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Author Rakesh Roshan, S.C.; Yedukondalu, N.; Pandey, T.; Kunduru, L.; Muthaiah, R.; Rajaboina, R.K.; Ehm, L.; Parise, J.B.
Title Effect of atomic mass contrast on lattice thermal conductivity : a case study for alkali halides and alkaline-earth chalcogenides Type (down) A1 Journal article
Year 2023 Publication ACS applied electronic materials Abbreviated Journal
Volume 5 Issue 11 Pages 5852-5863
Keywords A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Abstract Lattice thermal conductivity (kappa(L)) is of great scientific interest for the development of efficient energy conversion technologies. Therefore, microscopic understanding of phonon transport is critically important for designing functional materials. In our previous study (Roshan et al., ACS Applied Energy Mater. 2021, 5, 882-896), anomalous kappa(L) trends were predicted for rocksalt alkaline-earth chalcogenides (AECs). In the present work, we extended it to alkali halides (AHs) and conducted a thorough investigation to explore the role of atomic mass contrast on lattice dynamics and phonon transport properties of 36 binary compounds (20 AHs + 16 AECs). The calculated spectral and cumulative kappa(L) reveal that low-lying optical phonon modes significantly boost kappa(L) alongside acoustic phonons in materials where the atomic mass ratio approaches unity and cophonocity nears zero. Phonon scattering rates are relatively low for materials with a mass ratio close to one, and the corresponding phonon lifetimes are higher, which enhances kappa(L). Phonon lifetimes play a critical role, outweighing phonon group velocities, in determining the anomalous trends in kappa(L) for both AHs and AECs. To further explore the role of atomic mass contrast in kappa(L), the effect of tensile lattice strain on phonon transport has also been investigated. Under tensile strain, both group velocities and phonon lifetimes decrease in the low frequency range, leading to a decrease in kappa(L). This work provides insights on how atomic mass contrast can tune the contribution of optical phonons to kappa(L) and its implications on scattering rates by either enhancing or suppressing kappa(L). These insights would aid in the selection of elements for designing new functional materials with and without atomic mass contrast to achieve relatively high and low kappa(L) values, respectively.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001096792500001 Publication Date 2023-10-26
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2637-6113 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: NA
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:201198 Serial 9026
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Author Matnazarova, S.; Khalilov, U.; Yusupov, M.
Title Effect of endohedral nickel atoms on the hydrophilicity of carbon nanotubes Type (down) A1 Journal article
Year 2023 Publication Molecular simulation Abbreviated Journal
Volume 49 Issue 17 Pages 1575-1581
Keywords A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been successfully used in biomedicine, including cancer therapy, due to their unique physico-chemical properties. Because pristine CNTs exhibit hydrophobic behaviour, they can have a cytotoxic effect on cells, which limits their practical use in biomedicine. The toxicity of CNTs can be reduced by adding water-soluble functional radicals to their surface, i.e. by increasing their hydrophilicity. Another possibility for increasing the hydrophilicity of CNTs is probably filling them with endohedral metal atoms, which has not yet been studied. Thus, in this study, we use computer simulations to investigate the combined effect of endohedral nickel atoms and functional groups on the hydrophilicity of CNTs. Our simulation results show that the introduction of endohedral nickel atoms into CNTs increases their binding energy with functional groups. We also find that the addition of functional groups to the surface of CNT, along with filling it with endohedral nickel atoms, leads to an increase in the dipole moment of the CNT as well as its interaction energy with water, thereby increasing the hydrophilicity of the CNT and, consequently, its solubility in water. This, in turn, can lead to a decrease in CNT toxicity.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001059544800001 Publication Date 2023-09-06
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0892-7022 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 2.1 Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 2.1; 2023 IF: 1.254
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:199261 Serial 9027
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Author Oliveira, M.C.; Cordeiro, R.M.; Bogaerts, A.
Title Effect of lipid oxidation on the channel properties of Cx26 hemichannels : a molecular dynamics study Type (down) A1 Journal article
Year 2023 Publication Archives of biochemistry and biophysics Abbreviated Journal
Volume 746 Issue Pages 109741-12
Keywords A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract Intercellular communication plays a crucial role in cancer, as well as other diseases, such as inflammation, tissue degeneration, and neurological disorders. One of the proteins responsible for this, are connexins (Cxs), which come together to form a hemichannel. When two hemichannels of opposite cells interact with each other, they form a gap junction (GJ) channel, connecting the intracellular space of these cells. They allow the passage of ions, reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS), and signaling molecules from the interior of one cell to another cell, thus playing an essential role in cell growth, differentiation, and homeostasis. The importance of GJs for disease induction and therapy development is becoming more appreciated, especially in the context of oncology. Studies have shown that one of the mechanisms to control the formation and disruption of GJs is mediated by lipid oxidation pathways, but the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. In this study, we performed atomistic molecular dynamics simulations to evaluate how lipid oxidation influences the channel properties of Cx26 hemichannels, such as channel gating and permeability. Our results demonstrate that the Cx26 hemichannel is more compact in the presence of oxidized lipids, decreasing its pore diameter at the extracellular side and increasing it at the amino terminus domains, respectively. The permeability of the Cx26 hemichannel for water and RONS molecules is higher in the presence of oxidized lipids. The latter may facilitate the intracellular accumulation of RONS, possibly increasing oxidative stress in cells. A better understanding of this process will help to enhance the efficacy of oxidative stress-based cancer treatments.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001079100300001 Publication Date 2023-09-07
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0003-9861; 1096-0384 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 3.9 Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 3.9; 2023 IF: 3.165
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:200282 Serial 9028
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Author Alvarado-Alvarado, A.A.; Smets, W.; Irga, P.; Denys, S.
Title Engineering green wall botanical biofiltration to abate indoor volatile organic compounds : a review on mechanisms, phyllosphere bioaugmentation, and modeling Type (down) A1 Journal article
Year 2024 Publication Journal of hazardous materials Abbreviated Journal
Volume 465 Issue Pages 133491-16
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract Indoor air pollution affects the global population, especially in developed countries where people spend around 90% of their time indoors. The recent pandemic exacerbated the exposure by relying on indoor spaces and a teleworking lifestyle. VOCs are a group of indoor air pollutants with harmful effects on human health at low concentrations. It is widespread that plants can remove indoor VOCs. To this day, research has combined principles of phytoremediation, biofiltration, and bioremediation into a holistic and sustainable technology called botanical biofiltration. Overall, it is sustained that its main advantage is the capacity to break down and biodegrade pollutants using low energy input. This differs from traditional systems that transfer VOCs to another phase. Furthermore, it offers additional benefits like decreased indoor air health costs, enhanced work productivity, and well-being. However, many disparities exist within the field regarding the role of plants, substrate, and phyllosphere bacteria. Yet their role has been theorized; its stability is poorly known for an engineering approach. Previous research has not addressed the bioaugmentation of the phyllosphere to increase the performance, which could boost the system. Moreover, most experiments have studied passive potted plant systems at a lab scale using small chambers, making it difficult to extrapolate findings into tangible parameters to engineer the technology. Active systems are believed to be more efficient yet require more maintenance and knowledge expertise; besides, the impact of the active flow on the long term is not fully understood. Besides, modeling the system has been oversimplified, limiting the understanding and optimization. This review sheds light on the field’s gains and gaps, like concepts, experiments, and modeling. We believe that embracing a multidisciplinary approach encompassing experiments, multiphysics modeling, microbial community analysis, and coworking with the indoor air sector will enable the optimization of the technology and facilitate its adoption.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos Publication Date 2024-01-11
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0304-3894 ISBN Additional Links UA library record
Impact Factor 13.6 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 13.6; 2024 IF: 6.065
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:202311 Serial 9030
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Author Watson, G.; Kummamuru, N.B.; Verbruggen, S.W.; Perreault, P.; Houlleberghs, M.; Martens, J.; Breynaert, E.; Van Der Voort, P.
