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Author Bal, K.M.; Neyts, E.C.
Title Modelling molecular adsorption on charged or polarized surfaces: a critical flaw in common approaches Type A1 Journal article
Year 2018 Publication Physical chemistry, chemical physics Abbreviated Journal Phys Chem Chem Phys
Volume 20 Issue 13 Pages 8456-8459
Keywords (up) A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract A number of recent computational material design studies based on density functional theory (DFT) calculations have put forward a new class of materials with electrically switchable chemical characteristics that can be exploited in the development of tunable gas storage and electrocatalytic applications. We find systematic flaws in almost every computational study of gas adsorption on polarized or charged surfaces, stemming from an improper and unreproducible treatment of periodicity, leading to very large errors of up to 3 eV in some cases. Two simple corrective procedures that lead to consistent results are proposed, constituting a crucial course correction to the research in the field.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000428779700007 Publication Date 2018-03-12
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1463-9076 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 4.123 Times cited 8 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes K. M. B. is funded as PhD fellow (aspirant) of the FWO-Flanders (Research Foundation – Flanders), Grant 11V8915N. The computational resources and services used in this work were provided by the VSC (Flemish Supercomputer Center), funded by the FWO and the Flemish Government – department EWI. Approved Most recent IF: 4.123
Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @c:irua:150357 Serial 4916
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Author Heyne, M.H.; de Marneffe, J.-F.; Nuytten, T.; Meersschaut, J.; Conard, T.; Caymax, M.; Radu, I.; Delabie, A.; Neyts, E.C.; De Gendt, S.
Title The conversion mechanism of amorphous silicon to stoichiometric WS2 Type A1 Journal article
Year 2018 Publication Journal of materials chemistry C : materials for optical and electronic devices Abbreviated Journal J Mater Chem C
Volume 6 Issue 15 Pages 4122-4130
Keywords (up) A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract The deposition of ultra-thin tungsten films and their related 2D chalcogen compounds on large area dielectric substrates by gas phase reactions is challenging. The lack of nucleation sites complicates the adsorption of W-related precursors and subsequent sulfurization usually requires high temperatures. We propose here a technique in which a thin solid amorphous silicon film is used as reductant for the gas phase precursor WF6 leading to the conversion to metallic W. The selectivity of the W conversion towards the underlying dielectric surfaces is demonstrated. The role of the Si surface preparation, the conversion temperature, and Si thickness on the formation process is investigated. Further, the in situ conversion of the metallic tungsten into thin stoichiometric WS2 is achieved by a cyclic approach based on WF6 and H2S pulses at the moderate temperature of 450 1C, which is much lower than usual oxide sulfurization processes.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000430538000036 Publication Date 2018-03-20
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2050-7526 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 5.256 Times cited 4 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes This work was supported throughout a strategic fundamental research grant for M. H. by the agency Flanders innovation & entrepreneurship (VLAIO). Approved Most recent IF: 5.256
Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @c:irua:150968 Serial 4921
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Author Razzokov, J.; Yusupov, M.; Bogaerts, A.
Title Possible Mechanism of Glucose Uptake Enhanced by Cold Atmospheric Plasma: Atomic Scale Simulations Type A1 Journal article
Year 2018 Publication Plasma Abbreviated Journal
Volume 1 Issue 1 Pages
Keywords (up) A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) has shown its potential in biomedical applications, such as wound healing, cancer treatment and bacterial disinfection. Recent experiments have provided evidence that CAP can also enhance the intracellular uptake of glucose molecules which is important in diabetes therapy. In this respect, it is essential to understand the underlying mechanisms of intracellular glucose uptake induced by CAP, which is still unclear. Hence, in this study we try to elucidate the possible mechanism of glucose uptake by cells by performing computer simulations. Specifically, we study the transport of glucose molecules through native and oxidized membranes. Our simulation results show that the free energy barrier for the permeation of glucose molecules across the membrane decreases upon increasing the degree of oxidized lipids in the membrane. This indicates that the glucose permeation rate into cells increases when the CAP oxidation level in the cell membrane is increased.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos Publication Date 2018-06-08
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2571-6182 ISBN Additional Links UA library record
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes The computational work was carried out using the Turing HPC infrastructure at the CalcUA core facility of the Universiteit Antwerpen, a division of the Flemish Supercomputer Center VSC, funded by the Hercules Foundation, the Flemish Government (department EWI), and the Universiteit Antwerpen. Approved Most recent IF: NA
Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @ plasma1010011c:irua:152176 Serial 4990
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Author Gao, M.; Zhang, Y.; Wang, H.; Guo, B.; Zhang, Q.; Bogaerts, A.
Title Mode Transition of Filaments in Packed-Bed Dielectric Barrier Discharges Type A1 Journal article
Year 2018 Publication Catalysts Abbreviated Journal Catalysts
Volume 8 Issue 6 Pages 248
Keywords (up) A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract We investigated the mode transition from volume to surface discharge in a packed bed dielectric barrier discharge reactor by a two-dimensional particle-in-cell/Monte Carlo collision method. The calculations are performed at atmospheric pressure for various driving voltages and for gas mixtures with different N2 and O2 compositions. Our results reveal that both a change of the driving voltage and gas mixture can induce mode transition. Upon increasing voltage, a mode transition from hybrid (volume+surface) discharge to pure surface discharge occurs, because the charged species can escape much more easily to the beads and charge the bead surface due to the strong electric field at high driving voltage. This significant surface charging will further enhance the tangential component of the electric field along the dielectric bead surface, yielding surface ionization waves (SIWs). The SIWs will give rise to a high concentration of reactive species on the surface, and thus possibly enhance the surface activity of the beads, which might be of interest for plasma catalysis. Indeed, electron impact excitation and ionization mainly take place near the bead surface. In addition, the propagation speed of SIWs becomes faster with increasing N2 content in the gas mixture, and slower with increasing O2 content, due to the loss of electrons by attachment to O2

molecules. Indeed, the negative O-2 ion density produced by electron impact attachment is much higher than the electron and positive O+2 ion density. The different ionization rates between N2 and O2 gases will create different amounts of electrons and ions on the dielectric bead surface, which might also have effects in plasma catalysis.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000436128600027 Publication Date 2018-06-15
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2073-4344 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 3.082 Times cited 7 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes The authors are very grateful to Wei Jiang for the useful discussions on the particle-incell/ Monte-Carlo collision model. Approved Most recent IF: 3.082
Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @c:irua:152171 Serial 4991
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Author Rezaei, F.; Gorbanev, Y.; Chys, M.; Nikiforov, A.; Van Hulle, S.W.H.; Cos, P.; Bogaerts, A.; De Geyter, N.
Title Investigation of plasma-induced chemistry in organic solutions for enhanced electrospun PLA nanofibers Type A1 Journal article
Year 2018 Publication Plasma processes and polymers Abbreviated Journal Plasma Process Polym
Volume 15 Issue 6 Pages 1700226
Keywords (up) A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract Electrospinning is a versatile technique for the fabrication of polymer-based nano/microfibers. Both physical and chemical characteristics of pre-electrospinning polymer solutions affect the morphology and chemistry of electrospun nanofibers. An atmospheric-pressure plasma jet has previously been shown to induce physical modifications in polylactic acid (PLA) solutions. This work aims at investigating the plasma-induced chemistry in organic solutions of PLA, and their effects on the resultant PLA nanofibers. Therefore, very broad range of gas, liquid, and solid (nanofiber) analyzing techniques has been applied. Plasma alters the acidity of the solutions. SEM studies illustrated that complete fiber morphology enhancement only occurred when both PLA and solvent molecules were exposed to preelectrospinning plasma treatment.

