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“Temperature impact on sludge yield, settleability and kinetics of three heterotrophic conversions corroborates the prospect of thermophilic biological nitrogen removal”. Vandekerckhove TGL, De Mulder C, Boon N, Vlaeminck SE, Bioresource technology 269, 104 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.BIORTECH.2018.08.012
Abstract: In specific municipal and industrial cases, thermophilic wastewater treatment (>45 °C) might bring cost advantages over commonly applied mesophilic processes (1035 °C). To develop such a novel process, one needs sound parameters on kinetics, sludge yield and sludge settleability of three heterotrophic conversions: aerobic carbon removal, denitritation and denitrification. These features were evaluated in acetate-fed sequencing batch reactors (30, 40, 50 and 60 °C). Higher temperatures were accompanied by lower sludge production and maximum specific removal rates, resulting mainly from lower maximum growth rates. Thermophilic denitritation was demonstrated for the first time, with lower sludge production (1826%), higher nitrogen removal rates (2492%) and lower carbon requirement (40%) compared to denitrification. Acceptable settling of thermophilic aerobic (60 °C) and anoxic biomass (50 and 60 °C) was obtained. Overall, this parameter set may catalyze the establishment of thermophilic nitrogen removal, once nitritation and nitratation are characterized. Furthermore, waters with low COD/N ratio might benefit from thermophilic nitritation/denitritation.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
DOI: 10.1016/J.BIORTECH.2018.08.012
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“Modeling electron competition among nitrogen oxides reduction and N2Oaccumulation in hydrogenotrophic denitrification”. Liu Y, Ngo HH, Guo W, Peng L, Chen X, Wang D, Pan Y, Ni B-J, Biotechnology and bioengineering 115, 978 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1002/BIT.26512
Abstract: Hydrogenotrophic denitrification is a novel and sustainable process for nitrogen removal, which utilizes hydrogen as electron donor, and carbon dioxide as carbon source. Recent studies have shown that nitrous oxide (N2O), a highly undesirable intermediate and potent greenhouse gas, can accumulate during this process. In this work, a new mathematical model is developed to describe nitrogen oxides dynamics, especially N2O, during hydrogenotrophic denitrification for the first time. The model describes electron competition among the four steps of hydrogenotrophic denitrification through decoupling hydrogen oxidation and nitrogen reduction processes using electron carriers, in contrast to the existing models that couple these two processes and also do not consider N2O accumulation. The developed model satisfactorily describes experimental data on nitrogen oxides dynamics obtained from two independent hydrogenotrophic denitrifying cultures under various hydrogen and nitrogen oxides supplying conditions, suggesting the validity and applicability of the model. The results indicated that N2O accumulation would not be intensified under hydrogen limiting conditions, due to the higher electron competition capacity of N2O reduction in comparison to nitrate and nitrite reduction during hydrogenotrophic denitrification. The model is expected to enhance our understanding of the process during hydrogenotrophic denitrification and the ability to predict N2O accumulation.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
DOI: 10.1002/BIT.26512
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“Reduction of Human Glioblastoma Spheroids Using Cold Atmospheric Plasma: The Combined Effect of Short- and Long-Lived Reactive Species”. Privat-Maldonado A, Gorbanev Y, Dewilde S, Smits E, Bogaerts A, Cancers 10, 394 (2018). http://doi.org/10.3390/cancers10110394
Abstract: Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) is a promising technology against multiple types of cancer. However, the current findings on the effect of CAP on two-dimensional glioblastoma cultures do not consider the role of the tumour microenvironment. The aim of this study was to determine the ability of CAP to reduce and control glioblastoma spheroid tumours in vitro . Three-dimensional glioblastoma spheroid tumours (U87-Red, U251-Red) were consecutively treated directly and indirectly with a CAP using dry He, He + 5% H 2 O or He + 20% H 2 O. The cytotoxicity and spheroid shrinkage were monitored using live imaging. The reactive oxygen and nitrogen species produced in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) were measured by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and colourimetry. Cell migration was also assessed. Our results demonstrate that consecutive CAP treatments (He + 20% H 2 O) substantially shrank U87-Red spheroids and to a lesser degree, U251-Red spheroids. The cytotoxic effect was due to the short- and long-lived species delivered by CAP: they inhibited spheroid growth, reduced cell migration and decreased proliferation in CAP-treated spheroids. Direct treatments were more effective than indirect treatments, suggesting the importance of CAP-generated, short-lived species for the growth inhibition and cell cytotoxicity of solid glioblastoma tumours. We concluded that CAP treatment can effectively reduce glioblastoma tumour size and restrict cell migration, thus demonstrating the potential of CAP therapies for glioblastoma.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
DOI: 10.3390/cancers10110394
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“Mechanisms of elementary hydrogen ion-surface interactions during multilayer graphene etching at high surface temperature as a function of flux”. Aussems DUB, Bal KM, Morgan TW, van de Sanden MCM, Neyts EC, Carbon 137, 527 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.carbon.2018.05.051
Abstract: In order to optimize the plasma-synthesis and modification process of carbon nanomaterials for applications such as nanoelectronics and energy storage, a deeper understanding of fundamental hydrogengraphite/graphene interactions is required. Atomistic simulations by Molecular Dynamics have proven to be indispensable to illuminate these phenomena. However, severe time-scale limitations restrict them to very fast processes such as reflection, while slow thermal processes such as surface diffusion and molecular desorption are commonly inaccessible. In this work, we could however reach these thermal processes for the first time at time-scales and surface temperatures (1000 K) similar to high-flux plasma exposure experiments during the simulation of multilayer graphene etching by 5 eV H ions. This was achieved by applying the Collective Variable-Driven Hyperdynamics biasing technique, which extended the inter-impact time over a range of six orders of magnitude, down to a more realistic ion-flux of 1023m2s1. The results show that this not only causes a strong shift from predominant ion-to thermally induced interactions, but also significantly affects the hydrogen uptake and surface evolution. This study thus elucidates H ion-graphite/graphene interaction mechanisms and stresses the importance of including long time-scales in atomistic simulations at high surface temperatures to understand the dynamics of the ion-surface system.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 6.337
