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Author Snoeckx, R.; Van Wesenbeeck, K.; Lenaerts, S.; Cha, M.S.; Bogaerts, A.
Title Suppressing the formation of NOxand N2O in CO2/N2dielectric barrier discharge plasma by adding CH4: scavenger chemistry at work Type A1 Journal article
Year 2019 Publication (down) Sustainable Energy & Fuels Abbreviated Journal Sustainable Energy Fuels
Volume 3 Issue 6 Pages 1388-1395
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT); Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract The need for carbon negative technologies led to the development of a wide array of novel CO<sub>2</sub>conversion techniques. Most of them either rely on high temperatures or generate highly reactive O species, which can lead to the undesirable formation of NO<sub>x</sub>and N<sub>2</sub>O when the CO<sub>2</sub>feeds contain N<sub>2</sub>. Here, we show that, for plasma-based CO<sub>2</sub>conversion, adding a hydrogen source, as a chemical oxygen scavenger, can suppress their formation,<italic>in situ</italic>. This allows the use of low-cost N<sub>2</sub>containing (industrial and direct air capture) feeds, rather than expensive purified CO<sub>2</sub>. To demonstrate this, we add CH<sub>4</sub>to a dielectric barrier discharge plasma used for converting impure CO<sub>2</sub>. We find that when adding a stoichiometric amount of CH<sub>4</sub>, 82% less NO<sub>2</sub>and 51% less NO are formed. An even higher reduction (96 and 63%) can be obtained when doubling this amount. However, in that case the excess radicals promote the formation of by-products, such as HCN, NH<sub>3</sub>and CH<sub>3</sub>OH. Thus, we believe that by using an appropriate amount of chemical scavengers, we can use impure CO<sub>2</sub>feeds, which would bring us closer to ‘real world’ conditions and implementation.
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Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000469258600021 Publication Date 2019-02-20
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2398-4902 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek, G0F9618N ; Universiteit Antwerpen; King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, BAS/1/1384-01-01 ;The research reported in this publication was supported by funding from the “Excellence of Science Program” (Fund for Scientic Research Flanders (FWO): grant no. G0F9618N; EOS ID: 30505023). The authors R. S. and M. S. C. acknowledge nancial support from King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), under award number BAS/1/1384-01-01. Approved Most recent IF: NA
Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @UA @ admin @ c:irua:160268 Serial 5188
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Author Vermang, B.; Brammertz, G.; Meuris, M.; Schnabel, T.; Ahlswede, E.; Choubrac, L.; Harel, S.; Cardinaud, C.; Arzel, L.; Barreau, N.; van Deelen, J.; Bolt, P.-J.; Bras, P.; Ren, Y.; Jaremalm, E.; Khelifi, S.; Yang, S.; Lauwaert, J.; Batuk, M.; Hadermann, J.; Kozina, X.; Handick, E.; Hartmann, C.; Gerlach, D.; Matsuda, A.; Ueda, S.; Chikyow, T.; Felix, R.; Zhang, Y.; Wilks, R.G.; Baer, M.
Title Wide band gap kesterite absorbers for thin film solar cells: potential and challenges for their deployment in tandem devices Type A1 Journal article
Year 2019 Publication (down) Sustainable Energy & Fuels Abbreviated Journal
Volume 3 Issue 9 Pages 2246-2259
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract This work reports on developments in the field of wide band gap Cu2ZnXY4 (with X = Sn, Si or Ge, and Y = S, Se) kesterite thin film solar cells. An overview on recent developments and the current understanding of wide band gap kesterite absorber layers, alternative buffer layers, and suitable transparent back contacts is presented. Cu2ZnGe(S,Se)(4) absorbers with absorber band gaps up to 1.7 eV have been successfully developed and integrated into solar cells. Combining a CdS buffer layer prepared by an optimized chemical bath deposition process with a 1.36 eV band gap absorber resulted in a record Cu2ZnGeSe4 cell efficiency of 7.6%, while the highest open-circuit voltage of 730 mV could be obtained for a 1.54 eV band gap absorber and a Zn(O,S) buffer layer. Employing InZnOx or TiO2 protective top layers on SnO2:In transparent back contacts yields 85-90% of the solar cell performance of reference cells (with Mo back contact). These advances show the potential as well as the challenges of wide band gap kesterites for future applications in high-efficiency and low-cost tandem photovoltaic devices.
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Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000482057500004 Publication Date 2019-06-14
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor Times cited 2 Open Access
Notes ; This project has received funding from the European Union's Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Program under grant agreement No. 640868. The synchrotron radiation experiments were performed at the SPring-8 beamline BL15XU with the approval of the NIMS Synchrotron X-ray Station (Proposals 2016A4600, 2016B4601, and 2017A4600) and at BESSY II with the approval of HZB. B. Vermang has received funding from the European Research Council (ERC) under the European Union's Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Programme (grant agreement no. 715027). ; Approved Most recent IF: NA
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:161785 Serial 5404
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Author Daems, N.; De Mot, B.; Choukroun, D.; Van Daele, K.; Li, C.; Hubin, A.; Bals, S.; Hereijgers, J.; Breugelmans, T.
Title Nickel-containing N-doped carbon as effective electrocatalysts for the reduction of CO2 to CO in a continuous-flow electrolyzer Type A1 Journal article
Year 2019 Publication (down) Sustainable energy & fuels Abbreviated Journal
Volume 4 Issue 4 Pages 1296-1311
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Applied Electrochemistry & Catalysis (ELCAT)
Abstract Nickel-containing N-doped carbons were synthesized for the electrochemical reduction of CO2 to CO, which is a promising approach to reduce the atmospheric CO2 levels and its negative impact on the environment. Unfortunately, poor performance (activity, selectivity and/or stability) is still a major hurdle for the economical implementation of this type of materials. The electrocatalysts were prepared through an easily up-scalable and easily tunable method based on the pyrolysis of Ni-containing N-doped carbons. Ni–N–AC–B1 synthesized with a high relative amount of nitrogen and nickel with respect to carbon, was identified as the most promising candidate for this reaction based on its partial CO current density (4.2 mA cm−2), its overpotential (0.57 V) and its faradaic efficiency to CO (>99%). This results in unprecedented values for the current density per g active sites (690 A g−1 active sites). Combined with its decent stability and its high performance in an actual electrolyzer setup, this makes it a promising candidate for the electrochemical reduction of CO2 to CO on a larger scale. Finally, the evaluation of this kind of material in a flow-cell setup has been limited and to the best of our knowledge never included an evaluation of several crucial parameters (e.g. electrolyte type, anode composition and membrane type) and is an essential investigation in the move towards up-scaling and ultimately industrial application of this technique. This study resulted in an optimal cell configuration, consisting of Pt as an anode, Fumatech® as the membrane and 1 M KHCO3 and 2 M KOH as catholyte and anolyte, respectively. In conclusion, this research offers a unique combination of electrocatalyst development and reactor optimization.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000518690900030 Publication Date 2019-12-20
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor Times cited 14 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes ; The authors acknowledge sponsoring from the research foundation of Flanders (FWO) in the frame of a post-doctoral grant (12Y3919N – ND). J. Hereijgers was supported through a postdoctoral fellowship (28761) of the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO). This project was co-funded by the Interreg 2 Seas-Program 2014-2020, co-.nanced by the European Fund for Regional Development in the frame of subsidiary contract nr 2S03-019. This work was further performed in the framework of the Catalisti cluster SBO project CO2PERATE (“All renewable CCU based on formic acid integrated in an industrial microgrid”), with the.nancial support of VLAIO (Flemish Agency for Innovation and Entrepreneurship). This project.nally received funding from the European Research Council (ERC Consolidator Grant 815128, REALNANO). We thank Karen Leyssens for helping with the N<INF>2</INF> physisorption measurements and Kitty Baert (VUB) for analyzing the samples with XPS and Raman. ; sygma Approved Most recent IF: NA
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:165482 Serial 6311
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Author Van Alphen, S.; Jardali, F.; Creel, J.; Trenchev, G.; Snyders, R.; Bogaerts, A.
