|   | 
Details
   web
Records
Author dela Encarnacion, C.; Lenzi, E.; Henriksen-Lacey, M.; Molina, B.; Jenkinson, K.; Herrero, A.; Colas, L.; Ramos-Cabrer, P.; Toro-Mendoza, J.; Orue, I.; Langer, J.; Bals, S.; Jimenez de Aberasturi, D.; Liz-Marzan, L.M.
Title Hybrid magnetic-plasmonic nanoparticle probes for multimodal bioimaging Type A1 Journal article
Year 2022 Publication The journal of physical chemistry: C : nanomaterials and interfaces Abbreviated Journal J Phys Chem C
Volume 126 Issue 45 Pages 19519-19531
Keywords (up) A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Multimodal contrast agents, which take advantage of different imaging modalities, have emerged as an interesting approach to overcome the technical limitations of individual techniques. We developed hybrid nanoparticles comprising an iron oxide core and an outer gold spiky layer, stabilized by a biocompatible polymeric shell. The combined magnetic and optical properties of the different components provide the required functionalities for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), and fluorescence imaging. The fabrication of such hybrid nanoprobes comprised the adsorption of small gold nanoparticles onto premade iron oxide cores, followed by controlled growth of spiky gold shells. The gold layer thickness and branching degree (tip sharpness) can be controlled by modifying both the density of Au nanoparticle seeds on the iron oxide cores and the subsequent nanostar growth conditions. We additionally demonstrated the performance of these hybrid multifunctional nanoparticles as multimodal contrast agents for correlative imaging of in vitro cell models and ex vivo tissues.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000883021700001 Publication Date 2022-11-04
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 3.7 Times cited 10 Open Access Not_Open_Access
Notes The authors acknowledge financial support from the European Research Council (ERC-AdG-2017, 787510) and MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 through grants PID2019-108854RA-I00 and Maria de Maeztu Unit of Excellence No. MDM-2017-0720. S.B. and K.J. acknowledge financial support from the European Commission under the Horizon 2020Programme by Grant No. 823717 (ESTEEM3) and ERC Consolidator Grant No. 815128 (REALNANO) . Approved Most recent IF: 3.7
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:192104 Serial 7311
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Zhang, Z.; Chen, X.; Shi, X.; Hu, Y.; Huang, J.; Liu, S.; Ren, Z.; Huang, H.; Han, G.; Van Tendeloo, G.; Tian, H.
Title Morphotropic phase boundary in pure perovskite lead titanate at room temperature Type A1 Journal article
Year 2022 Publication Materials Today Nano Abbreviated Journal
Volume 20 Issue Pages 100275-5
Keywords (up) A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract For many decades, great efforts have been devoted to pursue a large piezoelectric response by an intelligent design of morphotropic phase boundaries (MPB) in solid solutions, where tetragonal (T) and rhombohedral (R) structures coexist. For example, classical PbZrxTi1-xO3 and Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O-3-PbTiO3 single crystals demonstrate a giant piezoelectric response near MPB. However, as the end member of these solids, perovskite-structured PbTiO3 always adopts the T phase at room temperature. Here, we report a pathway to create room temperature MPB in a single-phase PbTiO3. The uniaxial stress along the c-axis drives a T-R phase transition bridged by a monoclinic (M) phase, which facilitates a polarization rotation in the monodomain PbTiO3. Meanwhile, we demonstrate that the coexistence of T and R phases at room temperature can be achieved via an extremely mismatched heterointerface system. The uniaxial pressure is proved as an efficient way to break the inherent symmetry and able to substantially tailor the phase transition temperature Tc. These findings provide new insights into MPB, offering the opportunity to explore the giant piezoelectric response in single-phase materials. (c) 2022 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000906548600002 Publication Date 2022-10-18
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2588-8420 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 10.3 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 10.3
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:193477 Serial 7324
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Spaeth, P.; Adhikari, S.; Heyvaert, W.; Zhuo, X.; Garcia, I.; Liz-Marzan, L.M.; Bals, S.; Orrit, M.; Albrecht, W.
Title Photothermal circular dichroism measurements of single chiral gold nanoparticles correlated with electron tomography Type A1 Journal article
Year 2022 Publication ACS Photonics Abbreviated Journal Acs Photonics
Volume 9 Issue 12 Pages 3995-4004
Keywords (up) A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Chemically synthesized metal nanoparticles with morphological chiral features are known to exhibit strong circular dichroism. However, we still lack understanding of the correlation between morphological and chiroptical features of plasmonic nanoparticles. To shed light on that question, single nanoparticle experiments are required. We performed photothermal circular dichroism measurements of single chiral and achiral gold nanoparticles and correlated the chiroptical response to the 3D morphology of the same nanoparticles retrieved by electron tomography. In contrast to an ensemble measurement, we show that individual particles within the ensemble display a broad distribution of strength and handedness of circular dichroism signals. Whereas obvious structural chiral features, such as helical wrinkles, translate into chiroptical ones, nanoparticles with less obvious chiral morphological features can also display strong circular dichroism signals. Interestingly, we find that even seemingly achiral nanoparticles can display large g-factors. The origin of this circular dichroism signal is discussed in terms of plasmonics and other potentially relevant factors.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000884432100001 Publication Date 2022-11-08
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2330-4022 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 7 Times cited 5 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes This work was supported by The Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO) as part of the Open Technology Program (OTP, Project No. 16008) and by a Spinoza prize (M.O.) . W.A. acknowledges an Individual Fellowship funded by the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) in Horizon 2020 Program (Grant No. 797153, SOPMEN) . L.M.L.M. acknowledges funding from MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 (Grants PID2020-117779RB-I00 and MDM-2017-0720) . We thank Dr. Wolfgang L?fer for providing optical equipment. We also acknowledge the European Soft Matter Infrastructure (EUSMI: E201200468) . Approved Most recent IF: 7
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:192098 Serial 7331
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Parzyszek, S.; Tessarolo, J.; Pedrazo-Tardajos, A.; Ortuno, A.M.; Baginski, M.; Bals, S.; Clever, G.H.; Lewandowski, W.
