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Author Faraji, M.; Bafekry, A.; Fadlallah, M.M.; Molaei, F.; Hieu, N.N.; Qian, P.; Ghergherehchi, M.; Gogova, D.
Title Surface modification of titanium carbide MXene monolayers (Ti₂C and Ti₃C₂) via chalcogenide and halogenide atoms Type A1 Journal article
Year 2021 Publication Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics Abbreviated Journal Phys Chem Chem Phys
Volume 23 Issue (up) 28 Pages 15319-15328
Keywords A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Abstract Inspired by the recent successful growth of Ti2C and Ti3C2 monolayers, here, we investigate the structural, electronic, and mechanical properties of functionalized Ti2C and Ti3C2 monolayers by means of density functional theory calculations. The results reveal that monolayers of Ti2C and Ti3C2 are dynamically stable metals. Phonon band dispersion calculations demonstrate that two-surface functionalization of Ti2C and Ti(3)C(2)via chalcogenides (S, Se, and Te), halides (F, Cl, Br, and I), and oxygen atoms results in dynamically stable novel functionalized monolayer materials. Electronic band dispersions and density of states calculations reveal that all functionalized monolayer structures preserve the metallic nature of both Ti2C and Ti3C2 except Ti2C-O-2, which possesses the behavior of an indirect semiconductor via full-surface oxygen passivation. In addition, it is shown that although halide passivated Ti3C2 structures are still metallic, there exist multiple Dirac-like cones around the Fermi energy level, which indicates that semi-metallic behavior can be obtained upon external effects by tuning the energy of the Dirac cones. In addition, the computed linear-elastic parameters prove that functionalization is a powerful tool in tuning the mechanical properties of stiff monolayers of bare Ti2C and Ti3C2. Our study discloses that the electronic and structural properties of Ti2C and Ti3C2 MXene monolayers are suitable for surface modification, which is highly desirable for material property engineering and device integration.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000672406800001 Publication Date 2021-06-23
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1463-9076; 1463-9084 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 4.123 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 4.123
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:179809 Serial 7027
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Author Bafekry, A.; Karbasizadeh, S.; Stampfl, C.; Faraji, M.; Hoat, D.M.; Sarsari, I.A.; Feghhi, S.A.H.; Ghergherehchi, M.
Title Two-dimensional Janus semiconductor BiTeCl and BiTeBr monolayers : a first-principles study on their tunable electronic properties via an electric field and mechanical strain Type A1 Journal article
Year 2021 Publication Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics Abbreviated Journal Phys Chem Chem Phys
Volume 23 Issue (up) 28 Pages 15216-15223
Keywords A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Abstract Motivated by the recent successful synthesis of highly crystalline ultrathin BiTeCl and BiTeBr layered sheets [Debarati Hajra et al., ACS Nano, 2020, 14, 15626], herein for the first time, we carry out a comprehensive study on the structural and electronic properties of BiTeCl and BiTeBr Janus monolayers using density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Different structural and electronic parameters including the lattice constant, bond lengths, layer thickness in the z-direction, different interatomic angles, work function, charge density difference, cohesive energy and Rashba coefficients are determined to acquire a deep understanding of these monolayers. The calculations show good stability of the studied single layers. BiTeCl and BiTeBr monolayers are semiconductors with electronic bandgaps of 0.83 and 0.80 eV, respectively. The results also show that the semiconductor-metal transformation can be induced by increasing the number of layers. In addition, the engineering of the electronic structure is also studied by applying an electric field, and mechanical uniaxial and biaxial strain. The results show a significant change of the bandgaps and that an indirect-direct band-gap transition can be induced. This study highlights the positive prospect for the application of BiTeCl and BiTeBr layered sheets in novel electronic and energy conversion systems.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000670553900001 Publication Date 2021-06-16
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1463-9076; 1463-9084 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 4.123 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 4.123
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:179827 Serial 7042
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Author Akbali, B.; Yagmurcukardes, M.; Peeters, F.M.; Lin, H.-Y.; Lin, T.-Y.; Chen, W.-H.; Maher, S.; Chen, T.-Y.; Huang, C.-H.
Title Determining the molecular orientation on the metal nanoparticle surface through surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy and density functional theory simulations Type A1 Journal article
Year 2021 Publication Journal Of Physical Chemistry C Abbreviated Journal J Phys Chem C
Volume 125 Issue (up) 29 Pages 16289-16295
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Abstract We report here the efficacy of surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) measurements as a probe for molecular orientation. 4-Aminobenzoic acid (PABA) on a surface consisting of silver (Ag) nanoparticles (NPs) is investigated. We find that the orientation of the PABA molecule on the SERS substrate is estimated based on the relative change in the magnitude of the C-H stretching bands on the SERS substrate, and it is found that the molecule assumes a horizontal orientation on the Ag-NP surface. The strong molecule-metal interaction is determined by an abnormal enhanced SERS band appearing at 980 cm(-1), and the peak is assigned to an out-of-plane amine vibrational mode, which is supported by our ab initio calculations. DFT-based Raman activity calculations corroborate the SERS results, revealing that (i) the PABA molecule attaches to the surface of Ag-NPs with its alpha dimers rather than single-molecule binding and (ii) the molecule preserves its alpha dimers in an aqueous environment. Our results demonstrate that SERS can be used to gain deeper insights into the molecular orientation on metal nanoparticle surfaces.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000680445800055 Publication Date 2021-07-19
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1932-7447; 1932-7455 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 4.536 Times cited 9 Open Access Not_Open_Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 4.536
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:180455 Serial 6978
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Author Yi, Y.; Wang, X.; Jafarzadeh, A.; Wang, L.; Liu, P.; He, B.; Yan, J.; Zhang, R.; Zhang, H.; Liu, X.; Guo, H.; Neyts, E.C.; Bogaerts, A.
