|
Blommaerts N (2019) Plasmonic core shell nanoparticles : from synthesis to photocatalytic applications. 153 p
Abstract: Het gebruik van plasmon-actieve nanodeeltjes heeft de laatste 10 jaar zeer veel interesse gewekt bij onderzoekers in verschillende toepassingsdomeinen zoals fotokatalyse of oppervlakte versterkte Raman spectroscopie. Er is echter een grote limiterende factor bij het gebruik van edelmetaal nanodeeltjes zoals goud en zilver en dat is de stabiliteit. Deze oxideren en aggregeren snel, zeker in oxidatieve omgeving zoals in lucht. Een interessante aanpak om plasmon-actieve nanodeeltjes te stabiliseren, is om ze te omgeven in een schil, met andere woorden om een kern-schil nanodeeltje te vormen. Er zijn een heel aantal verschillende manieren waarop kern-schil nanodeeltjes gesynthetiseerd kunnen worden. In eerste instantie werden metaal nanodeeltjes omgeven door een (dunne) TiO2 laag. Afhankelijk van de hoeveelheid TiO2 precursor kon de dikte van de laag gecontroleerd worden tot enkele nanometers dik. De stalen werden getest voor de fotokatalytische afbraak van een vaste laag stearinezuur waarbij toevoeging van 2 wt% metaal@TiO2 op P25 leidde tot een significante verbetering in afbraakefficiëntie in vergelijking met zuiver P25. Een andere manier voor het stabiliseren van metaal nanodeeltjes is door ze te omgeven met een polymeerschil. Op deze manier kon de laagdikte gecontroleerd worden met sub-nanometer controle wat een zeer belangrijke factor is voor de hoeveelheid near-field versterking dat buiten de polymeer schil kan gaan. Een XTT test werd uitgevoerd om te bepalen wat de zuurstofactivatie snelheid was van goud en zilver (en goud-zilver bimetallische) nanodeeltjes, al dan niet omgeven door een (niet-)geleidende polymeer laag. Wanneer de stalen gecoat werden met vier niet-geleidende polymeerlagen zakte de zuurstofactivatie nagenoeg tot nul. Aan de andere kant, als goud nanodeeltjes werden omgeven door een geleidende schil was er nog steeds zuurstofactivatie, hoewel lager dan in het geval van goud zonder laag. Het laatste deel van deze thesis focuste meer op mogelijke toepassingen in luchtzuivering. In dit werk werd een glazen buis, gecoat aan de binnenkant met (Ag@polymer gemodificeerd) TiO2, als een spiraal rond een UVA lamp gewikkeld. De geoptimaliseerde spiraalreactor werd dan vergeleken met een conventionele cilindervormige fotoreactor, met dezelfde dimensies en totale katalysatorbelading, over een grote range aan experimentele condities. Uit de resultaten bleek dat de spiraalreactor significant betere afbraakefficiënties vertoonde in vergelijking met de conventionele cilindervormige reactor over een grote range aan debieten. Een adsorptiestap in combinatie met de geoptimaliseerde spiraalreactor zou kunnen leiden tot een zeer krachtige luchtzuiveringstechnologie.
Keywords: Doctoral thesis; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
|
|
|
Sui Y (2019) Producing nutritional protein with Dunaliella microalgae : technological and economic optimization. 140 p
Abstract: In this thesis, microalga Dunaliella salina is highlighted as a novel source of protein to sustain the human needs. As demonstrated in this thesis, the biochemical composition of D. salina is not fixed, and can be substantially influenced by internal and external conditions. In order to comply with the human requirement of protein, various important factors affecting the protein quantity and quality of D. salina have been evaluated in this thesis for an optimized production strategy. All tested parameters, namely salinity, pH, light regimes (continuous light and light/dark cycle), light intensity, nutrient levels and growth phases can contribute to significant variations of protein content and essential amino acid (EAA) level in D. salina. Ultimately, D. salina is capable of producing high amount of superior quality protein, complying with the FAO reference for human consumption. Even better, such protein of superior quality can be accompanied by unique β-carotene accumulation in D. salina, a pigment with anti-oxidant pro-vitamin A effect. In the end, according to the techno-economic analysis (TEA), it is economically feasible to produce D. salina biomass for human nutrition.
Keywords: Doctoral thesis; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
|
|
|
Alloul A (2019) Purple bacteria as microbial protein source : technology development, community control, economic optimization and biomass valorization. 212 p
Abstract: Food production is a cornerstone in contemporary industrial societies. Its production requires land, water and enormous amounts of fertilizers. These precious fertilizers enter the linear food chain and suffer from a cascade of inefficiencies, resulting in detrimental effects to the environment. A radical transforming of the current food production chain is, therefore, essential to guarantee a sustainable future for humanity. This thesis has studied the production of microbial protein (i.e. single-cell protein), which is the use of microorganisms such as yeast, fungi, algae and bacteria as protein ingredient for animal feed. The type of microorganisms targeted in this thesis were purple non-sulfur bacteria (PNSB). These bacteria are an extremely heterogenic group that contain photosynthetic pigments and are able to perform anoxygenic photosynthesis. The core focus of the thesis was technology development for the production of PNSB as a source of microbial protein on wastewater and fresh fertilizers. In the final stage of this research, it was the objective to explore the potential of PNSB as a nutritious feed ingredient for shrimp. Overall, this work has provided the building blocks to transform the conventional food production chain. The findings show that PNSB production and biomass valorization is within reach. Further pilot implementation and cost reduction will facilitate the introduction of PNSB production in future’s wastewater treatment plants and the valorization of the biomass as nutritious animal feed ingredient.
