“Modeling of chemical processes in the low pressure capacitive radio frequency discharges in a mixture of Ar/C2H2”. Ariskin DA, Schweigert IV, Alexandrov AL, Bogaerts A, Peeters FM, Journal of applied physics 105, 063305 (2009). http://doi.org/10.1063/1.3095760
Abstract: We study the properties of a capacitive 13.56 MHz discharge with a mixture of Ar/C<sub>2</sub>H<sub>2</sub> taking into account the plasmochemistry and growth of heavy hydrocarbons. A hybrid model was developed to combine the kinetic description for electron motion and the fluid approach for negative and positive ion transports and plasmochemical processes. A significant change in plasma parameters related to injection of 5.8% portion of acetylene in argon was observed and analyzed. We found that the electronegativity of the mixture is about 30%. The densities of negatively and positively charged heavy hydrocarbons are sufficiently large to be precursors for the formation of nanoparticles in the discharge volume.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT); Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 2.068
Times cited: 21
DOI: 10.1063/1.3095760
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“Modified atomic scattering amplitudes and size effects on the 002 and 220 electron structure factors of multiple Ga1-xInxAs/GaAs quantum wells”. Titantah JT, Lamoen D, Schowalter M, Rosenauer A, Journal of applied physics 105, 084310 (2009). http://doi.org/10.1063/1.3115407
Abstract: The modified atomic scattering amplitudes (MASAs) of mixed Ga<sub>1-x</sub>In<sub>x</sub>As, GaAs<sub>1-x</sub>N<sub>x</sub>, and InAs<sub>1-x</sub>N<sub>x</sub> are calculated using the density functional theory approach and the results are compared with those of the binary counterparts. The MASAs of N, Ga, As, and In for various scattering vectors in various chemical environments and in the zinc-blende structure are compared with the frequently used Doyle and Turner values. Deviation from the Doyle and Turner results is found for small scattering vectors (s<0.3 Å<sup>-1</sup>) and for these scattering vectors the MASAs are found to be sensitive to the orientation of the scattering vector and on the chemical environment. The chemical environment sensitive MASAs are used within zero pressure classical Metropolis Monte Carlo, finite temperature calculations to investigate the effect of well size on the electron 002 and 220 structure factors (SFs). The implications of the use of the 002 (200) spot for the quantification of nanostructured Ga<sub>1-x</sub>In<sub>x</sub>As systems are examined while the 220 SF across the well is evaluated and is found to be very sensitive to the in-plane static displacements.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 2.068
DOI: 10.1063/1.3115407
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“Optical conductance and transmission in bilayer graphene”. Dhong HM, Zhang J, Peeters FM, Xu W, Journal of applied physics 106, 043103 (2009). http://doi.org/10.1063/1.3200959
Abstract: We present a theoretical study of the optoelectronic properties of bilayer graphene. The optical conductance and transmission coefficient are calculated using the energy-balance equation derived from a Boltzmann equation for an air/graphene/dielectric-wafer system. For short wavelengths (<0.2 µm), we obtain the universal optical conductance =e2/(2). Interestingly, there exists an optical absorption window in the wavelength range 10100 µm, which is induced by different transition energies required for inter- and intra-band optical absorptions in the presence of the MossBurstein effect. As a result, the position and width of this absorption window depend sensitively on temperature, carrier density, and sample mobility of the system. These results are relevant for applications of recently developed graphene devices in advanced optoelectronics such as the infrared photodetectors.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 2.068
Times cited: 11
DOI: 10.1063/1.3200959
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“Physical modeling of strain-dependent hole mobility in Ge p-channel inversion layers”. Zhang Y, Fischetti MV, Sorée B, Magnus W, Heyns M, Meuris M, Journal of applied physics 106, 083704 (2009). http://doi.org/10.1063/1.3245327
Abstract: We present comprehensive calculations of the low-field hole mobility in Ge p-channel inversion layers with SiO2 insulator using a six-band k·p band-structure model. The cases of relaxed, biaxially, and uniaxially (both tensily and compressively) strained Ge are studied employing an efficient self-consistent methodmaking use of a nonuniform spatial mesh and of the Broyden second methodto solve the coupled envelope-wave function k·p and Poisson equations. The hole mobility is computed using the KuboGreenwood formalism accounting for nonpolar hole-phonon scattering and scattering with interfacial roughness. Different approximations to handle dielectric screening are also investigated. As our main result, we find a large enhancement (up to a factor of 10 with respect to Si) of the mobility in the case of uniaxial compressive stress similarly to the well-known case of Si. Comparison with experimental data shows overall qualitative agreement but with significant deviations due mainly to the unknown morphology of the rough Ge-insulator interface, to additional scattering with surface optical phonon from the high- insulator, to Coulomb scattering interface traps or oxide chargesignored in our calculationsand to different channel structures employed.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 2.068
Times cited: 29
DOI: 10.1063/1.3245327
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“Direct room-temperature synthesis of methyl-functionalized Ti-MCM-41 nanoparticles and their catalytic performance in epoxidation”. Lin K, Pescarmona PP, Houthoofd K, Liang D, Van Tendeloo G, Jacobs PA, Journal of catalysis 263, 75 (2009). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcat.2009.01.013