Additionally, the surface

chemistry of the PLA nanofibers

was mostly preserved.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000436407300005 Publication Date 2018-03-24
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1612-8850 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 2.846 Times cited 12 Open Access Not_Open_Access
Notes Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek, G.0379.15N ; FP7 Ideas: European Research Council, 335929 (PLASMATS) ; European Marie Sklodowska-Curie Individual Fellowship “LTPAM”, 657304 ; Approved Most recent IF: 2.846
Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @c:irua:152173 Serial 4992
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Author Aussems, D.U.B.; Bal, K.M.; Morgan, T.W.; van de Sanden, M.C.M.; Neyts, E.C.
Title Mechanisms of elementary hydrogen ion-surface interactions during multilayer graphene etching at high surface temperature as a function of flux Type A1 Journal article
Year 2018 Publication Carbon Abbreviated Journal Carbon
Volume 137 Issue Pages 527-532
Keywords (up) A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract In order to optimize the plasma-synthesis and modification process of carbon nanomaterials for applications such as nanoelectronics and energy storage, a deeper understanding of fundamental hydrogengraphite/graphene interactions is required. Atomistic simulations by Molecular Dynamics have proven to be indispensable to illuminate these phenomena. However, severe time-scale limitations restrict them to very fast processes such as reflection, while slow thermal processes such as surface diffusion and molecular desorption are commonly inaccessible. In this work, we could however reach these thermal processes for the first time at time-scales and surface temperatures (1000 K) similar to high-flux plasma exposure experiments during the simulation of multilayer graphene etching by 5 eV H ions. This was achieved by applying the Collective Variable-Driven Hyperdynamics biasing technique, which extended the inter-impact time over a range of six orders of magnitude, down to a more realistic ion-flux of 1023m2s1. The results show that this not only causes a strong shift from predominant ion-to thermally induced interactions, but also significantly affects the hydrogen uptake and surface evolution. This study thus elucidates H ion-graphite/graphene interaction mechanisms and stresses the importance of including long time-scales in atomistic simulations at high surface temperatures to understand the dynamics of the ion-surface system.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000440661700056 Publication Date 2018-05-24
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0008-6223 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 6.337 Times cited 4 Open Access Not_Open_Access: Available from 25.05.2020
Notes DIFFER is part of the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO). K.M.B. is funded as PhD fellow (aspirant) of the FWO-Flanders (Fund for Scientific Research-Flanders), Grant 11V8915N. The computational resources and services used in this work were provided by the VSC (Flemish Supercomputer Center), funded by the FWO and the Flemish Government e department EWI. Approved Most recent IF: 6.337
Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @c:irua:152172 Serial 4993
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Author Razzokov, J.; Yusupov, M.; Cordeiro, R.M.; Bogaerts, A.
Title Atomic scale understanding of the permeation of plasma species across native and oxidized membranes Type A1 Journal article
Year 2018 Publication Journal of physics: D: applied physics Abbreviated Journal J Phys D Appl Phys
Volume 51 Issue 36 Pages 365203
Keywords (up) A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract Cold atmospheric plasmas (CAPs) have attracted significant interest for their potential benefits in medical applications, including cancer therapy. The therapeutic effects of CAPs are related to reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS and RNS) present in the plasma. The impact of ROS has been extensively studied, but the role of RNS in CAP-treatment remains poorly understood at the molecular level. Here, we investigate the permeation of RNS and ROS across native and oxidized phospholipid bilayers (PLBs) by means of computer simulations. The results reveal significantly lower free energy barriers for RNS (i.e. NO, NO2, N2O4) and O3 compared to hydrophilic ROS, such as OH, HO2 and H2O2. This suggests that the investigated RNS and O3 can permeate more easily through both native and oxidized PLBs in comparison to hydrophilic ROS, indicating their potentially important role in plasma medicine.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000441182400002 Publication Date 2018-08-08
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0022-3727 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 2.588 Times cited 10 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes M Y gratefully acknowledges financial support from the Research Foundation—Flanders (FWO), grant 1200216N. The computational work was carried out using the Turing HPC infrastructure at the CalcUA core facility of the Universiteit Antwerpen (UA), a division of the Flemish Supercomputer Center VSC, funded by the Hercules Foundation, the Flemish Government (department EWI) and the UA. RMC thanks FAPESP and CNPq for financial support (grants 2012/50680-5 and 459270/2014-1, respectively). Approved Most recent IF: 2.588
Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @c:irua:152824 Serial 5005
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Author Yusupov, M.; Lackmann, J.-W.; Razzokov, J.; Kumar, S.; Stapelmann, K.; Bogaerts, A.
Title Impact of plasma oxidation on structural features of human epidermal growth factor Type A1 Journal article
Year 2018 Publication Plasma processes and polymers Abbreviated Journal Plasma Process Polym
Volume 15 Issue 8 Pages 1800022
Keywords (up) A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract We perform computer simulations supported by experiments to investigate the oxidation of an important signaling protein, that is, human epidermal growth factor (hEGF), caused by cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) treatment. Specifically, we study the conformational changes of hEGF with different degrees of oxidation, to mimic short and long CAP treatment times. Our results indicate that the oxidized structures become more flexible, due to their conformational changes and breakage of the disulfide bonds, especially at higher oxidation degrees. MM/GBSA calculations reveal that an increasing oxidation level leads to a lower binding free energy of hEGF with its receptor. These results help to understand the fundamentals of the use of CAP for wound healing versus cancer treatment at short and longer treatment times.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000441895700004 Publication Date 2018-05-07
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1612-8850 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 2.846 Times cited 7 Open Access Not_Open_Access
Notes Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek, 1200216N ; Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung, 03Z22DN12 ; Approved Most recent IF: 2.846
Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @c:irua:152815 Serial 5008
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Author Zhang, H.; Wang, W.; Li, X.; Han, L.; Yan, M.; Zhong, Y.; Tu, X.
Title Plasma activation of methane for hydrogen production in a N2 rotating gliding arc warm plasma : a chemical kinetics study Type A1 Journal article
Year 2018 Publication Chemical engineering journal Abbreviated Journal Chem Eng J
Volume 345 Issue 345 Pages 67-78