Keywords: Doctoral thesis; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
|
|
|
“Structure of the dm knives and process of cutting of GML(man) or GRT(man) bodies”. Tavkhelidze I, Gielis J, Sn –, 1512-0066 33 (2019)
Keywords: A3 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
|
|
|
Ghasemitarei M (2019) Study of the interaction of plasma radicals with malignant tumor cells by means of Molecular Dynamics simulation. 117 p
Abstract: abstract not available
Keywords: Doctoral thesis; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
|
|
|
“Supplementing the eye : the technical analysis of Frans Hals's paintings –, ii”. Tummers A, Wallert A, De Keyser N, The Burlington magazine 161, 996 (2019)
Abstract: The painting 'Two fisherboys' has long caused confusion among experts. A close comparison of the painting with a forgery by Han van Meegeren and Frans Hals's `Fisherboy' solves the conundrum and provides valuable insights into the merits and drawbacks of modern analytical techniques.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Art; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
|
|
|
Taghizadeh Sisakht E (2019) Tight-binding investigation of the electronic properties of phosphorene and phosphorene nanoribbons. 150 p
Abstract: abstract not available
Keywords: Doctoral thesis; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
|
|
|
“Velázquez? A portrait of Pope Innocent X : an X-ray imaging investigation (II)”. Vanmeert F, Van der Snickt G, Legrand S, Janssens K page 132 (2019).
Abstract: Encompassing a broad spectrum of methodological approaches and aims, the scholars contributing to this volume offer renewed perspectives on the multifaceted oeuvre of Diego Velázquez. The seventeenth-century artist’s exceptional religious works as well as his numerous portraits are examined within the social and historical context of Velázquez’s milieu which included both the Spanish court as well as circles comprising important intellectual figures of his time. Following a close investigation of his works, which also includes the results of recent technological examinations on his paintings, the contributors to this volume offer new, exciting findings and discussions on the inspirations, sources and possible intentions of Velázquez.
Keywords: H3 Book chapter; Art; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
|
|
|
“Interpreting technical evidence from spectral imaging of paintings by Edouard Manet in the Courtauld Gallery”. Amato SR, Burnstock A, Cross M, Janssens K, Rosi F, Cartechini L, Fontana R, Dal Fovo A, Paolantoni M, Grazia C, Romani A, Michelin A, Andraud C, Tournie A, Dik J, X-ray spectrometry
T2 –, MA-XRF Workshop on Developments and Applications of Macro-XRF in, Conservation, Art, and Archeology, SEP 24-25, 2017, Trieste, ITALY 48, 282 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1002/XRS.2828
Abstract: The paintings by edouard Manet in The Courtauld Gallery Dejeuner sur l'herbe (1863-68), Marguerite de Conflans en Toilette de Bal (1870-1880), Banks of the Seine at Argenteuil (1874), and A Bar at the Folies-Bergere (1882) were investigated for the first time using a range of non-invasive in situ analyses. The aims of the study were to investigate the painting techniques and materials used for this group of works and to critically evaluate the technical evidence derived from the integrated use of imaging techniques and portable spectroscopic methods in this context. The paintings were investigated by means of macro X-ray fluorescence (MA-XRF), reflection spectral imaging, portable UV-Vis-NIR spectroscopy, portable Raman spectroscopy, and reflection FTIR. MA-XRF and reflection spectral imaging allowed visualising elements in the compositions that were not visible using traditional methods of technical study. For example, MA-XRF analysis of Dejeuner sur l'herbe revealed elements of the development of the composition that provided new evidence to consider its relationship to other versions of the composition. The study also highlighted questions about the interpretation of elemental distribution maps and spectral images that did not correspond to the reworking visible in X-radiographs. For example, in A Bar at the Folies-Bergere Manet made numerous changes during painting, which were not clearly visualised with any of the techniques used. The research has wider implications for the study of Impressionist paintings, as the results will support technical studies of works by other artists of the period who used similar materials and painting methods.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
Impact Factor: 1.298
DOI: 10.1002/XRS.2828
|
|
|
“Crystalline topological states at a topological insulator junction”. De Beule C, Saniz R, Partoens B, The journal of physics and chemistry of solids 128, 144 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.JPCS.2017.12.027
Abstract: We consider an interface between two strong time-reversal invariant topological insulators having surface states with opposite spin chirality, or equivalently, opposite mirror Chern number. We show that such an interface supports gapless modes that are protected by mirror symmetry. The interface states are investigated with a continuum model for the Bi2Se3 class of topological insulators that takes into account terms up to third order in the crystal momentum, which ensures that the model has the correct symmetry. The model parameters are obtained from ab initio calculations. Finally, we consider the effect of rotational mismatch at the interface, which breaks the mirror symmetry and opens a gap in the interface spectrum.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 2.059
DOI: 10.1016/J.JPCS.2017.12.027
