“DC conductivity of twisted bilayer graphene: Angle-dependent transport properties and effects of disorder”. Andelkovic M, Covaci L, Peeters FM, Physical review materials 2, 034004 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1103/PHYSREVMATERIALS.2.034004
Abstract: The in-plane dc conductivity of twisted bilayer graphene is calculated using an expansion of the real-space Kubo-Bastin conductivity in terms of Chebyshev polynomials. We investigate within a tight-binding approach the transport properties as a function of rotation angle, applied perpendicular electric field, and vacancy disorder. We find that for high-angle twists, the two layers are effectively decoupled, and the minimum conductivity at the Dirac point corresponds to double the value observed in monolayer graphene. This remains valid even in the presence of vacancies, hinting that chiral symmetry is still preserved. On the contrary, for low twist angles, the conductivity at the Dirac point depends on the twist angle and is not protected in the presence of disorder. Furthermore, for low angles and in the presence of an applied electric field, we find that the chiral boundary states emerging between AB and BA regions contribute to the dc conductivity, despite the appearance of localized states in the AA regions. The results agree qualitatively with recent transport experiments in low-angle twisted bilayer graphene.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Times cited: 27
DOI: 10.1103/PHYSREVMATERIALS.2.034004
|
“Synthesis of high-oxidation Y-Ba-Cu-O phases in superoxygenated thin films”. Zhang H, Gauquelin N, McMahon C, Hawthorn DG, Botton GA, Wei JYT, Physical review materials 2, 033803 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1103/PHYSREVMATERIALS.2.033803
Abstract: It is known that solid-state reaction in high-pressure oxygen can stabilize high-oxidation phases of Y-Ba-Cu-O superconductors in powder form. We extend this superoxygenation concept of synthesis to thin films which, due to their large surface-to-volume ratio, are more reactive thermodynamically. Epitaxial thin films of YBa2Cu3O7-delta grown by pulsed laser deposition are annealed at up to 700 atm O-2 and 900 degrees C, in conjunction with Cu enrichment by solid-state diffusion. The films show the clear formation of Y2Ba4Cu7O15-delta and Y2Ba4Cu8O16 as well as regions of YBa2Cu5O9-delta and YBa2Cu6O10-delta phases, according to scanning transmission electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction, and x-ray absorption spectroscopy. Similarly annealed YBa2Cu3O7-delta powders show no phase conversion. Our results demonstrate a route of synthesis towards discovering more complex phases of cuprates and other superconducting oxides.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Times cited: 2
DOI: 10.1103/PHYSREVMATERIALS.2.033803
|
“Plasma physics of liquids—A focused review”. Vanraes P, Bogaerts A, Applied physics reviews 5, 031103 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1063/1.5020511
Abstract: The interaction of plasma with liquids has led to various established industrial implementations as well as promising applications, including high-voltage switching, chemical analysis, nanomaterial synthesis, and plasma medicine. Along with these numerous accomplishments, the physics of plasma in liquid or in contact with a liquid surface has emerged as a bipartite research field, for which we introduce here the term “plasma physics of liquids.” Despite the intensive research
investments during the recent decennia, this field is plagued by some controversies and gaps in knowledge, which might restrict further progress. The main difficulties in understanding revolve around the basic mechanisms of plasma initiation in the liquid phase and the electrical interactions at a plasma-liquid interface, which require an interdisciplinary approach. This review aims to provide the wide applied physics community with a general overview of the field, as well as the opportunities for interdisciplinary research on topics, such as nanobubbles and the floating water bridge, and involving the research domains of amorphous semiconductors, solid state physics, thermodynamics, material science, analytical chemistry, electrochemistry, and molecular dynamics simulations. In addition, we provoke awareness of experts in the field on yet underappreciated question marks. Accordingly, a strategy for future experimental and simulation work is proposed.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 13.667
Times cited: 33
DOI: 10.1063/1.5020511
|
“Recent breakthroughs in scanning transmission electron microscopy of small species”. van den Bos KHW, Altantzis T, De Backer A, Van Aert S, Bals S, Advances in Physics: X 3, 1480420 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1080/23746149.2018.1480420
Abstract: Over the last decade, scanning transmission electron microscopy has become one of the most powerful tools to characterise nanomaterials at the atomic scale. Often, the ultimate goal is to retrieve the three-dimensional structure, which is very challenging since small species are typically sensitive to electron irradiation. Nevertheless, measuring individual atomic positions is crucial to understand the relation between the structure and physicochemical properties of these (nano)materials. In this review, we highlight the latest approaches that are available to reveal the 3D atomic structure of small species. Finally, we will provide an outlook and will describe future challenges where the limits of electron microscopy will be pushed even further.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Times cited: 8