Title Sustainable gas conversion by gliding arc plasmas: a new modelling approach for reactor design improvement Type A1 Journal article
Year 2021 Publication (down) Sustainable energy & fuels Abbreviated Journal Sustainable Energy Fuels
Volume 5 Issue 6 Pages 1786-1800
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract Research in plasma reactor designs is developing rapidly as plasma technology is gaining increasing interest for sustainable gas conversion applications, like the conversion of greenhouse gases into value-added chemicals and renewable fuels, and fixation of N<sub>2</sub>from air into precursors of mineral fertilizer. As plasma is generated by electric power and can easily be switched on/off, these applications allows for efficient conversion and energy storage of intermittent renewable electricity. In this paper, we present a new comprehensive modelling approach for the design and development of gliding arc plasma reactors, which reveals the fluid dynamics, the arc behaviour and the plasma chemistry by solving a unique combination of five complementary models. This results in a complete description of the plasma process, which allows one to efficiently evaluate the performance of a reactor and indicate possible design improvements before actually building it. We demonstrate the capabilities of this method for an experimentally validated study of plasma-based NO<sub>x</sub>formation in a rotating gliding arc reactor, which is gaining increasing interest as a flexible, electricity-driven alternative for the Haber–Bosch process. The model demonstrates the importance of the vortex flow and the presence of a recirculation zone in the reactor, as well as the formation of hot spots in the plasma near the cathode pin and the anode wall that are responsible for most of the NO<sub>x</sub>formation. The model also reveals the underlying plasma chemistry and the vibrational non-equilibrium that exists due to the fast cooling during each arc rotation. Good agreement with experimental measurements on the studied reactor design proves the predictive capabilities of our modelling approach.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000631643300013 Publication Date 2021-02-22
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2398-4902 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek, GoF9618n ; Vlaamse regering, HBC.2019.0107 ; European Research Council, 810182 ; This research was supported by the Excellence of Science FWOFNRS project (FWO grant ID GoF9618n, EOS ID 30505023), the European Research Council (ERC) under the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme (grant agreement no. 810182 – SCOPE ERC Synergy project), the 1798 | Sustainable Energy Fuels, 2021, 5, 1786–1800 Approved Most recent IF: NA
Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @c:irua:177540 Serial 6745
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Author Tsonev, I.; Ahmadi Eshtehardi, H.; Delplancke, M.-P.; Bogaerts, A.
Title Importance of geometric effects in scaling up energy-efficient plasma-based nitrogen fixation Type A1 Journal article
Year 2024 Publication (down) Sustainable energy & fuels Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue Pages 1-19
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract Despite the recent promising potential of plasma-based nitrogen fixation, the technology faces significant challenges in efficient upscaling. To tackle this challenge, we investigate two reactors, i.e., a small one, operating in a flow rate range of 5-20 ln min-1 and current range of 200-500 mA, and a larger one, operating at higher flow rate (100-300 ln min-1) and current (400-1000 mA). Both reactors operate in a pin-to-pin configuration and are powered by direct current (DC) from the same power supply unit, to allow easy comparison and evaluate the effect of upscaling. In the small reactor, we achieve the lowest energy cost (EC) of 2.8 MJ mol-1, for a NOx concentration of 1.72%, at a flow rate of 20 ln min-1, yielding a production rate (PR) of 33 g h-1. These values are obtained in air; in oxygen-enriched air, the results are typically better, at the cost of producing oxygen-enriched air. In the large reactor, the higher flow rates reduce the NOx concentration due to lower SEI, while maintaining a similar EC. This stresses the important effect of the geometrical configuration of the arc, which is typically concentrated in the center of the reactor, resulting in limited coverage of the reacting gas flow, and this is identified as the limiting factor for upscaling. However, our experiments reveal that by changing the reactor configuration, and thus the plasma geometry and power deposition mechanisms, the amount of gas treated by the plasma can be enhanced, leading to successful upscaling. To obtain more insights in our experiments, we performed thermodynamic equilibrium calculations. First of all, they show that our measured lowest EC closely aligns with the calculated minimum thermodynamic equilibrium at atmospheric pressure. In addition, they reveal that the limited NOx production in the large reactor results from the contracted nature of the plasma. To solve this limitation, we let the large reactor operate in so-called torch configuration. Indeed, the latter enhances the NOx concentrations compared to the pin-to-pin configuration, yielding a PR of 80 g h-1 at an EC of 2.9 MJ mol-1 and NOx concentration of 0.31%. This illustrates the importance of reactor design in upscaling. With the focus on feasibility evaluation of scaling-up plasma-based nitrogen fixation by combined experiments and thermodynamic modelling, we aim to tackle the challenge of design and development of an energy-efficient and scaled-up plasma reactor.
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Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001203657700001 Publication Date 2024-04-11
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved no
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:205435 Serial 9155
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Author Kummamuru, N.B.; Ciocarlan, R.-G.; Houlleberghs, M.; Martens, J.; Breynaert, E.; Verbruggen, S.W.; Cool, P.; Perreault, P.
Title Surface modification of mesostructured cellular foam to enhance hydrogen storage in binary THF/H₂ clathrate hydrate Type A1 Journal article
Year 2024 Publication (down) Sustainable energy & fuels Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue Pages 1-15
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Laboratory of adsorption and catalysis (LADCA)
Abstract This study introduces solid-state tuning of a mesostructured cellular foam (MCF) to enhance hydrogen (H-2) storage in clathrate hydrates. Grafting of promoter-like molecules (e.g., tetrahydrofuran) at the internal surface of the MCF resulted in a substantial improvement in the kinetics of formation of binary H-2-THF clathrate hydrate. Identification of the confined hydrate as sII clathrate hydrate and enclathration of H-2 in its small cages was performed using XRD and high-pressure H-1 NMR spectroscopy respectively. Experimental findings show that modified MCF materials exhibit a similar to 1.3 times higher H-2 storage capacity as compared to non-modified MCF under the same conditions (7 MPa, 265 K, 100% pore volume saturation with a 5.56 mol% THF solution). The enhancement in H-2 storage is attributed to the hydrophobicity originating from grafting organic molecules onto pristine MCF, thereby influencing water interactions and fostering an environment conducive to H-2 enclathration. Gas uptake curves indicate an optimal tuning point for higher H-2 storage, favoring a lower density of carbon per nm(2). Furthermore, a direct correlation emerges between higher driving forces and increased H-2 storage capacity, culminating at 0.52 wt% (46.77 mmoles of H-2 per mole of H2O and 39.78% water-to-hydrate conversions) at 262 K for the modified MCF material with fewer carbons per nm(2). Notably, the substantial H-2 storage capacity achieved without energy-intensive processes underscores solid-state tuning's potential for H-2 storage in the synthesized hydrates. This study evaluated two distinct kinetic models to describe hydrate growth in MCF. The multistage kinetic model showed better predictive capabilities for experimental data and maintained a low average absolute deviation. This research provides valuable insights into augmenting H-2 storage capabilities and holds promising implications for future advancements.