Title Plasma-Catalytic Ammonia Reforming of Methane over Cu-Based Catalysts for the Production of HCN and H2at Reduced Temperature Type A1 Journal article
Year 2021 Publication Acs Catalysis Abbreviated Journal Acs Catal
Volume 11 Issue (up) 3 Pages 1765-1773
Keywords A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract Industrial production of HCN from NH3 and CH4 not only uses precious Pt or Pt−Rh catalysts but also requires extremely high temperatures (∼1600 K). From an energetic, operational, and safety perspective, a drastic decrease in temperature is highly desirable. Here, we report ammonia reforming of methane for the production of HCN and H2 at 673 K by the combination of CH4/NH3 plasma and a supported Cu/silicalite-1 catalyst. 30% CH4 conversion has been achieved with 79% HCN selectivity. Catalyst characterization and plasma diagnostics reveal that the excellent reaction performance is attributed to metallic Cu active sites. In addition, we propose a possible reaction pathway, viz. E-R reactions with N, NH, NH2, and CH radicals produced in the plasma, for the production of HCN, based on density functional theory calculations. Importantly, the Cu/silicalite-1 catalyst costs less than 5% of the commercial Pt mesh catalyst.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000618540300057 Publication Date 2021-02-05
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2155-5435 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 10.614 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Universiteit Antwerpen, 32249 ; China Postdoctoral Science Foundation, 2015M580220 2016T90217 ; PetroChina Innovation Foundation, 2018D-5007-0501 ; National Natural Science Foundation of China, 21503032 ; We acknowledge financial support from the National Natural Science Foundation of China [21503032], the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation [grant numbers 2015M580220 and 2016T90217, 2016], the PetroChina Innovation Foundation [2018D-5007-0501], and the TOP research project of the Research Fund of the University of Antwerp [grant ID 32249]. Approved Most recent IF: 10.614
Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @c:irua:175880 Serial 6675
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Author Lin, A.; Razzokov, J.; Verswyvel, H.; Privat-Maldonado, A.; De Backer, J.; Yusupov, M.; Cardenas De La Hoz, E.; Ponsaerts, P.; Smits, E.; Bogaerts, A.
Title Oxidation of Innate Immune Checkpoint CD47 on Cancer Cells with Non-Thermal Plasma Type A1 Journal article
Year 2021 Publication Cancers Abbreviated Journal Cancers
Volume 13 Issue (up) 3 Pages 579
Keywords A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT); Laboratory for Experimental Hematology (LEH); Center for Oncological Research (CORE)
Abstract Non-thermal plasma (NTP) therapy has been emerging as a promising cancer treatment strategy, and recently, its ability to locally induce immunogenic cancer cell death is being unraveled. We hypothesized that the chemical species produced by NTP reduce immunosuppressive surface proteins and checkpoints that are overexpressed on cancerous cells. Here, 3D in vitro tumor models, an in vivo mouse model, and molecular dynamics simulations are used to investigate the effect of NTP on CD47, a key innate immune checkpoint. CD47 is immediately modulated after NTP treatment and simulations reveal the potential oxidized salt-bridges responsible for conformational changes. Umbrella sampling simulations of CD47 with its receptor, signal-regulatory protein alpha (SIRPα), demonstrate that the induced-conformational changes reduce its binding affinity. Taken together, this work provides new insight into fundamental, chemical NTP-cancer cell interaction mechanisms and a previously overlooked advantage of present NTP cancer therapy: reducing immunosuppressive signals on the surface of cancer cells.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000614960600001 Publication Date 2021-02-02
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2072-6694 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes We thank Erik Fransen (University of Antwerp; Antwerp, Belgium) for his help and guidance on the statistical analysis. Approved Most recent IF: NA
Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @c:irua:176455 Serial 6709
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Author Wang, J.; Van Pottelberge, R.; Jacobs, A.; Van Duppen, B.; Peeters, F.M.
Title Confinement and edge effects on atomic collapse in graphene nanoribbons Type A1 Journal article
Year 2021 Publication Physical Review B Abbreviated Journal Phys Rev B
Volume 103 Issue (up) 3 Pages 035426
Keywords A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Abstract Atomic collapse in graphene nanoribbons behaves in a fundamentally different way as compared to monolayer graphene due to the presence of multiple energy bands and the effect of edges. For armchair nanoribbons we find that bound states gradually transform into atomic collapse states with increasing impurity charge. This is very different in zigzag nanoribbons where multiple quasi-one-dimensional bound states are found that originates from the zero-energy zigzag edge states. They are a consequence of the flat band and the electron distribution of these bound states exhibits two peaks. The lowest-energy edge state transforms from a bound state into an atomic collapse resonance and shows a distinct relocalization from the edge to the impurity position with increasing impurity charge.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000610779200008 Publication Date 2021-01-22
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2469-9969; 2469-9950 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 3.836 Times cited 10 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 3.836
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:176585 Serial 6719
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Author Imran, M.; Peng, L.; Pianetti, A.; Pinchetti, V.; Ramade, J.; Zito, J.; Di Stasio, F.; Buha, J.; Toso, S.; Song, J.; Infante, I.; Bals, S.; Brovelli, S.; Manna, L.
Title Halide perovskite-lead chalcohalide nanocrystal heterostructures Type A1 Journal article
Year 2021 Publication Journal Of The American Chemical Society Abbreviated Journal J Am Chem Soc
Volume 143 Issue (up) 3 Pages 1435-1446
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract We report the synthesis of colloidal CsPbX3-Pb4S3Br2 (X = Cl, Br, I) nanocrystal heterostructures, providing an example of a sharp and atomically resolved epitaxial interface between a metal halide perovskite and a non-perovskite lattice. The CsPbBr3-Pb4S3Br2 nanocrystals are prepared by a two-step direct synthesis using preformed subnanometer CsPbBr3 clusters. Density functional theory calculations indicate the creation of a quasi-type II alignment at the heterointerface as well as the formation of localized trap states, promoting ultrafast separation of photogenerated excitons and carrier trapping, as confirmed by spectroscopic experiments. Postsynthesis reaction with either Cl- or I- ions delivers the corresponding CsPbCI3-Pb4S3Br2 and CsPbI3-Pb4S3Br2 heterostructures, thus enabling anion exchange only in the perovskite domain. An increased structural rigidity is conferred to the perovskite lattice when it is interfaced with the chalcohalide lattice. This is attested by the improved stability of the metastable gamma phase (or “black” phase) of CsPbI3 in the CsPbI3-Pb4S3Br2 heterostructure.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000614064400024 Publication Date 2021-01-15
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0002-7863 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 13.858 Times cited 54 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes This work was performed on the Dutch national e-infrastructure with the support of SURF Cooperative. L.P. and J.S. are thankful for the support by the National Key R&D Program of China (2018YFC0910600) and the National Natural Science Foundation of China (61775145). F.D.S. and S.B. acknowledge support by the European Research Council via the ERC-StG “NANOLED” (851794) and the ERC-Cog “REALNANO” (815128). The authors acknowledge financial support from the European Commission under the Horizon 2020 Programme through Grant Agreement No. 731019 (EUSMI). S.B., A.P., and V.P. gratefully acknowledge the financial support from the Italian Ministry of University and Research (MIUR) through grant “Dipartimenti di Eccellenza2017 Materials For Energy”.; sygma Approved Most recent IF: 13.858
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:176584 Serial 6726
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Author Chen, B.; Gauquelin, N.; Green, R.J.; Lee, J.H.; Piamonteze, C.; Spreitzer, M.; Jannis, D.; Verbeeck, J.; Bibes, M.; Huijben, M.; Rijnders, G.; Koster, G.
