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Smits M (2013) Photocatalytic degradation of diesel soot : from application to reaction mechanism. 160 p
Keywords: Doctoral thesis; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
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Jochems P (2013) Process intensification by immobilization of \beta-galactosidase on a mixed matrix membrance : galacto-oligosaccharides production as a case study. 199 p
Keywords: Doctoral thesis; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
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Lu Y (2013) Electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS) characterization of diamond and related materials. Antwerpen
Keywords: Doctoral thesis; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
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Batuk M (2013) New perovskite-based homologous series : AnBnO3n-2 and An+1BnO3n-1Cl. Antwerpen
Keywords: Doctoral thesis; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
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Komendová, L (2013) Characteristic length scales and vortex interactions in two-component superconducting systems. Antwerpen
Keywords: Doctoral thesis; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
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Zarenia M (2013) Confined states in mono- and bi-layer grapheme nanostructures. Antwerpen
Keywords: Doctoral thesis; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
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Kapra A (2013) Controlling the flux dynamics in superconductors by nanostructured magnetic arrays. Antwerpen
Keywords: Doctoral thesis; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
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Kishore VVR (2013) Electronic structure of core-shell nanowires. Antwerpen
Keywords: Doctoral thesis; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
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Alfeld MW (2013) Development of scanning macr-XRF for the investigation of historical paintings. 264 p
Keywords: Doctoral thesis; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
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de Nolf W (2013) Imaging of crystalline phase distributions by means of scanning and tomographic X-ray powder diffraction. 407 p
Keywords: Doctoral thesis; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
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“State-of-the-art X-ray fluorescence instrumentation for chemical analysis”. Margui E, Van Grieken R, Petro Industry News , 16 (2013)
Abstract: Nowadays, X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF) is a well-established analytical technique for qualitative and quantitative elemental analysis (sometimes from Be to U) of a wide variety of samples. In particular, the truly multi-element character, acceptable speed and economy, ease of automation and the possibility to directly analyse solid samples are the most important features among the many that have made it a very mature analytical tool for routine quality controls in many industries, as well as for analytical support for the research laboratory.e recent technological advances, including the design of low-power micro-focus tubes and the novel X-ray optics and detectors have made it possible to extend XRF to the determination of low-Z elements and to obtain 2D or 3D information on a micrometre-scale. Furthermore, the recent development and commercialisation of benchtop and portable instrumentation, that offer extreme simplicity of operation in a low-cost design, have promoted even more the approach of XRF for many analytical problems.is article highlights this state-of-the art technique with regards to currently available XRF instrumentation on the market as well as recent applications in environmental and industrial fields.
Keywords: A3 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
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“About “bulky&rdquo, links generated by generalized Möbius-Listing bodies GML2n”. Gielis J, Tavkhelidze I, Ricci PE, Journal of mathematical sciences 193, 449 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1007/S10958-013-1474-7
Abstract: In this paper, we consider the bulky knots and bulky links, which appear after cutting of a Generalized MöbiusListing GMLn2 body (with the radial cross section a convex plane 2-symmetric figure with two vertices) along a different Generalized MöbiusListing surfaces GMLn2 situated in it. The aim of this report is to investigate the number and geometric structure of the independent objects that appear after such a cutting process of GMLn2 bodies. In most cases we are able to count the indices of the resulting mathematical objects according to the known classification for the standard knots and links.