|
|
|
“White paper on the future of plasma science in environment, for gas conversion and agriculture”. Brandenburg R, Bogaerts A, Bongers W, Fridman A, Fridman G, Locke BR, Miller V, Reuter S, Schiorlin M, Verreycken T, Ostrikov KK, Plasma processes and polymers 16, 1700238 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1002/ppap.201700238
Abstract: Climate change, environmental pollution control, and resource utilization efficiency, as well as food security, sustainable agriculture, and water supply are among the main challenges facing society today. Expertise across different academic fields, technologies,anddisciplinesisneededtogeneratenewideastomeetthesechallenges. This “white paper” aims to provide a written summary by describing the main aspects and possibilities of the technology. It shows that plasma science and technology can make significant contributions to address the mentioned issues. The paper also addresses to people in the scientific community (inside and outside plasma science) to give inspiration for further work in these fields.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 2.846
Times cited: 19
DOI: 10.1002/ppap.201700238
|
|
|
“Enhanced carbon and nitrogen removal performance of simultaneous anammox and denitrification (SAD) with mannitol addition treating saline wastewater”. Yang Z, Zhu W, Yu D, Bo Y, Li J, Journal of chemical technology and biotechnology 94, 377 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1002/JCTB.5781
Abstract: BACKGROUND Simultaneous anammox and denitrification (SAD) can remove carbon and nitrogen. However, its performance is suppressed under saline surroundings. In this work, mannitol was used to enhance a SAD process treating saline wastewater. RESULTS The optimum carbon and nitrogen removal was achieved at 0.2 mmol L-1 mannitol, during which ammonium removal efficiency (ARE), nitrite removal efficiency (NRE) and chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal efficiency were 96.95%, 93.70% and 90.05%, respectively. The maximum ammonium removal rate (ARR), nitrite removal rate (NRR) and the specific anammox activity (SAA) were increased by 25.49%, 55.84% and 33.83% with optimum addition (0.2 mmol L-1 mannitol) respectively. The diameter of sludge was enlarged with the addition of mannitol (<= 0.2 mmol L-1). The Tseng-Wayman model was more suitable to simulate the whole SAD process. The modified logistic model, the modified Boltzman model and the modified Gompertz model were all appropriate to describe nitrogen removal in a typical cycle with the addition of mannitol. CONCLUSION Mannitol was effective in enhancing a SAD process treating saline wastewater, and maximum nitrogen removal was achieved at mannitol = 0.2 mmol L-1. The Tseng-Wayman model satisfactorily predicted the whole SAD process treating saline wastewater with mannitol addition. (c) 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
DOI: 10.1002/JCTB.5781
|
|
|
“Two-in-one solution using insect wings to produce graphene-graphite films for efficient electrocatalysis”. Li H, Zhang L, Li L, Wu C, Huo Y, Chen Y, Liu X, Ke X, Luo J, Van Tendeloo G, Nano Research 12, 33 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1007/S12274-018-2172-Z
Abstract: Natural organisms contain rich elements and naturally optimized smart structures, both of which have inspired various innovative concepts and designs in human society. In particular, several natural organisms have been used as element sources to synthesize low-cost and environmentally friendly electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in fuel cells and metal-air batteries, which are clean energy devices. However, to date, no naturally optimized smart structures have been employed in the synthesis of ORR catalysts, including graphene-based materials. Here, we demonstrate a novel strategy to synthesize graphene-graphite films (GGFs) by heating butterfly wings coated with FeCl3 in N-2, in which the full power of natural organisms is utilized. The wings work not only as an element source for GGF generation but also as a porous supporting structure for effective nitrogen doping, two-dimensional spreading, and double-face exposure of the GGFs. These GGFs exhibit a half-wave potential of 0.942 V and a H2O2 yield of < 0.07% for ORR electrocatalysis; these values are comparable to those for the best commercial Pt/C and all previously reported ORR catalysts in alkaline media. This two-in-one strategy is also successful with cicada and dragonfly wings, indicating that it is a universal, green, and cost-effective method for developing high-performance graphene-based materials.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 7.354
Times cited: 7
DOI: 10.1007/S12274-018-2172-Z
|
|
|
“Removal of micropollutants from water in a continuous-flow electrical discharge reactor”. Wardenier N, Vanraes P, Nikiforov A, Van Hulle SWH, Leys C, Journal of hazardous materials 362, 238 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.JHAZMAT.2018.08.095