Title Spatially controlled octahedral rotations and metal-insulator transitions in nickelate superlattices Type A1 Journal article
Year 2021 Publication Nano Letters Abbreviated Journal Nano Lett
Volume 21 Issue (up) 3 Pages 1295-1302
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract The properties of correlated oxides can be manipulated by forming short-period superlattices since the layer thicknesses are comparable with the typical length scales of the involved correlations and interface effects. Herein, we studied the metal-insulator transitions (MITs) in tetragonal NdNiO3/SrTiO3 superlattices by controlling the NdNiO3 layer thickness, n in the unit cell, spanning the length scale of the interfacial octahedral coupling. Scanning transmission electron microscopy reveals a crossover from a modulated octahedral superstructure at n = 8 to a uniform nontilt pattern at n = 4, accompanied by a drastically weakened insulating ground state. Upon further reducing n the predominant dimensionality effect continuously raises the MIT temperature, while leaving the antiferromagnetic transition temperature unaltered down to n = 2. Remarkably, the MIT can be enhanced by imposing a sufficiently large strain even with strongly suppressed octahedral rotations. Our results demonstrate the relevance for the control of oxide functionalities at reduced dimensions.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000619638600014 Publication Date 2021-01-20
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1530-6984 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 12.712 Times cited 19 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes This work is supported by the international M-ERA.NET project SIOX (project 4288). J.V. and N.G. acknowledge funding through the GOA project “Solarpaint” of the University of Antwerp. The microscope used in this work was partly funded by the Hercules Fund from the Flemish Government. D.J. acknowledges funding from FWO Project G093417N from the Flemish fund for scientific research. M.S. acknowledges funding from Slovenian Research Agency (Grants J2-9237 and P2-0091). R.J.G. acknowledges funding from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC). Part of the research described in this paper was performed at the Canadian Light Source, a national research facility of the University of Saskatchewan, which is supported by the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI), NSERC, the National Research Council (NRC), the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), the Government of Saskatchewan, and the University of Saskatchewan. This work received support from the ERC CoG MINT (No. 615759) and from a PHC Van Gogh grant. M.B. thanks the French Academy of Science and the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences for supporting his stays in The Netherlands. This project has received funding from the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No. 823717 -ESTEEM3. Approved Most recent IF: 12.712
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:176753 Serial 6736
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Author Barbiellini, B.; Kuriplach, J.; Saniz, R.
Title Study of rechargeable batteries using advanced spectroscopic and computational techniques Type Editorial
Year 2021 Publication Condensed Matter Abbreviated Journal
Volume 6 Issue (up) 3 Pages 26
Keywords Editorial; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Improving the efficiency and longevity of energy storage systems based on Li- and Na-ion rechargeable batteries presents a major challenge. The main problems are essentially capacity loss and limited cyclability. These effects are due to a hierarchy of factors spanning various length and time scales, interconnected in a complex manner. As a consequence, and in spite of several decades of research, a proper understanding of the ageing process has remained somewhat elusive. In recent years, however, combinations of advanced spectroscopy techniques and first-principles simulations have been applied with success to tackle this problem. In this Special Issue, we are pleased to present a selection of articles that, by precisely applying these methods, unravel key aspects of the reduction-oxidation reaction and intercalation processes. Furthermore, the approaches presented provide improvements to standard diagnostic and characterisation techniques, enabling the detection of possible Li-ion flow bottlenecks causing the degradation of capacity and cyclability.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000699368400001 Publication Date 2021-07-26
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2410-3896 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: NA
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:181630 Serial 6890
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Author Saviuc, I.; Milis, K.; Peremans, H.; Van Passel, S.
Title A cross-European analysis of the impact of electricity pricing on battery uptake in residential microgrids with photovoltaic units Type A1 Journal article
Year 2021 Publication Journal of Sustainable Development of Energy, Water and Environment Systems Abbreviated Journal
Volume 9 Issue (up) 3 Pages 1080368
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering Management (ENM)
Abstract As decentralized electricity generation is supporting grid development into the prosumer era, this paper investigates the economic viability of adding batteries to residential microgrids powered by photovoltaic units, under various electricity pricing schemes. Batteries bring the benefits of grid-stabilization and congestion relief, and they are also becoming cheaper. The problem identified is that the main grid effectively acts as a lossless storage system, especially under the net-metering scheme, whereas using a battery involves investment costs and energy losses. This mismatch is addressed by analysing residential microgrid projects under seven tariff designs, each in seven countries of the European Union, and compare the economic viability of photovoltaic systems with and without batteries. The findings show that the conditions most favourable to batteries are given by a capacity tariff scheme allowing price arbitrage. Based on these findings, the paper discusses possibilities for further support in order to bring the economic viability of microgrids with batteries on par with that of microgrids without batteries.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000669453200005 Publication Date 2020-10-14
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1848-9257 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: NA
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:179767 Serial 6910
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Author Chekol Zewdie, M.; Moretti, M.; Tenessa, D.B.; Ayele, Z.A.; Nyssen, J.; Tsegaye, E.A.; Minale, A.S.; Van Passel, S.
Title Agricultural technical efficiency of smallholder farmers in Ethiopia : a stochastic frontier approach Type A1 Journal article
Year 2021 Publication Land Abbreviated Journal
Volume 10 Issue (up) 3 Pages 246
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering Management (ENM)
Abstract In the past decade, to improve crop production and productivity, Ethiopia has embarked on an ambitious irrigation farming expansion program and has introduced new large- and small-scale irrigation initiatives. However, in Ethiopia, poverty remains a challenge, and crop productivity per unit area of land is very low. Literature on the technical efficiency (TE) of large-scale and small-scale irrigation user farmers as compared to the non-user farmers in Ethiopia is also limited. Investigating smallholder farmers' TE level and its principal determinants is very important to increase crop production and productivity and to improve smallholder farmers' livelihood and food security. Using 1026 household-level cross-section data, this study adopts a technology flexible stochastic frontier approach to examine agricultural TE of large-scale irrigation users, small-scale irrigation users and non-user farmers in Ethiopia. The results indicate that, due to poor extension services and old-style agronomic practices, the mean TE of farmers is very low (44.33%), implying that there is a wider room for increasing crop production in the study areas through increasing the TE of smallholder farmers without additional investment in novel agricultural technologies. Results also show that large-scale irrigation user farmers (21.05%) are less technically efficient than small-scale irrigation user farmers (60.29%). However, improving irrigation infrastructure shifts the frontier up and has a positive impact on smallholder farmers' output.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000633846200001 Publication Date 2021-03-01
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2073-445x ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: NA
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:177647 Serial 6913
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Author Sebhatu, K.T.; Gezahegn, T.W.; Berhanu, T.; Maertens, M.; Van Passel, S.; D'Haese, M.
