toggle visibility
Search within Results:
Display Options:

Select All    Deselect All
 |   | 
Details
   print
  Records Links (down)
Author Dabaghmanesh, S.; Neek-Amal, M.; Partoens, B.; Neyts, E.C. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title The formation of Cr2O3 nanoclusters over graphene sheet and carbon nanotubes Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2017 Publication Chemical physics letters Abbreviated Journal Chem Phys Lett  
  Volume 687 Issue Pages 188-193  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT); Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)  
  Abstract  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Amsterdam Editor  
  Language Wos 000412453700030 Publication Date 2017-09-06  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0009-2614 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 1.815 Times cited 2 Open Access Not_Open_Access: Available from 01.11.2019  
  Notes ; This work was supported by SIM vzw, Technologiepark 935, BE-9052 Zwijnaarde, Belgium, within the InterPoCo project of the H-INT-S horizontal program. The computational resources and services used in this work were provided by the Vlaams Supercomputer Centrum (VSC) and the HPC infrastructure of the University of Antwerp. ; Approved Most recent IF: 1.815  
  Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:146646 Serial 4795  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Gorbanev, Y.; Fedirchyk, I.; Bogaerts, A. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Plasma catalysis in ammonia production and decomposition: Use it, or lose it? Type A1 Journal Article
  Year 2024 Publication Current Opinion in Green and Sustainable Chemistry Abbreviated Journal Current Opinion in Green and Sustainable Chemistry  
  Volume 47 Issue Pages 100916  
  Keywords A1 Journal Article; Plasma Nitrogen fixation Ammonia Plasma catalysis Production and decomposition; Plasma, laser ablation and surface modeling Antwerp (PLASMANT) ;  
  Abstract The combination of plasma with catalysis for the synthesis and decomposition of NH3 is an attractive route to the production of carbon-neutral fertiliser and energy carriers and its conversion into H2. Recent years have seen fast developments in the field of plasma-catalytic NH3 life cycle. This work summarises the most recent advances in plasma-catalytic and related NH3-focussed processes, identifies some of the most important discoveries, and addresses plausible strategies for future developments in plasma-based NH3 technology.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos Publication Date 2024-03-29  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2452-2236 ISBN Additional Links  
  Impact Factor 9.3 Times cited Open Access  
  Notes The work was supported by the Fund for Scientific Research (FWO) Flanders Bioeconomy project (grant G0G2322N) funded by the European Union-NextGe- nerationEU, the HyPACT project funded by the Belgian Energy Transition Fund, and the MSCA4Ukraine project 1233629 funded by the European Union. Approved Most recent IF: 9.3; 2024 IF: NA  
  Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @ Serial 9117  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Perreault, P.; Kummamuru, N.B.; Gonzalez Quiroga, A.; Lenaerts, S. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title CO2 capture initiatives : are governments, society, industry and the financial sector ready? Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2022 Publication Current Opinion in Chemical Engineering Abbreviated Journal Curr Opin Chem Eng  
  Volume 38 Issue Pages 100874  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)  
  Abstract The deployment of CCUS plants does not match the enormous requirements to meet the CO2 emission reductions fixed during the Paris agreement, and we must ask ourselves what is refraining the technology deployment, especially in light of the recent high CO2 prices. Owing to the higher costs than their fossil counterparts, Carbon Capture & Utilization represents a long-term solution. In addition to a gigantic scale-up effort even for the most mature Carbon Capture & Storage (CCS) technologies, various factors are responsible for the slow roll-out of CCS projects. Luckily, the financial sector and governments are playing their role. Support from the public is however key, and an open communication is required to convert social tolerance into social acceptance.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000885329800001 Publication Date 2022-10-28  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2211-3398 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 6.6 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 6.6  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:191272 Serial 7137  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Pauwels, D.; Geboes, B.; Hereijgers, J.; Choukroun, D.; De Wael, K.; Breugelmans, T. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title The application of an electrochemical microflow reactor for the electrosynthetic aldol reaction of acetone to diacetone alcohol Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2017 Publication Chemical engineering research and design Abbreviated Journal Chem Eng Res Des  
  Volume 128 Issue Pages 205-213  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation); Laboratory Experimental Medicine and Pediatrics (LEMP); Applied Electrochemistry & Catalysis (ELCAT)  
  Abstract The design and application of an electrochemical micro-flow reactor for the aldol reaction of acetone to diacetone alcohol (DAA) is reported. The modular reactor could be readily disassembled and reassembled to change the electrodes, incorporate a membrane and remove possible obstructions. The productivity and efficiency was quantified. Using a platinum deposit as electrocatalyst or an inert glassy carbon electrode as working electrode, the maximum obtainable equilibrium concentration of ±15 m% was reached after a single pass up to a flow rate of 8 ml min−1, yielding 0.57 g min−1 DAA (3.46 mmol cm−3 min−1) at an efficiency of 0.33 g C−1 on platinum and 0.50 g min−1 (3.04 mmol cm−3 min−1) at 1.20 g C−1 on glassy carbon. Note that no optimisation studies have been made in the present paper.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000424736500018 Publication Date 2017-10-20  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0263-8762 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 2.538 Times cited 2 Open Access  
  Notes ; The authors would like to thank Bert De Mot for assisting with the measurements. Jonas Hereijgers greatly acknowledges the Research Foundation – Flanders (FWO) for support through a Post-Doctoral grant (12Q8817N). ; Approved Most recent IF: 2.538  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:146943 Serial 5871  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Kelly, S.; Verheyen, C.; Cowley, A.; Bogaerts, A. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Producing oxygen and fertilizer with the Martian atmosphere by using microwave plasma Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2022 Publication Chem Abbreviated Journal Chem  
  Volume 8 Issue 10 Pages 2797-2816  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)  
  Abstract We explorethepotentialofmicrowave(MW)-plasma-based in situ