DOI: 10.1080/23746149.2018.1480420
|
“Electron pairing: from metastable electron pair to bipolaron”. Hai G-Q, Candido L, Brito BGA, Peeters FM, Journal of physics communications 2, Unsp 035017 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1088/2399-6528/AAAEE0
Abstract: Starting from the shell structure in atoms and the significant correlation within electron pairs, we distinguish the exchange-correlation effects between two electrons of opposite spins occupying the same orbital from the average correlation among many electrons in a crystal. In the periodic potential of the crystal with lattice constant larger than the effective Bohr radius of the valence electrons, these correlated electron pairs can form a metastable energy band above the corresponding single-electron band separated by an energy gap. In order to determine if these metastable electron pairs can be stabilized, we calculate the many-electron exchange-correlation renormalization and the polaron correction to the two-band system with single electrons and electron pairs. We find that the electron-phonon interaction is essential to counterbalance the Coulomb repulsion and to stabilize the electron pairs. The interplay of the electron-electron and electron-phonon interactions, manifested in the exchange-correlation energies, polaron effects, and screening, is responsible for the formation of electron pairs (bipolarons) that are located on the Fermi surface of the single-electron band.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Times cited: 9
DOI: 10.1088/2399-6528/AAAEE0
|
“Theoretical and experimental investigation of conjugation of 1,6-hexanedithiol on MoS2”. Gul A, Bacaksiz C, Unsal E, Akbali B, Tomak A, Zareie HM, Sahin H, Materials Research Express 5, 036415 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1088/2053-1591/AAB4A6
Abstract: We report an experimental and theoretical investigation of conjugation of 1,6-Hexaneditihiol (HDT) on MoS2 which is prepared by mixing MoS2 structure and HDT molecules in proper solvent. Raman spectra and the calculated phonon bands reveal that the HDT molecules bind covalently to MoS2. Surface morphology of MoS2/HDTstructure is changed upon conjugation ofHDTon MoS2 and characterized by using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). Density Functional Theory (DFT) based calculations show that HOMO-LUMO band gap of HDT is altered after the conjugation and two-S binding (handle-like) configuration is energetically most favorable among three different structures. This study displays that the facile thiol functionalization process of MoS2 is promising strategy for obtaining solution processable MoS2.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 1.068
Times cited: 2
DOI: 10.1088/2053-1591/AAB4A6
|
“Multiband mechanism for the sign reversal of Coulomb drag observed in double bilayer graphene heterostructures”. Zarenia M, Hamilton AR, Peeters FM, Neilson D, Physical review letters 121, 036601 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1103/PHYSREVLETT.121.036601
Abstract: Coupled 2D sheets of electrons and holes are predicted to support novel quantum phases. Two experiments of Coulomb drag in electron-hole (e-h) double bilayer graphene (DBLG) have reported an unexplained and puzzling sign reversal of the drag signal. However, we show that this effect is due to the multiband character of DBLG. Our multiband Fermi liquid theory produces excellent agreement and captures the key features of the experimental drag resistance for all temperatures. This demonstrates the importance of multiband effects in DBLG: they have a strong effect not only on superfluidity, but also on the drag.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 8.462
Times cited: 7
DOI: 10.1103/PHYSREVLETT.121.036601
|
“Hydrogenation of Carbon Dioxide to Value-Added Chemicals by Heterogeneous Catalysis and Plasma Catalysis”. Liu M, Yi Y, Wang L, Guo H, Bogaerts A, Catalysts 9, 275 (2019). http://doi.org/10.3390/catal9030275
Abstract: Due to the increasing emission of carbon dioxide (CO2), greenhouse effects are becoming more and more severe, causing global climate change. The conversion and utilization of CO2 is one of the possible solutions to reduce CO2 concentrations. This can be accomplished, among other methods, by direct hydrogenation of CO2, producing value-added products. In this review, the progress of mainly the last five years in direct hydrogenation of CO2 to value-added chemicals (e.g., CO, CH4, CH3OH, DME, olefins, and higher hydrocarbons) by heterogeneous catalysis and plasma catalysis is summarized, and research priorities for CO2 hydrogenation are proposed.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 3.082
DOI: 10.3390/catal9030275
|
“ALPHABETA: a dedicated open-source tool for calculating TEM stage tilt angles”. Cautaerts N, Delville R, Schryvers D, Journal of microscopy 273, 189 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1111/jmi.12774
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 1.692
Times cited: 2
DOI: 10.1111/jmi.12774
|
“Molecular evidence for feedstock-dependent nucleation mechanisms of CNTs”. Khalilov U, Vets C, Neyts EC, Nanoscale Horizons 4, 674 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1039/C8NH00323H
