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Author Chen, B.; Gauquelin, N.; Green, R.J.; Lee, J.H.; Piamonteze, C.; Spreitzer, M.; Jannis, D.; Verbeeck, J.; Bibes, M.; Huijben, M.; Rijnders, G.; Koster, G. url  doi
openurl 
  Title (down) Spatially controlled octahedral rotations and metal-insulator transitions in nickelate superlattices Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2021 Publication Nano Letters Abbreviated Journal Nano Lett  
  Volume 21 Issue 3 Pages 1295-1302  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract The properties of correlated oxides can be manipulated by forming short-period superlattices since the layer thicknesses are comparable with the typical length scales of the involved correlations and interface effects. Herein, we studied the metal-insulator transitions (MITs) in tetragonal NdNiO3/SrTiO3 superlattices by controlling the NdNiO3 layer thickness, n in the unit cell, spanning the length scale of the interfacial octahedral coupling. Scanning transmission electron microscopy reveals a crossover from a modulated octahedral superstructure at n = 8 to a uniform nontilt pattern at n = 4, accompanied by a drastically weakened insulating ground state. Upon further reducing n the predominant dimensionality effect continuously raises the MIT temperature, while leaving the antiferromagnetic transition temperature unaltered down to n = 2. Remarkably, the MIT can be enhanced by imposing a sufficiently large strain even with strongly suppressed octahedral rotations. Our results demonstrate the relevance for the control of oxide functionalities at reduced dimensions.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000619638600014 Publication Date 2021-01-20  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1530-6984 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 12.712 Times cited 19 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes This work is supported by the international M-ERA.NET project SIOX (project 4288). J.V. and N.G. acknowledge funding through the GOA project “Solarpaint” of the University of Antwerp. The microscope used in this work was partly funded by the Hercules Fund from the Flemish Government. D.J. acknowledges funding from FWO Project G093417N from the Flemish fund for scientific research. M.S. acknowledges funding from Slovenian Research Agency (Grants J2-9237 and P2-0091). R.J.G. acknowledges funding from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC). Part of the research described in this paper was performed at the Canadian Light Source, a national research facility of the University of Saskatchewan, which is supported by the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI), NSERC, the National Research Council (NRC), the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), the Government of Saskatchewan, and the University of Saskatchewan. This work received support from the ERC CoG MINT (No. 615759) and from a PHC Van Gogh grant. M.B. thanks the French Academy of Science and the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences for supporting his stays in The Netherlands. This project has received funding from the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No. 823717 -ESTEEM3. Approved Most recent IF: 12.712  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:176753 Serial 6736  
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Author van ‘t Veer, K.; van Alphen, S.; Remy, A.; Gorbanev, Y.; De Geyter, N.; Snyders, R.; Reniers, F.; Bogaerts, A. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title (down) Spatially and temporally non-uniform plasmas: microdischarges from the perspective of molecules in a packed bed plasma reactor Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2021 Publication Journal Of Physics D-Applied Physics Abbreviated Journal J Phys D Appl Phys  
  Volume 54 Issue 17 Pages 174002  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)  
  Abstract Dielectric barrier discharges (DBDs) typically operate in the filamentary regime and thus exhibit great spatial and temporal non-uniformity. In order to optimize DBDs for various applications, such as in plasma catalysis, more fundamental insight is needed. Here, we consider how the millions of microdischarges, characteristic for a DBD, influence individual gas molecules. We use a Monte Carlo approach to determine the number of microdischarges to which a single molecule would be exposed, by means of particle tracing simulations through a full-scale packed bed DBD reactor, as well as an empty DBD reactor. We find that the fraction of microdischarges to which the molecules are exposed can be approximated as the microdischarge volume over the entire reactor gas volume. The use of this concept provides good agreement between a plasma-catalytic kinetics model and experiments for plasma-catalytic NH3 synthesis. We also show that the concept of the fraction of microdischarges indicates the efficiency by which the plasma power is transferred to the gas molecules. This generalised concept is also applicable for other spatially and temporally non-uniform plasmas.  
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  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000618776000001 Publication Date 2021-04-29  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0022-3727 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 2.588 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes Excellence of Science FWO-FNRS project, FWO grant ID GoF9618n ; Flemish Government, project P2C (HBC.2019.0108) ; H2020 European Research Council, grant agreement No 810182 – SCOPE ERC Synergy pr ; This research was supported by the Excellence of Science FWO-FNRS 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) and by the Flemish Government through the Moonshot cSBO project P2C (HBC. 2019.0108). The calculations were performed using the Turing HPC infrastructure at the CalcUA core facility of the Universiteit Antwerpen (UAntwerpen), a division of the Flemish Supercomputer Center VSC, funded by the Hercules Foundation, the Flemish Government (department EWI) and the UAntwerpen. The authors would also like to thank Hamid Ahmadi Eshtehardi for discussions on the plasma-kinetic DBD model and Yannick Engelmann for discussions on the surface kinetics model. Approved Most recent IF: 2.588  
  Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @c:irua:175878 Serial 6674  
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Author Al-Emam, E.; Motawea, A.G.; Caen, J.; Janssens, K. url  doi
openurl 
  Title (down) Soot removal from ancient Egyptian complex painted surfaces using a double network gel : empirical tests on the ceiling of the sanctuary of Osiris in the temple of Seti I-Abydos Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2021 Publication Heritage science Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 9 Issue 1 Pages 1-10  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Art; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation); Antwerp Cultural Heritage Sciences (ARCHES)  
  Abstract In this study, we evaluated the ease of removal of soot layers from ancient wall paintings by employing double network gels as a controllable and safe cleaning method. The ceiling of the temple of Seti I (Abydos, Egypt) is covered with thick layers of soot; this is especially the case in the sanctuary of Osiris. These layers may have been accumulated during the occupation of the temple by Christians, fleeing the Romans in the first centuries A.D. Soot particulates are one of the most common deposits to be removed during conservation-restoration activities of ancient Egyptian wall paintings. They usually mask the painted reliefs and reduce the permeability of the painted surface. A Polyvinyl alcohol-borax/agarose (PVA-B/AG) double network gel was selected for this task since its properties were expected to be compatible with the cleaning treatment requirements. The gel is characterized by its flexibility, permitting to take the shape of the reliefs, while also having self-healing properties, featuring shape stability and an appropriate capacity to retain liquid. The gel was loaded with several cleaning reagents that proved to be effective for soot removal. Soot removal tests were conducted with these gel composites. The cleaned surfaces were evaluated with the naked eye, a digital microscope, and color measurements in order to select the best gel composite. The gel composite, loaded with a solution of 5% ammonia, 0.3% ammonium carbonate, and 0.3% EDTA yielded the most satisfactory results and allowed to safely remove a crust of thick soot layers from the surface. Thus, during the final phase of the study, it was used successfully to clean a larger area of the ceiling.  
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  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000604977300001 Publication Date 2021-01-04  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2050-7445 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor Times cited Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: NA  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:174948 Serial 8557  
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Author Schalm, O.; Nuyts, G.; Janssens, K. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title (down) Some critical observations about the degradation of glass : the formation of lamellae explained Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2021 Publication Journal Of Non-Crystalline Solids Abbreviated Journal J Non-Cryst Solids  
  Volume 569 Issue Pages 120984  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)  
  Abstract This study demonstrates that the mechanism responsible for the transformation of glass into a degradation layer is pH-dependent. In acid conditions, the transformed glass is homogeneous and brittle. In mild alkaline conditions, transformed glass is heterogeneous due to the presence of lamellae composed of silica nanoparticles and the occurrence of Ca-rich inclusions. The fundamental difference between acid and alkaline conditions cannot be explained by the currently accepted degradation mechanism based on ion exchange. To explain this critical observation, we propose a refined degradation mechanism based on existing knowledge that involves several inwardly moving reaction fronts. The fronts responsible for the transformation of the silicate network into amorphous silica are also responsible for the morphology of the transformed glass. We have identified the feedback mechanism that explains the formation of lamellae in alkaline conditions.  
