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“Single-site metal-organic framework catalysts for the oxidative coupling of arenes via C-H/C-H activation”. Van Velthoven N, Waitschat S, Chavan SM, Liu P, Smolders S, Vercammen J, Bueken B, Bals S, Lillerud KP, Stock N, De Vos DE, Chemical science 10, 3616 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1039/C8SC05510F
Abstract: C-H activation reactions are generally associated with relatively low turnover numbers (TONs) and high catalyst concentrations due to a combination of low catalyst stability and activity, highlighting the need for recyclable heterogeneous catalysts with stable single-atom active sites. In this work, several palladium loaded metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) were tested as single-site catalysts for the oxidative coupling of arenes (e.g. o-xylene) via C-H/C-H activation. Isolation of the palladium active sites on the MOF supports reduced Pd(0) aggregate formation and thus catalyst deactivation, resulting in higher turnover numbers (TONs) compared to the homogeneous benchmark reaction. Notably, a threefold higher TON could be achieved for palladium loaded MOF-808 due to increased catalyst stability and the heterogeneous catalyst could efficiently be reused, resulting in a cumulative TON of 1218 after three runs. Additionally, the palladium single-atom active sites on MOF-808 were successfully identified by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectroscopy.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 8.668
Times cited: 68
DOI: 10.1039/C8SC05510F
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“Electrochemical fingerprint of street samples for fast on-site screening of cocaine in seized drug powders”. De Jong M, Sleegers N, Kim J, Van Durme F, Samyn N, Wang J, De Wael K, Chemical science , 1 (2016). http://doi.org/10.1039/C5SC04309C
Abstract: We report on a wearable fingertip sensor for on-the-spot identification of cocaine and its cutting agents in street samples. Traditionally, on-site screening is performed by means of colour tests which are difficult to interpret and lack selectivity. By presenting the distinct voltammetric response of cocaine, cutting agents, binary mixtures of cocaine and street samples in solution and powder street samples, we were able to elucidate the electrochemical fingerprint of all these compounds. The new electrochemical concept holds considerable promise as an on-site screening method.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
Impact Factor: 8.668
Times cited: 37
DOI: 10.1039/C5SC04309C
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“Unraveling the Role of Lattice Substitutions on the Stabilization of the Intrinsically Unstable Pb2Sb2O7Pyrochlore: Explaining the Lightfastness of Lead Pyroantimonate Artists&rsquo, Pigments”. Marchetti A, Saniz R, Krishnan D, Rabbachin L, Nuyts G, De Meyer S, Verbeeck J, Janssens K, Pelosi C, Lamoen D, Partoens B, De Wael K, Chemistry Of Materials 32, 2863 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1021/acs.chemmater.9b04821
Abstract: The pyroantimonate pigments Naples yellow and lead tin antimonate yellow are recognized as some of the most stable synthetic yellow pigments in the history of art. However, this exceptional lightfastness is in contrast with experimental evidence suggesting that this class of mixed oxides is of semiconducting nature. In this study the electronic structure and light-induced behavior of the lead pyroantimonate pigments were determined by means of a combined multifaceted analytical and computational approach (photoelectrochemical measurements, UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, STEM-EDS, STEM-HAADF, and density functional theory calculations). The results demonstrate both the semiconducting nature and the lightfastness of these pigments. Poor optical absorption and minority carrier mobility are the main properties responsible for the observed stability. In addition, novel fundamental insights into the role played by Na atoms in the stabilization of the otherwise intrinsically unstable Pb2Sb2O7 pyrochlore were obtained.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation); Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 8.6
Times cited: 8
DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemmater.9b04821
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“Alloy CsCdxPb1–xBr3Perovskite Nanocrystals: The Role of Surface Passivation in Preserving Composition and Blue Emission”. Imran M, Ramade J, Di Stasio F, De Franco M, Buha J, Van Aert S, Goldoni L, Lauciello S, Prato M, Infante I, Bals S, Manna L, Chemistry Of Materials 32, acs.chemmater.0c03825 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1021/acs.chemmater.0c03825
Abstract: Various strategies have been proposed to engineer the band gap of metal halide perovskite nanocrystals (NCs) while preserving their structure and composition and thus ensuring spectral stability of the emission color. An aspect that has only been marginally investigated is how the type of surface passivation influences the structural/color stability of AMX3 perovskite NCs composed of two different M2+ cations. Here, we report the synthesis of blue-emitting Cs-oleate capped CsCdxPb1–xBr3 NCs, which exhibit a cubic perovskite phase containing Cd-rich domains of Ruddlesden–Popper phases (RP phases). The RP domains spontaneously transform into pure orthorhombic perovskite ones upon NC aging, and the emission color of the NCs shifts from blue to green over days. On the other hand, postsynthesis ligand exchange with various Cs-carboxylate or ammonium bromide salts, right after NC synthesis, provides monocrystalline NCs with cubic phase, highlighting the metastability of RP domains. When NCs are treated with Cs-carboxylates (including Cs-oleate), most of the Cd2+ ions are expelled from NCs upon aging, and the NCs phase evolves from cubic to orthorhombic and their emission color changes from blue to green. Instead, when NCs are coated with ammonium bromides, the loss of Cd2+ ions is suppressed and the NCs tend to retain their blue emission (both in colloidal dispersions and in electroluminescent devices), as well as their cubic phase, over time. The improved compositional and structural stability in the latter cases is ascribed to the saturation of surface vacancies, which may act as channels for the expulsion of Cd2+ ions from NCs.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 8.6
