behaviour. Our results reveal that the H atom concentration dramatically affects the C6N6 monolayer. On increasing the H coverage, the impurity states also increase due to H atoms around the Fermi-level. C6N6 shows metallic character when the H atom concentration reaches 6.25%. Moreover, the effect of charge on the electronic properties of both Cr@C6N6 and C@C6N8 is also studied. Cr@C6N6 is a ferromagnetic metal with a magnetic moment of 2.40 mu(B), and when 0.2 electrons are added and removed, it remains a ferromagnetic metal with a magnetic moment of 2.57 and 2.77 mu(B), respectively. Interestingly, one can observe a semi-metal, in which the VBM and CBM in both spin channels touch each other near the Fermi-level. C@C6N8 is a semiconductor with a nontrivial band gap. When 0.2 electrons are removed, it remains metallic, and under excess electronic charge, it exhibits half-metallic behaviour.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.3
Times cited: 17
DOI: 10.1039/D0CP00093K
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“First-principles investigation of nonmetal doped single-layer BiOBr as a potential photocatalyst with a low recombination rate”. Obeid MM, Stampfl C, Bafekry A, Guan Z, Jappor HR, Nguyen C V, Naseri M, Hoat DM, Hieu NN, Krauklis AE, Tuan V Vu, Gogova D, Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics 22, 15354 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1039/D0CP02007A
Abstract: Nonmetal doping is an effective approach to modify the electronic band structure and enhance the photocatalytic performance of bismuth oxyhalides. Using density functional theory, we systematically examine the fundamental properties of single-layer BiOBr doped with boron (B) and phosphorus (P) atoms. The stability of the doped models is investigated based on the formation energies, where the substitutional doping is found to be energetically more stable under O-rich conditions than under Bi-rich ones. The results showed that substitutional doping of P atoms reduced the bandgap of pristine BiOBr to a greater extent than that of boron substitution. The calculation of the effective masses reveals that B doping can render the electrons and holes of pristine BiOBr lighter and heavier, respectively, resulting in a slower recombination rate of photoexcited electron-hole pairs. Based on the results of HOMO-LUMO calculations, the introduction of B atoms tends to increase the number of photocatalytically active sites. The top of the valence band and the conduction band bottom of the B doped BiOBr monolayer match well with the water redox potentials in an acidic environment. The absorption spectra propose that B(P) doping causes a red-shift. Overall, the results predict that nonmetal-doped BiOBr monolayers have a reduced bandgap, a slow recombination rate, more catalytically active sites, enhanced optical absorption edges, and reduced work functions, which will contribute to superior photocatalytic performance.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.3
Times cited: 18
DOI: 10.1039/D0CP02007A
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“Modulating the electro-optical properties of doped C₃N monolayers and graphene bilayersviamechanical strain and pressure”. Bafekry A, Nguyen C, Obeid MM, Ghergherehchi M, New Journal Of Chemistry 44, 15785 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1039/D0NJ03340E
Abstract: In this work, we investigated systematically the electronic and optical properties of B doped C3N monolayers as well as B and N doped graphene bilayers (BN-Gr@2L). We found that the doping of B atoms leads to an enlarged band gap of the C3N monolayer and when the dopant concentration reaches 12.5%, an indirect-to-direct band gap switching occurs. In addition, with co-doping of B and N atoms on the graphene monolayer in the hexagonal configuration, an electronic transition from semi-metal to semiconductor occurs. Our optical results for B-C3N show a broad absorption spectrum in a wide visible range starting from 400 nm to 1000 nm with strong absorption intensity, making it a suitable candidate for nanoelectronic and optoelectronic applications. Interestingly, a transition from semi-metal to semiconductor emerges in the graphene monolayer with doping of B and N atoms. Furthermore, our results demonstrate that the in-plane strain and out-of-plane strain (pressure) can modulate the band gap of the BN-Gr@2L. The controllable electronic properties and optical features of the doped graphene bilayer by strain engineering may facilitate their practical performance for various applications in future.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.3
