“Photocatalytic degradation of ethylene : an FTIR in situ study under atmospheric conditions”. Hauchecorne B, Tytgat T, Verbruggen SW, Hauchecorne D, Terrens D, Smits M, Vinken K, Lenaerts S, Applied catalysis : B : environmental 105, 111 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.APCATB.2011.03.041
Abstract: In this paper, the reaction mechanism of the photocatalytic oxidation of ethylene is elucidated by means of an in-house developed FTIR in situ reactor. This reactor allowed us to look at the catalytic surface at the moment the reactions actually occur. This new approach gave some exciting new insights in how ethylene is photocatalytically oxidised. It was found that there is a change in dipole moment of the ethylene molecule when it is brought in the neighbourhood of the catalyst. From this finding, a hypothesis was formulated on how the CC-bond from ethylene will break. It was found that the aforementioned interaction between the catalyst and the molecule, allows the excited electrons from the UV irradiated catalyst to occupy the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) of the ethylene molecule through a process known as backdonation. Following this hypothesis, it was found that the degradation occurs through the formation of two intermediates: formaldehyde and formic acid, for which formaldehyde is bound in two different ways (coordinatively and as bidentate). Finally CO2 and H2O are found as end products, resulting in the complete mineralisation of the pollutant.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Molecular Spectroscopy (MolSpec); Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Impact Factor: 9.446
Times cited: 29
DOI: 10.1016/J.APCATB.2011.03.041
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“Titania-functionalized diatom frustules as photocatalyst for indoor air purification”. Ouwehand J, Van Eynde E, De Canck E, Lenaerts S, Verberckmoes A, Van der Voort P, Applied catalysis : B : environmental 226, 303 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.APCATB.2017.12.063
Abstract: Diatom frustules were extracted from the species Thalassiosira pseudonana and functionalized with titania to be used as photocatalysts in the abatement of acetaldehyde. The synthetic procedure is water-based and environmentally friendly. The synthesis parameters were optimized to give the highest possible photocatalytic activity. The optimized material, visualized with TEM and STEM-EDX, shows the TiO2 nanoparticles grafted inside the frustule pores, as well as on the silica surface. The titania particles, stabilized by the frustules, are 2.5 times more active than the P25 benchmark material. The photocatalyst is then tested in conditions of elevated relative humidity, to simulate indoor air. The catalytic activity only shows a minor decrease at 50% relative humidity, which is a better result than for the P25 benchmark. When tested over an extended period of time, the photocatalyst only shows a minor decrease in activity.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Impact Factor: 9.446
Times cited: 4
DOI: 10.1016/J.APCATB.2017.12.063
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“A core-shell confined Pd@TS-1 @meso-SiO2 catalyst and its synergy effect on styrene oxidation”. Wang Y-T, Wu S-M, Luo G-Q, Tian G, Wang L-Y, Xiao S-T, Wu J-X, Wu A, Wu K-J, Lenaerts S, Yang X-Y, Applied catalysis : A : general 650, 119016 (2023). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.APCATA.2022.119016
Abstract: Dual active sites from acidic zeolite and Pd are not only capable of catalyzing multiple type of reactions, but could also generate unique functions owing to the synergy between metals and acidic sites. However, there are only a few reports on the investigation of the synergy of acid/Pd dual sites in TS-1. Herein, TS-1 confined Pd catalyst with mesoporous silica shell (Pd@TS-1 @meso-SiO2) has been successfully synthesized and its synergy effect contributes to the enhanced conversion rate (19.2%) and selectivity (74.7%) on styrene oxidation. The interaction between Pd and TS-1 has been investigated by EPR and 1H NMR techniques, the experimental measurements show an obvious change in the signal distribution of weakly acidic terminal hydroxyls and hydrogen-bonding silanols. The schematic illustration of selective styrene oxidation in the model of Pd@TS-1 @meso-SiO2 is proposed to clarify the synergistic effect on styrene oxidation between TS-1 and Pd nanoparticles at an atomic-/nanoscale.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Impact Factor: 5.5
DOI: 10.1016/J.APCATA.2022.119016
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“‘biogeom&rsquo, : an R package for simulating and fitting natural shapes”. Shi P, Gielis J, Quinn BK, Niklas KJ, Ratkowsky DA, Schrader J, Ruan H, Wang L, Niinemets Ü, Niinennets U, Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences 1516, 123 (2022). http://doi.org/10.1111/NYAS.14862