Abstract: Methyl-functionalized Ti-MCM-41 nanoparticles with a size of 80 to 160 nm (Me-Ti-MCM-41 NP) were directly prepared via a dilute solution route by the co-condensation of tetraethoxysilane and methylalkoxysilanes in sodium hydroxide medium at room temperature. The characterization results showed the existence of ordered hexagonal mesoporous structure and tetrahedral Ti species in the nanoparticles. In the epoxidation of cyclohexene with tert-butyl hydroperoxide and aqueous H2O2, Me-Ti-MCM-41 NP samples displayed higher turnover frequencies (TOFs) for cyclohexene and initial reaction rates compared to Ti-MCM-41 and methyl-functionalized Ti-MCM-41 with normal particle size and to non-functionalized Ti-MCM-41 nanoparticles. Simultaneously, a higher selectivity for cyclohexene epoxide was observed in the case of aqueous H2O2, suggesting that the hydrolysis of cyclohexene epoxide with water is reduced on Me-Ti-MCM-41 NP samples. The improved catalytic behavior of Me-Ti-MCM-41 NP is discussed both in terms of the nanosize and methylation of the surface of the catalyst particles. The regeneration of Me-Ti-MCM-41 NP with tert-butyl hydroperoxide solution was evaluated via washing and calcination approaches.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 6.844
Times cited: 89
DOI: 10.1016/j.jcat.2009.01.013
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“Aqueous solubility calculation for petroleum mixtures in soil using comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography analysis data”. Mao D, Lookman R, van de Weghe H, Vanermen G, de Brucker N, Diels L, Journal of chromatography : A 1216, 2873 (2009). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.CHROMA.2008.08.072
Abstract: An assessment of aqueous solubility (leaching potential) of soil contaminations with petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) is important in the context of the evaluation of (migration) risks and soil/groundwater remediation. Field measurements using monitoring wells often overestimate real TPH concentrations in case of presence of pure oil in the screened interval of the well. This paper presents a method to calculate TPH equilibrium concentrations in groundwater using soil analysis by high-performance liquid chromatography followed by comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography (HPLCGCXGC). The oil in the soil sample is divided into 79 defined hydrocarbon fractions on two GCXGC color plots. To each of these fractions a representative water solubility is assigned. Overall equilibrium water solubility of the non-aqueous phase liquid (NAPL) present in the sample and the water phase's chemical composition (in terms of the 79 fractions defined) are then calculated using Raoult's law. The calculation method was validated using soil spiked with 13 different TPH mixtures and 1 field-contaminated soil. Measured water solubilities using a column recirculation equilibration experiment agreed well to calculated equilibrium concentrations and water phase TPH composition.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
DOI: 10.1016/J.CHROMA.2008.08.072
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“Detailed analysis of petroleum hydrocarbon attenuation in biopiles by high-performance liquid chromatography followed by comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography”. Mao D, Lookman R, van de Weghe H, Vanermen G, de Brucker N, Diels L, Journal of chromatography : A 1216, 1524 (2009). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.CHROMA.2008.12.087
Abstract: Enhanced bioremediation of petroleum hydrocarbons in two biopiles was quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) followed by comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography (GCXGC). The attenuation of 34 defined hydrocarbon classes was calculated by HPLCGCXGC analysis of representative biopile samples at start-up and after 18 weeks of biopile operation. In general, a-cyclic alkanes were most efficiently removed from the biopiles, followed by monoaromatic hydrocarbons. Cycloalkanes and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were more resistant to degradation. A-cyclic biomarkers farnesane, trimethyl-C13, norpristane, pristane and phytane dropped to only about 10% of their initial concentrations. On the other hand, C29C31 hopane concentrations remained almost unaltered after 18 weeks of biopile operation, confirming their resistance to biodegradation. They are thus reliable indicators to estimate attenuation potential of petroleum hydrocarbons in biopile processed soils.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
DOI: 10.1016/J.CHROMA.2008.12.087
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“Modeling drive currents and leakage currents : a dynamic approach”. Magnus W, Brosens F, Sorée B, Journal of computational electronics 8, 307 (2009). http://doi.org/10.1007/s10825-009-0296-9
