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Author Yang, W.; Misko, V.R.; Tempère, J.; Kong, M.; Peeters, F.M.
Title Artificial living crystals in confined environment Type A1 Journal article
Year 2017 Publication Physical Review E Abbreviated Journal Phys Rev E
Volume 95 Issue 6 Pages 062602
Keywords (down) A1 Journal article; Theory of quantum systems and complex systems; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Abstract Similar to the spontaneous formation of colonies of bacteria, flocks of birds, or schools of fish, “living crystals” can be formed by artificial self-propelled particles such as Janus colloids. Unlike usual solids, these “crystals” are far from thermodynamic equilibrium. They fluctuate in time forming a crystalline structure, breaking apart and re-forming again. We propose a method to stabilize living crystals by applying a weak confinement potential that does not suppress the ability of the particles to perform self-propelled motion, but it stabilizes the structure and shape of the dynamical clusters. This gives rise to such configurations of living crystals as “living shells” formed by Janus colloids. Moreover, the shape of the stable living clusters can be controlled by tuning the potential strength. Our proposal can be verified experimentally with either artificial microswimmers such as Janus colloids, or with living active matter.
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Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000402667600006 Publication Date 2017-06-06
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2470-0045;2470-0053; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 2.366 Times cited 10 Open Access
Notes ; This work was supported by the “Odysseus” Program of the Flemish Government and the Flemish Research Foundation (FWO-Vl) (Belgium), the Flemish Research Foundation (through Projects No. G.0115.12N, No. G.0119.12N, No. G.0122.12N, and No. G.0429.15N), and the Research Fund of the University of Antwerp. W.Y. acknowledges the support from the National Natural Science Foundation of China under Grants No. 11204199 and No. 51135007, the China Scholarship Council, the 131 project and the Program for the Outstanding Innovative Teams of Higher Learning Institutions of Shanxi, and a project under Grant No. 2016-096 by Shanxi Scholarship Council of China. ; Approved Most recent IF: 2.366
Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:144205 Serial 4641
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Author Magnus, W.; Lemmens, L.; Brosens, F.
Title Quantum canonical ensemble : a projection operator approach Type A1 Journal article
Year 2017 Publication Physica: A : theoretical and statistical physics Abbreviated Journal Physica A
Volume 482 Issue Pages 1-13
Keywords (down) A1 Journal article; Theory of quantum systems and complex systems; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Abstract Knowing the exact number of particles N, and taking this knowledge into account, the quantum canonical ensemble imposes a constraint on the occupation number operators. The constraint particularly hampers the systematic calculation of the partition function and any relevant thermodynamic expectation value for arbitrary but fixed N. On the other hand, fixing only the average number of particles, one may remove the above constraint and simply factorize the traces in Fock space into traces over single-particle states. As is well known, that would be the strategy of the grand-canonical ensemble which, however, comes with an additional Lagrange multiplier to impose the average number of particles. The appearance of this multiplier can be avoided by invoking a projection operator that enables a constraint-free computation of the partition function and its derived quantities in the canonical ensemble, at the price of an angular or contour integration. Introduced in the recent past to handle various issues related to particle-number projected statistics, the projection operator approach proves beneficial to a wide variety of problems in condensed matter physics for which the canonical ensemble offers a natural and appropriate environment. In this light, we present a systematic treatment of the canonical ensemble that embeds the projection operator into the formalism of second quantization while explicitly fixing N, the very number of particles rather than the average. Being applicable to both bosonic and fermionic systems in arbitrary dimensions, transparent integral representations are provided for the partition function Z(N) and the Helmholtz free energy F-N as well as for two- and four-point correlation functions. The chemical potential is not a Lagrange multiplier regulating the average particle number but can be extracted from FN+1 – F-N, as illustrated for a two-dimensional fermion gas. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
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Publisher Place of Publication Amsterdam Editor
Language Wos 000405885500001 Publication Date 2017-04-20
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0378-4371 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 2.243 Times cited 1 Open Access
Notes ; ; Approved Most recent IF: 2.243
Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:145145 Serial 4722
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Author De Baere, K.; Verstraelen, H.; Willemen, R.; Smet, J.-P.; Tchuindjang, J.T.; Lecomte-Beckers, J.; Lenaerts, S.; Meskens, R.; Jung, H.G.; Potters, G.
Title Assessment of corrosion resistance, material properties, and weldability of alloyed steel for ballast tanks Type A1 Journal article
Year 2017 Publication Journal of marine science and technology Abbreviated Journal J Mar Sci Tech-Japan
Volume 22 Issue 1 Pages 176-199
Keywords (down) A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract Ballast tanks are of great importance in the lifetime of modern merchant ships. Making a ballast tank less susceptible to corrosion can, therefore, prolong the useful life of a ship and, thereby, lower its operational cost. An option to reinforce a ballast tank is to construct it out of a corrosion-resistant steel type. Such steel was recently produced by POSCO Ltd., South Korea. After 6 months of permanent immersion, the average corrosion rate of A and AH steel (31 samples) was 535 g m(-2) year(-1), while the Korean CRS was corroding with 378 g m(-2) year(-1). This entails a gain of 29 %. Follow-up measurements after 10, 20, and 24 months confirmed this. The results after 6 months exposure to alternating wet/dry conditions are even more explicit. Furthermore, the physical and metallurgical properties of this steel show a density of 7.646 t/m(3), the elasticity modulus 209.3 GPa, the tensile strength 572 MPa, and the hardness 169HV10. Microscopically, the metal consists of equiaxed and recrystallized grains (ferrite and pearlite), with an average size of between 20 and 30 A mu m (ASTM E 112-12 grain size number between 7 and 8) with a few elongated pearlitic grains. The structure is banded ferrite/pearlite. On the basis of a series of energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer measurements the lower corrosion rate of the steel can be attributed to the interplay of Al, Cr, their oxides, and the corroding steel. In addition, the role of each element in the formation of oxide layers and the mechanisms contributing to the corrosion resistance are discussed.
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Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000395006400015 Publication Date 2016-07-21
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0948-4280 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 0.838 Times cited 3 Open Access
Notes ; This paper is published with the explicit permission of POSCO Ltd., original source of the corrosion resistant steel. Due to the creativity of the POSCO engineers and scientists, we could have our challenge, presented in this manuscript. The authors wish to thank the BOF funding received from the University of Antwerp and the Maritime Academy. We also wish to express our gratitude towards to the American Bureau of Shipping for their assistance in procuring the CRS plates, their moral and financial support, as well as to OCAS (Arcelor Mittal, Zelzate, Belgium) for their assistance in a number of measurements. ; Approved Most recent IF: 0.838
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:142509 Serial 5928
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Author Liao, L.; Heylen, S.; Sree, S.P.; Vallaey, B.; Keulemans, M.; Lenaerts, S.; Roeffaers, M.B.J.; Martens, J.A.