Title Engineering of hollow periodic mesoporous organosilica nanorods for augmented hydrogen clathrate formation Type (down) A1 Journal article
Year 2023 Publication Journal of materials chemistry A : materials for energy and sustainability Abbreviated Journal
Volume 11 Issue 47 Pages 26265-26276
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology
Abstract Hydrogen (H2) storage, in the form of clathrate hydrates, has emerged as an attractive alternative to classical storage methods like compression or liquefaction. Nevertheless, the sluggish enclathration kinetics along with low gas storage capacities in bulk systems is currently impeding the progress of this technology. To this end, unstirred systems coupled with porous materials have been shown to tackle the aforementioned drawbacks. In line with this approach, the present study explores the use of hydrophobic periodic organosilica nanoparticles, later denoted as hollow ring-PMO (HRPMO), for H2 storage as clathrate hydrates under mild operating conditions (5.56 mol% THF, 7 MPa, and 265–273 K). The surface of the HRPMO nanoparticles was carefully decorated/functionalized with THF-like moieties, which are well-known promoter agents in clathrate formation when applied in classical, homogeneous systems. The study showed that, while the non-functionalized HRPMO can facilitate the formation of binary H2-THF clathrates, the incorporation of surface-bound promotor structures enhances this process. More intriguingly, tuning the concentration of these surface-bound promotor agents on the HRPMO led to a notable effect on solid-state H2 storage capacities. An increase of 3% in H2 storage capacity, equivalent to 0.26 wt%, along with a substantial increase of up to 28% in clathrate growth kinetics, was observed when an optimal loading of 0.14 mmol g−1 of promoter agent was integrated into the HRPMO framework. Overall, the findings from this study highlight that such tuning effects in the solid-state have the potential to significantly boost hydrate formation/growth kinetics and H2 storage capacities, thereby opening new avenues for the ongoing development of H2 clathrates in industrial applications.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001108752600001 Publication Date 2023-11-24
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2050-7488; 2050-7496 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 11.9 Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 11.9; 2023 IF: 8.867
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:201007 Serial 9031
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Author Deconinck, E.; Polet, M.A.; Canfyn, M.; Duchateau, C.; De Braekeleer, K.; Van Echelpoel, R.; De Wael, K.; Gremeaux, L.; Degreef, M.; Balcaen, M.
Title Evaluation of an electrochemical sensor and comparison with spectroscopic approaches as used today in practice for harm reduction in a festival setting: a case study : analysis of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine samples Type (down) A1 Journal article
Year 2023 Publication Drug testing and analysis Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue Pages 1-13
Keywords A1 Journal article; Pharmacology. Therapy; Antwerp Electrochemical and Analytical Sciences Lab (A-Sense Lab)
Abstract More and more countries and organisations emphasise the value of harm reduction measures in the context of illicit drug use and abuse. One of these measures is drug checking, a preventive action that can represent a quick win by tailored consultation on the risks of substance use upon analytical screening of a submitted sample. Unlike drop-in centres that operate within a fixed setting, enabling drug checking in a harm reduction context at events requires portable, easy to use analytical approaches, operated by personnel with limited knowledge of analytical chemistry. In this case study, four different approaches were compared for the characterisation of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine samples and this in the way the approaches would be applied today in an event context. The four approaches are mid-infrared (MIR), near-infrared, and Raman spectroscopy, which are today used in drug checking context in Belgium, as well as an electrochemical sensor approach initially developed in the context of law enforcement at ports. The MIR and the electrochemical approach came out best, with the latter allowing for a direct straightforward analysis of the percentage 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (as base equivalent) in the samples. However, MIR has the advantage that, in a broader drug checking context, it allows to screen for several molecules and so is able to identify unexpected active components or at least the group to which such components belong. The latter is also an important advantage in the context of the growing emergence of new psychotropic substances. MIR, NIR, Raman spectroscopy, and an electrochemical sensor (Narcoreader (R)) for MDMA analysis were compared in a realistic harm reduction context. NIR and Raman failed in simple library approaches. MIR and Narcoreader (R) were preferred. MIR came out as first choice. MIR and Narcoreader (R) have complementary (dis)advantages and could be used in a two-step approach: MIR for screening and Narcoreader (R) for dosage/risk evaluation of MDMA samples.image
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001122493700001 Publication Date 2023-12-12
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1942-7603; 1942-7611 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 2.9 Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 2.9; 2023 IF: 3.469
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:202047 Serial 9032
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Author Duran, T.A.; Šabani, D.; Milošević, M.V.; Sahin, H.
Title Experimental and theoretical investigation of synthesis and properties of dodecanethiol-functionalized MoS₂ Type (down) A1 Journal article
Year 2023 Publication Physical chemistry, chemical physics Abbreviated Journal
Volume 25 Issue 40 Pages 27141-27150
Keywords A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Abstract Herein, we investigate the DDT (1-dodecanethiol) functionalization of exfoliated MoS2 by using experimental and theoretical tools. For the functionalization of MoS2, DDT treatment was incorporated into the conventional NMP (N-methyl pyrrolidone) exfoliation procedure. Afterward, it has been demonstrated that the functionalization process is successful through optical, morphological and theoretical analysis. The D, G and 2LA peaks seen in the Raman spectrum of exfoliated NMP-MoS2 particles, indicate the formation of graphitic species on MoS2 sheets. In addition, as the DDT ratio increases, the vacant sites on MoS2 sheets diminish. Moreover, at an optimized ratio of DDT-NMP, the maximum number of graphitic quantum dots (GQDs) is observed on MoS2 nanosheets. Specifically, the STEM and AFM data confirm that GQDs reside on the MoS2 nano-sheets and also that the particle size of the DDT-MoS2 is mostly fixed, while the NMP-MoS2 show many smaller and distributed sizes. The comparison of PL intensities of the NMP-MoS2 and DDT-MoS2 samples states a 10-fold increment is visible, and a 60-fold increment in NIR region photoluminescent properties. Moreover, our results lay out understanding and perceptions on the surface and edge chemistry of exfoliated MoS2 and open up more opportunities for MoS2 and GQD particles with broader applications.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001076998800001 Publication Date 2023-09-29
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1463-9076; 1463-9084 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 3.3 Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 3.3; 2023 IF: 4.123
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:200284 Serial 9033
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Author Liu, C.(T.); Alvarez-Martin, A.; Keune, K.