Abstract: The dynamics of electrons and holes propagating through the nano-scaled channels of modern semiconductor devices can be seen as a widespread manifestation of non-equilibrium statistical physics and its ruling principles. In this respect both the devices that are pushing conventional CMOS technology towards the final frontiers of Moores law and the upcoming set of alternative, novel nanostructures grounded on entirely new concepts and working principles, provide an almost unlimited playground for assessing physical models and numerical techniques emerging from classical and quantum mechanical non-equilibrium theory. In this paper we revisit the Boltzmann as well as the WignerBoltzmann equation which offers a valuable platform to study transport of charge carriers taking part in drive currents. We focus on a numerical procedure that regained attention recently as an alternative tool to solve the time-dependent Boltzmann equation for inhomogeneous systems, such as the channel regions of field-effect transistors, and we discuss its extension to the WignerBoltzmann equation. Furthermore, we pay attention to the calculation of tunneling leakage currents. The latter typically occurs in nano-scaled transistors when part of the carrier distribution sustaining the drive current is found to tunnel into the gate due the presence of an ultra-thin insulating barrier separating the gate from the channel region. In particular, we discuss the paradox related to the very existence of leakage currents established by electrons occupying quasi-bound states, while the (real) wave functions of the latter cannot carry net currents. Finally, we describe a simple model to resolve the paradox as well as to estimate gate currents provided the local carrier generation rates largely exceed the tunneling rates.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT); Theory of quantum systems and complex systems
Impact Factor: 1.526
Times cited: 4
DOI: 10.1007/s10825-009-0296-9
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“Study of the nucleation and growth of TiO2 and ZnO thin films by means of molecular dynamics simulations”. Baguer N, Georgieva V, Calderin L, Todorov IT, van Gils S, Bogaerts A, Journal of crystal growth 311, 4034 (2009). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcrysgro.2009.06.034
Abstract: The nucleation and growth of titanium dioxide (TiO2) and zinc oxide (ZnO) thin films on Fe2O3 (hematite), Al2O3 (á-alumina) and SiO2 (á-quartz) are studied by molecular dynamics simulations. The results show the formation of a strong interface region between the substrate and the film in the six systems studied here. A combination of polycrystalline and amorphous phases are observed in the TiO2 films grown on the three substrates. ZnO deposition on the Fe2O3 and Al2O3 crystals yields a monocrystalline film growth. The ZnO film deposited on the SiO2 crystal exhibits less crystallinity. The simulation results are compared with experimental results available in the literature.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 1.751
Times cited: 23
DOI: 10.1016/j.jcrysgro.2009.06.034
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“Contact sponge method : performance of a promising tool for measuring the initial water absorption”. Vandevoorde D, Pamplona M, Schalm O, Vanhellemont Y, Cnudde V, Verhaeven E, Journal of cultural heritage 10, 41 (2009). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.CULHER.2008.10.002
Abstract: Porous limestone and mortar are able to absorb large quantities of water. This phenomenon will accelerate the deterioration of the material. In such cases, the material might be treated with a hydrophobic product, which creates a superficial layer that hampers the penetration of water. In order to decide if such a treatment should be applied or not, the water absorbing behaviour of the material should be measured. With the same measuring technique the efficiency of the hydrophobic barrier can be evaluated. Moreover, it allows the monitoring of such barriers as a function of time. At the same time, the water absorption of porous stone material is an indication of the degree of deterioration and its sensitivity to future deterioration. Up to now, two different measuring techniques exist, but one can only be used in laboratory and the other, which can be operated in laboratory as well as in situ, is not always reliable for in situ analyses. This article proposes an alternative method: the contact sponge method. This recently developed method was tested on non-treated porous stone materials in a laboratory environment in order to evaluate its performance in comparison with the two existing methods.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
DOI: 10.1016/J.CULHER.2008.10.002
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“Sustainable value assessment of farms using frontier efficiency benchmarks”. Van Passel S, Van Huylenbroeck G, Lauwers L, Mathijs E, Journal Of Environmental Management 90, 3057 (2009). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.JENVMAN.2009.04.009
Abstract: Appropriate assessment of firm sustainability facilitates actor-driven processes towards sustainable development. The methodology in this paper builds further on two proven methodologies for the assessment of sustainability performance: it combines the sustainable value approach with frontier efficiency benchmarks. The sustainable value methodology tries to relate firm performance to the use of different resources. This approach assesses contributions to corporate sustainability by comparing firm resource productivity with the resource productivity of a benchmark, and this for all resources considered. The efficiency is calculated by estimating the production frontier indicating the maximum feasible production possibilities. In this research, the sustainable value approach is combined with efficiency analysis methods to benchmark sustainability assessment. In this way, the production theoretical underpinnings of efficiency analysis enrich the sustainable value approach. The methodology is presented using two different functional forms: the CobbDouglas and the translog functional forms. The simplicity of the CobbDouglas functional form as benchmark is very attractive but it lacks flexibility. The translog functional form is more flexible but has the disadvantage that it requires a lot of data to avoid estimation problems. Using frontier methods for deriving firm specific benchmarks has the advantage that the particular situation of each company is taken into account when assessing sustainability. Finally, we showed that the methodology can be used as an integrative sustainability assessment tool for policy measures.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Economics