Title Photocatalysis assisted simultaneous carbon oxidation and NOx reduction Type A1 Journal article
Year 2017 Publication Applied catalysis : B : environmental Abbreviated Journal Appl Catal B-Environ
Volume 202 Issue Pages 381-387
Keywords (down) A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract Photocatalysis assisted oxidation of carbon black was performed using TiO2 photocatalyst under UV illumination in an atmosphere with NO, O-2 and water vapor at 150 degrees C. Carbon is oxidized mainly to CO2 while NO is selectively converted to N-2. Enhanced O-2 and NO concentrations have a positive effect on the carbon oxidation rate. At a concentration of 3000 ppm NO and 13.3% O-2 in the gas phase the carbon oxidation rate reaches 2.3 mu g(carbon)/mg(TiO2) h, at a formal electron/photon quantum efficiency of 0.019. HR SEM images reveal uniform gradual reduction of the carbon particle size irrespective of the distance to TiO2 photocatalyst particles in the presence of NO, O-2 and H2O. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
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Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000388052100038 Publication Date 2016-09-23
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0926-3373 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 9.446 Times cited 11 Open Access
Notes ; This work was supported by long-term structural funding by the Flemish government (Methusalem). M. Keulemans acknowledges the agency for Innovation by Science and Technology in Flanders (IWT) for financial support (PhD. Grant). M. Roeffaers thanks the ERC for financial support (ERC Starting Grant No. 307523). ; Approved Most recent IF: 9.446
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:139156 Serial 5976
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Author Minjauw, M.M.; Solano, E.; Sree, S.P.; Asapu, R.; Van Daele, M.; Ramachandran, R.K.; Heremans, G.; Verbruggen, S.W.; Lenaerts, S.; Martens, J.A.; Detavernier, C.; Dendooven, J.
Title Plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition of silver using Ag(fod)(PEt3) and NH3-plasma Type A1 Journal article
Year 2017 Publication Chemistry of materials Abbreviated Journal Chem Mater
Volume 29 Issue 17 Pages 7114-7121
Keywords (down) A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract A plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition (ALD) process using the Ag(fod)(PEt3) precursor [(triethylphosphine)(6,6,7,7,8,8,8-heptafluoro-2,2-dimethy1-3,5-octanedionate)silver(I)] in combination with NH3-plasma is reported. The steady growth rate of the reported process (0.24 +/- 0.03 nm/cycle) was found to be 6 times larger than that of the previously reported Ag ALD process based on the same precursor in combination with H-2-plasma (0.04 +/- 0.02 nm/cycle). The ALD characteristics of the H-2-plasma and NH3-plasma processes were verified. The deposited Ag films were polycrystalline face-centered cubic Ag for both processes. The film morphology was investigated by ex situ scanning electron microscopy and grazing-incidence small-angle X-ray scattering, and it was found that films grown with the NH3-plasma process exhibit a much higher particle areal density and smaller particle sizes on oxide substrates compared to those deposited using the H-2-plasma process. This control over morphology of the deposited Ag is important for applications in catalysis and plasmonics. While films grown with the H-2-plasma process had oxygen impurities (similar to 9 atom %) in the bulk, the main impurity for the NH3-plasma process was nitrogen (similar to 7 atom %). In situ Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy experiments suggest that these nitrogen impurities are derived from NH surface groups generated during the NH3-plasma, which interact with the precursor molecules during the precursor pulse. We propose that the reaction of these surface groups with the precursor leads to additional deposition of Ag atoms during the precursor pulse compared to the H-2-plasma process, which explains the enhanced growth rate of the NH3-plasma process.
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Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000410868600012 Publication Date 2017-08-09
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0897-4756 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 9.466 Times cited 9 Open Access
Notes ; M.M.M. and J.D. acknowledge the Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek Vlaanderen (FWO Vlaanderen) for financial support through a personal research grant. We also acknowledge FWO Vlaanderen for providing project funding for this work. We are grateful to the ESRF staff for smoothly running the synchrotron and beamline facilities. We also thank Olivier Janssens for performing the SEM measurements and Stefaan Broekaert for mechanical assistance. J.A.M. acknowledges the Flemish Government for long-term structural funding (Methusalem). ; Approved Most recent IF: 9.466
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:146757 Serial 5983
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Author Van Wesenbeeck, K.; Hauchecorne, B.; Lenaerts, S.
Title Study of positive and negative plasma catalytic oxidation of ethylene Type A1 Journal article
Year 2017 Publication Environmental technology Abbreviated Journal Environ Technol
Volume 38 Issue 12 Pages 1554-1561
Keywords (down) A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract The effect of introducing a photocatalytically active coating inside a plasma unit is investigated. This technique combines the advantages of high product selectivity from catalysis and the fast start-up from plasma technology. In this study, a preselected TiO2 coating is applied on the collector electrode of a DC corona discharge unit as non-thermal plasma reactor, in order to study the oxidation of ethylene. For both positive and negative polarities an enhanced mineralization is observed while the formation of by-products drastically decreases. The plasma catalytic unit gave the best results when using negative polarity at a voltage of 15kV. This shows the potential of plasma catalysis as indoor air purification technology.
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Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000402018900010 Publication Date 2016-10-03
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0959-3330 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 1.751 Times cited 1 Open Access
Notes ; The authors wish to thank the University of Antwerp for supporting and funding this research. ; Approved Most recent IF: 1.751
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:144351 Serial 5993
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Author Roefs, I.; Meulman, B.; Vreeburg, J.H.G.; Spiller, M.
Title Centralised, decentralised or hybrid sanitation systems? Economic evaluation under urban development uncertainty and phased expansion Type A1 Journal article
Year 2017 Publication Water research Abbreviated Journal
Volume 109 Issue Pages 274-286
Keywords (down) A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract Sanitation systems are built to be robust, that is, they are dimensioned to cope with population growth and other variability that occurs throughout their lifetime. It was recently shown that building sanitation systems in phases is more cost effective than one robust design. This phasing can take place by building small autonomous decentralised units that operate closer to the actual demand. Research has shown that variability and uncertainty in urban development does affect the cost effectiveness of this approach. Previous studies do not, however, consider the entire sanitation system from collection to treatment. The aim of this study is to assess the economic performance of three sanitation systems with different scales and systems characteristics under a variety of urban development pathways. Three systems are studied: (I) a centralised conventional activated sludge treatment, (II) a community on site source separation grey water and black water treatment and (III) a hybrid with grey water treatment at neighbourhood scale and black water treatment off site. A modelling approach is taken that combines a simulation of greenfield urban growth, a model of the wastewater collection and treatment infrastructure design properties and a model that translates design parameters into discounted asset lifetime costs. Monte Carlo simulations are used to evaluate the economic performance under uncertain development trends. Results show that the conventional system outperforms both of the other systems when total discounted lifetime costs are assessed, because it benefits from economies of scale. However, when population growth is lower than expected, the source-separated system is more cost effective, because of reduced idle capacity. The hybrid system is not competitive under any circumstance due to the costly double piping and treatment. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000392788900028 Publication Date 2016-11-23
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0043-1354; 1879-2448 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved no
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:143853 Serial 7587
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Author Tang, T.; Stamm, C.; van Griensven, A.; Seuntjens, P.; Bronders, J.