Abstract: Many natural objects exhibit radial or axial symmetry in a single plane. However, a universal tool for simulating and fitting the shapes of such objects is lacking. Herein, we present an R package called 'biogeom' that simulates and fits many shapes found in nature. The package incorporates novel universal parametric equations that generate the profiles of bird eggs, flowers, linear and lanceolate leaves, seeds, starfish, and tree-rings, and three growth-rate equations that generate the profiles of ovate leaves and the ontogenetic growth curves of animals and plants. 'biogeom' includes several empirical datasets comprising the boundary coordinates of bird eggs, fruits, lanceolate and ovate leaves, tree rings, seeds, and sea stars. The package can also be applied to other kinds of natural shapes similar to those in the datasets. In addition, the package includes sigmoid curves derived from the three growth-rate equations, which can be used to model animal and plant growth trajectories and predict the times associated with maximum growth rate. 'biogeom' can quantify the intra- or interspecific similarity of natural outlines, and it provides quantitative information of shape and ontogenetic modification of shape with important ecological and evolutionary implications for the growth and form of the living world.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Impact Factor: 5.2
DOI: 10.1111/NYAS.14862
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“Comparison of a universal (but complex) model for avian egg shape with a simpler model”. Shi P, Gielis J, Niklas KJ, Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences 1514, 34 (2022). http://doi.org/10.1111/NYAS.14799
Abstract: Recently, a universal equation by Narushin, Romanov, and Griffin (hereafter, the NRGE) was proposed to describe the shape of avian eggs. While NRGE can simulate the shape of spherical, ellipsoidal, ovoidal, and pyriform eggs, its predictions were not tested against actual data. Here, we tested the validity of the NRGE by fitting actual data of egg shapes and compared this with the predictions of our simpler model for egg shape (hereafter, the SGE). The eggs of nine bird species were sampled for this purpose. NRGE was found to fit the empirical data of egg shape well, but it did not define the egg length axis (i.e., the rotational symmetric axis), which significantly affected the prediction accuracy. The egg length axis under the NRGE is defined as the maximum distance between two points on the scanned perimeter of the egg's shape. In contrast, the SGE fitted the empirical data better, and had a smaller root-mean-square error than the NRGE for each of the nine eggs. Based on its mathematical simplicity and goodness-of-fit, the SGE appears to be a reliable and useful model for describing egg shape.
Keywords: Editorial; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Impact Factor: 5.2
DOI: 10.1111/NYAS.14799
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“A simple way to calculate the volume and surface area of avian eggs”. Shi P, Chen L, Quinn BK, Yu K, Miao Q, Guo X, Lian M, Gielis J, Niklas KJ, Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences 1524, 118 (2023). http://doi.org/10.1111/NYAS.15000
Abstract: Egg geometry can be described using Preston's equation, which has seldom been used to calculate egg volume (V) and surface area (S) to explore S versus V scaling relationships. Herein, we provide an explicit re-expression of Preston's equation (designated as EPE) to calculate V and S, assuming that an egg is a solid of revolution. The side (longitudinal) profiles of 2221 eggs of six avian species were digitized, and the EPE was used to describe each egg profile. The volumes of 486 eggs from two avian species predicted by the EPE were compared with those obtained using water displacement in graduated cylinders. There was no significant difference in V using the two methods, which verified the utility of the EPE and the hypothesis that eggs are solids of revolution. The data also indicated that V is proportional to the product of egg length (L) and maximum width (W) squared. A 2/3-power scaling relationship between S and V for each species was observed, that is, S is proportional to (LW2)(2/3). These results can be extended to describe the shapes of the eggs of other species to study the evolution of avian (and perhaps reptilian) eggs.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Impact Factor: 5.2
DOI: 10.1111/NYAS.15000
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“Correlation between the fluorination degree of perfluorinated zinc phthalocyanines, their singlet oxygen generation ability, and their photoelectrochemical response for phenol sensing”. Neven L, Barich H, Ching HYV, Khan SU, Colomier C, Patel HH, Gorun SM, Verbruggen S, Van Doorslaer S, De Wael K, Analytical chemistry 94, 5221 (2022). http://doi.org/10.1021/ACS.ANALCHEM.1C04357