Keywords: A2 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
DOI: 10.1007/S10958-013-1474-7
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“Diatom silica-titania materials for photocatalytic air purification”. Van Eynde E, Tytgat T, Smits M, Verbruggen S, Hauchecorne B, Blust R, Lenaerts S, Communications in agricultural and applied biological sciences 1, 141 (2013)
Keywords: A2 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
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“Study of a TiO2 photocatalytic coating for use in plasma catalysis”. Van Wesenbeeck K, Hauchecorne B, Lenaerts S, Communications in agricultural and applied biological sciences 78, 227 (2013)
Keywords: A2 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
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“Wigner distribution functions for complex dynamical systems : a path integral approach”. Sels D, Brosens F, Magnus W, Physica: A : theoretical and statistical physics 392, 326 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.physa.2012.09.007
Abstract: Starting from Feynmans Lagrangian description of quantum mechanics, we propose a method to construct explicitly the propagator for the Wigner distribution function of a single system. For general quadratic Lagrangians, only the classical phase space trajectory is found to contribute to the propagator. Inspired by Feynmans and Vernons influence functional theory we extend the method to calculate the propagator for the reduced Wigner function of a system of interest coupled to an external system. Explicit expressions are obtained when the external system consists of a set of independent harmonic oscillators. As an example we calculate the propagator for the reduced Wigner function associated with the CaldeiraLegett model.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Theory of quantum systems and complex systems; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 2.243
Times cited: 9
DOI: 10.1016/j.physa.2012.09.007
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“Modeling of the performance of BSCF capillary membranes in four-end and three-end integration mode”. Buysse C, Michielsen B, Middelkoop V, Snijkers F, Buekenhondt A, Kretzschmar J, Lenaerts S, Ceramics international 39, 4113 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.CERAMINT.2012.10.266
Abstract: Owing to their high surface-to-volume ratio, there has been an increasing research interest in mixed ionic electronic conducting (MIEC) capillary membranes for large-scale high temperature oxygen separation applications. They offer an energy-efficient solution for high temperature combustion processes in oxy-fuel and pre-combustion CO2 capture technologies used in fossil fuel power plants. In order to assess the effectiveness of these membranes in power plant applications, the impact of the geometry of Ba0.5Sr0.5Co0.8Fe0.2O3-delta (BSCF) capillaries on their performance in the three-end and four-end integration modes has been investigated and thoroughly discussed. The model's parameters were derived from four-end mode lab-scale experiments using gas-tight, macrovoid free and sulfur-free BSCF capillary membranes that were prepared by a phase-inversion spinning technique. The results of this modeling study revealed that in the four-end mode higher average oxygen fluxes and smaller total membrane areas can be obtained than in the three-end mode. This is due to the higher pO(2) gradient across the membrane wall. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd and Techna Group S.r.l. All rights reserved.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Impact Factor: 2.986
Times cited: 4
DOI: 10.1016/J.CERAMINT.2012.10.266
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“Characterisation of hydrous ferric oxides derived from iron-rich groundwaters and their contribution to the suspended sediment of streams”. Baken S, Sjostedt C, Gustafsson JP, Seuntjens P, Desmet N, De Schutter J, Smolders E, Applied geochemistry 39, 59 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.APGEOCHEM.2013.09.013
Abstract: When Fe(II) bearing groundwaters surface in streams, particulate authigenic Fe-rich material is produced by oxidation. Such freshly precipitated Fe minerals may be transported as suspended sediment and have a profound impact on the fate of trace metals and nutrients in rivers. The objective of this study was to monitor changes in mineralogy and composition of authigenic material from its source to streams of increasing order. Groundwaters, surface waters, and suspended sediment in streams of different order were sampled in the Kleine Nete catchment (Belgium), a lowland with Fe-rich groundwaters (3.5-53.8 mg Fe/L; pH 6.3-6.9). Fresh authigenic material (>0.45 mu m) was produced by oxidising filtered (<0.45 mu m) groundwater and surface water. This material contained, on average, 44% Fe, and smaller concentrations of C, P, and Ca. Iron EXAFS (Extended