Keywords (up) A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract In this work, a chemical kinetics study on methane activation for hydrogen production in a warm plasma, i.e., N-2 rotating gliding arc (RGA), was performed for the first time to get new insights into the underlying reaction mechanisms and pathways. A zero-dimensional chemical kinetics model was developed, which showed a good agreement with the experimental results in terms of the conversion of CH4 and product selectivities, allowing us to get a better understanding of the relative significance of various important species and their related reactions to the formation and loss of CH4, H-2, and C2H2 etc. An overall reaction scheme was obtained to provide a realistic picture of the plasma chemistry. The results reveal that the electrons and excited nitrogen species (mainly N-2(A)) play a dominant role in the initial dissociation of CH4. However, the H atom induced reaction CH4+ H -> CH3+ H-2, which has an enhanced reaction rate due to the high gas temperature (over 1200 K), is the major contributor to both the conversion of CH4 and H-2 production, with its relative contributions of > 90% and > 85%, respectively, when only considering the forward reactions. The coexistence and interaction of thermochemical and plasma chemical processes in the rotating gliding arc warm plasma significantly enhance the process performance. The formation of C-2 hydrocarbons follows a nearly one-way path of C2H6 -> C2H4 -> C2H2, explaining why the selectivities of C-2 products decreased in the order of C2H2 > C2H4 > C2H6.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Elsevier Sequoia Place of Publication Lausanne Editor
Language Wos 000430696500008 Publication Date 2018-03-24
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 6.216 Times cited 25 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 6.216
Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:151450 Serial 5036
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Author Nematollahi, P.; Esrafili, M.D.; Neyts, E.C.
Title The role of healed N-vacancy defective BC2N sheet and nanotube by NO molecule in oxidation of NO and CO gas molecules Type A1 Journal article
Year 2018 Publication Surface science : a journal devoted to the physics and chemistry of interfaces Abbreviated Journal Surf Sci
Volume 672-673 Issue 672-673 Pages 39-46
Keywords (up) A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract In this study, the healing of N-vacancy boron carbonitride nanosheet (NV-BC2NNS) and nanotube (NV-BC2NNT) by NO molecule is studied by means of density functional theory calculations. Two different N-vacancies are considered in each of these structures in which the vacancy site is surrounded by either three B-atoms (NB) or by two B- and one C-atom (NBC). By means of the healed BC2NNS and BC2NNT as a support, the removal of two toxic gas molecules (NO and CO) are applicable. It should be noted that the obtained energy barriers of both healing and oxidizing processes are significantly lower than those of graphene, carbon nanotubes or boron nitride nanostructures. Also, at the end of the oxidation process, the pure BC2NNS or BC2NNT is obtained without any additional defects. Therefore, by using this method, we can considerably purify the defective BC2NNS/BC2NNT. Moreover, according to the thermochemistry calculations we can further confirm that the healing process of the NV-BC2NNS and NV-BC2NNT by NO are feasible at room temperature. So, we can claim that this study could be very helpful in both purifying the defective BC2NNS/BC2NNT while in the same effort removing toxic NO and CO gases.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Amsterdam Editor
Language Wos 000432614700007 Publication Date 2018-03-08
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0039-6028 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 2.062 Times cited 1 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 2.062
Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:151478 Serial 5044
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Author Brandenburg, R.; Bogaerts, A.; Bongers, W.; Fridman, A.; Fridman, G.; Locke, B.R.; Miller, V.; Reuter, S.; Schiorlin, M.; Verreycken, T.; Ostrikov, K.K.
Title White paper on the future of plasma science in environment, for gas conversion and agriculture Type A1 Journal article
Year 2019 Publication Plasma processes and polymers Abbreviated Journal Plasma Process Polym
Volume 16 Issue 1 Pages 1700238
Keywords (up) A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract Climate change, environmental pollution control, and resource utilization efficiency, as well as food security, sustainable agriculture, and water supply are among the main challenges facing society today. Expertise across different academic fields, technologies,anddisciplinesisneededtogeneratenewideastomeetthesechallenges. This “white paper” aims to provide a written summary by describing the main aspects and possibilities of the technology. It shows that plasma science and technology can make significant contributions to address the mentioned issues. The paper also addresses to people in the scientific community (inside and outside plasma science) to give inspiration for further work in these fields.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000455413600004 Publication Date 2018-07-05
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1612-8850 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 2.846 Times cited 19 Open Access Not_Open_Access
Notes This paper is a result of the PlasmaShape project, supported by funding from the European Union Seventh Framework Programme (FP7/2007-2013) under grant agreement no. 316216. During this project, young scientists and renowned and outstanding scientists collaborated in the development of a political-scientific consensus paper as well as six scientific, strategic white papers. In an unique format core themes such as energy, optics and glass, medicine and hygiene, aerospace and automotive, plastics and textiles, environment and agriculture and their future development were discussed regarding scientific relevance and economic impact. We would like to thank our colleagues from 18 nations from all over the world (Australia, Belgium, Czech Republic, PR China, France, Germany, Great Britain, Italy, Japan, The Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Russia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland, USA) who have participated both workshops of Future in Plasma Science I and II in Greifswald in 2015/2016. The valuable contribution of all participants during the workshops, the intensive cooperation between the project partners, and the comprehensive input of all working groups of Future in Plasma Science was the base for the present paper. Kindly acknowledged is the support of graphical work by C. Desjardins and K. Drescher. Approved Most recent IF: 2.846
Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @UA @ admin @ c:irua:156389 Serial 5146
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Author Gröger, S.; Ramakers, M.; Hamme, M.; Medrano, J.A.; Bibinov, N.; Gallucci, F.; Bogaerts, A.; Awakowicz, P.
Title Characterization of a nitrogen gliding arc plasmatron using optical emission spectroscopy and high-speed camera Type A1 Journal article
Year 2019 Publication Journal of physics: D: applied physics Abbreviated Journal J Phys D Appl Phys
Volume 52 Issue 6 Pages 065201
Keywords (up) A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract A gliding arc plasmatron (GAP), which is very promising for purification and gas conversion,

is characterized in nitrogen using optical emission spectroscopy and high-speed photography,

because the cross sections of electron impact excitation of N 2 are well known. The gas

temperature (of about 5500 K), the electron density (up to 1.5 × 10 15 cm −3 ) and the reduced

electric field (of about 37 Td) are determined using an absolutely calibrated intensified charge-

coupled device (ICCD) camera, equipped with an in-house made optical arrangement for

simultaneous two-wavelength diagnostics, adapted to the transient behavior of a GA channel

in turbulent gas flow. The intensities of nitrogen molecular emission bands, N 2 (C–B,0–0) as