Abstract: Atomic scale simulations have been shown to be a powerful tool for elucidating the growth mechanisms of carbon nanotubes. The growth picture is however not entirely clear yet due to the gap between current simulations and real experiments. We here simulate for the first time the nucleation and subsequent growth of single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) from oxygen-containing hydrocarbon feedstocks using the hybrid Molecular Dynamics/Monte Carlo technique. The underlying nucleation mechanisms of Ni-catalysed SWNT growth are discussed in detail. Specifically, we find that as a function of the feedstock, different carbon fractions may emerge as the main growth species, due to a competition between the feedstock decomposition, its rehydroxylation and its contribution to etching of the growing SWNT. This study provides a further understanding of the feedstock effects in SWNT growth in comparison with available experimental evidence as well as with<italic>ab initio</italic>and other simulation data, thereby reducing the simulation–experiment gap.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Times cited: 1
DOI: 10.1039/C8NH00323H
|
“Correlation functions in electron-electron and electron-hole double quantum wells : temperature, density, and barrier-width dependence”. Dharma-Wardana MWC, Neilson D, Peeters FM, Physical review B 99, 035303 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1103/PHYSREVB.99.035303
Abstract: The classical-map hypernetted-chain (CHNC) scheme, developed for treating fermion fluids at strong coupling and at finite temperatures, is applied to electron-electron and electron-hole double quantum wells. The pair-distribution functions and the local field factors needed in linear-response theory are determined for a range of temperatures, carrier densities, and barrier widths typical for experimental double-quantum-well systems in GaAs-GaAlAs. For electron-hole double quantum wells, a large enhancement in the pair-distribution functions is found for small carrier separations. The CHNC equations for electron-hole systems no longer hold at low densities where bound-state formation occurs.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.836
Times cited: 6
DOI: 10.1103/PHYSREVB.99.035303
|
“Controlling the interfacial conductance in LaAlO3/SrTiO3 in 90 degrees off-axis sputter deposition”. Yin C, Krishnan D, Gauquelin N, Verbeeck J, Aarts J, Physical review materials 3, 034002 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1103/PHYSREVMATERIALS.3.034002
Abstract: We report on the fabrication of conducting interfaces between LaAlO3 and SrTiO3 by 90 degrees off-axis sputtering in an Ar atmosphere. At a growth pressure of 0.04 mbar the interface is metallic, with a carrier density of the order of 1 x 10(13) cm(-2) at 3 K. By increasing the growth pressure, we observe an increase of the out-of-plane lattice constants of the LaAlO3 films while the in-plane lattice constants do not change. Also, the low-temperature sheet resistance increases with increasing growth pressure, leading to an insulating interface when the growth pressure reaches 0.10 mbar. We attribute the structural variations to an increase of the La/Al ratio, which also explains the transition from metallic behavior to insulating behavior of the interfaces. Our research shows that the control which is furnished by the Ar pressure makes sputtering as versatile a process as pulsed laser deposition, and emphasizes the key role of the cation stoichiometry of LaAlO3 in the formation of the conducting interface.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 2.926
Times cited: 4
DOI: 10.1103/PHYSREVMATERIALS.3.034002
|
“Scalable synthesis of one-dimensional Na2Li2Ti6O14 nanofibers as ultrahigh rate capability anodes for lithium-ion batteries”. Wang C, Xin X, Shu M, Huang S, Zhang Y, Li X, Inorganic Chemistry Frontiers 6, 646 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1039/C8QI00973B
Abstract: Carbon anode materials for Li-ion batteries have been operated close to their theoretical rate and cycle limits. Therefore, titanium-based materials have attracted great attention due to their high stability. Here, Na2Li2Ti6O14 nanofibers as anode materials were prepared through a controlled electrospinning method. The Na2Li2Ti6O14 nanofibers presented superior electrochemical performance with high rate capability and long cycle life and can be regarded as a competitive anode candidate for advanced Li-ion batteries. One-dimensional (1D) Na2Li2Ti6O14 nanofibers are able to deliver a capacity of 128.5 mA h g(-1) at 0.5C, and demonstrate superior high-rate charge-discharge capability and cycling stability (the reversible charge capacity is 77.8 mA h g(-1) with a capacity retention of 99.45% at the rate of 10C after 800 cycles). The 1D structure is considered to contribute remarkably to increased rate capability and stability. This simple and scalable method indicates that the Na2Li2Ti6O14 nanofibers have a practical application potential for high performance lithium-ion batteries.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 4.036
Times cited: 3
DOI: 10.1039/C8QI00973B
|
“Superconductor-insulator transition driven by pressure-tuned intergrain coupling in nanodiamond films”. Zhang G, Zhou Y, Korneychuk S, Samuely T, Liu L, May PW, Xu Z, Onufriienko O, Zhang X, Verbeeck J, Samuely P, Moshchalkov VV, Yang Z, Rubahn H-G, Physical review materials 3, 034801 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1103/PHYSREVMATERIALS.3.034801
Abstract: We report on the pressure-driven superconductor-insulator transition in heavily boron-doped nanodiamond films. By systematically increasing the pressure, we suppress the Josephson coupling between the superconducting nanodiamond grains. The diminished intergrain coupling gives rise to an overall insulating state in the films, which is interpreted in the framework of a parallel-series circuit model to be the result of bosonic insulators with preserved localized intragrain superconducting order parameters. Our investigation opens up perspectives for the application of high pressure in research on quantum confinement and coherence. Our data unveil the percolative nature of the electrical transport in nanodiamond films, and highlight the essential role of grain boundaries in determining the electronic properties of this material.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 2.926