Title Hysteresis and parent-metabolite analyses unravel characteristic pesticide transport mechanisms in a mixed land use catchment Type A1 Journal article
Year 2017 Publication Water research Abbreviated Journal
Volume 124 Issue Pages 663-672
Keywords (down) A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract To properly estimate and manage pesticide occurrence in urban rivers, it is essential, but often highly challenging, to identify the key pesticide transport pathways in association to the main sources. This study examined the concentration-discharge hysteresis behaviour (hysteresis analysis) for three pesticides and the parent-metabolite concentration dynamics for two metabolites at sites with different levels of urban influence in a mixed land use catchment (25 km(2)) within the Swiss Greifensee area, aiming to identify the dominant pesticide transport pathways. Combining an adapted hysteresis classification framework with prior knowledge of the field conditions and pesticide usage, we demonstrated the possibility of using hysteresis analysis to qualitatively infer the dominant pesticide transport pathway in mixed land-use catchments. The analysis showed that hysteresis types, and therefore the dominant transport pathway, vary among pesticides, sites and rainfall events. Hysteresis loops mostly correspond to dominant transport by flow components with intermediate response time, although pesticide sources indicate that fast transport pathways are responsible in most cases (e.g. urban runoff and combined sewer overflows). The discrepancy suggests the fast transport pathways can be slowed down due to catchment storages, such as topographic depressions in agricultural areas, a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) and other artificial storage units (e.g. retention basins) in urban areas. Moreover, the WWTP was identified as an important factor modifying the parent-metabolite concentration dynamics during rainfall events. To properly predict and manage pesticide occurrence in catchments of mixed land uses, the hydrological delaying effect and chemical processes within the artificial structures need to be accounted for, in addition to the catchment hydrology and the diversity of pesticide sources. This study demonstrates that in catchments with diverse pesticide sources and complex transport mechanisms, the adapted hysteresis analysis can help to improve our understanding on pesticide transport behaviours and provide a basis for effective management strategies.(C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000412251500065 Publication Date 2017-08-08
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0043-1354; 1879-2448 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved no
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:146661 Serial 8048
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Author Decostere, B.; Coppens, J.; Vervaeren, H.; Vlaeminck, S.E.; De Gelder, L.; Boon, N.; Nopens, I.; Van Hulle, S.W.H.
Title Kinetic exploration of intracellular nitrate storage in marine microalgae Type A1 Journal article
Year 2017 Publication Journal of environmental science and health : part A: toxic/hazardous substances and environmental engineering Abbreviated Journal
Volume 52 Issue 14 Pages 1303-1311
Keywords (down) A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract In this study, a recently developed model accounting for intracellular nitrate storage kinetics was thoroughly studied to understand and compare the storage capacity of Phaeodactylum tricornutum and Amphora coffeaeformis. In the first stage the identifiability of the biokinetic parameters was examined. Next, the kinetic model was calibrated for both microalgal species based on experimental observations during batch growth experiments. Two kinetic parameters were calibrated, namely the maximum specific growth rate (mu(max)) and the nitrate storage rate (k(sto)). A significant difference was observed for the nitrate storage rate between both species. For P. tricornutum, the nitrate storage rate was much higher (k(sto) = 0.036m(3) g(-1) DW d(-1)) compared to A. coffeaeformis (k(sto) = 0.0004m(3) g(-1) DW d(-1)). This suggests that P. tricornutum has a more efficient nitrate uptake ability and intracellular nitrate storage capacity and also indicates the need for determination of k(sto) in order to quantify nitrate storage.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000415634300004 Publication Date 2017-09-26
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1093-4529; 1532-4117 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved no
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:147467 Serial 8137
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Author Spiller, M.
Title Measuring adaptive capacity of urban wastewater infrastructure : change impact and change propagation Type A1 Journal article
Year 2017 Publication The science of the total environment Abbreviated Journal
Volume 601-602 Issue Pages 571-579
Keywords (down) A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract The ability of urban wastewater systems to adapt and transform as a response to change is an integral part of sustainable development. This requires technology and infrastructure that can be adapted to new operational challenges. In this study the adaptive capacity of urban wastewater systems is evaluated by assessing the interdependencies between system components. In interdependent and therefore tightly coupled systems, changes to one systems component will require alteration elsewhere in the system, therefore impairing the capacity of these systems to be changed. The aim of this paper is to develop a methodology to evaluate the adaptive capacity of urban wastewater systems by assessing how change drivers and innovation affect existing wastewater technology and infrastructure. The methodology comprises 7 steps and applies a change impact table and a design structure matrix that are completed by experts during workshops. Change impact tables quantify where change drivers, such as energy neutrality and resource recovery, require innovation in a system. The design structure matrix is a tool to quantify emerging changes that are a result of the innovation. The method is applied for the change driver of energy neutrality and shown for two innovations: a decentralised upflow anaerobic sludge blanket reactor followed by an anammox process and a conventional activated sludge treatment with enhanced chemical precipitation and high temperature-high pressure hydrolysis. The results show that the energy neutrality of wastewater systems can be address by either innovation in the decentralised or centralised treatment. The quantification of the emerging changes for both innovations indicates that the decentralised treatment is more disruptive, or in other words, the system needs to undergo more adaptation. It is concluded that the change impact and change propagation method can be used to characterise and quantify the technological or infrastructural transformations. In addition, it provides insight into the stakeholders affected by change.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000406294900057 Publication Date 2017-05-31
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0048-9697; 1879-1026 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved no
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:143926 Serial 8212
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Author Peng, L.; Kassotaki, E.; Liu, Y.; Sun, J.; Dai, X.; Pijuan, M.; Rodriguez-Roda, I.; Buttiglieri, G.; Ni, B.-J.
Title Modelling cometabolic biotransformation of sulfamethoxazole by an enriched ammonia oxidizing bacteria culture Type A1 Journal article
Year 2017 Publication Chemical engineering science Abbreviated Journal
Volume 173 Issue Pages 465-473
Keywords (down) A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract Antibiotics such as sulfamethoxazole (SFX) are environmentally hazardous after being released into the aquatic environment and challenges remain in the development of engineered prevention strategies. In this work, a mathematical model was developed to describe and evaluate cometabolic biotransformation of SFX and its transformation products (TPs) in an enriched ammonia oxidizing bacteria (AOB) culture. The growth-linked cometabolic biodegradation by AOB, non-growth transformation by AOB and nongrowth transformation by heterotrophs were considered in the model framework. The production of major TPs comprising 4-Nitro-SFX, Desamino-SFX and N-4-Acetyl-SFX was also specifically modelled. The validity of the model was demonstrated through testing against literature reported data from extensive batch tests, as well as from long-term experiments in a partial nitritation sequencing batch reactor (SBR) and in a combined SBR + membrane aerated biofilm reactor performing nitrification/denitrification. Modelling results revealed that the removal efficiency of SFX increased with the increase of influent ammonium concentration, whereas the influent organic matter, hydraulic retention time and solid retention time exerted a limited effect on SFX biodegradation with the removal efficiencies varying in a narrow range. The variation of influent SFX concentration had no impact on SFX removal efficiency. The established model framework enables interpretation of a range of experimental observations on SFX biodegradation and helps to identify the optimal conditions for efficient removal. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000411764200039 Publication Date 2017-08-14
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0009-2509 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved no
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:146629 Serial 8267
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Author Liu, Y.; Ngo, H.H.; Guo, W.; Zhou, J.; Peng, L.; Wang, D.; Chen, X.; Sun, J.; Ni, B.-J.