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Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001208396000001 Publication Date 2024-04-15
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved no
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:205764 Serial 9232
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Author Tikhomirov, V.K.; Rodríguez, V.D.; Méndez-Ramos, J.; del- Castillo, J.; Kirilenko, D.; Van Tendeloo, G.; Moshchalkov, V.V.
Title Optimizing Er/Yb ratio and content in Er-Yb co-doped glass-ceramics for enhancement of the up- and down-conversion luminescence Type A1 Journal article
Year 2012 Publication (down) Solar energy materials and solar cells Abbreviated Journal Sol Energ Mat Sol C
Volume 100 Issue Pages 209-215
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Er3+Yb3+ co-doped transparent glass-ceramics with varying Er/Yb content and ratio have been prepared. High quantum yields for up- and down-conversion luminescence by energy transfer from Yb3+ to Er3+ and from Er3+ to Yb3+, respectively, have been detected and optimized with respect to the Er/Yb content and ratio, and proposed in particular for up- and down-conversion of solar spectrum for enhancement of the efficiency of solar cells. The rise and decay kinetics for the population of the excited levels of Er3+ and Yb3+ have been studied and fit. Based on these experimental data, the mechanisms for the energy transfers have been suggested with emphasis on the optimized Er/Yb content and ratio for enhancement of the efficiency of the Er3+↔Yb3+ energy transfers.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Amsterdam Editor
Language Wos 000303034700030 Publication Date 2012-02-04
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0927-0248; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 4.784 Times cited 66 Open Access
Notes Fwo Approved Most recent IF: 4.784; 2012 IF: 4.630
Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:97392 Serial 2493
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Author Gaouyat, L.; He, Z.; Colomer, J.-F.; Lambin, P.; Mirabella, F.; Schryvers, D.; Deparis, O.
Title Revealing the innermost nanostructure of sputtered NiCrOx solar absorber cermets Type A1 Journal article
Year 2014 Publication (down) Solar energy materials and solar cells Abbreviated Journal Sol Energ Mat Sol C
Volume 122 Issue Pages 303-308
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Conversion of solar energy into thermal energy helps reducing consumption of non-renewable energies. Cermets (ceramicmetal composites) are versatile materials suitable, amongst other applications, for solar selective absorbers. Although the presence of metallic Ni particles in the dielectric matrix is a prerequisite for efficient solar selective absorption in NiCrOx cermets, no clear evidence of such particles is reported so far. By combining comprehensive chemical and structural analyses, we reveal the presumed nanostructure which is at the origin of the remarkable optical properties of this cermet material. Using sputtered NiCrOx layers in a solar absorber multilayer stack on aluminium substrate allows us to achieve solar absorptance as high as α=96.1% while keeping thermal emissivity as low as ε=2.2%, both values being comparable to best values recorded so far. With the nanostructure of sputtered NiCrOx cermets eventually revealed, further optimization of solar absorbers can be anticipated and technological exploitation of cermet materials in other applications can be foreseen.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Amsterdam Editor
Language Wos 000331494200040 Publication Date 2013-11-12
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0927-0248; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 4.784 Times cited 12 Open Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 4.784; 2014 IF: 5.337
Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:113086 Serial 2902
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Author Carraro, G.; Maccato, C.; Gasparotto, A.; Warwick, M.E.A.; Sada, C.; Turner, S.; Bazzo, A.; Andreu, T.; Pliekhova, O.; Korte, D.; Lavrenčič Štangar, U.; Van Tendeloo, G.; Morante, J.R.; Barreca, D.
Title Hematite-based nanocomposites for light-activated applications: Synergistic role of TiO2 and Au introduction Type A1 Journal article
Year 2017 Publication (down) Solar energy materials and solar cells Abbreviated Journal Sol Energ Mat Sol C
Volume 159 Issue 159 Pages 456-466
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Photo-activated processes have been widely recognized as cost-effective and environmentally friendly routes for both renewable energy generation and purification/cleaning technologies. We report herein on a plasma- assisted approach for the synthesis of Fe 2 O 3 -TiO 2 nanosystems functionalized with Au nanoparticles. Fe 2 O 3 nanostructures were grown by plasma enhanced-chemical vapor deposition, followed by the sequential sputtering of titanium and gold under controlled conditions, and final annealing in air. The target nanosystems were subjected to a thorough multi-technique characterization, in order to elucidate the interrelations between their chemico-physical properties and the processing conditions. Finally, the functional performances were preliminarily investigated in both sunlight-assisted H 2 O splitting and photocatalytic activity tests in view of self- cleaning applications. The obtained results highlight the possibility of tailoring the system behaviour and candidate the present Fe 2 O 3 -TiO 2 -Au nanosystems as possible multi-functional low-cost platforms for light-activated processes.
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Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000388053600053 Publication Date 2016-10-07
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0927-0248 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 4.784 Times cited 15 Open Access Not_Open_Access
Notes The research leading to these results has received funding from the FP7 project “SOLAROGENIX” (NMP4-SL-2012-310333), as well as from Padova University ex-60% 2013-2016 projects, grant no. CPDR132937/13 (SOLLEONE) and the post-doc fellowship ACTION. INFINITY project in the framework of the EU Erasmus Mundus Action 2 is also acknowledged to provide a Ph.D. financial support as well as Slovenian Research Agency (program P2-0377). The authors are grateful to Dr. E. Toniato (Department of Chemistry, Padova University, Italy) for synthetic assistance and to Prof. E. Bontempi and Dr. M. Brisotto (Chemistry for Technologies Laboratory, Brescia University, Italy) for XRD analyses. Approved Most recent IF: 4.784
Call Number EMAT @ emat @ c:irua:135833 Serial 4284
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Author D'Olieslaeger, L.; Pfannmöller, M.; Fron, E.; Cardinaletti, I.; Van der Auweraer, M.; Van Tendeloo, G.; Bals, S.; Maes, W.; Vanderzande, D.; Manca, J.; Ethirajan, A.
