“Factors driving the activity of commercial titanium dioxide powders towards gas phase photocatalytic oxidation of acetaldehyde”. Verbruggen SW, Masschaele K, Moortgat E, Korany TE, Hauchecorne B, Martens JA, Lenaerts S, Catalysis science &, technology 2, 2311 (2012). http://doi.org/10.1039/C2CY20123B
Abstract: The photocatalytic activity of two commercial titanium dioxide powders (Cristal Global, Millennium PC500 and Evonik, P25) is compared towards acetaldehyde degradation in the gas phase. In contrast to the extensive literature available, we found a higher activity for the PC500 than for the P25 coating. Here, we present a comprehensive characterization of the bulk and surface properties of both powders. Our comparison shows that the material properties that dominate the overall photocatalytic activity in gas phase differ from those required for the photodegradation of water-borne pollutants.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Impact Factor: 5.773
Times cited: 33
DOI: 10.1039/C2CY20123B
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“In situ study of ballast tank corrosion on ships: part 2”. Verstraelen H, de Baere K, Schillemans W, Lemmens L, Dewil R, Lenaerts S, Potters G, Materials performance 48, 54 (2009)
Abstract: A study was undertaken to determine causes and effects of corrosion processes in ballast tanks. Part 1 of this article (October 2009 MP) described the data collection. Part 2 describes the development of a corrosion index (CI) derived from the general International Association of Classification Societies corrosion assessment methods. The CI can be used in situ to assess ballast tank corrosion. An average timeline for-corrosion of tanks is presented.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Theory of quantum systems and complex systems; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Impact Factor: 0.149
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“Physicochemical and rheological properties of a transparent asphalt binder modified with nano-TiO₂”. Rocha Segundo I, Landi Jr S, Margaritis A, Pipintakos G, Freitas E, Vuye C, Blom J, Tytgat T, Denys S, Carneiro J, Nanomaterials 10, 2152 (2020). http://doi.org/10.3390/NANO10112152
Abstract: Transparent binder is used to substitute conventional black asphalt binder and to provide light-colored pavements, whereas nano-TiO2 has the potential to promote photocatalytic and self-cleaning properties. Together, these materials provide multifunction effects and benefits when the pavement is submitted to high solar irradiation. This paper analyzes the physicochemical and rheological properties of a transparent binder modified with 0.5%, 3.0%, 6.0%, and 10.0% nano-TiO2 and compares it to the transparent base binder and conventional and polymer modified binders (PMB) without nano-TiO2. Their penetration, softening point, dynamic viscosity, master curve, black diagram, Linear Amplitude Sweep (LAS), Multiple Stress Creep Recovery (MSCR), and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) were obtained. The transparent binders (base and modified) seem to be workable considering their viscosity, and exhibited values between the conventional binder and PMB with respect to rutting resistance, penetration, and softening point. They showed similar behavior to the PMB, demonstrating signs of polymer modification. The addition of TiO2 seemed to reduce fatigue life, except for the 0.5% content. Nevertheless, its addition in high contents increased the rutting resistance. The TiO2 modification seems to have little effect on the chemical functional indices. The best percentage of TiO2 was 0.5%, with respect to fatigue, and 10.0% with respect to permanent deformation.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL); Energy and Materials in Infrastructure and Buildings (EMIB)
Impact Factor: 5.3
DOI: 10.3390/NANO10112152
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“A general leaf area geometric formula exists for plants evidence from the simplified Gielis equation”. Shi P, Ratkowsky DA, Li Y, Zhang L, Lin S, Gielis J, Forests (19994907) 9, 714 (2018). http://doi.org/10.3390/F9110714
Abstract: Plant leaves exhibit diverse shapes that enable them to utilize a light resource maximally. If there were a general parametric model that could be used to calculate leaf area for different leaf shapes, it would help to elucidate the adaptive evolutional link among plants with the same or similar leaf shapes. We propose a simplified version of the original Gielis equation (SGE), which was developed to describe a variety of object shapes ranging from a droplet to an arbitrary polygon. We used this equation to fit the leaf profiles of 53 species (among which, 48 bamboo plants, 5 woody plants, and 10 geographical populations of a woody plant), totaling 3310 leaves. A third parameter (namely, the floating ratio c in leaf length) was introduced to account for the case when the theoretical leaf length deviates from the observed leaf length. For most datasets, the estimates of c were greater than zero but less than 10%, indicating that the leaf length predicted by the SGE was usually smaller than the actual length. However, the predicted leaf areas approximated their actual values after considering the floating ratios in leaf length. For most datasets, the mean percent errors of leaf areas were lower than 6%, except for a pooled dataset with 42 bamboo species. For the elliptical, lanceolate, linear, obovate, and ovate shapes, although the SGE did not fit the leaf edge perfectly, after adjusting the parameter c, there were small deviations of the predicted leaf areas from the actual values. This illustrates that leaves with different shapes might have similar functional features for photosynthesis, since the leaf areas can be described by the same equation. The anisotropy expressed as a difference in leaf shape for some plants might be an adaptive response to enable them to adapt to different habitats.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