Times cited: 44
DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemmater.0c03825
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“From 2D to 3D : bridging self-assembled monolayers to a substrate-induced polymorph in a molecular semiconductor”. Hao Y, Velpula G, Kaltenegger M, Bodlos WR, Vibert F, Mali KS, De Feyter S, Resel R, Geerts YH, Van Aert S, Beljonne D, Lazzaroni R, Chemistry of materials 34, 2238 (2022). http://doi.org/10.1021/ACS.CHEMMATER.1C04038
Abstract: In this study, a new bottom-up approach is proposed to predict the crystal structure of the substrate-induced polymorph (SIP) of an archetypal molecular semiconductor. In spite of intense efforts, the formation mechanism of SIPs is still not fully understood, and predicting their crystal structure is a very delicate task. Here, we selected lead phthalocyanine (PbPc) as a prototypical molecular material because it is a highly symmetrical yet nonplanar molecule and we demonstrate that the growth and crystal structure of the PbPc SIPs can be templated by the corresponding physisorbed self-assembled molecular networks (SAMNs). Starting from SAMNs of PbPc formed at the solution/graphite interface, the structural and energetic aspects of the assembly were studied by a combination of in situ scanning tunneling microscopy and multiscale computational chemistry approach. Then, the growth of a PbPc SIP on top of the physisorbed monolayer was modeled without prior experimental knowledge, from which the crystal structure of the SIP was predicted. The theoretical prediction of the SIP was verified by determining the crystal structure of PbPc thin films using X-ray diffraction techniques, revealing the formation of a new polymorph of PbPc on the graphite substrate. This study clearly illustrates the correlation between the SAMNs and SIPs, which are traditionally considered as two separate but conceptually connected research areas. This approach is applicable to molecular materials in general to predict the crystal structure of their SIPs.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 8.6
DOI: 10.1021/ACS.CHEMMATER.1C04038
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“Study of the Mechanism and Increasing Crystallinity in the Self-Templated Growth of Ultrathin PbS Nanosheets”. van der Sluijs MM, Salzmann BBV, Arenas Esteban D, Li C, Jannis D, Brafine LC, Laning TD, Reinders JWC, Hijmans NSA, Moes JR, Verbeeck J, Bals S, Vanmaekelbergh D, Chemistry of materials (2023). http://doi.org/10.1021/acs.chemmater.3c00300
Abstract: Colloidal 2D semiconductor nanocrystals, the analogue of solid-state quantum wells, have attracted strong interest in material science and physics. Molar quantities of suspended quantum objects with spectrally pure absorption and emission can be synthesized. For the visible region, CdSe nanoplatelets with atomically precise thickness and tailorable emission have been (almost) perfected. For the near-infrared region, PbS nanosheets (NSs) hold strong promise, but the photoluminescence quantum yield is low and many questions on the crystallinity, atomic structure, intriguing rectangular shape, and formation mechanism remain to be answered. Here, we report on a detailed investigation of the PbS NSs prepared with a lead thiocyanate single source precursor. Atomically resolved HAADF-STEM imaging reveals the presence of defects and small cubic domains in the deformed orthorhombic PbS crystal lattice. Moreover, variations in thickness are observed in the NSs, but only in steps of 2 PbS monolayers. To study the reaction mechanism, a synthesis at a lower temperature allowed for the study of reaction intermediates. Specifically, we studied the evolution of pseudo-crystalline templates towards mature, crystalline PbS NSs. We propose a self-induced templating mechanism based on an oleylamine-lead-thiocyanate (OLAM-Pb-SCN) complex with two Pb-SCN units as a building block; the interactions between the long-chain ligands regulate the crystal structure and possibly the lateral dimensions.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 8.6
Times cited: 2
DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemmater.3c00300
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“Spontaneous Chirality Evolved at the Au–Ag Interface in Plasmonic Nanorods”. Sa J, Hu N, Heyvaert W, Van Gordon K, Li H, Wang L, Bals S, Liz-Marzán LM, Ni W, Chemistry of materials (2023). http://doi.org/10.1021/acs.chemmater.3c01044
Abstract: Chiral ligands are considered a required ingredient during the synthesis of dissymmetric plasmonic metal nanocrystals. The mechanism behind the generation of chiral structures involves the formation of high Miller index chiral facets, induced by the adsorption of such chiral ligands. We found however that, chirality can also evolve spontaneously, without the involvement of any chiral ligands, during the co-deposition of Au and Ag on Au nanorods. When using a specific Au/Ag ratio, phase segregation of the two metals leads to an interface within the obtained AuAg shell, which can be exposed by removing the Ag component via oxidative etching. Although a close-to-racemic mixture of chiral Au nanorods with right and left handedness is found in solution, electron tomography analysis evidences left- and righthanded helicities, both at the Au-Ag interface and at the exposed surface of Au NRs after Ag etching. The helicity profile of the NRs indicates dominating inclination angles in a range from 30° to 60°. Single-particle optical characterization also reveals random handedness in the plasmonic response of individual nanorods. We hypothesize that, the origin of chirality is related with symmetry breaking during the co-deposition of Au and Ag, through an initial perturbation in a small region on the Au-Ag interface that eventually leads to chiral segregation throughout the nanocrystal.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 8.6
DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemmater.3c01044
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“3D characterization of the structural transformation undergone by Cu@Ag core-shell nanoparticles following CO₂, reduction reaction”. Arenas Esteban D, Pacquets L, Choukroun D, Hoekx S, Kadu AA, Schalck J, Daems N, Breugelmans T, Bals S, Chemistry of materials 35, 6682 (2023). http://doi.org/10.1021/ACS.CHEMMATER.3C00649
Abstract: The increasing use of metallic nanoparticles (NPs) is significantly advancing the field of electrocatalysis. In particular, Cu/Ag bimetallic interfaces are widely used to enhance the electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (eCO(2)RR) toward CO and, more recently, C-2 products. However, drastic changes in the product distribution and performance when Cu@Ag core-shell configurations are used can often be observed under electrochemical reaction conditions, especially during the first few minutes of the reaction. Possible structural changes that generate these observations remain underexplored; therefore, the structure-property relationship is hardly understood. In this study, we use electron tomography to investigate the structural transformation mechanism of Cu@Ag core-shells NPs during the critical first minutes of the eCO(2)RR. In this manner, we found that the crystallinity of the Cu seed determines whether the formation of a complete and homogeneous Ag shell is possible. Moreover, by tracking the particles' transformations, we conclude that modifications of the Cu-Ag interface and Cu2O enrichment at the surface of the NPs are key factors contributing to the product generation changes. These insights provide a better understanding of how bimetallic core-shell NPs transform under electrochemical conditions.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Applied Electrochemistry & Catalysis (ELCAT)
Impact Factor: 8.6
Times cited: 1
DOI: 10.1021/ACS.CHEMMATER.3C00649
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“Nucleation and growth of bipyramidal Yb:LiYF₄, nanocrystals : growing up in a hot environment”. Mulder JTT, Jenkinson K, Toso S, Prato M, Evers WHH, Bals S, Manna L, Houtepen AJJ, Chemistry of materials 35, 5311 (2023). http://doi.org/10.1021/ACS.CHEMMATER.3C00502
Abstract: Lanthanide-doped LiYF4 (Ln:YLF) is commonlyused fora broad variety of optical applications, such as lasing, photon upconversionand optical refrigeration. When synthesized as nanocrystals (NCs),this material is also of interest for biological applications andfundamental physical studies. Until now, it was unclear how Ln:YLFNCs grow from their ionic precursors into tetragonal NCs with a well-defined,bipyramidal shape and uniform dopant distribution. Here, we studythe nucleation and growth of ytterbium-doped LiYF4 (Yb:YLF),as a template for general Ln:YLF NC syntheses. We show that the formationof bipyramidal Yb:YLF NCs is a multistep process starting with theformation of amorphous Yb:YLF spheres. Over time, these spheres growvia Ostwald ripening and crystallize, resulting in bipyramidal Yb:YLFNCs. We further show that prolonged heating of the NCs results inthe degradation of the NCs, observed by the presence of large LiFcubes and small, irregular Yb:YLF NCs. Due to the similarity in chemicalnature of all lanthanide ions our work sheds light on the formationstages of Ln:YLF NCs in general.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 8.6
DOI: 10.1021/ACS.CHEMMATER.3C00502
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“Incommensurate Modulations and Perovskite Growth in LaxSr2–xMnO4−δAffecting Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Conductivity”. Vandemeulebroucke D, Batuk M, Hajizadeh A, Wastiaux M, Roussel P, Hadermann J, Chemistry of Materials (2024). http://doi.org/10.1021/acs.chemmater.3c03199
Abstract: Ruddlesden-Popper La????Sr2−????MnO4−???? materials are interesting symmetric solid oxide
fuel cell electrodes due to their good redox stability, mixed ionic and electronic conducting behavior and thermal expansion that matches well with common electrolytes. In reducing environments – as at a solid oxide fuel cell anode – the x = 0.5 member, i.e. La0.5Sr1.5MnO4−????, has a much higher total conductivity than compounds with a different La/Sr ratio, although all those compositions have the same K2NiF4-type I4/mmm structure. The origin for this conductivity difference is not yet known in literature. Now, a combination of in-situ and ex-situ 3D electron diffraction, high-resolution imaging, energy-dispersive X-ray analysis and electron energy-loss spectroscopy uncovered clear differences between x=0.25 and x=0.5 in the pristine structure, as well as in the transformations upon high-temperature reduction. In La0.5Sr1.5MnO4−????, Ruddlesden-Popper n=2 layer defects and an amorphous surface layer are present, but not in La0.25Sr1.75MnO4−????. After annealing at 700°C in 5% H2/Ar, La0.25Sr1.75MnO4−???? transforms to a tetragonal 2D incommensurately modulated structure with modulation vectors ⃗????1 = 0.2848(1) · (⃗????* +⃗????*) and ⃗????2 =0.2848(1) · (⃗????* – ⃗????*), whereas La0.5Sr1.5MnO4−???? only partially transforms to an orthorhombic 1D incommensurately modulated structure,
with ⃗???? = 0.318(2) · ⃗????*. Perovskite domains grow at the crystal edge at 700°C in 5%
H2 or vacuum, due to the higher La concentration on the surface compared to the bulk, which leads to a different thermodynamic equilibrium. Since it is known that a lower degree of oxygen vacancy ordering and a higher amount of perovskite blocks enhance oxygen mobility, those differences in defect structure and structural transformation upon reduction, might all contribute to the higher conductivity of La0.5Sr1.5MnO4−???? in solid oxide fuel cell anode conditions compared to other La/Sr ratios.