Title Exploring benzyl alcohol derivatives and related compounds in the cleaning of oil paintings Type (down) A1 Journal article
Year 2023 Publication Studies in conservation Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue Pages 1-12
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Antwerp X-ray Imaging and Spectroscopy (AXIS)
Abstract This study examines five benzyl alcohol derivatives and three chemically similar compounds and compares them against benzyl alcohol in gelled emulsions for the removal of overpaint during cleaning of oil paintings. Comparative cleaning tests using xanthan gels, Pemulen® TR-2 gels, and neat solvent were made on overpaint on fragments of a seventeenth-century test painting. This approach demonstrated that molecular changes to a benzyl alcohol core resulted in enhanced control during the cleaning process. In some cases a benzyl alcohol derivative enabled selective removal of non-original material, when benzyl alcohol appeared to affect the original paint. Select derivatives were also tested in an area of overpaint on a sixteenth-century oil on panel painting by Jan van Scorel in the Rijksmuseum Collection through modifying the chemical activity of benzyl alcohol. Finally, two GC-MS-based methods were used to monitor benzyl alcohol retention and possible oxidation in paint layers post-treatment.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001027641300001 Publication Date 2023-07-11
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0039-3630; 2047-0584 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 0.8 Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 0.8; 2023 IF: 0.578
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:201643 Serial 9034
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Author Rabani, I.; Tahir, M.S.; Nisar, S.; Parrilla, M.; Truong, H.B.; Kim, M.; Seo, Y.-S.
Title Fabrication of larger surface area of ZIF8@ZIF67 reverse core-shell nanostructures for energy storage applications Type (down) A1 Journal article
Year 2024 Publication Electrochimica acta Abbreviated Journal
Volume 475 Issue Pages 143532-11
Keywords A1 Journal article; Antwerp Electrochemical and Analytical Sciences Lab (A-Sense Lab)
Abstract The construction of uniform nanostructure with larger surface area electrodes is a huge challenge for the highvalue added energy storage application. Herein, we demonstrates ZIF67@ZIF8 (core-shell) and ZIF8@ZIF67 (reverse core-shell) nanostructures using a low-cost wet chemical route and used them as supercapacitors. Pristine ZIF-67 and ZIF-8 was used as reference electrodes. Benefiting from the synergistic effect between the ZIF8 and ZIF67, the ZIF8@ZIF67 exhibited the outstanding electrochemical consequences owing to its larger surface area with uniform hexagonal morphology. As optimized ZIF8@ZIF67 nanostructure displayed the highcapacity of 1521 F/g at 1 A/g of current density in a three-electrode assembly in 1 M KOH electrolyte compared with other as-fabricated electrodes. In addition, the ZIF8@ZIF67 nanostructure employed into the symmetric supercapacitors (SSCs) with 1 M KOH electrolyte in two-electrode setup and it exhibited still superior output including capacity (249.8 F/g at 1 A/g), remarkable repeatability (87 % over 10,000 GCD cycles) along with high energy and power density (61.2 Wh/kg & 1260 W/kg). The present study uncovers the relationship between the larger surface area and electrocatalyst performance, supporting an effective approach to prepare favorable materials for enhanced capacity, extended lifespan, and energy density.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001134022100001 Publication Date 2023-12-01
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0013-4686 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 6.6 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 6.6; 2024 IF: 4.798
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:202082 Serial 9036
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Author Akande, S.O.; Samanta, B.; Sevik, C.; Cakir, D.
Title First-principles investigation of mechanical and thermal properties of M Al B (M = Mo, W), Cr₂ AlB₂, and Ti₂ In B₂ Type (down) A1 Journal article
Year 2023 Publication Physical review applied Abbreviated Journal
Volume 20 Issue 4 Pages 044064-17
Keywords A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Abstract The atomically laminated layered ternary transition-metal borides (the MAB phases) have demonstrated outstanding properties and have been applied in various fields. Understanding their thermal and mechanical properties is critical to determining their applicability in various fields such as high-temperature applications. To achieve this, we conducted first-principles calculations based on density-functional theory and the quasiharmonic approximation to determine the thermal expansion coefficients, Gruneisen parameters, bulk moduli, hardness, thermal conductivity, electron-phonon coupling parameters, and the structural and vibrational properties of MoAlB, WAlB, Cr2AlB2, and Ti2InB2. We found varying degrees of anisotropy in the thermal expansion and mechanical properties in spite of similarities in their crystal structures. MoAlB has a mild degree of anisotropy in its thermal expansion coefficient (TEC), while Cr2AlB2 and WAlB display the highest level of TEC anisotropy. We assessed various empirical models to calculate hardness and thermal conductivity, and correlated the calculated values with the material properties such as elastic moduli, Gruneisen parameter, Debye temperature, and type of bonding. Owing to their higher Gruneisen parameters, implying a greater degree of anharmonicity in lattice vibrations and lower phonon group velocities, MoAlB and WAlB have significantly lower lattice thermal conductivity values than those of Cr2AlB2 and Ti2InB2. The hardness and lattice thermal conductivity of MAB phases can be predicted with high accuracy if one utilizes an appropriate model.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001106456600003 Publication Date 2023-10-25
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2331-7019 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 4.6 Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 4.6; 2023 IF: 4.808
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:202078 Serial 9037
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Author Wittner, N.; Gergely, S.; Slezsák, J.; Broos, W.; Vlaeminck, S.E.; Cornet, I.
Title Follow-up of solid-state fungal wood pretreatment by a novel near-infrared spectroscopy-based lignin calibration model Type (down) A1 Journal article
Year 2023 Publication Journal of microbiological methods Abbreviated Journal
Volume 208 Issue Pages 106725-106727
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL); Biochemical Wastewater Valorization & Engineering (BioWaVE)
Abstract Lignin removal plays a crucial role in the efficient bioconversion of lignocellulose to fermentable sugars. As a delignification process, fungal pretreatment has gained great interest due to its environmental friendliness and low energy consumption. In our previous study, a positive linear correlation between acid-insoluble lignin degradation and the achievable enzymatic saccharification yield has been found, hereby highlighting the importance of the close follow-up of lignin degradation during the solid-state fungal pretreatment process. However, the standard quantification of lignin, which relies on the two-step acid hydrolysis of the biomass, is highly laborious and time-consuming. Vibrational spectroscopy has been proven as a fast and easy alternative; however, it has not been extensively researched on lignocellulose subjected to solid-state fungal pretreatment. Therefore, the present study examined the suitability of near-infrared spectroscopy (NIR) for the rapid and easy assessment of lignin content in poplar wood pretreated with Phanerochaete chrysosporium. Furthermore, the predictive power of the obtained calibration model and the recently published ATR-FTIR spectroscopy-based model were compared for the first time using the same fungus-treated wood data set. PLSR was used to correlate the NIR spectra to the acid-insoluble lignin contents (19.9%-27.1%) of pretreated wood. After normalization and second derivation, a PLSR model with a good coefficient of determination (RCV2 = 0.89) and a low root mean square error (RMSECV = 0.55%) were obtained despite the heterogeneous nature of the fungal solid-state fermentation. The performance of this PLSR model was comparably good to the one obtained by ATR-FTIR (RCV2 = 0.87) while it required more extensive spectral pre-processing. In conclusion, both methods will be highly useful for the high-throughput and user-friendly monitoring of lignin degradation in a solid-state fungal pretreatment-based biorefinery concept.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000983287400001 Publication Date 2023-04-13
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0167-7012 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 2.2 Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 2.2; 2023 IF: 1.79
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:195814 Serial 9038
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Author Van Daele, S.; Hintjens, L.; Hoekx, S.; Bohlen, B.; Neukermans, S.; Daems, N.; Hereijgers, J.; Breugelmans, T.
