|   | 
Details
   web
Records
Author De wael, A.; De Backer, A.; Yu, C.-P.; Sentürk, D.G.; Lobato, I.; Faes, C.; Van Aert, S.
Title Three Approaches for Representing the Statistical Uncertainty on Atom-Counting Results in Quantitative ADF STEM Type A1 Journal article
Year 2022 Publication Microscopy and microanalysis Abbreviated Journal Microsc Microanal
Volume Issue Pages 1-9
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract A decade ago, a statistics-based method was introduced to count the number of atoms from annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy (ADF STEM) images. In the past years, this method was successfully applied to nanocrystals of arbitrary shape, size, and composition (and its high accuracy and precision has been demonstrated). However, the counting results obtained from this statistical framework are so far presented without a visualization of the actual uncertainty about this estimate. In this paper, we present three approaches that can be used to represent counting results together with their statistical error, and discuss which approach is most suited for further use based on simulations and an experimental ADF STEM image.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000854930500001 Publication Date 2022-09-19
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1431-9276 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 2.8 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes This project has received funding from the European Research Council (ERC) under the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme (Grant Agreement No. 770887 and No. 823717 ESTEEM3). The authors acknowledge financial support from the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO, Belgium) through grants to A.D.w. and A.D.B. and projects G.0502.18N, G.0267.18N, and EOS 30489208. S.V.A. acknowledges TOP BOF funding from the University of Antwerp. The authors are grateful to L.M. Liz-Marzán (CIC biomaGUNE and Ikerbasque) for providing the samples. esteem3reported; esteem3jra Approved Most recent IF: 2.8
Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:190585 Serial 7119
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Ghasemitarei, M.; Privat-Maldonado, A.; Yusupov, M.; Rahnama, S.; Bogaerts, A.; Ejtehadi, M.R.
Title Effect of Cysteine Oxidation in SARS-CoV-2 Receptor-Binding Domain on Its Interaction with Two Cell Receptors: Insights from Atomistic Simulations Type A1 Journal article
Year 2022 Publication Journal Of Chemical Information And Modeling Abbreviated Journal J Chem Inf Model
Volume 62 Issue 1 Pages 129-141
Keywords A1 Journal article; Pharmacology. Therapy; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract Binding of the SARS-CoV-2 S-glycoprotein to cell receptors is vital for the entry of the virus into cells and subsequent infection. ACE2 is the main cell receptor for SARS-CoV-2, which can attach to the C-terminal receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the SARS-CoV-2 S-glycoprotein. The GRP78 receptor plays an anchoring role, which attaches to the RBD and increases the chance of other RBDs binding to ACE2. Although high levels of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) are produced during viral infections, it is not clear how they affect the RBD structure and its binding to ACE2 and GRP78. In this research, we apply molecular dynamics simulations to study the effect of oxidation of the highly reactive cysteine (Cys) amino acids of the RBD on its binding to ACE2 and GRP78. The interaction energy of both ACE2 and GRP78 with the whole RBD, as well as with the RBD main regions, is compared in both the native and oxidized RBDs. Our results show that the interaction energy between the oxidized RBD and ACE2 is strengthened by 155 kJ/mol, increasing the binding of the RBD to ACE2 after oxidation. In addition, the interaction energy between the RBD and GRP78 is slightly increased by 8 kJ/mol after oxidation, but this difference is not significant. Overall, these findings highlight the role of RONS in the binding of the SARS-CoV-2 S-glycoprotein to host cell receptors and suggest an alternative mechanism by which RONS could modulate the entrance of viral particles into the cells.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000740019000001 Publication Date 2022-01-10
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1549-9596 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 5.6 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access
Notes Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek, 1200219N ; Binding of the SARS-CoV-2 S-glycoprotein to cell receptors is vital for the entry of the virus into cells and subsequent infection. ACE2 is the main cell receptor for SARS-CoV-2, which can attach to the C-terminal receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the SARS-CoV-2 S-glycoprotein. The GRP78 receptor plays an anchoring role, which attaches to the RBD and increases the chance of other RBDs binding to ACE2. Although high levels of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) are produced during viral infections, it is not clear how they affect the RBD structure and its binding to ACE2 and GRP78. In this research, we apply molecular dynamics simulations to study the effect of oxidation of the highly reactive cysteine (Cys) amino acids of the RBD on its binding to ACE2 and GRP78. The interaction energy of both ACE2 and GRP78 with the whole RBD, as well as with the RBD main regions, is compared in both the native and oxidized RBDs. Our results show that the interaction energy between the oxidized RBD and ACE2 is strengthened by 155 kJ/mol, increasing the binding of the RBD to ACE2 after oxidation. In addition, the interaction energy between the RBD and GRP78 is slightly increased by 8 kJ/mol after oxidation, but this difference is not significant. Overall, these findings highlight the role of RONS in the binding of the SARS-CoV-2 S-glycoprotein to host cell receptors and suggest an alternative mechanism by which RONS could modulate the entrance of viral particles into the cells. Approved Most recent IF: 5.6
Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @c:irua:185485 Serial 7050
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Ma, X.; Pavlidis, G.; Dillon, E.; Beltran, V.; Schwartz, J.J.; Thoury, M.; Borondics, F.; Sandt, C.; Kjoller, K.; Berrie, B.H.; Centrone, A.
Title Micro to nano : multiscale IR analyses reveal zinc soap heterogeneity in a 19th-century painting by Corot Type A1 Journal article
Year 2022 Publication Analytical chemistry Abbreviated Journal
Volume 94 Issue 7 Pages 3103-3110
Keywords A1 Journal article; Antwerp Electrochemical and Analytical Sciences Lab (A-Sense Lab)
Abstract Formation and aggregation of metal carboxylates (metal soaps) can degrade the appearance and integrity of oil paints, challenging efforts to conserve painted works of art. Endeavors to understand the root cause of metal soap formation have been hampered by the limited spatial resolution of Fourier transform infrared microscopy (mu-FTIR). We overcome this limitation using optical photothermal infrared spectroscopy (O-PTIR) and photothermal-induced resonance (PTIR), two novel methods that provide IR spectra with approximate to 500 and approximate to 10 nm spatial resolutions, respectively. The distribution of chemical phases in thin sections from the top layer of a 19th-century painting is investigated at multiple scales (mu-FTIR approximate to 10(2) mu m(3), O-PTIR approximate to 10(-1) mu m(3), PTIR approximate to 10(-5) mu m(3)). The paint samples analyzed here are found to be mixtures of pigments (cobalt green, lead white), cured oil, and a rich array of intermixed, small (often << 0.1 mu m(3)) zinc soap domains. We identify Zn stearate and Zn oleate crystalline soaps with characteristic narrow IR peaks (approximate to 1530-1558 cm(-1)) and a heterogeneous, disordered, water-permeable, tetrahedral zinc soap phase, with a characteristic broad peak centered at approximate to 1596 cm(-1). We show that the high signal-to-noise ratio and spatial resolution afforded by O-PTIR are ideal for identifying phase-separated (or locally concentrated) species with low average concentration, while PTIR provides an unprecedented nanoscale view of distributions and associations of species in paint. This newly accessible nanocompositional information will advance our knowledge of chemical processes in oil paint and will stimulate new art conservation practices.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000766206700011 Publication Date 2022-02-09
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0003-2700; 5206-882x ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved no
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:187380 Serial 8897
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Neven, L.; Barich, H.; Ching, H.Y.V.; Khan, S.U.; Colomier, C.; Patel, H.H.; Gorun, S.M.; Verbruggen, S.; Van Doorslaer, S.; De Wael, K.