Keywords: A1 Journal Article; Electron Microscopy for Materials Science (EMAT) ;
Impact Factor: 8.6
DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemmater.3c03199
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“A combined experimental and computational approach to understanding CdS pigment oxidation in a renowned early 20th century painting”. Mayda S, Monico L, Krishnan D, De Meyer S, Cotte M, Garrevoet J, Falkenberg G, Sandu ICA, Partoens B, Lamoen D, Romani A, Miliani C, Verbeeck J, Janssens K, Chemistry of materials 35, 10403 (2023). http://doi.org/10.1021/ACS.CHEMMATER.3C01470
Abstract: Cadmium sulfide (CdS)-based yellow pigments have been used in a number of early 20th century artworks, including The Scream series painted by Edvard Munch. Some of these unique paintings are threatened by the discoloration of these CdS-based yellow oil paints because of the oxidation of the original sulfides to sulfates. The experimental data obtained here prove that moisture and cadmium chloride compounds play a key role in promoting such oxidation. To clarify how these two factors effectively prompt the process, we studied the band alignment between CdS, CdCl2, and Cd-(OH)Cl as well as the radicals center dot OH and H3O center dot by density functional theory (DFT) methods. Our results show that a stack of several layers of Cd-(OH)Cl creates a pocket of positive holes at the Cl-terminated surface and a pocket of electrons at the OH-terminated surface by leading in a difference in ionization energy at both surfaces. The resulting band alignment indicates that Cd-(OH)Cl can indeed play the role of an oxidative catalyst for CdS in a moist environment, thus providing an explanation for the experimental evidence.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Condensed Matter Theory (CMT); Antwerp X-ray Imaging and Spectroscopy (AXIS)
Impact Factor: 8.6
DOI: 10.1021/ACS.CHEMMATER.3C01470
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“Competition between the Ni and Fe redox in the O3-NaNi1/3Fe1/3Mn1/3O2 cathode material for Na-ion batteries”. Shevchenko VA, Glazkova IS, Novichkov DA, Skvortsova I, V Sobolev A, Abakumov AM, Presniakov IA, Drozhzhin OA, V Antipov E, Chemistry of materials 35, 4015 (2023). http://doi.org/10.1021/ACS.CHEMMATER.3C00338
Abstract: Sodium-ion batteries are attracting great attention due to their low cost and abundance of sodium. The O3-type NaNi1/3Fe1/3Mn1/3O2 layered oxide material is a promising candidate for positive electrodes (cathodes) in Na-ion batteries. However, its stable electrochemical performance is restricted by the upper voltage limit of 4.0 V (vs Na/Na+), which allows for reversibly removing 0.5-0.55 Na+ per formula unit, corresponding to the capacity of 120-130 mAh.g(-1). Further reduction of sodium content inevitably accelerates capacity degradation, and this issue calls for a detailed study of the redox reactions that accompany the electrochemical (de)intercalation of a large amount of sodium. Here, we present operando and ex situ studies using powder X-ray diffraction and X-ray absorption spectroscopy combined with Fe-57 Mossbauer spectroscopy. Our approach reveals the sequence of the redox transitions that occur during the charge and discharge of O3-NaNi1/3Fe1/3Mn1/3O2. Our data show that in addition to nickel and iron cations oxidizing to M+4, a part of iron transforms into the “3 + delta” state owing to the fast electron exchange Fe3+ + Fe4+ <-> Fe4+ + Fe3+. This process freezes upon cooling the material to 35 K, producing Fe4+ cations, some of which occupy tetrahedral positions.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 8.6
DOI: 10.1021/ACS.CHEMMATER.3C00338
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“From multi- to single-hollow trimetallic nanocrystals by ultrafast heating”. Manzaneda-Gonzalez V, Jenkinson K, Pena-Rodriguez O, Borrell-Grueiro O, Trivino-Sanchez S, Banares L, Junquera E, Espinosa A, Gonzalez-Rubio G, Bals S, Guerrero-Martinez A, Chemistry of materials 35, 9603 (2023). http://doi.org/10.1021/ACS.CHEMMATER.3C01698
Abstract: Metal nanocrystals (NCs) display unique physicochemical features that are highly dependent on nanoparticle dimensions, anisotropy, structure, and composition. The development of synthesis methodologies that allow us to tune such parameters finely emerges as crucial for the application of metal NCs in catalysis, optical materials, or biomedicine. Here, we describe a synthetic methodology to fabricate hollow multimetallic heterostructures using a combination of seed-mediated growth routes and femtosecond-pulsed laser irradiation. The envisaged methodology relies on the coreduction of Ag and Pd ions on gold nanorods (Au NRs) to form Au@PdAg core-shell nanostructures containing small cavities at the Au-PdAg interface. The excitation of Au@PdAg NRs with low fluence femtosecond pulses was employed to induce the coalescence and growth of large cavities, forming multihollow anisotropic Au@PdAg nanostructures. Moreover, single-hollow alloy AuPdAg could be achieved in high yield by increasing the irradiation energy. Advanced electron microscopy techniques, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) tomography, X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy, and finite differences in the time domain (FDTD) simulations allowed us to characterize the morphology, structure, and elemental distribution of the irradiated NCs in detail. The ability of the reported synthesis route to fabricate multimetallic NCs with unprecedented hollow nanostructures offers attractive prospects for the fabrication of tailored high-entropy alloy nanoparticles.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 8.6
Times cited: 2
DOI: 10.1021/ACS.CHEMMATER.3C01698
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“Mitigation strategies for radiation damage in the analysis of ancient materials”. Bertrand L, Schoeeder S, Anglos D, Breese MBH, Janssens K, Moini M, Simon A, Trends in analytical chemistry 66, 128 (2015). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.TRAC.2014.10.005