well as N +

2 (B–X,0–0), are measured simultaneously. The electron density and the reduced

electric field are determined at a spatial resolution of 30 µm, using numerical simulation and

measured emission intensities, applying the Abel inversion of the ICCD images. The temporal

behavior of the GA plasma channel and the formation of plasma plumes are studied using a

high-speed camera. Based on the determined plasma parameters, we suggest that the plasma

plume formation is due to the magnetization of electrons in the plasma channel of the GAP by

an axial magnetic field in the plasma vortex.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000451745900001 Publication Date 2018-11-30
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0022-3727 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 2.588 Times cited 7 Open Access Not_Open_Access: Available from 30.11.2019
Notes The authors are very grateful to Professor Kurt Behringer for the development of the program code for simulation of emis- sion spectra of nitrogen. Approved Most recent IF: 2.588
Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @UA @ admin @ c:irua:155974 Serial 5141
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Author Heyne, M.H.; de Marneffe, J.-F.; Radu, I.; Neyts, E.C.; De Gendt, S.
Title Thermal recrystallization of short-range ordered WS2 films Type A1 Journal article
Year 2018 Publication Journal of vacuum science and technology: A: vacuum surfaces and films Abbreviated Journal J Vac Sci Technol A
Volume 36 Issue 5 Pages 05g501
Keywords (up) A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract The integration of van der Waals materials in nanoelectronic devices requires the deposition of few-layered MX2 films with excellent quality crystals covering a large area. In recent years, astonishing progress in the monolayer growth of WS2 and MoS2 was demonstrated, but multilayer growth resulted often in separated triangular or hexagonal islands. These polycrystalline films cannot fully employ the specific MX2 properties since they are not connected in-plane to the other domains. To coalesce separated islands, ultrahigh-temperature postdeposition anneals in H2S are applied, which are not compatible with bare silicon substrates. Starting from the deposition of stoichiometric short-ordered films, the present work studies different options for subsequent high-temperature annealing in an inert atmosphere to form crystalline films with large grains from stoichiometric films with small grains. The rapid thermal annealing, performed over a few seconds, is compared to excimer laser annealing in the nanosecond range, which are both able to crystallize the thin WS2. The WS2 recrystallization temperature can be lowered using metallic crystallization promoters (Co and Ni). The best result is obtained using a Co cap, due to the circumvention of Co and S binary phase formation below the eutectic temperature. The recrystallization above a critical temperature is accompanied by sulfur loss and 3D regrowth. These undesired effects can be suppressed by the application of a dielectric capping layer prior to annealing. A SiO2 cap can suppress the sulfur loss successfully during annealing and reveals improved material quality in comparison to noncapped films Published by the AVS.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication New York, N.Y. Editor
Language Wos 000444033200002 Publication Date 2018-07-05
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0734-2101 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 1.374 Times cited 2 Open Access Not_Open_Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 1.374
Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:153671 Serial 5134
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Author Fuchs, J.; Aghaei, M.; Schachel, T.D.; Sperling, M.; Bogaerts, A.; Karst, U.
Title Impact of the Particle Diameter on Ion Cloud Formation from Gold Nanoparticles in ICPMS Type A1 Journal article
Year 2018 Publication Analytical chemistry Abbreviated Journal Anal Chem
Volume 90 Issue 17 Pages 10271-10278
Keywords (up) A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract The unique capabilities of microsecond dwell time (DT) single-particle inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (spICPMS) were utilized to characterize the cloud of ions generated from the introduction of suspensions of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) into the plasma. A set of narrowly distributed particles with diameters ranging from 15.4 to 100.1 nm was synthesized and characterized according to established protocols. Statistically significant numbers of the short transient spICPMS events were evaluated by using 50 μs DT for their summed intensity, maximum intensity, and duration, of which all three were found to depend on the particle diameter. The summed intensity increases from 10 to 1661 counts and the maximum intensity from 6 to 309 counts for AuNPs with diameters from 15.4 to 83.2 nm. The event duration rises from 322 to 1007 μs upon increasing AuNP diameter. These numbers represent a comprehensive set of key data points of the ion clouds generated in ICPMS from AuNPs. The extension of event duration is of high interest to appoint the maximum possible particle number concentration at which separation of consecutive events in spICPMS can still be achieved. Moreover, the combined evaluation of all above-mentioned ion cloud characteristics can explain the regularly observed prolonged single-particle events. The transport and ionization behavior of AuNPs in the ICP was also computationally modeled to gain insight into the size-dependent signal generation. The simulated data reveals that the plasma temperature, and therefore the point of ionization of the particles, is the same for all diameters. However, the maximum number density of Au+, as well as the extent of the ion cloud, depends on the particle diameter, in agreement with the experimental data, and it provides an adequate explanation for the observed ion cloud characteristics.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000444060600028 Publication Date 2018-09-04
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0003-2700 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 6.32 Times cited 5 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes We thank Dr. Harald Rösner from the Institute of Materials Physics of the University of Münster for the TEM imaging. Approved Most recent IF: 6.32
Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @c:irua:153651 Serial 5057
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Author Shah, J.; Wang, W.; Bogaerts, A.; Carreon, M.L.
Title Ammonia Synthesis by Radio Frequency Plasma Catalysis: Revealing the Underlying Mechanisms Type A1 Journal article
Year 2018 Publication ACS applied energy materials Abbreviated Journal ACS Appl. Energy Mater.
Volume 1 Issue 9 Pages 4824-4839
Keywords (up) A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract Nonthermal plasma is a promising alternative for ammonia synthesis at gentle conditions. Metal meshes of Fe, Cu, Pd, Ag, and Au were employed as catalysts in radio frequency plasma for ammonia synthesis. The energy yield for all these transition metal catalysts ranged between 0.12 and 0.19 g-NH3/kWh at 300 W and, thus, needs further improvement. In addition, a semimetal, pure gallium, was used for the first time as catalyst for ammonia synthesis, with energy yield of 0.22 g-NH3/kWh and with a maximum yield of ∼10% at 150 W. The emission spectra, as well as computer simulations, revealed hydrogen recombination as a primary governing parameter, which depends on the concentration or flux of H atoms in the plasma and on the catalyst surface. The simulations helped to elucidate the underlying mechanism, implicating the dominance of surface reactions and surface adsorbed species. The rate limiting step appears to be NH2 formation on the surface of the reactor wall and on the catalyst surface, which is different from classical catalysis.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000458706500048 Publication Date 2018-09-24
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2574-0962 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access
Notes M.L.C. acknowledges financial support from The University of Tulsa Faculty Startup Funds and The University of Tulsa Faculty Development Summer Fellowship Grant (FDSF). A.B. acknowledges financial support from the Excellence of Science program of the Fund for Scientific Research (FWO-FNRS; Grant no. G0F91618N; EOS ID 30505023). 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. Approved Most recent IF: NA
Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @c:irua:153804 Serial 5051
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Author Li, K.; Liu, J.-L.; Li, X.-S.; Lian, H.-Y.; Zhu, X.; Bogaerts, A.; Zhu, A.-M.
Title Novel power-to-syngas concept for plasma catalytic reforming coupled with water electrolysis Type A1 Journal article
Year 2018 Publication Chemical engineering journal Abbreviated Journal Chem Eng J
Volume 353 Issue Pages 297-304
Keywords (up) A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract We propose a novel Power to Synthesis Gas (P2SG) approach, composed of two high-efficiency and renewable electricity-driven units, i.e., plasma catalytic reforming (PCR) and water electrolysis (WE), to produce high quality syngas from CH4, CO2 and H2O. As WE technology is already commercial, we mainly focus on the PCR unit, consisting of gliding arc plasma and Ni-based catalyst, for oxidative dry reforming of methane. An energy efficiency of 78.9% and energy cost of 1.0 kWh/Nm3 at a CH4 conversion of 99% and a CO2 conversion of 79% are obtained. Considering an energy efficiency of 80% for WE, the P2SG system yields an overall energy efficiency of 79.3% and energy cost of 1.8 kWh/Nm3. High-quality syngas is produced without the need for posttreatment units, featuring the ideal stoichiometric number of 2, with concentration of 94.6 vol%, and a desired CO2 fraction of 1.9 vol% for methanol synthesis. The PCR unit has the advantage of fast response to adapting to fluctuation of renewable electricity, avoiding local hot spots in the catalyst bed and coking, in contrast to conventional catalytic processes. Moreover, pure O2 from the WE unit is directly utilized by the PCR unit for oxidative dry reforming of methane, and thus, no air separation unit, like in conventional processes, is required. This work demonstrates the viability of the P2SG approach for large-scale energy storage of renewable electricity via electricity-to-fuel conversion.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000441527900029 Publication Date 2018-07-20
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 6.216 Times cited 7 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes This project is supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (11705019, 11475041), the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities (DUT16QY49, DUT16LK16) and the Fund for Scientific Research Flanders (FWO; grant G.0383.16N). Approved Most recent IF: 6.216
Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @c:irua:153059 Serial 5049
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Author Liu, M.; Yi, Y.; Wang, L.; Guo, H.; Bogaerts, A
Title Hydrogenation of Carbon Dioxide to Value-Added Chemicals by Heterogeneous Catalysis and Plasma Catalysis Type A1 Journal article
Year 2019 Publication Catalysts Abbreviated Journal Catalysts
Volume 9 Issue 3 Pages 275
Keywords (up) A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
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.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000465012800055 Publication Date 2019-03-18
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2073-4344 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 3.082 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities of China , DUT18JC42 32249 ; National Natural Science Foundation of China , 21503032 ; PetroChina Innovation Foundation , 2018D-5007-0501 ; Approved Most recent IF: 3.082
Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @UA @ admin @ c:irua:158094 Serial 5162
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Author Bogaerts, A.; Yusupov, M.; Razzokov, J.; Van der Paal, J.
Title Plasma for cancer treatment: How can RONS penetrate through the cell membrane? Answers from computer modeling Type A1 Journal article
Year 2019 Publication Frontiers of Chemical Science and Engineering Abbreviated Journal Front Chem Sci Eng
Volume Issue Pages
Keywords (up) A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract Plasma is gaining increasing interest for cancer