Title Correlation between the fluorination degree of perfluorinated zinc phthalocyanines, their singlet oxygen generation ability, and their photoelectrochemical response for phenol sensing Type A1 Journal article
Year 2022 Publication Analytical chemistry Abbreviated Journal Anal Chem
Volume 94 Issue 13 Pages 5221-5230
Keywords A1 Journal article; Organic synthesis (ORSY); Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL); Antwerp Electrochemical and Analytical Sciences Lab (A-Sense Lab)
Abstract Electron-withdrawing perfluoroalkyl peripheral groups grafted on phthalocyanine (Pc) macrocycles improve their single-site isolation, solubility, and resistance to self-oxidation, all beneficial features for catalytic applications. A high degree of fluorination also enhances the reducibility of Pcs and could alter their singlet oxygen (1O2) photoproduction. The ethanol/toluene 20:80 vol % solvent mixture was found to dissolve perfluorinated FnPcZn complexes, n = 16, 52, and 64, and minimize the aggregation of the sterically unencumbered F16PcZn. The 1O2 production ability of FnPcZn complexes was examined using 9,10-dimethylanthracene (DMA) and 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine (TEMP) in combination with UV–vis and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy, respectively. While the photoreduction of F52PcZn and F64PcZn in the presence of redox-active TEMP lowered 1O2 production, DMA was a suitable 1O2 trap for ranking the complexes. The solution reactivity was complemented by solid-state studies via the construction of photoelectrochemical sensors based on TiO2-supported FnPcZn, FnPcZn|TiO2. Phenol photo-oxidation by 1O2, followed by its electrochemical reduction, defines a redox cycle, the 1O2 production having been found to depend on the value of n and structural features of the supported complexes. Consistent with solution studies, F52PcZn was found to be the most efficient 1O2 generator. The insights on reactivity testing and structural–activity relationships obtained may be useful for designing efficient and robust sensors and for other 1O2-related applications of FnPcZn.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000786254500002 Publication Date 2022-03-22
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0003-2700; 5206-882x ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 7.4 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 7.4
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:187522 Serial 7141
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Girard-Sahun, F.; Lefrancois, P.; Badets, V.; Arbault, S.; Clement, F.
Title Direct sensing of superoxide and its relatives reactive oxygen and nitrogen species in phosphate buffers during cold atmospheric plasmas exposures Type A1 Journal article
Year 2022 Publication Analytical Chemistry Abbreviated Journal Anal Chem
Volume 94 Issue 14 Pages 5555-5565
Keywords A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract This study aims at sensing in situ reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) and specifically superoxide anion (O-2(center dot-)) in aqueous buffer solutions exposed to cold atmospheric plasmas (CAPs). CAPs were generated by ionizing He gas shielded with variable N-2/O-2 mixtures. Thanks to ultramicroelectrodes protected against the high electric fields transported by the ionization waves of CAPs, the production of superoxide and several RONS was electrochemically directly detected in liquids during their plasma exposure. Complementarily, optical emissive spectroscopy (OES) was used to study the plasma phase composition and its correlation with the chemistry in the exposed liquid. The specific production of O-2(center dot-), a biologically reactive redox species, was analyzed by cyclic voltammetry (CV), in both alkaline (pH 11), where the species is fairly stable, and physiological (pH 7.4) conditions, where it is unstable. To understand its generation with respect to the plasma chemistry, we varied the shielding gas composition of CAPs to directly impact on the RONS composition at the plasma-liquid interface. We observed that the production and accumulation of RONS in liquids, including O(2)(center dot-)depends on the plasma composition, with N-2-based shieldings providing the highest superoxide concentrations (few 10s of micromolar at most) and of its derivatives (hundreds of micromolar). In situ spectroscopic and electrochemical analyses provide a high resolution kinetic and quantitative understanding of the interactions between CAPs and physiological solutions for biomedical applications.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000805334400013 Publication Date 2022-03-28
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0003-2700; 5206-882x ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 7.4 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 7.4
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:189093 Serial 7143
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Khan, S.U.; Trashin, S.; Beltran, V.; Korostei, Y.S.; Pelmus, M.; Gorun, S.M.; Dubinina, T., V.; Verbruggen, S.W.; De Wael, K.
Title Photoelectrochemical behavior of phthalocyanine-sensitized TiO₂ in the presence of electron-shuttling mediators Type A1 Journal article
Year 2022 Publication Analytical chemistry Abbreviated Journal Anal Chem
Volume 94 Issue 37 Pages 12723-12731
Keywords A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL); Antwerp Electrochemical and Analytical Sciences Lab (A-Sense Lab)
Abstract Dye-sensitized TiO(2 )has found many applications for dye sensitized solar cells (DSSC), solar-to-chemical energy conversion, water/air purification systems, and (electro)chemical sensors. We report an electrochemical system for testing dye-sensitized materials that can be utilized in photoelectrochemical (PEC) sensors and energy conversion. Unlike related systems, the reported system does not require a direct electron transfer from semiconductors to electrodes. Rather, it relies on electron shuttling by redox mediators. A range of model photocatalytic materials were prepared using three different TiO2 materials (P25, P90, and PC500) and three sterically hindered phthalocyanines (Pcs) with electron-rich tert-butyl substituents (t-Bu4PcZn, t-Bu4PcAlCl, and t-Bu4PcH2). The materials were compared with previously developed TiO(2 )modified by electron-deficient, also sterically hindered fluorinated phthalocyanine F64PcZn, a singlet oxygen (O-1(2)) producer, as well as its metal-free derivative, F64PcH2. The PEC activity depended on the redox mediator, as well as the type of TiO2 and Pc. By comparing the responses of one-electron shuttles, such as K4Fe(CN)(4), and O-1(2)-reactive electron shuttles, such as phenol, it is possible to reveal the action mechanism of the supported photosensitizers, while the overall activity can be assessed using hydroquinone. t-Bu4PcAlCl showed significantly lower blank responses and higher specific responses toward chlorophenols compared to t-Bu4PcZn due to the electron-withdrawing effect of the Al3+ metal center. The combination of reactivity insights and the need for only microgram amounts of sensing materials renders the reported system advantageous for practical applications.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000855284300001 Publication Date 2022-09-12
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0003-2700; 5206-882x ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 7.4 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 7.4
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:190602 Serial 7190
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Filez, M.; Feng, J.-Y.; Minjauw, M.M.; Solano, E.; Poonkottil, N.; Van Daele, M.; Ramachandran, R.K.; Li, C.; Bals, S.; Poelman, H.; Detavernier, C.; Dendooven, J.; Filez, M.; Minjauw, M.; Solano, E.; Poonkottil, N.; Li, C.; Bals, S.; Dendooven, J.
