“Elucidation of plasma-induced chemical modifications on glutathione and glutathione disulphide”. Klinkhammer C, Verlackt C, Smilowicz D, Kogelheide F, Bogaerts A, Metzler-Nolte N, Stapelmann K, Havenith M, Lackmann J-W, Scientific reports 7, 13828 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1038/S41598-017-13041-8
Abstract: Cold atmospheric pressure plasmas are gaining increased interest in the medical sector and clinical trials to treat skin diseases are underway. Plasmas are capable of producing several reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS). However, there are open questions how plasma-generated RONS interact on a molecular level in a biological environment, e.g. cells or cell components. The redox pair glutathione (GSH) and glutathione disulphide (GSSG) forms the most important redox buffer in organisms responsible for detoxification of intracellular reactive species. We apply Raman spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and molecular dynamics simulations to identify the time-dependent chemical modifications on GSH and GSSG that are caused by dielectric barrier discharge under ambient conditions. We find GSSG, S-oxidised glutathione species, and S-nitrosoglutathione as oxidation products with the latter two being the final products, while glutathione sulphenic acid, glutathione sulphinic acid, and GSSG are rather reaction intermediates. Experiments using stabilized pH conditions revealed the same main oxidation products as were found in unbuffered solution, indicating that the dominant oxidative or nitrosative reactions are not influenced by acidic pH. For more complex systems these results indicate that too long treatment times can cause difficult-to-handle modifications to the cellular redox buffer which can impair proper cellular function.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 4.259
Times cited: 17
DOI: 10.1038/S41598-017-13041-8
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“Foundations of modelling of nonequilibrium low-temperature plasmas”. Alves LL, Bogaerts A, Guerra V, Turner MM, Plasma sources science and technology 27, 023002 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1088/1361-6595/aaa86d
Abstract: This work explains the need for plasma models, introduces arguments for choosing the type of model that better fits the purpose of each study, and presents the basics of the most common nonequilibrium low-temperature plasma models and the information available from each one, along with an extensive list of references for complementary in-depth reading. The paper presents the following models, organised according to the level of multi-dimensional description of the plasma: kinetic models, based on either a statistical particle-in-cell/Monte-Carlo approach or the solution to the Boltzmann equation (in the latter case, special focus is given to the description of the electron kinetics); multi-fluid models, based on the solution to the hydrodynamic equations; global (spatially-average) models, based on the solution to the particle and energy rate-balance equations for the main plasma species, usually including a very complete reaction chemistry; mesoscopic models for plasma–surface interaction, adopting either a deterministic approach or a stochastic dynamical Monte-Carlo approach. For each plasma model, the paper puts forward the physics context, introduces the fundamental equations, presents advantages and limitations, also from a numerical perspective, and illustrates its application with some examples. Whenever pertinent, the interconnection between models is also discussed, in view of multi-scale hybrid approaches.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 3.302
Times cited: 17
DOI: 10.1088/1361-6595/aaa86d
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“Bacterial inactivation by plasma treated water enhanced by reactive nitrogen species”. Shaw P, Kumar N, Kwak HS, Park JH, Uhm HS, Bogaerts A, Choi EH, Attri P, Scientific reports 8, 11268 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-018-29549-6
Abstract: There is a growing body of literature that recognizes the importance of plasma treated water (PTW)for inactivation of microorganism. However, very little attention has been paid to the role of reactive nitrogen species (RNS) in deactivation of bacteria. The aim of this study is to explore the role of RNS in bacterial killing, and to develop a plasma system with increased sterilization efficiency. To increase the concentration of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) in solution, we have used vapor systems (DI water/HNO3 at different wt%) combined with plasma using N2 as working gas. The results show that the addition of the vapor system yields higher RONS contents. Furthermore, PTW produced by N2 + 0.5 wt% HNO3 vapor comprises a large amount of both RNS and ROS, while PTW created by N2 + H2O vapor consists of a large amount of ROS, but much less RNS. Interestingly, we observed more deactivation of E. Coli with PTW created by N2 + 0.5 wt% HNO3 vapor plasma as compared to PTW generated by the other plasma systems. This work provides new insight into the role of RNS along with ROS for deactivation of bacteria.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 4.259
Times cited: 17
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-29549-6