Title Tunable circularly polarized luminescence via chirality induction and energy transfer from organic films to semiconductor nanocrystals Type A1 Journal article
Year 2022 Publication ACS nano Abbreviated Journal Acs Nano
Volume 16 Issue 11 Pages 18472-18482
Keywords (up) A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Circularly polarized luminescent (CPL) films with high dissymmetry factors hold great potential for optoelectronic applications. Herei n , we propose a strategy for achieving strongly dissymetric CPL in nanocomposite films based on chira l i t y induction and energy transfer to semiconductor nanocrystals. First, focusing on a purely organic system, aggregation-induced emission (AIE) and CPL activity of organic liquid crystals (LCs) forming helical nanofilaments was detected, featuring green emission with high dissymmetry factors g(lum) similar to 10(-2). The handedness of helical filaments, and thus the sign of CPL, was controlled via minute amounts of a small chiral organic dopant. Second, nanocomposite films were fabricated by incorporating InP/ZnS semi-conductor quantum dots (QDs) into the LC matri x , which induced the chiral assembly of QDs and endowed them with chiroptical properties. Due to the spectral matching of the components, energy transfer (ET) from LC to QDs was possible enabling a convenient way of tuning CPL wavelengths by varying the LC/QD ratio. As obtained, composite films exhibited absolute glum values up to similar to 10(-2) and thermally on/off switchable luminescence. Overall, we demonstrate the induction of chiroptical properties by the assembly of nonchiral building QDs on the chiral organic template and energy transfer from organic films to QDs, representing a simple and versatile approach to tune the CPL activity of organic materials.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000883943600001 Publication Date 2022-11-07
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1936-0851 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 17.1 Times cited 10 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes W.L., S.P., and M.B. acknowledge support from the National Science Center Poland under the OPUS Grant UMO-2019/35/B/ST5/04488. J.T. and G.H.C. acknowledge the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG, German Research Foundation) under Germany's Excellence Strategy, Grant EXC 2033-390677874-RESOLV. W.L. acknowledges financial support from the European Commission under the Horizon 2020 Programme by Grant E210400529. S.B. and A.P.-T. acknowledge financial support from the European Commission under the Horizon 2020 Programme by Grant 731019 (EUSMI) and ERC Consolidator Grant 815128 (REALNANO). We thank Elie Benchimol for his help with the CPL measurements. We thank Damian Pociecha for his help in the determination of phase sequences of organic compounds. Approved Most recent IF: 17.1
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:192101 Serial 7345
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Fatermans, J.; Romolini, G.; Altantzis, T.; Hofkens, J.; Roeffaers, M.B.J.; Bals, S.; Van Aert, S.
Title Atomic-scale detection of individual lead clusters confined in Linde Type A zeolites Type A1 Journal article
Year 2022 Publication Nanoscale Abbreviated Journal Nanoscale
Volume Issue Pages
Keywords (up) A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Applied Electrochemistry & Catalysis (ELCAT)
Abstract Structural analysis of metal clusters confined in nanoporous materials is typically performed by X-ray-driven techniques. Although X-ray analysis has proved its strength in the characterization of metal clusters, it provides averaged structural information. Therefore, we here present an alternative workflow for bringing the characterization of confined metal clusters towards the local scale. This workflow is based on the combination of aberration-corrected transmission electron microscopy (TEM), TEM image simulations, and powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) with advanced statistical techniques. In this manner, we were able to characterize the clustering of Pb atoms in Linde Type A (LTA) zeolites with Pb loadings as low as 5 wt%. Moreover, individual Pb clusters could be directly detected. The proposed methodology thus enables a local-scale characterization of confined metal clusters in zeolites. This is important for further elucidation of the connection between the structure and the physicochemical properties of such systems.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000809619900001 Publication Date 0000-00-00
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2040-3364 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 6.7 Times cited 2 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes The authors acknowledge the Research Foundation Flanders through project fundings (FWO, G026718N, G050218N, ZW15_09-G0H6316N, and W002221N) and through a PhD scholarship to G.R. (grant 11C6920N), as well as iBOF-21-085 PERSIST. T.A. and S.V.A. acknowledge funding from the University of Antwerp Research fund (BOF). J.H. acknowledges the Flemish government through long-term structural funding Methusalem (CASAS2, Meth/15/04) and the MPI as MPI fellow. M.R. acknowledges funding by the KU Leuven Research Fund (C14/19/079). S.B. and S.V.A. acknowledge funding from the European Research Council under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program (ERC Consolidator Grants No. 815128−REALNANO and No. 770887−PICOMETRICS). The authors thank Dr. D. Chernyshov for the collection of XRD measurements. Approved Most recent IF: 6.7
Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:189061 Serial 7076
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Achari, A.; Bekaert, J.; Sreepal, V.; Orekhov, A.; Kumaravadivel, P.; Kim, M.; Gauquelin, N.; Pillai, P.B.; Verbeeck, J.; Peeters, F.M.; Geim, A.K.; Milošević, M.V.; Nair, R.R.
Title Alternating superconducting and charge density wave monolayers within bulk 6R-TaS₂ Type A1 Journal article
Year 2022 Publication Nano letters Abbreviated Journal Nano Lett
Volume 22 Issue 15 Pages 6268-6275
Keywords (up) A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Abstract Van der Waals (vdW) heterostructures continue to attract intense interest as a route of designing materials with novel properties that cannot be found in nature. Unfortunately, this approach is currently limited to only a few layers that can be stacked on top of each other. Here, we report a bulk vdW material consisting of superconducting 1H TaS2 monolayers interlayered with 1T TaS2 monolayers displaying charge density waves (CDW). This bulk vdW heterostructure is created by phase transition of 1T-TaS2 to 6R at 800 degrees C in an inert atmosphere. Its superconducting transition (T-c) is found at 2.6 K, exceeding the T-c of the bulk 2H phase. Using first-principles calculations, we argue that the coexistence of superconductivity and CDW within 6R-TaS2 stems from amalgamation of the properties of adjacent 1H and 1T monolayers, where the former dominates the superconducting state and the latter the CDW behavior.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000831832100001 Publication Date 2022-07-20
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 10.8 Times cited 8 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes This work was supported by the Royal Society, the Leverhulme Trust (PLP-2018-220), the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EP/N005082/1), and European Research Council (contract 679689). The authors acknowledge the use of the facilities at the Henry Royce Institute and associated support services. J.B. is a postdoctoral fellow of Research Foundation-Flanders (FWO-Vlaanderen). Computational resources were provided by the VSC (Flemish Supercomputer Center), funded by the FWO and the Flemish Governmentdepartment EWI. This work was also performed under a transnational access provision funded by the European Union under the Horizon 2020 programme within a contract for Integrating Activities for Advanced Communities No 823717 − ESTEEM3; esteem3reported; esteem3jra Approved Most recent IF: 10.8
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:189495 Serial 7077
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Pacquets, L.; Van den Hoek, J.; Arenas Esteban, D.; Ciocarlan, R.-G.; Cool, P.; Baert, K.; Hauffman, T.; Daems, N.; Bals, S.; Breugelmans, T.
Title Use of nanoscale carbon layers on Ag-based gas diffusion electrodes to promote CO production Type A1 Journal article
Year 2022 Publication ACS applied nano materials Abbreviated Journal
Volume 5 Issue 6 Pages 7723-7732
Keywords (up) A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Laboratory of adsorption and catalysis (LADCA); Applied Electrochemistry & Catalysis (ELCAT)
Abstract A promising strategy for the inhibition of the hydrogen evolution reaction along with the stabilization of the electrocatalyst in electrochemical CO2 reduction cells involves the application of a nanoscale amorphous carbon layer on top of the active catalyst layer in a gas diffusion electrode. Without modifying the chemical nature of the electrocatalyst itself, these amorphous carbon layers lead to the stabilization of the electrocatalyst, and a significant improvement with respect to the inhibition of the hydrogen evolution reaction was also obtained. The faradaic efficiencies of hydrogen could be reduced from 31.4 to 2.1% after 1 h of electrolysis with a 5 nm thick carbon layer. Furthermore, the impact of the carbon layer thickness (5–30 nm) on this inhibiting effect was investigated. We determined an optimal thickness of 15 nm where the hydrogen evolution reaction was inhibited and a decent stability was obtained. Next, a thickness of 15 nm was selected for durability measurements. Interestingly, these durability measurements revealed the beneficial impact of the carbon layer already after 6 h by suppressing the hydrogen evolution such that an increase of only 37.9% exists compared to 56.9% without the use of an additional carbon layer, which is an improvement of 150%. Since carbon is only applied afterward, it reveals its great potential in terms of electrocatalysis in general.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000818507900001 Publication Date 2022-05-19
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2574-0970 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 5.9 Times cited 3 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes L.P. was supported through a Ph.D. fellowship strategic basic research (1S56920N) of the Research Foundation-Flanders (FWO). S.B. acknowledges financial support from ERC Consolidator Grant Number 815128 REALNANO. This research was financed by the Research Council of the University of Antwerp (BOF-GOA 33928). P.C. and R.-G.C. acknowledge financial support by FWO Flanders (project no. G038215N). The authors recognize the contribution of S. Pourbabak and T. Derez for the assistance with the Ag and carbon coating, Indah Prihatiningtyas and Bart Van der Bruggen for the assistance with the contact angle measurements, Daniel Choukroun for the use of the in-house-made hybrid flow cell, and Stijn Van den Broeck for his assistance with the FIB measurements. Approved Most recent IF: 5.9
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:188887 Serial 7099
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Zhang, Y.; Qin, S.; Claes, N.; Schilling, W.; Sahoo, P.K.; Ching, H.Y.V.; Jaworski, A.; Lemière, F.; Slabon, A.; Van Doorslaer, S.; Bals, S.; Das, S.