Title Shuffling atomic layer deposition gas sequences to modulate bimetallic thin films and nanoparticle properties Type A1 Journal article
Year 2022 Publication Chemistry of materials Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue Pages
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Atomic layer deposition (ALD) typically employs metal precursors and co-reactant pulses to deposit thin films in a layer-by-layer fashion. While conventional ABAB-type ALD sequences implement only two functionalities, namely, a metal source and ligand exchange agent, additional functionalities have emerged, including etching and reduction agents. Herein, we construct gas-phase sequences-coined as ALD+-with complex-ities reaching beyond the classic ABAB-type ALD by freely combining multiple functionalities within irregular pulse schemes, e.g., ABCADC. The possibilities of such combinations are explored as a smart strategy to tailor bimetallic thin films and nanoparticle (NP) properties. By doing so, we demonstrate that bimetallic thin films can be tailored with target thickness and through the full compositional range, while the morphology can be flexibly modulated from thin films to NPs by shuI 1ing the pulse sequence. These complex pulse schemes are expected to be broadly applicable but are here explored for Pd-Ru bimetallic thin films and NPs.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000823205700001 Publication Date 2022-06-29
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0897-4756; 1520-5002 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor Times cited 2 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes This research was funded by the Research Foundation, Flanders (FWO) , and the Special Research Fund BOF of Ghent University (GOA 01G01019) . M.F. and M.M.M. acknowledge the FWO for a postdoctoral research fellowship (1280621N) . N.P. acknowledges the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under the Marie Skiodowska-Curie grant agreement no. 765378. For the GISAXS measurements, the author s received funding from the European Community's Transnational Access Program CALIPSOplus. E.S. acknowledges the Spanish project RTI2018-093996-B-C32 MICINN/FEDER funds. Air Liquide is acknowledged for supporting this research. The authors acknowledge SOLEIL for the provision of synchrotron radiation facilities and would like to thank Dr. Alessandro Coati for assistance in using beamline SiXS. The GIWAXS experiments were performed at NCD-SWEET beamline at ALBA Synchrotron with the collaboration of ALBA staff . Approved no
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:189541 Serial 8928
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Rossbach, L.M.; Brede, D.A.; Nuyts, G.; Cagno, S.; Olsson, R.M.S.; Oughton, D.H.; Falkenberg, G.; Janssens, K.; Lind, O.C.
Title Synchrotron XRF analysis identifies cerium accumulation colocalized with pharyngeal deformities in CeO₂ NP-exposed caenorhabditis elegans Type A1 Journal article
Year 2022 Publication Environmental science and technology Abbreviated Journal Environ Sci Technol
Volume 56 Issue 8 Pages 5081-5089
Keywords A1 Journal article; Antwerp X-ray Imaging and Spectroscopy (AXIS)
Abstract A combination of synchrotron radiation-based elementalimaging, in vivo redox status analysis, histology, and toxic responses was usedto investigate the uptake, biodistribution, and adverse effects of Cenanoparticles (CeO2NP; 10 nm; 0.5-34.96 mg Ce L-1) or Ce(NO3)3(2.3-26 mg Ce L-1)inCaenorhabditis elegans. Elemental mapping of theexposed nematodes revealed Ce uptake in the alimentary canal prior todepuration. Retention of CeO2NPs was low compared to that of Ce(NO3)3in depurated individuals. X-rayfluorescence (XRF) mapping showed that Cetranslocation was confined to the pharyngeal valve and foregut. Ce(NO3)3exposure significantly decreased growth, fertility, and reproduction, causedslightly reduced fecundity. XRF mapping and histological analysis revealedsevere tissue deformities colocalized with retained Ce surrounding thepharyngeal valve. Both forms of Ce activated the sod-1 antioxidant defense,particularly in the pharynx, whereas no significant effects on the cellular redox balance were identified. The CeO2NP-induceddeformities did not appear to impair the pharyngeal function or feeding ability as growth effects were restricted to Ce(NO3)3exposure. The results demonstrate the utility of integrated submicron-resolution SR-based XRF elemental mapping of tissue-specificdistribution and adverse effect analysis to obtain robust toxicological evaluations of metal-containing contaminants.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000793137500039 Publication Date 2022-04-04
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0013-936x; 1520-5851 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 11.4 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 11.4
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:188662 Serial 7216
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Wagaarachchige, J.D.; Idris, Z.; Arstad, B.; Kummamuru, N.B.; Sætre, K.A.S.; Halstensen, M.; Jens, K.-J.
Title Low-viscosity nonaqueous sulfolane–amine–methanol solvent blend for reversible CO2 capture Type A1 Journal article
Year 2022 Publication Industrial and engineering chemistry research Abbreviated Journal
Volume 61 Issue 17 Pages 5942-5951
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract In this work, the absorption–desorption performance of CO2 in six new solvent blends of amine (diisopropylamine (DPA), 2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanol (AMP), methyldiethanolamine (MDEA), diethanolamine (DEA), diisopropanolamine (DIPA), and ethanolamine (MEA)), sulfolane, and methanol has been monitored using ATR-FTIR spectroscopy. Additionally, NMR-based species confirmation and solvent viscosity analysis were done for DPA solvent samples. The identified CO2 capture products are monomethyl carbonate (MMC), carbamate, carbonate, and bicarbonate anions in different ratios. The DPA solvent formed MMC entirely with 0.88 molCO2/molamine capture capacity, 0.48 molCO2/molamine cyclic capacity, and 3.28 mPa·s CO2-loaded solvent viscosity. MEA, DEA, DIPA, and MDEA were shown to produce a low or a negligible amount of MMC while AMP occupied an intermediate position.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos Publication Date 2022-04-25
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0888-5885; 1520-5045 ISBN Additional Links UA library record
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved no
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:199111 Serial 8895
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Sheath, B.C.; Xu, X.; Manuel, P.; Hadermann, J.; Batuk, M.; O'Sullivan, J.; Bonilla, R.S.; Clarke, S.J.
Title Structures and magnetic ordering in layered Cr oxide arsenides Sr₂CrO₂Cr₂OAs₂ and Sr₂CrO₃CrAs Type A1 Journal article
Year 2022 Publication Inorganic chemistry Abbreviated Journal Inorg Chem
Volume 61 Issue 31 Pages 10-12385
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Two novel chromium oxide arsenide materials have been synthesized, Sr2CrO2Cr2OAs2 (i.e., Sr2Cr3As2O3) and Sr2CrO3CrAs (i.e., Sr2Cr2AsO3), both of which contain chromium ions in two distinct layers. Sr2CrO2Cr2OAs2 was targeted following electron microscopy measurements on a related phase. It crystallizes in the space group P4/mmm and accommodates distorted CrO4As2 octahedra containing Cr2+ and distorted CrO(2)As(4 )octahedra containing Cr3+. In contrast, Sr2CrO3CrAs incorporates Cr3+ in CrO5 square-pyramidal coordination in [Sr2CrO3](+) layers and Cr2+ ions in CrAs(4 )tetrahedra in [CrAs](-) layers and crystallizes in the space group P4/nmm. Powder neutron diffraction data reveal antiferromagnetic ordering in both compounds. In Sr2CrO3CrAs the Cr2+ moments in the [CrAs](-) layers exhibit long-range ordering, while the Cr3+ moments in the [Sr2CrO3](+) layers only exhibit short-range ordering. However, in Sr2CrO2Cr2OAs2, both the Cr(2+ )moments in the CrO4As2 environments and the Cr3+ moments in the CrO2As4 polyhedra are long-range-ordered below 530(10) K. Above this temperature, only the Cr3+ moments are ordered with a Neel temperature slightly in excess of 600 K. A subtle structural change is evident in Sr2CrO2Cr2OAs2 below the magnetic ordering transitions.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000841943600001 Publication Date 2022-07-27
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0020-1669 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 4.6 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 4.6
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:190007 Serial 7215
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Nematollahi, P.; Neyts, E.C.