DOI: 10.3390/F9110714
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“Estimation of ecotoxicity of petroleum hydrocarbon mixtures in soil based on HPLC-GCXGC analysis”. Mao D, Lookman R, van de Weghe H, Weltens R, Vanermen G, Brucker N, Diels L, Chemosphere 77, 1508 (2009). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.CHEMOSPHERE.2009.10.004
Abstract: Detailed HPLCGCXGC/FID (high performance liquid chromatography followed by comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography with flame-ionization detection) analysis of oil-contaminated soils was performed to interpret results of selected acute ecotoxicity assays. For the five ecotoxicity assays tested, plant seed germination and Microtox® were selected as most sensitive for evaluating ecotoxicity of the oil in the soil phase and in the leaching water, respectively. The measured toxicity for cress when testing the soil samples did not correspond to TPH concentration in the soil. A detailed chemical composition analysis of the oil contamination using HPLCGCXGC/FID allows to better predict the ecotoxicological risk and leaching potential of petroleum hydrocarbons in soil. Cress biomass production per plant was well correlated to the total aromatic hydrocarbon concentration (R2 = 0.79, n = 6), while cress seed germination was correlated (R2 = 0.82, n = 6) with total concentration of highly water-soluble aromatic hydrocarbons (HSaromatics). The observed ecotoxicity of the leaching water for Microtox-bacteria related well to calculated (based on the HPLCGCXGC/FID results) petroleum hydrocarbon equilibrium concentrations in water.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
DOI: 10.1016/J.CHEMOSPHERE.2009.10.004
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“Media optimization, strain compatibility, and low-shear modeled microgravity exposure of synthetic microbial communities for urine nitrification in regenerative life-support systems”. Ilgrande C, Defoirdt T, Vlaeminck SE, Boon N, Clauwaert P, Astrobiology 19, 1353 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1089/AST.2018.1981
Abstract: Urine is a major waste product of human metabolism and contains essential macro- and micronutrients to produce edible microorganisms and crops. Its biological conversion into a stable form can be obtained through urea hydrolysis, subsequent nitrification, and organics removal, to recover a nitrate-enriched stream, free of oxygen demand. In this study, the utilization of a microbial community for urine nitrification was optimized with the focus for space application. To assess the role of selected parameters that can impact ureolysis in urine, the activity of six ureolytic heterotrophs (Acidovorax delafieldii, Comamonas testosteroni, Cupriavidus necator, Delftia acidovorans, Pseudomonas fluorescens, and Vibrio campbellii) was tested at different salinities, urea, and amino acid concentrations. The interaction of the ureolytic heterotrophs with a nitrifying consortium (Nitrosomonas europaea ATCC 19718 and Nitrobacter winogradskyi ATCC 25931) was also tested. Lastly, microgravity was simulated in a clinostat utilizing hardware for in-flight experiments with active microbial cultures. The results indicate salt inhibition of the ureolysis at 30 mS cm(-1), while amino acid nitrogen inhibits ureolysis in a strain-dependent manner. The combination of the nitrifiers with C. necator and V. campbellii resulted in a complete halt of the urea hydrolysis process, while in the case of A. delafieldii incomplete nitrification was observed, and nitrite was not oxidized further to nitrate. Nitrate production was confirmed in all the other communities; however, the other heterotrophic strains most likely induced oxygen competition in the test setup, and nitrite accumulation was observed. Samples exposed to low-shear modeled microgravity through clinorotation behaved similarly to the static controls. Overall, nitrate production from urea was successfully demonstrated with synthetic microbial communities under terrestrial and simulated space gravity conditions, corroborating the application of this process in space.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
DOI: 10.1089/AST.2018.1981
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“Self-inhibition can limit biologically enhanced TCE dissolution from a TCE DNAPL”. Haest PJ, Springael D, Seuntjens P, Smolders E, Chemosphere 89, 1369 (2012). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.CHEMOSPHERE.2012.05.097