Times cited: 7
DOI: 10.1039/D0NJ03340E
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“Novel 2-naphthyl substituted zinc naphthalocyanine : synthesis, optical, electrochemical and spectroelectrochemical properties”. Dubinina TV, Moiseeva EO, Astvatsaturov DA, Borisova NE, Tarakanov PA, Trashin SA, De Wael K, Tomilova LG, New Journal Of Chemistry 44, 7849 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1039/D0NJ00987C
Abstract: New zinc naphthalocyanine with bulky 2-naphthyl groups was obtained. Aggregation drastically influences its optical and electrochemical behavior. Spectroelectrochemistry helps to establish the oxidation potential and reveals unusual color change.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
Impact Factor: 3.3
Times cited: 1
DOI: 10.1039/D0NJ00987C
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“Preparation of the noncentrosymmetric ferrimagnetic phase La0.9Ba0.1Mn0.96O2.43 by topochemical reduction”. Parsons TG, Hadermann J, Halasyamani PS, Hayward MA, Journal Of Solid State Chemistry 287, 121356 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.JSSC.2020.121356
Abstract: Topochemical reduction of La0.9Ba0.1MnO3 with NaH at 225 degrees C yields the brownmillerite phase La0.9Ba0.1MnO2.5. However, reduction with CaH2 at 435 degrees C results in the formation of La0.9Ba0.1Mn0.96O2.43 via the deintercalation of both oxide anions and manganese cations from the parent perovskite phase. Electron and neutron diffraction data reveal La0.9Ba0.1Mn0.96O2.43 adopts a complex noncentrosymmetric structure, described in space group I23, confirmed by SHG measurements. Low-temperature neutron diffraction data reveal La0.9Ba0.1Mn0.96O2.43 adopts an ordered magnetic structure in which all the nearest neighbor interactions are antiferromagnetic. However, the presence of ordered manganese cation-vacancies results in a net ferrimagnetic structure with net saturated moment of 0.157(2) mu B per manganese center.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 3.3
DOI: 10.1016/J.JSSC.2020.121356
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“First principles assessment of the phase stability and transition mechanisms of designated crystal structures of pristine and Janus transition metal dichalcogenides”. Demirkol Ö, Sevik C, Demiroğlu I, Physical chemistry, chemical physics 24, 7430 (2022). http://doi.org/10.1039/D1CP05642E
Abstract: Two-dimensional Transition Metal Dichalcogenides (TMDs) possessing extraordinary physical properties at reduced dimensionality have attracted interest due to their promise in electronic and optical device applications. However, TMD monolayers can show a broad range of different properties depending on their crystal phase; for example, H phases are usually semiconductors, while the T phases are metallic. Thus, controlling phase transitions has become critical for device applications. In this study, the energetically low-lying crystal structures of pristine and Janus TMDs are investigated by using ab initio Nudged Elastic Band and molecular dynamics simulations to provide a general explanation for their phase stability and transition properties. Across all materials investigated, the T phase is found to be the least stable and the H phase is the most stable except for WTe2, while the T' and T '' phases change places according to the TMD material. The transition energy barriers are found to be large enough to hint that even the higher energy phases are unlikely to undergo a phase transition to a more stable phase if they can be achieved except for the least stable T phase, which has zero barrier towards the T ' phase. Indeed, in molecular dynamics simulations the thermodynamically least stable T phase transformed into the T ' phase spontaneously while in general no other phase transition was observed up to 2100 K for the other three phases. Thus, the examined T ', T '' and H phases were shown to be mostly stable and do not readily transform into another phase. Furthermore, so-called mixed phase calculations considered in our study explain the experimentally observed lateral hybrid structures and point out that the coexistence of different phases is strongly stable against phase transitions. Indeed, stable complex structures such as metal-semiconductor-metal architectures, which have immense potential to be used in future device applications, are also possible based on our investigation.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.3