Abstract: The emergence of micropollutants into our aquatic resources is regarded as an issue of increasing environmental concern. To protect the aquatic environment against further contamination with micropollutants, treatment with advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) is put forward as a promising technique. In this work, an innovative AOP based on electrical discharges in a continuous-flow pulsed dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) reactor with falling water film over activated carbon textile is examined for its potential application in water treatment. The effect of various operational parameters including feed gas type, gas flow rate, water flow rate and power on removal and energy efficiency has been studied. To this end, a synthetic micropollutant mixture containing five pesticides (atrazine, alachlor, diuron, dichlorvos and pentachlorophenol), two pharmaceuticals (carbamazepine and 1,7-alpha-ethinylestradiol), and 1 plasticizer (bisphenol A) is used. While working under optimal conditions, energy consumption was situated in the range 2.42-4.25 kW h/m(3), which is about two times lower than the economically viable energy cost of AOPs (5 kW h/m(3)). Hence, the application of non-thermal plasma could be regarded as a promising alternative AOP for (industrial) wastewater remediation.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 6.065
Times cited: 13
DOI: 10.1016/J.JHAZMAT.2018.08.095
|
|
|
“Leaf-deposited semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) : an exploratory study using GCxGC-TOFMS on leaf washing solutions”. Castanheiro A, Joos P, Wuyts K, De Wael K, Samson R, Chemosphere 214, 103 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.CHEMOSPHERE.2018.09.067
Abstract: Airborne particulate matter (PM) includes semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs), which can be deposited on vegetation matrices such as plant leaves. In alternative to air-point measurements or artificial passive substrates, leaf monitoring offers a cost-effective, time-integrating means of assessing local air quality. In this study, leaf washing solutions from ivy (Hedera hibernica) leaves exposed during one-month at different land use classes were explored via comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography with time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GCxGC-TOFMS). The composition of leaf-deposited SVOCs, corrected for those of unexposed leaves, was compared against routinely monitored pollutants concentrations (PM10, PM2.5, O3, NO2, SO2) measured at co-located air monitoring stations. The first study on leaf-deposited SVOCs retrieved from washing solutions, herein reported, delivered a total of 911 detected compounds. While no significant land use (rural, urban, industrial, traffic, mixed) effects were observed, increasing exposure time (from one to 28 days) resulted in a higher number and diversity of SVOCs, suggesting cumulative time-integration to be more relevant than local source variations between sites. After one day, leaf-deposited SVOCs were mainly due to alcohols, N-containing compounds, carboxylic acids, esters and lactones, while ketones, diketones and hydrocarbons compounds gained relevance after one week, and phenol compounds after one month. As leaf-deposited SVOCs became overall more oxidized throughout exposure time, SVOCs transformation or degradation at the leaf surface is suggested to be an important phenomenon. This study confirmed the applicability of GCxGC-TOFMS to analyze SVOCs from leaf washing solutions, further research should include validation of the methodology and comparison with atmospheric organic pollutants.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
Impact Factor: 4.208
DOI: 10.1016/J.CHEMOSPHERE.2018.09.067
|
|
|
“New nanoporous graphyne monolayer as nodal line semimetal : double Dirac points with an ultrahigh Fermi velocity”. Li L, Kong X, Peeters FM, Carbon 141, 712 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.CARBON.2018.09.078
Abstract: Two-dimensional (2D) carbon materials play an important role in nanomaterials. We propose a new carbon monolayer, named hexagonal-4,4,4-graphyne (H-4,H-4,H-4-graphyne), which is a nanoporous structure composed of rectangular carbon rings and triple bonds of carbon. Using first-principles calculations, we systematically studied the structure, stability, and band structure of this new material. We found that its total energy is lower than that of experimentally synthesized beta-graphdiyne and it is stable at least up to 1500 K. In contrast to the single Dirac point band structure of other 2D carbon monolayers, the band structure of H-4,H-4,H-4-graphyne exhibits double Dirac points along the high-symmetry points and the corresponding Fermi velocities (1.04-1.27 x 10(6) m/s) are asymmetric and higher than that of graphene. The origin of these double Dirac points is traced back to the nodal line states, which can be well explained by a tight-binding model. The H-4,H-4,H-4-graphyne forms a moire superstructure when placed on top of a hexagonal boron nitride substrate. These properties make H-4,H-4,H-4-graphyne a promising semimetal material for applications in high-speed electronic devices. (C) 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 6.337
Times cited: 43
DOI: 10.1016/J.CARBON.2018.09.078
|
|
|
“Overcoming floc formation limitations in high-rate activated sludge systems”. Van Winckel T, Liu X, Vlaeminck SE, Takács I, Al-Omari A, Sturm B, Kjellerup BV, Murthy SN, De Clippeleir H, Chemosphere 215, 342 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.CHEMOSPHERE.2018.09.169