Impact Factor: 4.01
Times cited: 41
DOI: 10.1016/J.JENVMAN.2009.04.009
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“Major ionic species in size-segregated aerosols and associated gaseous pollutants at a coastal site on the Belgian North Sea”. Horemans B, Krata A, Buczyńska AJ, Dirtu AC, van Meel K, Van Grieken R, Bencs L, Journal of environmental monitoring 11, 670 (2009). http://doi.org/10.1039/B815059A
Abstract: The chemical composition of airborne particulate matter (PM) was studied at a coastal region near De Haan, Belgium, during a winterspring and a summer campaign in 2006. The major ionic components of size-segregated PM, i.e. NH4+, Na+, K+, Mg2+, Ca2+, Cl-, NO3-, and SO42-, and related gaseous pollutants (SO2, NO2, NH3, HNO2, and HNO3) were monitored on a daily basis. Air mass backward-trajectories aided in evaluating the origin of the diurnal pollution load. This was characterised with high levels of fine secondary inorganic aerosols (NH4+, NO3-, and non-sea-salt SO42-) for continental air masses, and sea-salts as the dominant species in coarse maritime aerosols. Seasonal variations in the level of major ionic species were explained by weather conditions and the release of dimethyl sulfide from marine regions. This species was responsible for an increased sea-salt Cl- depletion during summer (56%), causing elevated levels of HCl. Neutralisation ratios for the coarse fraction (0.60.8) suggested a depleted NH4+ level, while that for the fine fraction (1.11.3) had definitely an excess of NH4+, formed by the neutralisation of HCl. The results of factor analysis and the extent of SO2 oxidation indicated that the major ionic species originated from both local and remote sources, classifying the Belgian coastal region as a combined sourcereceptor area of air pollution.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
DOI: 10.1039/B815059A
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“Solid state speciation and potential bioavailability of depleted uranium particles from Kosovo and Kuwait”. Lind OC, Salbu B, Skipperud L, Janssens K, Jaroszewicz J, de Nolf W, Journal of environmental radioactivity 100, 301 (2009). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.JENVRAD.2008.12.018
Abstract: A combination of synchrotron radiation based X-ray microscopic techniques (ì-XRF, ì-XANES, ì-XRD) applied on single depleted uranium (DU) particles and semi-bulk leaching experiments has been employed to link the potential bioavailability of DU particles to site-specific particle characteristics. The oxidation states and crystallographic forms of U in DU particles have been determined for individual particles isolated from selected samples collected at different sites in Kosovo and Kuwait that were contaminated by DU ammunition during the 1999 Balkan conflict and the 1991 Gulf war. Furthermore, small soil or sand samples heavily contaminated with DU particles were subjected to simulated gastrointestinal fluid (0.16 M HCl) extractions. Characteristics of DU particles in Kosovo soils collected in 2000 and in Kuwait soils collected in 2002 varied significantly depending on the release scenario and to some extent on weathering conditions. Oxidized U (+6) was determined in large, fragile and bright yellow DU particles released during fire at a DU ammunition storage facility and crystalline phases such as schoepite (UO3·2.25H2O), dehydrated schoepite (UO3·0.75H2O) and metaschoepite (UO3·2.0H2O) were identified. As expected, these DU particles were rapidly dissolved in 0.16 M HCl (84 ± 3% extracted after 2 h) indicating a high degree of potential mobility and bioavailability. In contrast, the 2 h extraction of samples contaminated with DU particles originating either from corrosion of unspent DU penetrators or from impacted DU ammunition appeared to be much slower (2030%) as uranium was less oxidized (+4 to +6). Crystalline phases such as UO2, UC and metallic U or UTi alloy were determined in impacted DU particles from Kosovo and Kuwait, while the UO2,34 phase, only determined in particles from Kosovo, could reflect a more corrosive environment. Although the results are based on a limited number of DU particles, they indicate that the structure and extractability of DU particles released from similar sources (metallic U penetrators) will depend on the release scenarios (fire, impact) and to some extent environmental conditions. However, most of the DU particles (7396%) in all investigated samples were dissolved in 0.16 M HCl after one week indicating that a majority of the DU material is bioaccessible.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
Impact Factor: 2.31
Times cited: 49
DOI: 10.1016/J.JENVRAD.2008.12.018
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“Elusive s-f intrasite interactions and double exchange in solids: ferromagnetic versus nonmagnetic ground state”. Nikolaev AV, Michel KH, Journal of experimental and theoretical physics 109, 286 (2009). http://doi.org/10.1134/S1063776109080147
Abstract: From the theory of many-electron states in atoms, we know that there exists a strong Coulomb repulsion, which results in the electronic term structure of atoms and is responsible for Hunds rules. By expanding the Coulomb on-site repulsion into a multipolar series, we derive this interaction and show that it is also present in solids as a correlation effect, which means that the interaction requires a multideterminant version of the Hartree-Fock method. Of particular interest is the case where this interaction couples states of localized ( f) and delocalized ( s) electrons. We show that the interaction is bilinear in the creation/annihilation operators for localized electrons and bilinear in the operators for conduction electrons. To study the coupling, we consider a simple model in the framework of an effective limited configuration interaction method with one localized f-electron and one itinerant s-electron per crystal site. The on-site multipole interaction between the f- and s-electrons is explicitly taken into account. It is shown that depending on the low-lying excitation spectrum imposed by the crystal electric field, the model can lead not only to ferromagnetism but also to a nonmagnetic state. The model is relevant for solids with localized and itinerant electron states.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 1.196