Times cited: 4
DOI: 10.1016/j.carbon.2018.05.051
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“Mode Transition of Filaments in Packed-Bed Dielectric Barrier Discharges”. Gao M, Zhang Y, Wang H, Guo B, Zhang Q, Bogaerts A, Catalysts 8, 248 (2018). http://doi.org/10.3390/catal8060248
Abstract: We investigated the mode transition from volume to surface discharge in a packed bed dielectric barrier discharge reactor by a two-dimensional particle-in-cell/Monte Carlo collision method. The calculations are performed at atmospheric pressure for various driving voltages and for gas mixtures with different N2 and O2 compositions. Our results reveal that both a change of the driving voltage and gas mixture can induce mode transition. Upon increasing voltage, a mode transition from hybrid (volume+surface) discharge to pure surface discharge occurs, because the charged species can escape much more easily to the beads and charge the bead surface due to the strong electric field at high driving voltage. This significant surface charging will further enhance the tangential component of the electric field along the dielectric bead surface, yielding surface ionization waves (SIWs). The SIWs will give rise to a high concentration of reactive species on the surface, and thus possibly enhance the surface activity of the beads, which might be of interest for plasma catalysis. Indeed, electron impact excitation and ionization mainly take place near the bead surface. In addition, the propagation speed of SIWs becomes faster with increasing N2 content in the gas mixture, and slower with increasing O2 content, due to the loss of electrons by attachment to O2
molecules. Indeed, the negative O-2 ion density produced by electron impact attachment is much higher than the electron and positive O+2 ion density. The different ionization rates between N2 and O2 gases will create different amounts of electrons and ions on the dielectric bead surface, which might also have effects in plasma catalysis.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 3.082
Times cited: 7
DOI: 10.3390/catal8060248
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“Streamer propagation in a packed bed plasma reactor for plasma catalysis applications”. Wang W, Kim H-H, Van Laer K, Bogaerts A, Chemical engineering journal 334, 2467 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2017.11.139
Abstract: A packed bed dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) is widely used for plasma catalysis applications, but the exact plasma characteristics in between the packing beads are far from understood. Therefore, we study here these plasma characteristics by means of fluid modelling and experimental observations using ICCD imaging, for packing materials with different dielectric constants. Our study reveals that a packed bed DBD reactor in dry air at atmospheric pressure may show three types of discharges, i.e. positive restrikes, filamentary microdischarges, which can also be localized between two packing beads, and surface discharges (so-called surface ionization
waves). Restrikes between the dielectric surfaces result in the formation of filamentary microdischarges, while surface charging creates electric field components parallel to the dielectric surfaces, leading to the formation of surface discharges. A transition in discharge mode occurs from surface discharges to local filamentary discharges between the packing beads when the dielectric constant of the packing rises from 5 to 1000. This may have implications for the efficiency of plasma catalytic gas treatment, because the catalyst activation may be limited by constraining the discharge to the contact points of the beads. The production of reactive species occurs most in the positive restrikes, the surface discharges and the local microdischarges in between the beads, and is less significant in the longer filamentary microdischarges. The faster streamer propagation and discharge development with higher dielectric constant of the packing beads leads to a faster production of reactive species. This study is of great interest for plasma catalysis, where packing beads with different dielectric constants are often used as supports for the catalytic materials. It allows us to better understand how different packing materials can influence the performance of packed bed plasma reactors for environmental applications.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 6.216
Times cited: 36
DOI: 10.1016/j.cej.2017.11.139
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“A packed-bed DBD micro plasma reactor for CO 2 dissociation: Does size matter?”.Uytdenhouwen Y, Van Alphen S, Michielsen I, Meynen V, Cool P, Bogaerts A, Chemical engineering journal 348, 557 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2018.04.210
Abstract: DBD plasma reactors are of great interest for environmental and energy applications, such as CO2 conversion, but they suffer from limited conversion and especially energy efficiency. The introduction of packing materials has been a popular subject of investigation in order to increase the reactor performance. Reducing the discharge gap of the reactor below one millimetre can enhance the plasma performance as well. In this work, we combine both effects and use a packed-bed DBD micro plasma reactor to investigate the influence of gap size reduction, in combination with a packing material, on the conversion and efficiency of CO2 dissociation. Packing materials used in this work were SiO2, ZrO2, and Al2O3 spheres as well as glass wool. The results are compared to a regular size reactor as a benchmark. Reducing the discharge gap can greatly increase the CO2 conversion, although at a lower energy efficiency. Adding a packing material further increases the conversion when keeping a constant residence time, but is greatly dependent on the material composition, gap and sphere size used. Maximum conversions of 50–55% are obtained for very long residence times (30 s and higher) in an empty reactor or with certain packing material combinations, suggesting a balance in CO2 dissociation and recombination reactions. The maximum energy efficiency achieved is 4.3%, but this is for the regular sized reactor at a short residence time (7.5 s). Electrical characterization is performed to reveal some trends in the electrical behaviour of the plasma upon reduction of the discharge gap and addition of a packing material.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Laboratory of adsorption and catalysis (LADCA); Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 6.216