treatment, but the underlying mechanisms are not yet fully

understood. Using computer simulations at the molecular

level, we try to gain better insight in how plasma-generated

reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) can

penetrate through the cell membrane. Specifically, we

compare the permeability of various (hydrophilic and

hydrophobic) RONS across both oxidized and nonoxidized cell membranes. We also study pore formation,

and how it is hampered by higher concentrations of

cholesterol in the cell membrane, and we illustrate the

much higher permeability of H2O2 through aquaporin

channels. Both mechanisms may explain the selective

cytotoxic effect of plasma towards cancer cells. Finally, we

also discuss the synergistic effect of plasma-induced

oxidation and electric fields towards pore formation.

Keywords plasma medicine, cancer treatment, computer

modelling, cell membrane, reactive oxygen and nitrogen

species
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000468848400004 Publication Date 2019-03-22
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2095-0179 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 1.712 Times cited 5 Open Access Not_Open_Access: Available from 23.05.2020
Notes We acknowledge financial support from the Research Foundation–Flanders (FWO; Grant Nos. 1200216N and 11U5416N). The computational work was carried out using the Turing HPC infrastructure at the CalcUA core facility of the Universiteit Antwerpen (UA), a division of the Flemish Supercomputer Center VSC, funded by the Hercules Foundation, the Flemish Government (department EWI) and the UA. We are also very thankful to R. Cordeiro for the very interesting discussions. Approved Most recent IF: 1.712
Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @UA @ admin @ c:irua:159977 Serial 5172
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Author Yusupov, M.; Razzokov, J.; Cordeiro, R.M.; Bogaerts, A.
Title Transport of Reactive Oxygen and Nitrogen Species across Aquaporin: A Molecular Level Picture Type A1 Journal article
Year 2019 Publication Oxidative medicine and cellular longevity Abbreviated Journal Oxid Med Cell Longev
Volume 2019 Issue Pages 1-11
Keywords (up) A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract Aquaporins (AQPs) are transmembrane proteins that conduct not only water molecules across the cell membrane but also other solutes, such as reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS), produced (among others) by cold atmospheric plasma (CAP). These RONS may induce oxidative stress in the cell interior, which plays a role in cancer treatment. The underlying mechanisms of the transport of RONS across AQPs, however, still remain obscure. We apply molecular dynamics simulations to investigate the permeation of both hydrophilic (H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub>and OH) and hydrophobic (NO<sub>2</sub>and NO) RONS through AQP1. Our simulations show that these RONS can all penetrate across the pores of AQP1. The permeation free energy barrier of OH and NO is lower than that of H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub>and NO<sub>2</sub>, indicating that these radicals may have easier access to the pore interior and interact with the amino acid residues of AQP1. We also study the effect of RONS-induced oxidation of both the phospholipids and AQP1 (i.e., sulfenylation of Cys<sub>191</sub>) on the transport of the above-mentioned RONS across AQP1. Both lipid and protein oxidation seem to slightly increase the free energy barrier for H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub>and NO<sub>2</sub>permeation, while for OH and NO, we do not observe a strong effect of oxidation. The simulation results help to gain insight in the underlying mechanisms of the noticeable rise of CAP-induced RONS in cancer cells, thereby improving our understanding on the role of AQPs in the selective anticancer capacity of CAP.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000492999000001 Publication Date 2019-06-17
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1942-0900 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 4.593 Times cited 5 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes The authors acknowledge the Turing HPC infrastructure at the CalcUA core facility of the University of Antwerp (UA), a division of the Flemish Supercomputer Center VSC, funded by the Hercules Foundation, the Flemish Government (department EWI), and the UA, where all computational work was performed. M.Y. gratefully acknowledges Dr. U. Khalilov for the fruitful discussions. This work was financially supported by the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO) (grant number 1200219N). Approved Most recent IF: 4.593
Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @UA @ admin @ c:irua:160118 Serial 5180
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Author Ghasemitarei, M.; Yusupov, M.; Razzokov, J.; Shokri, B.; Bogaerts, A.
Title Transport of cystine across xC-antiporter Type A1 Journal article
Year 2019 Publication Archives of biochemistry and biophysics Abbreviated Journal Arch Biochem Biophys
Volume 664 Issue Pages 117-126
Keywords (up) A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract Extracellular cystine (CYC) uptake by xC antiporter is important for the cell viability. Especially in cancer cells, the upregulation of xC activity is observed, which protects these cells from intracellular oxidative stress. Hence, inhibition of the CYC uptake may eventually lead to cancer cell death. Up to now, the molecular level mechanism of the CYC uptake by xC antiporter has not been studied in detail. In this study, we applied several different simulation techniques to investigate the transport of CYC through xCT, the light subunit of the xC antiporter, which is responsible for the CYC and glutamate translocation. Specifically, we studied the permeation of CYC across three model systems, i.e., outward facing (OF), occluded (OCC) and inward facing (IF) configurations of xCT. We also investigated the effect of mutation of Cys327 to Ala within xCT, which was also studied experimentally in literature. This allowed us to qualitatively compare our computation results with experimental observations, and thus, to validate our simulations. In summary, our simulations provide a molecular level mechanism of the transport of CYC across the xC antiporter, more specifically, which amino acid residues in the xC antiporter play a key role in the uptake, transport and release of CYC.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000461411200014 Publication Date 2019-02-07
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0003-9861 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 3.165 Times cited 3 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Research Foundation − FlandersResearch Foundation − Flanders (FWO), 1200216N 1200219N ; Hercules FoundationHercules Foundation; Flemish GovernmentFlemish Government (department EWI); UAUA; M. Y. gratefully acknowledges financial support from the Research Foundation − Flanders (FWO), grant numbers 1200216N and 1200219N. The computational work was carried out using the Turing HPC infrastructure at the CalcUA core facility of the Universiteit Antwerpen, a division of the Flemish Supercomputer Center VSC, funded by the Hercules Foundation, the Flemish Government (department EWI) and the UA. Finally, we thank A. S. Mashayekh Esfehan and A. Mohseni for their important comments on the manuscript. Approved Most recent IF: 3.165
Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @UA @ admin @ c:irua:158571 Serial 5183
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Author Heyne, M.H.; Marinov, D.; Braithwaite, N.; Goodyear, A.; de Marneffe, J.-F.; Cooke, M.; Radu, I.; Neyts, E.C.; De Gendt, S.
Title A route towards the fabrication of 2D heterostructures using atomic layer etching combined with selective conversion Type A1 Journal article
Year 2019 Publication 2D materials Abbreviated Journal 2D Mater
Volume 6 Issue 3 Pages 035030
Keywords (up) A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
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.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000468335500004 Publication Date 2019-04-23
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2053-1583 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 6.937 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 6.937
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:160229 Serial 5266
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Author Dabral, A.; Lu, A.K.A.; Chiappe, D.; Houssa, M.; Pourtois, G.
Title A systematic study of various 2D materials in the light of defect formation and oxidation Type A1 Journal article
Year 2019 Publication Physical chemistry, chemical physics Abbreviated Journal Phys Chem Chem Phys
Volume 21 Issue 3 Pages 1089-1099
Keywords (up) A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
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.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000456147000009 Publication Date 2018-12-19
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1463-9076; 1463-9084 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 4.123 Times cited 1 Open Access Not_Open_Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 4.123
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:156715 Serial 5267
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Author Grubova, I.Y.; Surmeneva, M.A.; Huygh, S.; Surmenev, R.A.; Neyts, E.C.
Title Effects of silicon doping on strengthening adhesion at the interface of the hydroxyapatite-titanium biocomposite : a first-principles study Type A1 Journal article
Year 2019 Publication Computational materials science Abbreviated Journal Comp Mater Sci
Volume 159 Issue 159 Pages 228-234
Keywords (up) A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract In this paper we employ first-principles calculations to investigate the effect of substitutional Si doping in the amorphous calcium-phosphate (a-HAP) structure on the work of adhesion, integral charge transfer, charge density difference and theoretical tensile strengths between an a-HAP coating and amorphous titanium dioxide (a-TiO2) substrate systemically. Our calculations demonstrate that substitution of a P atom by a Si atom in a-HAP (a-Si-HAP) with the creation of OH-vacancies as charge compensation results in a significant increase of the bonding strength of the coating to the substrate. The work of adhesion of the optimized Si-doped interfaces reaches a value of up to -2.52 J m(-2), which is significantly higher than for the stoichiometric a-HAP/a-TiO2. Charge density difference analysis indicates that the dominant interactions at the interface have significant covalent character, and in particular two Ti-O and three Ca-O bonds are formed for a-Si-HAP/a-TiO2 and one Ti-O and three Ca-O bonds for a-HAP/a-TiO2. From the stress-strain curve, the Young's modulus of a-Si-HAP/a-TiO2 is calculated to be about 25% higher than that of the a-HAP/a-TiO2, and the yielding stress is about 2 times greater than that of the undoped model. Our calculations therefore demonstrate that the presence of Si in the a-HAP structure strongly alters not only the bioactivity and resorption rates, but also the mechanical properties of the a-HAP/a-TiO2 interface. The results presented here provide an important theoretical insight into the nature of the chemical bonding at the a-HAP/a-TiO2 interface, and are particularly significant for the practical medical applications of HAP-based biomaterials.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000457856900023 Publication Date 2018-12-18
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0927-0256 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 2.292 Times cited 1 Open Access Not_Open_Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 2.292
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:157480 Serial 5272
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Author Gu, J.-G.; Zhang, Y.; Gao, M.-X.; Wang, H.-Y.; Zhang, Q.-Z.; Yi, L.; Jiang, W.
Title Enhancement of surface discharge in catalyst pores in dielectric barrier discharges Type A1 Journal article
Year 2019 Publication Journal of applied physics Abbreviated Journal J Appl Phys
Volume 125 Issue 15 Pages 153303
Keywords (up) A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract The generation of high-density plasmas on the surface of porous catalysts is very important for plasma catalysis, as it determines the active surface of the catalyst that is available for the reaction. In this work, we investigate the mechanism of surface and volume plasma streamer formation and propagation near micro-sized pores in dielectric barrier discharges operating in air at atmospheric pressure. A two-dimensional particle-in-cell/ Monte Carlo collision model is used to model the individual kinetic behavior of plasma species. Our calculations indicate that the surface discharge is enhanced on the surface of the catalyst pores compared with the microdischarge inside the catalyst pores. The reason is that the surface ionization wave induces surface charging along the catalyst pore sidewalls, leading to a strong electric field along the pore sidewalls, which in turn further enhances the surface discharge. Therefore, highly concentrated reactive species occur on the surfaces of the catalyst pores, indicating high-density plasmas on the surface of porous catalysts. Indeed, the maximum electron impact excitation and ionization rates occur on the pore surface, indicating the more pronounced production of excited state and electron-ion pairs on the pore surface than inside the pore, which may profoundly affect the plasma catalytic process. Published under license by AIP Publishing.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000465441200022 Publication Date 2019-04-15
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0021-8979; 1089-7550 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 2.068 Times cited 4 Open Access Not_Open_Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 2.068
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:160397 Serial 5273
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Author Brault, P.; Chamorro-Coral, W.; Chuon, S.; Caillard, A.; Bauchire, J.-M.; Baranton, S.; Coutanceau, C.; Neyts, E.
Title Molecular dynamics simulations of initial Pd and PdO nanocluster growth in a magnetron gas aggregation source Type A1 Journal article
Year 2019 Publication Frontiers of Chemical Science and Engineering Abbreviated Journal Front Chem Sci Eng
Volume 13 Issue 2 Pages 324-329