Times cited: 5
DOI: 10.1103/PHYSREVMATERIALS.3.034801
|
“MnFe0.5Ru0.5O3 : an above-room-temperature antiferromagnetic semiconductor”. Tan X, McCabe EE, Orlandi F, Manuel P, Batuk M, Hadermann J, Deng Z, Jin C, Nowik I, Herber R, Segre CU, Liu S, Croft M, Kang C-J, Lapidus S, Frank CE, Padmanabhan H, Gopalan V, Wu M, Li M-R, Kotliar G, Walker D, Greenblatt M, Journal of materials chemistry C : materials for optical and electronic devices 7, 509 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1039/C8TC05059G
Abstract: A transition-metal-only MnFe0.5Ru0.5O3 polycrystalline oxide was prepared by a reaction of starting materials MnO, MnO2, Fe2O3, RuO2 at 6 GPa and 1873 K for 30 minutes. A combination of X-ray and neutron powder diffraction refinements indicated that MnFe0.5Ru0.5O3 adopts the corundum (alpha-Fe2O3) structure type with space group R (3) over barc, in which all metal ions are disordered. The centrosymmetric nature of the MnFe0.5Ru0.5O3 structure is corroborated by transmission electron microscopy, lack of optical second harmonic generation, X-ray absorption near edge spectroscopy, and Mossbauer spectroscopy. X-ray absorption near edge spectroscopy of MnFe0.5Ru0.5O3 showed the oxidation states of Mn, Fe, and Ru to be 2+/3+, 3+, and similar to 4+, respectively. Resistivity measurements revealed that MnFe0.5Ru0.5O3 is a semiconductor. Magnetic measurements and magnetic structure refinements indicated that MnFe0.5Ru0.5O3 orders antiferromagnetically around 400 K, with magnetic moments slightly canted away from the c axis. Fe-57 Mossbauer confirmed the magnetic ordering and Fe3+ (S = 5/2) magnetic hyperfine splitting. First principles calculations are provided to understand the electronic structure more thoroughly. A comparison of synthesis and properties of MnFe0.5Ru0.5O3 and related corundum Mn2BB'O-6 derivatives is discussed.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 5.256
Times cited: 1
DOI: 10.1039/C8TC05059G
|
“A route towards the fabrication of 2D heterostructures using atomic layer etching combined with selective conversion”. Heyne MH, Marinov D, Braithwaite N, Goodyear A, de Marneffe J-F, Cooke M, Radu I, Neyts EC, De Gendt S, 2D materials 6, 035030 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1088/2053-1583/AB1BA7
Abstract: Heterostructures of low-dimensional semiconducting materials, such as transition metal dichalcogenides (MX2), are promising building blocks for future electronic and optoelectronic devices. The patterning of one MX2 material on top of another one is challenging due to their structural similarity. This prevents an intrinsic etch stop when conventional anisotropic dry etching processes are used. An alternative approach consist in a two-step process, where a sacrificial silicon layer is pre-patterned with a low damage plasma process, stopping on the underlying MoS2 film. The pre-patterned layer is used as sacrificial template for the formation of the top WS2 film. This study describes the optimization of a cyclic Ar/Cl-2 atomic layer etch process applied to etch silicon on top of MoS2, with minimal damage, followed by a selective conversion of the patterned Si into WS2. The impact of the Si atomic layer etch towards the MoS2 is evaluated: in the ion energy range used for this study, MoS2 removal occurs in the over-etch step over 1-2 layers, leading to the appearance of MoOx but without significant lattice distortions to the remaining layers. The combination of Si atomic layer etch, on top of MoS2, and subsequent Si-to-WS2 selective conversion, allows to create a WS2/MoS2 heterostructure, with clear Raman signals and horizontal lattice alignment. These results demonstrate a scalable, transfer free method to achieve horizontally individually patterned heterostacks and open the route towards wafer-level processing of 2D materials.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 6.937
DOI: 10.1088/2053-1583/AB1BA7
|
“A systematic study of various 2D materials in the light of defect formation and oxidation”. Dabral A, Lu AKA, Chiappe D, Houssa M, Pourtois G, Physical chemistry, chemical physics 21, 1089 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1039/C8CP05665J
Abstract: The thermodynamic aspects of various 2D materials are explored using Density Functional Theory (DFT). Various metal chalcogenides (MX2, M = metal, chalcogen X = S, Se, Te) are investigated with respect to their interaction and stability under different ambient conditions met in the integration process of a transistor device. Their interaction with high- dielectrics is also addressed, in order to assess their possible integration in Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) field effect transistors. 2D materials show promise for high performance nanoelectronic devices, but the presence of defects (vacancies, grain boundaries,...) can significantly impact their electronic properties. To assess the impact of defects, their enthalpies of formation and their signature levels in the density of states have been studied. We find, consistently with literature reports, that chalcogen vacancies are the most likely source of defects. It is shown that while pristine 2D materials are in general stable whenever set in contact with different ambient atmospheres, the presence of defective sites affects the electronic properties of the 2D materials to varying degrees. We observe that all the 2D materials studied in the present work show strong reactivity towards radical oxygen plasma treatments while reactivity towards other common gas phase chemical such as O-2 and H2O and groups present at the high- surface varies significantly between species. While energy band-gaps, effective masses and contact resistivities are key criteria in selection of 2D materials for scaled CMOS and tunneling based devices, the phase and ambient stabilities might also play a very important role in the development of reliable nanoelectronic applications.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 4.123