Abstract: The study of materials in cultural heritage artifacts and micro-samples benefits from diagnostic techniques based on intense radiation sources, such as synchrotrons, ion-beam accelerators and lasers. While most of the corresponding techniques are classified as non-destructive, investigation with photons or charged particles entails a number of fundamental processes that may induce changes in materials. These changes depend on irradiation parameters, properties of materials and environmental factors. In some cases, radiation-induced damage may be detected by visual inspection. When it is not, irradiation may still lead to atomic and molecular changes resulting in immediate or delayed alteration and bias of future analyses. Here we review the effects of radiation reported on a variety of cultural heritage materials and describe the usual practice for assessing short-term and long-term effects. This review aims to raise awareness and encourage subsequent research activities to limit radiation side effects.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
Impact Factor: 8.442
Times cited: 35
DOI: 10.1016/J.TRAC.2014.10.005
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“Recent trends in quantitative aspects of microscopic X-ray fluorescence analysis”. Janssens K, de Nolf W, van der Snickt G, Vincze L, Vekemans B, Terzano R, Brenker FE, Trends in analytical chemistry 29, 464 (2010). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.TRAC.2010.03.003
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
Impact Factor: 8.442
Times cited: 48
DOI: 10.1016/J.TRAC.2010.03.003
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“Analytical techniques for the detection of amphetamine-type substances in different matrices : a comprehensive review”. Drăgan A-M, Parrilla M, Feier B, Oprean R, Cristea C, De Wael K, Trac-Trends In Analytical Chemistry 145, 116447 (2021). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.TRAC.2021.116447
Abstract: This current review focuses on contributions to amphetamine-type substances (ATS) analysis. This type of synthetic illicit drugs has been increasingly present worldwide reaching 5% of the market on illicit drugs in 2019. The increment of their production in many clandestine laboratories and easy distribution among society are two of the main concerns towards the battle against synthetic drugs. Therefore, the first part of this review details the classification and mechanism of action of ATS in the human body. Second, the pharmacological and toxicological effects of ATS on human health are described to motivate the need of early detection of ATS. Subsequently, the most used laboratory-based and portable methods are presented and critically discussed along the review. Finally, a careful discussion on the advantages and disadvantages of portable techniques employed on the field are addressed as potential tools for on-site ATS detection by law enforcement officers.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation); Antwerp Electrochemical and Analytical Sciences Lab (A-Sense Lab)
Impact Factor: 8.442
DOI: 10.1016/J.TRAC.2021.116447
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“Mapping the gaps in chemical analysis for the characterisation of aptamer-target interactions”. Daems E, Moro G, Campos R, De Wael K, Trac-Trends In Analytical Chemistry 142, 116311 (2021). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.TRAC.2021.116311
Abstract: Aptamers are promising biorecognition elements with a wide applicability from therapeutics to bio-sensing. However, to successfully use these biomolecules, a complete characterisation of their bindingperformance in the presence of the target is crucial. Several multi-analytical approaches have been re-ported including techniques to describe kinetic and thermodynamic aspects of the aptamer-targetinteraction, and techniques which allow an in-depth understanding of the aptamer-target structures.Recent literature shows the need of a critical data interpretation, a combination of characterisationtechniques and suggests the key role of the characterisation protocol design. Indeed, thefinal applicationof the aptamer should be considered before choosing the characterisation method. All the limitations andcapabilities of the analytical tools in use for aptamer characterisation should be taken into account. Here,we present a critical overview of the current methods and multi-analytical approaches to study aptamer-target binding, aiming to provide researchers with guidelines for the design of characterisation protocols.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
Impact Factor: 8.442
DOI: 10.1016/J.TRAC.2021.116311
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“Predicted Influence of Plasma Activation on Nonoxidative Coupling of Methane on Transition Metal Catalysts”. Engelmann Y, Mehta P, Neyts EC, Schneider WF, Bogaerts A, Acs Sustainable Chemistry &, Engineering 8, 6043 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1021/acssuschemeng.0c00906
Abstract: The combination of catalysis and nonthermal plasma holds promise for enabling difficult chemical conversions. The possible synergy between both depends strongly on the nature of the reactive plasma species and the catalyst material. In this paper, we show how vibrationally excited species and plasma-generated radicals interact with transition metal catalysts and how changing the catalyst material can improve the conversion rates and product selectivity. We developed a microkinetic model to investigate the impact of vibrational excitations and plasma-generated radicals on the nonoxidative coupling of methane over transition metal surfaces. We predict a significant increase in ethylene formation for vibrationally excited methane. Plasma-generated radicals have a stronger impact on the turnover frequencies with high selectivity toward ethylene on noble catalysts and mixed selectivity on non-noble catalysts. In general, we show how the optimal catalyst material depends on the desired products as well as the plasma conditions.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT); Movement Antwerp (MOVANT)
Impact Factor: 8.4
DOI: 10.1021/acssuschemeng.0c00906