Abstract: High-rate activated sludge (HRAS) is an essential cornerstone of the pursuit towards energy positive sewage treatment through maximizing capture of organics. The capture efficiency heavily relies on the degree of solid separation achieved in the clarifiers. Limitations in the floc formation process commonly emerge in HRAS systems, with detrimental consequences for the capture of organics. This study pinpointed and overcame floc formation limitations present in full-scale HRAS reactors. Orthokinetic flocculation tests were performed with varying shear, sludge concentration, and coagulant or flocculant addition. These were analyzed with traditional and novel settling parameters and extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) measurements. HRAS was limited by insufficient collision efficiency and occurred because the solids retention time (SRT) was short and colloid loading was high. The limitation was predominantly caused by impaired flocculation rather than coagulation. In addition, the collision efficiency limitation was driven by EPS composition (low protein over polysaccharide ratio) instead of total EPS amount. Collision efficiency limitation was successfully overcome by bio-augmenting sludge from a biological nutrient removal reactor operating at long SRT which did not show any floc formation limitations. However, this action brought up a floc strength limitation. The latter was not correlated with EPS composition, but rather EPS amount and hindered settling parameters, which determined floc morphology. With this, an analysis toolkit was proposed that will enable design engineers and operators to tackle activated solid separation challenges found in HRAS systems and maximize the recovery potential of the process. (C) 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
DOI: 10.1016/J.CHEMOSPHERE.2018.09.169
|
|
|
“Effect of dust particle size on the plasma characteristics in a radio frequency capacitively coupled silane plasma”. Jia W-Z, Zhang Q-Z, Wang X-F, Song Y-H, Zhang Y-Y, Wang Y-N, Journal of physics: D: applied physics 52, 015206 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1088/1361-6463/AAE5CF
Abstract: Compared with dust-free plasmas, the existence of dust particles in plasmas may greatly influence the plasma properties. such as the plasma density, electron temperature, sheath properties, electron energy distribution function (EEDF) as well as the heating mechanism. In this work, a 1D hybrid fluid/MC model has been developed to investigate the interaction between dust and plasma in a low-pressure silane discharge sustained in a radio frequency capacitively coupled plasma, in which we assume spherical dust particles with a given radius are generated by taking the sum of the production rate of Si2H4- and Si2H5- as the nucleation rate. From our simulation, the plasma may experience definite perturbation by dust particles with a certain radius (more than 50nm) with an increase in electron temperature first, which further induces a rapid rise in the positive and negative ion densities. Then, the densities begin to decline due to the gradual lack of sufficient seed electrons. In addition, as the dust radius increases, the high energy tails of the EEDFs will be enhanced for discharge maintenance, accompanied by a decline in the population of low-energy electrons in comparison with those of pristine plasma. Furthermore, an obvious bulk heating is observed apart from the a-mode and local field reversal heating. This may contribute to the enhanced bulk electric field (also called the drift field) as a result of electron depletion via the dust. In addition, large-sized dust particles that accumulate near the sheaths tend to form two stable density peaks with their positions largely influenced by the time-averaged sheath thickness. A detailed study of the effects of the external parameters, including pressure, voltage and frequency, on the spatial distribution of dust particles is also conducted.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 2.588
DOI: 10.1088/1361-6463/AAE5CF
|
|
|
“Effects of IR heating on distribution and transport of gaseous air pollutants in urban and mountain churches in Poland”. Bencs L, Spolnik Z, Worobiec A, Samek L, Jutte BAHG, Van Grieken R, Journal of cultural heritage 36, 200 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.CULHER.2018.09.007
Abstract: The spatial distribution and temporal concentration variation of a set of gaseous air components (e.g., CO2, CO, H2CO, H2O) have been monitored with a multi-channel photoacoustic gas-analyzer in an urban church ( Saint Catherine's, Cracow) and a mountain church ( Saint Michaels Archangel, Szalowa) of Poland, in order to assess the likely effects of air pollution indoors under the influence of provisory electrical infrared (IR) heaters and without heating. Likewise, the ventilation characteristic and the leakage of these buildings with different constructions (i.e., plastered stone and wooden structures) with the assistance of decay curves of SF6 tracer gas was evaluated and compared. The wooden building in Szalowa, due to its more open structure, developed about one order higher ventilation rates (e.g., 0.9-1.3 h(-1)) than the stone church in Cracow (e.g., 0.1 h(-1)). The IR-heating affected only modestly the ventilation rate of the wooden church (e.g., 1.2-1.6 h(-1)), but it increased significantly that of the plastered stone church (e.g., 0.27 h(-1)). The ventilation rates were also assessed with the use of the CO2 curve decay method, and satisfactory agreement was found with those observed by the use of SF6 tracer. The spatial distribution of the studied gaseous pollutants (CO2, H2O) was found to be in some occasions nonhomogeneous in both buildings, due to the active usage of the IR-heating, especially, during a couple of consecutive liturgical services. Besides the pollution events due to ingress of gaseous air pollutants, present at enhanced levels outdoors, increased CO, CO2 and H2CO peaks were observed indoors too, which, in most cases, could be associated with incense burning. (C) 2018 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Art; History; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation); Laboratory Experimental Medicine and Pediatrics (LEMP)
DOI: 10.1016/J.CULHER.2018.09.007
|
|
|
