“Frustrated square lattice with spatial anisotropy: crystal structure and magnetic properties of PbZnVO(PO4)2”. Tsirlin AA, Nath R, Abakumov AM, Shpanchenko RV, Geibel C, Rosner H, Physical review : B : condensed matter and materials physics 81, 174424 (2010). http://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.81.174424
Abstract: Crystal structure and magnetic properties of the layered vanadium phosphate PbZnVO(PO4)2 are studied using x-ray powder diffraction, magnetization and specific-heat measurements, as well as band-structure calculations. The compound resembles AA′VO(PO4)2 vanadium phosphates and fits to the extended frustrated square-lattice model with the couplings J1, J1′ between nearest neighbors and J2, J2′ between next-nearest neighbors. The temperature dependence of the magnetization yields estimates of averaged nearest-neighbor and next-nearest-neighbor couplings, J̅ 1≃−5.2 K and J̅ 2≃10.0 K, respectively. The effective frustration ratio α=J̅ 2/J̅ 1 amounts to −1.9 and suggests columnar antiferromagnetic ordering in PbZnVO(PO4)2. Specific-heat data support the estimates of J̅ 1 and J̅ 2 and indicate a likely magnetic ordering transition at 3.9 K. However, the averaged couplings underestimate the saturation field, thus pointing to the spatial anisotropy of the nearest-neighbor interactions. Band-structure calculations confirm the identification of ferromagnetic J1, J1′ and antiferromagnetic J2, J2′ in PbZnVO(PO4)2 and yield (J1′−J1)≃1.1 K in excellent agreement with the experimental value of 1.1 K, deduced from the difference between the expected and experimentally measured saturation fields. Based on the comparison of layered vanadium phosphates with different metal cations, we show that a moderate spatial anisotropy of the frustrated square lattice has minor influence on the thermodynamic properties of the model. We discuss relevant geometrical parameters, controlling the exchange interactions in these compounds and propose a strategy for further design of strongly frustrated square-lattice materials.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 3.836
Times cited: 27
DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevB.81.174424
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“Frustrated pentagonal Cairo lattice in the non-collinear antiferromagnet Bi4Fe5O13F”. Abakumov AM, Batuk D, Tsirlin AA, Prescher C, Dubrovinsky L, Sheptyakov DV, Schnelle W, Hadermann J, Van Tendeloo G, Physical review : B : condensed matter and materials physics 87, 024423 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.87.024423
Abstract: We report on the crystal structure and magnetism of the iron-based oxyfluoride Bi4Fe5O13F, a material prototype of the Cairo pentagonal spin lattice. The crystal structure of Bi4Fe5O13F is determined by a combination of neutron diffraction, synchrotron x-ray diffraction, and transmission electron microscopy. It comprises layers of FeO6 octahedra and FeO4 tetrahedra forming deformed pentagonal units. The topology of these layers resembles a pentagonal least-perimeter tiling, which is known as the Cairo lattice. This topology gives rise to frustrated exchange couplings and underlies a sequence of magnetic transitions at T-1 = 62 K, T-2 = 71 K, and T-N = 178 K, as determined by thermodynamic measurements and neutron diffraction. Below T-1, Bi4Fe5O13F forms a fully ordered non-collinear antiferromagnetic structure, whereas the magnetic state between T-1 and T-N may be partially disordered according to the sizable increase in the magnetic entropy at T-1 and T-2. Bi4Fe5O13F reveals unanticipated magnetic transitions on the pentagonal Cairo spin lattice and calls for a further work on finite-temperature properties of this strongly frustrated spin model. DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevB.87.024423
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 3.836
Times cited: 17
DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevB.87.024423
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“Frustrated octahedral tilting distortion in the incommensurately modulated Li3xNd2/3-xTiO3 perovskites”. Abakumov AM, Erni R, Tsirlin AA, Rossell MD, Batuk D, Nénert G, Van Tendeloo G, Chemistry of materials 25, 2670 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1021/cm4012052
Abstract: Perovskite-structured titanates with layered A-site ordering form remarkably complex superstructures. Using transmission electron microscopy, synchrotron X-ray and neutron powder diffraction, and ab initio structure relaxation, we present the structural solution of the incommensurately modulated Li3xNd2/3xTiO3 perovskites (x = 0.05, superspace group Pmmm(α1,1/2,0)000(1/2,β2 0)000, a = 3.831048(5) Å, b = 3.827977(4) Å, c = 7.724356(8) Å, q1 = 0.45131(8)a* + 1/2b*, q2 = 1/2a* + 0.41923(4)b*). In contrast to earlier conjectures on the nanoscale compositional phase separation in these materials, all peculiarities of the superstructure can be understood in terms of displacive modulations related to an intricate octahedral tilting pattern. It involves fragmenting the pattern of the out-of-phase tilted TiO6 octahedra around the a- and b-axes into antiphase domains, superimposed on the pattern of domains with either pronounced or suppressed in-phase tilt component around the c-axis. The octahedral tilting competes with the second order JahnTeller distortion of the TiO6 octahedra. This competition is considered as the primary driving force for the modulated structure. The A cations are suspected to play a role in this modulation affecting it mainly through the tolerance factor and the size variance. The reported crystal structure calls for a revision of the structure models proposed for the family of layered A-site ordered perovskites exhibiting a similar type of modulated structure.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 9.466