Title Exploring variability across cooperatives : economic performance of agricultural cooperatives in northern Ethiopia Type A1 Journal article
Year 2021 Publication The international food and agribusiness management review Abbreviated Journal
Volume 24 Issue (up) 3 Pages 397-419
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering Management (ENM)
Abstract The number of agricultural cooperatives increased quickly in Ethiopia since the 1990s. While many papers studied the impact of membership of Ethiopian cooperatives, not much is known on their performance. This study takes a cooperative-level perspective which is unique in an African context. It compares the economic performance proxied by sales revenue and profit of a wide range of agricultural cooperatives in northern Ethiopia. Data were collected from 511 agricultural cooperatives in 12 districts of Tigray. The contributing factors of the performance are analyzed with Ordinary Least Squares regression (OLS) and Heckman selection models. Our results underscore the importance of membership size, total assets, presence of conflict among members, and union membership. Chairperson characteristics and the internal organization of a cooperative seem to be less correlated to performance.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000645416400002 Publication Date 2021-03-01
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1096-7508; 1559-2448 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: NA
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:179025 Serial 6923
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Author Miranda, L.P.; Milovanović, S.P.; Filho, R.N.C.; Peeters, F.M.
Title Hall and bend resistance of a phosphorene Hall bar Type A1 Journal article
Year 2021 Publication Physical Review B Abbreviated Journal Phys Rev B
Volume 104 Issue (up) 3 Pages 035401
Keywords A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Abstract The dependence of the Hall and bend resistances on a perpendicular magnetic field and on vacancy defects in a four-terminal phosphorene single layer Hall bar is investigated. A tight-binding model in combination with the Landauer-Buttiker formalism is used to calculate the energy spectrum, the lead-to-lead transmissions, and the Hall and bend resistances of the system. It is shown that the terminals with zigzag edge orientation are responsible for the absence of quantized plateaus in the Hall resistance and peaks in the longitudinal resistance. A negative bend resistance in the ballistic regime is found due to the presence of high- and low-energy transport modes in the armchair and zigzag terminals, respectively. The system density of states, with single vacancy defects, shows that the presence of in-gap states is proportional to the number of vacancies. Quantized plateaus in the Hall resistance are only formed in a sufficiently clean system. The effects of different kinds of vacancies where the plateaus are destroyed and a diffusive regime appears in the bend resistance are investigated.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000669002000003 Publication Date 2021-07-01
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2469-9969; 2469-9950 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 3.836 Times cited 2 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 3.836
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:179704 Serial 6997
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Author Wang, Q.; Lin, S.; Liu, X.; Xu, W.; Xiao, Y.; Liang, C.; Ding, L.; Peeters, F.M.
Title Photoluminescence and electronic transition behaviors of single-stranded DNA Type A1 Journal article
Year 2021 Publication Physical Review E Abbreviated Journal Phys Rev E
Volume 104 Issue (up) 3 Pages 034412
Keywords A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Abstract Due to the potential application of DNA for biophysics and optoelectronics, the electronic energy states and transitions of this genetic material have attracted a great deal of attention recently. However, the fluorescence and corresponding physical process of DNA under optical excitation with photon energies below ultraviolet are still not fully clear. In this work, we experimentally investigate the photoluminescence (PL) properties of single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) samples under near-ultraviolet (NUV) and visible excitations (270 similar to 440 nm). Based on the dependence of the PL peak wavelength (lem) upon the excitation wavelength (lex), the PL behaviors of ssDNA can be approximately classified into two categories. In the relatively short excitation wavelength regime, lem is nearly constant due to exciton-like transitions associated with delocalized excitonic states and excimer states. In the relatively long excitation wavelength range, a linear relation of lem = Alex + B with A 0 or A < 0 can be observed, which comes from electronic transitions related to coupled vibrational-electronic levels. Moreover, the transition channels in different excitation wavelength regimes and the effects of strand length and base type can be analyzed on the basis of these results. These important findings not only can give a general description of the electronic energy states and transitional behaviors of ssDNA samples under NUV and visible excitations, but also can be the basis for the application of DNA in nanoelectronics and optoelectronics.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000703562300002 Publication Date 2021-09-20
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2470-0053 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 2.366 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 2.366
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:182517 Serial 7009
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Author Petrov, M.; Bekaert, J.; Milošević, M.V.
Title Superconductivity in gallenene Type A1 Journal article
Year 2021 Publication 2d Materials Abbreviated Journal 2D Mater
Volume 8 Issue (up) 3 Pages 035056
Keywords A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Abstract Among the large variety of two-dimensional (2D) materials discovered to date, elemental monolayers that host superconductivity are very rare. Using ab initio calculations we show that recently synthesized gallium monolayers, coined gallenene, are intrinsically superconducting through electron-phonon coupling. We reveal that Ga-100 gallenene, a planar monolayer isostructural with graphene, is the structurally simplest 2D superconductor to date, furthermore hosting topological edge states due to its honeycomb structure. Our anisotropic Eliashberg calculations show distinctly three-gap superconductivity in Ga-100, in contrast to the alternative buckled Ga-010 gallenene which presents a single anisotropic superconducting gap. Strikingly, the critical temperature (T ( c )) of gallenene is in the range of 7-10 K, exceeding the T ( c ) of bulk gallium from which it is exfoliated. Finally we explore chemical functionalization of gallenene with hydrogen, and report induced multigap superconductivity with an enhanced T ( c ) in the resulting gallenane compound.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000667458500001 Publication Date 2021-06-01
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2053-1583 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 6.937 Times cited 8 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 6.937
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:179623 Serial 7025
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Author Sun, J.; Li, Y.; Karaaslan, Y.; Sevik, C.; Chen, Y.