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“High-temperature electron-hole superfluidity with strong anisotropic gaps in double phosphorene monolayers”. Saberi-Pouya S, Zarenia M, Perali A, Vazifehshenas T, Peeters FM, Physical review B 97, 174503 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1103/PHYSREVB.97.174503
Abstract: Excitonic superfluidity in double phosphorene monolayers is investigated using the BCS mean-field equations. Highly anisotropic superfluidity is predicted where we found that the maximum superfluid gap is in the Bose-Einstein condensate (BEC) regime along the armchair direction and in the BCS-BEC crossover regime along the zigzag direction. We estimate the highest Kosterlitz-Thouless transition temperature with maximum value up to similar to 90 K with onset carrier densities as high as 4 x 10(12) cm(-2). This transition temperature is significantly larger than what is found in double electron-hole few-layers graphene. Our results can guide experimental research toward the realization of anisotropic condensate states in electron-hole phosphorene monolayers.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.836
Times cited: 17
DOI: 10.1103/PHYSREVB.97.174503
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“Analysis of Short-Lived Reactive Species in Plasma–Air–Water Systems: The Dos and the Do Nots”. Gorbanev Y, Privat-Maldonado A, Bogaerts A, Analytical Chemistry 90, 13151 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1021/acs.analchem.8b03336
Abstract: This Feature addresses the analysis of the reactive species generated by nonthermal atmospheric
pressure plasmas, which are widely employed in industrial and biomedical research, as well as first
clinical applications. We summarize the progress in detection of plasma-generated short-lived
reactive oxygen and nitrogen species in aqueous solutions, discuss the potential and limitations of
various analytical methods in plasma−liquid systems, and provide an outlook on the possible future
research goals in development of short-lived reactive species analysis methods for a general
nonspecialist audience.
Keywords: A1 Journal Article; Plasma, laser ablation and surface modeling Antwerp (PLASMANT) ;
Impact Factor: 6.32
Times cited: 17
DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.8b03336
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“Electron Bessel beam diffraction for precise and accurate nanoscale strain mapping”. Guzzinati G, Ghielens W, Mahr C, Béché, A, Rosenauer A, Calders T, Verbeeck J, Applied physics letters 114, 243501 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1063/1.5096245
Abstract: Strain has a strong effect on the properties of materials and the performance of electronic devices. Their ever shrinking size translates into a constant demand for accurate and precise measurement methods with a very high spatial resolution. In this regard, transmission electron microscopes are key instruments thanks to their ability to map strain with a subnanometer resolution. Here, we present a method to measure strain at the nanometer scale based on the diffraction of electron Bessel beams. We demonstrate that our method offers a strain sensitivity better than 2.5 × 10−4 and an accuracy of 1.5 × 10−3, competing with, or outperforming, the best existing methods with a simple and easy to use experimental setup.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; ADReM Data Lab (ADReM); Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 3.411
Times cited: 17
DOI: 10.1063/1.5096245
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“T4,4,4-graphyne : a 2D carbon allotrope with an intrinsic direct bandgap”. Wang W, Li L, Kong X, Van Duppen B, Peeters FM, Solid state communications 293, 23 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.SSC.2019.02.001
Abstract: A novel two-dimensional (2D) structurally stable carbon allotrope is proposed using first-principles calculations, which is a promising material for water purification and for electronic devices due to its unique porous structure and electronic properties. Rectangular and hexagonal rings are connected with acetylenic linkages, forming a nanoporous structure with a pore size of 6.41 angstrom, which is known as T-4,T-4,T-4-graphyne. This 2D sheet exhibits a direct bandgap of 0.63 eV at the M point, which originates from the p(z)( )atomic orbitals of carbon atoms as confirmed by a tight-binding model. Importantly, T-4,T-4,T-4-graphyne is found to be energetically more preferable than the experimentally realized beta-graphdiyne, it is dynamically stable and can withstand temperatures up to 1500 K.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 1.554
Times cited: 17
DOI: 10.1016/J.SSC.2019.02.001
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“Manipulation of magnetic skyrmions by superconducting vortices in ferromagnet-superconductor heterostructures”. Menezes RM, Neto JFS, de Souza Silva CC, Milošević, MV, Physical review B 100, 014431 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1103/PHYSREVB.100.014431