Title Tuning of PCDTBT : PC71BM blend nanoparticles for eco-friendly processing of polymer solar cells Type A1 Journal article
Year 2017 Publication (down) Solar energy materials and solar cells Abbreviated Journal Sol Energ Mat Sol C
Volume 159 Issue 159 Pages 179-188
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract We report the controlled preparation of water processable nanoparticles (NPs) employing the push-pull polymer PCDTBT and the fullerene acceptor PC71BM in order to enable solar cell processing using eco-friendly solvent (i.e. water). The presented method provides the possibility to separate the formation of the active layer blend and the deposition of the active layer into two different processes. For the first time, the benefits of aqueous processability for the high-potential class of push-pull polymers, generally requiring high boiling solvents, are made accessible. With our method we demonstrate excellent control over the blend stoichiometry and efficient mixing. Furthermore, we provide visualization of the nano morphology of the different NPs to obtain structural information down to similar to 2 nm resolution using advanced analytical electron microscopy. The imaging directly reveals very small compositional demixing in the PCDTBT:PC71BM blend NPs, in the size range of about <5 nm, indicating fine mixing at the molecular level. The suitability of the proposed methodology and materials towards the aspects of eco-friendly processing of organic solar cells is demonstrated through a processing of lab scale NPs solar cell prototypes reaching a power conversion efficiency of 1.9%. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Amsterdam Editor
Language Wos 000388053600021 Publication Date 2016-09-19
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0927-0248 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 4.784 Times cited 32 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes ; This work was supported by BOF funding of Hasselt University, the Interreg project Organext, and the IAP 7/05 project FS2 (Functional Supramolecular Systems), granted by the Science Policy Office of the Belgian Federal Government (BELSPO). A.E. is a post-doctoral fellow of the Flanders Research Foundation (FWO). M.P. gratefully acknowledges the SIM NanoForce program for financial support. S.B. further acknowledges financial support from the European Research Council (ERC Starting Grant #335078-COLOURATOMS). The authors are thankful for technical support by J. Smits, T. Vangerven, and J. Baccus. ; ecas_sara Approved Most recent IF: 4.784
Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:139157UA @ admin @ c:irua:139157 Serial 4450
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Author Lizin, S.; Van Passel, S.; De Schepper, E.; Vranken, L.
Title The future of organic photovoltaic solar cells as a direct power source for consumer electronics Type A1 Journal article
Year 2012 Publication (down) Solar Energy Materials And Solar Cells Abbreviated Journal Sol Energ Mat Sol C
Volume 103 Issue Pages 1-10
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM)
Abstract As the search for marketable photovoltaic solar cells continues, organic photovoltaic (OPV) solar cells have been identified as a technology with many attractive features for commercialization. Most photovoltaic technologies on the market today were improved in the consumer electronics market segment. A similar evolution has been envisioned for OPV. Hence this paper investigates consumer preferences for solar cells directly powering consumer electronics. Choice experiments were designed and responses were collected using a random sample of 300 individuals from the Flemish region (northern part of Belgium). Results allow for computation of attribute importance, willingness to pay (WTP), and simulation of theoretical market share. These measures point towards OPV being able to reach considerable market share in the long run, bearing in mind that efforts are first needed in elevating OPV's efficiency and lifetime as they most determine consumers' preferences. Price is found to be the least important product characteristic for OPV solar cells to be incorporated in consumer electronics devices. We therefore warn against generalizing attributes' importance across the boundaries of market segments. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000306044300001 Publication Date 2012-05-03
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0927-0248 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 4.784 Times cited 25 Open Access
Notes ; The authors would kindly want to express their gratitude towards every survey respondent and participant for their preliminary work. Also the authors are much obliged to INTERREG and the ORGANEXT project for their financial support, without which it would have been impossible to conduct this research. Last but not least, we would like to thank the reviewers for their insightful comments which allowed for fine tuning our work. ; Approved Most recent IF: 4.784; 2012 IF: 4.630
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:127556 Serial 6267
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Author Lizin, S.; Van Passel, S.; Vranken, L.
Title Heterogeneity in the solar-powered consumer electronics market : a discrete choice experiments study Type A1 Journal article
Year 2016 Publication (down) Solar Energy Materials And Solar Cells Abbreviated Journal Sol Energ Mat Sol C
Volume 156 Issue Pages 140-146
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM)
Abstract Solar-powered consumer electronics are a likely starting point for organic photovoltaic (OPV) market development. Therefore, a generic discrete choice experiments study can determine how Flemish consumers value solar-cell characteristics for solar-poweied consumer electronics. Such characteristics include efficiency, lifetime, aesthetics, integratability, and price. We contribute to the literature by investigating preference heterogeneity in a solar-power niche market with an experimental design with a fixed reference alternative. The error components random parameter logit (ECRPL) with interactions provides a better fit than the latent class (LC) model for our choice data. The main effects had the expected signs. Consequently, aesthetics and integratability are OPV's assets. Nevertheless, heterogeneity puts the results that are valid for the average consumer into perspective. Based on our findings, OPV commercialization efforts should target the experienced, impatient user who highly values design and functionality. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000383304100015 Publication Date 2016-06-27
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0927-0248 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 4.784 Times cited 2 Open Access
Notes ; Sebastien Lizin thanks the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO) for funding his postdoctoral mandate with Grant number 12G5415N, without which it would have been impossible to revise this work. ; Approved Most recent IF: 4.784
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:137107 Serial 6207
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Author Erfurt, D.; Koida, T.; Heinemann, M.D.; Li, C.; Bertram, T.; Nishinaga, J.; Szyszka, B.; Shibata, H.; Klenk, R.; Schlatmann, R.
Title Impact of rough substrates on hydrogen-doped indium oxides for the application in CIGS devices Type A1 Journal article
Year 2020 Publication (down) Solar Energy Materials And Solar Cells Abbreviated Journal Sol Energ Mat Sol C
Volume 206 Issue Pages 110300
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Indium oxide based transparent conductive oxides (TCOs) are promising contact layers in solar cells due to their outstanding electrical and optical properties. However, when applied in Cu(In,Ga)Se-2 or Si-hetero-junction solar cells the specific roughness of the material beneath can affect the growth and the properties of the TCO. We investigated the electrical properties of hydrogen doped and hydrogen-tungsten co-doped indium oxides grown on rough Cu(In,Ga)Se-2 samples as well as on textured and planar glass. At sharp ridges and V-shaped valleys crack-shaped voids form inside the indium oxide films, which limit the effective electron mobility of the In2O3:H and In2O3:H,W thin films. This was found for films deposited by magnetron sputtering and reactive plasma deposition at several deposition parameters, before as well as after annealing and solid phase crystallization. This suggests universal behavior that will have a wide impact on solar cell devices.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000519653800038 Publication Date 2019-11-29
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0927-0248 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 6.9 Times cited 5 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes ; This work was supported by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy under contract number 0325762G (TCO4CIGS). The authors thank M. Hartig, K. Mayer-Stillrich, I. Dorbandt, B. Bunn, M. Kirsch for technical support. C. Li is grateful for financial support from Max Planck Society, Germany and technical support from the MPI FKF StEM group members. ; Approved Most recent IF: 6.9; 2020 IF: 4.784
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:168668 Serial 6544
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Author Khelifi, S.; Brammertz, G.; Choubrac, L.; Batuk, M.; Yang, S.; Meuris, M.; Barreau, N.; Hadermann, J.; Vrielinck, H.; Poelman, D.; Neyts, K.; Vermang, B.; Lauwaert, J.