Times cited: 22
DOI: 10.1016/j.cej.2018.04.210
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“Plasma activation of methane for hydrogen production in a N2 rotating gliding arc warm plasma : a chemical kinetics study”. Zhang H, Wang W, Li X, Han L, Yan M, Zhong Y, Tu X, Chemical engineering journal 345, 67 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.CEJ.2018.03.123
Abstract: In this work, a chemical kinetics study on methane activation for hydrogen production in a warm plasma, i.e., N-2 rotating gliding arc (RGA), was performed for the first time to get new insights into the underlying reaction mechanisms and pathways. A zero-dimensional chemical kinetics model was developed, which showed a good agreement with the experimental results in terms of the conversion of CH4 and product selectivities, allowing us to get a better understanding of the relative significance of various important species and their related reactions to the formation and loss of CH4, H-2, and C2H2 etc. An overall reaction scheme was obtained to provide a realistic picture of the plasma chemistry. The results reveal that the electrons and excited nitrogen species (mainly N-2(A)) play a dominant role in the initial dissociation of CH4. However, the H atom induced reaction CH4+ H -> CH3+ H-2, which has an enhanced reaction rate due to the high gas temperature (over 1200 K), is the major contributor to both the conversion of CH4 and H-2 production, with its relative contributions of > 90% and > 85%, respectively, when only considering the forward reactions. The coexistence and interaction of thermochemical and plasma chemical processes in the rotating gliding arc warm plasma significantly enhance the process performance. The formation of C-2 hydrocarbons follows a nearly one-way path of C2H6 -> C2H4 -> C2H2, explaining why the selectivities of C-2 products decreased in the order of C2H2 > C2H4 > C2H6.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 6.216
Times cited: 25
DOI: 10.1016/J.CEJ.2018.03.123
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“Novel power-to-syngas concept for plasma catalytic reforming coupled with water electrolysis”. Li K, Liu J-L, Li X-S, Lian H-Y, Zhu X, Bogaerts A, Zhu A-M, Chemical engineering journal 353, 297 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2018.07.111
Abstract: We propose a novel Power to Synthesis Gas (P2SG) approach, composed of two high-efficiency and renewable electricity-driven units, i.e., plasma catalytic reforming (PCR) and water electrolysis (WE), to produce high quality syngas from CH4, CO2 and H2O. As WE technology is already commercial, we mainly focus on the PCR unit, consisting of gliding arc plasma and Ni-based catalyst, for oxidative dry reforming of methane. An energy efficiency of 78.9% and energy cost of 1.0 kWh/Nm3 at a CH4 conversion of 99% and a CO2 conversion of 79% are obtained. Considering an energy efficiency of 80% for WE, the P2SG system yields an overall energy efficiency of 79.3% and energy cost of 1.8 kWh/Nm3. High-quality syngas is produced without the need for posttreatment units, featuring the ideal stoichiometric number of 2, with concentration of 94.6 vol%, and a desired CO2 fraction of 1.9 vol% for methanol synthesis. The PCR unit has the advantage of fast response to adapting to fluctuation of renewable electricity, avoiding local hot spots in the catalyst bed and coking, in contrast to conventional catalytic processes. Moreover, pure O2 from the WE unit is directly utilized by the PCR unit for oxidative dry reforming of methane, and thus, no air separation unit, like in conventional processes, is required. This work demonstrates the viability of the P2SG approach for large-scale energy storage of renewable electricity via electricity-to-fuel conversion.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 6.216
Times cited: 7
DOI: 10.1016/j.cej.2018.07.111
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“Determination of intrinsic kinetic parameters in photocatalytic multi-tube reactors by combining the NTUm-method with radiation field modelling”. van Walsem J, Roegiers J, Modde B, Lenaerts S, Denys S, Chemical engineering journal 354, 1042 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.CEJ.2018.08.010
Abstract: In this work, we propose an adapted Number of Transfer Units (NTUm)-method as an effective tool to determine the Langmuir-Hinshelwood kinetic parameters for a photocatalytic multi-tube reactor. The Langmuir-Hinshelwood rate constant kLH and the Langmuir adsorption constant KL were determined from several experiments under different UV-irradiance conditions, resulting in irradiance depending values for kLH. In order to determine a unique, intrinsic empirical constant k0, valid for all irradiation conditions, we coupled the adapted NTUm-method with a radiation field model to predict UV-irradiance distribution inside the reactor. The final set of kinetic parameters were derived using a Generalized Reduced Gradient (GRG) nonlinear solving method in Matlab which minimizes the differences between model and experimental reactor outlet concentrations of acetaldehyde for various photocatalytic experiments under varying operating conditions, including inlet concentration, flow rate and UV-irradiance. An excellent agreement of the intrinsic empirical constant k0, derived from the coupled NTUm-radiation field model and an earlier published CFD approach was found, emphasizing its validity and reliability.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Impact Factor: 6.216
Times cited: 2
DOI: 10.1016/J.CEJ.2018.08.010
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“CFD- and radiation field modeling of a gas phase photocatalytic multi-tube reactor”. Roegiers J, van Walsem J, Denys S, Chemical engineering journal 338, 287 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.CEJ.2018.01.047