Title How flue gas impurities affect the electrochemical reduction of CO₂ to CO and formate Type (down) A1 Journal article
Year 2024 Publication Applied catalysis : B : environmental Abbreviated Journal
Volume 341 Issue Pages 123345-10
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Applied Electrochemistry & Catalysis (ELCAT); Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract The electrochemical CO2 reduction offers a promising solution to convert waste CO2 into valuable products like CO and formate. However, CO2 capture and purification remains an energy intensive process and therefore the direct usage of industrially available waste CO2 streams containing SO2, NO and O2 impurities becomes more interesting. This work demonstrates an efficient (Faradaic efficiency > 90 %) and stable performance over 20 h with 200 ppm SO2 or NO in the feed gas stream. However, the addition of 1 % O2 to the CO2 feed causes a significant drop in Faradaic efficiency to C-products due to the competitive oxygen reduction reaction. A potential mitigation strategy is to operate at higher total current density to firstly reduce most O2 and achieve sufficient product output from CO2 reduction. These results aid in understanding the impact of flue gas impurities during CO2 electrolysis which is crucial for potentially bypassing the CO2 purification step.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001102999000001 Publication Date 2023-10-01
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 22.1 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 22.1; 2024 IF: 9.446
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:199490 Serial 9044
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Author Rezaei, M.; Ghasemitarei, M.; Razzokov, J.; Yusupov, M.; Ghorbanalilu, M.; Ejtehadi, M.R.
Title In silico study of the impact of oxidation on pyruvate transmission across the hVDAC1 protein channel Type (down) A1 Journal article
Year 2024 Publication Archives of biochemistry and biophysics Abbreviated Journal
Volume 751 Issue Pages 109835-109837
Keywords A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract The overexpression of voltage dependent anion channels (VDACs), particularly VDAC1, in cancer cells compared to normal cells, plays a crucial role in cancer cell metabolism, apoptosis regulation, and energy homeostasis. In this study, we used molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to investigate the effect of a low level of VDAC1 oxidation (induced e.g., by cold atmospheric plasma (CAP)) on the pyruvate (Pyr) uptake by VDAC1. Inhibiting Pyr uptake through VDAC1 can suppress cancer cell proliferation. Our primary target was to study the translocation of Pyr across the native and oxidized forms of hVDAC1, the human VDAC1. Specifically, we employed MD simulations to analyze the hVDAC1 structure by modifying certain cysteine residues to cysteic acids and methionine residues to methionine sulfoxides, which allowed us to investigate the effect of oxidation. Our results showed that the free energy barrier for Pyr translocation through the native and oxidized channel was approximately 4.3 +/- 0.7 kJ mol-1 and 10.8 +/- 1.8 kJ mol-1, respectively. An increase in barrier results in a decrease in rate of Pyr permeation through the oxidized channel. Thus, our results indicate that low levels of CAP oxidation reduce Pyr translocation, resulting in decreased cancer cell proliferation. Therefore, low levels of oxidation are likely sufficient to treat cancer cells given the inhibition of Pyr uptake.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001127850500001 Publication Date 2023-11-23
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0003-9861; 1096-0384 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 3.9 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 3.9; 2024 IF: 3.165
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:202185 Serial 9046
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Author Faust, V.; Vlaeminck, S.E.; Ganigué, R.; Udert, K.M.
Title Influence of pH on urine nitrification : community shifts of ammonia-oxidizing bacteria and inhibition of nitrite-oxidizing bacteria Type (down) A1 Journal article
Year 2024 Publication ACS ES&T engineering Abbreviated Journal
Volume 4 Issue 2 Pages 342-353
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract Urine nitrification is pH-sensitive due to limited alkalinity and high residual ammonium concentrations. This study aimed to investigate how the pH affects nitrogen conversion and the microbial community of urine nitrification with a pH-based feeding strategy. First, kinetic parameters for NH3, HNO2, and NO2– limitation and inhibition were determined for nitrifiers from a urine nitrification reactor. The turning point for ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB), i.e., the substrate concentration at which a further increase would lead to a decrease in activity due to inhibitory effects, was at an NH3 concentration of 12 mg-N L–1, which was reached only at pH values above 7. The total nitrite turning point for nitrite-oxidizing bacteria (NOB) was pH-dependent, e.g., 18 mg-N L–1 at pH 6.3. Second, four years of data from two 120 L reactors were analyzed, showing that stable nitrification with low nitrite was most likely between pH 5.8 and 6.7. And third, six 12 L urine nitrification reactors were operated at total nitrogen concentrations of 1300 and 3600 mg-N L–1 and pH values between 2.5 and 8.5. At pH 6, the AOB Nitrosomonas europaea was found, and the NOB belonged to the genus Nitrobacter. At pH 7, nitrite accumulated, and Nitrosomonas halophila was the dominant AOB. NOB were inhibited by HNO2 accumulation. At pH 8.5, the AOB Nitrosomonas stercoris became dominant, and NH3 inhibited NOB. Without influent, the pH dropped to 2.5 due to the growth of the acid-tolerant AOB “Candidatus Nitrosacidococcus urinae”. In conclusion, pH is a decisive process control parameter for urine nitrification by influencing the selection and kinetics of nitrifiers.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos Publication Date 2023-11-02
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 Not_Open_Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: NA
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:203306 Serial 9048
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Author Koch, K.; Wuyts, K.; Denys, S.; Samson, R.