Abstract: Dynamics of magnetic skyrmions in hybrid ferromagnetic films harbors interesting physical phenomena and holds promise for technological applications. In this work, we discuss the behavior of magnetic skyrmions when coupled to superconducting vortices in a ferromagnet-superconductor heterostructure. We use numerical simulations and analytic arguments within London and Thiele formalisms to reveal broader possibilities for manipulating the skyrmion-vortex dynamic correlations in the hybrid system, that are not possible in its separated constituents. We explore the thresholds of particular dynamic phases, and quantify the phase diagram as a function of the relevant material parameters, applied current, and induced magnetic torques. Finally, we demonstrate the broad and precise tunability of the skyrmion Hall angle in the presence of vortices, with respect to currents applied to either or both the superconductor and the ferromagnet within the heterostructure.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.836
Times cited: 17
DOI: 10.1103/PHYSREVB.100.014431
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“Self-limiting growth of two-dimensional palladium between graphene oxide layers”. Su Y, Prestat E, Hu C, Puthiyapura VK, Neek-Amal M, Xiao H, Huang K, Kravets VG, Haigh SJ, Hardacre C, Peeters FM, Nair RR, Nano letters 19, 4678 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1021/ACS.NANOLETT.9B01733
Abstract: The ability of different materials to display self-limiting growth has recently attracted an enormous amount of attention because of the importance of nanoscale materials in applications for catalysis, energy conversion, (opto)-electronics, and so forth. Here, we show that the electrochemical deposition of palladium (Pd) between graphene oxide (GO) sheets result in the self-limiting growth of 5-nm-thick Pd nanosheets. The self-limiting growth is found to be a consequence of the strong interaction of Pd with the confining GO sheets, which results in the bulk growth of Pd being energetically unfavorable for larger thicknesses. Furthermore, we have successfully carried out liquid exfoliation of the resulting Pd-GO laminates to isolate Pd nanosheets and have demonstrated their high efficiency in continuous flow catalysis and electrocatalysis.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 12.712
Times cited: 17
DOI: 10.1021/ACS.NANOLETT.9B01733
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“Tuning the electronic and magnetic properties of antimonene nanosheets via point defects and external fields: first-principles calculations”. Bafekry A, Ghergherehchi M, Shayesteh SF, Physical chemistry, chemical physics 21, 10552 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1039/C9CP01378D
Abstract: Defects are inevitably present in materials, and their existence in a material strongly affects its fundamental physical properties. We have systematically investigated the effects of surface adsorption, substitutional impurities, defect engineering, an electric field and strain engineering on the structural, electronic and magnetic properties of antimonene nanosheets, using spin-polarized density functional calculations based on first-principles. The adsorption or substitution of atoms can locally modify the atomic and electronic structures as well as induce a variety of electronic behaviors including metal, half-metal, ferromagnetic metal, dilute magnetic semiconductor and spin-glass semiconductor. Our calculations show that the presence of typical defects (vacancies and Stone-Wales defect) in antimonene affects the geometrical symmetry as well as the band gap in the electronic band structure and induces magnetism to antimonene. Moreover, by applying an external electric field and strain (uniaxial and biaxial), the electronic structure of antimonene can be easily modified. The calculation results presented in this paper provide a fundamental insight into the tunable nature of the electronic properties of antimonene, supporting its promise for use in future applications.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 4.123
Times cited: 17
DOI: 10.1039/C9CP01378D
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“Enhanced transmission versus localization of a light pulse by a subwavelength metal slit”. Kukhlevsky SV, Mechler M, Csapo L, Janssens K, Samek O, Physical review : B : condensed matter and materials physics 70, 195428 (2004). http://doi.org/10.1103/PHYSREVB.70.195428
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
Impact Factor: 3.836
Times cited: 17
DOI: 10.1103/PHYSREVB.70.195428
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“Evaluation of manganese-bodies removal in historical stained glass windows via SR-\mu-XANES/XRF and SR-\mu-CT”. Cagno S, Nuyts G, Bugani S, De Vis K, Schalm O, Caen J, Helfen L, Cotte M, Reischig P, Janssens K, Journal of analytical atomic spectrometry 26, 2442 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1039/C1JA10204D