Times cited: 23
DOI: 10.1021/cm4012052
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“Frozen lattice and absorptive model for high angle annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy : a comparison study in terms of integrated intensity and atomic column position measurement”. Alania M, Lobato Hoyos IP, Van Aert S, Ultramicroscopy 184, 188 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.ULTRAMIC.2017.08.021
Abstract: <script type='text/javascript'>document.write(unpmarked('In this paper, both the frozen lattice (FL) and the absorptive potential (AP) approximation models are compared in terms of the integrated intensity and the precision with which atomic columns can be located from an image acquired using high angle annular dark field (HAADF) scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM). The comparison is made for atoms of Cu, Ag, and Au. The integrated intensity is computed for both an isolated atomic column and an atomic column inside an FCC structure. The precision has been computed using the so-called Cramer-Rao Lower Bound (CRLB), which provides a theoretical lower bound on the variance with which parameters can be estimated. It is shown that the AP model results into accurate measurements for the integrated intensity only for small detector ranges under relatively low angles and for small thicknesses. In terms of the attainable precision, both methods show similar results indicating picometer range precision under realistic experimental conditions. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.'));
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 2.843
DOI: 10.1016/J.ULTRAMIC.2017.08.021
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“From vortex molecules to the Abrikosov lattice in thin mesoscopic superconducting disks”. Cabral LRE, Baelus BJ, Peeters FM, Physical review : B : condensed matter and materials physics 70, 144523 (2004). http://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.70.144523
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.836
Times cited: 71
DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevB.70.144523
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“From VO2(B) to VO2(R): theoretical structures of VO2 polymorphs and in situ electron microscopy”. Leroux C, Nihoul G, Van Tendeloo G, Physical review : B : condensed matter and materials physics 57, 5111 (1998). http://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.57.5111
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 3.836
Times cited: 122
DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevB.57.5111
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“From the lattice measurements of the austenite and the martensite cells to the macroscopic mechanical behavior of shape memory alloys”. Lexcellent C, Vivet A, Bouvet C, Blanc P, Satto C, Schryvers D, Journal de physique: 4 11, 317 (2001)
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
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“From the Birkeland–Eyde process towards energy-efficient plasma-based NOXsynthesis: a techno-economic analysis”. Rouwenhorst KHR, Jardali F, Bogaerts A, Lefferts L, Energy &, Environmental Science 14, 2520 (2021). http://doi.org/10.1039/D0EE03763J
Abstract: Plasma-based NO<sub>X</sub>synthesis<italic>via</italic>the Birkeland–Eyde process was one of the first industrial nitrogen fixation methods. However, this technology never played a dominant role for nitrogen fixation, due to the invention of the Haber–Bosch process. Recently, nitrogen fixation by plasma technology has gained significant interest again, due to the emergence of low cost, renewable electricity. We first present a short historical background of plasma-based NO<sub>X</sub>synthesis. Thereafter, we discuss the reported performance for plasma-based NO<sub>X</sub>synthesis in various types of plasma reactors, along with the current understanding regarding the reaction mechanisms in the plasma phase, as well as on a catalytic surface. Finally, we benchmark the plasma-based NO<sub>X</sub>synthesis process with the electrolysis-based Haber–Bosch process combined with the Ostwald process, in terms of the investment cost and energy consumption. This analysis shows that the energy consumption for NO<sub>X</sub>synthesis with plasma technology is almost competitive with the commercial process with its current best value of 2.4 MJ mol N<sup>−1</sup>, which is required to decrease further to about 0.7 MJ mol N<sup>−1</sup>in order to become fully competitive. This may be accomplished through further plasma reactor optimization and effective plasma–catalyst coupling.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 29.518
DOI: 10.1039/D0EE03763J
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“From streambed temperature measurements to spatial-temporal flux quantification : using the LPML method to study groundwater-surface water interaction”. Anibas C, Schneidewind U, Vandersteen G, Joris I, Seuntjens P, Batelaan O, Hydrological processes 30, 203 (2016). http://doi.org/10.1002/HYP.10588