Title Optimizing sulfur-driven mixotrophic denitrification process : system performance and nitrous oxide emission Type A1 Journal article
Year 2017 Publication Chemical engineering science Abbreviated Journal
Volume 172 Issue Pages 414-422
Keywords (down) A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract Nitrate contamination of groundwater has been recognized as a significant environmental problem world widely. Sulfur-driven mixotrophic denitrification has been demonstrated as a promising groundwater treatment process, which though plays an important role in nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions, significantly contributing to the overall carbon footprint of the system. However, the current process optimizations only focus on nitrate removal and excess sulfate control, with the N2O emission being ignored. In this work, an integrated mathematical model was proposed to evaluate the N2O emission as well as the excess sulfate production and carbon source utilization in sulfur-driven mixotrophic denitrification process. In this model, autotrophic and heterotrophic denitrifiers use their corresponding electron donors (sulfur and organic matter, respectively) to reduce nitrate to nitrogen gas, with each modeled as three-step denitrification (NO3 to N-2 via NO2 and N2O) driven by sulfur or organic matter to describe all potential N2O accumulation steps. The developed model, employing model parameters previously reported in literature, was successfully validated using N2O and sulfate data from two mixotrophic denitrification systems with different initial conditions. Modeling results revealed substantial N2O accumulation due to the relatively low autotrophic N2O reduction activity as compared to heterotrophic N2O reduction activity, explaining the observation that higher carbon source addition resulted in lower N2O accumulation in sulfur-driven mixotrophic denitrifying system. Based on the validated model, optimizations of the overall system performance were carried out. Application of the model to simulate long-term operations of sulfur-driven mixotrophic denitrification process indicates that longer sludge retention time reduces N2O emission due to better retention of active biomass. High-level total nitrogen removal with significant N2O emission mitigation, appropriate excess sulfate control and maximized COD utilization can be achieved simultaneously through controlling the influent nitrate and COD concentrations. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000410833900034 Publication Date 2017-07-03
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0009-2509 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved no
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:146634 Serial 8344
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Author Rezaei, M.; De Pue, J.; Seuntjens, P.; Joris, I.; Cornelis, W.
Title Quasi 3D modelling of vadose zone soil-water flow for optimizing irrigation strategies : challenges, uncertainties and efficiencies Type A1 Journal article
Year 2017 Publication Environmental modelling and software Abbreviated Journal
Volume 93 Issue Pages 59-77
Keywords (down) A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract A quasi 3D modelling approach was developed by integrating a crop growth (LINGRA-N) and a hydrological model (Hydrus-1D) to simulate and visualize water flow, soil-water storage, water stress and crop yield over a heterogeneous sandy field. We assessed computational efficiency and uncertainty with low to high-spatial resolution input factors (soil-hydraulic properties, soil-layer thickness and groundwater level) and evaluated four irrigation scenarios (no, current, optimized and triggered) to find the optimal and cost-effective irrigation scheduling. Numerical results showed that the simulation uncertainty was reduced when using the high-resolution information while a fast performance was maintained. The approach accurately determined the field scale irrigation requirements, taking into account spatial variations of input information. Optimal irrigation scheduling is obtained by triggered-irrigation resulting in saving up to similar to 300% water as compared to the current-irrigation, while yield increased similar to 1%. Overall, the approach can be useful to help decision makers and applicants in precision farming. (C) 2017 Published by Elsevier Ltd.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000403512500005 Publication Date 2017-03-21
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1364-8152 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved no
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:144167 Serial 8445
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Author Peng, L.; Carvajal-Arroyo, J.M.; Seuntjens, D.; Prat, D.; Colica, G.; Pintucci, C.; Vlaeminck, S.E.
Title Smart operation of nitritation/denitritation virtually abolishes nitrous oxide emission during treatment of co-digested pig slurry centrate Type A1 Journal article
Year 2017 Publication Water research Abbreviated Journal
Volume 127 Issue Pages 1-10
Keywords (down) A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract The implementation of nitritation/denitritation (Nit/DNit) as alternative to nitrification/denitrification (N/DN) is driven by operational cost savings, e.g. 1.0-1.8 EUR/ton slurry treated. However, as for any biological nitrogen removal process, Nit/DNit can emit the potent greenhouse gas nitrous oxide (N2O). Challenges remain in understanding formation mechanisms and in mitigating the emissions, particularly at a low ratio of organic carbon consumption to nitrogen removal (CODrem/N-rem). In this study, the centrate (centrifuge supernatant) from anaerobic co-digestion of pig slurry was treated in a sequencing batch reactor. The process removed approximately 100% of ammonium a satisfactory nitrogen loading rate (0.4 g N/L/d), with minimum nitrite and nitrate in the effluent. Substantial N2O emission (around 17% of the ammonium nitrogen loading) was observed at the baseline operational condition (dissolved oxygen, DO, levels averaged at 0.85 mg O-2/L; CODrem/N-rem of 2.8) with similar to 68% of the total emission contributed by nitritation. Emissions increased with higher nitrite accumulation and lower organic carbon to nitrogen ratio. Yet, higher DO levels (similar to 2.2 mg O-2/L) lowered the aerobic N2O emission and weakened the dependency on nitrite concentration, suggesting a shift in N2O production pathway. The most effective N2O mitigation strategy combined intermittent patterns of aeration, anoxic feeding and anoxic carbon dosage, decreasing emission by over 99% (down to similar to 0.12% of the ammonium nitrogen loading). Without anaerobic digestion, mitigated Nit/DNit decreases the operational carbon footprint with about 80% compared to N/DN. With anaerobic digestion included, about 4 times more carbon is sequestered. In conclusion, the low CODrem/N-rem feature of Nit/DNit no longer offsets its environmental sustainability provided the process is smartly operated. (c) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000418219000001 Publication Date 2017-09-30
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0043-1354; 1879-2448 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved no
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:148521 Serial 8548
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Author Defoirdt, T.; Vlaeminck, S.E.; Sun, X.; Boon, N.; Clauwaert, P.