Abstract: Biodegradation of trichloroethene (TCE) near a Dense Non Aqueous Phase Liquid (DNAPL) can enhance the dissolution rate of the DNAPL by increasing the concentration gradient at the DNAPL-water interface. Two-dimensional flow-through sand boxes containing a ICE DNAPL and inoculated with a TCE dechlorinating consortium were set up to measure this bio-enhanced dissolution under anaerobic conditions. The total mass of TCE and daughter products in the effluent of the biotic boxes was 3-6 fold larger than in the effluent of the abiotic box. However, the mass of daughter products only accounted for 19-55% of the total mass of chlorinated compounds in the effluent, suggesting that bio-enhanced dissolution factors were maximally 1.3-2.2. The enhanced dissolution most likely primarily resulted from variable DNAPL distribution rather than biodegradation. Specific dechlorination rates previously determined in a stirred liquid medium were used in a reactive transport model to identify the rate limiting factors. The model adequately simulated the overall TCE degradation when predicted resident microbial numbers approached observed values and indicated an enhancement factor for TCE dissolution of 1.01. The model shows that dechlorination of TCE in the 20 box was limited due to the short residence time and the self-inhibition of the TCE degradation. A parameter sensitivity analysis predicts that the bio-enhanced dissolution factor for this TCE source zone can only exceed a value of 2 if the TCE self-inhibition is drastically reduced (when a TCE tolerant dehalogenating community is present) or if the DNAPL is located in a low-permeable layer with a small Darcy velocity. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
DOI: 10.1016/J.CHEMOSPHERE.2012.05.097
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“Characterization of silver-polymer core–shell nanoparticles using electron microscopy”. Claes N, Asapu R, Blommaerts N, Verbruggen SW, Lenaerts S, Bals S, Nanoscale 10, 9186 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1039/C7NR09517A
Abstract: Silver-polymer core–shell nanoparticles show interesting optical properties, making them widely applicable in the field of plasmonics. The uniformity, thickness and homogeneity of the polymer shell will affect the properties of the system which makes a thorough structural characterization of these core–shell silver-polymer nanoparticles of great importance. However, visualizing the shell and the particle simultaneously is far from straightforward due to the sensitivity of the polymer shell towards the electron beam. In this study, we use different 2D and 3D electron microscopy techniques to investigate different structural aspects of the polymer coating.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Impact Factor: 7.367
Times cited: 11
DOI: 10.1039/C7NR09517A
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“In situ study of ballast tank corrosion on ships: part 1”. Verstraelen H, de Baere K, Schillemans W, Lemmens L, Dewil R, Lenaerts S, Potters G, Materials performance 48, 48 (2009)
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Theory of quantum systems and complex systems; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Impact Factor: 0.149
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“A non-aqueous synthesis of TiO2SiO2 composites in supercritical CO2 for the photodegradation of pollutants”. Jammaer J, Aprile C, Verbruggen SW, Lenaerts S, Pescarmona PP, Martens JA, Chemsuschem 4, 1457 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1002/CSSC.201100059
Abstract: Titania/silica composites with different Ti/Si ratios are synthesized via a nonconventional synthesis route. The synthesis involves non-aqueous reaction of metal alkoxides and formic acid at 75 °C in supercritical carbon dioxide. The as-prepared composite materials contain nanometer-sized anatase crystallites and amorphous silica. Large specific surface areas are obtained. The composites are evaluated in the photocatalytic degradation of phenol in aqueous medium, and in the elimination of acetaldehyde from air. The highest photocatalytic activity in both processes is achieved with a composite containing 40 wt % TiO2.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Impact Factor: 7.226
Times cited: 15
DOI: 10.1002/CSSC.201100059
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“Layer-by-Layer-Stabilized Plasmonic Gold-Silver Nanoparticles on TiO2: Towards Stable Solar Active Photocatalysts”. Dingenen F, Blommaerts N, Van Hal M, Borah R, Arenas-Esteban D, Lenaerts S, Bals S, Verbruggen SW, Nanomaterials 11, 2624 (2021). http://doi.org/10.3390/nano11102624
Abstract: To broaden the activity window of TiO2, a broadband plasmonic photocatalyst has been designed and optimized. This plasmonic ‘rainbow’ photocatalyst consists of TiO2 modified with gold–silver composite nanoparticles of various sizes and compositions, thus inducing a broadband interaction with polychromatic solar light. However, these nanoparticles are inherently unstable, especially due to the use of silver. Hence, in this study the application of the layer-by-layer technique is introduced to create a protective polymer shell around the metal cores with a very high degree of control. Various TiO2 species (pure anatase, PC500, and P25) were loaded with different plasmonic metal loadings (0–2 wt %) in order to identify the most solar active composite materials. The prepared plasmonic photocatalysts were tested towards stearic acid degradation under simulated sunlight. From all materials tested, P25 + 2 wt % of plasmonic ‘rainbow’ nanoparticles proved to be the most promising (56% more efficient compared to pristine P25) and was also identified as the most cost-effective. Further, 2 wt % of layer-by-layer-stabilized ‘rainbow’ nanoparticles were loaded on P25. These layer-by-layer-stabilized metals showed superior stability under a heated oxidative atmosphere, as well as in a salt solution. Finally, the activity of the composite was almost completely retained after 1 month of aging, while the nonstabilized equivalent lost 34% of its initial activity. This work shows for the first time the synergetic application of a plasmonic ‘rainbow’ concept and the layer-by-layer stabilization technique, resulting in a promising solar active, and long-term stable photocatalyst.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Impact Factor: 3.553