X-ray Absorption Fine Structure) spectroscopy showed that the Fe was present as poorly crystalline hydrous ferric oxides with a structure similar to that of ferrihydrite. The Fe concentration in the suspended sediment samples decreased to 36-40% (stream order 2), and further to 18-26% (stream order 4 and 5). Conversely, the concentrations of organic C, Ca, Si, and trace metals increased with increasing stream order, suggesting mixing of authigenic material with suspended sediment from a different source. The Fe speciation in the suspended sediment was similar to that in fresh authigenic material, but more Fe-Fe interactions were observed, i.e. it was increasingly hydrolysed, suggesting ageing reactions. The suspended sediment in the streams of order 4 and 5 is estimated to contain between 31% and 59% of authigenic material, but more data are needed to refine this estimate. The authigenic material is an important sink for P in these streams which may alleviate the eutrophication risk in this catchment. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
DOI: 10.1016/J.APGEOCHEM.2013.09.013
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“Unravelling the solvent flux behaviour of ceramic nanofiltration and ultrafiltration membranes”. Buekenhoudt A, Bisignano F, De Luca G, Vandezande P, Wouters M, Verhulst K, Journal of membrane science 439, 36 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.memsci.2013.03.032
Abstract: In order to increase the understanding of the underlying processes in organic solvent nanofiltration (OSN), a study has been undertaken aimed at clarifying the solvent flux behaviour of ceramic nanofiltration and ultrafiltration membranes. Ceramic membranes were chosen for their non-swelling character. Pure water and a variation of 11 different organic solvents were measured on a series of different ceramic membranes with pore-size diameters ranging from 0.9 nm up to 100 nm. To avoid any historical effects, each flux measurement was carried out on a new membrane. The flux results were analysed in a phenomenological way, and a common very simple linear relationship was observed between the product of flux and viscosity of the solvent, and the total Hansen solubility parameter of the solvent. The linear relationship was found for all membranes, independent of the membrane pore size and the membrane material. The slope of the linear relationship was found to depend exponentially on the pore-size diameter and on the polarity of the membrane surface. This result emphasizes the importance of viscosity in the solvent transport, but also of the polarity difference between membrane surface and solvent. The very simple flux model deduced, allows a straightforward prediction of the flux of any solvent or solvent mixture, once the water flux of the membrane is known. At the high pore-size end, the phenomenological model naturally transforms into the viscous-flow or pore-flow behaviour as required. A tentative physical explanation of the model takes into account the presence and extension of a water layer adsorbed to the total pore surface of these membranes. This work also shows that the water flux of a hydrophilic membrane gives a good indication of its molecular weight cut-off (MWCO), and therefore of its separation performance in water. (C)0 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT); Applied Electrochemistry & Catalysis (ELCAT)
Impact Factor: 6.035
Times cited: 55
DOI: 10.1016/j.memsci.2013.03.032
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“An electric field tunable energy band gap at silicene/(0001) ZnS interfaces”. Houssa M, van den Broek B, Scalise E, Pourtois G, Afanas'ev VV, Stesmans A, Physical chemistry, chemical physics 15, 3702 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1039/c3cp50391g
Abstract: The interaction of silicene, the silicon counterpart of graphene, with (0001) ZnS surfaces is investigated theoretically, using first-principles simulations. The charge transfer occurring at the silicene/(0001) ZnS interface leads to the opening of an indirect energy band gap of about 0.7 eV in silicene. Remarkably, the nature (indirect or direct) and magnitude of the energy band gap of silicene can be controlled by an external electric field: the energy gap is predicted to become direct for electric fields larger than about 0.5 V angstrom(-1), and the direct energy gap decreases approximately linearly with the applied electric field. The predicted electric field tunable energy band gap of the silicene/(0001) ZnS interface is very promising for its potential use in nanoelectronic devices.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 4.123
Times cited: 74
DOI: 10.1039/c3cp50391g
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“Atomic spectroscopy”. Bings NH, Bogaerts A, Broekaert JAC, Analytical chemistry 85, 670 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1021/ac3031459
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 6.32