Title Misfit dislocation structure and thermal boundary conductance of GaN/AlN interfaces Type A1 Journal article
Year 2021 Publication Journal Of Applied Physics Abbreviated Journal J Appl Phys
Volume 130 Issue (up) 3 Pages 035301
Keywords A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Abstract The structure and thermal boundary conductance of the wurtzite GaN/AlN (0001) interface are investigated using molecular dynamics simulation. Simulation results with three different empirical interatomic potentials have produced similar misfit dislocation networks and dislocation core structures. Specifically, the misfit dislocation network at the GaN/AlN interface is found to consist of pure edge dislocations with a Burgers vector of 1/3(1 (2) over bar 10) and the misfit dislocation core has an eight-atom ring structure. Although different interatomic potentials lead to different dislocation properties and thermal conductance values, all have demonstrated a significant effect of misfit dislocations on the thermal boundary conductance of the GaN/AlN (0001) interface. Published under an exclusive license by AIP Publishing.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000694725800001 Publication Date 2021-07-15
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0021-8979; 1089-7550 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 2.068 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 2.068
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:181623 Serial 8254
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Verlinden, B.; Van Hoecke, K.; Aerts, A.; Daems, N.; Dobney, A.; Janssens, K.; Cardinaels, T.
Title Quantification of boron in cells for evaluation of drug agents used in boron neutron capture therapy Type A1 Journal article
Year 2021 Publication Journal Of Analytical Atomic Spectrometry Abbreviated Journal J Anal Atom Spectrom
Volume 36 Issue (up) 3 Pages 598-606
Keywords A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
Abstract Boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) is an extensively studied radiotherapeutic strategy for cancer treatment. BNCT is based on irradiation of malignant tumour cells with neutrons after uptake of a B-10 containing molecule. Alpha particles, locally produced by neutron irradiation kill the cancer cells. Important for ongoing research regarding cellular uptake and cytotoxicity of a large variety of B-10 containing molecules is the accurate determination of boron concentrations in cell cultures. In this work, the sample preparation for quantitative inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) analysis on cell cultures was optimized. By making use of acid digestion combined with UV digestion, low detection limits (0.4 mu g L-1) and full recoveries of boron could be achieved while measurements were free of spectral and non-spectral interferences. Finally, cell-associated boron in the form of 4-borono-l-phenylalanine (l-BPA) in vascular endothelial cell cultures could be determined with ICP-MS as (1.26 +/- 0.10) x 10(9) boron atoms per cell. The developed method can prove its importance for further BNCT research and elemental analysis of cell cultures.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000629283400009 Publication Date 2021-01-14
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0267-9477 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 3.379 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 3.379
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:177656 Serial 8435
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Nazar, N.D.; Vazifehshenas, T.; Ebrahimi, M.R.; Peeters, F.M.
Title Strong anisotropic optical properties of 8-Pmmn borophene : a many-body perturbation study Type A1 Journal article
Year 2021 Publication Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics Abbreviated Journal Phys Chem Chem Phys
Volume 23 Issue (up) 30 Pages 16417-16422
Keywords A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Abstract Using first-principles many-body perturbation theory, we investigate the optical properties of 8-Pmmn borophene at two levels of approximations; the GW method considering only the electron-electron interaction and the GW in combination with the Bethe-Salpeter equation including electron-hole coupling. The band structure exhibits anisotropic Dirac cones with semimetallic character. The optical absorption spectra are obtained for different light polarizations and we predict strong optical absorbance anisotropy. The absorption peaks undergo a global redshift when the electron-hole interaction is taken into account due to the formation of bound excitons which have an anisotropic excitonic wave function.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000677722700001 Publication Date 2021-07-21
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1463-9076; 1463-9084 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 4.123 Times cited 4 Open Access Not_Open_Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 4.123
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:180385 Serial 7022
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Gonzalez-Nelson, A.; Mula, S.; Simenas, M.; Balciunas, S.; Altenhof, A.R.; Vojvodin, C.S.; Canossa, S.; Banys, J.; Schurko, R.W.; Coudert, F.-X.; van der Veen, M.A.
Title Emergence of coupled rotor dynamics in metal-organic frameworks via tuned steric interactions Type A1 Journal article
Year 2021 Publication Journal Of The American Chemical Society Abbreviated Journal J Am Chem Soc
Volume 143 Issue (up) 31 Pages 12053-12062
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract The organic components in metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are unique: they are embedded in a crystalline lattice, yet, as they are separated from each other by tunable free space, a large variety of dynamic behavior can emerge. These rotational dynamics of the organic linkers are especially important due to their influence over properties such as gas adsorption and kinetics of guest release. To fully exploit linker rotation, such as in the form of molecular machines, it is necessary to engineer correlated linker dynamics to achieve their cooperative functional motion. Here, we show that for MIL-53, a topology with closely spaced rotors, the phenylene functionalization allows researchers to tune the rotors' steric environment, shifting linker rotation from completely static to rapid motions at frequencies above 100 MHz. For steric interactions that start to inhibit independent rotor motion, we identify for the first time the emergence of coupled rotation modes in linker dynamics. These findings pave the way for function-specific engineering of gear-like cooperative motion in MOFs.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000684581100022 Publication Date 2021-07-29
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0002-7863 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 13.858 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 13.858
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:180504 Serial 6867
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Author Sabzalipour, A.; Mir, M.; Zarenia, M.; Partoens, B.
Title Charge transport in magnetic topological ultra-thin films : the effect of structural inversion asymmetry Type A1 Journal article
Year 2021 Publication Journal Of Physics-Condensed Matter Abbreviated Journal J Phys-Condens Mat
Volume 33 Issue (up) 32 Pages 325702
Keywords A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Abstract We study the effect of structural inversion asymmetry, induced by the presence of substrates or by external electric fields, on charge transport in magnetic topological ultra-thin films. We consider general orientations of the magnetic impurities. Our results are based on the Boltzmann formalism along with a modified relaxation time scheme. We show that the structural inversion asymmetry enhances the charge transport anisotropy induced by the magnetic impurities and when only one conduction subband contributes to the charge transport a dissipationless charge current is accessible. We demonstrate how a substrate or gate voltage can control the effect of the magnetic impurities on the charge transport, and how this depends on the orientation of the magnetic impurities.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000666698000001 Publication Date 2021-05-28
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0953-8984 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 2.649 Times cited 1 Open Access Not_Open_Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 2.649
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:179647 Serial 6974
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Author Dubinina, T.; Maklakov, S.; Petrusevich, E.; Borisova, N.E.; Trashin, S.A.; De Wael, K.; Tomilova, L.G.