Abstract: Knowledge on groundwater-surface water interaction and especially on exchange fluxes between streams and aquifers is an important prerequisite for the study of transport and fate of contaminants and nutrients in the hyporheic zone. One possibility to quantify groundwater-surface water exchange fluxes is by using heat as an environmlental tracer. Modern field equipment including multilevel temperature sticks and the novel open-source analysis tool LPML make this technique ever more attractive. The recently developed LPML method solves the one-dimensional fluid flow and heat transport equation by combining a local polynomial method with a maximum likelihood estimator. In this study, we apply the LPML method on field data to quantify the spatial and temporal variability of vertical fluxes and their uncertainties from temperature-time series measured in a Belgian lowland stream. Over several months, temperature data were collected with multilevel temperature sticks at the streambed top and at six depths for a small stream section. Long-term estimates show a range from gaining fluxes of -291 mm day(-1) to loosing fluxes of 12 mm day(-1); average seasonal fluxes ranged from -138 mm day(-1) in winter to -16 mm day(-1) in summer. With our analyses, we could determine a high spatial and temporal variability of vertical exchange fluxes for the investigated stream section. Such spatial and temporal variability should be taken into account in biogeochemical cycling of carbon, nutrients and metals and in fate analysis of contaminant plumes. In general, the stream section was gaining during most of the observation period. Two short-term high stream stage events, seemingly caused by blockage of the stream outlet, led to a change in flow direction from gaining to losing conditions. We also found more discharge occurring at the outer stream bank than at the inner one indicating a local flow-through system. With the conducted analyses, we were able to advance our understanding of the regional groundwater flow system. Copyright (C) 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
DOI: 10.1002/HYP.10588
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“From spin-polarized interfaces to giant magnetoresistance in organic spin valves”. Çakir D, Otalvaro DM, Brocks G, Physical review : B : condensed matter and materials physics 89, 115407 (2014). http://doi.org/10.1103/PHYSREVB.89.115407
Abstract: We calculate the spin-polarized electronic transport through a molecular bilayer spin valve from first principles, and establish the link between the magnetoresistance and the spin-dependent interactions at the metal-molecule interfaces. The magnetoresistance of a Fe vertical bar bilayer-C-70 vertical bar Fe spin valve attains a high value of 70% in the linearresponse regime, but it drops sharply as a function of the applied bias. The current polarization has a value of 80% in linear response and also decreases as a function of bias. Both these trends can be modeled in terms of prominent spin-dependent Fe vertical bar C-70 interface states close to the Fermi level, unfolding the potential of spinterface science to control and optimize spin currents.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.836
Times cited: 14
DOI: 10.1103/PHYSREVB.89.115407
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“From spin induced ferroelectricity to dipolar glasses : spinel chromites and mixed delafossites”. Maignan A, Martin C, Singh K, Simon C, Lebedev OI, Turner S, Journal of solid state chemistry 195, 41 (2012). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.jssc.2012.01.063
Abstract: Magnetoelectric multiferroics showing coupling between polarization and magnetic order are attracting much attention. For instance, they could be used in memory devices. Metal-transition oxides are provided several examples of inorganic magnetoelectric multiferroics. In the present short review, spinel and delafossite chromites are described. For the former, an electric polarization is evidenced in the ferrimagnetic state for ACr2O4 polycrystalline samples (A=Ni, Fe, Co). The presence of a JahnTeller cation such as Ni2+ at the A site is shown to yield larger polarization values. In the delafossites, substitution by V3+ at the Cr or Fe site in CuCrO2 (CuFeO2) suppresses the complex antiferromagnetic structure at the benefit of a spin glass state. The presence of cation disorder, probed by transmission electron microscopy, favors relaxor-like ferroelectricity. The results on the ferroelectricity of ferrimagnets and insulating spin glasses demonstrate that, in this research field, transition-metal oxides are worth to be studied.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 2.299
Times cited: 27
DOI: 10.1016/j.jssc.2012.01.063
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“From single to multiple Ag-layer modification of Au nanocavity substrates : a tunable probe of the chemical surface-enhanced Raman scattering mechanism”. Tognalii NG, Cortés E, Hernández-Nieves AD, Carro P, Usaj G, Balseiro CA, Vela ME, Salvarezza RC, Fainstein A, ACS nano 5, 5433 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1021/nn200567m