Times cited: 3
DOI: 10.1134/S1063776109080147
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“Characterization of gas concrete materials used in buildings of Turkey”. Damla N, Čevik U, Kobya AI, Celik A, Van Grieken R, Kobya Y, Journal of hazardous materials 168, 681 (2009). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.JHAZMAT.2009.02.092
Abstract: The activity concentration of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K in gas concrete samples collected from different suppliers and some provinces in Turkey were measured using gamma-ray spectrometry. Knowledge of radioactivity in gas concrete used in building materials enables one to assess any possible radiological risks to human health. The mean activity concentrations observed in the gas concrete samples were 82.0, 28.2 and 383.9 Bq kg−1 for 226Ra, 232Th and 40K, respectively. The radium equivalent activity, external and internal hazard indices as well as terrestrial absorbed dose and annual effective dose rate was calculated. The results indicate that the radium equivalent activity values of gas concrete samples are lower than the limit of 370 Bq kg−1, equivalent to a gamma-dose of 1.5 mSv y−1. Moreover, mass attenuation coefficients were measured in some gas concrete samples. It was found that the mass attenuation coefficients decreased with increasing photon energies. Also, chemical compositions and structural analysis (XRD and SEM) of the gas concrete samples were investigated.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
DOI: 10.1016/J.JHAZMAT.2009.02.092
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“Combined SEM/EDX and micro-Raman spectroscopy analysis of uranium minerals from a former uranium mine”. Stefaniak EA, Alsecz A, Frost R, Máthé, Z, Sajó, IE, Török S, Worobiec A, Van Grieken R, Journal of hazardous materials 168, 416 (2009). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.JHAZMAT.2009.02.057
Abstract: Samples of the secondary uranium minerals collected in the abandoned uranium mine at Pecs (Hungary) were investigated by two micro-techniques: scanning electron microscopy (SEM/EDX) and micro-Raman spectroscopy (MRS). They were applied to locate U-rich particles and identify the chemical form and oxidation state of the uranium compounds. The most abundant mineral was a K and/or Na uranyl sulphate (zippeite group). U(VI) was also present in the form showing intensive Raman scattering at 860 cm−1 which can be attributed to uranium trioxide. This research has shown the successful application of micro-Raman spectroscopy for the identification of uranyl mineral species on the level of individual particles.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Laboratory Experimental Medicine and Pediatrics (LEMP); AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
DOI: 10.1016/J.JHAZMAT.2009.02.057
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“Natural and artificial radioactivity measurements in Eastern Black Sea region of Turkey”. Celik N, Čevik U, Celik A, Koz B, Journal of hazardous materials 162, 146 (2009). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.JHAZMAT.2008.05.017
Abstract: In the present work, naturally occurring radionuclides of (226)Ra, (232)Th and (40)K were measured in soil samples collected from the Eastern Black Sea region of Turkey. It was found that the activity concentrations ranged from 12 to 120 Bq kg(-1) for (226)Ra, from 13 to 121 Bq kg(-1) for (232)Th and from 204 to 1295 Bq kg(-1) for (40)K. Besides naturally occurring radionuclides, (137)Cs activity concentration was measured in soil, lichen and moss samples and it was found that (137)Cs activity concentration ranged from 27 to 775 Bq kg(-1) with for soil, from 29 to 879 Bq kg(-1) for lichen and from 67 to 1396 Bq kg(-1) for moss samples. Annual effective doses due to the naturally occurring radionuclides and (137)CS were estimated. Ecological half-lives of (137)CS in lichen and moss species were estimated. The decrease of the activity concentrations in the present measurements (2007) relative to those in 1993 indicated ecological half-lives between 1.36 and 2.96 years for lichen and between 1.35 and 2.85 years for moss species. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
DOI: 10.1016/J.JHAZMAT.2008.05.017
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“Advanced electron microscopy and its possibilities to solve complex structures: application to transition metal oxides”. Van Tendeloo G, Hadermann J, Abakumov AM, Antipov EV, Journal of materials chemistry 19, 2660 (2009). http://doi.org/10.1039/b817914j
Abstract: Design and optimization of materials properties can only be performed through a thorough knowledge of the structure of the compound. In this feature article we illustrate the possibilities of advanced electron microscopy in materials science and solid state chemistry. The different techniques are briefly discussed and several examples are given where the structures of complex oxides, often with a modulated structure, have been solved using electron microscopy.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Times cited: 9
DOI: 10.1039/b817914j
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“The effects of moderate thermal treatments under air on LiFePO4-based nano powders”. Hamelet S, Gibot P, Casas-Cabanas M, Bonnin D, Grey CP, Cabana J, Leriche JB, Rodriguez-Carvajal J, Courty M, Levasseur S, Carlach P, Van Thournout M, Tarascon JM, Masquelier C;, Journal of materials chemistry 19, 3979 (2009). http://doi.org/10.1039/b901491h