Abstract: Electron-withdrawing perfluoroalkyl peripheral groups grafted on phthalocyanine (Pc) macrocycles improve their single-site isolation, solubility, and resistance to self-oxidation, all beneficial features for catalytic applications. A high degree of fluorination also enhances the reducibility of Pcs and could alter their singlet oxygen (1O2) photoproduction. The ethanol/toluene 20:80 vol % solvent mixture was found to dissolve perfluorinated FnPcZn complexes, n = 16, 52, and 64, and minimize the aggregation of the sterically unencumbered F16PcZn. The 1O2 production ability of FnPcZn complexes was examined using 9,10-dimethylanthracene (DMA) and 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine (TEMP) in combination with UV–vis and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy, respectively. While the photoreduction of F52PcZn and F64PcZn in the presence of redox-active TEMP lowered 1O2 production, DMA was a suitable 1O2 trap for ranking the complexes. The solution reactivity was complemented by solid-state studies via the construction of photoelectrochemical sensors based on TiO2-supported FnPcZn, FnPcZn|TiO2. Phenol photo-oxidation by 1O2, followed by its electrochemical reduction, defines a redox cycle, the 1O2 production having been found to depend on the value of n and structural features of the supported complexes. Consistent with solution studies, F52PcZn was found to be the most efficient 1O2 generator. The insights on reactivity testing and structural–activity relationships obtained may be useful for designing efficient and robust sensors and for other 1O2-related applications of FnPcZn.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Organic synthesis (ORSY); Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL); Antwerp Electrochemical and Analytical Sciences Lab (A-Sense Lab)
Impact Factor: 7.4
DOI: 10.1021/ACS.ANALCHEM.1C04357
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“Photoelectrochemical behavior of phthalocyanine-sensitized TiO₂, in the presence of electron-shuttling mediators”. Khan SU, Trashin S, Beltran V, Korostei YS, Pelmus M, Gorun SM, Dubinina T V, Verbruggen SW, De Wael K, Analytical chemistry 94, 12723 (2022). http://doi.org/10.1021/ACS.ANALCHEM.2C02210
Abstract: Dye-sensitized TiO(2 )has found many applications for dye sensitized solar cells (DSSC), solar-to-chemical energy conversion, water/air purification systems, and (electro)chemical sensors. We report an electrochemical system for testing dye-sensitized materials that can be utilized in photoelectrochemical (PEC) sensors and energy conversion. Unlike related systems, the reported system does not require a direct electron transfer from semiconductors to electrodes. Rather, it relies on electron shuttling by redox mediators. A range of model photocatalytic materials were prepared using three different TiO2 materials (P25, P90, and PC500) and three sterically hindered phthalocyanines (Pcs) with electron-rich tert-butyl substituents (t-Bu4PcZn, t-Bu4PcAlCl, and t-Bu4PcH2). The materials were compared with previously developed TiO(2 )modified by electron-deficient, also sterically hindered fluorinated phthalocyanine F64PcZn, a singlet oxygen (O-1(2)) producer, as well as its metal-free derivative, F64PcH2. The PEC activity depended on the redox mediator, as well as the type of TiO2 and Pc. By comparing the responses of one-electron shuttles, such as K4Fe(CN)(4), and O-1(2)-reactive electron shuttles, such as phenol, it is possible to reveal the action mechanism of the supported photosensitizers, while the overall activity can be assessed using hydroquinone. t-Bu4PcAlCl showed significantly lower blank responses and higher specific responses toward chlorophenols compared to t-Bu4PcZn due to the electron-withdrawing effect of the Al3+ metal center. The combination of reactivity insights and the need for only microgram amounts of sensing materials renders the reported system advantageous for practical applications.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL); Antwerp Electrochemical and Analytical Sciences Lab (A-Sense Lab)
Impact Factor: 7.4
DOI: 10.1021/ACS.ANALCHEM.2C02210
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“Combining medium recirculation with alternating the microalga production strain : a laboratory and pilot scale cultivation test”. Fret J, Roef L, Diels L, Tavernier S, Vyverman W, Michiels M, Algal Research-Biomass Biofuels And Bioproducts 46, 101763 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.ALGAL.2019.101763
Abstract: Reuse of growth medium after biomass harvesting is a cost-saving approach to improve the economic feasibility of algae mass cultivation. Algal exudates, cell debris and varying amounts of residual nutrients, impose challenges to the recycling of spent medium. In this study, the potential of combining reused medium from different algae species for growing monocultures of other algal strains was evaluated by making use of three successive cultivation setups with increasing volume; 400 mL in turbidostat mode, 2.6 L and 220 L in semi-continuous mode. Cultivation on replenished medium derived from Nannochloropsis sp. and Tisochrysis lutea, had no adverse effect on the productivity of either of the strains, regardless of whether they were grown in their own recycled medium or that of the other alga. Microfiltration of the reused medium proved to be sufficient to avoid cross-contamination. Moreover, a substantial average reduction in water footprint (77%) and nutrient cost (68% or 9 (sic).kg(-1) dry biomass) was achieved. Extension and validation of the medium recycling approach to other economically interesting algae species can contribute to improving the economic feasibility of large scale microalgae production systems.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL); Intelligence in PRocesses, Advanced Catalysts and Solvents (iPRACS)
Impact Factor: 5.1
Times cited: 4
DOI: 10.1016/J.ALGAL.2019.101763