Times cited: 7
DOI: 10.3390/nano11102624
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“Stoichiometry design in hierarchical CoNiFe phosphide for highly efficient water oxidation”. Chen J, Ying J, Xiao Y, Dong Y, Ozoemena K I, Lenaerts S, Yang X, Science China : materials 65, 2685 (2022). http://doi.org/10.1007/S40843-022-2061-X
Abstract: Rational composition design of trimetallic phosphide catalysts is of significant importance for enhanced surface reaction and efficient catalytic performance. Herein, hierarchical CoxNiyFezP with precise control of stoichiometric metallic elements (x:y:z = (1-10):(1-10):1) has been synthesized, and Co1.3Ni0.5Fe0.2P, as the most optimal composition, exhibits remarkable catalytic activity (eta = 320 mV at 10 mA cm(-2)) and long-term stability (ignorable decrease after 10 h continuous test at the current density of 10 mA cm(-2)) toward oxygen evolution reaction (OER). It is found that the surface P in Co1.3Ni0.5Fe0.2P was replaced by 0 under the OER process. The density function theory calculations before and after long-term stability tests suggest the clear increasing of the density of states near the Fermi level of Co1.3Ni0.5Fe0.2P/ Co1.3Ni0.5Fe0.2O, which could enhance the OH- adsorption of our electrocatalysts and the corresponding OER performance.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Impact Factor: 8.1
DOI: 10.1007/S40843-022-2061-X
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“Efficient iron phosphide catalyst as a counter electrode in dye-sensitized solar cells”. Yildiz A, Chouki T, Atli A, Harb M, Verbruggen SW, Ninakanti R, Emin S, ACS applied energy materials 4, 10618 (2021). http://doi.org/10.1021/ACSAEM.1C01628
Abstract: Developing an efficient material as a counter electrode (CE) with excellent catalytic activity, intrinsic stability, and low cost is essential for the commercial application of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Transition metal phosphides have been demonstrated as outstanding multifunctional catalysts in a broad range of energy conversion technologies. Here, we exploited different phases of iron phosphide as CEs in DSSCs with an I–/I3–-based electrolyte. Solvothermal synthesis using a triphenylphosphine precursor as a phosphorus source allows to grow a Fe2P phase at 300 °C and a FeP phase at 350 °C. The obtained iron phosphide catalysts were coated on fluorine-doped tin oxide substrates and heat-treated at 450 °C under an inert gas atmosphere. The solar-to-current conversion efficiency of the solar cells assembled with the Fe2P material reached 3.96 ± 0.06%, which is comparable to the device assembled with a platinum (Pt) CE. DFT calculations support the experimental observations and explain the fundamental origin behind the improved performance of Fe2P compared to FeP. These results indicate that the Fe2P catalyst exhibits excellent performance along with desired stability to be deployed as an efficient Pt-free alternative in DSSCs.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
DOI: 10.1021/ACSAEM.1C01628
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“Screen versus cyclone for improved capacity and robustness for sidestream and mainstream deammonification”. Van Winckel T, Vlaeminck SE, Al-Omari A, Bachmann B, Sturm B, Wett B, Takács I, Bott C, Murthy SN, De Clippeleir H, Environmental Science: Water Research &, Technology 5, 1769 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1039/C9EW00384C
Abstract: Deammonification systems are being implemented as cost- and resource-efficient nitrogen removal processes. However, their complexity is a major hurdle towards successful transposition from side- to mainstream application. Merely out-selecting nitrite oxidizing bacteria (NOB) or retaining anammox bacteria (AnAOB) does not guarantee efficient mainstream deammonification. This paper presents for the first time the interactions and synergies between kinetic selection, through management of residual substrates, and physical selection, through separation of solid retention times (SRTs). This allowed the formulation of tangible operational recommendations for successful deammonification. Activity measurements were used to establish retention efficiencies (η) for AnAOB for full-scale cyclones and rotating drum screens installed at a sidestream and mainstream deammonification reactor (Strass, Austria). In the sidestream reactor, using a screen (η = 91%) instead of a cyclone (η = 88%) may increase the capacity by up to 29%. For the mainstream reactor, higher AnAOB retention efficiencies achieved by the screen (η = 72%) compared to the cyclone (η = 42%) induced a prospective increase in capacity by 80–90%. In addition, the switch in combination with bioaugmentation from the sidestream made the process less dependent on nitrite availability, thus aiding in the outselection of NOB. This allowed for a more flexible (intermittent) aeration strategy and a reduced need for tight SRT control for NOB washout. A sensitivity analysis explored expected trends to provide possible operational windows for further calibration. In essence, characterization of the physical selectors at full scale allowed a deeper understanding of operational windows of the process and quantification of capacity, ultimately leading to a more space and energy conservation process.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