Title The influence of plant species, leaf morphology, height and season on PM capture efficiency in living wall systems Type (down) A1 Journal article
Year 2023 Publication The science of the total environment Abbreviated Journal
Volume 905 Issue Pages 167808-167811
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract Green infrastructure (GI) is already known to be a suitable way to enhance air quality in urban environments. Living wall systems (LWS) can be implemented in locations where other forms of GI, such as trees or hedges, are not suitable. However, much debate remains about the variables that influence their particulate matter (PM) accumulation efficiency. This study attempts to clarify which plant species are relatively the most efficient in capturing PM and which traits are decisive when it comes to the implementation of a LWS. We investigated 11 plant species commonly used on living walls, located close to train tracks and roads. PM accumulation on leaves was quantified by magnetic analysis (Saturation Isothermal Remanent Magnetization (SIRM)). Several leaf morphological variables that could potentially influence PM capture were assessed, as well as the Wall Leaf Area Index. A wide range in SIRM values (2.74–417 μA) was found between all species. Differences in SIRM could be attributed to one of the morphological parameters, namely SLA (specific leaf area). This suggest that by just assessing SLA, one can estimate the PM capture efficiency of a plant species, which is extremely interesting for urban greeners. Regarding temporal variation, some species accumulated PM over the growing season, while others actually decreased in PM levels. This decrease can be attributed to rapid leaf expansion and variations in meteorology. Correct assessment of leaf age is important here; we suggest individual labeling of leaves for further studies. Highest SIRM values were found close to ground level. This suggests that, when traffic is the main pollution source, it is most effective when LWS are applied at ground level. We conclude that LWS can act as local sinks for PM, provided that species are selected correctly and systems are applied according to the state of the art.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos Publication Date 2023-10-13
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0048-9697; 1879-1026 ISBN Additional Links UA library record
Impact Factor 9.8 Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 9.8; 2023 IF: 4.9
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:201033 Serial 9049
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Author Dong, H.M.; Liang, H.P.; Tao, Z.H.; Duan, Y.F.; Milošević, M.V.; Chang, K.
Title Interface thermal conductivities induced by van der Waals interactions Type (down) A1 Journal article
Year 2024 Publication Physical chemistry, chemical physics Abbreviated Journal
Volume 26 Issue 5 Pages 4047-4051
Keywords A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Abstract The interface heat transfer of two layers induced by van der Waals (vdW) contacts is theoretically investigated, based on first-principles calculations at low temperatures. The results suggest that out-of-plane acoustic phonons with low frequencies dominate the interface thermal transport due to the vdW interaction. The interface thermal conductivity is proportional to the cubic of temperature at very low temperatures, but becomes linearly proportional to temperature as temperature increases. We show that manipulating the strain alters vdW coupling, leading to increased interfacial thermal conductivity at the interface. Our findings provide valuable insights into the interface heat transport in vdW heterostructures and support further design and optimization of electronic and optoelectronic nanodevices based on vdW contacts. The heat transfer induced by van der Waals contacts is dominated by ZA phonons. The interface thermal conductivity is proportional to the cubic of temperature, but becomes linearly proportional to temperature as temperature increases.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001142323400001 Publication Date 2024-01-09
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1463-9076; 1463-9084 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 3.3 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 3.3; 2024 IF: 4.123
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:202795 Serial 9050
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Author Smith, G.J.; Diomede, P.; Gibson, A.R.; Doyle, S.J.; Guerra, V.; Kushner, M.J.; Gans, T.; Dedrick, J.P.
Title Low-pressure inductively coupled plasmas in hydrogen : impact of gas heating on the spatial distribution of atomic hydrogen and vibrationally excited states Type (down) A1 Journal article
Year 2024 Publication Plasma sources science and technology Abbreviated Journal
Volume 33 Issue 2 Pages 025002-25020
Keywords A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract Non-equilibrium inductively coupled plasmas (ICPs) operating in hydrogen are of significant interest for applications including large-area materials processing. Increasing control of spatial gas heating, which drives the formation of neutral species density gradients and the rate of gas-temperature-dependent reactions, is critical. In this study, we use 2D fluid-kinetic simulations with the Hybrid Plasma Equipment Model to investigate the spatially resolved production of atomic hydrogen in a low-pressure planar ICP operating in pure hydrogen (10-20 Pa or 0.075-0.15 Torr, 300 W). The reaction set incorporates self-consistent calculation of the spatially resolved gas temperature and 14 vibrationally excited states. We find that the formation of neutral-gas density gradients, which result from spatially non-uniform electrical power deposition at constant pressure, can drive significant variations in the vibrational distribution function and density of atomic hydrogen when gas heating is spatially resolved. This highlights the significance of spatial gas heating on the production of reactive species in relatively high-power-density plasma processing sources.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001154851700001 Publication Date 2024-01-15
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0963-0252 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 3.8 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 3.8; 2024 IF: 3.302
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:203866 Serial 9054
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Author Salden, A.; Budde, M.; Garcia-Soto, C.A.; Biondo, O.; Barauna, J.; Faedda, M.; Musig, B.; Fromentin, C.; Nguyen-Quang, M.; Philpott, H.; Hasrack, G.; Aceto, D.; Cai, Y.; Jury, F.A.; Bogaerts, A.; Da Costa, P.; Engeln, R.; Galvez, M.E.; Gans, T.; Garcia, T.; Guerra, V.; Henriques, C.; Motak, M.; Navarro, M.V.; Parvulescu, V.I.; Van Rooij, G.; Samojeden, B.; Sobota, A.; Tosi, P.; Tu, X.; Guaitella, O.
Title Meta-analysis of CO₂ conversion, energy efficiency, and other performance data of plasma-catalysis reactors with the open access PIONEER database Type (down) A1 Journal article
Year 2023 Publication Journal of energy chemistry Abbreviated Journal
Volume 86 Issue Pages 318-342
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract This paper brings the comparison of performances of CO2 conversion by plasma and plasma-assisted catalysis based on the data collected from literature in this field, organised in an open access online data-base. This tool is open to all users to carry out their own analyses, but also to contributors who wish to add their data to the database in order to improve the relevance of the comparisons made, and ultimately to improve the efficiency of CO2 conversion by plasma-catalysis. The creation of this database and data-base user interface is motivated by the fact that plasma-catalysis is a fast-growing field for all CO2 con-version processes, be it methanation, dry reforming of methane, methanolisation, or others. As a result of this rapid increase, there is a need for a set of standard procedures to rigorously compare performances of different systems. However, this is currently not possible because the fundamental mechanisms of plasma-catalysis are still too poorly understood to define these standard procedures. Fortunately how-ever, the accumulated data within the CO2 plasma-catalysis community has become large enough to war-rant so-called “big data” studies more familiar in the fields of medicine and the social sciences. To enable comparisons between multiple data sets and make future research more effective, this work proposes the first database on CO2 conversion performances by plasma-catalysis open to the whole community. This database has been initiated in the framework of a H2020 European project and is called the “PIONEER DataBase”. The database gathers a large amount of CO2 conversion performance data such as conversion rate, energy efficiency, and selectivity for numerous plasma sources coupled with or without a catalyst. Each data set is associated with metadata describing the gas mixture, the plasma source, the nature of the catalyst, and the form of coupling with the plasma. Beyond the database itself, a data extraction tool with direct visualisation features or advanced filtering functionalities has been developed and is available online to the public. The simple and fast visualisation of the state of the art puts new results into context, identifies literal gaps in data, and consequently points towards promising research routes. More advanced data extraction illustrates the impact that the database can have in the understanding of plasma-catalyst coupling. Lessons learned from the review of a large amount of literature during the setup of the database lead to best practice advice to increase comparability between future CO2 plasma-catalytic studies. Finally, the community is strongly encouraged to contribute to the database not only to increase the visibility of their data but also the relevance of the comparisons allowed by this tool. (c) 2023 Science Press and Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences. Published by ELSEVIER B.V. and Science Press. This is an open access article under the CC BY license (http://creati- vecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001083545900001 Publication Date 2023-08-10
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2095-4956 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 13.1 Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 13.1; 2023 IF: 2.594
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:200416 Serial 9056
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Author Marazzi, E.; Ghojavand, A.; Pirard, J.; Petretto, G.; Charlier, J.-C.; Rignanese, G.-M.