Title Ureolytic activity and its regulation in vibrio campbellii and vibrio harveyi in relation to nitrogen recovery from human urine Type A1 Journal article
Year 2017 Publication Environmental science and technology Abbreviated Journal
Volume 51 Issue 22 Pages 13335-13343
Keywords (down) A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract Human urine contains a high concentration of nitrogen and is therefore an interesting source for nutrient recovery. Ureolysis is a key requirement in many processes aiming at nitrogen recovery from urine. Although ureolytic activity is widespread in terrestrial and aquatic environments, very little is known about the urease activity and regulation in specific bacteria other than human pathogens. Given the relatively high salt concentration of urine, marine bacteria would be particularly well suited for biotechnological applications involving nitrogen recovery from urine, and therefore, in this study, we investigated ureolytic activity and its regulation in marine vibrios. Thirteen out of 14 strains showed ureolytic activity. The urease activity was induced by urea, since complete and very rapid hydrolysis, up to 4 g L-1 of urea, was observed in synthetic human urine when the bacteria were pretreated with 10 g L-1 urea, whereas slow hydrolysis occurred when they were pretreated with 1 g L-1 urea (14-35% hydrolysis after 2 days). There was no correlation between biofilm formation and "motility on one hand, and ureolysis on the other hand, and biofilm and motility inhibitors did not affect ureolysis. Together, our data demonstrate for the first time the potential of marine vibrios as fast urea hydrolyzers for biotechnological applications aiming at nutrient recovery from human urine.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000416496700032 Publication Date 2017-10-30
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0013-936x; 1520-5851 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved no
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:147703 Serial 8716
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Author Wang, W.; Patil, B.; Heijkers, S.; Hessel, V.; Bogaerts, A.
Title Nitrogen Fixation by Gliding Arc Plasma: Better Insight by Chemical Kinetics Modelling Type A1 Journal Article
Year 2017 Publication Chemsuschem Abbreviated Journal Chemsuschem
Volume 10 Issue 10 Pages 2110-2110
Keywords (down) A1 Journal Article; Plasma, laser ablation and surface modeling Antwerp (PLASMANT) ;
Abstract The conversion of atmospheric nitrogen into valuable compounds, that is, so-called nitrogen fixation, is gaining increased interest, owing to the essential role in the nitrogen cycle of the biosphere. Plasma technology, and more specifically gliding arc plasma, has great potential in this area, but little is known about the underlying mechanisms. Therefore, we developed a detailed chemical kinetics model for a pulsed-power gliding-arc reactor operating at atmospheric pressure for nitrogen oxide synthesis. Experiments are performed to validate the model and reasonable agreement is reached between the calculated and measured NO and NO2 yields and the corresponding energy efficiency for NOx formation for different N2/O2 ratios, indicating that the model can provide a realistic picture of the plasma chemistry. Therefore, we can use the model to investigate the reaction pathways for the formation and loss of NOx. The results indicate that vibrational excitation of N2 in the gliding arc contributes significantly to activating the N2 molecules, and leads to an energy efficient way of NOx production, compared to the thermal process. Based on the underlying chemistry, the model allows us to propose solutions on how to further improve the NOx formation by gliding arc technology. Although the energy efficiency of the gliding-arc-based nitrogen fixation process at the present stage is not comparable to the world-scale Haber–Bosch process, we believe our study helps us to come up with more realistic scenarios of entering a cutting-edge innovation in new business cases for the decentralised production of fertilisers for agriculture, in which lowtemperature plasma technology might play an important role.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos Publication Date 2017-05-11
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1864-5631 ISBN Additional Links
Impact Factor 7.226 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access
Notes This research was supported by the European Marie Skłodowska- Curie Individual Fellowship “GlidArc” within Horizon 2020 (Grant No.657304), by the FWO project (grant G.0383.16 N) and by the EU project MAPSYN: Microwave, Acoustic and Plasma assisted SYNthesis, under the grant agreement no. CP-IP 309376 of the European Community’s Seventh Framework Program. 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: 7.226
Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @ Serial 4573
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Author Bogaerts, A.; Ameye, L.; Bijlholt, M.; Amuli, K.; Heynickx, D.; Devlieger, R.
Title INTER-ACT : prevention of pregnancy complications through an e-health driven interpregnancy lifestyle intervention: study protocol of a multicentre randomised controlled trial Type A1 Journal article
Year 2017 Publication BMC pregnancy and childbirth Abbreviated Journal Bmc Pregnancy Childb
Volume 17 Issue Pages 154
Keywords (down) A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT); Centre for Research and Innovation in Care (CRIC)
Abstract Background Excessive maternal pre-pregnancy and gestational weight gain are related to pregnancy- and birth outcomes. The interpregnancy time window offers a unique opportunity to intervene in order to acquire a healthy lifestyle before the start of a new pregnancy. Methods INTER-ACT is an e-health driven multicentre randomised controlled intervention trial targeting women at high risk of pregnancy- and birth related complications. Eligible women are recruited for the study at day 2 or 3 postpartum. At week 6 postpartum, participants are randomised into the intervention or control arm of the study. The intervention focuses on weight, diet, physical activity and mental well-being, and comprises face-to-face coaching, in which behavioural change techniques are central, and use of a mobile application, which is Bluetooth-connected to a weighing scale and activity tracker. The intervention is rolled out postpartum (4 coaching sessions between week 6 and month 6) and in a new pregnancy (3 coaching sessions, one in each trimester of pregnancy); the mobile app is used throughout the two intervention phases. Data collection includes data from the medical record of the participants (pregnancy outcomes and medical history), anthropometric data (height, weight, waist- and hip circumferences, skinfold thickness and body composition by bio-electrical impedance analysis), data from the mobile app (physical activity and weight; intervention group only) and questionnaires (socio-demographics, breastfeeding, food intake, physical activity, lifestyle, psychosocial factors and process evaluation). Medical record data are collected at inclusion and at delivery of the subsequent pregnancy. All other data are collected at week 6 and month 6 postpartum and every subsequent 6 months until a new pregnancy, and in every trimester in the new pregnancy. Primary outcome is the composite endpoint score of pregnancy-induced hypertension, gestational diabetes mellitus, caesarean section, and large-for-gestational-age infant in the subsequent pregnancy.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication London Editor
Language Wos 000402116300002 Publication Date 2017-05-26
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1471-2393 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 2.263 Times cited 4 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 2.263
Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:143234 Serial 4663
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Author Sun, S.R.; Wang, H.X.; Mei, D.H.; Tu, X.; Bogaerts, A.