Abstract: This paper focusses on the development of a Multiphysics model as a tool for assessing the performance of a multi-tube photoreactor. The model predicts the transient behavior of acetaldehyde concentration, as a model compound for the organic fraction of the indoor air pollutants, under varying sets of conditions. A 3D-model couples radiation field modeling with reaction kinetics and fluid dynamics in order to simulate the transport of the pollutant as it progresses through the reactor. A model-based approach is proposed to determine the layer thickness and refractive index of different P25-powder modified solgel coatings, using an optimization procedure to estimate these parameters based on UV-irradiance measurements. The radiation field model was able to accurately predict the irradiance on the catalytic surface within the reactor. Consequently, the radiation field model was used to define an irradiance dependent reaction rate constant in a coupled Multiphysics model. An optimization routine was deployed to estimate the adsorption, desorption- and photocatalytic reaction rate constants on the TiO2-surface, using experimentally determined, transient outlet concentrations of acetaldehyde. Additionally, a validation test was performed in an air-tight climate chamber at much higher flow rates, higher irradiance and realistic indoor pollutant concentrations to emphasize the reliability and accuracy of the parameters for adsorption, desorption and photocatalytic reaction. The developed model makes it possible to optimize the reactor design and scale-up for commercial applications.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
DOI: 10.1016/J.CEJ.2018.01.047
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“Understanding the mechanisms of how poly aluminium chloride inhibits short-chain fatty acids production from anaerobic fermentation of waste activated sludge”. Chen Y, Wu Y, Wang D, Li H, Wang Q, Liu Y, Peng L, Yang Q, Li X, Zeng G, Chen Y, Chemical engineering journal 334, 1351 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.CEJ.2017.11.064
Abstract: Poly aluminum chloride (PAC) is accumulated in waste activated sludge at high levels. However, details of how PAC affects short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) production from anaerobic sludge fermentation has not been documented. This work therefore aims to fill this knowledge gap by analyzing the impact of PAC on the aggregate of sludge flocs, disruption of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), and the bio-processes of hydrolysis, acid-ogenesis, and methanogenesis. The relationship between SCFA production and different aluminum species (i.e., Ala, Alb, and Alc) was also identified by controlling different OH/Al ratio and pH in different fermentation systems. Experimental results showed that with the increase of PAC addition from 0 to 40 mg Al per gram of total suspended solids, SCFA yield decreased from 212.2 to 138.4 mg COD/g volatile suspended solids. Mechanism exploration revealed that PAC benefited the aggregates of sludge flocs and caused more loosely-and tightly-bound extracellular polymeric substances remained in sludge cells. Besides, it was found that the hydrolysis, acidiogenesis, and methanogenesis processes were all inhibited by PAC. Although three types of Al species, i.e., Ala (Al monomers, dimer, and trimer), Alb (Al-13(AlO4Al12(OH)(24)(H2O) 7+ 12), and Alc (Al polymer molecular weight normally larger than 3000 Da), were co-existed in fermentation systems, their impacts on SCFA production were different. No correlation was found between SCFA and Ala, whereas SCFA production decreased with the contents of Alb and Alc. Compared with Alb, Alc was the major contributor to the decreased SCFA production ( R-2 = 0.5132 vs R-2 = 0.98). This is the first report revealing the underlying mechanism of how PAC affects SCFA production and identifying the contribution of different Al species to SCFA inhibition.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
DOI: 10.1016/J.CEJ.2017.11.064
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“Technoques and applications of Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering Spectroscopy (SERSS) focused on cultural heritage”. Kuckova S, Hamidi-Asl E, Matulkova I, Hynek R, De Wael K, Sanyova J, Janssens K, Chemické, listy 112, 312 (2018)
Abstract: The review is devoted to a modern method of vibrational spectroscopy – surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy Its principle and some of its special variants (imunnoSERS and TERS (Tip-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy)) are described m a simpinified manner Wide application possibilities are demonstrated on selected examples from its application m culturinl heritage.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
Impact Factor: 0.387
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“Interplay between surface chemistry, precursor reactivity, and temperature determines outcome of ZnS shelling reactions on CuInS2 nanocrystals”. Berends AC, van der Stam W, Hofmann JP, Bladt E, Meeldijk JD, Bals S, de Donega CM, Chemistry of materials 30, 2400 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1021/ACS.CHEMMATER.8B00477
Abstract: ZnS shelling of I-III-VI(2 )nanocrystals (NCs) invariably leads to blue-shifts in both the absorption and photoluminescence spectra. These observations imply that the outcome of ZnS shelling reactions on I-III-VI2 colloidal NCs results from a complex interplay between several processes taking place in solution, at the surface of, and within the seed NC. However, a fundamental understanding of the factors determining the balance between these different processes is still lacking. In this work, we address this need by investigating the impact of precursor reactivity, reaction temperature, and surface chemistry (due to the washing procedure) on the outcome of ZnS shelling reactions on CuInS2 NCs using a seeded growth approach. We demonstrate that low reaction temperatures (150 degrees C) favor etching, cation exchange, and alloying regardless of the precursors used. Heteroepitaxial shell overgrowth becomes the dominant process only if reactive S- and Zn-precursors (S-ODE/OLAM and ZnI2 ) and high reaction temperatures (210 degrees C) are used, although a certain degree of heterointerfacial alloying still occurs. Remarkably, the presence of residual acetate at the surface of CIS seed NCs washed with ethanol is shown to facilitate heteroepitaxial shell overgrowth, yielding for the first time CIS/ZnS core/shell NCs displaying red-shifted absorption spectra, in agreement with the spectral shifts expected for a type-I band alignment. The insights provided by this work pave the way toward the design of improved synthesis strategies to CIS/ZnS core/shell and alloy NCs with tailored elemental distribution profiles, allowing precise tuning of the optoelectronic properties of the resulting materials.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 9.466
Times cited: 85