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“Revisiting dry deposition modelling of particulate matter on vegetation at the microscale”. Ysebaert T, Samson R, Denys S, Air quality, atmosphere &, health (2023). http://doi.org/10.1007/S11869-023-01473-3
Abstract: Dry deposition is an important process determining pollutant concentrations, especially when studying the influence of urban green infrastructure on particulate matter (PM) levels in cities. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models of PM capture by vegetation are useful tools to increase their applicability. The meso-scale models of Zhang et al. (Atmos Environ 35:549-560, 2001) and Petroff and Zhang (Geosci Model Dev 3(2):753-769, 2010) have often been adopted in CFD models, however a comparison of these models with measurements including all PM particle sizes detrimental to health has been rarely reported and certainly not for green wall species. This study presents dry deposition experiments on real grown Hedera helix in a wind tunnel setup with wind speeds from 1 to 4 m s(-1) and PM consisting of a mixture of soot (0.02 – 0.2 mu mu m) and dust particles (0.3 – 10 mu mu m). Significant factors determining the collection efficiency (%) were particle diameter and wind speed, but relative air humidity and the type of PM (soot or dust) did not have a significant influence. Zhang's model outperformed Petroff's model for particles < 0.3 mu mu m, however the inclusion of turbulent impaction in Petroff's model resulted in better agreement with the measurements for particles > 2 – 3 mu mu m. The optimised model had an overall root-mean-square-error of similar to 4% for collection efficiency (CE) and 0.4 cm s-1 for deposition velocity (nu d), which was shown to be highly competitive against previously described models. It can thus be used to model PM deposition on other plant species, provided the correct parameterisation of the drag by this species. A detailed description of the spatial distribution of the vegetation could solve the underestimation for particle sizes of 0.3 – 2 mu mu m.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Impact Factor: 5.1
DOI: 10.1007/S11869-023-01473-3
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“An experimental and numerical study of the suppression of jets, counterflow, and backflow in vortex units”. Kulkarni S, Gonzalez-Quiroga A, Nuñez M, Schuerewegen C, Perreault P, Goel C, Heynderickx GJ, Van Geem KM, Marin GB, AIChE journal 65, e16614 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1002/AIC.16614
Abstract: Vortex units are commonly considered for various single and multiphase applications due to their process intensification capabilities. The transition from gas‐only flow to gas–solid flow remains largely unexplored nonetheless. During this transition, primary flow phenomenon, jets, and secondary flow phenomena, counterflow and backflow, are substantially reduced, before a rotating solids bed is established. This transitional flow regime is referred to as the vortex suppression regime. In the present work, this flow transition is identified and validated through experimental and computational studies in two vortex units with a scale differing by a factor of 2, using spherical aluminum and alumina particles. This experimental data supports the proposed theoretical particle monolayer solids loading that allows estimation of vortex suppression regime solids capacity for any vortex unit. It is shown that the vortex suppression regime is established at a solids loading theoretically corresponding to a monolayer being formed in the unit for 1g‐Geldart D‐ and 1g‐Geldart B‐type particles. The model closely agrees with experimental vortex suppression range for both aluminum and alumina particles. The model, as well as the experimental data, shows that the flow suppression regime depends on unit dimensions, particle diameter, and particle density but is independent of gas flow rate. This combined study, based on experimental and computational data and on a theoretical model, reveals the vortex suppression to be one of the basic operational parameters to study flow in a vortex unit and that a simple monolayer model allows to estimate the needed solids loading for any vortex device to induce this flow transition.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
DOI: 10.1002/AIC.16614
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“Pathways how irrigation water affects crop revenue of smallholder farmers in northwest Ethiopia: A mixed approach”. Zewdie MC, Van Passel S, Moretti M, Annys S, Tenessa DB, Ayele ZA, Tsegaye EA, Cools J, Minale AS, Nyssen J, Agricultural Water Management 233, 106101 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.agwat.2020.106101