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  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000674487200009 Publication Date 2021-06-20  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0022-3093 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 2.124 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 2.124  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:179835 Serial 8551  
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Author Admasu, W.F. openurl 
  Title (down) Socioeconomic and environmental impact of expropriation of agricultural land for urbanisation in Ethiopia Type Doctoral thesis
  Year 2021 Publication Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume Issue Pages 162 p.  
  Keywords Doctoral thesis; Engineering Management (ENM)  
  Abstract Globally, incorporation of agricultural lands into the urban boundary has been a common phenomenon. Governments use various alternatives to access the required land, including land expropriation procedures, which refers to the compulsorily taking of land from the landholders without their consent by paying compensation. In Ethiopia, the urban population is growing rapidly which resulted into an increase in the demand for urban land for housing construction, public services provision, and infrastructure developments. As the Ethiopian constitution prohibits sale of landholders, governments, at various levels, have been expropriating land from the surrounding farmers to meet the demand for urban land. The general objective of this thesis is to improve the understanding of the impacts of local land deals for urbanization on socioeconomics of farmers and the environment. The findings of this thesis revealed that there are gaps in the current practices of land expropriation for urban expansion that should be improved. The results showed that the compensation paid to the affected farmers is found to be economically inappropriate, i.e., not enough to restore the affected farmers’ livelihoods, in contrast with the land laws that allows a compensation amount that would put previous land users in a better or the same wellbeing as before the land expropriation. In addition, it is indicated that the land expropriation process does not take into account the value of ecosystem services, which are benefits obtain from the land, and important for the wellbeing of the society. We conclude that while land expropriation is an important tool to obtain land from the landholders when it is needed for public purposes, the practices in the study area show it is adversely affecting the socioeconomics of farmers and the environment.  
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  Language Wos Publication Date  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN ISBN Additional Links UA library record  
  Impact Factor Times cited Open Access  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: NA  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:177909 Serial 6944  
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Author Maciel de Menezes, R. url  openurl
  Title (down) Skyrmionics and magnonics in chiral ferromagnets : from micromagnetic to atomistic control Type Doctoral thesis
  Year 2021 Publication Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume Issue Pages 222 p.  
  Keywords Doctoral thesis; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)  
  Abstract The precise control of skyrmionics and magnonics in magnetic materials is key to the development of novel spin-based technology and information transport applications. Essentially, the inherent stability of magnetic skyrmions (provided by their topological charge) together with their extremely small size (down to a few nanometers) and the ultralow threshold current necessary to move them in nanostructures are the main advantages of skyrmionics. Not least, magnonics offers lower power consumption compared to electronics and the excitation of high frequency (sub-100~nm wavelength) magnons makes it possible for the creation of nanometric devices for ultrafast information transport. Even though extensive research has been carried out in recent years, the precise manipulation of skyrmions and spin waves (magnons) in nanostructures is not fully mastered and needs to be addressed before making functional skyrmionic and magnonic devices. In this thesis, we reveal multiple alternatives for the manipulation of skyrmions and spin-waves in different materials, such as bulk chiral magnets, heterochiral structures, magnet-supperconductor hybrids and two-dimentional magnetic materials. We make use of a multiscale model to numerically simulate the magnetic states at each considered material, from micromagnetic to atomistic control. We first explore the different nucleation mechanisms, activation energy, and the time evolution of the skyrmion formation in chiral magnetic films, crucial for the realization of skyrmion-based devices. We show that the skyrmion lattice is formed from the conical phase progressively, most probably by the formation of chiral bobbres, followed by the cylindrical growth of individual skyrmions from the film surface. That reflects a rod-like (one-dimensional) nucleation of the skyrmion phase, with an activation barrier of several electronvolts per skyrmion for the case of MnSi (Manganese monosilicide). In addition, we reveal the interesting blinking (creation-annihilation) behavior of skyrmions close to the phase boundary between the conical and skyrmion phases, where we recall that such switching between topologically distinct states has been proposed as a bit operation for information storage. Next, we discuss the motion of ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic skyrmions in heterochiral magnets. We report the characteristic deflection of ferromagnetic skyrmions when moving across a heterochiral interface, where the extent of such deflection is tuned by the applied spin-polarized current and the magnitude of Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction. Following, we show that the antiferromagnetic skyrmion achieves much higher velocities than its ferromagnetic counterpart, yet experiences far stronger confinement in nanoengineered heterochiral tracks, which reinforces antiferromagnetic skyrmions as a favorable choice for skyrmion-based devices. After that, we study the interesting coupling of magnetic skyrmions and superconducting vortices in magnet-superconductor heterostructures. We perform numerical simulations, based on experimental observations, to demonstrate that the stray field of magnetic skyrmions can nucleate antivortices in an adjacent superconducting film, giving rise to a hybrid topological object, the skyrmion-vortex pair, which harbor promising features for skyrmionics and quantum computing applications. We then explore the manipulation of a single skyrmion-vortex pair when currents are applied into both superconducting and magnetic parts of the heterostructure, which is of importance for the facilitated skyrmion guidance in racetrack applications. Afterwards, we make use of the high tunability of magnetic parameters in two-dimensional magnetic materials to reveal the rich phase diagram of exotic magnetic configurations in magnetic monolayers with suppressed nearest-neighbour exchange, where we show that several unique cycloidal, checkerboard, row-wise and spin-ice states are stabilized by the competition between the second-nearest-neighbor exchange, Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya, and dipolar interactions. Additionally, we show the coexistence of ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic spin-cycloids, as well as novel types of skyrmions and chiral domain walls. Finally, in the last part of the thesis, we present the spin wave properties in the two-dimensional magnetic materials CrBr$3$ and CrI$3$. Using spin-dynamics simulations parametrized from first principles, we reveal that the spin wave dispersion in such materials can be tuned in a broad range of frequencies by strain-engineering, and that a designed pattern of strain, as well as structural defects (halide vacancies) can be turned useful in the design of spin-wave guides. Lastly, we discuss the realization of magnonic crystals by moiré-periodic modulation of magnetic parameters in van der Waals heterostructures, where we show that the several nanometer small periodicities in such samples are ideal for the interference of terahertz spin waves. Recalling the wide range of possibilities for manipulating spin waves in such two-dimensional materials, we therefore suggest these systems as a front-runner for prospective terahertz magnonic applications.  