Times cited: 29
DOI: 10.1021/ac3031459
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“Atomistic modelling of CVD synthesis of carbon nanotubes and graphene”. Elliott JA, Shibuta Y, Amara H, Bichara C, Neyts EC, Nanoscale 5, 6662 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1039/c3nr01925j
Abstract: We discuss the synthesis of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and graphene by catalytic chemical vapour deposition (CCVD) and plasma-enhanced CVD (PECVD), summarising the state-of-the-art understanding of mechanisms controlling their growth rate, chiral angle, number of layers (walls), diameter, length and quality (defects), before presenting a new model for 2D nucleation of a graphene sheet from amorphous carbon on a nickel surface. Although many groups have modelled this process using a variety of techniques, we ask whether there are any complementary ideas emerging from the different proposed growth mechanisms, and whether different modelling techniques can give the same answers for a given mechanism. Subsequently, by comparing the results of tight-binding, semi-empirical molecular orbital theory and reactive bond order force field calculations, we demonstrate that graphene on crystalline Ni(111) is thermodynamically stable with respect to the corresponding amorphous metal and carbon structures. Finally, we show in principle how a complementary heterogeneous nucleation step may play a key role in the transformation from amorphous carbon to graphene on the metal surface. We conclude that achieving the conditions under which this complementary crystallisation process can occur may be a promising method to gain better control over the growth processes of both graphene from flat metal surfaces and CNTs from catalyst nanoparticles.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 7.367
Times cited: 52
DOI: 10.1039/c3nr01925j
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“Combining molecular dynamics with Monte Carlo simulations : implementations and applications”. Neyts EC, Bogaerts A, Theoretical chemistry accounts : theory, computation, and modeling 132, 1320 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1007/s00214-012-1320-x
Abstract: In this contribution, we present an overview of the various techniques for combining atomistic molecular dynamics with Monte Carlo simulations, mainly in the context of condensed matter systems, as well as a brief summary of the main accelerated dynamics techniques. Special attention is given to the force bias Monte Carlo technique and its combination with molecular dynamics, in view of promising recent developments, including a definable timescale. Various examples of the application of combined molecular dynamics / Monte Carlo simulations are given, in order to demonstrate the enhanced simulation efficiency with respect to either pure molecular dynamics or Monte Carlo.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 1.89
Times cited: 27
DOI: 10.1007/s00214-012-1320-x
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“Comparative study of electron temperature and excitation temperature in a magnetic pole enhanced-inductively coupled argon plasma”. Khan AW, Jan F, Saeed A, Zaka-ul-Islam M, Abrar M, Khattak NAD, Zakaullah M, Current applied physics 13, 1241 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.cap.2013.03.016
Abstract: Magnetic Pole Enhanced-Inductively Coupled Plasmas (MaPE-ICPs) in analogy to the conventional ICPs exhibit two modes of operation, depending on the power coupling mechanism, i.e., a low power mode with dominant capacitive coupling (E-mode) and a high power mode with dominant inductive coupling (H-mode). A comparative study of the electron temperature measured by a Langmuir probe (T-e(LP)) and the electron excitation temperature (T-exc(OES)) determined by Optical Emission Spectroscopy (OES) is reported in the two distinct modes of a MaPE-ICP operated in argon. The dependence of T-e(LP), T-exc(OES) and their ratio (T-e(LP)/T-exc(OES)) on applied power (5-50 W) and gas pressure (15-60 mTorr) is explored, and the validity of T-exc(OES) as an alternative diagnostic to T-e(LP) is tested in the two modes of MaPE-ICP. The OES based non-invasive measurement of the plasma parameters such as electron temperature is very useful for plasma processing applications in which probe measurements are limited. (C) 2013 Elsevier B. V. All rights reserved.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 1.971
Times cited: 13
DOI: 10.1016/j.cap.2013.03.016
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“Defect healing and enhanced nucleation of carbon nanotubes by low-energy ion bombardment”. Neyts EC, Ostrikov K, Han ZJ, Kumar S, van Duin ACT, Bogaerts A, Physical review letters 110, 065501 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.110.065501