Title The path towards efficient wide band gap thin-film kesterite solar cells with transparent back contact for viable tandem application Type A1 Journal article
Year 2021 Publication (down) Solar Energy Materials And Solar Cells Abbreviated Journal Sol Energ Mat Sol C
Volume 219 Issue Pages 110824
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Wide band gap thin-film kesterite solar cell based on non-toxic and earth-abundant materials might be a suitable candidate as a top cell for tandem configuration in combination with crystalline silicon as a bottom solar cell. For this purpose and based on parameters we have extracted from electrical and optical characterization techniques of Cu2ZnGeSe4 absorbers and solar cells, a model has been developed to describe the kesterite top cell efficiency limitations and to investigate the different possible configurations with transparent back contact for fourterminal tandem solar cell application. Furthermore, we have studied the tandem solar cell performance in view of the band gap and the transparency of the kesterite top cell and back contact engineering. Our detailed analysis shows that a kesterite top cell with efficiency > 14%, a band gap in the range of 1.5-1.7 eV and transparency above 80% at the sub-band gaps photons energies are required to achieve a tandem cell with higher efficiency than with a single silicon solar cell.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000591683500002 Publication Date 2020-10-08
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0927-0248 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 4.784 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes The authors would like to acknowledge the SWInG project financed by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 640868 and the Research Foundation Flanders-Hercules Foundation (FWO-Vlaanderen, project No AUGE/13/16:FT-IMAGER). Approved Most recent IF: 4.784
Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:174337 Serial 6706
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Author Berdiyorov, G.R.; Madjet, M.E.; El-Mellouhi, F.; Peeters, F.M.
Title Effect of crystal structure on the electronic transport properties of the organometallic perovskite CH3NH3PbI3 Type A1 Journal article
Year 2016 Publication (down) Solar energy materials and solar cells T2 – 2nd International Renewable and Sustainable Energy Conference (IRSEC), OCT 17-19, 2014, Ouarzazate, MOROCCO Abbreviated Journal Sol Energ Mat Sol C
Volume 148 Issue 148 Pages 60-66
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Abstract Using density-functional theory in combination with the nonequilibrium Green's function formalism, we study the effect of the crystal lattice structure of organometallic perovskite CH3NH3PbI3 on its electronic transport properties. Both dispersive interactions and spin-orbit coupling are taken into account in describing structural and electronic properties of the system. We consider two different phases of the material, namely the orthorhombic and cubic lattice structures, which are energetically stable at low (< 160 K) and high (> 330 K) temperatures, respectively. The sizable geometrical differences between the two structures in term of lattice parameters, PbI6 octahedral tilts, rotation and deformations, have considerable impact on the transport properties of the material. For example, at zero bias and for all considered electron energies, the cubic phase has a larger transmission than the orthorhombic one, although both show similar electronic densities of states. Depending on the applied voltage, the current in the cubic system can be several orders of magnitude larger as compared to the one obtained for the orthorhombic sample. We attribute this enhancement in the transmission to the presence of extended states in the cubic phase due to the symmetrically shaped and ordered PbI6 octaherdra. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Elsevier science bv Place of Publication Amsterdam Editor
Language Wos 000371944500011 Publication Date 2015-11-06
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0927-0248 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 4.784 Times cited 16 Open Access
Notes ; ; Approved Most recent IF: 4.784
Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:133151 Serial 4163
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Author Berdiyorov, G.R.; El-Mellouhi, F.; Madjet, M.E.; Alharbi, F.H.; Peeters, F.M.; Kais, S.
Title Effect of halide-mixing on the electronic transport properties of organometallic perovskites Type A1 Journal article
Year 2016 Publication (down) Solar energy materials and solar cells T2 – 2nd International Renewable and Sustainable Energy Conference (IRSEC), OCT 17-19, 2014, Ouarzazate, MOROCCO Abbreviated Journal Sol Energ Mat Sol C
Volume 148 Issue 148 Pages 2-10
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Abstract Using density-functional theory in combination with the nonequilibrium Green's function formalism, we study the effect of iodide/chloride and iodide/bromide mixing on the electronic transport in lead based organometallic perovskite CH3NH3PbI3, which is known to be an effective tool to tune the electronic and optical properties of such materials. We found that depending on the level and position of the halide mixing, the electronic transport can be increased by more than a factor of 4 for a given voltage biasing. The largest current is observed for small concentration of bromide substitutions located at the equatorial sites. However, full halide substitution has a negative effect on the transport properties of this material: the current drops by an order of magnitude for both CH3NH3PbCl3 and CH3NH3PbBr3 samples. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Elsevier science bv Place of Publication Amsterdam Editor
Language Wos 000371944500002 Publication Date 2015-12-18
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0927-0248 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 4.784 Times cited 23 Open Access
Notes ; ; Approved Most recent IF: 4.784
Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:133150 Serial 4165
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Author Van Dael, M.; Lizin, S.; Swinnen, G.; Van Passel, S.
Title Young people's acceptance of bioenergy and the influence of attitude strength on information provision Type A1 Journal article
Year 2017 Publication (down) Renewable Energy Abbreviated Journal Renew Energ
Volume 107 Issue Pages 417-430
Keywords A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM)
Abstract This study investigated the effects of using a standardized PowerPoint lecture to provide young people with nuanced information about bioenergy. The studys aim was to understand the relationship between knowledge and participants perception of bioenergy, and the relationship of the latter to participants attitude strength and intention to use and learn about bioenergy. Data were collected from 715 participants using a survey instrument that contained mainly Likert-scale questions. Data were then processed using partial least squares structural equation modelling. Results show that providing such information increases knowledge about bioenergy, but does relatively little to create a more positive perception of bioenergy. In turn, having a more positive view about bioenergy would lead to a higher intention to use bioenergy. Attitude strength was found to mediate the previous relationship and decreases the strength of the relationship between perception and intention to use. Results also show that the lecture weakly contributed to building attitude strength, rendering opinion change less likely in the future. We conclude that listening to a lecture on bioenergy slightly improves peoples perception of bioenergy, makes it more likely that people maintain such a disposition, and translates into a slightly higher intention to use bioenergy.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000396946900036 Publication Date 2017-02-08
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0960-1481 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 4.357 Times cited 10 Open Access
Notes ; This work was supported by the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO; grant number 12G5415N). The authors gratefully acknowledge Sara Leroi-Werelds (Hasselt University) for her valuable comments. ; Approved Most recent IF: 4.357
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:140683 Serial 6280
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Author De Schepper, E.; Van Passel, S.; Manca, J.; Thewys, T.
Title Combining photovoltaics and sound barriers : a feasibility study Type A1 Journal article
Year 2012 Publication (down) Renewable Energy Abbreviated Journal Renew Energ
Volume 46 Issue Pages 297-303
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM)
Abstract In the light of global warming, renewables such as solar photovoltaics (PV) are important to decrease greenhouse gas emissions. An important issue regarding implementation of solar panels on large scale, is the limited available area. Therefore, it can be interesting to combine PV with alternative applications, as a ways of not requiring “additional” space. One example is a photovoltaic noise barrier (PVNB), where a noise barrier located along a highway or railway is used as substructure for PV modules. Even though a PVNB is not a novel concept, the absence of economic assessments in literature can be a barrier to their wider implementation. In this paper, a feasibility study of a PVNB in Belgium is conducted, using a cost benefit analysis including a Monte Carlo sensitivity analysis. Besides purely economic aspects, also ecological benefits are monetized. The sensitivity analysis indicates that the ecological benefit of noise reduction, which is valuated using a noise sensitivity depreciation index applied to real estate prices, is of major importance in determining the net present value of the case study. On the contrary, the impact of reducing CO2 emissions seems to be negligible when expressed in monetary terms. The results suggest that the PVNB as a whole and also its separate components -.e. the PV array and the noise barrier can be profitable projects, when ecological benefits are included. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000305169400036 Publication Date 2012-04-06
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0960-1481 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 4.357 Times cited 12 Open Access
Notes ; ; Approved Most recent IF: 4.357; 2012 IF: 2.989
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:127555 Serial 6170
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Author Lizin, S.; Leroy, J.; Delvenne, C.; Dijk, M.; De Schepper, E.; Van Passel, S.