“Multi-functional MnO2nanomaterials for photo-activated applications by a plasma-assisted fabrication route”. Barreca D, Gri F, Gasparotto A, Carraro G, Bigiani L, Altantzis T, Žener B, Lavrenčič, Štangar U, Alessi B, Padmanaban DB, Mariotti D, Maccato C, Nanoscale 11, 98 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1039/C8NR06468G
Abstract: Supported MnO2-based nanomaterials were fabricated on fluorine-doped tin oxide substrates by plasma enhanced-chemical vapor deposition (PE-CVD) between 100 °C and 400 °C, starting from a fluorinated Mn(II) diamine diketonate precursor. Growth experiments yielded -MnO2 nanosystems with hierarchical morphology tuneable from dendritic structures to quasi-1D nanosystems as a function of growth temperature, whose variation enabled also a concomitant tailoring of the system fluorine content, and of the optical absorption and band gap. Preliminary photocatalytic tests were aimed at the investigation of photoinduced hydrophilic (PH) and solid phase photocatalytic (PC) performances of the present nanomaterials, as well as at the photodegradation of Plasmocorinth B azo-dye aqueous solutions. The obtained findings highlighted an attractive system photoactivity even under visible light, finely tailored by fluorine content, morphological organization and optical properties of the prepared nanostructures. The results indicate that the synthesized MnO2 nanosystems have potential applications as advanced smart materials for anti-fogging/self-cleaning end uses and water purification.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 7.367
Times cited: 7
DOI: 10.1039/C8NR06468G
|
|
|
“Characterization of (Ti,Mo,Cr)C nanoprecipitates in an austenitic stainless steel on the atomic scale”. Cautaerts N, Delville R, Stergar E, Schryvers D, Verwerft M, Acta materialia 164, 90 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.actamat.2018.10.018
Abstract: Nanometer sized (Ti,Mo,Cr)C (MX-type) precipitates that grew in a 24% cold worked Ti-stabilized austenitic stainless steel (grade DIN 1.4970, member of the 15-15Ti austenitic stainless steels) after heat treatment were fully characterized with transmission electron microscopy (TEM), probe corrected high angle annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy (HR-HAADF STEM), and atom probe tomography (APT). The precipitates shared the cube-on-cube orientation with the matrix and were facetted on {111} planes, yielding octahedral and elongated octahedral shapes. The misfit dislocations were believed to have Burgers vectors a/6<112> which was verified by geometrical phase analysis (GPA) strain mapping of a matrix-precipitate interface. The dislocations were spaced five to seven atomic
planes apart, on average slightly wider than expected for the lattice parameters of steel and TiC. Quantitative atom probe tomography analysis of the precipitates showed that precipitates were significantly enriched in Mo, Cr and V, and that they were hypostoichiometric with respect to C. These findings were consistent with a reduced lattice parameter. The precipitates were found primarily on Shockley
partial dislocations originating from the original perfect dislocation network. These novel findings could contribute to the understanding of how TiC nanoprecipitates interact with point defects and matrix dislocations. This is essential for the application of these Ti-stabilized steels in high temperature environments or fast spectrum nuclear fission reactors.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 5.301
Times cited: 2
DOI: 10.1016/j.actamat.2018.10.018
|
|
|
“Coupling of the skyrmion velocity to its breathing mode in periodically notched nanotracks”. Leliaert J, Gypens P, Milošević, MV, Van Waeyenberge B, Mulkers J, Journal of physics: D: applied physics 52, 024003 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1088/1361-6463/AAE7C1
Abstract: A thorough understanding of the skyrmion motion through nanotracks is a prerequisite to realize the full potential of spintronic applications like the skyrmion racetrack memory. One of the challenges is to place the data, i.e. skyrmions, on discrete fixed positions, e.g. below a read or write head. In the domain-wall racetrack memory, one proposed solution to this problem was patterning the nanotrack with notches. Following this approach, this paper reports on the skyrmion mobility through a nanotrack with periodic notches (constrictions) made using variations in the chiral Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction. We observe that such notches induce a coupling between the mobility and the skyrmion breathing mode, which manifests itself as velocity-dependent oscillations of the skyrmion diameter and plateaus in which the velocity is independent of the driving force. Despite the fact that domain walls are far more rigid objects than skyrmions, we were able to perform an analogous study and, surprisingly, found even larger plateaus of constant velocity. For both systems it is straightforward to tune the velocity at these plateaus by changing the design of the notched nanotrack geometry, e.g. by varying the distance between the notches. Therefore, the notch-induced coupling between the excited modes and the mobility could offer a strategy to stabilize the velocity against unwanted perturbations in racetrack-like applications. In the last part of the paper we focus on the low-current mobility regimes, whose very rich dynamics at nonzero temperatures are very similar to the operating principle of recently developed probabilistic logic devices. This proves that the mobility of nanomagnetic structures through a periodically modulated track is not only interesting from a fundamental point of view, but has a future in many spintronic applications.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 2.588