DOI: 10.1039/C9EW00384C
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“On the concept of a supervisory, fuzzy set logic based, advanced filtration control in membrane bioreactors”. Brauns E, van Hoof E, Huyskens C, de Wever H, Desalination and water treatment 29, 119 (2011). http://doi.org/10.5004/DWT.2011.2258
Abstract: The filtration process within a membrane bioreactor (MBR) is mostly controlled in a classic way through typical set-points such as aeration flow rate, filtration duration, backwash frequency or relaxation duration. The values of these filtration set-points result from experience and remain often unchanged during the installations operational lifetime. Filtration is dictated considerably by membrane fouling phenomena. The fouling potential of the mixed liquor however can significantly fluctuate, even daily, from changing influent characteristics. Fixed set-point values thus may represent sub-optimal filtration conditions. Consequently, a supervising advanced control system, being able to continuously adapt the set-points values would be beneficial regarding the MBR filtration process optimization. Such optimization could reduce the corresponding MBR energy consumption, e.g. linked to the filtration related membrane aeration. An Advanced Control System (ACS) based on Fuzzy Set Logic (FSL) is introduced here, enabling to supervise an existing classic membrane filtration control system. Such ACS is able to daily (or even more frequent) optimize the set-points of the underlying classic control system, from the input of various sensor and process parameter values. The theoretical background and practical implementation of the FSL based ACS concept is explained.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
DOI: 10.5004/DWT.2011.2258
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“Development, performance and stability of sulfur-free, macrovoid-free BSCF capillaries for high temperature oxygen separation from air”. Buysse C, Kovalevsky A, Snijkers F, Buekenhoudt A, Mullens S, Luyten J, Kretzschmar J, Lenaerts S, Journal of membrane science 372, 239 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.MEMSCI.2011.02.011
Abstract: Capture and storage of CO2 (CCS) from fossil-fuel power plants is vital in order to counteract a pending anthropogenic global warming. High temperature oxygen transport perovskite membranes can fulfill an important role in the separation of oxygen from air needed in the oxy-fuel technologies for CCS. In this study we present the development, performance and stability of gastight, macrovoid-free and sulfur-free Ba0.5Sr0.5Co0.8Fe0.2O3 − δ (BSCF) mixed conductor capillary membranes prepared by phase-inversion spinning and sintering. A sulfur-free phase-inversion polymer was chosen in order to obtain a phase-pure BSCF crystal phase. Special attention was given to the polymer solution and ceramic spinning suspension in order to avoid macrovoids and achieve gastight membranes. The sulfur-free BSCF capillaries showed an average 4-point bending strength of 64 ± 8 MPa and a maximum oxygen flux of not, vert, similar5.3 Nml/(cm2 min) at 950 °C for an argon sweep flow rate of 125 Nml/min. The comparison of the performance of sulfur-free and sulfur-containing BSCF capillaries with similar dimensions revealed a profound impact of the sulfur contamination on both the oxygen flux and the activation energy of the overall oxygen transport mechanism. Both long-term oxygen permeation at different temperatures and post-operation analysis of a sulfur-free BSCF capillary were performed and discussed.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Impact Factor: 6.035
Times cited: 32
DOI: 10.1016/J.MEMSCI.2011.02.011
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“Oxygen exchange-limited transport and surface activation of Ba0.5Sr0.5Co0.8Fe0.2O3-\delta capillary membranes”. Kovalevsky A, Buysse C, Snijkers F, Buekenhoudt A, Luyten J, Kretzschmar J, Lenaerts S, Journal of membrane science 368, 223 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.MEMSCI.2010.11.034
Abstract: Analysis of oxygen permeation fluxes through Ba0.5Sr0.5Co0.8Fe0.2O3−δ (BSCF) capillary membranes, fabricated via a phase-inversion spinning technique using polysulfone as binder, showed a significant limiting role of the surface-oxygen exchange kinetics. Within the studied temperature and oxygen partial pressure ranges, the activation of core and shell sides of the BSCF capillary with praseodymium oxide (PrOx) resulted in an increase in permeation rate of about 300%. At 11231223 K the activated BSCF membranes demonstrate almost 3-times lower activation energies for the overall oxygen transport (not, vert, similar35 kJ/mol) than the non-activated capillaries, indicating that the mechanism of oxygen transport through the activated capillaries becomes significantly controlled by bulk diffusion limitations, allowing further improvement of the overall performance by decreasing the wall thickness. XRD, EDS and EPMA studies revealed the formation of (Pr,Ba,Sr)(Co,Fe)O3−δ perovskite-type oxides on the surface of the PrOx-modified membranes, which may be responsible for the drastic increase in oxygen exchange rate. At T > 1123 K both non-activated and activated Ba0.5Sr0.5Co0.8Fe0.2O3−δ membranes demonstrate stable performance with time, while at 1073 K only a small initial decrease in permeation was observed.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Impact Factor: 6.035