Abstract: The relationship between irrigation water availability and crop revenue is multifaceted. However, most of the previous studies focused only on the direct effect of irrigation water on crop revenue or considered that the indirect effect passes only through the farmers’ improved farm inputs usage. Nevertheless, unlike previous studies, this study argues that a one-sided argument that irrigation water directly causes high crop revenue or indirectly affects crop revenue only via the farmers’ improved farm inputs usage is incomplete, as irrigation water not only directly contributes to crop revenue but also indirectly conduces to crop revenue via both the type of crops produced and the farmers’ improved farm inputs usage. Considering the previous studies’ limitations, this study investigates pathways how small-scale irrigation water affects crop revenue and identifies challenges of small-scale irrigation farming in Fogera district, Ethiopia. Results endorsed that irrigation water has both direct and indirect effects on crop revenue. The indirect effect is 67 percent of the total effect and it is mediated by both the type of crops produced and farmers’ improved farm inputs usage. The result also indicated that irrigation user farmers have a higher income, more livestock assets and resources and better food, housing, and cloths than the non-users. Moreover, challenges related to agricultural output and input market were identified as the most severe problem followed by crop disease. The findings of our study suggest that to utilize the benefits of irrigation water properly, it is crucial to encourage farmers to use more improved farm inputs and to shift from staple to cash crop production. Moreover, farmers are frequently exposed to cheating by illegal brokers in the output market, therefore it is also important to increase farmers’ accessibility to output and input markets, the quality of improved farm inputs, and the bargaining power of farmers with market information.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM); Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Impact Factor: 6.7
DOI: 10.1016/j.agwat.2020.106101
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“The Möbius phenomenon in Generalized Möbius-Listing surfaces and bodies, and Arnold's Cat phenomenon”. Gielis J, Ricci PE, Tavkhelidze I, Advanced Studies : Euro-Tbilisi Mathematical Journal 14, 17 (2021). http://doi.org/10.3251/ASETMJ/1932200812
Abstract: Möbius bands have been studied extensively, mainly in topology. Generalized Möbius-Listing surfaces and bodies providing a full geometrical generalization, is a quite new field, motivated originally by solutions of boundary value problems. Analogous to cutting of the original Möbius band, for this class of surfaces and bodies, results have been obtained when cutting such bodies or surfaces. In general, cutting leads to interlinked and intertwined different surfaces or bodies, resulting in very complex systems. However, under certain conditions, the result of cutting can be a single surface or body, which reduces complexity considerably. Our research is motivated by this reduction of complexity. In the study of cutting Generalized Möbius-Listing bodies with polygons as cross section, the conditions under which a single body results, displaying the Möbius phenomenon of a one-sided body, have been determined for even and odd polygons. These conditions are based on congruence and rotational symmetry of the resulting cross sections after cutting, and on the knife cutting the origin. The Möbius phenomenon is important, since the process of cutting (or separation of zones in a GML body in general) then results in a single body, not in different, intertwined domains. In all previous works it was assumed that the cross section of the GML bodies is constant, but the main result of this paper is that it is sufficient that only one cross section on the whole GML structure meets the conditions for the Möbius phenomenon to occur. Several examples are given to illustrate this.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
DOI: 10.3251/ASETMJ/1932200812
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“Hierarchical design in nanoporous metals”. Ying J, Lenaerts S, Symes MD, Yang X-Y, Advanced Science 9, 2106117 (2022). http://doi.org/10.1002/ADVS.202106117
Abstract: Hierarchically porous metals possess intriguing high accessibility of matter molecules and unique continuous metallic frameworks, as well as a high level of exposed active atoms. High rates of diffusion and fast energy transfer have been important and challenging goals of hierarchical design and porosity control with nanostructured metals. This review aims to summarize recent important progress toward the development of hierarchically porous metals, with special emphasis on synthetic strategies, hierarchical design in structure-function and corresponding applications. The current challenges and future prospects in this field are also discussed.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Impact Factor: 15.1
DOI: 10.1002/ADVS.202106117
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“Bio-based aromatic amines from lignin-derived monomers”. Blondiaux E, Bomon J, Smolen M, Kaval N, Lemière F, Sergeyev S, Diels L, Sels B, Maes BUW, ACS Sustainable Chemistry and Engineering 7, 6906 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1021/ACSSUSCHEMENG.8B06467
Abstract: A new approach to synthesize valuable 3,4-dialkoxyanilines and alkyl propionates from lignin-derived 4-propylguaiacol and -catechol with overall isolated yields up to 65% has been described. The strategy is based on the introduction of nitrogen via a Beckmann rearrangement. Amino introduction therefore coincides with a C-defunctionalization reaction; overall a replacement of the propyl chain by an amino group is obtained. The process only requires cheap bulk chemicals as reagents/reactants and does not involve column chromatography to purify the reaction products. Furthermore, all carbon atoms from the biorenewable lignin-derived monomers are transformed into valuable compounds. Greenness was assessed by performing a Green Metrics analysis on two dialkoxyanilines. A comparison was made with literature routes for these compounds starting from a petrochemical substrate.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Organic synthesis (ORSY); Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