Times cited: 10
DOI: 10.1088/1361-6463/AAE7C1
|
|
|
“Resource recovery from pig manure via an integrated approach : a technical and economic assessment for full-scale applications”. De Vrieze J, Colica G, Pintucci C, Sarli J, Pedizzi C, Willeghems G, Bral A, Varga S, Prat D, Peng L, Spiller M, Buysse J, Colsen J, Benito O, Carballa M, Vlaeminck SE, Bioresource technology 272, 582 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.BIORTECH.2018.10.024
Abstract: Intensive livestock farming cannot be uncoupled from the massive production of manure, requiring adequate management to avoid environmental damage. The high carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus content of pig manure enables targeted resource recovery. Here, fifteen integrated scenarios for recovery of water, nutrients and energy are compared in terms of technical feasibility and economic viability. The recovery of refined nutrients with a higher market value and quality, i.e., (NH4)2SO4 for N and struvite for P, coincided with higher net costs, compared to basic composting. The inclusion of anaerobic digestion promoted nutrient recovery efficiency, and enabled energy recovery through electricity production. Co-digestion of the manure with carbon-rich waste streams increased electricity production, but did not result in lower process costs. Overall, key drivers for the selection of the optimal manure treatment scenario will include the market demand for more refined (vs. separated or concentrated) products, and the need for renewable electricity production.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
DOI: 10.1016/J.BIORTECH.2018.10.024
|
|
|
“Effects of salinity, pH and growth phase on the protein productivity by Dunaliella salina”. Sui Y, Vlaeminck SE, Journal of chemical technology and biotechnology 94, 1032 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1002/JCTB.5850
Abstract: BACKGROUND Microalgae have long been adopted for use as human food, animal feed and high‐value products. For carotenogenesis, Dunaliella salina is one of the most studied microalgae, yet its protein synthesis has been limitedly reported. In this study, D. salina was cultivated at different NaCl and pH levels to optimize its protein productivity. RESULTS The biomass protein content followed an increasedecrease pattern throughout the growth phases, with a maximum in the exponential phase (6080% over ash‐free dry weight). Adversely, the biomass pigment contents were at relatively stable levels (around 0.5% carotenoids, 1.3% chlorophyll a and 0.5% chlorophyll b over ash‐free dry weight). Among the tested conditions (13 mol L−1 salinity, pH 7.59.5), the highest protein productivity (43.5 mg L−1 day−1) was achieved at 2 mol L−1 salinity and pH 7.5 during the exponential phase, which surpassed others by 1697%. Additionally, table salts were tested to be equivalent and cost‐efficient salt sources for the growth medium. CONCLUSION This study highlighted the suitability of D. salina as a protein source, providing guidelines for 70% cheaper medium formulation in the lab and for maximum protein productivity at larger scale.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
DOI: 10.1002/JCTB.5850
|
|
|
“High dose efficiency atomic resolution imaging via electron ptychography”. Pennycook TJ, Martinez GT, Nellist PD, Meyer JC, Ultramicroscopy 196, 131 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.ULTRAMIC.2018.10.005
Abstract: Radiation damage places a fundamental limitation on the ability of microscopy to resolve many types of materials at high resolution. Here we evaluate the dose efficiency of phase contrast imaging with electron ptychography. The method is found to be far more resilient to temporal incoherence than conventional and spherical aberration optimized phase contrast imaging, resulting in significantly greater clarity at a given dose. This robustness is explained by the presence of achromatic lines in the four dimensional ptychographic dataset.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 2.843
Times cited: 1
DOI: 10.1016/J.ULTRAMIC.2018.10.005
|
|
|
“Understanding CeO2-Based Nanostructures through Advanced Electron Microscopy in 2D and 3D”. Zhang Y, Bals S, Van Tendeloo G, Particle and particle systems characterization 36, 1800287 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1002/ppsc.201800287
Abstract: Engineering morphology and size of CeO2-based nanostructures on a (sub)nanometer scale will greatly influence their performance; this is because of their high oxygen storage capacity and unique redox properties, which allow faster switching of the oxidation state between Ce4+ and Ce3+. Although tremendous research has been carried out on the shapecontrolled synthesis of CeO2, the characterization of these nanostructures at the atomic scale remains a major challenge and the origin of debate. The rapid developments of aberration-corrected transmission electron microscopy (AC-TEM) have pushed the resolution below 1 Å, both in TEM and in scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) mode. At present, not only morphology and structure, but also composition and electronic structure can be analyzed at an atomic scale, even in 3D. This review summarizes recent significant achievements using TEM/ STEM and associated spectroscopic techniques to study CeO2-based nanostructures and related catalytic phenomena. Recent results have shed light on the understanding of the different mechanisms. The potential and limitations, including future needs of various techniques, are discussed with recommendations to facilitate further developments of new and highly efficient CeO2-based nanostructures.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 4.474