DOI: 10.1039/D1CP05642E
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“High-throughput analysis of tetragonal transition metal Xenes”. Yorulmaz U, Šabani D, Yagmurcukardes M, Sevik C, Milošević, MV, Physical chemistry, chemical physics 24, 29406 (2022). http://doi.org/10.1039/D2CP04191J
Abstract: We report a high-throughput first-principles characterization of the structural, mechanical, electronic, and vibrational properties of tetragonal single-layer transition metal Xenes (t-TMXs). Our calculations revealed 22 dynamically, mechanically and chemically stable structures among the 96 possible free-standing layers present in the t-TMX family. As a fingerprint for their structural identification, we identified four characteristic Raman active phonon modes, namely three in-plane and one out-of-plane optical branches, with various intensities and frequencies depending on the material in question. Spin-polarized electronic calculations demonstrated that anti-ferromagnetic (AFM) metals, ferromagnetic (FM) metals, AFM semiconductors, and non-magnetic semiconductor materials exist within this family, evidencing the potential of t-TMXs for further use in multifunctional heterostructures.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.3
Times cited: 1
DOI: 10.1039/D2CP04191J
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“Experimental and theoretical investigation of synthesis and properties of dodecanethiol-functionalized MoS₂”. Duran TA, Šabani D, Milošević, MV, Sahin H, Physical chemistry, chemical physics 25, 27141 (2023). http://doi.org/10.1039/D3CP02631K
Abstract: Herein, we investigate the DDT (1-dodecanethiol) functionalization of exfoliated MoS2 by using experimental and theoretical tools. For the functionalization of MoS2, DDT treatment was incorporated into the conventional NMP (N-methyl pyrrolidone) exfoliation procedure. Afterward, it has been demonstrated that the functionalization process is successful through optical, morphological and theoretical analysis. The D, G and 2LA peaks seen in the Raman spectrum of exfoliated NMP-MoS2 particles, indicate the formation of graphitic species on MoS2 sheets. In addition, as the DDT ratio increases, the vacant sites on MoS2 sheets diminish. Moreover, at an optimized ratio of DDT-NMP, the maximum number of graphitic quantum dots (GQDs) is observed on MoS2 nanosheets. Specifically, the STEM and AFM data confirm that GQDs reside on the MoS2 nano-sheets and also that the particle size of the DDT-MoS2 is mostly fixed, while the NMP-MoS2 show many smaller and distributed sizes. The comparison of PL intensities of the NMP-MoS2 and DDT-MoS2 samples states a 10-fold increment is visible, and a 60-fold increment in NIR region photoluminescent properties. Moreover, our results lay out understanding and perceptions on the surface and edge chemistry of exfoliated MoS2 and open up more opportunities for MoS2 and GQD particles with broader applications.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.3
DOI: 10.1039/D3CP02631K
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“Interface thermal conductivities induced by van der Waals interactions”. Dong HM, Liang HP, Tao ZH, Duan YF, Milošević, MV, Chang K, Physical chemistry, chemical physics 26, 4047 (2024). http://doi.org/10.1039/D3CP05377F
Abstract: The interface heat transfer of two layers induced by van der Waals (vdW) contacts is theoretically investigated, based on first-principles calculations at low temperatures. The results suggest that out-of-plane acoustic phonons with low frequencies dominate the interface thermal transport due to the vdW interaction. The interface thermal conductivity is proportional to the cubic of temperature at very low temperatures, but becomes linearly proportional to temperature as temperature increases. We show that manipulating the strain alters vdW coupling, leading to increased interfacial thermal conductivity at the interface. Our findings provide valuable insights into the interface heat transport in vdW heterostructures and support further design and optimization of electronic and optoelectronic nanodevices based on vdW contacts. The heat transfer induced by van der Waals contacts is dominated by ZA phonons. The interface thermal conductivity is proportional to the cubic of temperature, but becomes linearly proportional to temperature as temperature increases.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.3
DOI: 10.1039/D3CP05377F
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