Times cited: 1
DOI: 10.1039/C8CP05665J
|
“Applications of the COST Plasma Jet: More than a Reference Standard”. Gorbanev Y, Golda J, Gathen VS, Bogaerts A, Plasma 2, 316 (2019). http://doi.org/10.3390/plasma2030023
Abstract: The rapid advances in the field of cold plasma research led to the development of many plasma jets for various purposes. The COST plasma jet was created to set a comparison standard between different groups in Europe and the world. Its physical and chemical properties are well studied, and diagnostics procedures are developed and benchmarked using this jet. In recent years, it has been used for various research purposes. Here, we present a brief overview of the reported applications of the COST plasma jet. Additionally, we discuss the chemistry of the plasma-liquid systems with this plasma jet, and the properties that make it an indispensable system for plasma research.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
DOI: 10.3390/plasma2030023
|
“Fabrication, microstructure, and enhanced thermionic electron emission properties of vertically aligned nitrogen-doped nanocrystalline diamond nanorods”. Sankaran KJ, Deshmukh S, Korneychuk S, Yeh C-J, Thomas JP, Drijkoningen S, Pobedinskas P, Van Bael MK, Verbeeck J, Leou K-C, Leung K-T, Roy SS, Lin I-N, Haenen K, MRS communications 8, 1311 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1557/MRC.2018.158
Abstract: Vertically aligned nitrogen-doped nanocrystalline diamond nanorods are fabricated from nitrogen-doped nanocrystalline diamond films using reactive ion etching in oxygen plasma. These nanorods show enhanced thermionic electron emission (TEE) characteristics, viz.. a high current density of 12.0 mA/cm(2) and a work function value of 4.5 eV with an applied voltage of 3 Vat 923 K. The enhanced TEE characteristics of these nanorods are ascribed to the induction of nanographitic phases at the grain boundaries and the field penetration effect through the local field enhancement from nanorods owing to a high aspect ratio and an excellent field enhancement factor.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 3.01
Times cited: 1
DOI: 10.1557/MRC.2018.158
|
“Various compressed sensing setups evaluated against Shannon sampling under constraint of constant illumination”. Van den Broek W, Reed BW, Béché, A, Velazco A, Verbeeck J, Koch CT, IEEE transactions on computational imaging 5, 502 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1109/TCI.2019.2894950
Abstract: Under the constraint of constant illumination, an information criterion is formulated for the Fisher information that compressed sensing measurements in optical and transmission electron microscopy contain about the underlying parameters. Since this approach requires prior knowledge of the signal's support in the sparse basis, we develop a heuristic quantity, the detective quantum efficiency (DQE), that tracks this information criterion well without this knowledge. In this paper, it is shown that for the investigated choice of sensing matrices, and in the absence of read-out noise, i.e., with only Poisson noise present, compressed sensing does not raise the amount of Fisher information in the recordings above that of Shannon sampling. Furthermore, enabled by the DQE's analytical tractability, the experimental designs are optimized by finding out the optimal fraction of on pixels as a function of dose and read-out noise. Finally, we introduce a regularization and demonstrate, through simulations and experiment, that it yields reconstructions attaining minimum mean squared error at experimental settings predicted by the DQE as optimal.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 4.546
Times cited: 7
DOI: 10.1109/TCI.2019.2894950
|
“Anomalous Hall effect in magnetic topological insulators : semiclassical framework”. Sabzalipour A, Partoens B, Physical review B 100, 035419 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1103/PHYSREVB.100.035419
Abstract: The anomalous Hall effect (AHE) is studied on the surface of a 3D magnetic topological insulator. By applying a modified semiclassical framework, all three contributions to the AHE, the Berry curvature effect, the side jump effect and the skew scattering effects are systematically treated, and analytical expressions for the conductivities are obtained in terms of the Fermi level, the spatial orientation of the surface magnetization and the concentration of magnetic and nonmagnetic impurities. We demonstrate that the AHE can change sign by altering the orientation of the surface magnetization, the concentration of the impurities and also the position of the Fermi level, in agreement with recent experimental observations. We show how each contribution to the AHE, or even the whole AHE, can be turned off by properly adjusting the given parameters. For example, one can turn off the anomalous hall conductivity in a system with in-plane magnetization by pushing the system into the fully metallic regime.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.836