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“Plasma-Based N2Fixation into NOx: Insights from Modeling toward Optimum Yields and Energy Costs in a Gliding Arc Plasmatron”. Vervloessem E, Aghaei M, Jardali F, Hafezkhiabani N, Bogaerts A, Acs Sustainable Chemistry &, Engineering 8, 9711 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1021/acssuschemeng.0c01815
Abstract: Plasma technology provides a sustainable, fossil-free method for N2 fixation, i.e., the conversion of inert atmospheric N2 into valuable substances, such as NOx or ammonia. In this work, we present a novel gliding arc plasmatron at atmospheric pressure for NOx production at different N2/O2 gas feed ratios, offering a promising NOx yield of 1.5% with an energy cost of 3.6 MJ/mol NOx produced. To explain the underlying mechanisms, we present a chemical kinetics model, validated by experiments, which provides insight into the NOx formation pathways and into the ambivalent role of the vibrational kinetics. This allows us to pinpoint the factors limiting the yield and energy cost, which can help to further improve the process.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 8.4
DOI: 10.1021/acssuschemeng.0c01815
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“C2-H arylation of indoles catalyzed by palladium-containing metal-organic-framework in γ-valerolactone”. Anastasiou I, Van Velthoven N, Tomarelli E, Lombi A, Lanari D, Liu P, Bals S, De Vos DE, Vaccaro L, Chemsuschem 13 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1002/CSSC.202000378
Abstract: An efficient and selective procedure was developed for the direct C2-H arylation of indoles using a Pd-loaded metal-organic framework (MOF) as a heterogeneous catalyst and the nontoxic biomass-derived solvent gamma-valerolactone (GVL) as a reaction medium. The developed method allows for excellent yields and C-2 selectivity to be achieved and tolerates various substituents on the indole scaffold. The established conditions ensure the stability of the catalyst as well as recoverability, reusability, and low metal leaching into the solution.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 8.4
Times cited: 22
DOI: 10.1002/CSSC.202000378
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“Nitrogen fixation with water vapor by nonequilibrium plasma : toward sustainable ammonia production”. Gorbanev Y, Vervloessem E, Nikiforov A, Bogaerts A, Acs Sustainable Chemistry &, Engineering 8, 2996 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1021/ACSSUSCHEMENG.9B07849
Abstract: Ammonia is a crucial nutrient used for plant growth and as a building block in the pharmaceutical and chemical industry, produced via nitrogen fixation of the ubiquitous atmospheric N2. Current industrial ammonia production relies heavily on fossil resources, but a lot of work is put into developing nonfossil-based pathways. Among these is the use of nonequilibrium plasma. In this work, we investigated water vapor as a H source for nitrogen fixation into NH3 by nonequilibrium plasma. The highest selectivity toward NH3 was observed with low amounts of added H2O vapor, but the highest production rate was reached at high H2O vapor contents. We also studied the role of H2O vapor and of the plasma-exposed liquid H2O in nitrogen fixation by using isotopically labeled water to distinguish between these two sources of H2O. We show that added H2O vapor, and not liquid H2O, is the main source of H for NH3 generation. The studied catalyst- and H2-free method offers excellent selectivity toward NH3 (up to 96%), with energy consumption (ca. 95–118 MJ/mol) in the range of many plasma-catalytic H2-utilizing processes.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 8.4
Times cited: 14
DOI: 10.1021/ACSSUSCHEMENG.9B07849
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“Modeling the physicochemical properties of natural deep eutectic solvents : a review”. Kovács A, Billen P, Cornet I, Wijnants M, Neyts EC, Chemsuschem 13, 3789 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1002/CSSC.202000286
Abstract: Natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES) are mixtures of naturally derived compounds with a significantly decreased melting point due to the specific interactions among the constituents. NADES have benign properties (low volatility, flammability, toxicity, cost) and tailorable physicochemical properties (by altering the type and molar ratio of constituents), hence they are often considered as a green alternative to common organic solvents. Modeling the relation between their composition and properties is crucial though, both for understanding and predicting their behavior. Several efforts were done to this end, yet this review aims at structuring the present knowledge as an outline for future research. First, we reviewed the key properties of NADES and relate them to their structure based on the available experimental data. Second, we reviewed available modeling methods applicable to NADES. At the molecular level, density functional theory and molecular dynamics allow interpreting density differences and vibrational spectra, and computation of interaction energies. Additionally, properties at the level of the bulk media can be explained and predicted by semi-empirical methods based on ab initio methods (COSMO-RS) and equation of state models (PC-SAFT). Finally, methods based on large datasets are discussed; models based on group contribution methods and machine learning. A combination of bulk media and dataset modeling allows qualitative prediction and interpretation of phase equilibria properties on the one hand, and quantitative prediction of melting point, density, viscosity, surface tension and refractive indices on the other hand. In our view, multiscale modeling, combining the molecular and macroscale methods, will strongly enhance the predictability of NADES properties and their interaction with solutes, yielding truly tailorable solvents to accommodate (bio)chemical reactions.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Intelligence in PRocesses, Advanced Catalysts and Solvents (iPRACS); Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT); Biochemical Wastewater Valorization & Engineering (BioWaVE)
Impact Factor: 8.4
DOI: 10.1002/CSSC.202000286