Title Photoactive layers for photovoltaics based on near-infrared absorbing aryl-substituted naphthalocyanine complexes : preparation and investigation of properties Type A1 Journal article
Year 2021 Publication New Journal Of Chemistry Abbreviated Journal New J Chem
Volume 45 Issue (up) 32 Pages 14815-14821
Keywords A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
Abstract Photoactive layers based on aryl- and aryloxy-substituted naphthalocyanines and conductive polymer poly[2-methoxy-5-(2'-ethylhexyloxy)-1,4-phenylene vinylene] (MEH-PPV) were prepared using the spin-coating technique and their conductivity was tested in dark and under illumination. For this purpose novel octa-2-naphthoxy-substituted naphthalocyanines were synthesized starting from 6,7-di(2-naphthoxy)naphthalene-2,3-dicarbonitrile. For those novel naphthalocyanine complexes, spectral and electrochemical data were measured and compared with corresponding ones for other aryl-substituted analogues. In comparison to the previously studied naphthalocyanines with alkyl- and phenyl- groups, the formal oxidation and reduction potentials were rather similar. All target complexes demonstrate intense near-infrared absorption at 760-790 nm, which is about 30 nm bathochromically shifted in thin films. The photo-resistive effect was found increasing from composites comprised of naphthoxy- to phenyl-substituted naphthalocyanines. This peculiarity was explained by using optical and atomic force microscopy in terms of different sizes of aggregates formed. The photo-response time for novel composited was approximately 3 s, which is about 20 times faster than measured previously for the films deposited via the drop-casting technique.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000680389800001 Publication Date 2021-07-23
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1144-0546 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 3.269 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 3.269
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:179884 Serial 8379
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Author Bafekry, A.; Faraji, M.; Fadlallah, M.M.; Jappor, H.R.; Karbasizadeh, S.; Ghergherehchi, M.; Sarsari, I.A.; Ziabari, A.A.
Title Novel two-dimensional AlSb and InSb monolayers with a double-layer honeycomb structure : a first-principles study Type A1 Journal article
Year 2021 Publication Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics Abbreviated Journal Phys Chem Chem Phys
Volume 23 Issue (up) 34 Pages 18752-18759
Keywords A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Abstract In this work, motivated by the fabrication of an AlSb monolayer, we have focused on the electronic, mechanical and optical properties of AlSb and InSb monolayers with double-layer honeycomb structures, employing the density functional theory approach. The phonon band structure and cohesive energy confirm the stability of the XSb (X = Al and In) monolayers. The mechanical properties reveal that the XSb monolayers have a brittle nature. Using the GGA + SOC (HSE + SOC) functionals, the bandgap of the AlSb monolayer is predicted to be direct, while InSb has a metallic character using both functionals. We find that XSb (X = Al, In) two-dimensional bodies can absorb ultraviolet light. The present findings suggest several applications of AlSb and InSb monolayers in novel optical and electronic usages.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000686236800001 Publication Date 2021-08-05
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1463-9076; 1463-9084 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 4.123 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 4.123
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:181712 Serial 7005
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Nematollahi, P.; Ma, H.; Schneider, W.F.; Neyts, E.C.
Title DFT and microkinetic comparison of ru-doped porphyrin-like graphene and nanotubes toward catalytic formic acid decomposition and formation Type A1 Journal article
Year 2021 Publication Journal Of Physical Chemistry C Abbreviated Journal J Phys Chem C
Volume 125 Issue (up) 34 Pages 18673-18683
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract Immobilization of single metal atoms on a solid host opens numerous possibilities for catalyst designs. If that host is a two-dimensional sheet, sheet curvature becomes a design parameter potentially complementary to host and metal composition. Here, we use a combination of density functional theory calculations and microkinetic modeling to compare the mechanisms and kinetics of formic acid decomposition and formation, chosen for their relevance as a potential hydrogen storage medium, over single Ru atoms anchored to pyridinic nitrogen in a planar graphene flake (RuN4-G) and curved carbon nanotube (RuN4-CNT). Activation barriers are lowered and the predicted turnover frequencies are increased over RuN4-CNT relative to RuN4-CNT. The results highlight the potential of curvature control as a means to achieve high performance and robust catalysts.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000693413400013 Publication Date 2021-08-22
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1932-7447; 1932-7455 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 4.536 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 4.536
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:181538 Serial 7805
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Vermeyen, T.; Brence, J.; Van Echelpoel, R.; Aerts, R.; Acke, G.; Bultinck, P.; Herrebout, W.
Title Exploring machine learning methods for absolute configuration determination with vibrational circular dichroism Type A1 Journal article
Year 2021 Publication Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics Abbreviated Journal Phys Chem Chem Phys
Volume 23 Issue (up) 35 Pages 19781-19789
Keywords A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation); Molecular Spectroscopy (MolSpec)
Abstract The added value of supervised Machine Learning (ML) methods to determine the Absolute Configuration (AC) of compounds from their Vibrational Circular Dichroism (VCD) spectra was explored. Among all ML methods considered, Random Forest (RF) and Feedforward Neural Network (FNN) yield the best performance for identification of the AC. At its best, FNN allows near-perfect AC determination, with accuracy of prediction up to 0.995, while RF combines good predictive accuracy (up to 0.940) with the ability to identify the spectral areas important for the identification of the AC. No loss in performance of either model is observed as long as the spectral sampling interval used does not exceed the spectral bandwidth. Increasing the sampling interval proves to be the best method to lower the dimensionality of the input data, thereby decreasing the computational cost associated with the training of the models.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000691366500001 Publication Date 2021-08-25
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1463-9076; 1463-9084 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 4.123 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 4.123
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:180290 Serial 7951
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Author Renero-Lecuna, C.; Herrero, A.; Jimenez de Aberasturi, D.; Martínez-Flórez, M.; Valiente, R.; Mychinko, M.; Bals, S.; Liz-Marzán, L.M.