DOI: 10.1021/ACSSUSCHEMENG.8B06467
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“Nitrous oxide emissions and carbon footprint of decentralized urine fertilizer production by nitrification and distillation”. Faust V, Gruber W, Ganigue R, Vlaeminck SE, Udert KM, ACS ES&T engineering 2, 1745 (2022). http://doi.org/10.1021/ACSESTENGG.2C00082
Abstract: Combining partial nitrification, granular activated carbon (GAC) filtration, and distillation is a well-studied approach to convert urine into a fertilizer. To evaluate the environmental sustainability of a technology, the operational carbon footprint and therefore nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions should be known, but N2O emissions from urine nitrification have not been assessed yet. Therefore, N2O emissions of a decentralized urine nitrification reactor were monitored for 1 month. During nitrification, 0.4-1.2% of the total nitrogen load was emitted as N2O-N with an average N2O emission factor (EFN2O) of 0.7%. Additional N2O was produced during anoxic storage between nitrification and GAC filtration with an estimated EFN2O of 0.8%, resulting in an EFN2O of 1.5% for the treatment chain. N2O emissions during nitrification can be mitigated by 60% by avoiding low dissolved oxygen or anoxic conditions and nitrite concentrations above 5 mg-N L-1. Minimizing the hydraulic retention time between nitrification and GAC filtration can reduce N2O formation during intermediate storage by 100%. Overall, the N2O emissions accounted for 45% of the operational carbon footprint of 14 kg-CO2,equiv kg-N-1 for urine fertilizer production. Using electricity from renewable sources and applying the proposed N2O mitigation strategies could potentially lower the carbon footprint by 85%.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
DOI: 10.1021/ACSESTENGG.2C00082
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“Influence of pH on urine nitrification : community shifts of ammonia-oxidizing bacteria and inhibition of nitrite-oxidizing bacteria”. Faust V, Vlaeminck SE, Ganigué, R, Udert KM, ACS ES&T engineering 4, 342 (2024). http://doi.org/10.1021/ACSESTENGG.3C00320
Abstract: Urine nitrification is pH-sensitive due to limited alkalinity and high residual ammonium concentrations. This study aimed to investigate how the pH affects nitrogen conversion and the microbial community of urine nitrification with a pH-based feeding strategy. First, kinetic parameters for NH3, HNO2, and NO2– limitation and inhibition were determined for nitrifiers from a urine nitrification reactor. The turning point for ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB), i.e., the substrate concentration at which a further increase would lead to a decrease in activity due to inhibitory effects, was at an NH3 concentration of 12 mg-N L–1, which was reached only at pH values above 7. The total nitrite turning point for nitrite-oxidizing bacteria (NOB) was pH-dependent, e.g., 18 mg-N L–1 at pH 6.3. Second, four years of data from two 120 L reactors were analyzed, showing that stable nitrification with low nitrite was most likely between pH 5.8 and 6.7. And third, six 12 L urine nitrification reactors were operated at total nitrogen concentrations of 1300 and 3600 mg-N L–1 and pH values between 2.5 and 8.5. At pH 6, the AOB Nitrosomonas europaea was found, and the NOB belonged to the genus Nitrobacter. At pH 7, nitrite accumulated, and Nitrosomonas halophila was the dominant AOB. NOB were inhibited by HNO2 accumulation. At pH 8.5, the AOB Nitrosomonas stercoris became dominant, and NH3 inhibited NOB. Without influent, the pH dropped to 2.5 due to the growth of the acid-tolerant AOB “Candidatus Nitrosacidococcus urinae”. In conclusion, pH is a decisive process control parameter for urine nitrification by influencing the selection and kinetics of nitrifiers.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
DOI: 10.1021/ACSESTENGG.3C00320
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“Electron Transfer and Near-Field Mechanisms in Plasmonic Gold-Nanoparticle-Modified TiO2Photocatalytic Systems”. Asapu R, Claes N, Ciocarlan R-G, Minjauw M, Detavernier C, Cool P, Bals S, Verbruggen SW, ACS applied nano materials 2, 4067 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1021/acsanm.9b00485
Abstract: The major mechanism responsible for plasmonic enhancement of titanium dioxide photocatalysis using gold nanoparticles is still under contention. This work introduces an experimental strategy to disentangle the significance of the charge transfer and near-field mechanisms in plasmonic photocatalysis. By controlling the thickness and conductive nature of a nanoparticle shell that acts as a spacer layer separating the plasmonic metal core from the TiO2 surface, field enhancement or charge transfer effects can be selectively repressed or evoked. Layer-by-layer and in situ polymerization methods are used to synthesize gold core–polymer shell nanoparticles with shell thickness control up to the sub-nanometer level. Detailed optical and electrical characterization supported by near-field simulation models corroborate the trends in photocatalytic activity of the different systems. This approach mainly points at an important contribution of the enhanced near field.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Laboratory of adsorption and catalysis (LADCA); Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Times cited: 32