Times cited: 2
DOI: 10.1103/PHYSREVB.100.035419
|
“Power Pulsing To Maximize Vibrational Excitation Efficiency in N2Microwave Plasma: A Combined Experimental and Computational Study”. Van Alphen S, Vermeiren V, Butterworth T, van den Bekerom DCM, van Rooij GJ, Bogaerts A, Journal Of Physical Chemistry C 124, 1765 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jpcc.9b06053
Abstract: Plasma is gaining increasing interest for N2 fixation, being a flexible, electricity-driven alternative for the current conventional fossil fuel-based N2 fixation processes. As the vibrational-induced dissociation of N2 is found to be an energy-efficient pathway to acquire atomic N for the fixation processes, plasmas that are in vibrational nonequilibrium seem promising for this application. However, an important challenge in using nonequilibrium plasmas lies in preventing vibrational−translational (VT) relaxation processes, in which vibrational energy crucial for N2 dissociation is lost to gas heating. We present here both experimental and modeling results for the vibrational and gas temperature in a microsecond-pulsed microwave (MW) N2 plasma, showing how power pulsing can suppress this unfavorable VT relaxation and achieve a maximal vibrational nonequilibrium. By means of our kinetic model, we demonstrate that pulsed plasmas take advantage of the long time scale on which VT processes occur, yielding a very pronounced nonequilibrium over the whole N2 vibrational ladder. Additionally, the effect of pulse parameters like the pulse frequency and pulse width are investigated, demonstrating that the advantage of pulsing to inhibit VT relaxation diminishes for high pulse frequencies (around 7000 kHz) and long power pulses (above 400 μs). Nevertheless, all regimes studied here demonstrate a clear vibrational nonequilibrium while only requiring a limited power-on time, and thus, we may conclude that a pulsed plasma seems very interesting for energyefficient vibrational excitation.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 3.7
DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcc.9b06053
|
“Alteration of fossil-bearing shale (Autun, France, Permian), part II : monitoring artificial and natural ageing by combined use of S and Ca K-edge XANES analysis, Rock-Eval pyrolysis and FTIR analysis”. Odin GP, Vanmeert F, Farges F, Gand G, Janssens K, Romero-Sarmiento M-F, Steyer JS, Vantelon D, Rouchon V, Annales de paléontologie 101, 225 (2015). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.ANNPAL.2015.03.001
Abstract: Fossil-bearing shale specimens that include sulfides in their compositions are chemically reactive and sometimes also mechanically fragile. This decay is often related to iron sulfate efflorescence resulting from the oxidation of sulfide compounds. The processes underlying these degradations are poorly known, thus impeding the elaboration of curative or preventive treatments. The present contribution aims to identify the origin of museum specimen alterations. It focuses on the Flouest collection housed at the Museum National d'Histoire Naturelle (MNHN, Paris, France) and originating from the Autun Basin (Saone-et-Loire, France, Permian). To evaluate the alteration of MNHN specimens, it appeared necessary to compare their composition with that of unaltered shale so as to identify chemical changes occurring during ageing. Therefore, new material was collected in the Autun Basin, among others on the locality of Muse that corresponds to the same lithostratigraphic unit as that of the MNHN specimens. This material was, if necessary, artificially aged. The first part of this work, presented elsewhere, deals with the use of Xray diffraction and Mossbauer spectroscopy for characterizing iron reactivity and speciation. It leads to the conclusion that the reactivity of iron in the shale matrix was limited and could not account for the large efflorescence of iron (II) sulfate occurring nearby the fossil. The second part presented here focuses on the use of S K-edge X-ray Absorption Near Edge Structure (XANES) spectroscopy for characterizing sulfur speciation and reactivity. Measurements were performed on the shale matrix and on thin layers of maceral found in the proximity of damaged areas. As sulfur may be found in association with calcium or organic matter, complementary techniques were implemented, such as FTIR spectroscopy, Rock-Eval pyrolysis (characterization of organic matter content) and Ca K-edge XANES (analysis of calcium speciation) spectroscopy. It was shown that sulfur is mainly related to thioether, sulfoxide, iron sulfide, and sulfates whereas calcium is mainly bound to carboxylate, carbonate and/or sulfate groups. FTIR analysis of the macerals confirmed the presence of vitrinite on damaged MNHN specimens. The low oxygen content of new shale samples determined by Rock-Eval pyrolysis indicates that the organic matter is well preserved, despite the fact that samples come from outcrop surface. In the newly collected material, sulfur is mainly related to organic sulfides (thioether) with a minor occurrence of iron sulfide. In the shale fraction of damaged MNHN specimens, sulfur is mostly oxidized into a mixture of iron and calcium sulfate. However, in the vitrinite layers of the same specimens, a large proportion of sulfur corresponds to organic sulfides. Also the oxidation of sulfur does not occur homogeneously but preferentially in the shale fraction, probably because this latter is porous whereas vitrinite is not. Artificial ageing of new shale material showed that the oxidation of organic sulfides could be reproduced at 90 degrees C, 80% of relative humidity. However, the obtained efflorescence almost exclusively corresponds to calcium sulfate whereas iron (II) sulfates are mostly observed on MNHN specimens. The new material collected on site is probably to be questioned, and future studies will have to select new samples with fossil remains. This will be the object of the third part of this work. (C) 2015 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