Abstract: Structural defects inevitably appear during the nucleation event that determines the structure and properties of single-walled carbon nanotubes. By combining ion bombardment experiments with atomistic simulations we reveal that ion bombardment in a suitable energy range allows these defects to be healed resulting in an enhanced nucleation of the carbon nanotube cap. The enhanced growth of the nanotube cap is explained by a nonthermal ion-induced graphene network restructuring mechanism.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 8.462
Times cited: 50
DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.110.065501
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“Determination of ultimate leakage through rutile TiO2 and tetragonal ZrO2 from ab initio complex band calculations”. Clima S, Kaczer B, Govoreanu B, Popovici M, Swerts J, Verhulst AS, Jurczak M, De Gendt S, Pourtois G, IEEE electron device letters 34, 402 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1109/LED.2013.2238885
Abstract: First-principle complex band structures have been computed for rutile TiO2 and tetragonal ZrO2 insulating materials that are of current technological relevance to dynamic random accessmemorymetal-insulator-metal (MIM) capacitors. From the magnitude of the complex wave vectors in different orientations, the most penetrating orientations have been identified. Tunneling effective masses m(tunnel) have been extracted, are shown to be a crucial parameter for the intrinsic leakage, and are identified to be an important parameter in further scaling of MIM capacitors.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 3.048
Times cited: 3
DOI: 10.1109/LED.2013.2238885
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“The effect of the sampling cone position and diameter on the gas flow dynamics in an ICP”. Aghaei M, Lindner H, Bogaerts A, Journal of analytical atomic spectrometry 28, 1485 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1039/c3ja50107h
Abstract: An inductively coupled plasma, connected to a sampling cone of a mass spectrometer, is computationally investigated. The effects of the sampler orifice diameter (ranging from 1 to 2 mm) and distance of the sampler cone from the load coil (ranging from 7 to 17 mm) are studied. An increase in sampler orifice diameter leads to a higher central plasma temperature at the place of the sampler, as well as more efficient gas transfer through the sampler, by reducing the interaction of the plasma gas with the sampling cone. However, the flow velocity at the sampler position is found to be independent of the sampler orifice diameter. Moreover, by changing the sampler orifice diameter, we can control whether only the central gas or also the auxiliary gas can exit through the sampler. Finally, with the increasing distance of the sampler from the load coil, the plasma temperature at the place of the sampler decreases slightly, which might also have consequences for the ion generation and transport through the sampling cone.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 3.379
Times cited: 14
DOI: 10.1039/c3ja50107h
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“Electron bounce resonance heating in dual-frequency capacitively coupled oxygen discharges”. Liu Y-X, Zhang Q-Z, Liu L, Song Y-H, Bogaerts A, Wang Y-N, Plasma sources science and technology 22, 025012 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1088/0963-0252/22/2/025012
Abstract: The electron bounce resonance heating (BRH) in dual-frequency capacitively coupled plasmas operated in oxygen is studied by different experimental methods and a particle-in-cell/Monte Carlo collision (PIC/MCC) simulation, and compared with the electropositive argon discharge. In comparison with argon, the experimental results show that in an oxygen discharge the resonance peaks in positive-ion density and light intensity tend to occur at larger electrode gaps. Moreover, at electrode gaps L > 2.5 cm, the positive-ion (and electron) density and the light emission drop monotonically in the oxygen discharge upon increasing L, whereas they rise (after an initial drop) in the argon case. At resonance gap the electronegativity reaches its maximum due to the BRH. All these experimental observations are explained by PIC/MCC simulations, which show that in the oxygen discharge the bulk electric field becomes quite strong and is out of phase with the sheath field. Therefore, it retards the resonance electrons when traversing the bulk, resulting in a suppressed BRH. Both experiment and simulation results show that this effect becomes more pronounced at lower high-frequency power, when the discharge mode changes from electropositive to electronegative. In a pure oxygen discharge, the BRH is suppressed with increasing pressure and almost diminishes at 12 Pa. Finally, the driving frequency significantly affects the BRH, because it determines the phase relation between bulk electric field and sheath electric field.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 3.302
Times cited: 20