DOI: 10.1021/ACS.CHEMMATER.8B00477
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“β-Na1.7IrO3: A Tridimensional Na-Ion Insertion Material with a Redox Active Oxygen Network”. Pearce PE, Rousse G, Karakulina OM, Hadermann J, Van Tendeloo G, Foix D, Fauth F, Abakumov AM, Tarascon J-M, Chemistry of materials 30, 3285 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1021/acs.chemmater.8b00320
Abstract: The revival of the Na-ion battery concept has prompted an intense search for new high capacity Na-based positive electrodes. Recently, emphasis has been placed on manipulating Na-based layered compounds to trigger the participation of the anionic network. We further explored this direction and show the feasibility of achieving anionic-redox activity in three-dimensional Na-based compounds. A new 3D β-Na1.7IrO3 phase was synthesized in a two-step process, which involves first the electrochemical removal of Li from β-Li2IrO3 to produce β-IrO3, which is subsequently reduced by electrochemical Na insertion. We show that β-Na1.7IrO3 can reversibly uptake nearly 1.3 Na+ per formula unit through an uneven voltage profile characterized by the presence of four plateaus related to structural transitions. Surprisingly, the β-Na1.7IrO3 phase was found to be stable up to 600 °C, while it could not be directly synthesized via conventional synthetic methods. Although these Na-based iridate phases are of limited practical interest, they help to understand how introducing highly polarizable guest ions (Na+) into host rocksalt-derived oxide structures affects the anionic redox mechanism.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 9.466
Times cited: 6
DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemmater.8b00320
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“Mono- and Multilayer Silicene-Type Honeycomb Lattices by Oriented Attachment of PbSe Nanocrystals: Synthesis, Structural Characterization, and Analysis of the Disorder”. Peters JL, Altantzis T, Lobato I, Jazi MA, van Overbeek C, Bals S, Vanmaekelbergh D, Sinai SB, Chemistry of materials 30, 4831 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1021/acs.chemmater.8b02178
Abstract: Nanocrystal (NC) solids are commonly prepared from nonpolar organic NC suspensions. In many cases, the capping on the NC surface is preserved and forms a barrier between the NCs. More recently, superstructures with crystalline connections between the NCs, implying the removal of the capping, have been reported, too. Here, we present large-scale uniform superstructures of attached PbSe NCs with a silicene-type honeycomb geometry, resulting from solvent evaporation under nearly reversible conditions. We also prepared multilayered silicene honeycomb structures by using larger amounts of PbSe NCs. We show that the two-dimensional silicene superstructures can be seen as a crystallographic slice from a 3-D simple cubic structure. We describe the disorder in the silicene lattices in terms of the nanocrystals position and their atomic alignment. The silicene honeycomb sheets are large enough to be used in transistors and optoelectronic devices.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 9.466
Times cited: 33
DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemmater.8b02178
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“Chemical activity of the peroxide/oxide redox couple : case study of Ba5Ru2O11 in aqueous and organic solvents”. Grimaud A, Iadecola A, Batuk D, Saubanere M, Abakumov AM, Freeland JW, Cabana J, Li H, Doublet M-L, Rousse G, Tarascon J-M, Chemistry of materials 30, 3882 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1021/ACS.CHEMMATER.8B01372
Abstract: The finding that triggering the redox activity of oxygen ions within the lattice of transition metal oxides can boost the performances of materials used in energy storage and conversion devices such as Li-ion batteries or oxygen evolution electrocatalysts has recently spurred intensive and innovative research in the field of energy. While experimental and theoretical efforts have been critical in understanding the role of oxygen nonbonding states in the redox activity of oxygen ions, a clear picture of the redox chemistry of the oxygen species formed upon this oxidation process is still missing. This can be, in part, explained by the complexity in stabilizing and studying these species once electrochemically formed. In this work, we alleviate this difficulty by studying the phase Ba5Ru2O11, which contains peroxide O-2(2-) groups, as oxygen evolution reaction electrocatalyst and Li-ion battery material. Combining physical characterization and electrochemical measurements, we demonstrate that peroxide groups can easily be oxidized at relatively low potential, leading to the formation of gaseous dioxygen and to the instability of the oxide. Furthermore, we demonstrate that, owing to the stabilization at high energy of peroxide, the high-lying energy of the empty sigma* antibonding O-O states limits the reversibility of the electrochemical reactions when the O-2(2-)/O2- redox couple is used as redox center for Li-ion battery materials or as OER redox active sites. Overall, this work suggests that the formation of true peroxide O-2(2-) states are detrimental for transition metal oxides used as OER catalysts and Li-ion battery materials. Rather, oxygen species with O-O bond order lower than 1 would be preferred for these applications.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 9.466
Times cited: 2
DOI: 10.1021/ACS.CHEMMATER.8B01372
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“Subtissue plasmonic heating monitored with CaF2:Nd3+,Y3+ nanothermometers in the second biological window”. Quintanilla M, Zhang Y, Liz-Marzan LM, Chemistry of materials 30, 2819 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1021/ACS.CHEMMATER.8B00806
Abstract: Measuring temperature in biological environments is an ambitious goal toward supporting medical treatment and diagnosis. Minimally invasive techniques based on optical probes require very specific properties that are difficult to combine within a single material. These include high chemical stability in aqueous environments, optical signal stability, low toxicity, high emission intensity, and, essential, working at wavelengths within the biological transparency windows so as to minimize invasiveness while maximizing penetration depth. We propose CaF2:Nd3+,Y3+ as a candidate for thermometry based on an intraband ratiometric approach, fully working within the biological windows (excitation at 808 nm; emission around 1050 nm). We optimized the thermal probes through the addition of Y3+ as a dopant to improve both emission intensity and thermal sensitivity. To define the conditions under which the proposed technique can be applied, gold nanorods were used to optically generate subtissue hot areas, while the resulting temperature variation was monitored with the new nanothermometers.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 9.466