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  Language Wos Publication Date  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
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  ISSN ISBN Additional Links UA library record  
  Impact Factor Times cited Open Access  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: NA  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:184244 Serial 7019  
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Author Petrović, A. p.; Raju, M.; Tee, X. y.; Louat, A.; Maggio-Aprile, I.; Menezes, R. m.; Wyszyński, M. j.; Duong, N. k.; Reznikov, M.; Renner, C.; Milošević, M.V.; Panagopoulos, C. url  doi
openurl 
  Title (down) Skyrmion-(Anti)Vortex Coupling in a Chiral Magnet-Superconductor Heterostructure Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2021 Publication Physical Review Letters Abbreviated Journal Phys Rev Lett  
  Volume 126 Issue 11 Pages 117205  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)  
  Abstract We report experimental coupling of chiral magnetism and superconductivity in [IrFeCoPt]/Nb heterostructures. The stray field of skyrmions with radius ~50nm is sufficient to nucleate antivortices in a 25nm Nb film, with unique signatures in the magnetization, critical current and flux dynamics, corroborated via simulations. We also detect a thermally-tunable Rashba-Edelstein exchange coupling in the isolated skyrmion phase. This realization of a strongly interacting skyrmion-(anti)vortex system opens a path towards controllable topological hybrid materials, unattainable to date.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000652825200011 Publication Date 2021-03-17  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0031-9007 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 8.462 Times cited 20 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes National Research Foundation Singapore, NRFNRFI2015-04 ; Ministry of Education – Singapore, MOE2018-T3-1-002 ; Schweizerischer Nationalfonds zur Förderung der Wissenschaftlichen Forschung, 182652 ; Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek; Universiteit Antwerpen; Flemish Government; European Cooperation in Science and Technology, CA16218 ; CalcUA Flemish Supercomputer Center; Approved Most recent IF: 8.462  
  Call Number CMT @ cmt @c:irua:177505 Serial 6754  
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Author van Duijn, F.; Osca, J.; Sorée, B. url  doi
openurl 
  Title (down) Skyrmion elongation, duplication, and rotation by spin-transfer torque under spatially varying spin current Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2021 Publication Physical Review B Abbreviated Journal Phys Rev B  
  Volume 104 Issue 9 Pages 094426  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)  
  Abstract The effect of the spatially varying spin current on a skyrmion is numerically investigated. It is shown that an inhomogeneous current density induces an elongation of the skyrmion. This elongation can be controlled using current pulses of different strength and duration. Long current pulses lead to a splitting that forms two replicas of the initial skyrmion while for short pulses the elongated skyrmion relaxes back to its initial circular state through rotation in the MHz-GHz frequency range. The frequency is dependent on the strength of the damping coefficient.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000704236000002 Publication Date 2021-09-21  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2469-9969; 2469-9950 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 3.836 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 3.836  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:182467 Serial 7018  
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Author Zhao, H.; Li, C.-F.; Hu, Z.-Y.; Liu, J.; Li, Y.; Hu, J.; Van Tendeloo, G.; Chen, L.-H.; Su, B.-L. pdf  doi
openurl 
  Title (down) Size effect of bifunctional gold in hierarchical titanium oxide-gold-cadmium sulfide with slow photon effect for unprecedented visible-light hydrogen production Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2021 Publication Journal Of Colloid And Interface Science Abbreviated Journal J Colloid Interf Sci  
  Volume 604 Issue Pages 131-139  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) with surface plasmonic resonance (SPR) effect and excellent internal electron transfer ability have widely been combined with semiconductors for photocatalysis. However, the in-depth effects of Au NPs in multicomponent photocatalysts have not been completely understood. Herein, ternary titanium oxide-gold-cadmium sulfide (TiO2-Au-CdS, TAC) photocatalysts, based on hierarchical TiO2 inverse opal photonic crystal structure with different Au NPs sizes have been designed to reveal the SPR effect and internal electron transfer of Au NPs in the presence of slow photon effect. It appears that the SPR effect and internal electron transfer ability of Au NPs, depending on their sizes, play a synergistic effect on the photocatalytic enhancement. The ternary TAC-10 photocatalyst with – 10 nm Au NPs demonstrates an unprecedented hydrogen evolution rate of 47.6 mmolh-1g 1 under visible-light, demonstrating- 48% enhancement comparing to the sample without slow photon effect. In particular, a 9.83% apparent quantum yield under 450 nm monochromatic light is achieved for TAC-10. A model is proposed and finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) simulations reveal the size influence of Au NPs in ternary TAC photocatalysts. This work suggests that the rational design of bifunctional Au NPs coupling with slow photon effect could largely promote hydrogen production from visible-light driven water splitting. (c) 2021 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.  
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  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000704428600004 Publication Date 2021-07-01  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0021-9797 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 4.233 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 4.233  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:182531 Serial 6886  
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Author Wang, L.; Li, Y.; Yang, X.-Y.; Zhang, B.-B.; Ninane, N.; Busscher, H.J.; Hu, Z.-Y.; Delneuville, C.; Jiang, N.; Xie, H.; Van Tendeloo, G.; Hasan, T.; Su, B.-L. url  doi
openurl 
  Title (down) Single-cell yolk-shell nanoencapsulation for long-term viability with size-dependent permeability and molecular recognition Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2021 Publication National Science Review Abbreviated Journal Natl Sci Rev  
  Volume 8 Issue 4 Pages  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Like nanomaterials, bacteria have been unknowingly used for centuries. They hold significant economic potential for fuel and medicinal compound production. Their full exploitation, however, is impeded by low biological activity and stability in industrial reactors. Though cellular encapsulation addresses these limitations, cell survival is usually compromised due to shell-to-cell contacts and low permeability. Here, we report ordered packing of silica nanocolloids with organized, uniform and tunable nanoporosities for single cyanobacterium nanoencapsulation using protamine as an electrostatic template. A space between the capsule shell and the cell is created by controlled internalization of protamine, resulting in a highly ordered porous shell-void-cell structure formation. These unique yolk-shell nano structures provide long-term cell viability with superior photosynthetic activities and resistance in harsh environments. In addition, engineering the colloidal packing allows tunable shell-pore diameter for size-dependent permeability and introduction of new functionalities for specific molecular recognition. Our strategy could significantly enhance the activity and stability of cyanobacteria for various nanobiotechnological applications.  
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  Language Wos 000651827200002 Publication Date 2020-05-07  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2095-5138 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 8.843 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 8.843  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:179085 Serial 6885  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Bahrami, F.; Hammad, M.; Fivel, M.; Huet, B.; D'Haese, C.; Ding, L.; Nysten, B.; Idrissi, H.; Raskin, J.P.; Pardoen, T. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title (down) Single layer graphene controlled surface and bulk indentation plasticity in copper Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2021 Publication International Journal Of Plasticity Abbreviated Journal Int J Plasticity  
  Volume 138 Issue Pages 102936  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract The impact of graphene reinforcement on the mechanical properties of metals has been a subject of intense investigation over the last decade in surface applications to mitigate the impact of tribological loadings or for strengthening purposes when dispersed into a bulk material. Here, the effect on the plastic indentation response of a single graphene layer grown on copper is analyzed for two configurations: one with graphene at the surface, the other with graphene sandwiched under a 100 nm thick copper cap layer. Nanoindentation under both displacement and load control conditions show both earlier and shorter pop-in excursions compared to systems without graphene. Atomic force microscopy reveals much smoother pile-ups with no slip traces in the presence of a surface graphene layer. The configuration with the intercalated graphene layer appears as an ideal elementary system to address bulk hardening mechanisms by indentation testing. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) cross-sections below indents show more diffuse and homogeneous dislocation activity in the presence of graphene. 3D dislocation dynamics simulations allow unraveling of the origin of these 3D complex phenomena and prove that the collective dislocation mechanisms are dominantly controlled by the strong back stress caused by the graphene barrier. These results provide a quantitative understanding of the impact of graphene on dislocation mechanisms for both surface and bulk applications, but with an impact that is not as large as anticipated from other studies or general literature claims.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000623869800001 Publication Date 2021-01-18  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0749-6419 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 5.702 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 5.702  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:176729 Serial 6735  
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Author Chaves, A.; Sousa, G.O.; Khaliji, K.; da Costa, D.R.; Farias, G.A.; Low, T. url  doi
openurl 
  Title (down) Signatures of subband excitons in few-layer black phosphorus Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2021 Publication Physical Review B Abbreviated Journal Phys Rev B  
  Volume 103 Issue 16 Pages 165428  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)  
  Abstract Recent experimental measurements of light absorption in few-layer black phosphorus (BP) revealed a series of high and sharp peaks, interspersed by pairs of lower and broader features. Here, we propose a theoretical model for these excitonic states in few-layer BP within a continuum approach for the in-plane degrees of freedom and a tight-binding approximation that accounts for interlayer couplings. This yields excitonic transitions between different combinations of the subbands created by the coupled BP layers, which leads to a series of high and low oscillator strength excitonic states, consistent with the experimentally observed bright and dark exciton peaks, respectively. The main characteristics of such subband exciton states, as well as the possibility to control their energies and oscillator strengths via applied electric and magnetic fields, are discussed, towards a full understanding of the excitonic spectrum of few-layer BP and its tunability.  