Times cited: 21
DOI: 10.1016/J.MEMSCI.2010.11.034
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“Photocatalytic degradation of ethylene : an FTIR in situ study under atmospheric conditions”. Hauchecorne B, Tytgat T, Verbruggen SW, Hauchecorne D, Terrens D, Smits M, Vinken K, Lenaerts S, Applied catalysis : B : environmental 105, 111 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.APCATB.2011.03.041
Abstract: In this paper, the reaction mechanism of the photocatalytic oxidation of ethylene is elucidated by means of an in-house developed FTIR in situ reactor. This reactor allowed us to look at the catalytic surface at the moment the reactions actually occur. This new approach gave some exciting new insights in how ethylene is photocatalytically oxidised. It was found that there is a change in dipole moment of the ethylene molecule when it is brought in the neighbourhood of the catalyst. From this finding, a hypothesis was formulated on how the CC-bond from ethylene will break. It was found that the aforementioned interaction between the catalyst and the molecule, allows the excited electrons from the UV irradiated catalyst to occupy the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) of the ethylene molecule through a process known as backdonation. Following this hypothesis, it was found that the degradation occurs through the formation of two intermediates: formaldehyde and formic acid, for which formaldehyde is bound in two different ways (coordinatively and as bidentate). Finally CO2 and H2O are found as end products, resulting in the complete mineralisation of the pollutant.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Molecular Spectroscopy (MolSpec); Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Impact Factor: 9.446
Times cited: 29
DOI: 10.1016/J.APCATB.2011.03.041
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“Fabrication and oxygen permeability of gastight, macrovoid-free Ba0.5Sr0.5Co0.8Fe0.2O3-\delta capillaries for high temperature gas separation”. Buysse C, Kovalevsky A, Snijkers F, Buekenhoudt A, Mullens S, Luyten J, Kretzschmar J, Lenaerts S, Journal of membrane science 359, 86 (2010). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.MEMSCI.2009.10.030
Abstract: Oxygen-permeable perovskites with mixed ionic-electronic conducting properties can play an important role in the separation of oxygen from air which is needed in the oxy-fuel and pre-combustion technologies for the removal and capture of CO2. In this work, gastight, macrovoid-free Ba0.5Sr0.5Co0.8Fe0.2O3−δ (BSCF) capillaries were successfully shaped by a phase-inversion spinning technique, followed by calcination and sintering. It was found that both the rheology of the ceramic suspension and the composition of bore liquid and coagulation bath are key factors for making macrovoid-free green capillaries. Gastight BSCF capillaries were obtained by sintering for 5 h at 1100 °C. The sintered BSCF capillaries contained a significant amount of BaSO4 due to a reaction with the polysulfone binder during calcination. The oxygen permeation flux through the BSCF capillaries was measured and compared to literature data on BSCF disk and hollow fiber membranes measured in similar conditions.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Impact Factor: 6.035
Times cited: 38
DOI: 10.1016/J.MEMSCI.2009.10.030
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“Assessment of corrosion resistance, material properties, and weldability of alloyed steel for ballast tanks”. De Baere K, Verstraelen H, Willemen R, Smet J-P, Tchuindjang JT, Lecomte-Beckers J, Lenaerts S, Meskens R, Jung HG, Potters G, Journal of marine science and technology 22, 176 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1007/S00773-016-0402-1
Abstract: Ballast tanks are of great importance in the lifetime of modern merchant ships. Making a ballast tank less susceptible to corrosion can, therefore, prolong the useful life of a ship and, thereby, lower its operational cost. An option to reinforce a ballast tank is to construct it out of a corrosion-resistant steel type. Such steel was recently produced by POSCO Ltd., South Korea. After 6 months of permanent immersion, the average corrosion rate of A and AH steel (31 samples) was 535 g m(-2) year(-1), while the Korean CRS was corroding with 378 g m(-2) year(-1). This entails a gain of 29 %. Follow-up measurements after 10, 20, and 24 months confirmed this. The results after 6 months exposure to alternating wet/dry conditions are even more explicit. Furthermore, the physical and metallurgical properties of this steel show a density of 7.646 t/m(3), the elasticity modulus 209.3 GPa, the tensile strength 572 MPa, and the hardness 169HV10. Microscopically, the metal consists of equiaxed and recrystallized grains (ferrite and pearlite), with an average size of between 20 and 30 A mu m (ASTM E 112-12 grain size number between 7 and 8) with a few elongated pearlitic grains. The structure is banded ferrite/pearlite. On the basis of a series of energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer measurements the lower corrosion rate of the steel can be attributed to the interplay of Al, Cr, their oxides, and the corroding steel. In addition, the role of each element in the formation of oxide layers and the mechanisms contributing to the corrosion resistance are discussed.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Impact Factor: 0.838