Title Distribution pattern of metal atoms in bimetal-doped pyridinic-N₄ pores determines their potential for electrocatalytic N₂ reduction Type A1 Journal article
Year 2022 Publication Journal Of Physical Chemistry A Abbreviated Journal J Phys Chem A
Volume 126 Issue 20 Pages 3080-3089
Keywords A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract Doping two single transition-metal (TM) atoms on a substrate host opens numerous possibilities for catalyst design. However, what if the substrate contains more than one vacancy site? Then, the combination of two TMs along with their distribution patterns becomes a design parameter potentially complementary to the substrate itself and the bimetal composition. In this study, we investigate ammonia synthesis under mild electrocatalytic conditions on a transition-metal-doped porous C24N24 catalyst using density functional theory (DFT). The TMs studied include Ti, Mn, and Cu in a 2:4 dopant ratio (Ti2Mn4@C24N24 and Ti2Cu4@N-24(24)). Our computations show that a single Ti atom in both catalysts exhibits the highest selectivity for N-2 fixation at ambient conditions. This work is a good theoretical model to establish the structure-activity relationship, and the knowledge earned from the metal-N-4 moieties may help studies of related nanomaterials, especially those with curved structures.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000804119800003 Publication Date 2022-05-12
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1089-5639; 1520-5215 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 2.9 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 2.9
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:189023 Serial 7146
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Salzmann, B.B.V.; Wit, J. de; Li, C.; Arenas-Esteban, D.; Bals, S.; Meijerink, A.; Vanmaekelbergh, D.
Title Two-Dimensional CdSe-PbSe Heterostructures and PbSe Nanoplatelets: Formation, Atomic Structure, and Optical Properties Type A1 Journal article
Year 2022 Publication The journal of physical chemistry: C : nanomaterials and interfaces Abbreviated Journal J Phys Chem C
Volume 126 Issue 3 Pages 1513-1522
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000744909200001 Publication Date 2022-01-27
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1932-7447 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 3.7 Times cited 12 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes H. Meeldijk is kindly acknowledged for helping with electron microscopy at Utrecht University. T. Prins is kindly acknowledged for useful discussions. B.B.V.S. and D.V. acknowledge the Dutch NWO for financial support via the TOP-ECHO Grant No. 715.016.002. D.V. acknowledges financial support from the European ERC Council, ERC Advanced Grant 692691 “First Step”. J.W. and A.M. acknowledge financial support from the project CHEMIE.PGT.2019.004 of TKI/ Topsector Chemie, which is partly financed by the Dutch NWO. S.B, C.L., and D.A.E. acknowledge financial support from the European ERC Council, ERC Consolidator Grant realnano No. 815128. This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under Grant No. 731019 (EUSMI). sygmaSB Approved Most recent IF: 3.7
Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:185454 Serial 6953
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Nematollahi, P.; Neyts, E.C.
Title Identification of a unique pyridinic FeN4Cx electrocatalyst for N₂ reduction : tailoring the coordination and carbon topologies Type A1 Journal article
Year 2022 Publication Journal Of Physical Chemistry C Abbreviated Journal J Phys Chem C
Volume 126 Issue 34 Pages 14460-14469
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract Although the heterogeneity of pyrolyzed Fe???N???C materials is known and has been reported previously, the atomic structure of the active sites and their detailed reaction mechanisms are still unknown. Here, we identified two pyridinic Fe???N4-like centers with different local C coordinates, i.e., FeN4C8 and FeN4C10, and studied their electrocatalytic activity for the nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) based on density functional theory (DFT) calculations. We also discovered the influence of the adsorption of NH2 as a functional ligand on catalyst performance on the NRR. We confirmed that the NRR selectivity of the studied catalysts is essentially governed either by the local C coordination or by the dynamic structure associated with the FeII/FeIII. Our investigations indicate that the proposed traditional pyridinic FeN4C10 has higher catalytic activity and selectivity for the NRR than the robust FeN4C8 catalyst, while it may have outstanding activity for promoting other (electro)catalytic reactions. <comment>Superscript/Subscript Available</comment
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000859545200001 Publication Date 2022-08-17
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1932-7447; 1932-7455 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 3.7 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 3.7
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:191469 Serial 7268
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Rogolino, A.; Claes, N.; Cizaurre, J.; Marauri, A.; Jumbo-Nogales, A.; Lawera, Z.; Kruse, J.; Sanroman-Iglesias, M.; Zarketa, I.; Calvo, U.; Jimenez-Izal, E.; Rakovich, Y.P.; Bals, S.; Matxain, J.M.; Grzelczak, M.
Title Metal-polymer heterojunction in colloidal-phase plasmonic catalysis Type A1 Journal article
Year 2022 Publication The journal of physical chemistry letters Abbreviated Journal J Phys Chem Lett
Volume 13 Issue 10 Pages 2264-2272
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Plasmonic catalysis in the colloidal phase requires robust surface ligands that prevent particles from aggregation in adverse chemical environments and allow carrier flow from reagents to nanoparticles. This work describes the use of a water-soluble conjugated polymer comprising a thiophene moiety as a surface ligand for gold nanoparticles to create a hybrid system that, under the action of visible light, drives the conversion of the biorelevant NAD+ to its highly energetic reduced form NADH. A combination of advanced microscopy techniques and numerical simulations revealed that the robust metal-polymer heterojunction, rich in sulfonate functional groups, directs the interaction of electron-donor molecules with the plasmonic photocatalyst. The tight binding of polymer to the gold surface precludes the need for conventional transition-metal surface cocatalysts, which were previously shown to be essential for photocatalytic NAD(+) reduction but are known to hinder the optical properties of plasmonic nanocrystals. Moreover, computational studies indicated that the coating polymer fosters a closer interaction between the sacrificial electron-donor triethanolamine and the nanoparticles, thus enhancing the reactivity.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000776518000001 Publication Date 0000-00-00
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1948-7185 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 5.7 Times cited 1 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes This work was supported by grant PID2019-111772RB-I00 funded by MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 and grant IT 1254-19 funded by Basque Government. The authors acknowledge the financial support of the European Commission (EUSMI, Grant 731019). S.B. is grateful to the European Research Council (ERC-CoG-2019 815128). The authors acknowledge the contributions by Dr. Adrian Pedrazo Tardajos related to sample support and electron microscopy experiments.; realnano;sygmaSB Approved Most recent IF: 5.7
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:188008 Serial 7062
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Javdani, Z.; Hassani, N.; Faraji, F.; Zhou, R.; Sun, C.; Radha, B.; Neyts, E.; Peeters, F.M.; Neek-Amal, M.
Title Clogging and unclogging of hydrocarbon-contaminated nanochannels Type A1 Journal article
Year 2022 Publication The journal of physical chemistry letters Abbreviated Journal J Phys Chem Lett
Volume 13 Issue 49 Pages 11454-11463
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT); Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract The recent advantages of the fabrication of artificial nanochannels enabled new research on the molecular transport, permeance, and selectivity of various gases and molecules. However, the physisorption/chemisorption of the unwanted molecules (usually hydrocarbons) inside nanochannels results in the alteration of the functionality of the nanochannels. We investigated contamination due to hydrocarbon molecules, nanochannels made of graphene, hexagonal boron nitride, BC2N, and molybdenum disulfide using molecular dynamics simulations. We found that for a certain size of nanochannel (i.e., h = 0.7 nm), as a result of the anomalous hydrophilic nature of nanochannels made of graphene, the hydrocarbons are fully adsorbed in the nanochannel, giving rise to full uptake. An increasing temperature plays an important role in unclogging, while pressure does not have a significant role. The results of our pioneering work contribute to a better understanding and highlight the important factors in alleviating the contamination and unclogging of nanochannels, which are in good agreement with the results of recent experiments.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000893147700001 Publication Date 2022-12-05
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1948-7185 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 5.7 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 5.7
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:192815 Serial 7263
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Achari, A.; Bekaert, J.; Sreepal, V.; Orekhov, A.; Kumaravadivel, P.; Kim, M.; Gauquelin, N.; Pillai, P.B.; Verbeeck, J.; Peeters, F.M.; Geim, A.K.; Milošević, M.V.; Nair, R.R.