Title Modeling symmetric and defect-free carbon schwarzites into various zeolite templates Type (down) A1 Journal article
Year 2023 Publication Carbon Abbreviated Journal
Volume 215 Issue Pages 118385-118389
Keywords A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Abstract Recently, a process has been proposed for generating negatively-curved carbon schwarzites via zeolite-templating (Braun et al., 2018). However, the proposed process leads to atomistic models which are not very symmetric and often rather defective. In the present work, an improved generation approach is developed, by imposing symmetry constraints, which systematically leads to defect-free, hence more stable, schwarzites. The stability of the newly predicted symmetric schwarzites is also compared to that of other carbon nanostructures (in particular carbon nanotubes – CNTs), which could also be accommodated within the same templates. Our results suggest that only a few of these (such as FAU, SBT and SBS) can fit schwarzites more stable than CNTs. Our predictions could help experimentalists in the crucial choice of the template for the challenging synthesis of schwarzites. Furthermore, being highly symmetric and stable phases, the models could also be synthesized by means of other experimental procedures.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001078649800001 Publication Date 2023-09-04
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0008-6223 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 10.9 Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 10.9; 2023 IF: 6.337
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:200314 Serial 9057
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Author Koirala, B.; Rasti, B.; Bnoulkacem, Z.; de Lima Ribeiro, A.; Madriz, Y.; Herrmann, E.; Gestels, A.; De Kerf, T.; Lorenz, S.; Fuchs, M.; Janssens, K.; Steenackers, G.; Gloaguen, R.; Scheunders, P.
Title A multisensor hyperspectral benchmark dataset for unmixing of intimate mixtures Type (down) A1 Journal article
Year 2024 Publication IEEE sensors journal Abbreviated Journal
Volume 24 Issue 4 Pages 4694-4710
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Vision lab; Antwerp X-ray Imaging and Spectroscopy (AXIS)
Abstract Optical hyperspectral cameras capture the spectral reflectance of materials. Since many materials behave as heterogeneous intimate mixtures with which each photon interacts differently, the relationship between spectral reflectance and material composition is very complex. Quantitative validation of spectral unmixing algorithms requires high-quality ground truth fractional abundance data, which are very difficult to obtain. In this work, we generated a comprehensive laboratory ground truth dataset of intimately mixed mineral powders. For this, five clay powders (Kaolin, Roof clay, Red clay, mixed clay, and Calcium hydroxide) were mixed homogeneously to prepare 325 samples of 60 binary, 150 ternary, 100 quaternary, and 15 quinary mixtures. Thirteen different hyperspectral sensors have been used to acquire the reflectance spectra of these mixtures in the visible, near, short, mid, and long-wavelength infrared regions (350-15385) nm. Overlaps in wavelength regions due to the operational ranges of each sensor and variations in acquisition conditions resulted in a large amount of spectral variability. Ground truth composition is given by construction, but to verify that the generated samples are sufficiently homogeneous, XRD and XRF elemental analysis is performed. We believe these data will be beneficial for validating advanced methods for nonlinear unmixing and material composition estimation, including studying spectral variability and training supervised unmixing approaches. The datasets can be downloaded from the following link: https://github.com/VisionlabHyperspectral/Multisensor_datasets.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001173599400063 Publication Date 2023-12-28
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1530-437x; 1558-1748 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 4.3 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 4.3; 2024 IF: 2.512
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:203094 Serial 9059
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Author Zhang, L.; Quinn, B.K.; Hui, C.; Lian, M.; Gielis, J.; Gao, J.; Shi, P.
Title New indices to balance α-diversity against tree size inequality Type (down) A1 Journal article
Year 2024 Publication Journal of forestry research Abbreviated Journal
Volume 35 Issue 1 Pages 31-39
Keywords A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract The number and composition of species in a community can be quantified with alpha-diversity indices, including species richness (R), Simpson's index (D), and the Shannon-Wiener index (HGREEK TONOS). In forest communities, there are large variations in tree size among species and individuals of the same species, which result in differences in ecological processes and ecosystem functions. However, tree size inequality (TSI) has been largely neglected in studies using the available diversity indices. The TSI in the diameter at breast height (DBH) data for each of 999 20 m x 20 m forest census quadrats was quantified using the Gini index (GI), a measure of the inequality of size distribution. The generalized performance equation was used to describe the rotated and right-shifted Lorenz curve of the cumulative proportion of DBH and the cumulative proportion of number of trees per quadrat. We also examined the relationships of alpha-diversity indices with the GI using correlation tests. The generalized performance equation effectively described the rotated and right-shifted Lorenz curve of DBH distributions, with most root-mean-square errors (990 out of 999 quadrats) being < 0.0030. There were significant positive correlations between each of three alpha-diversity indices (i.e., R, D, and H') and the GI. Nevertheless, the total abundance of trees in each quadrat did not significantly influence the GI. This means that the TSI increased with increasing species diversity. Thus, two new indices are proposed that can balance alpha-diversity against the extent of TSI in the community: (1 – GI) x D, and (1 – GI) x H'. These new indices were significantly correlated with the original D and HGREEK TONOS, and did not increase the extent of variation within each group of indices. This study presents a useful tool for quantifying both species diversity and the variation in tree sizes in forest communities, especially in the face of cumulative species loss under global climate change.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001131698000001 Publication Date 2023-12-28
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1007-662x; 1993-0607 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 3 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 3; 2024 IF: 0.774
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:201972 Serial 9061
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Author Voordeckers, D.; Lauriks, T.; Baetens, D.; Ysebaert, T.; Denys, S.; Billen, P.; Tytgat, T.; Van Acker, M.
Title Numerical study on the impact of traffic lane adjustments and low boundary walls on pedestrian exposure to NO2 in street canyons Type (down) A1 Journal article
Year 2023 Publication Landscape and urban planning Abbreviated Journal
Volume 243 Issue Pages 104974-13
Keywords A1 Journal article; Economics; Law; Engineering sciences. Technology; Art; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL); Research Group for Urban Development; Intelligence in PRocesses, Advanced Catalysts and Solvents (iPRACS); Research Group for Urban Development; Intelligence in PRocesses, Advanced Catalysts and Solvents (iPRACS)
Abstract Mitigating the adverse effects of air pollution, especially on human health, is one of the greater contemporary challenges for cities. Street canyons have herein been identified as bottleneck areas in urbanized environments. Focusing on the necessity of fast-response interventions, strategies to control source-receptor pathways (e.g. implementing low boundary walls (LBWs)) are gaining interest. A potential strategy which is greatly overlooked is the adjustment (reduction or displacement) of traffic lanes in order to increase the distance between source (traffic) and recipient (pedestrians). Within our study, computation fluid dynamics (CFD) is used to simulate the impact of alternations to traffic lanes (whether or not combined with LBWs) on the pedestrian exposure to NO2 for a specific case-study (Belgie center dot lei, Antwerp) under two prevailing wind directions. The average differences in NO2 concentrations for the entire pedestrian area ranged between +1.0 % to-3.6 %. On specific locations, reduction up to-8.0 % were reached. In case of perpendicular winds, a lateral displacement of all traffic lanes towards the windward facade including LBWs was found most beneficial to reduce pedestrian exposure. LBWs also showed to be efficient in reducing potential adverse effects of lane displacement under less frequent wind directions.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001134403700001 Publication Date 2023-12-06
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0169-2046 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 9.1 Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 9.1; 2023 IF: 4.563
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:201400 Serial 9065
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Author Gao, C.; Hofer, C.; Pennycook, T.J.