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  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000647175200002 Publication Date 2021-04-28  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2469-9969; 2469-9950 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 3.836 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 3.836  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:178384 Serial 8523  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Yang, M.; Orekhov, A.; Hu, Z.-Y.; Feng, M.; Jin, S.; Sha, G.; Li, K.; Samaee, V.; Song, M.; Du, Y.; Van Tendeloo, G.; Schryvers, D. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title (down) Shearing and rotation of β'' and β' precipitates in an Al-Mg-Si alloy under tensile deformation : in-situ and ex-situ studies Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2021 Publication Acta Materialia Abbreviated Journal Acta Mater  
  Volume 220 Issue Pages 117310  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract The interaction between dislocations and nano-precipitates during deformation directly influences hardening response of precipitation-strengthening metals such as Al-Mg-Si alloys. However, how coherent and semi-coherent nano-precipitates accommodate external deformation applied to an Al alloy remains to be elucidated. In-situ tensile experiments in a transmission electron microscope (TEM) were conducted to study the dynamic process of dislocations cutting through coherent needle-like beta '' precipitates with diameters of 3 similar to 8 nm. Comprehensive investigations using in-situ, ex-situ TEM and atom probe tomography uncovered that beta '' precipitates were firstly sheared into small fragments, and then the rotation of the fragments, via sliding along precipitate/matrix interfaces, destroyed their initially coherent interface with the Al matrix. In contrast, semi-coherent beta' precipitates with sizes similar to beta '' were more difficult to be fragmented and accumulation of dislocations at the interface increased interface misfit between beta' and the Al matrix. Consequently, beta' precipitates could basically maintain their needle-like shape after the tensile deformation. This research gains new insights into the interaction between nano-precipitates and dislocations. (C) 2021 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000705535300005 Publication Date 2021-09-12  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1359-6454 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 5.301 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 5.301  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:182528 Serial 6884  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Daems, E. url  openurl
  Title (down) Shaping up oligonucleotides : aptamer-target recognition investigated by native mass spectrometry Type Doctoral thesis
  Year 2021 Publication Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume Issue Pages 235 p.  
  Keywords Doctoral thesis; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)  
  Abstract Aptamers are short, synthetic DNA or RNA molecules that are characterized by a specific 3D conformation which enables specific target recognition. Aptamers are promising tools in many application fields from sensing to therapeutics. One of the major challenges in the aptamer field is understanding the relationship between the sequence and what determines the higher-order structure and specific interactions with targets. Therefore, this PhD thesis focuses on the use of different mass spectrometry (MS) based approaches to characterize aptamers and their interactions. Several of these approaches are already widely applied to study other biomolecules, such as proteins, but are still largely unexplored for aptamers and oligonucleotides in general. A first focus was put on obtaining information on the higher-order structure and conformational stability of aptamers using a combination of MS and with ion mobility (IM) spectrometry by performing collision-induced unfolding (CIU) experiments. CIU was shown to hold great promise to analyze the conformational dynamics and gas-phase stabilities of aptamers. Next, the capabilities and limitations of native IM-MS for the analysis of noncovalent interactions of aptamers were demonstrated. The conformational behavior and interactions of cocaine-binding aptamers were studied and it was found that relative binding affinities of aptamers that only differ slightly in sequence and structure can be determined using native MS. Moreover, native IM-MS allowed the detection of small conformational changes upon binding of a target, which were found to be dependent on the binding mode of the aptamer. An adaptive binding mechanism was suggested for flexible aptamers that require more reorganization upon binding. In the final part of this thesis, the importance of thoroughly characterizing and validating aptamer-target interactions before using them in an application was emphasized. Moreover, the gathered insights were applied in our own development of a proof-of-concept aptamer-based sensor. This was shown by investigating the interactions of ampicillin aptamers which were found to not bind the target they were selected for in the first place. A multi-analytical approach combining complementary techniques was used for this purpose since no single technique is generally applicable to characterize all aptamers and their interactions and to obtain a comprehensive picture of the aptamer-target interactions. Furthermore, such multi-analytical approach was used to characterize a testosterone-binding aptamer while developing an aptamer-based electrochemiluminescent sensing strategy for this target. This shows the importance of native MS, in combination with other techniques, to thoroughly understand the aptamer-target interactions in the development of a designed application.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos Publication Date  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN ISBN Additional Links UA library record  
  Impact Factor Times cited Open Access  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: NA  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:178116 Serial 8517  
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Author Koo, J.; Dahl, A.B.; Bærentzen, J.A.; Chen, Q.; Bals, S.; Dahl, V.A. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title (down) Shape from projections via differentiable forward projector for computed tomography Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2021 Publication Ultramicroscopy Abbreviated Journal Ultramicroscopy  
  Volume 224 Issue Pages 113239  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract In computed tomography, the reconstruction is typically obtained on a voxel grid. In this work, however, we propose a mesh-based reconstruction method. For tomographic problems, 3D meshes have mostly been studied to simulate data acquisition, but not for reconstruction, for which a 3D mesh means the inverse process of estimating shapes from projections. In this paper, we propose a differentiable forward model for 3D meshes that bridge the gap between the forward model for 3D surfaces and optimization. We view the forward projection as a rendering process, and make it differentiable by extending recent work in differentiable rendering. We use the proposed forward model to reconstruct 3D shapes directly from projections. Experimental results for single-object problems show that the proposed method outperforms traditional voxel-based methods on noisy simulated data. We also apply the proposed method on electron tomography images of nanoparticles to demonstrate the applicability of the method on real data.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000744576800008 Publication Date 2021-03-11  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0304-3991 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 2.843 Times cited 3 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes EU Horizon 2020 MSCA Innovative Training Network MUMMERING Grant Number 765604. Approved Most recent IF: 2.843  
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:183267 Serial 6825  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Li, W.; Tong, W.; Yadav, A.; Bladt, E.; Bals, S.; Funston, A.M.; Etheridge, J. pdf  doi
openurl 
  Title (down) Shape control beyond the seeds in gold nanoparticles Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2021 Publication Chemistry Of Materials Abbreviated Journal Chem Mater  
  Volume 33 Issue 23 Pages 9152-9164  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract In typical seed-mediated syntheses of metal nanocrystals, the shape of the nanocrystal is determined largely by the seed nucleation environment and subsequent growth environment (where “environment” refers to the chemical environment, including the surfactant and additives). In this approach, crystallinity is typically determined by the seeds, and surfaces are controlled by the environment(s). However, surface energies, and crystallinity, are both influenced by the choice of environment(s). This limits the permutations of crystallinity and surface facets that can be mixed and matched to generate new nanocrystal morphologies. Here, we control post-seed growth to deliberately incorporate twin planes during the growth stage to deliver new final morphologies, including twinned cubes and bipyramids from single-crystal seeds. The nature and number of twin planes, together with surfactant control of facet growth, define the final nanoparticle morphology. Moreover, by breaking symmetry, the twin planes introduce new facet orientations. This additional mechanism opens new routes for the synthesis of different morphologies and facet orientations.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000753956100012 Publication Date 0000-00-00  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0897-4756; 1520-5002 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 9.466 Times cited 3 Open Access Not_Open_Access  