Times cited: 28
DOI: 10.1021/ACS.CHEMMATER.8B00806
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“Interfacial oxidation and photoluminescence of InP-Based core/shell quantum dots”. Tessier MD, Baquero EA, Dupont D, Grigel V, Bladt E, Bals S, Coppel Y, Hens Z, Nayral C, Delpech F, Chemistry of materials 30, 6877 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1021/ACS.CHEMMATER.8B03117
Abstract: Indium phosphide colloidal quantum dots (QDs) are emerging as an efficient cadmium-free alternative for optoelectronic applications. Recently, syntheses based on easy-to-implement aminophosphine precursors have been developed. We show by solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy that this new approach allows oxide-free indium phosphide core or core/shell quantum dots to be made. Importantly, the oxide-free core/shell interface does not help in achieving higher luminescence efficiencies. We demonstrate that in the case of InP/ZnS and InP/ZnSe QDs, a more pronounced oxidation concurs with a higher photoluminescence efficiency. This study suggests that a II-VI shell on a III-V core generates an interface prone to defects. The most efficient InP/ZnS or InP/ZnSe QDs are therefore made with an oxide buffer layer between the core and the shell: it passivates these interface defects but also results in a somewhat broader emission line width.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 9.466
Times cited: 74
DOI: 10.1021/ACS.CHEMMATER.8B03117
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“Incommensurately modulated structures and luminescence properties of the AgxSm(2-x)/3WO4 (x=0.286, 0.2) scheelites as thermographic phosphors”. Morozov V, Deyneko D, Basoyich O, Khaikina EG, Spassky D, Morozov A, Chernyshev V, Abakumov A, Hadermann J, Chemistry of materials 30, 4788 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1021/ACS.CHEMMATER.8B02029
Abstract: Ag+ for Sm3+ substitution in the scheelite-type AgxSm(2-x)/3 square(1-2x)/3WO4 tungstates has been investigated for its influence on the cation-vacancy ordering and luminescence properties. A solid state method was used to synthesize the x = 0.286 and x = 0.2 compounds, which exhibited (3 + 1)D incommensurately modulated structures in the transmission electron microscopy study. Their structures were refined using high resolution synchrotron powder X-ray diffraction data. Under near-ultraviolet light, both compounds show the characteristic emission lines for (4)G(5/2) -> H-6(J) (J = 5/2, 7/2, 9/2, and 11/2) transitions of the Sm3+ ions in the range 550-720 nm, with the J = 9/2 transition at the similar to 648 nm region being dominant for all photoluminescence spectra. The intensities of the (4)G(5/2) -> H-6(9/2) and (4)G(5/2) -> H-6(7/2) bands have different temperature dependencies. The emission intensity ratios (R) for these bands vary reproducibly with temperature, allowing the use of these materials as thermographic phosphors.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 9.466
Times cited: 2
DOI: 10.1021/ACS.CHEMMATER.8B02029
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“Reduced Na2+xTi4O9 composite : a durable anode for sodium-ion batteries”. De Sloovere D, Safari M, Elen K, D'Haen J, Drozhzhin OA, Abakumov AM, Simenas M, Banys J, Bekaert J, Partoens B, Van Bael MK, Hardy A, Chemistry of materials 30, 8521 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1021/ACS.CHEMMATER.8B03301
Abstract: Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) are potential cost-effective solutions for stationary energy storage applications. Unavailability of suitable anode materials, however, is one of the important barriers to the maturity of SIBs. Here, we report a Na2+xTi4O9/C composite as a promising anode candidate for SIBs with high capacity and cycling stability. This anode is characterized by a capacity of 124 mAh g(-1) (plus 11 mAh g(-1) contributed by carbon black), an average discharge potential of 0.9 V vs Na/Na+, a good rate capability and a high stability (89% capacity retention after 250 cycles at a rate of 1 degrees C). The mechanisms of sodium insertion/deinsertion and of the formation of Na2+xTi4O9/C are investigated with the aid of various ex/in situ characterization techniques. The in situ formed carbon is necessary for the formation of the reduced sodium titanate. This synthesis method may enable the convenient synthesis of other composites of crystalline phases with amorphous carbon.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 9.466
Times cited: 7
DOI: 10.1021/ACS.CHEMMATER.8B03301
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“Role of the relative humidity and the Cd/Zn stoichiometry in the photooxidation process of cadmium yellows (CdS/Cd1-xZnxS) in oil paintings”. Monico L, Chieli A, De Meyer S, Cotte M, de Nolf W, Falkenberg G, Janssens K, Romani A, Miliani C, Chemistry: a European journal 24, 11584 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1002/CHEM.201801503
Abstract: Cadmium yellows (CdYs) refer to a family of cadmium sulfide pigments, which have been widely used by artists since the late 19th century. Despite being considered stable, they are suffering from discoloration in iconic paintings, such as Joy of Life by Matisse, Flowers in a blue vase by Van Gogh, and The Scream by Munch, most likely due to the formation of CdSO4 center dot nH(2)O. The driving factors of the CdYs degradation and how these affect the overall process are still unknown. Here, we study a series of oil mock-up paints made of CdYs of different stoichiometry (CdS/Cd0.76Zn0.24S) and crystalline structure (hexagonal/ cubic) before and after aging at variable relative humidity under exposure to light and in darkness. Synchrotron radiation-based X-ray methods combined with UV-Vis and FTIR spectroscopy show that: 1) Cd0.76Zn0.24S is more susceptible to photooxidation than CdS; both compounds can act as photocatalysts for the oil oxidation. 2) The photooxidation of CdS/Cd0.76Zn0.24S to CdSO4 center dot nH(2)O is triggered by moisture. 3) The nature of alteration products depends on the aging conditions and the Cd/Zn stoichiometry. Based on our findings, we propose a scheme for the mechanism of the photocorrosion process and the photocatalytic activity of CdY pigments in the oil binder. Overall, our results form a reliable basis for understanding the degradation of CdS-based paints in artworks and contribute towards developing better ways of preserving them for future generations.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