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“Direct Solar Energy-Mediated Synthesis of Tertiary Benzylic Alcohols Using a Metal-Free Heterogeneous Photocatalyst”. Zhang Y, Qin S, Claes N, Schilling W, Sahoo PK, Ching HYV, Jaworski A, Lemière F, Slabon A, Van Doorslaer S, Bals S, Das S, ACS Sustainable Chemistry and Engineering 10, 530 (2022). http://doi.org/10.1021/acssuschemeng.1c07026
Abstract: Direct hydroxylation via the functionalization of tertiary benzylic C(sp3)-H bond is of great significance for obtaining tertiary alcohols which find wide applications in pharmaceuticals as well as in fine chemical industries. However, current synthetic procedures use toxic reagents and therefore, the development of a sustainable strategy for the synthesis of tertiary benzyl alcohols is highly desirable. To solve this problem, herein, we report a metal-free
heterogeneous photocatalyst to synthesize the hydroxylated products using oxygen as the key reagent. Various benzylic substrates were employed into our mild reaction conditions to afford the desirable products in good to excellent yields. More importantly, gram-scale reaction was achieved via harvesting direct solar energy and exhibited high quantity of the product. The high stability of the catalyst was proved via recycling the catalyst and spectroscopic analyses. Finally, a possible mechanism was proposed based on the EPR and other experimental
evidence.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Organic synthesis (ORSY)
Impact Factor: 8.4
Times cited: 24
DOI: 10.1021/acssuschemeng.1c07026
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“Energy‐Efficient Small‐Scale Ammonia Synthesis Process with Plasma‐enabled Nitrogen Oxidation and Catalytic Reduction of Adsorbed NOx”. Hollevoet L, Vervloessem E, Gorbanev Y, Nikiforov A, De Geyter N, Bogaerts A, Martens JA, Chemsuschem (2022). http://doi.org/10.1002/cssc.202102526
Abstract: Industrial ammonia production without CO2 emission and with low energy consumption is one of the technological grand challenges of this age. Current Haber-Bosch ammonia mass production processes work with a thermally activated iron catalyst needing high pressure. The need for large volumes of hydrogen gas and the continuous operation mode render electrification of Haber-Bosch plants difficult to achieve. Electrochemical solutions at low pressure and temperature are faced with the problematic inertness of the nitrogen molecule on electrodes. Direct reduction of N2 to ammonia is only possible with very reactive chemicals such as lithium metal, the regeneration of which is energy intensive. Here, the attractiveness of an oxidative route for N2 activation was presented. N2 conversion to NOx in a plasma reactor followed by reduction with H2 on a heterogeneous catalyst at low pressure could be an energy-efficient option for small-scale distributed ammonia production with renewable electricity and without intrinsic CO2 footprint.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 8.4
DOI: 10.1002/cssc.202102526
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“Nitrogen Fixation by an Arc Plasma at Elevated Pressure to Increase the Energy Efficiency and Production Rate of NOx”. Tsonev I, O’Modhrain C, Bogaerts A, Gorbanev Y, ACS Sustainable Chemistry and Engineering 11, 1888 (2023). http://doi.org/10.1021/acssuschemeng.2c06357
Abstract: Plasma-based nitrogen fixation for fertilizer production is an attractive alternative to the fossil fuel-based industrial processes. However, many factors hinder its applicability, e.g., the commonly observed inverse correlation between energy consumption and production rates or the necessity to enhance the selectivity toward NO2, the desired product for a more facile formation of nitrate-based fertilizers. In this work, we investigated the use of a rotating gliding arc plasma for nitrogen fixation at elevated pressures (up to 3 barg), at different feed gas flow rates and composition. Our results demonstrate a dramatic increase in the amount of NOx produced as a function of increasing pressure, with a record-low EC of 1.8 MJ/(mol N) while yielding a high production rate of 69 g/h and a high selectivity (94%) of NO2. We ascribe this improvement to the enhanced thermal Zeldovich mechanism and an increased rate of NO oxidation compared to the back reaction of NO with atomic oxygen, due to the elevated pressure.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 8.4
DOI: 10.1021/acssuschemeng.2c06357
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“Postplasma Catalytic Model for NO Production: Revealing the Underlying Mechanisms to Improve the Process Efficiency”. Eshtehardi HA, van 't Veer K, Delplancke M-P, Reniers F, Bogaerts A, ACS Sustainable Chemistry and Engineering 11, 1720 (2023). http://doi.org/10.1021/acssuschemeng.2c05665
Abstract: Plasma catalysis is emerging for plasma-assisted gas conversion processes. However, the underlying mechanisms of plasma catalysis are poorly understood. In this work, we present a 1D heterogeneous catalysis model with axial dispersion (i.e., accounting for back-mixing and molecular diffusion of fluid elements in the process stream in the axial direction), for plasma-catalytic NO production from N2/O2 mixtures. We investigate the concentration and reaction rates of each species formed as a function of time and position across the catalyst, in order to determine the underlying mechanisms. To obtain insights into how the performance of the process can be further improved, we also study how changes in the postplasma gas flow composition entering the catalyst bed and in the operation conditions of the catalytic stage affect the performance of NO production.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 8.4
DOI: 10.1021/acssuschemeng.2c05665
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“NH3and HNOxFormation and Loss in Nitrogen Fixation from Air with Water Vapor by Nonequilibrium Plasma”. Vervloessem E, Gromov M, De Geyter N, Bogaerts A, Gorbanev Y, Nikiforov A, ACS Sustainable Chemistry and Engineering 11, 4289 (2023). http://doi.org/10.1021/acssuschemeng.3c00208
Abstract: The current global energy crisis indicated that increasing our
insight into nonfossil fuel nitrogen fixation pathways for synthetic fertilizer
production is more crucial than ever. Nonequilibrium plasma is a good candidate