Abstract: We present experimental and computational results that enlighten the mechanisms underlying the chemical contribution to surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). Gold void metallic arrays electrochemically covered either by a Ag monolayer or 10100 Ag layers were modified with a self-assembled monolayer of 4-mercaptopyridine as a molecular Raman probe displaying a rich and unexpected Raman response. A resonant increase of the Raman intensity in the red part of the spectrum is observed that cannot be related to plasmon excitations of the cavity-array. Notably, we find an additional 1020 time increase of the SERS amplification upon deposition of a single Ag layer on the Au substrate, which is, however, almost quenched upon deposition of 10 atomic layers. Further deposition of 100 atomic Ag layers results in a new increase of the SERS signal, consistent with the improved plasmonic efficiency of Ag bulk-like structures. The SERS response as a function of the Ag layer thickness is analyzed in terms of ab initio calculations and a microscopic model for the SERS chemical mechanism based on a resonant charge transfer process between the molecular HOMO state and the Fermi level in the metal surface. We find that a rearrangement of the electronic charge density related to the presence of the Ag monolayer in the Au/Ag/molecule complex causes an increase in the distance between the HOMO center of charge and the metallic image plane that is responsible for the variation of Raman enhancement between the studied substrates. Our results provide a general platform for studying the chemical contribution to SERS, and for enhancing the Raman efficiency of tailored Au-SERS templates through electrochemical modification with Ag films.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 13.942
Times cited: 26
DOI: 10.1021/nn200567m
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“From precursor powders to CsPbX3 perovskite nanowires : one-pot synthesis, growth mechanism, and oriented self-assembly”. Tong Y, Bohn BJ, Bladt E, Wang K, Mueller-Buschbaum P, Bals S, Urban AS, Polavarapu L, Feldmann J, Angewandte Chemie: international edition in English 56, 13887 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1002/ANIE.201707224
Abstract: <script type='text/javascript'>document.write(unpmarked('The colloidal synthesis and assembly of semiconductor nanowires continues to attract a great deal of interest. Herein, we describe the single-step ligand-mediated synthesis of single-crystalline CsPbBr3 perovskite nanowires (NWs) directly from the precursor powders. Studies of the reaction process and the morphological evolution revealed that the initially formed CsPbBr3 nanocubes are transformed into NWs through an oriented-attachment mechanism. The optical properties of the NWs can be tuned across the entire visible range by varying the halide (Cl, Br, and I) composition through subsequent halide ion exchange. Single-particle studies showed that these NWs exhibit strongly polarized emission with a polarization anisotropy of 0.36. More importantly, the NWs can self-assemble in a quasi-oriented fashion at an air/liquid interface. This process should also be easily applicable to perovskite nanocrystals of different morphologies for their integration into nanoscale optoelectronic devices.'));
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 11.994
Times cited: 223
DOI: 10.1002/ANIE.201707224
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“From polyester grafting onto POSS nanocage by ring-opening polymerization to high performance polyester/POSS nanocomposites”. Goffin A-L, Duquesne E, Raquez J-M, Miltner HE, Ke X, Alexandre M, Van Tendeloo G, van Mele B, Dubois P, Journal of materials chemistry 20, 9415 (2010). http://doi.org/10.1039/c0jm00283f
Abstract: Polyester-grafted polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) nanohybrids selectively produced by ring-opening polymerization of ε-caprolactone and L,L-lactide (A.-L. Goffin, E. Duquesne, S. Moins, M. Alexandre, Ph. Dubois, Eur. Polym. Journal, 2007, 43, 4103) were studied as masterbatches by melt-blending within their corresponding commercial polymeric matrices, i.e., poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) and poly(L,L-lactide) (PLA). For the sake of comparison, neat POSS nanoparticles were also dispersed in PCL and PLA. The objective was to prepare aliphatic polyester-based nanocomposites with enhanced crystallization behavior, and therefore, enhanced thermo-mechanical properties. Wide-angle X-ray scattering and transmission electron microscopy attested for the dispersion of individualized POSS nanoparticles in the resulting nanocomposite materials only when the polyester-grafted POSS nanohybrid was used as a masterbatch. The large impact of such finely dispersed (grafted) nanoparticles on the crystallization behavior for the corresponding polyester matrices was noticed, as evidenced by differential scanning calorimetry analysis. Indeed, well-dispersed POSS nanoparticles acted as efficient nucleating sites, significantly increasing the crystallinity degree of both PCL and PLA matrices. As a result, a positive impact on thermo-mechanical properties was highlighted by dynamic mechanical thermal analysis.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Times cited: 42
DOI: 10.1039/c0jm00283f
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“From olivine to ringwoodite : a TEM study of a complex process”. Pittarello L, Ji G, Yamaguchi A, Schryvers D, Debaille V, Claeys P, Meteoritics and Planetary Science 50, 944 (2015). http://doi.org/10.1111/maps.12441