Title Direct Solar Energy-Mediated Synthesis of Tertiary Benzylic Alcohols Using a Metal-Free Heterogeneous Photocatalyst Type A1 Journal article
Year 2022 Publication ACS Sustainable Chemistry and Engineering Abbreviated Journal Acs Sustain Chem Eng
Volume 10 Issue 1 Pages 530-540
Keywords (up) A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Organic synthesis (ORSY)
Abstract Direct hydroxylation via the functionalization of tertiary benzylic C(sp3)-H bond is of great significance for obtaining tertiary alcohols which find wide applications in pharmaceuticals as well as in fine chemical industries. However, current synthetic procedures use toxic reagents and therefore, the development of a sustainable strategy for the synthesis of tertiary benzyl alcohols is highly desirable. To solve this problem, herein, we report a metal-free

heterogeneous photocatalyst to synthesize the hydroxylated products using oxygen as the key reagent. Various benzylic substrates were employed into our mild reaction conditions to afford the desirable products in good to excellent yields. More importantly, gram-scale reaction was achieved via harvesting direct solar energy and exhibited high quantity of the product. The high stability of the catalyst was proved via recycling the catalyst and spectroscopic analyses. Finally, a possible mechanism was proposed based on the EPR and other experimental

evidence.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000736518000001 Publication Date 2022-01-10
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 8.4 Times cited 24 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes We thank BOF joint PhD grant (to Y. Z.), Francqui Foundation and FWO research grant (to S.D.), Chinese Scholarship Council (to Y.Z.). A.S. would like to thank the Swedish Energy Agency for financial support (project nr: 5050-1). The SEM microscope was partly funded by the Hercules Fund from the Flemish Government. Approved Most recent IF: 8.4
Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:184744 Serial 6900
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Borah, R.; Smets, J.; Ninakanti, R.; Tietze, M.L.; Ameloot, R.; Chigrin, D.N.; Bals, S.; Lenaerts, S.; Verbruggen, S.W.
Title Self-assembled ligand-capped plasmonic Au nanoparticle films in the Kretschmann configuration for sensing of volatile organic compounds Type A1 Journal article
Year 2022 Publication ACS applied nano materials Abbreviated Journal
Volume 5 Issue 8 Pages acsanm.2c02524-12
Keywords (up) A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract Films of close-packed Au nanoparticles are coupled electrodynamically through their collective plasmon resonances. This collective optical response results in enhanced light–matter interactions, which can be exploited in various applications. Here, we demonstrate their application in sensing volatile organic compounds, using methanol as a test case. Ordered films over several cm2 were obtained by interfacial self-assembly of colloidal Au nanoparticles (∼10 nm diameter) through controlled evaporation of the solvent. Even though isolated nanoparticles of this size are inherently nonscattering, when arranged in a close-packed film the plasmonic coupling results in a strong reflectance and absorbance. The in situ tracking of vapor phase methanol concentration through UV–vis transmission measurements of the nanoparticle film is first demonstrated. Next, in situ ellipsometry of the self-assembled films in the Kretschmann (also known as ATR) configuration is shown to yield enhanced sensitivity, especially with phase difference measurements, Δ. Our study shows the excellent agreement between theoretical models of the spectral response of self-assembled films with experimental in situ sensing experiments. At the same time, the theoretical framework provides the basis for the interpretation of the various observed experimental trends. Combining periodic nanoparticle films with ellipsometry in the Kretschmann configuration is a promising strategy toward highly sensitive and selective plasmonic thin-film devices based on colloidal fabrication methods for volatile organic compound (VOC) sensing applications.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000834348300001 Publication Date 2022-07-27
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2574-0970 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 5.9 Times cited 11 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes R.B. acknowledges financial support from the University of Antwerp Special Research Fund (BOF) for a DOCPRO4 doctoral scholarship. J.S. acknowledges financial support from the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO) by a Ph.D. fellowship (11H8121N) . M.L.T. acknowledges financial support from the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO) by a senior postdoctoral fellowship (12ZK720N) . Approved Most recent IF: 5.9
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:189295 Serial 7095
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Borah, R.; Ninakanti, R.; Bals, S.; Verbruggen, S.W.
Title Plasmon resonance of gold and silver nanoparticle arrays in the Kretschmann (attenuated total reflectance) vs. direct incidence configuration Type A1 Journal article
Year 2022 Publication Scientific reports Abbreviated Journal Sci Rep-Uk
Volume 12 Issue 1 Pages 15738-19
Keywords (up) A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract While the behaviour of plasmonic solid thin films in the Kretschmann (also known as Attenuated Total Reflection, ATR) configuration is well-understood, the use of discrete nanoparticle arrays in this optical configuration is not thoroughly explored. It is important to do so, since close packed plasmonic nanoparticle arrays exhibit exceptionally strong light-matter interactions by plasmonic coupling. The present work elucidates the optical properties of plasmonic Au and Ag nanoparticle arrays in both the direct normal incidence and Kretschmann configuration by numerical models, that are validated experimentally. First, hexagonal close packed Au and Ag nanoparticle films/arrays are obtained by air–liquid interfacial assembly. The numerical models for the rigorous solution of the Maxwell’s equations are validated using experimental optical spectra of these films before systematically investigating various parameters. The individual far-field/near-field optical properties, as well as the plasmon relaxation mechanism of the nanoparticles, vary strongly as the packing density of the array increases. In the Kretschmann configuration, the evanescent fields arising from p – and s -polarized (or TM and TE polarized) incidence have different directional components. The local evanescent field intensity and direction depends on the polarization, angle of incidence and the wavelength of incidence. These factors in the Kretschmann configuration give rise to interesting far-field as well as near-field optical properties. Overall, it is shown that plasmonic nanoparticle arrays in the Kretschmann configuration facilitate strong broadband absorptance without transmission losses, and strong near-field enhancement. The results reported herein elucidate the optical properties of self-assembled nanoparticle films, pinpointing the ideal conditions under which the normal and the Kretschmann configuration can be exploited in multiple light-driven applications.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000858344700048 Publication Date 2022-09-21
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2045-2322 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 4.6 Times cited 11 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes R.B. acknowledges financial support from the University of Antwerp Special Research Fund (BOF) for a DOCPRO4 doctoral scholarship (Grant FN541100001). Approved Most recent IF: 4.6
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:190864 Serial 7194
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Tessema, G.A.; van der Borg, J.; Van Rompaey, A.; Van Passel, S.; Adgo, E.; Minale, A.S.; Asrese, K.; Frankl, A.; Poesen, J.