Abstract: The thermal behavior under air of LiFePO(4)-based powders was investigated through the combination of several techniques such as temperature-controlled X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis and Mossbauer and NMR spectroscopies. The reactivity with air at moderate temperatures depends on the particle size and leads to progressive displacement of Fe from the core structure yielding nano-size Fe(2)O(3) and highly defective, oxidized Li(x)Fe(y)PO(4) compositions whose unit-cell volume decreases dramatically when the temperature is raised between 400 and 600 K. The novel LiFePO(4)-like compositions display new electrochemical reactivity when used as positive electrodes in Li batteries. Several redox phenomena between 3.4 V and 2.7 V vs. Li were discovered and followed by in-situ X-ray diffraction, which revealed two distinct solid solution domains associated with highly anisotropic variations of the unit-cell constants.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Times cited: 93
DOI: 10.1039/b901491h
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“Pd@MOF-5: limitations of gas-phase infiltration and solution impregnation of [Zn4O(bdc)3] (MOF-5) with metalorganic palladium precursors for loading with Pd nanoparticles”. Esken D, Zhang X, Lebedev OI, Schröder F, Fischer RA, Journal of materials chemistry 19, 1314 (2009). http://doi.org/10.1039/b815977g
Abstract: The limitations of the loading of the porous metalorganic framework [Zn4O(bdc)3] (bdc = benzene-1,4-dicarboxylate; MOF-5 or IRMOF-1) with Pd nanoparticles was investigated. First, the volatile organometallic precursor [Pd(5-C5H5)(3-C3H5)] was employed to get the inclusion compound [Pd(5-C5H5)(3-C3H5)]x@MOF-5 via gas-phase infiltration at 10-3 mbar. A loading of four molecules of [Pd(5-C5H5)(3-C3H5)] per formula unit of MOF-5 (x = 4) can be reached (35 wt.% Pd). Second, the metalorganic precursor [Pd(acac)2] (acac = 2,4-pentanedionate) was used and the inclusion materials [Pd(acac)2]x@MOF-5 of different Pd loadings were obtained by incipient wetness infiltration. However, the maximum loading was lower as compared with the former case with about two precursor molecules per formula unit of MOF-5. Both loading routes are suitable for the synthesis of Pd nanoparticles inside the porous host matrix. Homogeneously distributed nanoparticles with diameter of 2.4(±0.2) nm can be achieved by photolysis of the inclusion compounds [Pd(5-C5H5)(3-C3H5)]x@MOF-5 (x 4), while the hydrogenolysis of [Pd(acac)2]x@MOF-5 (x 2) leads to a mixture of small particles inside the network (< 3 nm) and large Pd agglomerates (40 nm) on the outer surface of the MOF-5 specimens. The pure Pdx@MOF-5 materials proved to be stable under hydrogen pressure (2 bar) at 150 °C over many hours. Neither hydrogenation of the bdc linkers nor particle growth was observed. The new composite materials were characterized by 1H/13C-MAS-NMR, powder XRD, ICP-AES, FT-IR, N2 sorption measurements and high resolution TEM. Raising the Pd loading of a representative sample Pd4@MOF-5 (35 wt.% Pd) by using [Pd(5-C5H5)(3-C3H5)] as precursor in a second cycle of gas-phase infiltration and photolysis was accompanied by the collapse of the long-range crystalline order of the MOF.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Times cited: 100
DOI: 10.1039/b815977g
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“Rapid microwave-assisted synthesis of benzene bridged periodic mesoporous organosilicas”. Smeulders G, Meynen V, van Baelen G, Mertens M, Lebedev OI, Van Tendeloo G, Maes BUW, Cool P, Journal of materials chemistry 19, 3042 (2009). http://doi.org/10.1039/b820792e
Abstract: Following extended use in organic chemistry, microwave-assisted synthesis is gaining more importance in the field of inorganic chemistry, especially for the synthesis of nanoporous materials. It offers some major advantages such as a significant shortening of the synthesis time and an improved promotion of nucleation. In the research here reported, microwave technology is applied for the synthesis of benzene bridged PMOs (periodic mesoporous organosilicas). PMOs are one of the latest innovations in the field of hybrid ordered mesoporous materials and have attracted much attention because of their feasibility in electronics, catalysis, separation and sorption applications. The different synthesis steps (stirring, aging and extraction) of the classical PMO synthesis are replaced by microwave-assisted synthesis steps. The characteristics of the as-synthesized materials are evaluated by X-ray diffraction, N2-sorption, thermogravimetric analysis, scanning- and transmission electron microscopy. The microwave-assisted synthesis drastically reduces the synthesis time by more than 40 hours without any loss in structural properties, such as mesoscale and molecular ordering. The porosity of the PMO materials has even been improved by more than 25%. Moreover, the number of handling/transfer steps and amounts of chemicals and waste are drastically reduced. The study also shows that there is a clear time (1 to 3 hours) and temperature frame (373 K to 403 K) wherein synthesis of benzene bridged PMO is optimal. In conclusion, the microwave-assisted synthesis pathway allows an improved material to be obtained in a more economical way i.e. a much shorter time with fewer chemicals and less waste.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Laboratory of adsorption and catalysis (LADCA); Organic synthesis (ORSY)
Times cited: 20
DOI: 10.1039/b820792e
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“La2MnVO6 double perovskite: a structural, magnetic and X-ray absorption investigation”. Mandal TK, Croft M, Hadermann J, Van Tendeloo G, Stephens PW, Greenblatt M, Journal of materials chemistry 19, 4382 (2009). http://doi.org/10.1039/b823513a