Title Alternating superconducting and charge density wave monolayers within bulk 6R-TaS₂ Type A1 Journal article
Year 2022 Publication Nano letters Abbreviated Journal Nano Lett
Volume 22 Issue 15 Pages 6268-6275
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Abstract Van der Waals (vdW) heterostructures continue to attract intense interest as a route of designing materials with novel properties that cannot be found in nature. Unfortunately, this approach is currently limited to only a few layers that can be stacked on top of each other. Here, we report a bulk vdW material consisting of superconducting 1H TaS2 monolayers interlayered with 1T TaS2 monolayers displaying charge density waves (CDW). This bulk vdW heterostructure is created by phase transition of 1T-TaS2 to 6R at 800 degrees C in an inert atmosphere. Its superconducting transition (T-c) is found at 2.6 K, exceeding the T-c of the bulk 2H phase. Using first-principles calculations, we argue that the coexistence of superconductivity and CDW within 6R-TaS2 stems from amalgamation of the properties of adjacent 1H and 1T monolayers, where the former dominates the superconducting state and the latter the CDW behavior.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000831832100001 Publication Date 2022-07-20
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1530-6984 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 10.8 Times cited 12 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes This work was supported by the Royal Society, the Leverhulme Trust (PLP-2018-220), the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EP/N005082/1), and European Research Council (contract 679689). The authors acknowledge the use of the facilities at the Henry Royce Institute and associated support services. J.B. is a postdoctoral fellow of Research Foundation-Flanders (FWO-Vlaanderen). Computational resources were provided by the VSC (Flemish Supercomputer Center), funded by the FWO and the Flemish Governmentdepartment EWI. This work was also performed under a transnational access provision funded by the European Union under the Horizon 2020 programme within a contract for Integrating Activities for Advanced Communities No 823717 − ESTEEM3; esteem3reported; esteem3jra Approved Most recent IF: 10.8
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:189495 Serial 7077
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Gobato, Y.G.; de Brito, C.S.; Chaves, A.; Prosnikov, M.A.; Wozniak, T.; Guo, S.; Barcelos, I.D.; Milošević, M.V.; Withers, F.; Christianen, P.C.M.
Title Distinctive g-factor of Moire-confined excitons in van der Waals heterostructures Type A1 Journal article
Year 2022 Publication Nano letters Abbreviated Journal Nano Lett
Volume 22 Issue 21 Pages 8641-8641
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Abstract We investigated the valley Zeeman splitting of excitonic peaks in the microphotoluminescence (mu PL) spectra of high-quality hBN/WS2/MoSe2/hBN heterostructures under perpendicular magnetic fields up to 20 T. We identify two neutral exciton peaks in the mu PL spectra; the lower-energy peak exhibits a reduced g-factor relative to that of the higher energy peak and much lower than the recently reported values for interlayer excitons in other van der Waals (vdW) heterostructures. We provide evidence that such a discernible g-factor stems from the spatial confinement of the exciton in the potential landscape created by the moire pattern due to lattice mismatch or interlayer twist in heterobilayers. This renders magneto-mu PL an important tool to reach a deeper understanding of the effect of moire patterns on excitonic confinement in vdW heterostructures.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000877287800001 Publication Date 2022-10-24
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1530-6984 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 10.8 Times cited 3 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 10.8
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:192166 Serial 7298
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Cai, J.; Griffin, E.; Guarochico-Moreira, V.; Barry, D.; Xin, B.; Huang, S.; Geim, A.K.; Peeters, F.M.; Lozada-Hidalgo, M.
Title Photoaccelerated water dissociation across one-atom-thick electrodes Type A1 Journal article
Year 2022 Publication Nano letters Abbreviated Journal Nano Lett
Volume 22 Issue 23 Pages 9566-9570
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Abstract Recent experiments demonstrated that interfacial water dissociation (H2O ⇆ H+ + OH-) could be accelerated exponentially by an electric field applied to graphene electrodes, a phenomenon related to the Wien effect. Here we report an order-of-magnitude acceleration of the interfacial water dissociation reaction under visible-light illumination. This process is accompanied by spatial separation of protons and hydroxide ions across one-atom-thick graphene and enhanced by strong interfacial electric fields. The found photoeffect is attributed to the combination of graphene's perfect selectivity with respect to protons, which prevents proton-hydroxide recombination, and to proton transport acceleration by the Wien effect, which occurs in synchrony with the water dissociation reaction. Our findings provide fundamental insights into ion dynamics near atomically thin proton-selective interfaces and suggest that strong interfacial fields can enhance and tune very fast ionic processes, which is of relevance for applications in photocatalysis and designing reconfigurable materials.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000892112200001 Publication Date 2022-11-30
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1530-6984 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 10.8 Times cited 3 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 10.8
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:192759 Serial 7330
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Birkholzer, Y.A.; Sotthewes, K.; Gauquelin, N.; Riekehr, L.; Jannis, D.; van der Minne, E.; Bu, Y.; Verbeeck, J.; Zandvliet, H.J.W.; Koster, G.; Rijnders, G.
Title High-strain-induced local modification of the electronic properties of VO₂ thin films Type A1 Journal article
Year 2022 Publication ACS applied electronic materials Abbreviated Journal
Volume 4 Issue 12 Pages 6020-6028
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Vanadium dioxide (VO2) is a popular candidate for electronic and optical switching applications due to its well-known semiconductor-metal transition. Its study is notoriously challenging due to the interplay of long- and short-range elastic distortions, as well as the symmetry change and the electronic structure changes. The inherent coupling of lattice and electronic degrees of freedom opens the avenue toward mechanical actuation of single domains. In this work, we show that we can manipulate and monitor the reversible semiconductor-to-metal transition of VO2 while applying a controlled amount of mechanical pressure by a nanosized metallic probe using an atomic force microscope. At a critical pressure, we can reversibly actuate the phase transition with a large modulation of the conductivity. Direct tunneling through the VO2-metal contact is observed as the main charge carrier injection mechanism before and after the phase transition of VO2. The tunneling barrier is formed by a very thin but persistently insulating surface layer of the VO2. The necessary pressure to induce the transition decreases with temperature. In addition, we measured the phase coexistence line in a hitherto unexplored regime. Our study provides valuable information on pressure-induced electronic modifications of the VO2 properties, as well as on nanoscale metal-oxide contacts, which can help in the future design of oxide electronics.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000890974900001 Publication Date 2022-11-18
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 2 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes This work received financial support from the project Green ICT (grant number 400.17.607) of the research program NWA, which is financed by the Dutch Research Council (NWO), Research Foundation Flanders (FWO grant number G0F1320N), and the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program within a contract for Integrating Activities for Advanced Communities (grant number 823717 − ESTEEM3). The K2 camera was funded through the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO-Hercules grant number G0H4316N – “Direct electron detector for soft matter TEM”).; esteem3reported; esteem3jra Approved Most recent IF: NA
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:192712 Serial 7309
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Gogoi, A.; Neyts, E.C.; Milošević, M.V.; Peeters, F.M.