Title Benefit segmentation of tourists to geosites and its implications for sustainable development of geotourism in the Southern Lake Tana Region, Ethiopia Type A1 Journal article
Year 2022 Publication Sustainability Abbreviated Journal Sustainability-Basel
Volume 14 Issue 6 Pages 3411-3425
Keywords (up) A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM)
Abstract Geotourism is a sustainable type of tourism that focuses on the geological and geomorphological heritages of an area, and the associated cultural and biodiversity features. Though the popularity of geotourism is rapidly growing, research on the demand side, particularly on segmenting tourists to geosites and understanding their profiles, is limited. This obviously makes the designing of effective tourism policies that aim at developing geotourism sustainably very difficult. Hence, the main objectives of this study were to segment and profile tourists to geosites based on the benefits sought, and to show its implications for sustainable development of geotourism. With a survey of 415 tourists, this study clustered tourists to geosites in the southern Lake Tana region in Ethiopia based on the benefits sought. A factor-cluster method was applied to segment the tourists. The study identified four distinct segments: Activity-Nature Lovers, Culture Lovers, Nature-Culture Lovers, and Want-It-Alls. These segments differed in their demographic, trip, and behavioral characteristics. The findings implied that for sustainable development, destination managers and marketers need to customize their geotourism product development and marketing strategies based on the needs and characteristics of each market segment.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000774527600001 Publication Date 2022-03-15
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2071-1050 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 3.9 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 3.9
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:188043 Serial 7353
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Naderi Mahdei, K.; Esfahani, S.M.J.; Lebailly, P.; Dogot, T.; Van Passel, S.; Azadi, H.
Title Environmental impact assessment and efficiency of cotton : the case of Northeast Iran Type A1 Journal article
Year 2022 Publication Environment, development and sustainability Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue Pages 1-21
Keywords (up) A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM)
Abstract Cotton is one of the important crops that play an important role in creating a livelihood for rural people in many parts of Iran. Cotton production necessitates a large amount of resources (e.g., fossil energy and agrochemicals, all of which have the potential to damage the environment in various ways). The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the environmental effects of cotton production in the South Khorasan Province of Iran. For this purpose, life cycle assessment (LCA) and data envelopment analysis (DEA) techniques have been applied to investigate the environmental impacts of cotton production. LCA is a practical method to evaluate the environment on the product flow, in which all aspects of the product life cycle are examined by a comprehensive approach. Furthermore, combining the LCA method with other managerial strategies such as DEA could allow researchers to provide decision-makers with more practical and interpretable data. The findings of the efficiency test showed that the average technical efficiency, pure technical efficiency, and scale efficiency were 0.81, 0.92, and 0.87, respectively. Respiratory inorganics (i.e., respiratory effects resulting from winter smog caused by emissions of dust, sulfur, and nitrogen oxides to air) posed the greatest environmental burden in cotton production, followed by non-renewable energy, carcinogens, and global warming. In addition, the highest effects were on human health, and then, on resources and climate change. Energy, on-system pollution, and waste played a crucial role in the environmental impacts of cotton processing. This study suggests improving farmers' knowledge toward the optimum application of chemical fertilizers, or their substitution with green fertilizers, which reduces the environmental effect of growing cotton in the area.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000826851400001 Publication Date 2022-07-18
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1387-585x; 1573-2975 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 4.9 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 4.9
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:189630 Serial 7356
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Dehhaghi, S.; Choobchian, S.; Ghobadian, B.; Farhadian, H.; Viira, A.-H.; Stefanie, H.I.; Van Passel, S.; Azadi, H.
Title Five-year development plans of renewable energy policies in Iran : a content analysis Type A1 Journal article
Year 2022 Publication Sustainability Abbreviated Journal Sustainability-Basel
Volume 14 Issue 3 Pages 1501
Keywords (up) A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM)
Abstract Renewable energy (RE) policies can play an effective role in the development of renewable resources. The main goal of this paper was to conduct a content analysis on RE development policies in Iran's five-year National Development Plan (NDP) by investigating upstream national documents. To achieve the goal, 29 upstream documents related to RE were identified and analyzed through a systematic literature review. Then, a qualitative content analysis was applied to analyze the documents. The results showed that Iran's current RE policies need to be reviewed, reformed, and strengthened. For example, lack of sufficient attention to renewable heat and fuel was one of the deficiencies of RE policies in Iran's five-year NDP. The decentralization of policymaking in the unified organization was also one of the weaknesses in the policymaking process of the RE. Iran can develop sustainable and clean RE policies by using sources such as solar, wind, geothermal, hydropower, wave, and tidal power. The paper concludes that, although RE policies have the potential for development in Iran due to environmental, social, and economic advantages, they could face some infrastructural, managerial, socio-cultural, and economic challenges. Accordingly, effective and innovative policymaking is required to meet such challenges.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000754912800001 Publication Date 2022-01-28
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2071-1050 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 3.9 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 3.9
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:186501 Serial 7358
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Van Schoubroeck, S.; Vermeyen, V.; Alaerts, L.; Van Acker, K.; Van Passel, S.
Title How to monitor the progress towards a circular food economy : a Delphi study Type A1 Journal article
Year 2022 Publication Sustainable Production and Consumption Abbreviated Journal
Volume 32 Issue Pages 457-467
Keywords (up) A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM)
Abstract Within the food sector, the implementation of a circular economy (CE) can reduce resource consumption and emissions to the environment by moving away from a linear and unsustainable system. This necessitates a clear vision on what circularity for food means, which will provide a much-needed foundation to develop a mon-itoring tool that reveals insights into the progress being made towards a CE, and to expose the bottlenecks and opportunities. This research study contributes to the development of a shared vision for circularity within the food system, and defines and prioritizes a set of indicator themes to monitor a circular food economy (CFE). A two-round Delphi study was performed, including a brainstorming session with experts and the construction of a consensus ranking of indicator themes, considering the production and processing and the consumption stage. The Delphi results provide a shared vision on a CFE, and a blueprint for researchers and policy-makers on its monitoring, which will stimulate the progression from a linear to a circular system.(c) 2022 Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of Institution of Chemical Engineers.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000806368300009 Publication Date 2022-05-07
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2352-5509 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 12.1 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 12.1
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:189513 Serial 7360
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Biely, K.; Van Passel, S.