Keywords (up) A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract Molecular dynamics simulations are carried out for describing growth of Pd and PdO nanoclusters using the ReaxFF force field. The resulting nanocluster structures are successfully compared to those of nanoclusters experimentally grown in a gas aggregation source. The PdO structure is quasi-crystalline as revealed by high resolution transmission microscope analysis for experimental PdO nanoclusters. The role of the nanocluster temperature in the molecular dynamics simulated growth is highlighted.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000468848400009 Publication Date 2019-03-26
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2095-0179 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 1.712 Times cited 3 Open Access Not_Open_Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 1.712
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:160278 Serial 5276
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Vanmeert, M.; Razzokov, J.; Mirza, M.U.; Weeks, S.D.; Schepers, G.; Bogaerts, A.; Rozenski, J.; Froeyen, M.; Herdewijn, P.; Pinheiro, V.B.; Lescrinier, E.
Title Rational design of an XNA ligase through docking of unbound nucleic acids to toroidal proteins Type A1 Journal article
Year 2019 Publication Nucleic acids research Abbreviated Journal Nucleic Acids Res
Volume 47 Issue 13 Pages 7130-7142
Keywords (up) A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract Xenobiotic nucleic acids (XNA) are nucleic acid analogues not present in nature that can be used for the storage of genetic information. In vivo XNA applications could be developed into novel biocontainment strategies, but are currently limited by the challenge of developing XNA processing enzymes such as polymerases, ligases and nucleases. Here, we present a structure-guided modelling-based strategy for the rational design of those enzymes essential for the development of XNA molecular biology. Docking of protein domains to unbound double-stranded nucleic acids is used to generate a first approximation of the extensive interaction of nucleic acid processing enzymes with their substrate. Molecular dynamics is used to optimise that prediction allowing, for the first time, the accurate prediction of how proteins that form toroidal complexes with nucleic acids interact with their substrate. Using the Chlorella virus DNA ligase as a proof of principle, we recapitulate the ligase's substrate specificity and successfully predict how to convert it into an XNA-templated XNA ligase.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000490556600047 Publication Date 2019-07-26
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0305-1048 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 10.162 Times cited 1 Open Access
Notes European Research Council, FP7/2007-2013 ERC-2012-ADG 20120216/320683 ; KU Leuven, OT/14/128 ; Biotechnology and Biosciences Research Council, BB/N01023X/1 BB/N010221/1 ; Authors are grateful to Prof. Dr A.M.J.J. (Alexandre) Bonvin from the University of Utrecht and the WeNMR institute for his expert contribution. We have greatly benefited from discussions and help from numerous postdocs over the years (in particular, Dr E. Groaz, Dr E. Eremeeva, Dr J. Masschelein, Dr S. Xiaoping and Dr M. Renders) as well as graduate student D. Kestemont and undergraduate student M. Abdel Fattah Ismail. We express our gratitude to L. Margamuljana for helpful discussions and excellent technical assistance on in vitro experiments. Approved Most recent IF: 10.162
Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @c:irua:162105 Serial 5359
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Author Ghasemitarei, M.; Yusupov, M.; Razzokov, J.; Shokri, B.; Bogaerts, A.
Title Effect of oxidative stress on cystine transportation by xC‾ antiporter Type A1 Journal article
Year 2019 Publication Archives of biochemistry and biophysics Abbreviated Journal Arch Biochem Biophys
Volume 674 Issue Pages 108114
Keywords (up) A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract We performed computer simulations to investigate the effect of oxidation on the extracellular cystine (CYC) uptake by the xC− antiporter. The latter is important for killing of cancer cells. Specifically, applying molecular dynamics (MD) simulations we studied the transport of CYC across xCT, i.e., the light subunit of the xC− antiporter, in charge of bidirectional transport of CYC and glutamate. We considered the outward facing (OF) configuration of xCT, and to study the effect of oxidation, we modified the Cys327 residue, located in the vicinity of the extracellular milieu, to cysteic acid (CYO327). Our computational results showed that oxidation of Cys327 results in a free energy barrier for CYC translocation, thereby blocking the access of CYC to the substrate binding site of the OF system. The formation of the energy barrier was found to be due to the conformational changes in the channel. Analysis of the MD trajectories revealed that the reorganization of the side chains of the Tyr244 and CYO327 residues play a critical role in the OF channel blocking. Indeed, the calculated distance between Tyr244 and either Cys327 or CYO327 showed a narrowing of the channel after oxidation. The obtained free energy barrier for CYC translocation was found to be 33.9kJmol−1, indicating that oxidation of Cys327, by e.g., cold atmospheric plasma, is more effective in inhibiting the xC− antiporter than in the mutation of this amino acid to Ala (yielding a barrier of 32.4kJmol−1). The inhibition of the xC− antiporter may lead to Cys starvation in some cancer cells, eventually resulting in cancer cell death.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000525439700011 Publication Date 2019-09-23
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0003-9861 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 3.165 Times cited Open Access
Notes Ministry of Science, Research and Technology of Iran; University of Antwerp; Research Foundation − Flanders, 1200219N ; Universiteit Antwerpen; Hercules Foundation; Flemish Government; UA; M. G. acknowledges funding from the Ministry of Science, Research and Technology of Iran and from the University of Antwerp in Belgium. M. Y. gratefully acknowledges financial support from the Research Foundation − Flanders (FWO), grant number 1200219N. The computational work was carried out using the Turing HPC infrastructure at the CalcUA core facility of the Universiteit Antwerpen (UA), a division of the Flemish Supercomputer Center VSC, funded by the Hercules Foundation, the Flemish Government (department EWI) and the UA. Finally, we thank A. S. Mashayekh Esfehan and A. Mohseni for their important comments on the manuscript. Approved Most recent IF: 3.165
Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @c:irua:163474 Serial 5372
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Oliveira, M.C.; Yusupov, M.; Bogaerts, A.; Cordeiro, R.M.
Title Molecular dynamics simulations of mechanical stress on oxidized membranes Type A1 Journal article
Year 2019 Publication Biophysical chemistry Abbreviated Journal Biophys Chem
Volume 254 Issue Pages 106266