Abstract: The speed and effectiveness of a conservation treatment used for stained glass windows have been investigated. Dark-coloured Mn-rich stains can be found in the alteration layer of ancient glass artefacts and cause the surface to turn brown/black: this phenomenon is known as Mn-browning or Mn-staining. While in glass manganese is present in the +II or +III oxidation states, in the Mn-rich bodies, manganese is in a higher oxidation state (+IV). In restoration practice, mildly reducing solutions are employed to eliminate the dark colour and restore the clear appearance of the glass. In this paper the effectiveness and side effects of the use of hydroxylamine hydrochloride for this purpose are assessed. Archaeological fragments of stained glass windows, dated to the 14th century and originating from Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge (UK), were examined by means of synchrotron radiation (SR) based microscopic X-ray Absorption Near-Edge Spectroscopy (μ-XANES) and microscopic X-Ray Fluorescence (μ-XRF) and with high resolution computed absorption tomography (μ-CT) before, during and after the treatment. The monitoring of the glass fragments during the treatment allows us to better understand the manner in which the process unfolds and its kinetics. The results obtained reveal that the hydroxylamine hydrochloride treatment is effective, but also that it has a number of unwanted side effects. These findings are useful for optimizing the time and other modalities of the Mn-reducing treatment as well as minimizing its unwanted results.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
Impact Factor: 3.379
Times cited: 17
DOI: 10.1039/C1JA10204D
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“Identification of artificial orpiment in the interior decorations of the Japanese tower in Laeken, Brussels, Belgium”. Vermeulen M, Sanyova J, Janssens K, Heritage science 3, Unsp 9 (2015). http://doi.org/10.1186/S40494-015-0040-7
Abstract: In this paper, we used a multi-technique approach in order to identify the arsenic sulfide pigment used in the decorative panels of the Japanese tower in Laeken, Belgium. Our attention was drawn to this particular pigment because of its relatively good conservation state, despite its known tendency to fade over time when exposed to light. The pigment was used with different painting techniques, bound with oil and urushi in the lacquers and with an aqueous binder in the mat relief panels. In the latter case it is always applied as an underlayer mixed with ultramarine blue. This quite unusual pigment mixture also shows a good state of preservation. In this study, the orpiment used for the Japanese tower has been identified as an amorphous arsenic sulfide glass (AsxSx) with the aid of light microscopy, PLM, SEM-EDX and Raman microscopy. The pigment features different degrees of As4S4 monomer units in its structure, also known as realgar-like nano-phases. This most likely indicates different synthesis processes as the formation of these As4S4 monomers is dependent of the quenching temperature (Tq) to which the artificial pigment is exposed during the preparation phase.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Art; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
Times cited: 17
DOI: 10.1186/S40494-015-0040-7
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“Magnetic- and particle-based techniques to investigate metal deposition on urban green”. Castanheiro A, Samson R, De Wael K, The science of the total environment 571, 594 (2016). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.SCITOTENV.2016.07.026
Abstract: Urban green works as a recorder of atmospheric PM. This paper reports on the utility of combining magnetic- and particle-based techniques to investigate PM leaf deposition as a bio-indicator of metal pollution. Ivy (Hedera helix) leaves were collected from five different land use classes, i.e. forest, rural, roadside, industrial, train. Leaf magnetic measurements were done in terms of saturation isothermal remanent magnetization (leaf SIRM), while ca. 40,000 leaf-deposited particles were analyzed through SEM/EDX to estimate the elemental composition. The influence of the different land use classes was registered both magnetically and in terms of metal content. Leaf area-normalized SIRM values ranged from 19.9 to 444.0 μA, in the following order forest < rural < roadside < industrial < train. Leaf SIRM showed to be significantly correlated (p < 0.01) with the content in Fe, Zn, and Pb, followed by Mn and Cd (p < 0.05), while no significant correlation was found with the metals Cr and Cu. Although presenting a similar metal content, roadside and train were magnetically very distinct. By exhibiting a very high content in Pb, and with an Fe content being comparable to the one observed at the forest and rural land uses, the industrial leaf-deposited particles showed to be mainly due to industrial activity. While SEM/EDX is a suitable approach for detailed particle analysis, leaf SIRM of ivy can be used as a rapid discriminatory tool for metal pollution. Their complementary use delivers further knowledge on land use classes reflecting different PM conditions and/or sources.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
Impact Factor: 4.9
Times cited: 17
DOI: 10.1016/J.SCITOTENV.2016.07.026
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“Microscopic single particle characterization of zeolites synthesized in a soil polluted by copper or cadmium and treated with coal fly ash”. Terzano R, Spagnuolo M, Medici L, Dorriné, W, Janssens K, Ruggiero P, Applied clay science 35, 128 (2007). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.CLAY.2006.07.005
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
Impact Factor: 3.101
Times cited: 17
DOI: 10.1016/J.CLAY.2006.07.005
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“Synchrotron-based X-ray spectromicroscopy and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy to investigate the redox properties of lead chromate pigments under the effect of visible light”. Monico L, Janssens K, Cotte M, Romani A, Sorace L, Grazia C, Brunetti BG, Miliani C, Journal of analytical atomic spectrometry 30, 1500 (2015). http://doi.org/10.1039/C5JA00091B