Abstract: The study of shock metamorphism of olivine might help to constrain impact events in the history of meteorites. Although shock features in olivine are well known, so far, there are processes that are not yet completely understood. In shock veins, olivine clasts with a complex structure, with a ringwoodite rim and a dense network of lamellae of unidentified nature in the core, have been reported in the literature. A highly shocked (S5-6), L6 meteorite, Asuka 09584, which was recently collected in Antarctica by a Belgian-Japanese joint expedition, contains this type of shocked olivine clasts and has been, therefore, selected for detailed investigations of these features by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Petrographic, geochemical, and crystallographic studies showed that the rim of these shocked clasts consists of an aggregate of nanocrystals of ringwoodite, with lower Mg/Fe ratio than the unshocked olivine. The clast's core consists of an aggregate of iso-oriented grains of olivine and wadsleyite, with higher Mg/Fe ratio than the unshocked olivine. This aggregate is crosscut by veinlets of nanocrystals of olivine, with extremely low Mg/Fe ratio. The formation of the ringwoodite rim is likely due to solid-state, diffusion-controlled, transformation from olivine under high-temperature conditions. The aggregate of iso-oriented olivine and wadsleyite crystals is interpreted to have formed also by a solid-state process, likely by coherent intracrystalline nucleation. Following the compression, shock release is believed to have caused opening of cracks and fractures in olivine and formation of olivine melt, which has lately crystallized under postshock equilibrium pressure conditions as olivine.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 2.391
Times cited: 8
DOI: 10.1111/maps.12441
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“From multi- to single-hollow trimetallic nanocrystals by ultrafast heating”. Manzaneda-Gonzalez V, Jenkinson K, Pena-Rodriguez O, Borrell-Grueiro O, Trivino-Sanchez S, Banares L, Junquera E, Espinosa A, Gonzalez-Rubio G, Bals S, Guerrero-Martinez A, Chemistry of materials 35, 9603 (2023). http://doi.org/10.1021/ACS.CHEMMATER.3C01698
Abstract: Metal nanocrystals (NCs) display unique physicochemical features that are highly dependent on nanoparticle dimensions, anisotropy, structure, and composition. The development of synthesis methodologies that allow us to tune such parameters finely emerges as crucial for the application of metal NCs in catalysis, optical materials, or biomedicine. Here, we describe a synthetic methodology to fabricate hollow multimetallic heterostructures using a combination of seed-mediated growth routes and femtosecond-pulsed laser irradiation. The envisaged methodology relies on the coreduction of Ag and Pd ions on gold nanorods (Au NRs) to form Au@PdAg core-shell nanostructures containing small cavities at the Au-PdAg interface. The excitation of Au@PdAg NRs with low fluence femtosecond pulses was employed to induce the coalescence and growth of large cavities, forming multihollow anisotropic Au@PdAg nanostructures. Moreover, single-hollow alloy AuPdAg could be achieved in high yield by increasing the irradiation energy. Advanced electron microscopy techniques, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) tomography, X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy, and finite differences in the time domain (FDTD) simulations allowed us to characterize the morphology, structure, and elemental distribution of the irradiated NCs in detail. The ability of the reported synthesis route to fabricate multimetallic NCs with unprecedented hollow nanostructures offers attractive prospects for the fabrication of tailored high-entropy alloy nanoparticles.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 8.6
Times cited: 2
DOI: 10.1021/ACS.CHEMMATER.3C01698
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“From graphene to graphite: electronic structure around the K point”. Partoens B, Peeters FM, Physical review : B : condensed matter and materials physics 74, 075404 (2006). http://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.74.075404
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.836
Times cited: 738
DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevB.74.075404
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“From fast-track implementation to livelihood deterioration: The dam-based Ribb Irrigation and Drainage Project in Northwest Ethiopia”. Annys S, Van Passel S, Dessein J, Adgo E, Nyssen J, Agricultural Systems 184, 102909 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.AGSY.2020.102909