Abstract: The synthesis, electron diffraction (ED), synchrotron X-ray and neutron structure, X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) and magnetic property studies of La2MnVO6 double perovskite are described. Analysis of the synchrotron powder X-ray diffraction data for La2MnVO6 indicates a disordered arrangement of Mn and V at the B-site of the perovskite structure. Absence of super-lattice reflections in the ED patterns for La2MnVO6 supports the disordered cation arrangement. Room temperature time-of-flight (TOF) neutron powder diffraction (NPD) data show no evidence of cation ordering, in corroboration with the ED and synchrotron studies (orthorhombic Pnma, a = 5.6097(3), b = 7.8837(5) and c = 5.5668(3) ; 295 K, NPD). A comparison of XAS analyses of La2TVO6 with T = Ni and Co shows T2+ formal oxidation state while the T = Mn material evidences a Mn3+ admixture into a dominantly Mn2+ ground state. V-K edge measurements manifest a mirror image behavior with a V4+ state for T = Ni and Co with a V3+ admixture arising in the T = Mn material. The magnetic susceptibility data for La2MnVO6 show ferromagnetic correlations; the observed effective moment, µeff (5.72 µB) is much smaller than the calculated moment (6.16 µB) based on the spin-only formula for Mn2+ (d5, HS) /V4+ (d1), supportive of the partly oxidized Mn and reduced V scenario (Mn3+/V3+).
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Times cited: 10
DOI: 10.1039/b823513a
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“Multiwalled carbon nanotubes functionalized with 7-octenyltrichlorosilane and n-octyltrichlorosilane: dispersion in Sylgard®184 silicone and Youngs modulus”. Vast L, Carpentier L, Lallemand F, Colomer J-F, Van Tendeloo G, Fonseca A, Nagy JB, Mekhalif Z, Delhalle J, Journal of materials science 44, 3476 (2009). http://doi.org/10.1007/s10853-009-3464-1
Abstract: Sylgard®184/multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWNT) composites have been prepared by in situ polymerization using purified and functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (f-MWNTs) as fillers. Surface modification of the MWNTs has been carried out by silanization with 7-octenyltrichlorosilane (7OTCS) and n-octyltrichlorosilane (nOTCS). The modification and dispersion of the carbon nanotubes in composites were characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), transmission electron spectroscopy (TEM), and high-resolution transmission electron spectroscopy (HRTEM). Youngs modulus results were derived from indentation testing. It is shown that the terminal-vinyl group of 7OTCS molecules plays an essential role for both the dispersion of the f-MWNTs in the composite and its mechanical properties. At loading as low as 0.2 wt%, the Youngs modulus is shown to increase up to 50%. This is interpreted as resulting from a combination of the good compatibility in the forming silicone matrix of the MWNTs coated with a siloxane network, on the one hand, and the covalent links created between the terminal-vinyl groups and the host matrix in formation, on the other hand.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 2.599
Times cited: 16
DOI: 10.1007/s10853-009-3464-1
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“Optimization of a FIB/SEM slice-and-view study of the 3D distribution of Ni4Ti3 precipitates in NiTi”. Cao S, Tirry W, van den Broek W, Schryvers D, Journal of microscopy 233, 61 (2009). http://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2818.2008.03095.x
Abstract: The 3D morphology and distribution of lenticular Ni4Ti3 precipitates in the austenitic B2 matrix of a binary Ni51Ti49 alloy has been investigated by a slice-and-view procedure in a dual-beam focused ion beam/scanning electron microscope system. Due to the weak contrast of the precipitates, proper imaging conditions need to be selected first to allow for semi-automated image treatment. Knowledgeable imaging is further needed to ensure that all variants of the precipitates are observed with equal probability, regardless of sample orientation. Finally, a volume ratio of 10.2% for the Ni4Ti3 precipitates could be calculated, summed over all variants, which yields a net composition of Ni50.27Ti49.73 for the matrix, leading to an increase of 125 degrees for the martensitic start temperature. Also, the expected relative orientation of the different variants of the precipitates could be confirmed.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Vision lab
Impact Factor: 1.692
Times cited: 22
DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2818.2008.03095.x
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“Ground state configurations and melting of two-dimensional non-uniformly charged classical clusters”. Tomecka DM, Kamieniarz G, Partoens B, Peeters FM, Journal of physics : condensed matter 21, 155301 (2009). http://doi.org/10.1088/0953-8984/21/15/155301
Abstract: We consider classical two-dimensional (2D) Coulomb clusters consisting of two species containing five particles with charge q1 and five with charge q2, respectively. Using Monte Carlo and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, we investigated the ground state configurations as well as radial and angular displacements of particles as a function of temperature and their dependence on the ratio q = q2/q1. We found new configurations and a new multi-step melting behavior for q sufficiently different from the uniform charge limit q = 1.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 2.649
Times cited: 2
DOI: 10.1088/0953-8984/21/15/155301
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“Superconducting nanowires: quantum confinement and spatially dependent Hartree-Fock potential”. Chen Y, Croitoru MD, Shanenko AA, Peeters FM, Journal of physics : condensed matter 21, 435701 (2009). http://doi.org/10.1088/0953-8984/21/43/435701