Title Market power and sustainability : a new research agenda Type A1 Journal article
Year 2022 Publication Discover Sustainability Abbreviated Journal
Volume 3 Issue 1 Pages 5-13
Keywords (up) A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM)
Abstract Perfectly operating markets only exist in theory. Market failures are known to not only inhibit the proper functioning of the market, but also affect sustainability and thus a sustainability transition. In this regard, much attention has been paid to externalities or missing markets, even though these are not the only market failures. In this paper, we argue that market power and its relationship with sustainability has been neglected, despite the fact that, back in 1931, Hotelling indicated the connection between the two concepts. However, research that has been dealing with this connection has not been comprehensive and has only looked at one aspect of sustainability and market power. Due to the rising relevance of market power as well as of sustainability concerns, the connection between the two deserves thorough attention. Accordingly, we propose initiating a new interdisciplinary research agenda to comprehensively analyze the complex relationship between market power and sustainability.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000934090500003 Publication Date 2022-02-08
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2662-9984 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:195360 Serial 7362
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Martinez-Villarreal, S.; Breitenstein, A.; Nimmegeers, P.; Perez Saura, P.; Hai, B.; Asomaning, J.; Eslami, A.A.; Billen, P.; Van Passel, S.; Bressler, D.C.; Debecker, D.P.; Remacle, C.; Richel, A.
Title Drop-in biofuels production from microalgae to hydrocarbons : microalgal cultivation and harvesting, conversion pathways, economics and prospects for aviation Type A1 Journal article
Year 2022 Publication Biomass & Bioenergy Abbreviated Journal Biomass Bioenerg
Volume 165 Issue Pages 106555-22
Keywords (up) A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM); Intelligence in PRocesses, Advanced Catalysts and Solvents (iPRACS)
Abstract In the last few years, governments all around the world have agreed upon migrating towards carbon-neutral economies as a strategy for restraining the effects of climate change. A major obstacle limiting this achievement is greenhouse gases emissions, for which the aviation sector is a key contributor because of its dependence on fossil fuels. As an alternative, biofuels with similar characteristics to current fossil-fuels and fully compatible with the existing petroleum infrastructure (i.e., drop-in biofuels) are being developed. In this regard, microalgae are a promising feedstock thanks to, among other aspects, their potential for lipid accumulation. This review outlines the development status, opportunities, and challenges of different technologies that are capable of or applicable to transform microalgae into aviation fuels. To this effect, a baseline of the existing jet fuels and the requirements for potential aviation biofuels is initially presented. Then, microalgae production and valorization techniques are discussed with an emphasis on the thermochemical pathways. Finally, an assessment of the present techno-economic feasibility of microalgae-derived aviation fuels is discussed, along with the authors’ point of view on the suitability of these techniques. Further developments are needed to reduce the costs of cultivation and harvesting of microalgae, and a biorefinery approach might improve the economics of the overall process. In addition, while each of the conversion routes described has its advantages and drawbacks, they converge upon the need of optimizing the deoxygenation techniques and the proportion of the suitable type of hydrocarbons that match fuel requirements.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000861095400001 Publication Date 2022-08-30
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0961-9534 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 6 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 6
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:189953 Serial 7354
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Brienza, F.; Van Aelst, K.; Devred, F.; Magnin, D.; Tschulkow, M.; Nimmegeers, P.; Van Passel, S.; Sels, B.F.; Gerin, P.; Debecker, D.P.; Cybulska, I.
Title Unleashing lignin potential through the dithionite-assisted organosolv fractionation of lignocellulosic biomass Type A1 Journal article
Year 2022 Publication Chemical Engineering Journal Abbreviated Journal Chem Eng J
Volume 450 Issue 3 Pages 138179-14
Keywords (up) A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM); Intelligence in PRocesses, Advanced Catalysts and Solvents (iPRACS)
Abstract The development of biomass pretreatment approaches that, next to (hemi)cellulose valorization, aim at the conversion of lignin to chemicals is essential for the long-term success of a biorefinery. Herein, we discuss a dithionite-assisted organosolv fractionation (DAOF) of lignocellulose in n-butanol and water to produce cellulosic pulp and mono-/oligo-aromatics. The study frames the technicalities of this biorefinery process and relates them to the features of the obtained product streams. We comprehensively identify and quantify all products of interest: solid pulp (acid hydrolysis-HPLC, ATR-FTIR, XRD, SEM, enzymatic hydrolysis-HPLC), lignin derivatives (GPC, GC-MS/FID, 1H-13C HSQC NMR, ICP-AES), and carbohydrate derivatives (HPLC). These results were used for inspecting the economic feasibility of DAOF. In the best process configuration, a high yield of monophenolics was reached (~20%, based on acid insoluble lignin in birch sawdust). Various other lignocellulosic feedstocks were also explored, showing that DAOF is particularly effective on hardwood and herbaceous biomass. Overall, this study demonstrates that DAOF is a viable fractionation method for the sustainable upgrading of lignocellulosic biomass.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000888204900005 Publication Date 2022-07-20
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1385-8947; 1873-3212 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 15.1 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 15.1
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:189322 Serial 7373
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Volders, J.; Elen, K.; Raes, A.; Ninakanti, R.; Kelchtermans, A.-S.; Sastre, F.; Hardy, A.; Cool, P.; Verbruggen, S.W.; Buskens, P.; Van Bael, M.K.
Title Sunlight-powered reverse water gas shift reaction catalysed by plasmonic Au/TiO₂ nanocatalysts : effects of Au particle size on the activity and selectivity Type A1 Journal article
Year 2022 Publication Nanomaterials Abbreviated Journal Nanomaterials-Basel
Volume 12 Issue 23 Pages 4153-13
Keywords (up) A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Laboratory of adsorption and catalysis (LADCA); Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract This study reports the low temperature and low pressure conversion (up to 160 °C, p = 3.5 bar) of CO2 and H2 to CO using plasmonic Au/TiO2 nanocatalysts and mildly concentrated artificial sunlight as the sole energy source (up to 13.9 kW·m-2 = 13.9 suns). To distinguish between photothermal and non-thermal contributors, we investigated the impact of the Au nanoparticle size and light intensity on the activity and selectivity of the catalyst. A comparative study between P25 TiO2-supported Au nanocatalysts of a size of 6 nm and 16 nm displayed a 15 times higher activity for the smaller particles, which can only partially be attributed to the higher Au surface area. Other factors that may play a role are e.g., the electronic contact between Au and TiO2 and the ratio between plasmonic absorption and scattering. Both catalysts displayed ≥84% selectivity for CO (side product is CH4). Furthermore, we demonstrated that the catalytic activity of Au/TiO2 increases exponentially with increasing light intensity, which indicated the presence of a photothermal contributor. In dark, however, both Au/TiO2 catalysts solely produced CH4 at the same catalyst bed temperature (160 °C). We propose that the difference in selectivity is caused by the promotion of CO desorption through charge transfer of plasmon generated charges (as a non-thermal contributor).
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000896093900001 Publication Date 2022-11-24
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2079-4991 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 5.3 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 5.3
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:191843 Serial 7341
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Vervloessem, E.; Gorbanev, Y.; Nikiforov, A.; De Geyter, N.; Bogaerts, A.