  Notes This work was supported by the Australian Research Council (ARC) Grants DP160104679 and CE170100026 and used microscopes at the Monash Centre for Electron Microscopy funded by ARC Grants LE0454166, LE110100223, and LE140100104. W.L. thanks the support of the Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) scholarship. W.T. thanks the Australian Department of Education and Monash University for the IPRS and APA scholarships. E.B. acknowledges financial support and a post-doctoral grant from the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO, Belgium). The authors thank Dr. Matthew Weyland and Dr. Tim Peterson for helpful discussions. A.Y. thanks the support from Post Graduation Publication Award (PPA) scholarship from Monash University. Approved Most recent IF: 9.466  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:187229 Serial 7065  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Yin, L.; Juneja, R.; Lindsay, L.; Pandey, T.; Parker, D.S. doi  openurl
  Title (down) Semihard iron-based permanent-magnet materials Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2021 Publication Physical Review Applied Abbreviated Journal Phys Rev Appl  
  Volume 15 Issue 2 Pages 024012  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)  
  Abstract Permanent magnets generally require a favorable, but difficult-to-achieve combination of high magnetization, Curie point, and magnetic anisotropy. Thus there have been few, if any, viable permanent magnets developed since the 1982 discovery of Nd2Fe14B [M. Sagawa, S. Fujimura, H. Yamamoto, Y. Matsuura, and S. Hirosawa, J. Appl. Phys. 57, 4094 (1985)]. Here we point out, both by direct first-principles calculations on the iron carbides and silicides Fe5C2, Fe5SiC, and Fe7C3 as well as a discussion of recent experimental findings, that there are numerous rare-earth-free iron-rich potential permanent-magnet materials with sufficient intrinsic magnetic properties to reasonably achieve room-temperature energy products of 20-25 MG Oe. This is substantially better than the performance of the best available rare-earth-free magnets based on ferrite, as well as shape-anisotropy-employing alnico. These magnets could plausibly fill, at low cost, the present performance “gap” [J. M. D. Coey, Scr. Mater. 67, 524 (2012)] between the best rare-earth-free magnets and rare-earth magnets such as Nd2Fe14B and Sm-Co.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000614707800002 Publication Date 2021-02-05  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2331-7019 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 4.808 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 4.808  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:176624 Serial 6734  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Bafekry, A.; Shahrokhi, M.; Shafique, A.; Jappor, H.R.; Fadlallah, M.M.; Stampfl, C.; Ghergherehchi, M.; Mushtaq, M.; Feghhi, S.A.H.; Gogova, D. url  doi
openurl 
  Title (down) Semiconducting chalcogenide alloys based on the (Ge, Sn, Pb) (S, Se, Te) formula with outstanding properties : a first-principles calculation study Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2021 Publication ACS Omega Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 6 Issue 14 Pages 9433-9441  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)  
  Abstract Very recently, a new class of the multicationic and -anionic entropy-stabilized chalcogenide alloys based on the (Ge, Sn, Pb) (S, Se, Te) formula has been successfully fabricated and characterized experimentally [Zihao Deng et al., Chem. Mater. 32, 6070 (2020)]. Motivated by the recent experiment, herein, we perform density functional theory-based first-principles calculations in order to investigate the structural, mechanical, electronic, optical, and thermoelectric properties. The calculations of the cohesive energy and elasticity parameters indicate that the alloy is stable. Also, the mechanical study shows that the alloy has a brittle nature. The GeSnPbSSeTe alloy is a semiconductor with a direct band gap of 0.4 eV (0.3 eV using spin-orbit coupling effect). The optical analysis illustrates that the first peak of Im(epsilon) for the GeSnPbSSeTe alloy along all polarization directions is located in the visible range of the spectrum which renders it a promising material for applications in optical and electronic devices. Interestingly, we find an optically anisotropic character of this system which is highly desirable for the design of polarization-sensitive photodetectors. We have accurately predicted the thermoelectric coefficients and have calculated a large power factor value of 3.7 x 10(11) W m(-1) K-2 s(-1) for p-type. The high p-type power factor is originated from the multiple valleys near the valence band maxima. The anisotropic results of the optical and transport properties are related to the specific tetragonal alloy unit cell.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000640649500012 Publication Date 2021-03-30  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2470-1343 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor Times cited Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: NA  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:178395 Serial 7017  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Borah, R.; Ninakanti, R.; Nuyts, G.; Peeters, H.; Pedrazo-Tardajos, A.; Nuti, S.; Vande Velde, C.; De Wael, K.; Lenaerts, S.; Bals, S.; Verbruggen, S. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title (down) Selectivity in ligand functionalization of photocatalytic metal oxide nanoparticles for phase transfer and self‐assembly applications Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2021 Publication Chemistry-A European Journal Abbreviated Journal Chem-Eur J  
  Volume Issue Pages chem.202100029-15  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation); Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL); Intelligence in PRocesses, Advanced Catalysts and Solvents (iPRACS)  
  Abstract Functionalization of photocatalytic metal oxide nanoparticles of TiO 2 , ZnO, WO 3 and CuO with amine‐terminated (oleylamine) and thiol‐terminated (1‐dodecanethiol) alkyl chained ligands was studied under ambient conditions. A high selectivity was observed in the binding specificity of a ligand towards nanoparticles of these different oxides. It was observed that oleylamine binds stably to only TiO 2 and WO 3 , while 1‐dodecanethiol binds stably only to ZnO and CuO. Similarly, polar to non‐polar solvent phase transfer of TiO 2 and WO 3 nanoparticles could be achieved by using oleylamine, but not by 1‐dodecanethiol, while the contrary holds for ZnO and CuO. The surface chemistry of ligand functionalized nanoparticles was probed by ATR‐FTIR spectroscopy, that enabled to elucidate the occupation of the ligands at the active sites. The photo‐stability of the ligands on the nanoparticle surface was determined by the photocatalytic self‐cleaning properties of the material. While TiO 2 and WO 3 degrade the ligands within 24 hours under both UV and visible light, ligands on ZnO and CuO remain unaffected. The gathered insights are also highly relevant from an application point of view. As an example, since the ligand functionalized nanoparticles are hydrophobic in nature, they can thus be self‐assembled at the air‐water interface, for obtaining nanoparticle films with demonstrated photocatalytic as well as anti‐fogging properties.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000652651400001 Publication Date 2021-04-21  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0947-6539 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 5.317 Times cited 15 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes R.B. and S.W.V. acknowledge financial support from the University of Antwerp Special Research Fund (BOF) for a DOCPRO4 doctoral scholarship. S.B. and A.P.-T. acknowledge financial support from the European Commission under the Horizon 2020 Program by means of the grant agreement no. 731019 EUSMI and the ERC Consolidator grant no. 815128 REALNANO.; sygmaSB Approved Most recent IF: 5.317  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:177495 Serial 6787  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Yi, Y.; Li, S.; Cui, Z.; Hao, Y.; Zhang, Y.; Wang, L.; Liu, P.; Tu, X.; Xu, X.; Guo, H.; Bogaerts, A. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title (down) Selective oxidation of CH4 to CH3OH through plasma catalysis: Insights from catalyst characterization and chemical kinetics modelling Type A1 Journal Article;Methane conversion
  Year 2021 Publication Applied Catalysis B-Environmental Abbreviated Journal Appl Catal B-Environ  
  Volume 296 Issue Pages 120384  
  Keywords A1 Journal Article;Methane conversion; Plasma catalysis; Selective oxidation; Methanol synthesis; Plasma chemistry; Plasma, laser ablation and surface modeling Antwerp (PLASMANT) ;  