Times cited: 22
DOI: 10.1002/ppsc.201800287
|
|
|
“Enhancement of toughness of Al-to-steel Friction Melt Bonded welds via metallic interlayers”. Jimenez-Mena N, Jacques PJ, Ding L, Gauquelin N, Schryvers D, Idrissi H, Delannay F, Simar A, Materials science and engineering: part A: structural materials: properties, microstructure and processing 740-741, 274 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.msea.2018.10.101
Abstract: The toughness of Al-to-steel welds decreases with increasing thickness of the intermetallic (IM) layer formed at the interface. Co plating has been added as interlayer in Al-to-steel Friction Melt Bonded (FMB) welds to control the nature and thickness of the IM layer. In comparison to a weld without interlayer, Co plating brings about a reduction of the thickness of the IM layer by 70%. The critical energy release rate of the crack propagating in the weld is used as an indicator of toughness. It is evaluated via an adapted crack propagation test using an energy conservation criterion. For a weld without interlayer, critical energy release rate is found to increase when the thickness of the intermetallic layer decreases. When the intermetallic layer is thick, the crack propagates in a brittle manner through the intermetallic whereas, at low layer thickness, the crack deviates and partially propagates through the Al plate, which causes an increase of toughness. The use of a Co interlayer brings about an increase of toughness by causing full deviation of the crack towards the Al plate.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 3.094
Times cited: 4
DOI: 10.1016/j.msea.2018.10.101
|
|
|
“Transmission electron microscopy study of complex oxide scales on DIN 1.4970 steel exposed to liquid Pb-Bi eutectic”. Charalampopoulou E, Delville R, Verwerft M, Lambrinou K, Schryvers D, Corrosion science 147, 22 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.corsci.2018.10.018
Abstract: The deployment of Gen-IV lead-cooled fast reactors requires a good compatibility between the selected structural/cladding steels and the inherently corrosive heavy liquid metal coolant. An effective liquid metal corrosion mitigation strategy involves the in-situ steel passivation in contact with the oxygen-containing Pb-alloy coolant. Transmission electron microscopy was used in this work to study the multi-layered oxide scales forming on an austenitic stainless steel fuel cladding exposed to oxygen-containing (CO ≈ 10−6 mass%) static liquid leadbismuth eutectic (LBE) for 1000 h between 400 and 500 °C. The oxide scale constituents were analyzed, including the intertwined phases comprising the innermost biphasic layer.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Times cited: 5
DOI: 10.1016/j.corsci.2018.10.018
|
|
|
“Bridging global, basin and local-scale water quality modeling towards enhancing water quality management worldwide”. Tang T, Strokal M, van Vliet MTH, Seuntjens P, Burek P, Kroeze C, Langan S, Wada Y, Current Opinion in Environmental Sustainability 36, 39 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.COSUST.2018.10.004
Abstract: Global water quality (WQ) modeling is an emerging field. In this article, we identify the missing linkages between global and basin/local-scale WQ models, and discuss the possibilities to fill these gaps. We argue that WQ models need stronger linkages across spatial scales. This would help to identify effective scale-specific WQ management options and contribute to future development of global WQ models. Two directions are proposed to improve the linkages: nested multiscale WQ modeling towards enhanced water management, and development of next-generation global WQ models based-on basin/local-scale mechanistic understanding. We highlight the need for better collaboration among WQ modelers and policy-makers in order to deliver responsive water policies and management strategies across scales.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
DOI: 10.1016/J.COSUST.2018.10.004
|
|
|
“Liquid-alloy-assisted growth of 2D ternaryGa2In4S9 toward high-performance UV photodetection”. Wang F, Gao T, Zhang Q, Hu Z-Y, Jin B, Li L, Zhou X, Li H, Van Tendeloo G, Zhai T, Advanced materials 31, 1806306 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1002/ADMA.201806306
Abstract: 2D ternary systems provide another degree of freedom of tuning physical properties through stoichiometry variation. However, the controllable growth of 2D ternary materials remains a huge challenge that hinders their practical applications. Here, for the first time, by using a gallium/indium liquid alloy as the precursor, the synthesis of high-quality 2D ternary Ga2In4S9 flakes of only a few atomic layers thick (approximate to 2.4 nm for the thinnest samples) through chemical vapor deposition is realized. Their UV-light-sensing applications are explored systematically. Photodetectors based on the Ga2In4S9 flakes display outstanding UV detection ability (R-lambda = 111.9 A W-1, external quantum efficiency = 3.85 x 10(4)%, and D* = 2.25 x 10(11) Jones@360 nm) with a fast response speed (tau(ring) approximate to 40 ms and tau(decay) approximate to 50 ms). In addition, Ga2In4S9-based phototransistors exhibit a responsivity of approximate to 10(4) A W-1@360 nm above the critical back-gate bias of approximate to 0 V. The use of the liquid alloy for synthesizing ultrathin 2D Ga2In4S9 nanostructures may offer great opportunities for designing novel 2D optoelectronic materials to achieve optimal device performance.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 19.791
Times cited: 29
DOI: 10.1002/ADMA.201806306
|
|