Impact Factor: 5.317
Times cited: 5
DOI: 10.1002/CHEM.201801503
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“Hierarchically dual-mesoporous TiO2 microspheres for enhanced photocatalytic properties and lithium storage”. Xiao S, Lu Y, Xiao B-Y, Wu L, Song J-P, Xiao Y-X, Wu S-M, Hu J, Wang Y, Chang G-G, Tian G, Lenaerts S, Janiak C, Yang X-Y, Su B-L, Chemistry: a European journal 24, 13246 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1002/CHEM.201801933
Abstract: Hierarchically dual‐mesoporous TiO2 microspheres have been synthesized via a solvothermal process in the presence of 1‐butyl‐3‐methylmidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([BMIm][BF4]) and diethylenetriamine (DETA) as co‐templates. Secondary mesostructured defects in the hierarchical TiO2 microspheres produce the oxygen vacancies, which not only significantly enhance the photocatalytic activity on degrading methyl blue (over 1.7 times to P25) and acetone (over 2.9 times of P25), but which also are beneficial for lithium storage. Moreover, we propose a mechanism to obtain a better understanding of the role of dual mesoporosity of TiO2 microspheres for enhancing the molecular diffusion, ion transportation and electron transformation.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Impact Factor: 5.317
Times cited: 6
DOI: 10.1002/CHEM.201801933
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“Control of the interfacial wettability to synthesize highly dispersed PtPd nanocrystals for efficient oxygen reduction reaction”. Wei H, Hu Z-Y, Xiao Y-X, Tian G, Ying J, Van Tendeloo G, Janiak C, Yang X-Y, Su B-L, Chemistry: an Asian journal 13, 1119 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1002/ASIA.201800191
Abstract: Highly dispersed PtPd bimetallic nanocrystals with enhanced catalytic activity and stability were prepared by adjusting the interfacial wettability of the reaction solution on a commercial carbon support. This approach holds great promise for the development of high-performance and low-cost catalysts for practical applications.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 4.083
Times cited: 3
DOI: 10.1002/ASIA.201800191
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“Hierarchical MoS2@TiO2 heterojunctions for enhanced photocatalytic performance and electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution”. Dong Y, Chen S-Y, Lu Y, Xiao Y-X, Hu J, Wu S-M, Deng Z, Tian G, Chang G-G, Li J, Lenaerts S, Janiak C, Yang X-Y, Su B-L, Chemistry: an Asian journal 13, 1609 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1002/ASIA.201800359
Abstract: Hierarchical MoS2@TiO2 heterojunctions were synthesized through a one-step hydrothermal method by using protonic titanate nanosheets as the precursor. The TiO2 nanosheets prevent the aggregation of MoS2 and promote the carrier transfer efficiency, and thus enhance the photocatalytic and electrocatalytic activity of the nanostructured MoS2. The obtained MoS2@TiO2 has significantly enhanced photocatalytic activity in the degradation of rhodamineB (over 5.2times compared with pure MoS2) and acetone (over 2.8times compared with pure MoS2). MoS2@TiO2 is also beneficial for electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution (26times compared with pure MoS2, based on the cathodic current density). This work offers a promising way to prevent the self-aggregation of MoS2 and provides a new insight for the design of heterojunctions for materials with lattice mismatches.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Impact Factor: 4.083
Times cited: 22
DOI: 10.1002/ASIA.201800359
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“Model-based assessment of estrogen removal by nitrifying activated sludge”. Peng L, Dai X, Liu Y, Sun J, Song S, Ni B-J, Chemosphere 197, 430 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.CHEMOSPHERE.2018.01.035
Abstract: Complete removal of estrogens such as estrone (E1), estradiol (E2), estriol (E3) and ethinylestradiol (EE2) in wastewater treatment is essential since their release and accumulation in natural water bodies are giving rise to environment and health issues. To improve our understanding towards the estrogen bioremediation process, a mathematical model was proposed for describing estrogen removal by nitrifying activated sludge. Four pathways were involved in the developed model: i) biosorption by activated sludge flocs; ii) cometabolic biodegradation linked to ammonia oxidizing bacteria (AOB) growth; iii) non growth biodegradation by AOB; and iv) biodegradation by heterotrophic bacteria (HB). The degradation kinetics was implemented into activated sludge model (ASM) framework with consideration of interactions between substrate update and microorganism growth as well as endogenous respiration. The model was calibrated and validated by fitting model predictions against two sets of batch experimental data under different conditions. The model could satisfactorily capture all the dynamics of nitrogen, organic matters (COD), and estrogens. Modeling results suggest that for El, E2 and EE2, AOB-linked biodegradation is dominant over biodegradation by HB at all investigated COD dosing levels. However, for E3, the increase of COD dosage triggers a shift of dominant pathway from AOB biodegradation to HB biodegradation. Adsorption becomes the main contributor to estrogen removal at high biomass concentrations. (C) 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
DOI: 10.1016/J.CHEMOSPHERE.2018.01.035
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“Combining Monte Carlo simulations and experimental design for incorporating risk and uncertainty in investment decisions for cleantech : a fast pyrolysis case study”. Kuppens T, Rafiaani P, Vanreppelen K, Yperman J, Carleer R, Schreurs S, Thewys T, Van Passel S, Clean Technologies And Environmental Policy 20, 1195 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1007/S10098-018-1543-1