Abstract: Light-induced redox processes have been established as the cause of the chromatic alterations of a number of artists' pigments used from the 15th to the 20th century. Despite the fact that a general comprehension of the mechanisms has been provided through the characterization of photo-degraded compounds, both exhaustive information on the wavelength-dependence of the alteration process of the pigments and experimental evidence in how visible light may influence the formation pathways of specific secondary compounds are still lacking. Establishing an analytical protocol for the study of wavelength-dependence of pigments on photo-redox pathways is relevant for the safe illumination of paintings, especially in view of the possible use of spectrally tunable light sources such as white light emitting diodes (WLEDs). In this work, we propose an integrated approach based on a combination of diffuse reflectance UV-visible, synchrotron radiation (SR)-based micro X-ray fluorescence (m-XRF)/X-ray absorption near edge structure (m-XANES) and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopies to study the photo-redox process of Cr(VI) -> Cr(III) for lead chromate yellows (PbCr1-xSxO4, 0 <= x <= 0.8) under exposure to different monochromatic light. In view of the thin (3-5 mm) alteration layer that is formed at the paint surface after light exposure, SR-based Cr K-edge mu-XANES/mu-XRF analysis was employed to obtain information on the abundance, nature and distribution of the alteration of Cr(III)-compounds at the micrometricscale level. On the other hand, EPR spectroscopy was used as a complementary tool to the SR-based X-ray methods due to its sensitivity for revealing species containing one or more unpaired electrons and for distinguishing different coordination geometries of paramagnetic centers, such as Cr(V)-species. Semi-quantitative indications about the darkening of the paint surface were obtained by UV-Vis spectroscopy. An abundance of reduced Cr down to around 50% was detected at the aged surface of chrome yellow paints. The reduction process was favored not only by wavelengths shorter than 460 nm (i.e., where the pigment shows its maximum absorption) but also by light in the 490-530 nm range. The first evidence of the presence of Cr(V)-intermediates in the Cr(VI) -> Cr(III) reduction reaction allowed the risks of inducing photo-degradation of the 490-530 nm wavelength range to be explained.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
Impact Factor: 3.379
Times cited: 17
DOI: 10.1039/C5JA00091B
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“Valorization of thermal treatment residues in enhanced landfill mining : environmental and economic evaluation”. Danthurebandara M, Van Passel S, Machiels L, Van Acker K, Journal Of Cleaner Production 99, 275 (2015). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.JCLEPRO.2015.03.021
Abstract: Enhanced Landfill Mining is an innovative concept which allows the recovery of land, re-introduction of materials to the material cycles and recovery of energy from a considerably large stock of resources held in landfills. Plasma gasification is a viable candidate for combined energy and material valorization in the framework of Enhanced landfill Mining. Besides energy production, plasma gasification also delivers an environmentally stable vitrified residue called plasmastone, which can be converted into building materials. This paper presents an environmental and economic evaluation of the valorization of thermal treatment residues (plasmastone) in the context of Enhanced Landfill Mining. The most common valorization route, that is, the treatment of plasmastone via production of aggregates, is compared with two other possible, higher added value applications, which are inorganic polymer production and blended cement production. The evaluation is based on life cycle assessment and life cycle costing. The study suggests that the environmental and economic performances of the valorization routes depend mainly on the quality and quantity of the final products produced from a certain amount of plasmastone. The materials with the greatest contribution to potential global warming and to the net present value of the valorization scenarios are the process input materials of sodium silicate, sodium hydroxide and cement. The study concludes that the plasmastone valorization via inorganic polymer production yields higher environmental benefits, while the blended cement production provides higher economic profits. Plasmastone valorization via aggregates production does not yield economic or environmental benefits. Given the trade-off between environmental and economic performances, we conclude that the decisions regarding the selection of appropriate valorization routes should be made cautiously to obtain optimal environmental benefits and economic profits. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM)
Impact Factor: 5.715
Times cited: 17
DOI: 10.1016/J.JCLEPRO.2015.03.021
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“A review of sustainability indicators for biobased chemicals”. Van Schoubroeck S, Van Dael M, Van Passel S, Malina R, Renewable &, Sustainable Energy Reviews 94, 115 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.RSER.2018.06.007