Title Nd3+-Doped Lanthanum Oxychloride Nanocrystals as Nanothermometers Type A1 Journal article
Year 2021 Publication Journal Of Physical Chemistry C Abbreviated Journal J Phys Chem C
Volume 125 Issue (up) 36 Pages 19887-19896
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract The development of optical nanothermometers operating in the near-infrared (NIR) is of high relevance toward temperature measurements in biological systems. We propose herein the use of Nd3+-doped lanthanum oxychloride nanocrystals as an efficient system with intense photoluminescence under NIR irradiation in the first biological transparency window and emission in the second biological window with excellent emission stability over time under 808 nm excitation, regardless of Nd3+ concentration, which can be considered as a particular strength of our system. Additionally, surface passivation through overgrowth of an inert LaOCl shell around optically active LaOCl/Nd3+ cores was found to further enhance the photoluminescence intensity and also the lifetime of the 1066 nm, 4F3/2 to 4I11/2 transition, without affecting its (ratiometric) sensitivity toward temperature changes. As required for biological applications, we show that the obtained (initially hydrophobic) nanocrystals can be readily transferred into aqueous solvents with high, long-term stability, through either ligand exchange or encapsulation with an amphiphilic polymer.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000697335100031 Publication Date 2021-09-16
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1932-7447 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 4.536 Times cited 9 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes The authors thank the financial support of the European Research Council (ERC-AdG-2017 787510, ERC-CoG-2019 815128) and of the European Commission (EUSMI, Grant 731019). This work was performed under the Maria de Maeztu Units of Excellence Program from the Spanish State Research Agency−Grant MDM-2017−0720. Realnano; sygmaSB Approved Most recent IF: 4.536
Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:181671 Serial 6831
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Author Sozen, Y.; Yagmurcukardes, M.; Sahin, H.
Title Vibrational and optical identification of GeO₂ and GeO single layers : a first-principles study Type A1 Journal article
Year 2021 Publication Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics Abbreviated Journal Phys Chem Chem Phys
Volume 23 Issue (up) 37 Pages 21307-21315
Keywords A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Abstract In the present work, the identification of two hexagonal phases of germanium oxides (namely GeO2 and GeO) through the vibrational and optical properties is reported using density functional theory calculations. While structural optimizations show that single-layer GeO2 and GeO crystallize in 1T and buckled phases, phonon band dispersions reveal the dynamical stability of each structure. First-order off-resonant Raman spectral predictions demonstrate that each free-standing single-layer possesses characteristic peaks that are representative for the identification of the germanium oxide phase. On the other hand, electronic band dispersion analysis shows the insulating and large-gap semiconducting nature of single-layer GeO2 and GeO, respectively. Moreover, optical absorption, reflectance, and transmittance spectra obtained by means of G(0)W(0)-BSE calculations reveal the existence of tightly bound excitons in each phase, displaying strong optical absorption. Furthermore, the excitonic gaps are found to be at deep UV and visible portions of the spectrum, for GeO2 and GeO crystals, with energies of 6.24 and 3.10 eV, respectively. In addition, at the prominent excitonic resonances, single-layers display high reflectivity with a zero transmittance, which is another indication of the strong light-matter interaction inside the crystal medium.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000697364300001 Publication Date 2021-09-02
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1463-9076; 1463-9084 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 4.123 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 4.123
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:181571 Serial 7044
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Bal, K.M.; Neyts, E.C.
Title Quantifying the impact of vibrational nonequilibrium in plasma catalysis: insights from a molecular dynamics model of dissociative chemisorption Type A1 Journal Article;plasma catalysis
Year 2021 Publication Journal Of Physics D-Applied Physics Abbreviated Journal J Phys D Appl Phys
Volume 54 Issue (up) 39 Pages 394004
Keywords A1 Journal Article;plasma catalysis; vibrational nonequilibrium; dissociative chemisorption; free energy barriers; Plasma, laser ablation and surface modeling Antwerp (PLASMANT) ;
Abstract The rate, selectivity and efficiency of plasma-based conversion processes is strongly affected by nonequilibrium phenomena. High concentrations of vibrationally excited molecules are such a plasma-induced effect. It is frequently assumed that vibrationally excited molecules are important in plasma catalysis because their presence lowers the apparent activation energy of dissociative chemisorption reactions and thus increases the conversion rate. A detailed atomic-level understanding of vibrationally stimulated catalytic reactions in the context of plasma catalysis is however lacking. Here, we couple a recently developed statistical model of a plasma-induced vibrational nonequilibrium to molecular dynamics simulations, enhanced sampling methods, and machine learning techniques. We quantify the impact of a vibrational nonequilibrium on the dissociative chemisorption barrier of H2 and CH4 on nickel catalysts over a wide range of vibrational temperatures. We investigate the effect of surface structure and compare the role of different vibrational modes of methane in the dissociation process. For low vibrational temperatures, very high vibrational efficacies are found, and energy in bend vibrations appears to dominate the dissociation of methane. The relative impact of vibrational nonequilibrium is much higher on terrace sites than on surface steps. We then show how our simulations can help to interpret recent experimental results, and suggest new paths to a better understanding of plasma catalysis.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000674464100001 Publication Date 2021-09-30
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0022-3727 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 2.588 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek, 12ZI420N ; K M B was funded as a junior postdoctoral fellow of the FWO (Research Foundation—Flanders), Grant 12ZI420N. The computational resources and services used in this work were provided by the HPC core facility CalcUA of the Universiteit Antwerpen, and VSC (Flemish Supercomputer Center), funded by the FWO and the Flemish Government. HLDA calculations were performed with a script provided by G Piccini. Approved Most recent IF: 2.588
Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @c:irua:179830 Serial 6808
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Author Engelmann, Y.; van ’t Veer, K.; Gorbanev, Y.; Neyts, E.C.; Schneider, W.F.; Bogaerts, A.