  Abstract The selective oxidation of methane to methanol (SOMTM) by molecular oxygen is a holy grail in catalytic chemistry and remains a challenge in chemical industry. We perform SOMTM in a CH4/O2 plasma, at low temperature and atmospheric pressure, promoted by Ni-based catalysts, reaching 81 % liquid oxygenates selectivity and 50 % CH3OH selectivity, with an excellent catalytic stability. Chemical kinetics modelling shows that CH3OH in the plasma is mainly produced through radical reactions, i.e., CH4 + O(1D) → CH3O + H, fol­lowed by CH3O + H + M→ CH3OH + M and CH3O + HCO → CH3OH + CO. The catalyst characterization shows that the improved production of CH3OH is attributed to abundant chemisorbed oxygen species, originating from highly dispersed NiO phase with strong oxide support interaction with γ-Al2O3, which are capable of promoting CH3OH formation through E-R reactions and activating H2O molecules to facilitate CH3OH desorption.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000706860000003 Publication Date 2021-05-21  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0926-3373 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 9.446 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes National Natural Science Foundation of China; PetroChina Innovation Foundation; We acknowledge financial support from the PetroChina Innovation Foundation [grant ID: 2018D-5007-0501], the Young Star Project of Dalian Science and Technology Bureau [grant ID: 2019RQ042], the National Natural Science Foundation of China [grant ID: 21503032] and the TOP research project of the Research Fund of the University of Antwerp [grant ID: 32249]. Approved Most recent IF: 9.446  
  Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @c:irua:178816 Serial 6793  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Bigiani, L.; Barreca, D.; Gasparotto, A.; Andreu, T.; Verbeeck, J.; Sada, C.; Modin, E.; Lebedev, O.I.; Morante, J.R.; Maccato, C. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title (down) Selective anodes for seawater splitting via functionalization of manganese oxides by a plasma-assisted process Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2021 Publication Applied Catalysis B-Environmental Abbreviated Journal Appl Catal B-Environ  
  Volume 284 Issue Pages 119684  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract The electrolysis of seawater, a significantly more abundant natural reservoir than freshwater, stands as a promising alternative for sustainable hydrogen production, provided that the competitive chloride electro-oxidation is minimized. Herein, we propose an original material combination to selectively trigger oxygen evolution from seawater at expenses of chlorine generation. The target systems, based on MnO2 or Mn2O3 decorated with Fe2O3 or Co3O4, are fabricated by plasma enhanced-chemical vapor deposition of manganese oxides, functionalization with Fe2O3 and Co3O4 by sputtering, and annealing in air/Ar to obtain Mn(IV)/Mn(III) oxides. Among the various options, MnO2 decorated with Co3O4 yields the best performances in alkaline seawater splitting, with an outstanding Tafel slope of approximate to 40 mV x dec(-1) and an overpotential of 450 mV, enabling to rule out chlorine evolution. These attractive performances, resulting from the synergistic contribution of catalytic and electronic effects, open the door to low-cost hydrogen generation from seawater under real-world conditions, paving the way to eventual large-scale applications.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000623591500008 Publication Date 2020-11-20  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0926-3373 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 9.446 Times cited 67 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes The authors thank Padova University (DOR 2017–2020 and P-DiSC #03BIRD2018-UNIPD OXYGENA projects), as well as the INSTM Consortium (INSTMPD004 – NETTUNO project) and AMGA Foundation (Mn4Energy project), for financial support. The Qu-Ant-EM microscope was partly funded by the Hercules fund from the Flemish Government. J.V. acknowledges funding from a GOA project 'Solarpaint' (University of Antwerp) and from the EU-H2020 programme (grant agreement No. 823717 – ESTEEM3). J.R.M. and T.A. acknowledge Generalitat de Catalunya for financial support through the CERCA Programme, 27 M2E (2017SGR1246) and by ERDEF-MINECO coordinated projects ENE2017-85087-C3 and ENE2016-80788-C5-5-R. Thanks are also due to Proff. Gloria Tabacchi and Ettore Fois (Department of Science and High Technology, Insubria University, Como, Italy) for valuable discussions and support. Dr. Daniele Valbusa, Dr. Gianluca Corrò, Dr. Andrea Gallo and Dr. Dileep Khrishnan are gratefully acknowledged for helpful technical assistance. Approved Most recent IF: 9.446  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:176718 Serial 6733  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Xia, C.; Pedrazo-Tardajos, A.; Wang, D.; Meeldijk, J.D.; Gerritsen, H.C.; Bals, S.; de Donega, C.M. url  doi
openurl 
  Title (down) Seeded growth combined with cation exchange for the synthesis of anisotropic Cu2-xS/ZnS, Cu2-xS, and CuInS2 nanorods Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2021 Publication Chemistry of materials Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 33 Issue 1 Pages 102-116  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Colloidal copper(I) sulfide (Cu2-xS) nanocrystals (NCs) have attracted much attention for a wide range of applications because of their unique optoelectronic properties, driving scientists to explore the potential of using Cu2-xS NCs as seeds in the synthesis of heteronanocrystals to achieve new multifunctional materials. Herein, we developed a multistep synthesis strategy toward Cu2-xS/ZnS heteronanorods. The Janus-type Cu2-xS/ZnS heteronanorods are obtained by the injection of hexagonal high-chalcocite Cu2-xS seed NCs in a hot zinc oleate solution in the presence of suitable surfactants, 20 s after the injection of sulfur precursors. The Cu2-xS seed NCs undergo rapid aggregation and coalescence in the first few seconds after the injection, forming larger NCs that act as the effective seeds for heteronucleation and growth of ZnS. The ZnS heteronucleation occurs on a single (100) facet of the Cu2-xS seed NCs and is followed by fast anisotropic growth along a direction that is perpendicular to the c-axis, thus leading to Cu2-xS/ZnS Janus-type heteronanorods with a sharp heterointerface. Interestingly, the high-chalcocite crystal structure of the injected Cu2-xS seed NCs is preserved in the Cu2-xS segments of the heteronanorods because of the highthermodynamic stability of this Cu2-xS phase. The Cu2-xS/ZnS heteronanorods are subsequently converted into single-component Cu2-xS and CuInS2 nanorods by postsynthetic topotactic cation exchange. This work expands the possibilities for the rational synthesis of colloidal multicomponent heteronanorods by allowing the design principles of postsynthetic heteroepitaxial seeded growth and nanoscale cation exchange to be combined, yielding access to a plethora of multicomponent heteronanorods with diameters in the quantum confinement regime.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000610984700009 Publication Date 2020-12-28  
  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 10 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes C.X. acknowledges China Scholarship Council (CSC) for the financial support (grant number 201406330055). C.d.M.D. acknowledges funding from the European Commission for access to the EMAT facilities (grant number EUSMI E180900184). D.W. acknowledges an Individual Fellowship funded by the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) in Horizon 2020 program (grant 894254 SuprAtom). S.B. acknowledges support by means of the ERC Consolidator grant no. 815128 REALNANO. The authors thank Donglong Fu for XRD measurements.; sygma Approved Most recent IF: NA  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:176587 Serial 6732  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Baral, P.; Orekhov, A.; Dohmen, R.; Coulombier, M.; Raskin, J.P.; Cordier, P.; Idrissi, H.; Pardoen, T. url  doi
openurl 
  Title (down) Rheology of amorphous olivine thin films characterized by nanoindentation Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2021 Publication Acta Materialia Abbreviated Journal Acta Mater  
  Volume 219 Issue Pages 117257  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract The rheological properties of amorphous olivine thin films deposited by pulsed laser deposition have been studied based on ambient temperature nanoindentation under constant strain-rate as well as re-laxation conditions. The amorphous olivine films exhibit a viscoelastic-viscoplastic behavior with a significant rate dependency. The strain-rate sensitivity m is equal to similar to 0 . 05 which is very high for silicates, indicating a complex out-of-equilibrium structure. The minimum apparent activation volume determined from nanoindentation experiments corresponds to Mg and Fe atomic metallic sites in the (Mg,Fe)(2)SiO4 crystalline lattice. The ambient temperature creep behavior of the amorphous olivine films differs very much from the one of single crystal olivine. This behavior directly connects to the recent demonstration of the activation of grain boundary sliding in polycrystalline olivine following grain boundary amorphization under high-stress. (C) 2021 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of Acta Materialia Inc.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000706867800004 Publication Date 2021-08-19  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1359-6454 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 5.301 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 5.301  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:182592 Serial 6882  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Bal, K.M. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title (down) Reweighted Jarzynski sampling : acceleration of rare events and free energy calculation with a bias potential learned from nonequilibrium work Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2021 Publication Journal Of Chemical Theory And Computation Abbreviated Journal J Chem Theory Comput  
  Volume 17 Issue 11 Pages 6766-6774  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)  