Abstract: It is well known that, in bulk, the solution of the Bogoliubovde Gennes equations is the same whether or not the HartreeFock term is included. Here the HartreeFock potential is position independent and so gives the same contribution to both the single-electron energies and the Fermi level (the chemical potential). Thus, the single-electron energies measured from the Fermi level (they control the solution) stay the same. This is not the case for nanostructured superconductors, where quantum confinement breaks the translational symmetry and results in a position-dependent HartreeFock potential. In this case its contribution to the single-electron energies depends on the relevant quantum numbers. We numerically solved the Bogoliubovde Gennes equations with the HartreeFock term for a clean superconducting nanocylinder and found a shift of the curve representing the thickness-dependent oscillations of the critical superconducting temperature to larger diameters.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 2.649
Times cited: 12
DOI: 10.1088/0953-8984/21/43/435701
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“Swift heavy ion irradiation of Cu-Zn-Al and Cu-Al-Ni alloys”. Zelaya E, Tolley A, Condo AM, Schumacher G, Journal of physics : condensed matter 21, 185009 (2009). http://doi.org/10.1088/0953-8984/21/18/185009
Abstract: The effects produced by swift heavy ions in the martensitic (18R) and austenitic phase (beta) of Cu based shape memory alloys were characterized. Single crystal samples with a surface normal close to [210](18R) and [001](beta) were irradiated with 200 MeV of Kr(15+), 230 MeV of Xe(15+), 350 and 600 MeV of Au(26+) and Au(29+). Changes in the microstructure were studied with transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). It was found that swift heavy ion irradiation induced nanometer sized defects in the 18R martensitic phase. In contrast, a hexagonal close-packed phase formed on the irradiated surface of beta phase samples. HRTEM images of the nanometer sized defects observed in the 18R martensitic phase were compared with computer simulated images in order to interpret the origin of the observed contrast. The best agreement was obtained when the defects were assumed to consist of local composition modulations.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 2.649
Times cited: 8
DOI: 10.1088/0953-8984/21/18/185009
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“Valley polarization due to trigonal warping on tunneling electrons in graphene”. Pereira JM, Peeters FM, Costa Filho RN, Farias GA, Journal of physics : condensed matter 21, 045301 (2009). http://doi.org/10.1088/0953-8984/21/4/045301
Abstract: The effect of trigonal warping on the transmission of electrons tunneling through potential barriers in graphene is investigated. We present calculations of the transmission coefficient for single and double barriers as a function of energy, incidence angle and barrier heights. The results show remarkable valley-dependent directional effects for barriers oriented parallel to the armchair or parallel to the zigzag direction. These results indicate that electrostatic gates can be used as valley filters in graphene-based devices.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 2.649
Times cited: 78
DOI: 10.1088/0953-8984/21/4/045301
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“Geometry-guided flux behaviour in superconducting Pb microcrystals”. Engbarth M, Milošević, MV, Bending SJ, Nasirpouri F, Journal of physics : conference series 150, 052048 (2009). http://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/150/5/052048
Abstract: Electrochemistry offers highly flexible routes to fabrication of a wide variety of mesostructures, including three-dimensional (3D) crystallites, thin films and nanowires. Using this method we have grown various 3D superconducting Pb mesostructures with vastly different morphologies. We present here results on a truncated(half)-icosahedron with a hexagonal base and a tripod structure with a triangular base. Using Hall probe magnetometry we have obtained magnetisation curves for these structures at several temperatures and see evidence of geometry-driven flux entry and exit as well as flux trapping caused by specific sample geometries. We also observe behaviour that we interpret in terms of the formation of giant vortices, bearing in mind that bulk Pb is a type-I superconducting material.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Times cited: 1
DOI: 10.1088/1742-6596/150/5/052048
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“Time dependent transport in 1D micro- and nanostructures: solving the Boltzmann and Wigner-Boltzmann equations”. Magnus W, Brosens F, Sorée B, Journal of physics : conference series 193, 012004 (2009). http://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/193/1/012004
Abstract: For many decades the Boltzmann distribution function has been used to calculate the non-equilibrium properties of mobile particles undergoing the combined action of various scattering mechanisms and externally applied force fields. When the latter give rise to the occurrence of inhomogeneous potential profiles across the region through which the particles are moving, the numerical solution of the Boltzmann equation becomes a highly complicated task. In this work we highlight a particular algorithm that can be used to solve the time dependent Boltzmann equation as well as its quantum mechanical extension, the WignerBoltzmann equation. As an illustration, we show the calculated distribution function describing electrons propagating under the action of both a uniform and a pronouncedly non-uniform electric field.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT); Theory of quantum systems and complex systems
Times cited: 2
DOI: 10.1088/1742-6596/193/1/012004
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