Title Plasma Catalysis for Ammonia Synthesis: A Microkinetic Modeling Study on the Contributions of Eley–Rideal Reactions Type A1 Journal Article;Plasma catalysis
Year 2021 Publication Acs Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering Abbreviated Journal Acs Sustain Chem Eng
Volume 9 Issue (up) 39 Pages 13151-13163
Keywords A1 Journal Article;Plasma catalysis; Eley−Rideal reactions; Volcano plots; Vibrational excitation; Radical reactions; Dielectric barrier discharge; Plasma, laser ablation and surface modeling Antwerp (PLASMANT) ;
Abstract Plasma catalysis is an emerging new technology for the electrification and downscaling of NH3 synthesis. Increasing attention is being paid to the optimization of plasma catalysis with respect to the plasma conditions, the catalyst material, and their mutual interaction. In this work we use microkinetic models to study how the total conversion process is impacted by the combination of different plasma conditions and transition metal catalysts. We study how plasma-generated radicals and vibrationally excited N2 (present in a dielectric barrier discharge plasma) interact with the catalyst and impact the NH3 turnover frequencies (TOFs). Both filamentary and uniform plasmas are studied, based on plasma chemistry models that provided plasma phase speciation and vibrational distribution functions. The Langmuir−Hinshelwood reaction rate coefficients (i.e., adsorption reactions and subsequent reactions among adsorbates) are determined using conventional scaling relations. An additional set of Eley−Rideal reactions (i.e., direct reactions of plasma radicals with adsorbates) was added and a sensitivity analysis on the assumed reaction rate coefficients was performed. We first show the impact of different vibrational distribution functions on the catalytic dissociation of N2 and subsequent production of NH3, and we gradually include more radical reactions, to illustrate the contribution of these species and their corresponding reaction pathways. Analysis over a large range of catalysts indicates that different transition metals (metals such as Rh, Ni, Pt, and Pd) optimize the NH3TOFs depending on the population of the vibrational levels of N2. At higher concentrations of plasma-generated radicals, the NH3 TOFs become less dependent on the catalyst material, due to radical adsorptions on the more noble catalysts and Eley−Rideal reactions on the less noble catalysts.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000705367800004 Publication Date 2021-10-04
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2168-0485 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 5.951 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Basic Energy Sciences, DE-SC0021107 ; Vlaamse regering, HBC.2019.0108 ; H2020 European Research Council, 810182 ; Methusalem project – University of Antwerp; Excellence of science FWO-FNRS, GoF9618n ; TOP-BOF – University of Antwerp; DOCPRO3 – University of Antwerp; We acknowledge the financial support from the DOC-PRO3, the TOP-BOF, and the Methusalem project of the University of Antwerp, as well as from the European Research Council (ERC) (grant agreement No, 810182−SCOPE ERC Synergy project), under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme, the Flemish Government through the Moonshot cSBO project P2C (HBC.2019.0108), and the Excellence of Science FWO-FNRS project (FWO grant ID GoF9618n, EOS ID 30505023). Calculations were carried out using the Turing HPC infrastructure at the CalcUA core facility of the Universiteit Antwerpen, a division of the Flemish Supercomputer Center VSC, funded by the Hercules Foundation, the Flemish Government (Department EWI), 13162 Approved Most recent IF: 5.951
Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @c:irua:182482 Serial 6811
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Author Bafekry, A.; Faraji, M.; Fadlallah, M.M.; Jappor, H.R.; Hieu, N.N.; Ghergherehchi, M.; Feghhi, S.A.H.; Gogova, D.
Title Prediction of two-dimensional bismuth-based chalcogenides Bi₂X₃(X = S, Se, Te) monolayers with orthorhombic structure : a first-principles study Type A1 Journal article
Year 2021 Publication Journal Of Physics D-Applied Physics Abbreviated Journal J Phys D Appl Phys
Volume 54 Issue (up) 39 Pages 395103
Keywords A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Abstract First-principles calculation is a very powerful tool for discovery and design of novel two-dimensional materials with unique properties needed for the next generation technology. Motivated by the successful preparation of Bi2S3 nanosheets with orthorhombic structure in the last year, herein we gain a deep theoretical insight into the crystal structure, stability, electronic and optical properties of Bi2X3 (X = S, Se, Te) monolayers of orthorhombic phase employing the first-principles calculations. The Molecular dynamics study, phonon spectra, criteria for elastic stability, and cohesive energy results confirm the desired stability of the Bi2X3 monolayers. From S, to Se and Te, the work function value as well as stability of the systems decrease due to the decline in electronegativity. Mechanical properties study reveals that Bi2X3 monolayers have brittle nature. The electronic bandgap values of Bi2S3, Bi2Se3 and Bi2Te3 monolayers are predicted by the HSE06 functional to be 2.05, 1.20 and 1.16 eV, respectively. By assessing the optical properties, it has been found that Bi2X3 monolayers can absorb ultraviolet light. The high in-plane optical anisotropy offers an additional degree of freedom in the design of optical devices. The properties revealed in our survey will stimulate and inspire the search for new approaches of orthorhombic Bi2X3 (X = S, Se, Te) monolayers synthesis and properties manipulation for fabrication of novel nanoelectronic and optoelectronic devices.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000674464700001 Publication Date 2021-07-06
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0022-3727 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 2.588 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 2.588
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:179863 Serial 7014
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Jardali, F.; Van Alphen, S.; Creel, J.; Ahmadi Eshtehardi, H.; Axelsson, M.; Ingels, R.; Snyders, R.; Bogaerts, A.
Title NOxproduction in a rotating gliding arc plasma: potential avenue for sustainable nitrogen fixation Type A1 Journal article
Year 2021 Publication Green Chemistry Abbreviated Journal Green Chem
Volume 23 Issue (up) 4 Pages 1748-1757
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract The fast growing world population demands food to survive, and nitrogen-based fertilizers are essential to ensure sufficient food production. Today, fertilizers are mainly produced from non-sustainable fossil fuels<italic>via</italic>the Haber–Bosch process, leading to serious environmental problems. We propose here a novel rotating gliding arc plasma, operating in air, for direct NO<sub>x</sub>production, which can yield high nitrogen content organic fertilizers without pollution associated with ammonia emission. We explored the efficiency of NO<sub>x</sub>production in a wide range of feed gas ratios, and for two arc modes: rotating and steady. When the arc is in steady mode, record-value NO<sub>x</sub>concentrations up to 5.5% are achieved which are 1.7 times higher than the maximum concentration obtained by the rotating arc mode, and with an energy consumption of 2.5 MJ mol<sup>−1</sup>(or<italic>ca.</italic>50 kW h kN<sup>−1</sup>);<italic>i.e.</italic>the lowest value so far achieved by atmospheric pressure plasma reactors. Computer modelling, using a combination of five different complementary approaches, provides a comprehensive picture of NO<sub>x</sub>formation in both arc modes; in particular, the higher NO<sub>x</sub>production in the steady arc mode is due to the combined thermal and vibrationally-promoted Zeldovich mechanisms.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000629630600021 Publication Date 2021-01-28
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1463-9262 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 9.125 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek, GoF9618n 30505023 ; H2020 European Research Council, 810182 ; This research was supported by a Bilateral Project with N2 Applied, the Excellence of Science FWO-FNRS project (FWO grant ID GoF9618n, EOS ID 30505023) and by the European Research Council (ERC) under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme (grant agreement no 810182 – SCOPE ERC Synergy project). The calculations were performed using the Turing HPC infrastructure at the CalcUA core facility of the Universiteit Antwerpen (UAntwerpen), a division of the Flemish Supercomputer Center VSC, funded by the Hercules Foundation, the Flemish Government (department EWI) and the UAntwerpen. We also thank J.-L. Liu for the RGA design, L. Van ‘t dack and K. Leyssens for MS calibration and practical support, and K. Van ‘t Veer for the fruitful discussions on plasma kinetic modelling and for calculating the electron energy losses. Approved Most recent IF: 9.125
Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @c:irua:176022 Serial 6678
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