Abstract: The 21st century revival of large-scale water resources development projects makes it important to keep assessing their impacts – preferably from an interdisciplinary perspective – in order to not repeat past mistakes and explore whether they could improve livelihood conditions for rural communities. In this study, costs and benefits of the World Bank-funded Ribb Irrigation and Drainage Project (RIDP) were investigated using a unique systems approach. The impact for farmers with different initial farming systems (rainfed – residual moisture – irrigated) was studied using field observations, document analyses, remote sensing, agronomic data and semi-structured interviews (n = 165). Data on project-induced changes to land and water availability, cropping patterns, farming systems and farm-level economics were collected. The results show that dam and dyke construction has reduced flooding, which has resulted in declining rice productivity ( – 42%) and concomitant shifts to lower value cropping systems. Results also reveal that the land redistribution has caused widespread livelihood deterioration as households had to give up 25% of their farmland and the communal grazing land was fully converted into farmland. Due to top-down implementation, nontransparent communication, delayed construction and lagging financial compensation, social resistance has appeared in the command area, impeding the construction works. In addition to these problems, if no rapid change to higher value crops can be realized, 20.5% of the farmers (those who already irrigate) will experience a loss of livelihood, 64.1% of the farmers (those with rainfed and residual moisture cultivation) will be on the verge of livelihood deterioration and only 13.5% of the farmers (those with solely rainfed cultivation) will enjoy RIDP-induced improved livelihoods. The fate of this project stresses the importance of investigating initial farming systems, exploring worthy project alternatives, improving participation, communication and benefit-sharing and strengthening the institutional capacity of implementing authorities.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering Management (ENM)
Impact Factor: 6.6
DOI: 10.1016/J.AGSY.2020.102909
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“From CdSe nanoplatelets to quantum rings by thermochemical edge reconfiguration”. Salzmann BBV, Vliem JF, Maaskant DN, Post LC, Li C, Bals S, Vanmaekelbergh D, Chemistry Of Materials 33, 6853 (2021). http://doi.org/10.1021/ACS.CHEMMATER.1C01618
Abstract: The variation in the shape of colloidal semiconductor nanocrystals (NCs) remains intriguing. This interest goes beyond crystallography as the shape of the NC determines its energy levels and optoelectronic properties. While thermodynamic arguments point to a few or just a single shape(s), terminated by the most stable crystal facets, a remarkable variation in NC shape has been reported for many different compounds. For instance, for the well-studied case of CdSe, close-to-spherical quantum dots, rods, two-dimensional nanoplatelets, and quantum rings have been reported. Here, we report how two-dimensional CdSe nanoplatelets reshape into quantum rings. We monitor the reshaping in real time by combining atomically resolved structural characterization with optical absorption and photoluminescence spectroscopy. We observe that CdSe units leave the vertical sides of the edges and recrystallize on the top and bottom edges of the nanoplatelets, resulting in a thickening of the rims. The formation of a central hole, rendering the shape into a ring, only occurs at a more elevated temperature.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 9.466
Times cited: 7
DOI: 10.1021/ACS.CHEMMATER.1C01618
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“From Bi4V2O11 to Bi4V2O10.66: the VV-VIV transformation in the Aurovillius-type framework”. Huvé, M, Vannier R-N, Nowogrocki G, Mairesse G, Van Tendeloo G, Journal of materials chemistry 6, 1339 (1996). http://doi.org/10.1039/jm9960601339
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Times cited: 63
DOI: 10.1039/jm9960601339
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“From biogas and hydrogen to microbial protein through co-cultivation of methane and hydrogen oxidizing bacteria”. Kerckhof F-M, Sakarika M, Van Giel M, Muys M, Vermeir P, De Vrieze J, Vlaeminck SE, Rabaey K, Boon N, Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology 9, 733753 (2021). http://doi.org/10.3389/FBIOE.2021.733753
Abstract: Increasing efforts are directed towards the development of sustainable alternative protein sources among which microbial protein (MP) is one of the most promising. Especially when waste streams are used as substrates, the case for MP could become environmentally favorable. The risks of using organic waste streams for MP production–the presence of pathogens or toxicants–can be mitigated by their anaerobic digestion and subsequent aerobic assimilation of the (filter-sterilized) biogas. Even though methane and hydrogen oxidizing bacteria (MOB and HOB) have been intensively studied for MP production, the potential benefits of their co-cultivation remain elusive. Here, we isolated a diverse group of novel HOB (that were capable of autotrophic metabolism), and co-cultured them with a defined set of MOB, which could be grown on a mixture of biogas and H2/O2. The combination of MOB and HOB, apart from the CH4 and CO2 contained in biogas, can also enable the valorization of the CO2 that results from the oxidation of methane by the MOB. Different MOB and HOB combinations were grown in serum vials to identify the best-performing ones. We observed synergistic effects on growth for several combinations, and in all combinations a co-culture consisting out of both HOB and MOB could be maintained during five days of cultivation. Relative to the axenic growth, five out of the ten co-cultures exhibited 1.1–3.8 times higher protein concentration and two combinations presented 2.4–6.1 times higher essential amino acid content. The MP produced in this study generally contained lower amounts of the essential amino acids histidine, lysine and threonine, compared to tofu and fishmeal. The most promising combination in terms of protein concentration and essential amino acid profile was Methyloparacoccus murrelli LMG 27482 with Cupriavidus necator LMG 1201. Microbial protein from M. murrelli and C. necator requires 27–67% less quantity than chicken, whole egg and tofu, while it only requires 15% more quantity than the amino acid-dense soybean to cover the needs of an average adult. In conclusion, while limitations still exist, the co-cultivation of MOB and HOB creates an alternative route for MP production leveraging safe and sustainably-produced gaseous substrates.