Title A patent landscape analysis for organic photovoltaic solar cells : identifying the technology's development phase Type A1 Journal article
Year 2013 Publication (down) Renewable Energy Abbreviated Journal Renew Energ
Volume 57 Issue Pages 5-11
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM)
Abstract Organic photovoltaics (OPV) have developed into a vast research area. Progress in various directions has made it difficult to monitor the technology's precise development state. We offer a patent landscape analysis over all OPV devices, their substrates and encapsulation materials to provide an overview of patenting activity from a historical, organizational, geographical and technological point of view. Such an exercise is instrumental for private companies and research institutes aiming at both internal or external technology creation. We discuss our findings in the context of the Industrial Life Cycle model and find OPV still residing in the fluid technology development phase. Technology development is still following an exponential growth path, with the majority of patents coming from the Asian continent and in general private companies. For devices, the main technological focus can be traced back to the “H01L-031” international patent classification (IPC) main group. For the queried substrates, the most attention has gone to glass, but paper and textile have drawn significant interest too. Finally, encapsulation is found to be a less mature research field given the smaller number of patent families. The latter shows that the technology has not matured to the level where processing is carried out on a commercial scale. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000319025000002 Publication Date 2013-02-13
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0960-1481 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 4.357 Times cited 18 Open Access
Notes ; The authors are much obliged to INTERREG for their financial support of the ORGANEXT project (www.organext.org), without which it would have been impossible to conduct this research. ; Approved Most recent IF: 4.357; 2013 IF: 3.361
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:127551 Serial 6143
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Author Shi, X.; Ronsse, F.; Roegiers, J.; Pieters, J.G.
Title 3D Eulerian-Eulerian modeling of a screw reactor for biomass thermochemical conversion. Part 1: solids flow dynamics and back-mixing Type A1 Journal article
Year 2019 Publication (down) Renewable energy Abbreviated Journal
Volume 143 Issue Pages 1465-1476
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract Three-dimensional (3D) computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations were performed to study solids flow dynamics and solids back-mixing behavior in a screw reactor (designed for thermal conversion of dry biomass particles) based on the Eulerian-Eulerian method. Simulation results were compared against experimental data with respect to filling degree and mean residence time of particles. The mean deviations for filling degree and for mean residence time between simulation and experiment were about 0.01 and 11.4 s, respectively, which shows that the model is reasonably accurate in predicting solids flow behavior in the screw reactor. The solids flow dynamics inside the reactor were discussed. The solids residence time distribution (RTD) was calculated and the degree of solids back-mixing in the forward transportation direction of the reactor was analyzed. It was found that solids being flung over the shaft and solids back-leakage, resulting from the low solids forward transportation velocity at the clearance between the flight and the bottom shell of the screw reactor, were responsible for solids back-mixing. The degree of solids back-mixing can be reduced at higher screw rotating speeds when keeping inlet mass flow rate of solids constant. (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000482686100039 Publication Date 2019-05-28
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0960-1481 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved no
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:162757 Serial 7384
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Author Buytaert, V.; Muys, B.; Devriendt, N.; Pelkmans, L.; Kretzschmar, J.G.; Samson, R.
Title Towards integrated sustainability assessment for energetic use of biomass : a state of the art evaluation of assessment tools Type A1 Journal article
Year 2011 Publication (down) Renewable and sustainable energy reviews Abbreviated Journal
Volume 15 Issue 8 Pages 3918-3933
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract Biomass is expected to play an increasingly significant role in the greening of energy supply. Nevertheless, concerns are rising about the sustainability of large-scale energy crop production. Impacts must be assessed carefully before deciding whether and how this industry should be developed, and what technologies, policies and investment strategies should be pursued. There is need for a comprehensive and reliable sustainability assessment tool to evaluate the environmental, social and economic performance of biomass energy production. This paper paves the way for such a tool by analysing and comparing the performance and applicability of a selection of existing tools that are potentially useful for sustainability assessment of bioenergy systems. The selected tools are: Criteria And Indicators (C&I), Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), Cost Benefit Analysis (CBA), Exergy Analysis (EA) and System Perturbation Analysis (SPA). To evaluate the tools, a framework was constructed that consists of four evaluation levels: sustainability issues, tool attributes, model structure, area of application. The tools were then evaluated using literature data and with the help of a Delphi panel of experts. Finally, a statistical analysis was performed on the resulting data matrix to detect significant differences between tools. It becomes clear that none of the selected tools is able to perform a comprehensive sustainability assessment of bioenergy systems. Every tool has its particular advantages and disadvantages, which means that trade-offs are inevitable and a balance must be found between scientific accuracy and pragmatic decision making. A good definition of the assessment objective is therefore crucial. It seems an interesting option to create a toolbox that combines procedural parts of C&I and EIA, supplemented with calculation algorithms of LCA and CBA for respectively environmental and economic sustainability indicators. Nevertheless, this would require a more comprehensive interdisciplinary approach to align the different tool characteristics and focuses.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000298764100043 Publication Date 2011-08-06
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1364-0321; 1879-0690 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved no
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:96444 Serial 8682
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Author Vasilakou, K.; Nimmegeers, P.; Billen, P.; Van Passel, S.
Title Geospatial environmental techno-economic assessment of pretreatment technologies for bioethanol production Type A1 Journal article
Year 2023 Publication (down) Renewable and sustainable energy reviews Abbreviated Journal
Volume 187 Issue Pages 113743-16
Keywords A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM); Intelligence in PRocesses, Advanced Catalysts and Solvents (iPRACS)
Abstract Second-generation biofuels, starting from lignocellulosic biomass, are considered as a renewable alternative for fossil fuels with lower environmental impact and potentially higher supply and energy security. The economic and environmental performance of second-generation bioethanol production from corn stover in the European Union (EU) is studied, starting in Belgium as base case. A comparative environmental techno-economic assessment has been conducted, with process simulations in Aspen Plus and corn stover availability data in thirteen EU countries to calculate minimum ethanol selling prices (MESP) and Greenhouse gas emissions (GHGe). In this analysis, the emphasis is on the comparison of different pretreatment technologies, namely (i) dilute acid, (ii) alkaline, (iii) steam explosion and (iv) liquid hot water. Dilute acid showed the best economic and environmental performance for the base case scenario. Within the EU, Hungary and Romania presented the lowest MESP for the steam explosion model at 0.39 and 0.43 EUR/L respectively. Poland showed the lowest GHGe, at 0.46 kg CO2eq/L for the alkaline model, mainly due to the avoided product allocation on electricity and its high carbon intensity in the electricity generation sector. The second lowest GHGe were obtained in France for the dilute acid model and are attributed to its low agricultural emissions intensity. This study identifies a location-dependence of the economic and environmental performance of pretreatment technologies, which can be extrapolated from the EU to other large regions around the world and should be taken into consideration by decision-makers.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001082526000001 Publication Date 2023-09-15
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1364-0321; 1879-0690 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved no
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:198804 Serial 9205
Permanent link to this record
 
 
Author Vetters, J.; Thomassen, G.; Van Passel, S.