DOI: 10.1021/acsanm.9b00485
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“Self-assembled ligand-capped plasmonic Au nanoparticle films in the Kretschmann configuration for sensing of volatile organic compounds”. Borah R, Smets J, Ninakanti R, Tietze ML, Ameloot R, Chigrin DN, Bals S, Lenaerts S, Verbruggen SW, ACS applied nano materials 5, acsanm.2c02524 (2022). http://doi.org/10.1021/ACSANM.2C02524
Abstract: Films of close-packed Au nanoparticles are coupled electrodynamically through their collective plasmon resonances. This collective optical response results in enhanced light–matter interactions, which can be exploited in various applications. Here, we demonstrate their application in sensing volatile organic compounds, using methanol as a test case. Ordered films over several cm2 were obtained by interfacial self-assembly of colloidal Au nanoparticles (∼10 nm diameter) through controlled evaporation of the solvent. Even though isolated nanoparticles of this size are inherently nonscattering, when arranged in a close-packed film the plasmonic coupling results in a strong reflectance and absorbance. The in situ tracking of vapor phase methanol concentration through UV–vis transmission measurements of the nanoparticle film is first demonstrated. Next, in situ ellipsometry of the self-assembled films in the Kretschmann (also known as ATR) configuration is shown to yield enhanced sensitivity, especially with phase difference measurements, Δ. Our study shows the excellent agreement between theoretical models of the spectral response of self-assembled films with experimental in situ sensing experiments. At the same time, the theoretical framework provides the basis for the interpretation of the various observed experimental trends. Combining periodic nanoparticle films with ellipsometry in the Kretschmann configuration is a promising strategy toward highly sensitive and selective plasmonic thin-film devices based on colloidal fabrication methods for volatile organic compound (VOC) sensing applications.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Impact Factor: 5.9
Times cited: 11
DOI: 10.1021/ACSANM.2C02524
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“Plasmonic Near-Field Localization of Silver Core–Shell Nanoparticle Assemblies via Wet Chemistry Nanogap Engineering”. Asapu R, Ciocarlan R-G, Claes N, Blommaerts N, Minjauw M, Ahmad T, Dendooven J, Cool P, Bals S, Denys S, Detavernier C, Lenaerts S, Verbruggen SW, ACS applied materials and interfaces 9, 41577 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1021/acsami.7b13965
Abstract: Silver nanoparticles are widely used in the field of plasmonics because of their unique optical properties. The wavelength-dependent surface plasmon resonance gives rise to a strongly enhanced electromagnetic field, especially at so-called hot spots located in the nanogap in-between metal nanoparticle assemblies. Therefore, the interparticle distance is a decisive factor in plasmonic applications, such as surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). In this study, the aim is to engineer this interparticle distance for silver nanospheres using a convenient wet-chemical approach and to predict and quantify the corresponding enhancement factor using both theoretical and experimental tools. This was done by building a tunable ultrathin polymer shell around the nanoparticles using the layer-by-layer method, in which the polymer shell acts as the separating interparticle spacer layer. Comparison of different theoretical approaches and corroborating the results with SERS analytical experiments using silver and silver−polymer core−shell nanoparticle clusters as SERS substrates was also done. Herewith, an approach is provided to estimate the extent of plasmonic near-field enhancement both theoretically as well as experimentally.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Impact Factor: 7.504
Times cited: 29
DOI: 10.1021/acsami.7b13965
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“Efficient iron phosphide catalyst as a counter electrode in dye-sensitized solar cells”. Yildiz A, Chouki T, Atli A, Harb M, Verbruggen SW, Ninakanti R, Emin S, ACS applied energy materials 4, 10618 (2021). http://doi.org/10.1021/ACSAEM.1C01628