  Abstract We introduce a simple enhanced sampling approach for the calculation of free energy differences and barriers along a one-dimensional reaction coordinate. First, a small number of short nonequilibrium simulations are carried out along the reaction coordinate, and the Jarzynski equality is used to learn an approximate free energy surface from the nonequilibrium work distribution. This free energy estimate is represented in a compact form as an artificial neural network and used as an external bias potential to accelerate rare events in a subsequent molecular dynamics simulation. The final free energy estimate is then obtained by reweighting the equilibrium probability distribution of the reaction coordinate sampled under the influence of the external bias. We apply our reweighted Jarzynski sampling recipe to four processes of varying scales and complexities.spanning chemical reaction in the gas phase, pair association in solution, and droplet nucleation in supersaturated vapor. In all cases, we find reweighted Jarzynski sampling to be a very efficient strategy, resulting in rapid convergence of the free energy to high precision.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000718183600008 Publication Date 2021-10-29  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1549-9618 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 5.245 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 5.245  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:184676 Serial 8479  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Jiang, J.; Wang, Y.-L.; Milošević, M.V.; Xiao, Z.-L.; Peeters, F.M.; Chen, Q.-H. url  doi
openurl 
  Title (down) Reversible ratchet effects in a narrow superconducting ring Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2021 Publication Physical Review B Abbreviated Journal Phys Rev B  
  Volume 103 Issue 1 Pages 014502  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)  
  Abstract We study the ratchet effect in a narrow pinning-free superconductive ring based on time-dependent Ginzburg-Landau (TDGL) equations. Voltage responses to external dc and ac currents at various magnetic fields are studied. Due to asymmetric barriers for flux penetration and flux exit in the ring-shaped superconductor, the critical current above which the flux-flow state is reached, as well as the critical current for the transition to the normal state, are different for the two directions of applied current. These effects cooperatively cause ratchet signal reversal at high magnetic fields, which has not been reported to date in a pinning-free system. The ratchet signal found here is larger than those induced by asymmetric pinning potentials. Our results also demonstrate the feasibility of using mesoscopic superconductors to employ a superconducting diode effect in versatile superconducting devices.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000604821500003 Publication Date 2021-01-05  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2469-9969; 2469-9950 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 3.836 Times cited 2 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes ; We are grateful to G. Berdiyorov for useful suggestions and comments. Q.-H.C. thanks Beiyi Zhu for helpful discussions during the early stage of this work. This work is supported in part by the National Key Research and Development Program of China, Grants No. 2017YFA0303002 (Q.-H.C. and J.J.), and No. 2018YFA0209002 (Y.-L.W.), and the National Natural Science Foundation of China Grants No. 11834005, No. 11674285, No. 61771235, and No. 61727805. Z.-L.X. acknowledges support by the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Science, Basic Energy Sciences, Materials Sciences and Engineering and the National Science Foundation under Grant No. DMR-1901843. F.M.P. and M.V.M. acknowledge support by the Research Foundation – Flanders (FWO). ; Approved Most recent IF: 3.836  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:174984 Serial 6697  
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Author Azadi, H.; Moghaddam, S.M.; Burkart, S.; Mahmoudi, H.; Van Passel, S.; Kurban, A.; Lopez-Carr, D. pdf  doi
openurl 
  Title (down) Rethinking resilient agriculture : from Climate-Smart Agriculture to Vulnerable-Smart Agriculture Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2021 Publication Journal Of Cleaner Production Abbreviated Journal J Clean Prod  
  Volume 319 Issue Pages 128602  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM)  
  Abstract Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) is seeking to overcome the food security problem and develop rural livelihoods while minimizing negative impacts on the environment. However, when such synergies exist, the situation of small-scale farmers is often overlooked, and they are unable to implement new practices and technologies. Therefore, the main aim of this study is to improve CSA by adding the neglected but very important element “small-scale farmer”, and introduce Vulnerable-Smart Agriculture (VSA) as a complete version of CSA. VSA indicates, based on the results of this study, that none of the decisions made by policymakers can be realistic and functional as long as the voice of the farmers influenced by their decisions is not heard. Therefore, to identify different levels for possible interventions and develop VSA monitoring indicators, a new conceptual framework needs to be developed. This study proposed such a framework consisting of five elements: prediction of critical incidents by farmers, measuring the consequences of incidents, identifying farmers' coping strategies, assessing farmers' livelihood capital when facing an incident, and adapting to climate incidents. The primary focus of this study is on farmers' learning and operational preparation to deal with tension and disasters at farm level. Understanding the implications of threats from climate change and the recognizing of coping mechanisms will contribute to an increase in understanding sustainable management.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000728681500005 Publication Date 2021-08-10  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0959-6526 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 5.715 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 5.715  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:184869 Serial 6942  
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Author Parchomenko, A.; Nelen, D.; Gillabel, J.; Vrancken, K.C.M.; Rechberger, H. url  doi
openurl 
  Title (down) Resource effectiveness of the European automotive sector : a statistical entropy analysis over time Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2021 Publication Resources Conservation And Recycling Abbreviated Journal Resour Conserv Recy  
  Volume 169 Issue Pages 105558  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)  
  Abstract The European automotive sector is faced with potentially disruptive challenges. In particular, the projected increase in the share of electric vehicles (EVs) and calls to prepare for the implementation of more circular economy (CE) strategies are increasingly demanding systemic adaptations. Given the goals of the CE, the adaptations should enable a maximal preservation of the function and value of products (e.g. extension of lifetime), components (e.g. reuse of parts) and materials (e.g., material recycling), thus saving on the energy, materials and effort that would be required to restore the lost functionalities. In this context, statistical entropy analysis (SEA) is proposed as a methodology to assess the effort needed for preserving and restoring functionality at different product, component and material life cycle stages. Effort is measured as changes in statistical entropy that are caused by concentration and dilution activities in the production – consumption – End-of-Life (EoL) system. SEA was applied to a generic model of the European automotive system, in combination with a stock-driven model and a material flow analysis (MFA), allowing statistical entropy changes to be projected over time. The paper demonstrates how SEA can facilitate decision making on the transition towards a more circular economy by quantifying the effects of particular CE strategies and their combinations. The results show that without any additional system adaptations, an increasing share of EVs towards the year 2050 will lead to substantially increased effort in production as well as end-of-life vehicle treatment.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000657320800074 Publication Date 2021-03-18  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0921-3449 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 3.313 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 3.313  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:179770 Serial 8475  
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Author Al-Emam, E.; Beltran, V.; De Meyer, S.; Nuyts, G.; Wetemans, V.; De Wael, K.; Caen, J.; Janssens, K. url  doi
openurl 
  Title (down) Removal of a past varnish treatment from a 19th-century Belgian wall painting by means of a solvent-loaded double network hydrogel Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2021 Publication Polymers Abbreviated Journal Polymers-Basel  
  Volume 13 Issue 16 Pages 2651-20  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Art; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation); Antwerp Cultural Heritage Sciences (ARCHES); Antwerp Electrochemical and Analytical Sciences Lab (A-Sense Lab); Antwerp X-ray Imaging and Spectroscopy (AXIS)  