Title On central focusing for contrast optimization in direct electron ptychography of thick samples Type (down) A1 Journal article
Year 2024 Publication Ultramicroscopy Abbreviated Journal
Volume 256 Issue Pages 113879-7
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Ptychography provides high dose efficiency images that can reveal light elements next to heavy atoms. However, despite ptychography having an otherwise single signed contrast transfer function, contrast reversals can occur when the projected potential becomes strong for both direct and iterative inversion ptychography methods. It has recently been shown that these reversals can often be counteracted in direct ptychography methods by adapting the focus. Here we provide an explanation of why the best contrast is often found with the probe focused to the middle of the sample. The phase contribution due to defocus at each sample slice above and below the central plane in this configuration effectively cancels out, which can prevent contrast reversals when dynamical scattering effects are not overly strong. In addition we show that the convergence angle can be an important consideration for removal of contrast reversals in relatively thin samples.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001112166400001 Publication Date 2023-11-03
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 2.2 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 2.2; 2024 IF: 2.843
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:202029 Serial 9066
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Author Linek, J.; Wyszynski, M.; Müller, B.; Korinski, D.; Milošević, M.V.; Kleiner, R.; Koelle, D.
Title On the coupling of magnetic moments to superconducting quantum interference devices Type (down) A1 Journal article
Year 2024 Publication Superconductor science and technology Abbreviated Journal
Volume 37 Issue 2 Pages 025010-25012
Keywords A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Abstract We investigate the coupling factor phi( mu) that quantifies the magnetic flux phi per magnetic moment mu of a point-like magnetic dipole that couples to a superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID). Representing the dipole by a tiny current-carrying (Amperian) loop, the reciprocity of mutual inductances of SQUID and Amperian loop provides an elegant way of calculating phi(mu)(r,e(mu)) vs. position r and orientation e(mu) of the dipole anywhere in space from the magnetic field B-J(r) produced by a supercurrent circulating in the SQUID loop. We use numerical simulations based on London and Ginzburg-Landau theory to calculate phi (mu) from the supercurrent density distributions in various superconducting loop geometries. We treat the far-field regime ( r greater than or similar to a= inner size of the SQUID loop) with the dipole placed on (oriented along) the symmetry axis of circular or square shaped loops. We compare expressions for phi (mu) from simple filamentary loop models with simulation results for loops with finite width w (outer size A > alpha), thickness d and London penetration depth lambda(L )and show that for thin ( d << alpha ) and narrow (w < alpha) loops the introduction of an effective loop size a(eff) in the filamentary loop-model expressions results in good agreement with simulations. For a dipole placed right in the center of the loop, simulations provide an expression phi(mu)(a,A,d,lambda(L)) that covers a wide parameter range. In the near-field regime (dipole centered at small distance z above one SQUID arm) only coupling to a single strip representing the SQUID arm has to be considered. For this case, we compare simulations with an analytical expression derived for a homogeneous current density distribution, which yields excellent agreement for lambda(L)>w,d . Moreover, we analyze the improvement of phi(mu) provided by the introduction of a narrow constriction in the SQUID arm below the magnetic dipole.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001145725500001 Publication Date 2024-01-04
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0953-2048 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 3.6 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 3.6; 2024 IF: 2.878
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:202759 Serial 9067
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Author Kashiwar, A.; Arseenko, M.; Simar, A.; Idrissi, H.
Title On the role of microstructural defects on precipitation, damage, and healing behavior in a novel Al-0.5Mg2Si alloy Type (down) A1 Journal article
Year 2024 Publication Materials & design Abbreviated Journal
Volume 239 Issue Pages 112765-112769
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract A recently developed healable Al-Mg2Si designed by the programmed damage and repair (PDR) strategy is studied considering the role microstructural defects play on precipitation, damage, and healing. The alloy incorporates sacrificial Mg2Si particles that precipitate after friction stir processing (FSP). They act as damage localization sites and are healable based on the solid-state diffusion of Al-matrix. A combination of different transmission electron microscopy (TEM) imaging techniques enabled the visualization and quantification of various crystallographic defects and the spatial distribution of Mg2Si precipitates. Intragrain nucleation is found to be the dominant mechanism for precipitation during FSP whereas grain boundaries and subgrain boundaries mainly lead to coarsening of the precipitates. The statistical and spatial analyses of the damaged particles have shown particle fracture as the dominant damage mechanism which is strongly dependent on the size and aspect ratio of the particles whereas the damage was not found to depend on the location of the precipitates within the matrix. The damaged particles are associated with dislocations accumulated around them. The interplay of these dislocations is directly visualized during healing based on in situ TEM heating which revealed recovery in the matrix as an operative mechanism during the diffusion healing of the PDR alloy.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001194110200001 Publication Date 2024-02-17
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0264-1275; 1873-4197 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 8.4 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 8.4; 2024 IF: 4.364
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:203298 Serial 9068
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Author Li, H.; Pandey, T.; Jiang, Y.; Gu, X.; Lindsay, L.; Koh, Y.K.
Title Origins of heat transport anisotropy in MoTe₂ and other bulk van der Waals materials Type (down) A1 Journal article
Year 2023 Publication Materials Today Physics Abbreviated Journal
Volume 37 Issue Pages 101196-101198
Keywords A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Abstract Knowledge of how heat flows anisotropically in van der Waals (vdW) materials is crucial for thermal management of emerging 2D materials devices and design of novel anisotropic thermoelectric materials. Despite the importance, anisotropic heat transport in vdW materials is yet to be systematically studied and is often presumably attributed to anisotropic speeds of sound in vdW materials due to soft interlayer bonding relative to covalent in-plane networks of atoms. In this work, we investigate the origins of the anisotropic heat transport in vdW materials, through time-domain thermoreflectance (TDTR) measurements and first-principles calculations of anisotropic thermal conductivity of three different phases of MoTe2. MoTe2 is ideal for the study due to its weak anisotropy in the speeds of sound. We find that even when the speeds of sound are roughly isotropic, the measured thermal conductivity of MoTe2 along the c-axis is 5-8 times lower than that along the in-plane axes. We derive meaningful characteristic heat capacity, phonon group velocity, and relaxation times from our first principles calculations for selected vdW materials (MoTe2, BP, h-BN, and MoS2), to assess the contributions of these factors to the anisotropic heat transport. Interestingly, we find that the main contributor to the heat transport anisotropy in vdW materials is anisotropy in heat capacity of the dominant heat-carrying phonon modes in different directions, which originates from anisotropic optical phonon dispersion and disparity in the frequency of heat-carrying phonons in different directions. The discrepancy in frequency of the heat-carrying phonons also leads to similar to 2 times larger average relaxation times in the cross-plane direction, and partially explains the apparent dependence of the anisotropic heat transport on the anisotropic speeds of sound. This work provides insight into understanding of the anisotropic heat transport in vdW materials.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001093005700001 Publication Date 2023-08-09
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2542-5293 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 11.5 Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 11.5; 2023 IF: NA
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:201295 Serial 9070
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Author Bekaert, J.