Keywords (up) A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract Biomembranes are under constant attack of free radicals that may lead to lipid oxidation in conditions of oxidative stress. The products generated during lipid oxidation are responsible for structural and dynamical changes which may jeopardize the membrane function. For instance, the local rearrangements of oxidized lipid molecules may induce membrane rupture. In this study, we investigated the effects of mechanical stress on oxidized phospholipid bilayers (PLBs). Model bilayers were stretched until pore formation (or poration) using nonequilibrium molecular dynamics simulations. We studied single-component homogeneous membranes composed of lipid oxidation products, as well as two-component heterogeneous membranes with coexisting native and oxidized domains. In homogeneous membranes, the oxidation products with —OH and —OOH groups reduced the areal strain required for pore formation, whereas the oxidation product with ]O group behaved similarly to the native membrane. In heterogeneous membranes composed of oxidized and non-oxidized domains, we tested the hypothesis according to which poration may be facilitated at the domain interface region. However, results were inconclusive due to their large statistical variance and sensitivity to simulation setup parameters. We pointed out important technical issues that need to be considered in future simulations of mechanically-induced poration of heterogeneous membranes. This research is of interest for photodynamic therapy and plasma medicine, because ruptured and intact plasma membranes are experimentally considered hallmarks of necrotic and apoptotic cell death.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000502890900015 Publication Date 2019-09-13
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0301-4622 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 2.402 Times cited Open Access
Notes São Paulo Research Foundation, 2012/50680-5 ; National Counsel of Technological and Scientific Development, 459270/2014-1 ; We are thankful for the financial support received from the São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP) (grant no. 2012/50680-5) and from the National Counsel of Technological and Scientific Development (CNPq) (grant no. 459270/2014-1). MCO acknowledges UFABC for the Master's scholarship granted. Approved Most recent IF: 2.402
Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @c:irua:163477 Serial 5374
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Author Kang, T.-Y.; Kwon, J.-S.; Kumar, N.; Choi, E.; Kim, K.-M.
Title Effects of a Non-Thermal Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Jet with Different Gas Sources and Modes of Treatment on the Fate of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells Type A1 Journal article
Year 2019 Publication Applied Sciences Abbreviated Journal Appl Sci-Basel
Volume 9 Issue 22 Pages 4819
Keywords (up) A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract Despite numerous attempts to use human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) in the field of tissue engineering, the control of their differentiation remains challenging. Here, we investigated possible applications of a non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma jet (NTAPPJ) to control the differentiation of hMSCs. An air- or nitrogen-based NTAPPJ was applied to hMSCs in culture media, either directly or by media treatment in which the cells were plated after the medium was exposed to the NTAPPJ. The durations of exposure were 1, 2, and 4 min, and the control was not exposed to the NTAPPJ. The initial attachment of the cells was assessed by a water-soluble tetrazolium assay, and the gene expression in the cells was assessed through reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction and immunofluorescence staining. The results showed that the gene expression in the hMSCs was generally increased by the NTAPPJ exposure, but the enhancement was dependent on the conditions of the exposure, such as the source of the gas and the treatment method used. These results were attributed to the chemicals in the extracellular environment and the reactive oxygen species generated by the plasma. Hence, it was concluded that by applying the best conditions for the NTAPPJ exposure of hMSCs, the control of hMSC differentiation was possible, and therefore, exposure to an NTAPPJ is a promising method for tissue engineering.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000502570800096 Publication Date 2019-11-11
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2076-3417 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 1.679 Times cited Open Access
Notes The plasma source was kindly provided by the Plasma Bioscience Research Center, Kwangwoon University. Approved Most recent IF: 1.679
Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @c:irua:164893 Serial 5435
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Author Attri, P.; Razzokov, J.; Yusupov, M.; Koga, K.; Shiratani, M.; Bogaerts, A.
Title Influence of osmolytes and ionic liquids on the Bacteriorhodopsin structure in the absence and presence of oxidative stress: A combined experimental and computational study Type A1 Journal article
Year 2020 Publication International Journal Of Biological Macromolecules Abbreviated Journal Int J Biol Macromol
Volume 148 Issue Pages 657-665
Keywords (up) A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract Understanding the folding and stability of membrane proteins is of great importance in protein science. Recently, osmolytes and ionic liquids (ILs) are increasingly being used as drug delivery systems in the biopharmaceutical industry. However, the stability of membrane proteins in the presence of osmolytes and ILs is not yet fully understood. Besides, the effect of oxidative stress on membrane proteins with osmolytes or ILs has not been investigated. Therefore, we studied the influence of osmolytes and ILs as co-solvents on the stability of a model membrane protein (i.e., Bacteriorhodopsin in purple membrane of Halobacterium salinarum), using UV–Vis spectroscopy and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The MD simulations allowed us to determine the flexibility and solvent accessible surface area (SASA) of Bacteriorhodopsin protein in the presence and/or absence of cosolvents, as well as to carry out principal component analysis (PCA) to identify the most important movements in this protein. In addition, by means of UV–Vis spectroscopy we studied the effect of oxidative stress generated by cold atmospheric plasma on the stability of Bacteriorhodopsin in the presence and/or absence of co-solvents. This study is important for a better understanding of the stability of proteins in the presence of oxidative stress.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000522094600066 Publication Date 2020-01-20
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0141-8130 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 8.2 Times cited Open Access
Notes Horizon2020, 743546 ; JSPS, 19H05462 16H03895 ; Nagoya University; We gratefully acknowledge the European Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowship “Anticancer-PAM” within Horizon2020 (grant number 743546). This work was also supported by JSPS-KAKENHI 19H05462 and 16H03895, the joint usage/research program of Center for Low-temperature Plasma Science, Nagoya University and also supported by JSPS and RCL under the Japan-Lithuania Research Cooperative Program. The computational work was carried out using the Turing HPC infrastructure at the CalcUA core facility of the Universiteit Antwerpen (UA), a division of the Flemish Supercomputer Center VSC, funded by the Hercules Foundation, the Flemish Government (department EWI) and the UA. Approved Most recent IF: 8.2; 2020 IF: 3.671
Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @c:irua:165585 Serial 5444
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