Abstract: Developing an efficient material as a counter electrode (CE) with excellent catalytic activity, intrinsic stability, and low cost is essential for the commercial application of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Transition metal phosphides have been demonstrated as outstanding multifunctional catalysts in a broad range of energy conversion technologies. Here, we exploited different phases of iron phosphide as CEs in DSSCs with an I–/I3–-based electrolyte. Solvothermal synthesis using a triphenylphosphine precursor as a phosphorus source allows to grow a Fe2P phase at 300 °C and a FeP phase at 350 °C. The obtained iron phosphide catalysts were coated on fluorine-doped tin oxide substrates and heat-treated at 450 °C under an inert gas atmosphere. The solar-to-current conversion efficiency of the solar cells assembled with the Fe2P material reached 3.96 ± 0.06%, which is comparable to the device assembled with a platinum (Pt) CE. DFT calculations support the experimental observations and explain the fundamental origin behind the improved performance of Fe2P compared to FeP. These results indicate that the Fe2P catalyst exhibits excellent performance along with desired stability to be deployed as an efficient Pt-free alternative in DSSCs.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
DOI: 10.1021/ACSAEM.1C01628
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“The general case of cutting of Generalized Möbius-Listing surfaces and bodies”. Gielis J, Tavkhelidze I, 4Open 3, 7 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1051/FOPEN/2020007
Abstract: The original motivation to study Generalized Möbius-Listing GML surfaces and bodies was the observation that the solution of boundary value problems greatly depends on the domains. Since around 2010 GML’s were merged with (continuous) Gielis Transformations, which provide a unifying description of geometrical shapes, as a generalization of the Pythagorean Theorem. The resulting geometrical objects can be used for modeling a wide range of natural shapes and phenomena. The cutting of GML bodies and surfaces, with the Möbius strip as one special case, is related to the field of knots and links, and classifications were obtained for GML with cross sectional symmetry of 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6. The general case of cutting GML bodies and surfaces, in particular the number of ways of cutting, could be solved by reducing the 3D problem to planar geometry. This also unveiled a range of connections with topology, combinatorics, elasticity theory and theoretical physics.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
DOI: 10.1051/FOPEN/2020007
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Goorden L, Van Tendeloo G, Lenaerts S, Deblonde M, et al. (2009) Nanotechnologie: gewikt en gewogen. NanoSoc
Keywords: Minutes and reports; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM); Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL); Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
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Goorden L, Van Tendeloo G, Lenaerts S, Deblonde M, van Oudheusden M, et al. (2009) Nanotechnologie op de agenda. NanoSoc
Keywords: Minutes and reports; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM); Society and Environment; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL); Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
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“Development and validation of optical detection methods to screen photocatalytic materials for soot oxidation”. Smits M, Tytgat T, Hauchecorne B, Lenaerts S, (2012)
Keywords: P3 Proceeding; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
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“Diatom silica-titania materials for photocatalytic air purification”. Van Eynde E, Lenaerts S page 240 (2012).
Keywords: H3 Book chapter; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
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“Immobilisation of TiO2 into self-supporting photocatalytic foam : influence of acidity on porosity and light penetration”. Tytgat T, Lenaerts S, (2012)
Keywords: P3 Proceeding; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
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“In situ study of the parameters quantifying the corrosion in ballast tanks and an evaluation of improving alternative”. de Baere K, Verstraelen H, Lemmens L, Lenaerts S, Potters G, (2011)
Abstract: An in situ study of more than 100 ballast tanks of merchant marine vessels looks to the corrosion process in these tanks from another perspective. The developed corrosion model shows major similarities with earlier studies based on laboratory experiments. The field work exposes the influence of ship construction parameters such as land of construction, coating type and the presence of sacrificial anodes on the corrosion process in the ballast tanks. Possible alternatives for vessels constructed with ordinary grade A steel and coated according to IMO PSPC standards are presented, even though further research is required to come to final conclusions.
Keywords: P3 Proceeding; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
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“Plasma assisted catalysis : an efficient and sustainable indoor air purification technology”. Van Wesenbeeck K, Hauchecorne B, Lenaerts S, (2012)
Keywords: P3 Proceeding; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
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“Plasma catalysis : integration of a photocatalytic coating in a corona discharge unit”. Van Wesenbeeck K, Hauchecorne B, Lenaerts S, (2013)
Keywords: P3 Proceeding; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
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