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.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM)
Impact Factor: 8.05
Times cited: 17
DOI: 10.1016/J.RSER.2018.06.007
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“Food miles to assess sustainability : a revision”. Van Passel S, Sustainable Development 21, 1 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1002/SD.485
Abstract: Sustainability assessment is an essential process in our aim to reach a more sustainable production and consumption pattern. This research revises the food miles concept as a guiding tool to assess sustainability. Food miles measure the distance that food travels from where it is grown or raised to where it is consumed. Three different concepts to assess sustainability are described: (i) food miles, (ii) enhanced food miles, (iii) food chain sustainability. An illustrative case study shows that there is a strong danger of oversimplification when using food miles as an assessment tool. Second, the food miles concept can be enhanced with all relevant transport externalities taking into account different transport modes and transport (in)efficiency. Third, all relevant economic, social, and ecological aspects should be taken into account. Besides transport externalities, also externalities caused by food production, food packaging, food marketing, and food consumption should be incorporated. Moreover, the trade-off with development goals cannot be neglected. As a consequence, there is a strong danger of incommensurability as the result of different sustainability model assumptions and unclear system boundaries. Nevertheless, sustainability assessment can enrich policy making and support tailored policy measures to improve food chain sustainability. Copyright (c) 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering Management (ENM)
Impact Factor: 2.167
Times cited: 17
DOI: 10.1002/SD.485
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“Beyond the environmentalist's paradox and the debate on weak versus strong sustainability”. Ang F, Van Passel S, Bioscience 62, 251 (2012). http://doi.org/10.1525/BIO.2012.62.3.6
Abstract: Environmentalists generally argue that ecological damage will (eventually) lead to declines in human well-being. From this perspective, the recent introduction of the “environmentalist's paradox” in BioScience by Raudsepp-Hearne and colleagues (2010) is particularly significant. In essence, Raudsepp-Hearne and colleagues (2010) claimed that although ecosystem services have been degraded, human well-being-paradoxically-has increased. In this article, we show that this debate is in fact rooted in a broader discussion on weak sustainability versus strong sustainability (the substitutability of human-made capital for natural capital). We warn against the reductive nature of focusing only on a stock flow framework in which a natural-capital stock produces ecosystem services. Concretely, we recommend a holistic approach in which the complexity, irreversibility, uncertainty, and ethical predicaments intrinsic to the natural environment and its connections to humanity are also considered.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering Management (ENM)
Impact Factor: 5.378
Times cited: 17
DOI: 10.1525/BIO.2012.62.3.6
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“Embedding of atoms into the nanopore sites of the C₆N₆, and C₆N₈, porous carbon nitride monolayers with tunable electronic properties”. Bafekry A, Stampfl C, Akgenc B, Mortazavi B, Ghergherehchi M, Nguyen CV, Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics 22, 6418 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1039/D0CP00093K
Abstract: Using first-principles calculations, we study the effect of embedding various atoms into the nanopore sites of both C6N6 and C6N8 monolayers. Our results indicate that the embedded atoms significantly affect the electronic and magnetic properties of C6N6 and C6N8 monolayers and lead to extraordinary and multifarious electronic properties, such as metallic, half-metallic, spin-glass semiconductor and dilute-magnetic semiconductor behaviour. Our results reveal that the H atom concentration dramatically affects the C6N6 monolayer. On increasing the H coverage, the impurity states also increase due to H atoms around the Fermi-level. C6N6 shows metallic character when the H atom concentration reaches 6.25%. Moreover, the effect of charge on the electronic properties of both Cr@C6N6 and C@C6N8 is also studied. Cr@C6N6 is a ferromagnetic metal with a magnetic moment of 2.40 mu(B), and when 0.2 electrons are added and removed, it remains a ferromagnetic metal with a magnetic moment of 2.57 and 2.77 mu(B), respectively. Interestingly, one can observe a semi-metal, in which the VBM and CBM in both spin channels touch each other near the Fermi-level. C@C6N8 is a semiconductor with a nontrivial band gap. When 0.2 electrons are removed, it remains metallic, and under excess electronic charge, it exhibits half-metallic behaviour.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.3
Times cited: 17
DOI: 10.1039/D0CP00093K
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“Substrate dependent terahertz response of monolayer WS₂”. Dong HM, Tao ZH, Li LL, Huang F, Xu W, Peeters FM, Applied Physics Letters 116, 1 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1063/5.0006617