Title CO2 conversion in a gliding arc plasma: Performance improvement based on chemical reaction modeling Type A1 Journal article
Year 2017 Publication Journal of CO2 utilization Abbreviated Journal J Co2 Util
Volume 17 Issue 17 Pages 220-234
Keywords (down) A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract CO2 conversion into value-added chemicals is gaining increasing interest in recent years, and a gliding arc plasma has great potential for this purpose, because of its high energy efficiency. In this study, a chemical reaction kinetics model is presented to study the CO2 splitting in a gliding arc discharge. The calculated

conversion and energy efficiency are in good agreement with experimental data in a range of different operating conditions. Therefore, this reaction kinetics model can be used to elucidate the dominant chemical reactions contributing to CO2 destruction and formation. Based on this reaction pathway analysis, the restricting factors for CO2 conversion are figured out, i.e., the reverse reactions and the small treated gas fraction. This allows us to propose some solutions in order to improve the CO2 conversion, such as decreasing the gas temperature, by using a high frequency discharge, or increasing the power

density, by using a micro-scale gliding arc reactor, or by removing the reverse reactions, which could be realized in practice by adding possible scavengers for O atoms, such as CH4. Finally, we compare our results with other types of plasmas in terms of conversion and energy efficiency, and the results illustrate that gliding arc discharges are indeed quite promising for CO2 conversion, certainly when keeping in mind the possible solutions for further performance improvement.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000393928500023 Publication Date 2016-12-28
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2212-9820 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 4.292 Times cited 41 Open Access Not_Open_Access
Notes We acknowledge financial support from the IAP/7 (Inter- university Attraction Pole) program ‘PSI-Physical Chemistry of Plasma-Surface Interactions’ by the Belgian Federal Office for Science Policy (BELSPO) and the Fund for Scientific Research Flanders (FWO; Grant no. G.0383.16N). The calculations were carried out 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. This work is also supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China (grant nos. 11275021, 11575019). S R Sun thanks the financial support from the China Scholarship Council (CSC). Approved Most recent IF: 4.292
Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @ c:irua:138986 Serial 4332
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Author Sun, S.R.; Kolev, S.; Wang, H.X.; Bogaerts, A.
Title Coupled gas flow-plasma model for a gliding arc: investigations of the back-breakdown phenomenon and its effect on the gliding arc characteristics Type A1 Journal article
Year 2017 Publication Plasma sources science and technology Abbreviated Journal Plasma Sources Sci T
Volume 26 Issue 26 Pages 015003
Keywords (down) A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract We present a 3D and 2D Cartesian quasi-neutral plasma model for a low current argon gliding arc discharge, including strong interactions between the gas flow and arc plasma column.

The 3D model is applied only for a short time of 0.2 ms due to its huge computational cost. It mainly serves to verify the reliability of the 2D model. As the results in 2D compare well with those in 3D, they can be used for a better understanding of the gliding arc basic characteristics. More specifically, we investigate the back-breakdown phenomenon induced by an artificially controlled plasma channel, and we discuss its effect on the gliding arc characteristics. The

back-breakdown phenomenon, or backward-jump motion of the arc, as observed in the experiments, results in a drop of the gas temperature, as well as in a delay of the arc velocity with respect to the gas flow velocity, allowing more gas to pass through the arc, and thus increasing the efficiency of the gliding arc for gas treatment applications.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000419253000001 Publication Date 2016-11-22
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1361-6595 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 3.302 Times cited 9 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes This work is financially supported by the Methusalem financing, by the Fund for Scientific Research Flanders (FWO) and by the IAP/7 (Inter-university Attraction Pole) program ‘Physical Chemistry of Plasma-Surface Interactions’ from the Belgian Federal Office for Science Policy (BELSPO). The work was carried out in part using the Turing HPC infrastructure of 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. This work was also supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos. 11275021, 11575019). S R Sun thanks the financial support from the China Scholarship Council. Approved Most recent IF: 3.302
Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @ c:irua:138993 Serial 4337
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Author Shirazi, M.; Neyts, E.C.; Bogaerts, A.
Title DFT study of Ni-catalyzed plasma dry reforming of methane Type A1 Journal article
Year 2017 Publication Applied catalysis : B : environmental Abbreviated Journal Appl Catal B-Environ
Volume 205 Issue 205 Pages 605-614
Keywords (down) A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract tWe investigated the plasma-assisted catalytic reactions for the production of value-added chemicalsfrom Ni-catalyzed plasma dry reforming of methane by means of density functional theory (DFT). Weinspected many activation barriers, from the early stage of adsorption of the major chemical fragmentsderived fromCH4andCO2molecules up to the formation of value-added chemicals at the surface, focusingon the formation of methanol, as well as the hydrogenation of C1and C2hydrocarbon fragments. Theactivation barrier calculations show that the presence of surface-bound H atoms and in some cases alsoremaining chemical fragments at the surface facilitates the formation of products. This implies that thehydrogenation of a chemical fragment on the hydrogenated crystalline surface is energetically favouredcompared to the simple hydrogenation of the chemical fragment at the bare Ni(111) surface. Indeed, thepresence of hydrogen modifies the electronic structure of the surface and the course of the reactions.We therefore conclude that surface-bound H atoms, and to some extent also the remaining chemicalfragments at the crystalline surface, induce the following effects: they facilitate associative desorption ofmethanol and ethane by increasing the rate of H-transfer to the adsorbed fragments while they impedehydrogenation of ethylene to ethane, thus promoting again the desorption of ethylene. Overall, they thusfacilitate the catalytic conversion of the formed fragments from CH4and CO2, into value-added chemicals.Finally, we believe that the retention of methane fragments, especially CH3, in the presence of surface-boundHatoms (as observed here for Ni) can be regarded as an identifier for the proper choice of a catalystfor the production of value-added chemicals.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000393931000063 Publication Date 2017-01-05
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0926-3373 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 9.446 Times cited 26 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Financial support from the Reactive Atmospheric Plasmaprocessing –eDucation network (RAPID), through the EU 7thFramework Programme (grant agreement no. 606889) is grate-fully acknowledged. The calculations were performed using theTuring HPC infrastructure at the CalcUA core facility of the Univer-siteit Antwerpen, a division of the Flemish Supercomputer CenterVSC, funded by the Hercules Foundation, the Flemish Approved Most recent IF: 9.446
Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @ c:irua:139514 Serial 4343
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Author Yusupov, M.; Van der Paal, J.; Neyts, E.C.; Bogaerts, A.
Title Synergistic effect of electric field and lipid oxidation on the permeability of cell membranes Type A1 Journal article
Year 2017 Publication Biochimica et biophysica acta : G : general subjects Abbreviated Journal Bba-Gen Subjects
Volume 1861 Issue 1861 Pages 839-847
Keywords (down) A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract Background: Strong electric fields are knownto affect cell membrane permeability,which can be applied for therapeutic purposes, e.g., in cancer therapy. A synergistic enhancement of this effect may be accomplished by the presence of reactive oxygen species (ROS), as generated in cold atmospheric plasmas. Little is known about the synergy between lipid oxidation by ROS and the electric field, nor on howthis affects the cell membrane permeability.

Method: We here conduct molecular dynamics simulations to elucidate the dynamics of the permeation process under the influence of combined lipid oxidation and electroporation. A phospholipid bilayer (PLB), consisting of di-oleoyl-phosphatidylcholine molecules covered with water layers, is used as a model system for the plasma membrane.

Results and conclusions:Weshow howoxidation of the lipids in the PLB leads to an increase of the permeability of the bilayer to ROS, although the permeation free energy barriers still remain relatively high. More importantly, oxidation of the lipids results in a drop of the electric field threshold needed for pore formation (i.e., electroporation) in the PLB. The created pores in the membrane facilitate the penetration of reactive plasma species deep into the cell interior, eventually causing oxidative damage.