Title Sustainable NOxproduction from air in pulsed plasma: elucidating the chemistry behind the low energy consumption Type A1 Journal article
Year 2022 Publication Green Chemistry Abbreviated Journal Green Chem
Volume 24 Issue 2 Pages 916-929
Keywords (up) A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract N-Based fertilisers are paramount to support our still-growing world population. Current industrial N<sub>2</sub>fixation is heavily fossil fuel-dependent, therefore, a lot of work is put into the development of fossil-free pathways. Plasma technology offers a fossil-free and flexible method for N<sub>2</sub>fixation that is compatible with renewable energy sources. We present here a pulsed plasma jet for direct NO<sub><italic>x</italic></sub>production from air. The pulsed power allows for a record-low energy consumption (EC) of 0.42 MJ (mol N)<sup>−1</sup>. This is the lowest reported EC in plasma-based N<sub>2</sub>fixation at atmospheric pressure thus far. We compare our experimental data with plasma chemistry modelling, and obtain very good agreement. Hence, we can use our model to explain the underlying mechanisms responsible for this low EC. The pulsed power and the corresponding pulsed gas temperature are the reason for the very low EC: they provide a strong vibrational–translational non-equilibrium and promote the non-thermal Zeldovich mechanism. This insight is important for the development of the next generation of plasma sources for energy-efficient NO<sub><italic>x</italic></sub>production.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000739578400001 Publication Date 2021-12-22
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 9.8 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access
Notes H2020 European Research Council, grant agreement no. 810182 – SCOPE ERC Synergy project ; Herculesstichting; Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek, EOS ID 30505023 FWO grant ID GoF9618n ; Universiteit Antwerpen; This research was supported by the Excellence of Science FWO-FNRS project (NITROPLASM, FWO grant ID GoF9618n, EOS ID 30505023), the European Research Council (ERC) under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme (grant agreement no. 810182 – SCOPE ERC Synergy project), and through long-term structural funding (Methusalem). 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 thank E. H. Choi and coworkers from the Plasma Bioscience Research Center (Korea) for providing the Soft Jet plasma source, as well as K. van’t Veer and C. Verheyen for the fruitful discussion on the electron loss fraction calculations. The graphical abstract was designed using resources from Flaticon.com. Approved Most recent IF: 9.8
Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @c:irua:185450 Serial 6906
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Laroussi, M.; Bekeschus, S.; Keidar, M.; Bogaerts, A.; Fridman, A.; Lu, X.; Ostrikov, K.; Hori, M.; Stapelmann, K.; Miller, V.; Reuter, S.; Laux, C.; Mesbah, A.; Walsh, J.; Jiang, C.; Thagard, S.M.; Tanaka, H.; Liu, D.; Yan, D.; Yusupov, M.
Title Low-Temperature Plasma for Biology, Hygiene, and Medicine: Perspective and Roadmap Type A1 Journal article
Year 2022 Publication IEEE transactions on radiation and plasma medical sciences Abbreviated Journal IEEE Trans. Radiat. Plasma Med. Sci.
Volume 6 Issue 2 Pages 127-157
Keywords (up) A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract Plasma, the fourth and most pervasive state of matter in the visible universe, is a fascinating medium that is connected to the beginning of our universe itself. Man-made plasmas are at the core of many technological advances that include the fabrication of semiconductor devices, which enabled the modern computer and communication revolutions. The introduction of low temperature, atmospheric pressure plasmas to the biomedical field has ushered a new revolution in the healthcare arena that promises to introduce plasma-based therapies to combat some thorny and long-standing medical challenges. This article presents an overview of where research is at today and discusses innovative concepts and approaches to overcome present challenges and take the field to the next level. It is written by a team of experts who took an in-depth look at the various applications of plasma in hygiene, decontamination, and medicine, made critical analysis, and proposed ideas and concepts that should help the research community focus their efforts on clear and practical steps necessary to keep the field advancing for decades to come.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000750257400005 Publication Date 2021-12-14
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2469-7311 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Research Foundation—Flanders, 1200219N ; Approved Most recent IF: NA
Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @c:irua:185875 Serial 6907
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Hollevoet, L.; Vervloessem, E.; Gorbanev, Y.; Nikiforov, A.; De Geyter, N.; Bogaerts, A.; Martens, J.A.
Title Energy‐Efficient Small‐Scale Ammonia Synthesis Process with Plasma‐enabled Nitrogen Oxidation and Catalytic Reduction of Adsorbed NOx Type A1 Journal article
Year 2022 Publication Chemsuschem Abbreviated Journal Chemsuschem
Volume Issue Pages
Keywords (up) A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract Industrial ammonia production without CO2 emission and with low energy consumption is one of the technological grand challenges of this age. Current Haber-Bosch ammonia mass production processes work with a thermally activated iron catalyst needing high pressure. The need for large volumes of hydrogen gas and the continuous operation mode render electrification of Haber-Bosch plants difficult to achieve. Electrochemical solutions at low pressure and temperature are faced with the problematic inertness of the nitrogen molecule on electrodes. Direct reduction of N2 to ammonia is only possible with very reactive chemicals such as lithium metal, the regeneration of which is energy intensive. Here, the attractiveness of an oxidative route for N2 activation was presented. N2 conversion to NOx in a plasma reactor followed by reduction with H2 on a heterogeneous catalyst at low pressure could be an energy-efficient option for small-scale distributed ammonia production with renewable electricity and without intrinsic CO2 footprint.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000772893400001 Publication Date 2022-03-25
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1864-5631 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 8.4 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Vlaamse regering, HBC.2019.0108 ; Vlaamse regering; KU Leuven, C3/20/067 ; We gratefully acknowledge financial support by the Flemish Government through the Moonshot cSBO project P2C (HBC.2019.0108). J.A.M. and A.B. acknowledge the Flemish Government for long-term structural funding (Methusalem). J.A.M. © 2022 Wiley-VCH GmbH Approved Most recent IF: 8.4
Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @c:irua:187251 Serial 7054
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Zhang, L.; Heijkers, S.; Wang, W.; Martini, L.M.; Tosi, P.; Yang, D.; Fang, Z.; Bogaerts, A.
Title Dry reforming of methane in a nanosecond repetitively pulsed discharge: chemical kinetics modeling Type A1 Journal article
Year 2022 Publication Plasma Sources Science & Technology Abbreviated Journal Plasma Sources Sci T
Volume 31 Issue 5 Pages 055014
Keywords (up) A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract Nanosecond pulsed discharge plasma shows a high degree of non-equilibrium, and exhibits relatively high conversions in the dry reforming of methane. To further improve the application, a good insight of the underlying mechanisms is desired. We developed a chemical kinetics model to explore the underlying plasma chemistry in nanosecond pulsed discharge. We compared the calculated conversions and product selectivities with experimental results, and found reasonable agreement in a wide range of specific energy input. Hence, the chemical kinetics model is able to provide insight in the underlying plasma chemistry. The modeling results predict that the most important dissociation reaction of CO<sub>2</sub>and CH<sub>4</sub>is electron impact dissociation. C<sub>2</sub>H<sub>2</sub>is the most abundant hydrocarbon product, and it is mainly formed upon reaction of two CH<sub>2</sub>radicals. Furthermore, the vibrational excitation levels of CO<sub>2</sub>contribute for 85% to the total dissociation of CO<sub>2</sub>.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000797660000001 Publication Date 2022-05-01
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0963-0252 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 3.8 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes China Scholarship Council; National Natural Science Foundation of China, 11965018 ; This work is supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos. 52077026, 11965018), L Zhang was also supported by the China Scholarship Council (CSC). Data availability statement The data that support the findings of this study are available upon reasonable request from the authors. Approved Most recent IF: 3.8
Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @c:irua:188537 Serial 7069
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Wang, Y.; Chen, Y.; Harding, J.; He, H.; Bogaerts, A.; Tu, X.