Times cited: 3
DOI: 10.1007/S00773-016-0402-1
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“The benefit of glass bead supports for efficient gas phase photocatalysis : case study of a commercial and a synthesised photocatalyst”. Verbruggen SW, Ribbens S, Tytgat T, Hauchecorne B, Smits M, Meynen V, Cool P, Martens JA, Lenaerts S, Chemical engineering journal 174, 318 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.CEJ.2011.09.038
Abstract: In the field of photocatalytic air purification, the immobilisation of catalyst particles on support surfaces without loss of photon efficiency is an important challenge. Therefore, an immobilisation method involving a one-step suspension coating of pre-synthesised photocatalysts on glass beads was applied. The various benefits are exemplified in the gas phase photodegradation of ethylene. Coating of glass beads is easy, fast, cheap and offers a more efficient alternative to bulk catalyst pellets. Furthermore, this coating procedure allows to use porous, pre-synthesised catalysts to their full potential, as the surface area and morphology of the initial powder is barely altered after coating, in strong contrast to pelletising. With this technique it became possible to study the gas phase photocatalytic activity of commercial titanium dioxide, trititanate nanotubes and mixed phase anatase/trititanate nanotubes in a packed bed reactor towards the degradation of ethylene without changing the catalyst properties. Coating of glass beads with the photocatalyst revealed the superior activity of the as-prepared nanotubes, compared to TiO2 Aerolyst® 7710 in gaseous phase.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Laboratory of adsorption and catalysis (LADCA); Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Impact Factor: 6.216
Times cited: 39
DOI: 10.1016/J.CEJ.2011.09.038
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“Controllable nitrogen doping in as deposited TiO2 film and its effect on post deposition annealing”. Deng S, Verbruggen SW, Lenaerts S, Martens JA, Van den Berghe S, Devloo-Casier K, Devulder W, Dendoover J, Deduytsche D, Detavernier C, Journal of vacuum science and technology: A: vacuum surfaces and films 32, 01a123 (2014). http://doi.org/10.1116/1.4847976
Abstract: In order to narrow the band gap of TiO2, nitrogen doping by combining thermal atomic layer deposition (TALD) of TiO2 and plasma enhanced atomic layer deposition (PEALD) of TiN has been implemented. By altering the ratio between TALD TiO2 and PEALD TiN, the as synthesized TiOxNy films showed different band gaps (from 1.91 eV to 3.14 eV). In situ x-ray diffraction characterization showed that the crystallization behavior of these films changed after nitrogen doping. After annealing in helium, nitrogen doped TiO2 films crystallized into rutile phase while for the samples annealed in air a preferential growth of the anatase TiO2 along (001) orientation was observed. Photocatalytic tests of the degradation of stearic acid were done to evaluate the effect of N doping on the photocatalytic activity.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Impact Factor: 1.374
Times cited: 10
DOI: 10.1116/1.4847976
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“Diatom silica-titania materials for photocatalytic air purification”. Van Eynde E, Tytgat T, Smits M, Verbruggen S, Hauchecorne B, Blust R, Lenaerts S, Communications in agricultural and applied biological sciences 1, 141 (2013)
Keywords: A2 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
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“Exhaust composition of a small diesel engine”. Smits M, Vanpachtenbeke F, Hauchecorne B, van Langenhove H, Demeestere K, Lenaerts S, Communications in agricultural and applied biological sciences 77, 85 (2012)
Keywords: A2 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
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“Fabrication of perovskite capillary membranes for high temperature gas separation”. Van Noyen J, Middelkoop V, Buysse C, Kovalevsky A, Snijkers F, Buekenhoudt A, Mullens S, Luyten J, Kretzschmar J, Lenaerts S, Catalysis today 193, 172 (2012). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.CATTOD.2012.03.005
Abstract: Oxygen-permeable perovskites with mixed ionic-electronic conducting properties can play an important role in carbon capture and storage techniques. Their ability to separate oxygen from air is needed, more specifically, in oxy-fuel and pre-combustion technologies. In this work, the first detailed comparative analysis and new results are reported on four types of Ba0.5Sr0.5Co0.8Fe0.2O3-delta (BSCF) capillary membranes: non-coated sulphur-containing; catalyst-coated sulphur-containing; non-coated sulphur-free and catalyst-coated sulphur-free. The fabrication of BSCF capillaries by a spinning technique based on phase inversion is further discussed and their oxygen separation performances are interpreted. The comparison of the performance of these different generations of BSCF capillaries of similar dimensions demonstrates a significant impact of the sulphur contamination on both the oxygen flux through the membrane and the activation energy of the overall oxygen transport mechanism. Careful attention is paid to the effect of activation layers on both sulphur-free and sulphur-containing types of capillaries. Additional long-term testing of the sulphur-free BSCF capillaries is presented, where partial decomposition of the membrane surface was observed due to kinetic demixing. (c) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Impact Factor: 4.636