Title Sailing through end-of-life challenges : a comprehensive review for offshore wind Type A1 Journal article
Year 2024 Publication (down) Renewable and sustainable energy reviews Abbreviated Journal
Volume 199 Issue Pages 114486-16
Keywords A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM)
Abstract Over the past thirty years, European offshore wind farm development surged, yet end-of-life and decommissioning considerations were overshadowed by initial climate and energy security objectives during design and construction. As the first major projects near their final decade, numerous unanswered questions persist. Through a comprehensive literature review, this study identifies, maps, and evaluates challenges across technical, economic, environmental, social, and policy dimensions spanning five end-of-life phases: planning, dismantling, transport and logistics, waste management, and site recovery. Examining 42 publications reveals 46 distinct challenges affecting stakeholders such as the end-of-life supply chain, policy makers, and society. While 33% of the challenges manifested in the technical dimension, 48% of the challenges covered the planning phase. Notably, the economic challenge of vessel cost and availability was raised most often. Less-explored challenges underscore the importance of consideration before the end-of-life phase intensifies. The study illustrates the complex interconnection of numerous end-of-life challenges across phases, dimensions, and disciplines, emphasizing the imperative of addressing bottlenecks in a comprehensive and integrated manner. The results of this study help steering future research, while also improving awareness of challenges for stakeholders, emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts between governmental bodies and industry stakeholders to address imminent challenges through transparent guidelines, data exchange, and circular design principles. The novelty of this study lies in its holistic, multidisciplinary approach, systematic framework for identifying challenges, and critical perspective unveiling interconnectedness.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos Publication Date 2024-05-02
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1364-0321; 1879-0690 ISBN Additional Links UA library record
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved no
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:205652 Serial 9226
Permanent link to this record
 
 
Author Milis, K.; Peremans, H.; Springael, J.; Van Passel, S.
Title Win-win possibilities through capacity tariffs and battery storage in microgrids Type A1 Journal article
Year 2019 Publication (down) Renewable & Sustainable Energy Reviews Abbreviated Journal Renew Sust Energ Rev
Volume 113 Issue 113 Pages 109238
Keywords A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM)
Abstract This paper investigates the impact of capacity tariff design on microgrids. While the possible benefits for utilities of capacity tariffs are well researched, comparatively little work has been done investigating the effects of capacity pricing on prosumers. Through simulating a grid connected microgrid and solving the day-ahead dispatch problem for a calendar year, we show that a well-designed capacity tariff will not only smooth out demand profiles, but could also lead to less erratic charge/discharge cycles in a real-time pricing scenario, lessening battery degradation. These results show that a properly designed capacity tariff has the potential to be beneficial for both the utilities as well as the battery-owning prosumer. Furthermore, we propose a new, heuristic approach to solve the day-ahead economic dispatch problem, which we prove to be effective and efficient. Additionally, we demonstrate that our novel approach does not impose mathematical restrictions such as continuous differentiability of the objective function. We show that the proposed capacity tariff achieves the stated aim of promoting battery storage uptake and that our novel method allows for compression and shorter run times.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000483422600019 Publication Date 2019-07-03
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1364-0321; 1879-0690 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 8.05 Times cited 1 Open Access
Notes ; ; Approved Most recent IF: 8.05
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:160566 Serial 6279
Permanent link to this record
 
 
Author Moretti, M.; Njakou Djomo, S.; Azadi, H.; May, K.; De Vos, K.; Van Passel, S.; Witters, N.
Title A systematic review of environmental and economic impacts of smart grids Type A1 Journal article
Year 2017 Publication (down) Renewable & Sustainable Energy Reviews Abbreviated Journal Renew Sust Energ Rev
Volume 68 Issue 2 Pages 888-898
Keywords A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM)
Abstract Smart grids (SGs) have a central role in the development of the global power sector. Cost-benefit analyses and environmental impact assessments are used to support policy on the deployment of SG systems and technologies. However, the conflicting and widely varying estimates of costs, benefits, greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction, and energy savings in literature leave policy makers struggling with how to advise regarding SG deployment. Identifying the causes for the wide variation of individual estimates in the literature is crucial if evaluations are to be used in decision-making. This paper (i) summarizes and compares the methodologies used for economic and environmental evaluation of SGs (ii) identifies the sources of variation in estimates across studies, and (iii) point to gap in research on economic and environmental analyses of SG systems. Seventeen studies (nine articles and eight reports published between 2000 and 2015) addressing the economic costs versus benefits, energy efficiency, and GHG emissions of SGs were systematically searched, located, selected, and reviewed. Their methods and data were subsequently extracted and analysed. The results show that no standardized method currently exists for assessing the economic and environmental impacts of SG systems. The costs varied between 0.03 and 1143 M/yr, while the benefits ranged from 0.04 to 804 M/yr, suggesting that SG systems do not result in cost savings The primary energy savings ranged from 0.03 to 0.95 MJ/kWh, whereas the GHG emission reduction ranged from 10 to 180 gCO2/kWh, depending on the country grid mix and the system boundary of the SG system considered. The findings demonstrate that although SG systems are energy efficient and reduce GHG emissions, investments in SG systems may not yield any benefits. Standardizing some methodologies and assumptions such as discount rates, time horizon and scrutinizing some key input data will result in more consistent estimates of costs and benefits, GHG emission reduction, and energy savings.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000391899400006 Publication Date 2016-03-24
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1364-0321; 1879-0690 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 8.05 Times cited 27 Open Access
Notes ; We would like to thank the editor and the anonymous referees for their helpful suggestions and insightful comments that have significantly improved the paper. This research paper has been implemented within the GREAT (Growing Renewable Energy Applications and Technologies) project funded by the European INTERREG IVB North-Western Europe Programme. Nele Witters was financed by FWO (Research Foundation Flanders). ; Approved Most recent IF: 8.05
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:139036 Serial 6260
Permanent link to this record
 
 
Author Milis, K.; Peremans, H.; Van Passel, S.
Title Steering the adoption of battery storage through electricity tariff design Type A1 Journal article
Year 2018 Publication (down) Renewable & Sustainable Energy Reviews Abbreviated Journal Renew Sust Energ Rev
Volume 98 Issue 98 Pages 125-139
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM)
Abstract The economic viability of electricity storage using batteries, under different tariff structures and system configurations, is investigated. The economic outcomes of the different combinations of tariff design and system configuration are evaluated. Based on a discussion of the relevant literature, the following tariff designs are used in the study: (i) fixed energy prices, (ii) real-time energy pricing, (iii) fixed rate capacity tariffs, and (iv) capacity dependent capacity tariffs. Next, the different simulated system configurations are outlined: (i) no battery storage, (ii) battery storage only, and (iii) battery storage and decentralized renewable energy production with PV. Our study provides insights for policy makers, showing that capacity block pricing only incentivises storage as part of an (existing) PV installation, while the combination of real time energy pricing and capacity block pricing promotes a wider adoption of battery storage.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000450559100010 Publication Date 2018-09-17
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1364-0321; 1879-0690 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 8.05 Times cited 7 Open Access
Notes ; ; Approved Most recent IF: 8.05
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:153327 Serial 6252
Permanent link to this record
 
 
Author Rafiaani, P.; Kuppens, T.; Van Dael, M.; Azadi, H.; Lebailly, P.; Van Passel, S.