DOI: 10.1088/0963-0252/22/2/025012
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“Epitaxial chemical vapor deposition of silicon on an oxygen monolayer on Si(100) substrates”. Delabie A, Jayachandran S, Caymax M, Loo R, Maggen J, Pourtois G, Douhard B, Conard T, Meersschaut J, Lenka H, Vandervorst W, Heyns M;, ECS solid state letters 2, P104 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1149/2.009311ssl
Abstract: Crystalline superlattices consisting of alternating periods of Si layers and O-atomic layers are potential new channel materials for scaled CMOS devices. In this letter, we investigate Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) for the controlled deposition of O-atoms with O-3 as precursor on Si(100) substrates and Si epitaxy on the O-layer. The O-3 reaction at 50 degrees C on the H-terminated Si results in the formation of Si-OH and/or Si-O-Si-H surface species with monolayer O-content. Defect-free epitaxial growth of Si on an O-layer containing 6.4E+14 O-atoms/cm(2) is achieved from SiH4 at 500 degrees C. (C) 2013 The Electrochemical Society. All rights reserved.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 1.184
Times cited: 12
DOI: 10.1149/2.009311ssl
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“Etching of low-k materials for microelectronics applications by means of a N2/H2 plasma : modeling and experimental investigation”. Van Laer K, Tinck S, Samara V, de Marneffe JF, Bogaerts A, Plasma sources science and technology 22, 025011 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1088/0963-0252/22/2/025011
Abstract: In this paper, we investigate the etch process of so-called low-k organic material by means of a N2/H2 capacitively coupled plasma, as applied in the micro-electronics industry for the manufacturing of computer chips. In recent years, such an organic material has emerged as a possible alternative for replacing bulk SiO2 as a dielectric material in the back-end-of-line, because of the smaller parasitic capacity between adjacent conducting lines, and thus a faster propagation of the electrical signals throughout the chip. Numerical simulations with a hybrid plasma model, using an extensive plasma and surface chemistry set, as well as experiments are performed, focusing on the plasma properties as well as the actual etching process, to obtain a better insight into the underlying mechanisms. Furthermore, the effects of gas pressure, applied power and gas composition are investigated to try to optimize the etch process. In general, the plasma density reaches a maximum near the wafer edge due to the so-called 'edge effect'. As a result, the etch rate is not uniform but will also reach its maximum near the wafer edge. The pressure seems not to have a big effect. A higher power increases the etch rate, but the uniformity becomes (slightly) worse. The gas mixing ratio has no significant effect on the etch process, except when a pure H2 or N2 plasma is used, illustrating the synergistic effects of a N2/H2 plasma. In fact, our calculations reveal that the N2/H2 plasma entails an ion-enhanced etch process. The simulation results are in reasonable agreement with the experimental values. The microscopic etch profile shows the desired anisotropic shape under all conditions under study.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 3.302
Times cited: 13
DOI: 10.1088/0963-0252/22/2/025011
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“Gas purification by nonthermal plasma : a case study of ethylene”. Aerts R, Tu X, Van Gaens W, Whitehead JC, Bogaerts A, Environmental science and technology 47, 6478 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1021/es400405c
Abstract: The destruction of ethylene in a dielectric barrier discharge plasma is investigated by the combination of kinetic modeling and experiments, as a case study for plasma-based gas purification. The influence of the specific energy deposition on the removal efficiency and the selectivity toward CO and CO2 is studied for different concentrations of ethylene. The model allows the identication of the destruction pathway in dry and humid air. The latter is found to be mainly initiated by metastable N2 molecules, but the further destruction steps are dominated by O atoms and OH radicals. Upon increasing air humidity, the removal efficiency drops by ±15% (from 85% to 70%), but the selectivity toward CO and CO2 stays more or less constant at 60% and 22%, respectively. Beside CO and CO2, we also identified acetylene, formaldehyde, and water as byproducts of the destruction process, with concentrations of 1606 ppm, 15033 ppm, and 185 ppm in humid air (with 20% RH), respectively. Finally, we investigated the byproducts generated by the humid air discharge itself, which are the greenhouse gases O3, N2O, and the toxic gas NO2.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 6.198
Times cited: 56
DOI: 10.1021/es400405c
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