Impact Factor: 1.113
Times cited: 6
DOI: 10.1016/J.ANNPAL.2015.03.001
|
“Cephalosporin antibiotics : electrochemical fingerprints and core structure reactions investigated by LC-MSMS”. Sleegers N, van Nuijs ALN, van den Berg M, De Wael K, Analytical chemistry 91, 2035 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1021/ACS.ANALCHEM.8B04487
Abstract: Electrochemistry and exploiting electrochemical fingerprints is a potent approach to address newly emerging surveillance needs, for instance for antibiotics. However, a comprehensive insight in the electrochemical oxidation behaviour and mechanism is re-quired for this sensing strategy. To address the lack in knowledge of the voltammetric behaviour of the cephalosporins antibiotics, a selection of cephalosporin antibiotics and two main intermediates were subjected to an electrochemical study of their redox behaviour by means of pulsed voltammetric techniques and small-scale electrolysis combined with HPLC-MS/MS analyses. Sur-prisingly, the detected oxidation products did not fit the earlier suggested oxidation of the sulfur group to the corresponding sul-foxide. The influence of different side chains, both at the three and the seven position of the β-lactam core structure on the elec-trochemical fingerprint were investigated. Additional oxidation signals at lower potentials were elucidated and linked to different side chains. These signals were further exploited to allow simultaneous detection of different cephalosporins in one voltammetric sweep. These fundamental insights can become the building blocks for an new on-site screening method.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Pharmacology. Therapy; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation); Toxicological Centre
Impact Factor: 6.32
Times cited: 6
DOI: 10.1021/ACS.ANALCHEM.8B04487
|
“Characterization of a polycapillary lens for use in micro-XANES experiments”. Proost K, Vincze L, Janssens K, Gao N, Bulska E, Schreiner M, Falkenberg G, X-ray spectrometry 32, 215 (2003). http://doi.org/10.1002/XRS.635
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
Impact Factor: 1.298
Times cited: 50
DOI: 10.1002/XRS.635
|
“Effect of operating and sampling conditions on the exhaust gas composition of small-scale power generators”. Smits M, Vanpachtenbeke F, Horemans B, De Wael K, Hauchecorne B, Van Langenhove H, Demeestere K, Lenaerts S, PLoS ONE 7, e32825 (2012). http://doi.org/10.1371/JOURNAL.PONE.0032825
Abstract: Small stationary diesel engines, like in generator sets, have limited emission control measures and are therefore responsible for 44% of the particulate matter (PM) emissions in the United States. The diesel exhaust composition depends on operating conditions of the combustion engine. Furthermore, the measurements are influenced by the used sampling method. This study examines the effect of engine loading and exhaust gas dilution on the composition of small-scale power generators. These generators are used in different operating conditions than road-transport vehicles, resulting in different emission characteristics. Experimental data were obtained for gaseous volatile organic compounds (VOC) and PM mass concentration, elemental composition and nitrate content. The exhaust composition depends on load condition because of its effect on fuel consumption, engine wear and combustion temperature. Higher load conditions result in lower PM concentration and sharper edged particles with larger aerodynamic diameters. A positive correlation with load condition was found for K, Ca, Sr, Mn, Cu, Zn and Pb adsorbed on PM, elements that originate from lubricating oil or engine corrosion. The nitrate concentration decreases at higher load conditions, due to enhanced nitrate dissociation to gaseous NO at higher engine temperatures. Dilution on the other hand decreases PM and nitrate concentration and increases gaseous VOC and adsorbed metal content. In conclusion, these data show that operating and sampling conditions have a major effect on the exhaust gas composition of small-scale diesel generators. Therefore, care must be taken when designing new experiments or comparing literature results.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation); Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Impact Factor: 2.806
Times cited: 5
DOI: 10.1371/JOURNAL.PONE.0032825
|
“Effects of a constructional intervention on airborne and deposited particulate matter in the Portuguese National Tile Museum, Lisbon”. Anaf W, Horemans B, Madeira TI, Carvalho ML, De Wael K, Van Grieken R, Environmental Science and Pollution Research 20, 1849 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1007/S11356-012-1086-7