  Abstract Polymeric materials have been used by painting conservator-restorers as consolidants and/or varnishes for wall paintings. The application of these materials is carried out when confronting loose paint layers or as a protective coating. However, these materials deteriorate and cause physiochemical alterations to the treated surface. In the past, the monumental neo-gothic wall painting 'The Last Judgment' in the chapel of Sint-Jan Berchmanscollege in Antwerp, Belgium was treated with a synthetic polymeric material. This varnish deteriorated significantly and turned brown, obscuring the paint layers. Given also that the varnish was applied to some parts of the wall painting and did not cover the entire surface, it was necessary to remove it in order to restore the original appearance of the wall painting. Previous attempts carried out by conservator-restorers made use of traditional cleaning methods, which led to damage of the fragile paint layers. Therefore, gel cleaning was proposed as a less invasive and more controllable method for gently softening and removing the varnish. The work started by identifying the paint stratigraphy and the deteriorated varnish via optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. A polyvinyl alcohol-borax/agarose (PVA-B/AG) hydrogel loaded with a number of solvents/solvent mixtures was employed in a series of tests to select the most suitable hydrogel composite. By means of the hydrogel composite loaded with 10% propylene carbonate, it was possible to safely remove the brown varnish layer. The results were verified by visual examinations (under visible light 'VIS' and ultraviolet light 'UV') as well as OM and FTIR spectroscopy.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000690248000001 Publication Date 2021-08-10  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2073-4360 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 3.364 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 3.364  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:181567 Serial 8470  
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Author Marinov, D.; de Marneffe, J.-F.; Smets, Q.; Arutchelvan, G.; Bal, K.M.; Voronina, E.; Rakhimova, T.; Mankelevich, Y.; El Kazzi, S.; Nalin Mehta, A.; Wyndaele, P.-J.; Heyne, M.H.; Zhang, J.; With, P.C.; Banerjee, S.; Neyts, E.C.; Asselberghs, I.; Lin, D.; De Gendt, S. url  doi
openurl 
  Title (down) Reactive plasma cleaning and restoration of transition metal dichalcogenide monolayers Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2021 Publication npj 2D Materials and Applications Abbreviated Journal npj 2D Mater Appl  
  Volume 5 Issue 1 Pages 17  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)  
  Abstract The cleaning of two-dimensional (2D) materials is an essential step in the fabrication of future devices, leveraging their unique physical, optical, and chemical properties. Part of these emerging 2D materials are transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs). So far there is limited understanding of the cleaning of “monolayer” TMD materials. In this study, we report on the use of downstream H<sub>2</sub>plasma to clean the surface of monolayer WS<sub>2</sub>grown by MOCVD. We demonstrate that high-temperature processing is essential, allowing to maximize the removal rate of polymers and to mitigate damage caused to the WS<sub>2</sub>in the form of sulfur vacancies. We show that low temperature in situ carbonyl sulfide (OCS) soak is an efficient way to resulfurize the material, besides high-temperature H<sub>2</sub>S annealing. The cleaning processes and mechanisms elucidated in this work are tested on back-gated field-effect transistors, confirming that transport properties of WS<sub>2</sub>devices can be maintained by the combination of H<sub>2</sub>plasma cleaning and OCS restoration. The low-damage plasma cleaning based on H<sub>2</sub>and OCS is very reproducible, fast (completed in a few minutes) and uses a 300 mm industrial plasma etch system qualified for standard semiconductor pilot production. This process is, therefore, expected to enable the industrial scale-up of 2D-based devices, co-integrated with silicon technology.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000613258900001 Publication Date 2021-01-28  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2397-7132 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor Times cited Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes Daniil Marinov has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under the Marie Sklodowska-Curie grant agreement No 752164. Ekaterina Voronina, Yuri Mankelevitch, and Tatyana Rakhimova are thankful to the Russian Science Foundation (RSF) for financial support (Grant No. 16-12-10361). This study was carried out using the equipment of the shared research facilities of high-performance computing resources at Lomonosov Moscow State University and the computational resources and services of the HPC core facility CalcUA of the University of Antwerp, and VSC (Flemish Supercomputer Center), funded by the Research Foundation-Flanders (FWO) and the Flemish Government. Patrick With gratefully acknowledges imec’s CTO office for financial support during his stay at imec. The authors thank Mr. Surajit Sutar (imec) for his help during sample electrical characterization, and Patrick Verdonck for lab processing. Jean-François de Marneffe thank Prof. Simone Napolitano from the Free University of Brussels for useful discussions on irreversibly adsorbed polymer layers, and Cédric Huyghebaert (imec) for his continuous support in the framework of the Graphene FET Flagship core project. All authors acknowledge the support of imec’s pilot line and materials characterization and analysis (MCA) group, namely Jonathan Ludwig, Stefanie Sergeant, Thomas Nuytten, Olivier Richard, and Thierry Conard. Finally, Daniil Marinov thank Mikhail Krishtab (imec/KU Leuven) for his help in selecting the optimal plasma etch system for this work. Part of this project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under grant agreement No 649953. Approved Most recent IF: NA  
  Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @c:irua:175871 Serial 6671  
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Author Izadi, M.E.; Bal, K.M.; Maghari, A.; Neyts, E.C. url  doi
openurl 
  Title (down) Reaction mechanisms of C(3PJ) and C+(2PJ) with benzene in the interstellar medium from quantum mechanical molecular dynamics simulations Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2021 Publication Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics Abbreviated Journal Phys Chem Chem Phys  
  Volume 23 Issue 7 Pages 4205-4216  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)  
  Abstract While spectroscopic data on small hydrocarbons in interstellar media in combination with crossed molecular beam (CMB) experiments have provided a wealth of information on astrochemically relevant species, much of the underlying mechanistic pathways of their formation remain elusive. Therefore, in this work, the chemical reaction mechanisms of C(<sup>3</sup>P<sub>J</sub>) + C<sub>6</sub>H<sub>6</sub>and C<sup>+</sup>(<sup>2</sup>P) + C<sub>6</sub>H<sub>6</sub>systems using the quantum mechanical molecular dynamics (QMMD) technique at the PBE0-D3(BJ) level of theory is investigated, mimicking a CMB experiment. Both the dynamics of the reactions as well as the electronic structure for the purpose of the reaction network are evaluated. The method is validated for the first reaction by comparison to the available experimental data. The reaction scheme for the C(<sup>3</sup>P<sub>J</sub>) + C<sub>6</sub>H<sub>6</sub>system covers the literature data,<italic>e.g.</italic>the major products are the 1,2-didehydrocycloheptatrienyl radical (C<sub>7</sub>H<sub>5</sub>) and benzocyclopropenyl radical (C<sub>6</sub>H<sub>5</sub>–CH), and it reveals the existence of less common pathways for the first time. The chemistry of the C<sup>+</sup>(<sup>2</sup>P<sub>J</sub>) + C<sub>6</sub>H<sub>6</sub>system is found to be much richer, and we have found that this is because of more exothermic reactions in this system in comparison to those in the C(<sup>3</sup>P<sub>J</sub>) + C<sub>6</sub>H<sub>6</sub>system. Moreover, using the QMMD simulation, a number of reaction paths have been revealed that produce three distinct classes of reaction products with different ring sizes. All in all, at all the collision energies and orientations, the major product is the heptagon molecular ion for the ionic system. It is also revealed that the collision orientation has a dominant effect on the reaction products in both systems, while the collision energy mostly affects the charged system. These simulations both prove the applicability of this approach to simulate crossed molecular beams, and provide fundamental information on reactions relevant for the interstellar medium.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000621595300016 Publication Date 2021-01-18  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1463-9076 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 4.123 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek, 12ZI420N ; Ministry of Science Research and Technology; Universiteit Antwerpen; The financial support from the Iran Ministry of Science, Research and Technology and PLASMANT Research Group University of Antwerp is highly acknowledged by the authors. K.M.B. was funded as a junior postdoctoral fellow of the FWO (Research Foundation – Flanders), Grant 12ZI420N. The computational resources and services used in this work were provided by the HPC core facility CalcUA of the Universiteit Antwerpen, and VSC (Flemish Supercomputer Center), funded by the FWO and the Flemish Government. Approved Most recent IF: 4.123  
  Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @c:irua:176672 Serial 6742  
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