General significance: This study is of particular interest for plasma medicine, as plasma generates both ROS and electric fields, but it is also of more general interest for applications where strong electric fields and ROS both come into play.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000397366200012 Publication Date 2017-01-27
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0304-4165 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 4.702 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes This work is financially supported by the Fund for Scientific Research Flanders (FWO; grant numbers: 1200216N and 11U5416N). The work was carried out using the Turing HPC infrastructure of the CalcUA core facility of the Universiteit Antwerpen, a division of the Flemish Supercomputer Center VSC, funded by the Hercules Foundation, the Flem Approved Most recent IF: 4.702
Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @ c:irua:140095 Serial 4413
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Author Ozkan, A.; Bogaerts, A.; Reniers, F.
Title Routes to increase the conversion and the energy efficiency in the splitting of CO2by a dielectric barrier discharge Type A1 Journal article
Year 2017 Publication Journal of physics: D: applied physics Abbreviated Journal J Phys D Appl Phys
Volume 50 Issue 50 Pages 084004
Keywords (down) A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract Here, we present routes to increase CO2 conversion into CO using an atmospheric pressure dielectric-barrier discharge. The change in conversion as a function of simple plasma parameters, such as power, flow rate, but also frequency, on-and-off power pulse, thickness and the chemical nature of the dielectric, wall and gas temperature, are described. By means of an in-depth electrical characterization of the discharge (effective plasma voltage, dielectric voltage, plasma current, number and lifetime of the microdischarges), combined with infrared analysis of the walls of the reactor, optical emission spectroscopy for the gas temperature, and mass spectrometry for the CO2 conversion, we propose a global interpretation of the effect of all the experimental parameters on the conversion and efficiency of the reaction.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000395400700001 Publication Date 2017-01-30
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 28 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes The authors acknowledge financial support from the IAPVII/ 12, P7/34 (Interuniversity Attraction Pole) program PSIPhysical Chemistry of Plasma–Surface Interaction financially supported by the Belgian Federal Office for Science Policy (BELSPO). A Ozkan would like to thank the financial support given by the Fonds David et Alice Van Buuren. Approved Most recent IF: 2.588
Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @ c:irua:140093 Serial 4415
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Author Bogaerts, A.; Aghaei, M.
Title Inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry: insights through computer modeling Type A1 Journal article
Year 2017 Publication Journal of analytical atomic spectrometry Abbreviated Journal J Anal Atom Spectrom
Volume 32 Issue 32 Pages 233-261
Keywords (down) A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract In this tutorial review paper, we illustrate how computer modeling can contribute to a better insight in inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). We start with a brief overview on previous efforts, studying the fundamentals of the ICP and ICP-MS, with main focus on previous modeling activities. Subsequently, we explain in detail the model that we developed in previous years, and we show typical calculation results, illustrating the plasma characteristics, gas flow patterns and the sample transport, evaporation and ionization. We also present the effect of various experimental parameters, such as operating conditions, geometrical aspects and sample characteristics, to illustrate how modeling can help to elucidate the optimal conditions for improved analytical performance.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000395529800002 Publication Date 2016-12-07
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0267-9477 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 3.379 Times cited 14 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes The authors are very grateful to H. Lindner for the initial model development and for the many interesting discussions. They also gratefully acknowledge nancial support from the Fonds voor Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek (FWO; Grant number 6713). The calculations were carried out 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: 3.379
Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @ c:irua:140074 Serial 4416
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Author Verlackt, C.C.W.; Neyts, E.C.; Bogaerts, A.
Title Atomic scale behavior of oxygen-based radicals in water Type A1 Journal article
Year 2017 Publication Journal of physics: D: applied physics Abbreviated Journal J Phys D Appl Phys
Volume 50 Issue 50 Pages 11LT01
Keywords (down) A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract Cold atmospheric pressure plasmas in and in contact with liquids represent a growing field of research for various applications. Understanding the interactions between the plasma generated species and the liquid is crucial. In this work we perform molecular dynamics (MD) simulations based on a quantum mechanical method, i.e. density-functional based tight-binding (DFTB), to examine the interactions of OH radicals and O atoms in bulk water. Our calculations reveal that the transport of OH radicals through water is not only governed by diffusion, but also by an equilibrium reaction of H-abstraction with water molecules. Furthermore, when two OH radicals encounter each other, they either form a stable cluster, or react, resulting in the formation of a new water molecule and an O atom. In addition,

the O atoms form either oxywater (when in singlet configuration) or they remain stable in solution (when in triplet configuration), stressing the important role that O atoms can play in aqueous solution, and in contact with biomolecules. Our observations are in line with both experimental and ab initio results from the literature.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000415252400001 Publication Date 2017-02-13
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 11 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes The authors thank Peter Bruggeman (University of Minnesota, USA) and Jan Benedikt (Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Germany) for the interesting discussions regarding the existence of O in aqueous solutions. Furthermore, they acknowledge financial support from the Fund for Scientific Research (FWO) Flanders (project number G012413N). The calculations were performed 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: 2.588
Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @ c:irua:140845 Serial 4420
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Author Tit, N.; Al Ezzi, M.M.; Abdullah, H.M.; Yusupov, M.; Kouser, S.; Bahlouli, H.; Yamani, Z.H.
Title Detection of CO2 using CNT-based sensors: Role of Fe catalyst on sensitivity and selectivity Type A1 Journal article
Year 2017 Publication Materials chemistry and physics Abbreviated Journal Mater Chem Phys
Volume 186 Issue 186 Pages 353-364
Keywords (down) A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract The adsorption of CO2 on surfaces of graphene and carbon nanotubes (CNTs), decorated with Fe atoms, are investigated using the self-consistent-charge density-functional tight-binding (SCC-DFTB) method, neglecting the heat effects. Fe ad-atoms are more stable when they are dispersed on hollow sites. They introduce a large density of states at the Fermi level (N-F); where keeping such density low would help in gas sensing. Furthermore, the Fe ad-atom can weaken the C=O double bonds of the chemisorbed CO2 molecule, paving the way for oxygen atoms to drain more charges from Fe. Consequently, chemisorption of CO2 molecules reduces both N-F and the conductance while it enhances the sensitivity with the increasing gas dose. Conducting armchair CNTs (ac-CNTs) have higher sensitivity than graphene and semiconducting zigzag CNTs (zz-CNT5). Comparative study of sensitivity of ac-CNT-Fe composite towards various gases (e.g., O-2, N-2, H-2, H2O, CO and CO2) has shown high sensitivity and selectivity towards CO, CO2 and H2O gases. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Lausanne Editor
Language Wos 000390621200044 Publication Date 2016-11-04
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0254-0584 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 2.084 Times cited 17 Open Access Not_Open_Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 2.084
Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:140333 Serial 4465
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Author Belov, I.; Vanneste, J.; Aghaee, M.; Paulussen, S.; Bogaerts, A.