Title Catalyst-free single-step plasma reforming of CH4 and CO2 to higher value oxygenates under ambient conditions Type A1 Journal article
Year 2022 Publication Chemical Engineering Journal Abbreviated Journal Chem Eng J
Volume 450 Issue Pages 137860
Keywords (up) A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract Direct conversion of CH4 and CO2 to liquid fuels and chemicals under mild conditions is appealing for biogas conversion and utilization but challenging due to the inert nature of both gases. Herein, we report a promising plasma process for the catalyst-free single-step conversion of CH4 and CO2 into higher value oxygenates (i.e., methanol, acetic acid, ethanol, and acetone) at ambient pressure and room temperature using a water-cooled dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) reactor, with methanol being the main liquid product. The distribution of liquid products could be tailored by tuning the discharge power, reaction temperature and residence time. Lower discharge powers (10–15 W) and reaction temperatures (5–20 ◦ C) were favourable for the production of liquid products, achieving the highest methanol selectivity of 43% at 5 ◦ C and 15 W. A higher discharge power and reaction temperature, on the other hand, produced more gaseous products, particularly H2 (up to 26% selec­tivity) and CO (up to 33% selectivity). In addition, varying these process parameters (discharge power, reaction temperature and residence time) resulted in a simultaneous change in key discharge properties, such as mean electron energy (Ee), electron density (ne) and specific energy input (SEI), all of which are essential determiners of plasma chemical reactions. According to the results of artificial neural network (ANN) models, the relative importance of these process parameters and key discharge indicators on reaction performance follows the order: discharge power > reaction temperature > residence time, and SEI > ne > Ee, respectively. This work provides new insights into the contributions and tuning mechanism of multiple parameters for optimizing the reaction performance (e.g., liquid production) in the plasma gas conversion process.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000830813300004 Publication Date 0000-00-00
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1385-8947 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 15.1 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes This project received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under the Marie SklodowskaCurie grant agreement No. 813393. Approved Most recent IF: 15.1
Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @c:irua:189502 Serial 7100
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Osorio-Tejada, J.; van't Veer, K.; Long, N.V.D.; Tran, N.N.; Fulcheri, L.; Patil, B.S.; Bogaerts, A.; Hessel, V.
Title Sustainability analysis of methane-to-hydrogen-to-ammonia conversion by integration of high-temperature plasma and non-thermal plasma processes Type A1 Journal article
Year 2022 Publication Energy Conversion And Management Abbreviated Journal Energ Convers Manage
Volume 269 Issue Pages 116095
Keywords (up) A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract The Covid era has made us aware of the need for resilient, self-sufficient, and local production. We are likely willing to pay an extra price for that quality. Ammonia (NH3) synthesis accounts for 2 % of global energy production and is an important point of attention for the development of green energy technologies. Therefore, we propose a thermally integrated process for H2 production and NH3 synthesis using plasma technology, and we evaluate its techno-economic performance and CO2 footprint by life cycle assessment (LCA). The key is to integrate energy-wise a high-temperature plasma (HTP) process, with a (low-temperature) non-thermal plasma (NTP) process and to envision their joint economic potential. This particularly means raising the temperature of the NTP process, which is typically below 100 ◦ C, taking advantage of the heat released from the HTP process. For that purpose, we proposed the integrated process and conducted chemical kinetics simulations in the NTP section to determine the thermodynamically feasible operating window of this novel combined plasma process. The results suggest that an NH3 yield of 2.2 mol% can be attained at 302 ◦ C at an energy yield of 1.1 g NH3/kWh. Cost calculations show that the economic performance is far from commercial, mainly because of the too low energy yield of the NTP process. However, when we base our costs on the best literature value and plausible future scenarios for the NTP energy yield, we reach a cost prediction below 452 $/tonne NH3, which is competitive with conventional small-scale Haber-Bosch NH3 synthesis for distributed production. In addition, we demonstrate that biogas can be used as feed, thus allowing the proposed integrated reactor concept to be part of a biogas-to-ammonia circular concept. Moreover, by LCA we demonstrate the environmental benefits of the pro­posed plant, which could cut by half the carbon emissions when supplied by photovoltaic electricity, and even invert the carbon balance when supplied by wind power due to the avoided emissions of the carbon black credits.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000880662100007 Publication Date 0000-00-00
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0196-8904 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 10.4 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes European Research Council; European Commission, 810182 ; The authors acknowledge support from the ERC Synergy Grant “Surface-COnfined fast modulated Plasma for process and Energy intensification” (SCOPE), from the European Commission, with Grant No. 810182. Approved Most recent IF: 10.4
Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @c:irua:191785 Serial 7103
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Shaw, P.; Vanraes, P.; Kumar, N.; Bogaerts, A.
Title Possible Synergies of Nanomaterial-Assisted Tissue Regeneration in Plasma Medicine: Mechanisms and Safety Concerns Type A1 Journal article
Year 2022 Publication Nanomaterials Abbreviated Journal Nanomaterials-Basel
Volume 12 Issue 19 Pages 3397
Keywords (up) A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract Cold atmospheric plasma and nanomedicine originally emerged as individual domains, but are increasingly applied in combination with each other. Most research is performed in the context of cancer treatment, with only little focus yet on the possible synergies. Many questions remain on the potential of this promising hybrid technology, particularly regarding regenerative medicine and tissue engineering. In this perspective article, we therefore start from the fundamental mechanisms in the individual technologies, in order to envision possible synergies for wound healing and tissue recovery, as well as research strategies to discover and optimize them. Among these strategies, we demonstrate how cold plasmas and nanomaterials can enhance each other’s strengths and overcome each other’s limitations. The parallels with cancer research, biotechnology and plasma surface modification further serve as inspiration for the envisioned synergies in tissue regeneration. The discovery and optimization of synergies may also be realized based on a profound understanding of the underlying redox- and field-related biological processes. Finally, we emphasize the toxicity concerns in plasma and nanomedicine, which may be partly remediated by their combination, but also partly amplified. A widespread use of standardized protocols and materials is therefore strongly recommended, to ensure both a fast and safe clinical implementation.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000866927800001 Publication Date 2022-09-28
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2079-4991 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 5.3 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes This research was funded by the Methusalem Grant of UAntwerp, and the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) Ramalingaswami Re-entry Fellowship (BT/RLF/Re-entry/27/2019), as well as the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB), Core Research Grant (CRG/2021/001935), Department of Science and Technology, India. Approved Most recent IF: 5.3
Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @c:irua:191493 Serial 7108
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Pattyn, C.; Maira, N.; Buddhadasa, M.; Vervloessem, E.; Iseni, S.; Roy, N.C.; Remy, A.; Delplancke, M.-P.; De Geyter, N.; Reniers, F.
Title Disproportionation of nitrogen induced by DC plasma-driven electrolysis in a nitrogen atmosphere Type A1 Journal article
Year 2022 Publication Green Chemistry Abbreviated Journal Green Chem
Volume 24 Issue 18 Pages 7100-7112
Keywords (up) A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract Nitrogen disproportionation i.e. its simultaneous conversion to compounds of higher (NOx) and lower (NH3) oxidation states in a N-2 DC plasma-driven electrolysis process with a plasma cathode is investigated. This type of plasma-liquid interaction exhibits a growing interest for many applications, in particular nitrogen fixation where it represents a green alternative to the Haber-Bosch process. Optical emission spectroscopy, FTIR and electrochemical sensing systems are used to characterize the gas phase physico-chemistry while the liquid phase is analyzed via ionic chromatography and colorimetric assays. Experiments suggest that lowering the discharge current enhances nitrogen reduction and facilitates the transfer of nitrogen compounds to the liquid phase. Large amounts of water vapor appear to impact the gas discharge physico-chemistry and to favor the vibrational excitation of N-2, a key parameter for an energy-efficient nitrogen fixation.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000847733600001 Publication Date 2022-08-30
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1463-9262; 1463-9270 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 9.8 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 9.8
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:190655 Serial 7145
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Andersen, J.A.; Christensen, J.M.; Østberg, M.; Bogaerts, A.; Jensen, A.D.