Times cited: 9
DOI: 10.1016/J.CATTOD.2012.03.005
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“A field study of the effectiveness of sacrificial anodes in ballast tanks of merchant ships”. De Baere K, Verstraelen H, Lemmens L, Lenaerts S, Dewil R, Van Ingelgem Y, Potters G, Journal of marine science and technology 19, 116 (2014). http://doi.org/10.1007/S00773-013-0232-3
Abstract: Sacrificial anodes have become a standard practice for the protection of ballast tanks of merchant vessels against corrosive damage. A well protected tank should extend the life span of a ship and consequently enhances its economic value. An in situ survey comprising more than 100 merchant vessels provided the opportunity to measure the impact of these anodes on the life expectancy of these vessels. Contrary to the general belief of these anodes beneficial effect, no significant difference was found in our observations in terms of corrosion occurrence between ship populations with and without sacrificial anodes, across all ship ages. This may be explained by the highly variable conditions and the complex geometry in a ballast tank severely impede optimal and straightforward installation of these anodes in these tanks. Also, poorly placed anodes in it may harm the integrity of the coating of the tank. We therefore plead for uniform and clear rules on anode installation and inspection.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Impact Factor: 0.838
Times cited: 3
DOI: 10.1007/S00773-013-0232-3
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“Integration of a photocatalytic coating in a corona discharge unit for plasma assisted catalysis”. Van Wesenbeeck K, Hauchecorne B, Lenaerts S, Journal of environmental solutions 2, 16 (2013)
Abstract: The combination of a non-thermal plasma with catalysis is considered as a sustainable indoor air purification technology to achieve complete oxidation at reduced energy cost with a longer electrode lifetime. An optimal window of operation for plasma assisted catalysis is found by varying the polarity, the applied voltage, the relative humidity of the gas phase and the configuration of the plasma reactor. The results show that, in general, negative corona discharge can obtain higher nitric oxide (NO) conversion efficiencies compared to positive corona. It is also clear that at higher applied voltages, higher conversion efficiency can be reached. The effect of relative humidity, however, is not found to be significant in the range (0 20.3 %) tested in this work. Additionally, the configuration of the plasma reactor is changed by varying the amount of pins that are attached at the collector electrode. The results show that there is an optimum at 10 pairs of pins to obtain a high conversion efficiency of NO. By applying a coating on the collector electrode of the plasma reactor, it is possible to see the influence of the coating on the performance of the plasma system, which was operating in the previously found optimal window. It stands clear that the use of a plasma assisted catalysis system has high potential as an integrated and sustainable indoor air purification technology.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
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“Study of a TiO2 photocatalytic coating for use in plasma catalysis”. Van Wesenbeeck K, Hauchecorne B, Lenaerts S, Communications in agricultural and applied biological sciences 78, 227 (2013)
Keywords: A2 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
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“Dunaliella microalgae for nutritional protein : an undervalued asset”. Sui Y, Vlaeminck SE, Trends in biotechnology : regular edition 38, 10 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.TIBTECH.2019.07.011
Abstract: β-carotene production using Dunaliella microalgae is established, yet their potential as a source of protein for food and feed applications appears to be overlooked. The rich protein content and nutritional tunability of Dunaliella make these algae intriguing sources of sustainable protein. Thus, it is of societal interest to exploit these promising proteinaceous Dunaliella traits.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Impact Factor: 17.3
Times cited: 2
DOI: 10.1016/J.TIBTECH.2019.07.011
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“A note on spirals and curvature”. Gielis J, Caratelli D, Shi P, Ricci PE, Growth and form 1, 1 (2020). http://doi.org/10.2991/GAF.K.200124.001
Abstract: Starting from logarithmic, sinusoidal and power spirals, it is shown how these spirals are connected directly with Chebyshev polynomials, Lamé curves, with allometry and Antonelli-metrics in Finsler geometry. Curvature is a crucial concept in geometry both for closed curves and equiangular spirals, and allowed Dillen to give a general definition of spirals. Many natural shapes can be described as a combination of one of two basic shapes in nature—circle and spiral—with Gielis transformations. Using this idea, shape description itself is used to develop a novel approach to anisotropic curvature in nature. Various examples are discussed, including fusion in flowers and its connection to the recently described pseudo-Chebyshev functions.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
DOI: 10.2991/GAF.K.200124.001
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