Title Phonon-mediated superconductivity in ternary silicides X₄ CoSi (X = Nb, Ta) Type (down) A1 Journal article
Year 2023 Publication Physical review B Abbreviated Journal
Volume 108 Issue 13 Pages 134504-134507
Keywords A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Abstract The superconducting properties of two recently synthesized ternary silicides with unit formula X<sub>4</sub>CoSi (X = Nb, Ta) are investigated through ab initio calculations combined with Eliashberg theory. Interestingly, their crystal structure comprises interlocking honeycomb networks of Nb/Ta atoms. Nb<sub>4</sub>CoSi is found to harbor better conditions for phonon-mediated superconductivity, as it possesses a higher density of states at the Fermi level, fostering stronger electron-phonon coupling. The superconducting critical temperatures (T<sub>c</sub>) follow the same trend, with Nb<sub>4</sub>CoSi having a twice higher value than Ta<sub>4</sub>CoSi. Furthermore, the calculated T<sub>c</sub> values (5.9 K vs 3.1 K) agree excellently with the experimentally obtained ones, establishing superconductivity in this new materials class as mediated by the electron-phonon coupling. Furthermore, my calculations show that the superconducting properties of these compounds do not simply correlate with the parameters of their honeycomb networks, contrary to proposals raised in the literature. Rather, their complete fermiology and phonon spectrum should be taken into account in order to explain their respective superconducting properties.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001140080300003 Publication Date 2023-10-17
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
Impact Factor 3.7 Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 3.7; 2023 IF: 3.836
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:201445 Serial 9071
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Author Peeters, H.; Raes, A.; Verbruggen, S.W.
Title Plasmonic photocatalytic coatings with self-cleaning, antibacterial, air and water purifying properties tested according to ISO standards Type (down) A1 Journal article
Year 2024 Publication Journal of photochemistry and photobiology: A: chemistry Abbreviated Journal
Volume 451 Issue Pages 115529-10
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology
Abstract ISO 10678:2010, ISO 22197–1 and 2, ISO 27447:2019 and ISO 27448:2009 for the photocatalytic degradation of organic dyes (methylene blue), air pollution (NOx and acetaldehyde), bacteria (E. coli and S. aureus) and solid organic fouling (oleic acid) are performed on plasmon-embedded TiO2 thin films on Borofloat® glass, as well as the commercially available titania-based self-cleaning glass PilkingtonActivTM. These standardised protocols measure the performance for the four main applications of photocatalytic materials: water purification, air purification, antibacterial and self-cleaning activity, respectively. The standards are performed exactly as prescribed to measure the activity under UV irradiation, and also in a slightly adapted manner to measure the performance under simulated solar light or visible light. Performing experiments according to ISO standards, enables an objective comparison amongst samples tested here, as well as with results from literature. This is a major asset compared to the myriad of customised setups used in laboratories worldwide that hinder a fair comparison. We point at the importance of meticulously following the ISO instructions, as we have noticed that multiple published studies adopting the ISO standards too often deviate from these protocols, thereby nullifying the added value of standardized testing. Following the ISO tests to the letter, we have demonstrated the superior performance of a previously developed plasmonic titania coating with fully embedded gold-silver nanoparticles towards all four application areas. Furthermore, our empirical data strongly support the need for a nuanced understanding of standardized testing, to ensure accurate assessment of photocatalytic materials. An examination of the ISO standards used in this work reveals notable drawbacks, including concerns about the reliability of the methylene blue degradation protocol, the issues of HNO3 accumulation in the NOx removal test, and limitations in assessing antibacterial activity and water contact angles.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001188107100001 Publication Date 2024-02-15
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1010-6030 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 4.3 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 4.3; 2024 IF: 2.625
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:203203 Serial 9075
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Author Cui, Z.; Jafarzadeh, A.; Hao, Y.; Liu, L.; Li, L.; Zheng, Y.
Title Prediction of the decomposition tendency of C5F10O on discharged metal surfaces Type (down) A1 Journal article
Year 2023 Publication IEEE transactions on dielectrics and electrical insulation Abbreviated Journal
Volume 30 Issue 3 Pages 1365-1367
Keywords A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract In this letter, a dipole sheet method is proposed to theoretically study the adsorption and decomposition of C5F10O over-discharged Cu (111) and Al (111) surfaces. A synergistic effect of external electric fields and surface excess charges shows up for jointly promoting the adsorption of C5F10O, accompanied by the enhancement of C-F bond elongation and charge transfer process. The decomposition of C5F10O is facilitated in the discharged region and the initial decomposition is found most likely to occur via the cleavage of the C-F single bond. The results indicate that the decomposition of C5F10O over the metal electrode surfaces is much accelerated when discharge faults occur and free F atoms could be generated from C5F10O before its carbon chain breakage. These findings help to elucidate the underlying decomposition tendency of C5F10O in discharged systems and provide a practical method for evaluating and designing new insulation gases.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001000675800054 Publication Date 2023-03-29
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1070-9878 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 3.1 Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 3.1; 2023 IF: 2.115
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:197319 Serial 9076
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Author Minja, A.C.; Ag, K.R.; Raes, A.; Borah, R.; Verbruggen, S.W.
Title Recent progress in developing non-noble metal-based photocathodes for solar green hydrogen production Type (down) A1 Journal article
Year 2024 Publication Current Opinion in Chemical Engineering Abbreviated Journal
Volume 43 Issue Pages 101000
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology
Abstract Photocathodes play a vital role in photoelectrocatalytic water splitting by acting as catalysts for reducing protons to hydrogen gas when exposed to light. Recent advancements in photocathodes have focused on addressing the limitations of noble metal-based materials. These noble metal-based photocathodes rely on expensive and scarce metals such as platinum and gold as cocatalysts or ohmic back contacts, respectively, rendering the final system less sustainable and costly when applied at scale. This mini-review summarizes the important recent progress in the development of non-noble metal-based photocathodes and their performance in the hydrogen evolution reaction during photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting. These advancements bring non-noble metal-based photocathodes closer to their noble metal-based counterparts in terms of performance, thereby paving the way forward toward industrial-scale photoelectrolyzers or PEC cells for green hydrogen production.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001166826200001 Publication Date 2024-01-20
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2211-3398 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 6.6 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 6.6; 2024 IF: 3.403
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:202625 Serial 9080
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