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
DOI: 10.3389/FBIOE.2021.733753
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“From anisole to 1,2,4,5-tetramethoxybenzene: theoretical study of the factors that determine the conformation of methoxy groups on a benzene ring”. Vande Velde C, Bultinck E, Tersago K, van Alsenoy C, Blockhuys F, International journal of quantum chemistry 107, 670 (2007). http://doi.org/10.1002/qua.21183
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 2.92
Times cited: 14
DOI: 10.1002/qua.21183
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“From 2D to 3D : bridging self-assembled monolayers to a substrate-induced polymorph in a molecular semiconductor”. Hao Y, Velpula G, Kaltenegger M, Bodlos WR, Vibert F, Mali KS, De Feyter S, Resel R, Geerts YH, Van Aert S, Beljonne D, Lazzaroni R, Chemistry of materials 34, 2238 (2022). http://doi.org/10.1021/ACS.CHEMMATER.1C04038
Abstract: In this study, a new bottom-up approach is proposed to predict the crystal structure of the substrate-induced polymorph (SIP) of an archetypal molecular semiconductor. In spite of intense efforts, the formation mechanism of SIPs is still not fully understood, and predicting their crystal structure is a very delicate task. Here, we selected lead phthalocyanine (PbPc) as a prototypical molecular material because it is a highly symmetrical yet nonplanar molecule and we demonstrate that the growth and crystal structure of the PbPc SIPs can be templated by the corresponding physisorbed self-assembled molecular networks (SAMNs). Starting from SAMNs of PbPc formed at the solution/graphite interface, the structural and energetic aspects of the assembly were studied by a combination of in situ scanning tunneling microscopy and multiscale computational chemistry approach. Then, the growth of a PbPc SIP on top of the physisorbed monolayer was modeled without prior experimental knowledge, from which the crystal structure of the SIP was predicted. The theoretical prediction of the SIP was verified by determining the crystal structure of PbPc thin films using X-ray diffraction techniques, revealing the formation of a new polymorph of PbPc on the graphite substrate. This study clearly illustrates the correlation between the SAMNs and SIPs, which are traditionally considered as two separate but conceptually connected research areas. This approach is applicable to molecular materials in general to predict the crystal structure of their SIPs.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 8.6
DOI: 10.1021/ACS.CHEMMATER.1C04038
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“Freezing vortex rivers”. Silhanek AV, Kramer RGB, van de Vondel J, Moshchalkov VV, Milošević, MV, Berdiyorov GR, Peeters FM, Luccas RF, Puig T, Physica: C : superconductivity 470, 726 (2010). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.physc.2010.02.072
Abstract: We demonstrate experimentally and theoretically that the dissipative state at high current densities of superconducting samples with a periodic array of holes consist of flux rivers resulting from a short range attractive interaction between vortices. This dynamically induced vortexvortex attraction results from the migration of quasiparticles out of the vortex core. We have directly visualized the formation of vortex chains by scanning Hall microscopy after freezing the dynamic state by a field cooling procedure at constant bias current. Similar experiments carried out in a sample without holes show no hint of flux river formation.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 1.404
Times cited: 4
DOI: 10.1016/j.physc.2010.02.072
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“Free-standing Si and Ge, and Ge/Si core-shell semiconductor nanowires”. Peelaers H, Partoens B, Peeters FM, Acta physica Polonica: A: general physics, solid state physics, applied physics
T2 –, WELCOME Scientific Meeting on Hybrid Nanostructures, AUG 28-31, 2011, Torun, POLAND 122, 294 (2012)
Abstract: The properties of free-standing silicon and germanium nanowires oriented along the [110] direction are studied using different first principles methods. We show the corrections due to quasi-particles to the band structures obtained using the local-density approximation. The formation energies of B and P doped nanowires are calculated, both in the absence and presence of dangling bond defects and we link these to experimental results. Furthermore, we report on the phonon properties of pure Si and Ge nanowires, as well as Ge/Si core-shell nanowires, and discuss the differences between them.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 0.469