Title Arresting aqueous swelling of layered graphene-oxide membranes with H3O+ and OH- ions Type A1 Journal article
Year 2022 Publication ACS applied materials and interfaces Abbreviated Journal Acs Appl Mater Inter
Volume 14 Issue 30 Pages 34946-34954
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT); Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract Over the past decade, graphene oxide (GO) has emerged as a promising membrane material with superior separation performance and intriguing mechanical/chemical stability. However, its practical implementation remains very challenging primarily because of its undesirable swelling in an aqueous environment. Here, we demonstrated that dissociation of water molecules into H3O+ and OH- ions inside the interlayer gallery of a layered GO membrane can strongly affect its stability and performance. We reveal that H3O+ and OH- ions form clusters inside the GO laminates that impede the permeance of water and salt ions through the membrane. Dynamics of those clusters is sensitive to an external ac electric field, which can be used to tailor the membrane performance. The presence of H3O+ and OH- ions also leads to increased stability of the hydrogen bond (H-bond) network among the water molecules and the GO layers, which further reduces water permeance through the membrane, while crucially imparting stability to the layered GO membrane against undesirable swelling. KEYWORDS: layered graphene-oxide membrane, aqueous stability, H3O+ and OH- ions, external electric field, molecular dynamics
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000835946500001 Publication Date 2022-07-25
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1944-8244 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 9.5 Times cited 9 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 9.5
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:189467 Serial 7127
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Cunha, D.M.; Gauquelin, N.; Xia, R.; Verbeeck, J.; Huijben, M.
Title Self-assembled epitaxial cathode-electrolyte nanocomposites for 3D microbatteries Type A1 Journal article
Year 2022 Publication ACS applied materials and interfaces Abbreviated Journal Acs Appl Mater Inter
Volume 14 Issue 37 Pages 42208-42214
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract The downscaling of electronic devices requires rechargeable microbatteries with enhanced energy and power densities. Here, we evaluate self-assembled vertically aligned nano-composite (VAN) thin films as a platform to create high-performance three-dimensional (3D) microelectrodes. This study focuses on controlling the VAN formation to enable interface engineering between the LiMn2O4 cathode and the (Li,La)TiO3 solid electrolyte. Electrochemical analysis in a half cell against lithium metal showed the absence of sharp redox peaks due to the confinement in the electrode pillars at the nanoscale. The (100)-oriented VAN thin films showed better rate capability and stability during extensive cycling due to the better alignment to the Li-diffusion channels. However, an enhanced pseudocapacitive contribution was observed for the increased total surface area within the (110)-oriented VAN thin films. These results demonstrate for the first time the electrochemical behavior of cathode-electrolyte VANs for lithium-ion 3D microbatteries while pointing out the importance of control over the vertical interfaces.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000852647100001 Publication Date 2022-09-06
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1944-8244 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 9.5 Times cited 4 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes This research was carried out with the support from the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research (NWO) under VIDI grant no. 13456. Approved Most recent IF: 9.5
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:190619 Serial 7206
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Pacquets, L.; Van den Hoek, J.; Arenas Esteban, D.; Ciocarlan, R.-G.; Cool, P.; Baert, K.; Hauffman, T.; Daems, N.; Bals, S.; Breugelmans, T.
Title Use of nanoscale carbon layers on Ag-based gas diffusion electrodes to promote CO production Type A1 Journal article
Year 2022 Publication ACS applied nano materials Abbreviated Journal
Volume 5 Issue 6 Pages 7723-7732
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Laboratory of adsorption and catalysis (LADCA); Applied Electrochemistry & Catalysis (ELCAT)
Abstract A promising strategy for the inhibition of the hydrogen evolution reaction along with the stabilization of the electrocatalyst in electrochemical CO2 reduction cells involves the application of a nanoscale amorphous carbon layer on top of the active catalyst layer in a gas diffusion electrode. Without modifying the chemical nature of the electrocatalyst itself, these amorphous carbon layers lead to the stabilization of the electrocatalyst, and a significant improvement with respect to the inhibition of the hydrogen evolution reaction was also obtained. The faradaic efficiencies of hydrogen could be reduced from 31.4 to 2.1% after 1 h of electrolysis with a 5 nm thick carbon layer. Furthermore, the impact of the carbon layer thickness (5–30 nm) on this inhibiting effect was investigated. We determined an optimal thickness of 15 nm where the hydrogen evolution reaction was inhibited and a decent stability was obtained. Next, a thickness of 15 nm was selected for durability measurements. Interestingly, these durability measurements revealed the beneficial impact of the carbon layer already after 6 h by suppressing the hydrogen evolution such that an increase of only 37.9% exists compared to 56.9% without the use of an additional carbon layer, which is an improvement of 150%. Since carbon is only applied afterward, it reveals its great potential in terms of electrocatalysis in general.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000818507900001 Publication Date 2022-05-19
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2574-0970 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 5.9 Times cited 3 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes L.P. was supported through a Ph.D. fellowship strategic basic research (1S56920N) of the Research Foundation-Flanders (FWO). S.B. acknowledges financial support from ERC Consolidator Grant Number 815128 REALNANO. This research was financed by the Research Council of the University of Antwerp (BOF-GOA 33928). P.C. and R.-G.C. acknowledge financial support by FWO Flanders (project no. G038215N). The authors recognize the contribution of S. Pourbabak and T. Derez for the assistance with the Ag and carbon coating, Indah Prihatiningtyas and Bart Van der Bruggen for the assistance with the contact angle measurements, Daniel Choukroun for the use of the in-house-made hybrid flow cell, and Stijn Van den Broeck for his assistance with the FIB measurements. Approved Most recent IF: 5.9
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:188887 Serial 7099
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Borah, R.; Smets, J.; Ninakanti, R.; Tietze, M.L.; Ameloot, R.; Chigrin, D.N.; Bals, S.; Lenaerts, S.; Verbruggen, S.W.
Title Self-assembled ligand-capped plasmonic Au nanoparticle films in the Kretschmann configuration for sensing of volatile organic compounds Type A1 Journal article
Year 2022 Publication ACS applied nano materials Abbreviated Journal
Volume 5 Issue 8 Pages acsanm.2c02524-12
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract Films of close-packed Au nanoparticles are coupled electrodynamically through their collective plasmon resonances. This collective optical response results in enhanced light–matter interactions, which can be exploited in various applications. Here, we demonstrate their application in sensing volatile organic compounds, using methanol as a test case. Ordered films over several cm2 were obtained by interfacial self-assembly of colloidal Au nanoparticles (∼10 nm diameter) through controlled evaporation of the solvent. Even though isolated nanoparticles of this size are inherently nonscattering, when arranged in a close-packed film the plasmonic coupling results in a strong reflectance and absorbance. The in situ tracking of vapor phase methanol concentration through UV–vis transmission measurements of the nanoparticle film is first demonstrated. Next, in situ ellipsometry of the self-assembled films in the Kretschmann (also known as ATR) configuration is shown to yield enhanced sensitivity, especially with phase difference measurements, Δ. Our study shows the excellent agreement between theoretical models of the spectral response of self-assembled films with experimental in situ sensing experiments. At the same time, the theoretical framework provides the basis for the interpretation of the various observed experimental trends. Combining periodic nanoparticle films with ellipsometry in the Kretschmann configuration is a promising strategy toward highly sensitive and selective plasmonic thin-film devices based on colloidal fabrication methods for volatile organic compound (VOC) sensing applications.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000834348300001 Publication Date 2022-07-27
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2574-0970 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 5.9 Times cited 11 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes R.B. acknowledges financial support from the University of Antwerp Special Research Fund (BOF) for a DOCPRO4 doctoral scholarship. J.S. acknowledges financial support from the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO) by a Ph.D. fellowship (11H8121N) . M.L.T. acknowledges financial support from the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO) by a senior postdoctoral fellowship (12ZK720N) . Approved Most recent IF: 5.9
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:189295 Serial 7095
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Cui, Z.; Meng, S.; Yi, Y.; Jafarzadeh, A.; Li, S.; Neyts, E.C.; Hao, Y.; Li, L.; Zhang, X.; Wang, X.; Bogaerts, A.