Abstract: In the 1970s, a large ambulatory of the National Tile Museum, Lisbon, was closed with glass panes on both ground and first floor. Although this design was meant to protect the museum collection from ambient air pollutants, small openings between the glass panes remain, creating a semi-enclosed corridor. The effects of the glass panes on the indoor air quality were evaluated in a comparative study by monitoring the airborne particle concentration and the extent of particle deposition at the enclosed corridor as well as inside the museum building. Comparison of the indoor/outdoor ratio of airborne particle concentration demonstrated a high natural ventilation rate in the enclosed corridor as well as inside the museum building. PM10 deposition velocities on vertical surfaces were estimated in the order of 3 × 10−4 m s−1 for both indoor locations. Also, the deposition rates of dark-coloured and black particles in specific were very similar at both indoor locations, causing visual degradation. The effectiveness of the glass panes in protecting the museum collection is discussed.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
Impact Factor: 2.741
Times cited: 15
DOI: 10.1007/S11356-012-1086-7
|
“FTIR techniques applied to the detection of gelatine in paper artifacts: from macroscopic to microscopic approach”. Rouchon V, Pellizzi E, Janssens K, Applied physics A : materials science &, processing 100, 663 (2010). http://doi.org/10.1007/S00339-010-5649-5
Abstract: In order to render paper hydrophobic for ink and thus adequate for writing, gelatine has been largely used. To this day, it is still employed in conservation workshops as an adhesive or a sizing agent, for instance, during the treatment of iron gall ink manuscripts. Various types and concentrations of gelatine are recommended, depending on the desired effect, but little information is available regarding to the physical distribution of gelatine in the paper. This aspect is however determinant for a better control of conservation treatments. In this work, we investigate the possibilities offered by FTIR microscopy for the measurement of the gelatine distribution in paper. Laboratory papers were preliminary treated with different types of gelatine and then embedded in a resin and cut in thin slices. Mapping techniques enable to compare the penetration of different types of gelatine in a semiquantitative way. The performance of conventional laboratory equipment and synchrotron radiation experimental setup are discussed.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
Impact Factor: 1.455
Times cited: 12
DOI: 10.1007/S00339-010-5649-5
|
“Full spectral XANES imaging using the Maia detector array as a new tool for the study of the alteration process of chrome yellow pigments in paintings by Vincent van Gogh”. Monico L, Janssens K, Alfeld M, Cotte M, Vanmeert F, Ryan CG, Falkenberg G, Howard DL, Brunetti BG, Miliani C, Journal of analytical atomic spectrometry 30, 613 (2015). http://doi.org/10.1039/C4JA00419A
Abstract: A combination of synchrotron radiation (SR) micro X-ray fluorescence (m-XRF) and XRF mode X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) measurements at the Cr K-edge already allowed us to establish that the photo-reduction of chromates to Cr(III) compounds is the cause of darkening of chrome yellow pigments (PbCr1-xSxO4, 0 <= x <= 0.8) in a number of paintings by Vincent van Gogh and in corresponding artificially aged paint models. A silicon drift detector (SDD) was employed to record the Cr-K XRF radiation in these X-ray micro beam-based measurements. However, in view of the limited count rate capabilities and collection solid angle of a single device, m-XRF and m-XANES employing single element SDDs (or similar) are primarily suited for collection of spectral data from individual points. Additionally, collection of XRF maps via point-by-point scanning with relatively long dwell times per point is possible but is usually confined to small areas. The development of the 384 silicon-diode array Maia XRF detector has provided valuable solutions in terms of data acquisition rate, allowing for full spectral (FS) XANES imaging in XRF mode, i.e., where spectroscopic information is available at each pixel in the scanned map. In this paper, the possibilities of SR Cr K-edge FS-XANES imaging in XRF mode using the Maia detector are examined as a new data collection strategy to study the speciation and distribution of alteration products of lead chromate-based pigments in painting materials. The results collected from two micro-samples taken from two Van Gogh paintings and an aged paint model show the possibility to perform FS-XANES imaging in practical time frames (from several minutes to a few hours) by scanning regions of sample sizes of the same order (more than 500 mm). The sensitivity and capabilities of FS-XANES imaging in providing representative chemical speciation information at the microscale (spatial resolution from similar to 2 to 0.6 mm) over the entire scanned area are demonstrated by the identification of Cr(OH) 3, Cr(III) sulfates and/or Cr(III) organometallic compounds in the corresponding phase maps, as alteration products. Comparable Cr-speciation results were obtained by performing equivalent higher spatial resolution SR m-XRF/single-point m-XANES analysis using a more conventional SDD from smaller regions of interest of each sample. Thus, large-area XRF mode FS-XANES imaging (Maia detector) is here proposed as a valuable and complementary data collection strategy in relation to “ zoomed-in” high-resolution m-XRF mapping and single-point m-XANES analysis (SDD).
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
Impact Factor: 3.379
Times cited: 28
DOI: 10.1039/C4JA00419A
|
“Homogeneity, composition and deterioration of window glass fragments and paint layers from two seventeenth-century stained glass windows created by Jan de Caumont (similar to 1580-1659)”. Schalm O, Caen J, Janssens K, Studies in conservation 55, 216 (2010). http://doi.org/10.1179/SIC.2010.55.3.216
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
Impact Factor: 0.578
Times cited: 2
DOI: 10.1179/SIC.2010.55.3.216
|