Title Plasma-catalytic ammonia decomposition using a packed-bed dielectric barrier discharge reactor Type A1 Journal article
Year 2022 Publication International Journal Of Hydrogen Energy Abbreviated Journal Int J Hydrogen Energ
Volume 47 Issue 75 Pages 32081-32091
Keywords (up) A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract Plasma-catalytic ammonia decomposition as a method for producing hydrogen was studied in a packed-bed dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) reactor at ambient pressure and a fixed plasma power. The influence of packing the plasma zone with various dielectric materials, typically used as catalyst supports, was examined. At conditions (21 W, 75 Nml/min NH3) where an NH3 conversion of 5% was achieved with plasma alone, an improved decomposition was found when introducing dielectric materials with dielectric constants between 4 and 30. Of the tested materials, MgAl2O4 yielded the highest conversion (15.1%). The particle size (0.3-1.4 mm) of the MgAl2O4 packing was found to have a modest influence on the conversion, which dropped from 15.1% to 12.6% with increasing particle size. Impregnation of MgAl2O4 with different metals was found to decrease the NH3 conversion, with the Ni impregnation still showing an improved conversion (7%) compared to plasma-only. The plasma-assisted ammonia decomposition occurs in the gas phase due to micro-discharges, as evident from a linear correlation between the conversion and the frequency of micro-discharges for both plasma alone and with the various solid packing materials. The primary function of the solid is thus to facilitate the gas phase reaction by assisting the creation of micro-discharges. Lastly, insulation of the reactor to raise the temperature to 230 degrees C in the plasma zone was found to have a negative effect on the conversion, as a change from volume discharges to surface discharges occurred. The study shows that NH3 can be decomposed to provide hydrogen by exposure to a non-thermal plasma, but further developments are needed for it to become an energy efficient technology. (C)2022 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000865421200012 Publication Date 2022-08-17
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0360-3199 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 7.2 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 7.2
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:191512 Serial 7191
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Lu, X.P.; Bruggeman, P.J.; Reuter, S.; Naidis, G.; Bogaerts, A.; Laroussi, M.; Keidar, M.; Robert, E.; Pouvesle, J.-M.; Liu, D.W.; Ostrikov, K.(K.)
Title Grand challenges in low temperature plasmas Type A1 Journal article
Year 2022 Publication Frontiers in physics Abbreviated Journal
Volume 10 Issue Pages 1040658-12
Keywords (up) A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract Low temperature plasmas (LTPs) enable to create a highly reactive environment at near ambient temperatures due to the energetic electrons with typical kinetic energies in the range of 1 to 10 eV (1 eV = 11600K), which are being used in applications ranging from plasma etching of electronic chips and additive manufacturing to plasma-assisted combustion. LTPs are at the core of many advanced technologies. Without LTPs, many of the conveniences of modern society would simply not exist. New applications of LTPs are continuously being proposed. Researchers are facing many grand challenges before these new applications can be translated to practice. In this paper, we will discuss the challenges being faced in the field of LTPs, in particular for atmospheric pressure plasmas, with a focus on health, energy and sustainability.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000878212000001 Publication Date 2022-10-14
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2296-424x ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 3.1 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 3.1
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:192173 Serial 7267
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Nematollahi, P.; Neyts, E.C.
Title Identification of a unique pyridinic FeN4Cx electrocatalyst for N₂ reduction : tailoring the coordination and carbon topologies Type A1 Journal article
Year 2022 Publication Journal Of Physical Chemistry C Abbreviated Journal J Phys Chem C
Volume 126 Issue 34 Pages 14460-14469
Keywords (up) A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract Although the heterogeneity of pyrolyzed Fe???N???C materials is known and has been reported previously, the atomic structure of the active sites and their detailed reaction mechanisms are still unknown. Here, we identified two pyridinic Fe???N4-like centers with different local C coordinates, i.e., FeN4C8 and FeN4C10, and studied their electrocatalytic activity for the nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) based on density functional theory (DFT) calculations. We also discovered the influence of the adsorption of NH2 as a functional ligand on catalyst performance on the NRR. We confirmed that the NRR selectivity of the studied catalysts is essentially governed either by the local C coordination or by the dynamic structure associated with the FeII/FeIII. Our investigations indicate that the proposed traditional pyridinic FeN4C10 has higher catalytic activity and selectivity for the NRR than the robust FeN4C8 catalyst, while it may have outstanding activity for promoting other (electro)catalytic reactions. <comment>Superscript/Subscript Available</comment
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000859545200001 Publication Date 2022-08-17
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
Impact Factor 3.7 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 3.7
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:191469 Serial 7268
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Le Compte, M.; Cardenas De La Hoz, E.; Peeters, S.; Smits, E.; Lardon, F.; Roeyen, G.; Vanlanduit, S.; Prenen, H.; Peeters, M.; Lin, A.; Deben, C.
Title Multiparametric tumor organoid drug screening using widefield live-cell imaging for bulk and single-organoid analysis Type A1 Journal article
Year 2022 Publication Jove-Journal Of Visualized Experiments Abbreviated Journal Jove-J Vis Exp
Volume Issue 190 Pages 1-18
Keywords (up) A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT); Antwerp Surgical Training, Anatomy and Research Centre (ASTARC); Center for Oncological Research (CORE)
Abstract Patient-derived tumor organoids (PDTOs) hold great promise for preclinical and translational research and predicting the patient therapy response from ex vivo drug screenings. However, current adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-based drug screening assays do not capture the complexity of a drug response (cytostatic or cytotoxic) and intratumor heterogeneity that has been shown to be retained in PDTOs due to a bulk readout. Live-cell imaging is a powerful tool to overcome this issue and visualize drug responses more in-depth. However, image analysis software is often not adapted to the three-dimensionality of PDTOs, requires fluorescent viability dyes, or is not compatible with a 384-well microplate format. This paper describes a semi-automated methodology to seed, treat, and image PDTOs in a high-throughput, 384-well format using conventional, widefield, live-cell imaging systems. In addition, we developed viability marker-free image analysis software to quantify growth rate-based drug response metrics that improve reproducibility and correct growth rate variations between different PDTO lines. Using the normalized drug response metric, which scores drug response based on the growth rate normalized to a positive and negative control condition, and a fluorescent cell death dye, cytotoxic and cytostatic drug responses can be easily distinguished, profoundly improving the classification of responders and non-responders. In addition, drug-response heterogeneity can by quantified from single-organoid drug response analysis to identify potential, resistant clones. Ultimately, this method aims to improve the prediction of clinical therapy response by capturing a multiparametric drug response signature, which includes kinetic growth arrest and cell death quantification. ,
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000928020400010 Publication Date 2022-12-24
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1940-087x ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 1.2 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 1.2
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:193168 Serial 7271
Permanent link to this record