because it can use N2 or air as a N source and water directly as a H source, instead
of H2 or fossil fuel (CH4). In this work, we investigate NH3 gas phase formation
pathways from humid N2 and especially humid air up to 2.4 mol % H2O (100%
relative humidity at 20 °C) by optical emission spectroscopy and Fouriertransform
infrared spectroscopy. We demonstrate that the nitrogen fixation
capacity is increased when water vapor is added, as this enables HNO2 and NH3
production in both N2 and air. However, we identified a significant loss
mechanism for NH3 and HNO2 that occurs in systems where these species are
synthesized simultaneously; i.e., downstream from the plasma, HNO2 reacts with NH3 to form NH4NO2, which rapidly decomposes
into N2 and H2O. We also discuss approaches to prevent this loss mechanism, as it reduces the effective nitrogen fixation when not
properly addressed and therefore should be considered in future works aimed at optimizing plasma-based N2 fixation. In-line removal
of HNO2 or direct solvation in liquid are two proposed strategies to suppress this loss mechanism. Indeed, using liquid H2O is
beneficial for accumulation of the N2 fixation products. Finally, in humid air, we also produce NH4NO3, from the reaction of HNO3
with NH3, which is of direct interest for fertilizer application.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 8.4
DOI: 10.1021/acssuschemeng.3c00208
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“Postplasma Catalytic Model for NO Production: Revealing the Underlying Mechanisms to Improve the Process Efficiency”. Eshtehardi HA, Van ‘t Veer K, Delplancke M-P, Reniers F, Bogaerts A, ACS Sustainable Chemistry and Engineering 11, 1720 (2023). http://doi.org/10.1021/acssuschemeng.2c05665
Abstract: Plasma catalysis is emerging for plasma-assisted gas conversion
processes. However, the underlying mechanisms of plasma catalysis are poorly
understood. In this work, we present a 1D heterogeneous catalysis model with axial
dispersion (i.e., accounting for back-mixing and molecular diffusion of fluid elements in
the process stream in the axial direction), for plasma-catalytic NO production from
N2/O2 mixtures. We investigate the concentration and reaction rates of each species
formed as a function of time and position across the catalyst, in order to determine the
underlying mechanisms. To obtain insights into how the performance of the process
can be further improved, we also study how changes in the postplasma gas flow
composition entering the catalyst bed and in the operation conditions of the catalytic
stage affect the performance of NO production.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 8.4
DOI: 10.1021/acssuschemeng.2c05665
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“Postplasma Catalytic Model for NO Production: Revealing the Underlying Mechanisms to Improve the Process Efficiency”. Eshtehardi HA, Van ‘t Veer K, Delplancke M-P, Reniers F, Bogaerts A, ACS Sustainable Chemistry and Engineering 11, 1720 (2023). http://doi.org/10.1021/acssuschemeng.2c05665
Abstract: Plasma catalysis is emerging for plasma-assisted gas conversion
processes. However, the underlying mechanisms of plasma catalysis are poorly
understood. In this work, we present a 1D heterogeneous catalysis model with axial
dispersion (i.e., accounting for back-mixing and molecular diffusion of fluid elements in
the process stream in the axial direction), for plasma-catalytic NO production from
N2/O2 mixtures. We investigate the concentration and reaction rates of each species
formed as a function of time and position across the catalyst, in order to determine the
underlying mechanisms. To obtain insights into how the performance of the process
can be further improved, we also study how changes in the postplasma gas flow
composition entering the catalyst bed and in the operation conditions of the catalytic
stage affect the performance of NO production.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 8.4
DOI: 10.1021/acssuschemeng.2c05665
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“Inactivation of SARS-CoV-2 and other enveloped and non-enveloped viruses with non-thermal plasma for hospital disinfection”. Sahun M, Privat-Maldonado A, Lin A, De Roeck N, Van de Heyden L, Hillen M, Michiels J, Steenackers G, Smits E, Ariën KK, Jorens PG, Delputte P, Bogaerts A, ACS Sustainable Chemistry and Engineering , 1 (2023). http://doi.org/10.1021/ACSSUSCHEMENG.2C07622
Abstract: As recently highlighted by the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, viruses have become an increasing burden for health, global economy, and environment. The control of transmission by contact with contaminated materials represents a major challenge, particularly in hospital environments. However, the current disinfection methods in hospital settings suffer from numerous drawbacks. As a result, several medical supplies that cannot be properly disinfected are not reused, leading to severe shortages and increasing amounts of waste, thus prompting the search for alternative solutions. In this work, we report that non-thermal plasma (NTP) can effectively inactivate SARS-CoV-2 from non-porous and porous materials commonly found in healthcare facilities. We demonstrated that 5 min treatment with a dielectric barrier discharge NTP can inactivate 100% of SARS-CoV-2 (Wuhan and Omicron strains) from plastic material. Using porcine respiratory coronavirus (surrogate for SARS-CoV-2) and coxsackievirus B3 (highly resistant non-enveloped virus), we tested the NTP virucidal activity on hospital materials and obtained complete inactivation after 5 and 10 min, respectively. We hypothesize that the produced reactive species and local acidification contribute to the overall virucidal effect of NTP. Our results demonstrate the potential of dielectric barrier discharge NTPs for the rapid, efficient, and low-cost disinfection of healthcare materials.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Center for Oncological Research (CORE); Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT); Laboratory Experimental Medicine and Pediatrics (LEMP)
Impact Factor: 8.4
DOI: 10.1021/ACSSUSCHEMENG.2C07622
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