Abstract: The value of phytoextracting crops (plants cultivated for soil remediation) depends on the profitability of the sequential investment in a conversion technology aimed at the economic valorization of the plants. However, the net present value (NPV) of an investment in such an innovative technology is risky due to technical and economic uncertainties. Therefore, decision makers want to dispose of information about the probability of a positive NPV, the largest possible loss, and the crucial economic and technical parameters influencing the NPV. This paper maps the total uncertainty in the NPV of an investment in fast pyrolysis for the production of combined heat and power from willow cultivated for phytoextraction in the Belgian Campine. The probability of a positive NPV has been calculated by performing Monte Carlo simulations. Information about possible losses has been provided by means of experimental design. Both methods are then combined in order to identify the key economic and technical parameters influencing the project's profitability. It appears that the case study has a chance of 87% of generating a positive NPV with an expected value of 3 million euro (MEUR), while worst-case scenarios predict possible losses of 7 MEUR. The amount of arable land, the biomass yield, the purchase price of the crop, the policy support, and the product yield of fast pyrolysis are identified as the most influential parameters. It is concluded that both methods, i.e., Monte Carlo simulations and experimental design, provide decision makers with complementary information with regard to economic risk.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM)
Impact Factor: 3.331
Times cited: 5
DOI: 10.1007/S10098-018-1543-1
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“Climate response of rainfed versus irrigated farms: the bias of farm heterogeneity in irrigation”. Vanschoenwinkel J, Van Passel S, Climatic Change 147, 225 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1007/S10584-018-2141-2
Abstract: Researchers who do not take into account farm heterogeneity in implementing specific climate change adaptation options might significantly bias their findings. To prove this point, this paper focusses on irrigation as an adaptation option to climate change and highlights the fact that there is no such thing as “irrigation.” Instead, different farms consider water management options across a spectrum that ranges from purely rainfed farms to purely irrigated farms with in between the extreme practices such as supplemental irrigation, water conservation practices, and different irrigation techniques. Accounting for such differences is necessary, yet difficult due to a lack of farm-specific data on water management and irrigation. This paper uses unique Farm Accountancy Data Network data of Western European farmers on the proportion of farmland that each farm irrigates. Unlike previous work, this allows taking into account some within-irrigation heterogeneity instead of simply categorizing farms as being “irrigated.” We estimate and compare climate response models based on the Ricardian cross-sectional method for a large range of irrigation categories. The results give insights into how the farm irrigation climate response can be significantly different depending on how irrigation is defined. This proves that ignoring within-adaptation differences when comparing non-adaptation with adaptation (in this case, rainfed versus irrigated agriculture) might lead to biased conclusions with regard to effectiveness of adaptation strategies. We therefore argue that it might be more relevant to understand at which point and under which circumstances irrigated agriculture is more or less beneficial than rainfed agriculture.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering Management (ENM)
Impact Factor: 3.496
Times cited: 1
DOI: 10.1007/S10584-018-2141-2
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“Determinants of internal governance quality : evidence from corporations in Ethiopia”. Adane YG, Engida TG, Asfaw YA, Azadi H, Van Passel S, Cogent economics &, finance 6, 1537051 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1080/23322039.2018.1537051
Abstract: The study analysed the factors that affect the internal governance quality of corporations in Ethiopia. It performed an ordered logistic regression analysis on a randomly selected sample of 76 corporations to analyse the effect of the ownership structure, form of ownership (private or government), leverage, corporate size, and sales growth on the internal governance quality score (IGQS). The governance quality score was measured using 20 indices categorized into four perspectives: disclosure, board characteristics, ethics, and shareholder rights. In this study, a significant positive effect of the corporate size and sales growth on the IGQS was found. In addition, government-owned corporations were found to perform better than privately owned corporations. It is recommended that appropriate authorities and officials should encourage the use of the corporate governance system in privately owned corporations and the convergence of internal governance quality of the two groups of corporations to the highest level.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering Management (ENM)
DOI: 10.1080/23322039.2018.1537051
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“Digitally reconstructing Van Gogh's Field with Irises near Arles. Part 2: Pigment concentration maps”. Kirchner E, van der Lans I, Ligterink F, Geldof M, Gaibor ANP, Hendriks E, Janssens K, Delaney J, Color research and application 43, 158 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1002/COL.22164
Abstract: Colors in many paintings of great art historical value have changed over time, due to the combined effects of natural ageing, accumulated surface grime, and materials added during later conservation treatments. The physical restoration of the colors in such paintings is not possible. This article describes one part of work done to digitally restore the colors of Van Gogh's painting Field with Irises near Arles, dating from May 1888. We have used multispectral reflectance data to estimate absorption K and backscattering S parameters of Kubelka-Munk 2-constant theory. This was done for all 13 pigments known to have been used by Van Gogh in this painting, and based on this the concentration maps for each of these pigments were calculated. We validated the calculated concentration maps in several ways. For some pigments, we were able to predict spots on the painting where the pigment is expected to occur in unmixed form based on visual examination. For several other pigments, the concentration maps could be shown to agree with XRF data. Finally, for some other pigments the concentration maps were supported by additional evidence from microscopic examinations, remarks in Van Gogh's letters and from early color reproductions. For the 1.7 million pixels for which multispectral data is available, the average color difference between the calculated and measured spectral reflectance curves is CIEDE2000 = 1.05. This further confirms that the Kubelka-Munk calculations are well suited to describe the variety of spectral reflectance on the painting.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
Impact Factor: 0.798
Times cited: 4
DOI: 10.1002/COL.22164
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