Abstract: We investigate experimentally the terahertz (THz) optoelectronic properties of monolayer (ML) tungsten disulfide (WS2) placed on different substrates using THz time-domain spectroscopy (TDS). We find that the THz optical response of n-type ML WS2 depends sensitively on the choice of the substrate. This dependence is found to be a consequence of substrate induced charge transfer, extra scattering centers, and electronic localization. Through fitting the experimental results with the Drude-Smith formula, we can determine the key sample parameters (e.g., the electronic relaxation time, electron density, and electronic localization factor) of ML WS2 on different substrates. The temperature dependence of these parameters is examined. Our results show that the THz TDS technique is an efficient non-contact method that can be utilized to characterize and investigate the optoelectronic properties of nano-devices based on ML WS2.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 4
Times cited: 17
DOI: 10.1063/5.0006617
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“Interface Pattern Engineering in Core‐Shell Upconverting Nanocrystals: Shedding Light on Critical Parameters and Consequences for the Photoluminescence Properties”. Hudry D, De Backer A, Popescu R, Busko D, Howard IA, Bals S, Zhang Y, Pedrazo‐Tardajos A, Van Aert S, Gerthsen D, Altantzis T, Richards BS, Small , 2104441 (2021). http://doi.org/10.1002/smll.202104441
Abstract: Advances in controlling energy migration pathways in core-shell lanthanide (Ln)-based hetero-nanocrystals (HNCs) have relied heavily on assumptions about how optically active centers are distributed within individual HNCs. In this article, it is demonstrated that different types of interface patterns can be formed depending on shell growth conditions. Such interface patterns are not only identified but also characterized with spatial resolution ranging from the nanometer- to the atomic-scale. In the most favorable cases, atomic-scale resolved maps of individual particles are obtained. It is also demonstrated that, for the same type of core-shell architecture, the interface pattern can be engineered with thicknesses of just 1 nm up to several tens of nanometers. Total alloying between the core and shell domains is also possible when using ultra-small particles as seeds. Finally, with different types of interface patterns (same architecture and chemical composition of the core and shell domains) it is possible to modify the output color (yellow, red, and green-yellow) or change (improvement or degradation) the absolute upconversion quantum yield. The results presented in this article introduce an important paradigm shift and pave the way toward the emergence of a new generation of core-shell Ln-based HNCs with better control over their atomic-scale organization.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Applied Electrochemistry & Catalysis (ELCAT)
Impact Factor: 8.643
Times cited: 17
DOI: 10.1002/smll.202104441
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“Coupling Charge and Topological Reconstructions at Polar Oxide Interfaces”. van Thiel T c, Brzezicki W, Autieri C, Hortensius J r, Afanasiev D, Gauquelin N, Jannis D, Janssen N, Groenendijk D j, Fatermans J, Van Aert S, Verbeeck J, Cuoco M, Caviglia A d, Physical Review Letters 127, 127202 (2021). http://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.127.127202
Abstract: In oxide heterostructures, different materials are integrated into a single artificial crystal, resulting in a breaking of inversion symmetry across the heterointerfaces. A notable example is the interface between polar and nonpolar materials, where valence discontinuities lead to otherwise inaccessible charge and spin states. This approach paved the way for the discovery of numerous unconventional properties absent in the bulk constituents. However, control of the geometric structure of the electronic wave functions in correlated oxides remains an open challenge. Here, we create heterostructures consisting of ultrathin SrRuO3, an itinerant ferromagnet hosting momentum-space sources of Berry curvature, and
LaAlO3, a polar wide-band-gap insulator. Transmission electron microscopy reveals an atomically sharp LaO/RuO2/SrO interface configuration, leading to excess charge being pinned near the LaAlO3/SrRuO3 interface. We demonstrate through magneto-optical characterization, theoretical calculations and transport measurements that the real-space charge reconstruction drives a reorganization of the topological charges in the band structure, thereby modifying the momentum-space Berry curvature in SrRuO3. Our results illustrate how the topological and magnetic features of oxides can be manipulated by engineering charge discontinuities at oxide interfaces.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 8.462
Times cited: 17
DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.127.127202
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“Morphological and Optical Transitions during Micelle-Seeded Chiral Growth on Gold Nanorods”. Zhuo X, Mychinko M, Heyvaert W, Larios D, Obelleiro-Liz M, Taboada JM, Bals S, Liz-Marzán LM, ACS nano (2022). http://doi.org/10.1021/acsnano.2c08668