Title Social sustainability assessments in the biobased economy : towards a systemic approach Type A1 Journal article
Year 2018 Publication (down) Renewable & Sustainable Energy Reviews Abbreviated Journal Renew Sust Energ Rev
Volume 82 Issue 2 Pages 1839-1853
Keywords A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM)
Abstract The majority of impact assessments for the biobased economy are primarily focused on the environmental and (techno-)economic aspects, while social aspects are rarely considered. This study proposes a modified systemic approach for a social sustainability impact assessment of the biobased economy, based on a review on the common methodologies for assessing social impacts. Accordingly, the proposed approach follows the four general iterative steps of social life cycle analysis (SLCA) as it considers all life cycle phases of the biobased economy. The systemic approach considers the potential social impacts on local communities, workers, and consumers as the main three groups of the stakeholders. The review showed that the most common social indicators for inventory analysis within the biobased economy include health and safety, food security, income, employment, land- and worker-related concerns, energy security, profitability, and gender issues. Multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) was also highlighted as the broadly utilized methodology for aggregating the results of impact assessments within the biobased economy. Taking a life cycle perspective, this study provides a holistic view of the full sustainability of research, design, and innovation in the biobased economy by suggesting the integration of the social aspects with techno-economic and an environmental life cycle assessment. Our proposed systemic approach makes possible to integrate the social impacts that are highly valued by the affected stakeholders into the existing sustainability models that focus only on environmental and techno-economic aspects. We discuss the steps of the proposed systemic approach in order to identify the challenges of applying them within the biobased economy. These challenges refer mainly to the definition of the functional unit and system boundaries, the selection and the analysis of social indicators (inventory analysis), the aggregation of the inventory to impact categories, and the uncertainties associated with the social sustainability evaluation. The result of this review and the proposed systemic approach serve as a foundation for industry and policy makers to gain a better insight into the importance of social sustainability impacts assessment within the biobased economy.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000423371300014 Publication Date 2017-08-01
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1364-0321; 1879-0690 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 8.05 Times cited 28 Open Access
Notes ; ; Approved Most recent IF: 8.05
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:149031 Serial 6250
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Author Thomassen, G.; Van Dael, M.; Lemmens, B.; Van Passel, S.
Title A review of the sustainability of algal-based biorefineries : towards an integrated assessment framework Type A1 Journal article
Year 2017 Publication (down) Renewable & Sustainable Energy Reviews Abbreviated Journal Renew Sust Energ Rev
Volume 68 Issue 2 Pages 876-887
Keywords A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM)
Abstract Algal-based bioenergy products have faced multiple economic and environmental problems. To counter these problems, algal-based biorefineries have been proposed as a promising solution. Multiple environmental and economic assessments have analyzed this concept. However, a wide variation in results was reported. This study performs a review to evaluate the methodological reasons behind this variation. Based on this review, four main challenges for a sustainability assessment were identified: 1) the use of a clear framework; 2) the adaptation of the methodology to all stages of technological maturity; 3) the use of harmonized assumptions; 4) the integration of the technological process. A generic methodology, based on the integration of a techno-economic assessment methodology and a streamlined life cycle assessment was proposed. This environmental techno-economic assessment can be performed following an iterative approach during each stage of technology development. In this way, crucial technological parameters can be directly identified and evaluated during the maturation of the technology. The use of this assessment methodology can therefore act as guidance to decrease the time-to-market for innovative and sustainable technologies.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000391899400005 Publication Date 2016-03-16
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1364-0321; 1879-0690 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 8.05 Times cited 23 Open Access
Notes ; ; Approved Most recent IF: 8.05
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:139038 Serial 6245
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Author Van Schoubroeck, S.; Van Dael, M.; Van Passel, S.; Malina, R.
Title A review of sustainability indicators for biobased chemicals Type A1 Journal article
Year 2018 Publication (down) Renewable & Sustainable Energy Reviews Abbreviated Journal Renew Sust Energ Rev
Volume 94 Issue 94 Pages 115-126
Keywords A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM)
Abstract Companies dealing with chemical products have to cope with large amounts of waste and environmental risk due to the use and production of toxic substances. Against this background, increasing attention is being paid to green chemistry and the translation of this concept into biobased chemicals. Given the multitude of economic, environmental and societal impacts that the production and use of biobased chemicals have on sustainability, assessment approaches need to be developed that allow for measurement and comparison of these impacts. To evaluate sustainability in the context of policy and decision-making, indicators are generally accepted means. However, sustainability indicators currently predominantly exist for low-value applications in the bioeconomy, like bioenergy and biofuels. In this paper, a review of the state-of-the-art sustainability indicators for biobased chemicals is conducted and a gap analysis is performed to identify indicator development needs. Based on the analysis, a clear hierarchy within the concept of sustainability is found where the environmental aspect dominates over economic and social indicators. All one-dimensional indicator-sets account for environmental impacts (50%), whereas two-dimensional sets complement the environmental issues with economic indicators (34%). Moreover, even the sets encompassing all three sustainability dimensions (16%) do not account for the dynamics and interlinkages between the environment, economy and society. Using results from the literature review, an indicator list is presented that captures all indicators currently used within sustainability assessment of biobased chemicals. Finally, a framework is proposed for future indicator selection using a stakeholder survey to obtain a prioritized list of sustainability indicators for biobased chemicals.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000446310000008 Publication Date 2018-06-07
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1364-0321; 1879-0690 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 8.05 Times cited 17 Open Access
Notes ; ; Approved Most recent IF: 8.05
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:154140 Serial 6244
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Author Afsharzade, N.; Papzan, A.; Ashjaee, M.; Delangizan, S.; Van Passel, S.; Azadi, H.
Title Renewable energy development in rural areas of Iran Type A1 Journal article
Year 2016 Publication (down) Renewable & Sustainable Energy Reviews Abbreviated Journal Renew Sust Energ Rev
Volume 65 Issue Pages 743-755
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM)
Abstract Iran's energy system is extremely dependent on fossil fuels which, in turn, have led to problems such as fossil fuels depletion, social, economic and environmental damage and territorial imbalance. The country should therefore design a sustainable energy system based on clean energy as well as renewable energy. Accordingly, and given that Iran's rural areas suffer from the unsustainable energy system, it is necessary to integrate renewable energy into comprehensive development programs in general, and into rural development programs, specifically. This review paper answers the following questions: Why is renewable energy important for Iran at national and rural levels? How is renewable energy related to sustainable rural development? and What are the challenges in the promotion of renewable energy technologies in Iran? The paper concludes that although renewable energy has potential for development in Iran's rural areas due to environmental, social and economic advantages, it could face some infrastructural, managerial, socio-cultural and economic challenges. Accordingly, aggressive and innovative policy making is required to meet these challenges. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000383293800053 Publication Date 2016-07-23
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1364-0321; 1879-0690 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 8.05 Times cited 41 Open Access
Notes ; ; Approved Most recent IF: 8.05
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:137105 Serial 6243
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