Title Plasma-catalytic methanol synthesis from CO₂ hydrogenation over a supported Cu cluster catalyst : insights into the reaction mechanism Type A1 Journal article
Year 2022 Publication Acs Catalysis Abbreviated Journal Acs Catal
Volume 12 Issue 2 Pages 1326-1337
Keywords A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract Plasma-catalytic CO, hydrogenation for methanol production is gaining increasing interest, but our understanding of its reaction mechanism remains primitive. We present a combined experimental/computational study on plasma-catalytic CO, hydrogenation to CH3OH over a size-selected Cu/gamma-Al2O3 catalyst. Our experiments demonstrate a synergistic effect between the Cu/gamma-Al2O3 catalyst and the CO2/H-2 plasma, achieving a CO2 conversion of 10% at 4 wt % Cu loading and a CH3OH selectivity near 50% further rising to 65% with H2O addition (for a H2O/CO2 ratio of 1). Furthermore, the energy consumption for CH3OH production was more than 20 times lower than with plasma only. We carried out density functional theory calculations over a Cu-13/gamma-Al2O3 model, which reveal that the interfacial sites of the Cu-13 cluster and gamma-Al2O3 support show a bifunctional effect: they not only activate the CO2 molecules but also strongly adsorb key intermediates to promote their hydrogenation further. Reactive plasma species can regulate the catalyst surface reactions via the Eley-Rideal (E-R) mechanism, which accelerates the hydrogenation process and promotes the generation of the key intermediates. H2O can promote the CH3OH desorption by competitive adsorption over the Cu-13/gamma-Al2O3 surface. This study provides new insights into CO2 hydrogenation through plasma catalysis, and it provides inspiration for the conversion of some other small molecules (CH4, N-2, CO, etc.) by plasma catalysis using supported-metal clusters.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000742735600001 Publication Date 2022-01-07
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2155-5435 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 12.9 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 12.9
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:186416 Serial 7192
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Nematollahi, P.; Barbiellini, B.; Bansil, A.; Lamoen, D.; Qingying, J.; Mukerjee, S.; Neyts, E.C.
Title Identification of a Robust and Durable FeN4CxCatalyst for ORR in PEM Fuel Cells and the Role of the Fifth Ligand Type A1 Journal article
Year 2022 Publication ACS catalysis Abbreviated Journal Acs Catal
Volume Issue Pages 7541-7549
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract Although recent studies have advanced the understanding of pyrolyzed

Fe−N−C materials as oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalysts, the atomic and

electronic structures of the active sites and their detailed reaction mechanisms still remain unknown. Here, based on first-principles density functional theory (DFT) computations, we discuss the electronic structures of three FeN4 catalytic centers with different local topologies of the surrounding C atoms with a focus on unraveling the mechanism of their ORR activity in acidic electrolytes. Our study brings back a forgotten, synthesized pyridinic Fe−N coordinate to the community’s attention, demonstrating that this catalyst can exhibit excellent activity for promoting direct four-electron ORR through the addition of a fifth ligand such as −NH2, −OH, and −SO4. We also identify sites with good stability properties through the combined use of our DFT calculations and Mössbauer spectroscopy data.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000823193100001 Publication Date 2022-06-10
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2155-5435 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 12.9 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Basic Energy Sciences, DE-FG02-07ER46352 ; Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek, 1261721N ; Opetus- ja Kulttuuriministeri?; Department of Energy, DE-EE0008416 ; Approved Most recent IF: 12.9
Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:189000 Serial 7073
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Yang, S.; Liu, Z.; An, H.; Arnouts, S.; de Ruiter, J.; Rollier, F.; Bals, S.; Altantzis, T.; Figueiredo, M.C.; Filot, I.A.W.; Hensen, E.J.M.; Weckhuysen, B.M.; van der Stam, W.
Title Near-unity electrochemical CO₂ to CO conversion over Sn-doped copper oxide nanoparticles Type A1 Journal article
Year 2022 Publication ACS catalysis Abbreviated Journal Acs Catal
Volume 12 Issue 24 Pages 15146-15156
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Applied Electrochemistry & Catalysis (ELCAT)
Abstract Bimetallic electrocatalysts have emerged as a viable strategy to tune the electrocatalytic CO2 reduction reaction (eCO2RR) for the selective production of valuable base chemicals and fuels. However, obtaining high product selectivity and catalyst stability remain challenging, which hinders the practical application of eCO2RR. In this work, it was found that a small doping concentration of tin (Sn) in copper oxide (CuO) has profound influence on the catalytic performance, boosting the Faradaic efficiency (FE) up to 98% for carbon monoxide (CO) at -0.75 V versus RHE, with prolonged stable performance (FE > 90%) for up to 15 h. Through a combination of ex situ and in situ characterization techniques, the in situ activation and reaction mechanism of the electrocatalyst at work was elucidated. In situ Raman spectroscopy measurements revealed that the binding energy of the crucial adsorbed *CO intermediate was lowered through Sn doping, thereby favoring gaseous CO desorption. This observation was confirmed by density functional theory, which further indicated that hydrogen adsorption and subsequent hydrogen evolution were hampered on the Sn-doped electrocatalysts, resulting in boosted CO formation. It was found that the pristine electrocatalysts consisted of CuO nanoparticles decorated with SnO2 domains, as characterized by ex situ high-resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements. These pristine nanoparticles were subsequently in situ converted into a catalytically active bimetallic Sn-doped Cu phase. Our work sheds light on the intimate relationship between the bimetallic structure and catalytic behavior, resulting in stable and selective oxide-derived Sn-doped Cu electrocatalysts.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000900052400001 Publication Date 2022-11-28
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2155-5435 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 12.9 Times cited 16 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes B.M.W., S.Y., M.C.F., E.J.M.H., and W.v.d.S. acknowledge support from the Strategic UU-TU/e Alliance project ?Joint Centre for Chemergy Research?. S.B. acknowledges support from the European Research Council (ERC Consolidator grant #815128 REALNANO) . Z.L. acknowledges financial support of the China Scholarship Council and the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research for access to computa-tional resources for carrying out the DFT calculations reported in this work. S.A. and T.A. acknowledge funding from theUniversity of Antwerp Research fund (BOF) . The authors also thank Dr. Jochem Wijten and Joris Janssens (Inorganic Chemistry and Catalysis, Utrecht University) for helpful technical support. Sander Deelen (Faculty of Science, Utrecht University) is acknowledged for the design of the in situ XRD cell. Approved Most recent IF: 12.9
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:192742 Serial 7325
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Faust, V.; Gruber, W.; Ganigue, R.; Vlaeminck, S.E.; Udert, K.M.