Abstract: Chiral plasmonics is a rapidly developing field where breakthroughs and unsolved problems coexist. We have recently reported binary surfactant-assisted seeded growth of chiral gold nanorods (Au NRs) with high chiroptical activity. Such a seeded-growth process involves the use of a chiral cosurfactant that induces micellar helicity, in turn driving the transition from achiral to chiral Au NRs, from both the morphological and the optical points of view. We report herein a detailed study on both transitions, which reveals intermediate states that were hidden so far. The correlation between structure and optical response is carefully analyzed, including the (linear and CD) spectral evolution over time, electron tomography, the impact of NR dimensions on their optical response, the variation of the absorption-to-scattering ratio during the evolution from achiral to chiral Au NRs, and the near-field enhancement related to chiral plasmon modes. Our findings provide further understanding of the growth process of chiral Au NRs and the associated optical changes, which will facilitate further study and applications of chiral nanomaterials.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 17.1
Times cited: 17
DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.2c08668
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“Proton transport through nanoscale corrugations in two-dimensional crystals”. Wahab OJ, Daviddi E, Xin B, Sun PZ, Griffin E, Colburn AW, Barry D, Yagmurcukardes M, Peeters FM, Geim AK, Lozada-Hidalgo M, Unwin PR, Nature 620, 1 (2023). http://doi.org/10.1038/S41586-023-06247-6
Abstract: Defect-free graphene is impermeable to all atoms(1-5) and ions(6,7) under ambient conditions. Experiments that can resolve gas flows of a few atoms per hour through micrometre-sized membranes found that monocrystalline graphene is completely impermeable to helium, the smallest atom(2,5). Such membranes were also shown to be impermeable to all ions, including the smallest one, lithium(6,7). By contrast, graphene was reported to be highly permeable to protons, nuclei of hydrogen atoms(8,9). There is no consensus, however, either on the mechanism behind the unexpectedly high proton permeability(10-14) or even on whether it requires defects in graphene's crystal lattice(6,8,15-17). Here, using high-resolution scanning electrochemical cell microscopy, we show that, although proton permeation through mechanically exfoliated monolayers of graphene and hexagonal boron nitride cannot be attributed to any structural defects, nanoscale non-flatness of two-dimensional membranes greatly facilitates proton transport. The spatial distribution of proton currents visualized by scanning electrochemical cell microscopy reveals marked inhomogeneities that are strongly correlated with nanoscale wrinkles and other features where strain is accumulated. Our results highlight nanoscale morphology as an important parameter enabling proton transport through two-dimensional crystals, mostly considered and modelled as flat, and indicate that strain and curvature can be used as additional degrees of freedom to control the proton permeability of two-dimensional materials. A study using high-resolution scanning electrochemical cell microscopy attributes proton permeation through defect-free graphene and hexagonal boron nitride to transport across areas of the structure that are under strain.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 64.8
Times cited: 17
DOI: 10.1038/S41586-023-06247-6
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“Accurate pseudopotential description of the GW bandstructure of ZnO”. Dixit H, Saniz R, Lamoen D, Partoens B, Computer physics communications 182, 2029 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpc.2011.02.001
Abstract: We present the GW band structure of ZnO in its wurtzite (WZ), zincblende (ZB) and rocksalt (RS) phases at the Γ point, calculated within the GW approximation. We have used a Zn20+ pseudopotential which is essential for the adequate treatment of the exchange interaction in the self-energy. The accuracy of the pseudopotential used is also discussed. The effect of the pd hybridization on the GW corrections to the band gap is correlated by comparing the ZB and RS phase.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.936
Times cited: 18
DOI: 10.1016/j.cpc.2011.02.001
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“The anharmonic force field of thioformaldehyde, H2CS”. Martin JML, François JP, Gijbels R, Journal of molecular spectroscopy 168, 363 (1994)
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 1.482
Times cited: 18
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“Atomic spectroscopy”. Bings NH, Bogaerts A, Broekaert JAC, Analytical chemistry 74, 2691 (2002). http://doi.org/10.1021/ac020190r
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 6.32
Times cited: 18
DOI: 10.1021/ac020190r
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“Bending martensite needles in Ni65Al35 investigated by two-dimensional elasticity and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy”. Boullay P, Schryvers D, Kohn RV, Physical review : B : condensed matter and materials physics 64, 144105 (2001). http://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.64.144105
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 3.836
Times cited: 18
DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevB.64.144105
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