Title Synthesis of Micro- and Nanomaterials in CO2and CO Dielectric Barrier Discharges: Synthesis of Micro- and Nanomaterials… Type A1 Journal article
Year 2017 Publication Plasma processes and polymers Abbreviated Journal Plasma Process Polym
Volume 14 Issue 14 Pages 1600065
Keywords (down) A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract Dielectric Barrier Discharges operating in CO and CO2 form solid products at atmospheric pressure. The main differences between both plasmas and their deposits were analyzed, at similar energy input. GC measurements revealed a mixture of CO2, CO, and O2 in the CO2 DBD exhaust, while no O2 was found in the CO plasma. A coating of nanoparticles composed of Fe, O, and C was produced by the CO2 discharge, whereas, a microscopic dendrite-like carbon structure was formed in the CO plasma. Fe3O4 and Fe crystalline phases were found in the CO2 sample. The CO

deposition was characterized as an amorphous structure, close to polymeric CO (p-CO). Interestingly, p-CO is not formed in the CO2 plasma, in spite of the significant amounts of CO produced (up to 30% in the reactor exhaust).
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000397476000007 Publication Date 2016-07-29
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 10 Open Access Not_Open_Access
Notes European Union Seventh Framework Programme FP7-PEOPLE-2013-ITN, 606889 ; Approved Most recent IF: 2.846
Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @ c:irua:141759 Serial 4487
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Author Neyts, E.C.; Brault, P.
Title Molecular Dynamics Simulations for Plasma-Surface Interactions: Molecular Dynamics Simulations… Type A1 Journal article
Year 2017 Publication Plasma processes and polymers Abbreviated Journal Plasma Process Polym
Volume 14 Issue 14 Pages 1600145
Keywords (down) A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract Plasma-surface interactions are in general highly complex due to the interplay of many concurrent processes. Molecular dynamics simulations provide insight in some of these processes, subject to the accessible time and length scales, and the availability of suitable force fields. In this introductory tutorial-style review, we aim to describe the current capabilities and limitations of molecular dynamics simulations in this field, restricting ourselves to low-temperature nonthermal plasmas. Attention is paid to the simulation of the various fundamental processes occurring, including sputtering, etching, implantation, and deposition, as well as to what extent the basic plasma components can be accounted for, including ground state and excited species, electric fields, ions, photons, and electrons. A number of examples is provided, giving an bird’s eye overview of the current state of the field.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000393184600009 Publication Date 2016-09-07
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 13 Open Access Not_Open_Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 2.846
Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @ c:irua:141758 Serial 4488
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Author Khalilov, U.; Bogaerts, A.; Neyts, E.C.
Title Atomic-scale mechanisms of plasma-assisted elimination of nascent base-grown carbon nanotubes Type A1 Journal article
Year 2017 Publication Carbon Abbreviated Journal Carbon
Volume 118 Issue 118 Pages 452-457
Keywords (down) A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract Selective etching allows for obtaining carbon nanotubes with a specific chirality. While plasma-assisted etching has already been used to separate metallic tubes from their semiconducting counterparts, little is known about the nanoscale mechanisms of the etching process. We combine (reactive) molecular dynamics (MD) and force-bias Monte Carlo (tfMC) simulations to study H-etching of CNTs. In particular, during the hydrogenation and subsequent etching of both the carbon cap and the tube, they sequentially transform to different carbon nanostructures, including carbon nanosheet, nanowall, and polyyne chains, before they are completely removed from the surface of a substrate-bound Ni-nanocluster.We also found that onset of the etching process is different in the cases of the cap and the tube, although the overall etching scenario is similar in both cases. The entire hydrogenation/etching process for both cases is analysed in detail, comparing with available theoretical and experimental evidences.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000401120800053 Publication Date 2017-03-26
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 2 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes U. K. gratefully acknowledges financial support from the Research Foundation – Flanders (FWO), Belgium (Grant No. 12M1315N). The work was carried out in part using the Turing HPC infrastructure of the CalcUA core facility of the Universiteit Antwerpen, a division of the Flemish Supercomputer Centre VSC, funded by the Hercules Foundation, the Flemish Government (department EWI) and the Universiteit Antwerpen. The authors also thank Prof. A. C. T. van Duin for sharing the ReaxFF code. Approved Most recent IF: 6.337
Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @ c:irua:141915 Serial 4531
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Author Khalilov, U.; Bogaerts, A.; Hussain, S.; Kovacevic, E.; Brault, P.; Boulmer-Leborgne, C.; Neyts, E.C.
Title Nanoscale mechanisms of CNT growth and etching in plasma environment Type A1 Journal article
Year 2017 Publication Journal of physics: D: applied physics Abbreviated Journal J Phys D Appl Phys
Volume 50 Issue 50 Pages 184001
Keywords (down) A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract Plasma-enhanced chemical deposition (PECVD) of carbon nanotubes has already been shown to allow chirality control to some extent. In PECVD, however, etching may occur simultaneously with the growth, and the occurrence of intermediate processes further significantly complicates the growth process.

We here employ a computational approach with experimental support to study the plasma-based formation of Ni nanoclusters, Ni-catalyzed CNT growth and subsequent etching processes, in order to understand the underpinning nanoscale mechanisms. We find that hydrogen is the dominant factor in both the re-structuring of a Ni film and the subsequent appearance of Ni nanoclusters, as well as in the CNT nucleation and etching processes. The obtained results are compared with available theoretical and experimental studies and provide a deeper understanding of the occurring nanoscale mechanisms in plasma-assisted CNT nucleation and growth.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000398300900001 Publication Date 2017-04-03
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 6 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes UK gratefully acknowledges financial support from the Research Foundation – Flanders (FWO), Belgium (Grant No. 12M1315N). The work was carried out in part using the Turing HPC infrastructure of the CalcUA core facility of the Universiteit Antwerpen, a division of the Flemish Supercomputer Centre VSC, funded by the Hercules Foundation, the Flemish Government (department EWI) and the Universiteit Antwerpen. The authors also thank Prof A C T van Duin for sharing the ReaxFF code. Approved Most recent IF: 2.588
Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @ c:irua:141918 Serial 4533
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Author Trenchev, G.; Kolev, S.; Kiss’ovski, Z.
Title Modeling a Langmuir probe in atmospheric pressure plasma at different EEDFs Type A1 Journal article
Year 2017 Publication Plasma sources science and technology Abbreviated Journal Plasma Sources Sci T
Volume 26 Issue 26 Pages 055013
Keywords (down) A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract In this study, we present a computational model of a cylindrical electric probe in atmospheric pressure argon plasma. The plasma properties are varied in terms of density and electron temperature. Furthermore, results for plasmas with Maxwellian and non-Maxwellian electron energy distribution functions are also obtained and compared. The model is based on the fluid description of plasma within the COMSOL software package. The results for the ion saturation current are compared and show good agreement with existing analytical Langmuir probe theories. A strong dependence between the ion saturation current and electron transport properties was observed, and attributed to the effects of ambipolar diffusion.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000398327900002 Publication Date 2017-04-03
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1361-6595 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 3.302 Times cited 4 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 3.302
Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @ c:irua:141914 Serial 4535
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