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“Free-carrier effects in gallium nitride epilayers: Valence-band dispersion”. Shields PA, Nicholas RJ, Peeters FM, Beaumont B, Gibart P, Physical Review B 64, 155303 (2001). http://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.64.081203
Abstract: The dispersion of the A-valence-band in GaN has been deduced from the observation of high-index magnetoexcitonic states in polarized interband magnetoreflectivity and is found to be strongly nonparabolic with a mass in the range 1.2-1.8m(e). It matches the theory of Kim et al. [Phys. Rev. B 56, 7363 (1997)] extremely well, which also gives a strong k-dependent A-valence-band mass. A strong phonon coupling leads to quenching of the observed transitions at about an LO-phonon energy above the band gap and a strong nonparabolicity. The valence band was deduced from subtracting from the reduced dispersion the electron contribution with a model that includes a full treatment of the electron-phonon interaction.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.836
Times cited: 13
DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevB.64.081203
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“Free surfaces recast superconductivity in few-monolayer MgB2 : combined first-principles and ARPES demonstration”. Bekaert J, Bignardi L, Aperis A, van Abswoude P, Mattevi C, Gorovikov S, Petaccia L, Goldoni A, Partoens B, Oppeneer PM, Peeters FM, Milošević, MV, Rudolf P, Cepek C, Scientific reports 7, 14458 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1038/S41598-017-13913-Z
Abstract: <script type='text/javascript'>document.write(unpmarked('Two-dimensional materials are known to harbour properties very different from those of their bulk counterparts. Recent years have seen the rise of atomically thin superconductors, with a caveat that superconductivity is strongly depleted unless enhanced by specific substrates, intercalants or adatoms. Surprisingly, the role in superconductivity of electronic states originating from simple free surfaces of two-dimensional materials has remained elusive to date. Here, based on first-principles calculations, anisotropic Eliashberg theory, and angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES), we show that surface states in few-monolayer MgB2 make a major contribution to the superconducting gap spectrum and density of states, clearly distinct from the widely known, bulk-like sigma-and pi-gaps. As a proof of principle, we predict and measure the gap opening on the magnesium-based surface band up to a critical temperature as high as similar to 30 K for merely six monolayers thick MgB2. These findings establish free surfaces as an unavoidable ingredient in understanding and further tailoring of superconductivity in atomically thin materials.'));
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 4.259
Times cited: 27
DOI: 10.1038/S41598-017-13913-Z
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“Free energy barriers from biased molecular dynamics simulations”. Bal KM, Fukuhara S, Shibuta Y, Neyts EC, Journal Of Chemical Physics 153, 114118 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1063/5.0020240
Abstract: Atomistic simulation methods for the quantification of free energies are in wide use. These methods operate by sampling the probability density of a system along a small set of suitable collective variables (CVs), which is, in turn, expressed in the form of a free energy surface (FES). This definition of the FES can capture the relative stability of metastable states but not that of the transition state because the barrier height is not invariant to the choice of CVs. Free energy barriers therefore cannot be consistently computed from the FES. Here, we present a simple approach to calculate the gauge correction necessary to eliminate this inconsistency. Using our procedure, the standard FES as well as its gauge-corrected counterpart can be obtained by reweighing the same simulated trajectory at little additional cost. We apply the method to a number of systems—a particle solvated in a Lennard-Jones fluid, a Diels–Alder reaction, and crystallization of liquid sodium—to demonstrate its ability to produce consistent free energy barriers that correctly capture the kinetics of chemical or physical transformations, and discuss the additional demands it puts on the chosen CVs. Because the FES can be converged at relatively short (sub-ns) time scales, a free energy-based description of reaction kinetics is a particularly attractive option to study chemical processes at more expensive quantum mechanical levels of theory.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 4.4
DOI: 10.1063/5.0020240
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“Free energy and structural phase transitions in mixed crystals: a microscopic derivation”. Theuns T, Michel KH, Zeitschrift für Physik: B 86, 125 (1992). http://doi.org/10.1007/BF01323556
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Times cited: 1
DOI: 10.1007/BF01323556
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“Free energy and orientational phase transition in solid C60”. Michel KH, Zeitschrift für Physik: B 88, 71 (1992). http://doi.org/10.1007/BF01573839
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Times cited: 33
DOI: 10.1007/BF01573839
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