Title Nitrous oxide emissions and carbon footprint of decentralized urine fertilizer production by nitrification and distillation Type A1 Journal article
Year 2022 Publication ACS ES&T engineering Abbreviated Journal
Volume 2 Issue 9 Pages 1745-1755
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract Combining partial nitrification, granular activated carbon (GAC) filtration, and distillation is a well-studied approach to convert urine into a fertilizer. To evaluate the environmental sustainability of a technology, the operational carbon footprint and therefore nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions should be known, but N2O emissions from urine nitrification have not been assessed yet. Therefore, N2O emissions of a decentralized urine nitrification reactor were monitored for 1 month. During nitrification, 0.4-1.2% of the total nitrogen load was emitted as N2O-N with an average N2O emission factor (EFN2O) of 0.7%. Additional N2O was produced during anoxic storage between nitrification and GAC filtration with an estimated EFN2O of 0.8%, resulting in an EFN2O of 1.5% for the treatment chain. N2O emissions during nitrification can be mitigated by 60% by avoiding low dissolved oxygen or anoxic conditions and nitrite concentrations above 5 mg-N L-1. Minimizing the hydraulic retention time between nitrification and GAC filtration can reduce N2O formation during intermediate storage by 100%. Overall, the N2O emissions accounted for 45% of the operational carbon footprint of 14 kg-CO2,equiv kg-N-1 for urine fertilizer production. Using electricity from renewable sources and applying the proposed N2O mitigation strategies could potentially lower the carbon footprint by 85%.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000835412700001 Publication Date 2022-07-29
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: NA
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:189599 Serial 7182
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Heyvaert, W.; Pedrazo-Tardajos, A.; Kadu, A.; Claes, N.; González-Rubio, G.; Liz-Marzán, L.M.; Albrecht, W.; Bals, S.
Title Quantification of the Helical Morphology of Chiral Gold Nanorods Type A1 Journal article
Year 2022 Publication ACS materials letters Abbreviated Journal ACS Materials Lett.
Volume 4 Issue Pages 642-649
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Chirality in inorganic nanoparticles and nanostructures has gained increasing scientific interest, because of the possibility to tune their ability to interact differently with left- and right-handed circularly polarized light. In some cases, the optical activity is hypothesized to originate from a chiral morphology of the nanomaterial. However, quantifying the degree of chirality in objects with sizes of tens of nanometers is far from straightforward. Electron tomography offers the possibility to faithfully retrieve the three-dimensional morphology of nanomaterials, but only a qualitative interpretation of the morphology of chiral nanoparticles has been possible so far. We introduce herein a methodology that enables us to quantify the helicity of complex chiral nanomaterials, based on the geometrical properties of a helix. We demonstrate that an analysis at the single particle level can provide significant insights into the origin of chiroptical properties.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000784490000013 Publication Date 2022-03-08
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2639-4979 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor Times cited 11 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes S.B. and A.P.-T. gratefully acknowledge funding by the European Research Council (ERC Consolidator Grant #815128-REALNANO) the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under grant agreement #823717ESTEEM3. L.M.L.-M. acknowledges funding from MCIN/ AEI /10.13039/501100011033, grant # PID2020- 117779RB-I00 and the Maria de Maeztu Units of Excellence Program from the Spanish State Research Agency (Grant No. MDM-2017-0720). G.G.-R. thanks the Spanish Spanish Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación for an FPI (BES-2014- 068972) fellowship.; SygmaSB; esteem3reported; esteem3jra Approved Most recent IF: NA
Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:186959 Serial 6956
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Choo, P.; Arenas-Esteban, D.; Jung, I.; Chang, W.J.; Weiss, E.A.; Bals, S.; Odom, T.W.
Title Investigating Reaction Intermediates during the Seedless Growth of Gold Nanostars Using Electron Tomography Type A1 Journal article
Year 2022 Publication ACS nano Abbreviated Journal Acs Nano
Volume 16 Issue 3 Pages 4408-4414
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Good’s buffers can act both as nucleating and shape- directing agents during the synthesis of anisotropic gold nanostars (AuNS). Although different Good’s buffers can produce AuNS shapes with branches that are oriented along specific crystallographic directions, the mechanism is not fully understood. This paper reports how an analysis of the intermediate structures during AuNS synthesis from HEPES, EPPS, and MOPS Good’s buffers can provide insight into the formation of seedless AuNS. Electron tomography of AuNS structures quenched at early times (minutes) was used to characterize the morphology of the incipient seeds, and later times were used to construct the growth maps. Through this approach, we identified how the crystallinity and shape of the first structures synthesized with different Good’s buffers determine the final AuNS morphologies.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000780214300084 Publication Date 2022-03-22
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1936-0851 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 17.1 Times cited 12 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes This work was supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF) under award NSF CHE-1808502 (P.C. and I.J.). This work made use of the EPIC facility of Northwestern University’s NUANCE Center, which has received support from the SHyNE Resource (NSF ECCS-2025633), the IIN, and Northwestern’s MRSEC program (NSF DMR-1720139). D.A E. and S.B. acknowledge funding from the European Research Council under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program (ERC Consolidator Grants No. 815128 REALNANO and Grant Agreement No. 731019 EUSMI).; sygmaSB Approved Most recent IF: 17.1
Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:187930 Serial 7055
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Pedrazo-Tardajos, A.; Arslan Irmak, E.; Kumar, V.; Sánchez-Iglesias, A.; Chen, Q.; Wirix, M.; Freitag, B.; Albrecht, W.; Van Aert, S.; Liz-Marzán, L.M.; Bals, S.
Title Thermal Activation of Gold Atom Diffusion in Au@Pt Nanorods Type A1 Journal article
Year 2022 Publication ACS nano Abbreviated Journal Acs Nano
Volume Issue Pages
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Understanding the thermal stability of bimetallic nanoparticles is of vital importance to preserve their functionalities during their use in a variety of applications. In contrast to well-studied bimetallic systems such as Au@Ag, heat-induced morphological and compositional changes in Au@Pt nanoparticles are insufficiently understood, even though Au@Pt is an important material for catalysis. To investigate the thermal instability of Au@Pt nanorods at temperatures below their bulk melting point, we combined in situ heating with two- and three-dimensional electron microscopy techniques, including three-dimensional energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The experimental results were used as input for molecular dynamics simulations, to unravel the mechanisms behind the morphological transformation of Au@Pt core–shell nanorods. We conclude that thermal stability is influenced not only by the degree of coverage of Pt on Au but also by structural details of the Pt shell.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000819246800001 Publication Date 2022-06-10
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1936-0851 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 17.1 Times cited 8 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes S.B., S.V.A., L.M.L.-M. and A.P.-T. acknowledge financial support from the European Commission under the Horizon 2020 Programme by grant nos. 731019 (EUSMI) and 823717 (ESTEEM3) and ERC Consolidator grant nos. 815128 (REALNANO) and 770887 (PICOMETRICS). L.M.L.-M. acknowledges funding from MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 through grants no. PID2020-117779RB-I00 and Maria de Maeztu Unit of Excellence no. MDM-2017-0720. The authors acknowledge the resources and services used for the simulations in this work were provided by the VSC (Flemish Supercomputer Center), funded by the Research Foundation – Flanders (FWO) and the Flemish Government.; esteem3reported; esteem3JRA Approved Most recent IF: 17.1
Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:188540 Serial 7072
Permanent link to this record