utilizationoftheMartianatmospherewithafocusonthenovelpos-

sibilityoffixingN2 forfertilizerproduction. Conversioninasimulant

plasma (i.e., 96% CO2, 2% N2, and 2% Ar),performedunderen-

ergyconditionssimilartothoseoftheMarsOxygen In Situ Resource

UtilizationExperiment(MOXIE),currentlyonboardNASA’sPerse-

verancerover,demonstratesthatO/O2 formedthroughCO2 dissociation

facilitatesthefixationoftheN2 fractionviaoxidationtoNOx.

PromisingproductionratesforO2, CO,andNOx of 47.0,76.1,and

1.25g/h,respectively,arerecordedwithcorrespondingenergy

costs of0.021,0.013,and0.79kWh/g,respectively.Notably,O2

productionratesare 30 timeshigherthanthosedemonstrated

by MOXIE,whiletheNOx production raterepresentsan 7% fixa-

tionoftheN2 fraction presentintheMartian atmosphere.MW-

plasma-basedconversionthereforeshowsgreatpotentialasan in

situ resourceutilization(ISRU)technologyonMarsinthatitsimulta-

neouslyfixesN2 and producesO2.
 
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000875346600005 Publication Date 2022-08-22  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2451-9294 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 23.5 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes the Euro- pean Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowship ‘‘PENFIX’’ within Horizon 2020 (grant no. 838181), the European Research Council (ERC) under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Program (grant no. 810182; SCOPE ERC Synergy project), and the Excellence of Science FWO-FNRS project (FWO grant no. GoF9618n and EOS no. 30505023). C.V. was supported by a FWO aspirant PhD fellowship (grant no. 1184820N). The calculations were per- formed with the Turing HPC infrastructure at the CalcUA core facility of the Univer- siteit Antwerpen (Uantwerpen), a division of the Flemish Supercomputer Centre VSC, funded by the Hercules Foundation, the Flemish government (department EWI), and Uantwerpen. Approved Most recent IF: 23.5  
  Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @c:irua:192174 Serial 7243  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Van Winckel, T.; Ngo, N.; Sturm, B.; Al-Omari, A.; Wett, B.; Bott, C.; Vlaeminck, S.E.; De Clippeleir, H. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Enhancing bioflocculation in high-rate activated sludge improves effluent quality yet increases sensitivity to surface overflow rate Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2022 Publication Chemosphere Abbreviated Journal Chemosphere  
  Volume 308 Issue 2 Pages 136294-11  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)  
  Abstract High-rate activated sludge (HRAS) relies on good bioflocculation and subsequent solid-liquid separation to maximize the capture of organics. However, full-scale applications often suffer from poor and unpredictable effluent suspended solids (ESS). While the biological aspects of bioflocculation are thoroughly investigated, the effects of fines (settling velocity < 0.6 m3/m2/h), shear and surface overflow rate (SOR) are unclear. This work tackled the impact of fines, shear, and SOR on the ESS in absence of settleable influent solids. This was assessed on a full-scale HRAS step-feed (SF) and pilot-scale HRAS contact-stabilization (CS) configuration using batch settling tests, controlled clarifier experiments, and continuous operation of reactors. Fines contributed up to 25% of the ESS in the full-scale SF configuration. ESS decreased up to 30 mg TSS/L when bioflocculation was enhanced with the CS configuration. The feast-famine regime applied in CS promoted the production of high-quality extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). However, this resulted in a narrow and unfavorable settling velocity distribution, with 50% ± 5% of the sludge mass settling between 0.6 and 1.5 m3/m2/h, thus increasing sensitivity towards SOR changes. A low shear environment (20 s−1) before the clarifier for at least one min was enough to ensure the best possible settling velocity distribution, regardless of prior shear conditions. Overall, this paper provides a more complete view on the drivers of ESS in HRAS systems, creating the foundation for the design of effective HRAS clarifiers. Tangible recommendations are given on how to manage fines and establish the optimal settling velocity of the sludge.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000863979600006 Publication Date 2022-09-06  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0045-6535; 1879-1298 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record  
  Impact Factor 8.8 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 8.8  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:190187 Serial 7154  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Castanheiro, A.; Joos, P.; Wuyts, K.; De Wael, K.; Samson, R. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Leaf-deposited semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) : an exploratory study using GCxGC-TOFMS on leaf washing solutions Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2019 Publication Chemosphere Abbreviated Journal Chemosphere  
  Volume 214 Issue 214 Pages 103-110  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)  
  Abstract Airborne particulate matter (PM) includes semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs), which can be deposited on vegetation matrices such as plant leaves. In alternative to air-point measurements or artificial passive substrates, leaf monitoring offers a cost-effective, time-integrating means of assessing local air quality. In this study, leaf washing solutions from ivy (Hedera hibernica) leaves exposed during one-month at different land use classes were explored via comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography with time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GCxGC-TOFMS). The composition of leaf-deposited SVOCs, corrected for those of unexposed leaves, was compared against routinely monitored pollutants concentrations (PM10, PM2.5, O3, NO2, SO2) measured at co-located air monitoring stations. The first study on leaf-deposited SVOCs retrieved from washing solutions, herein reported, delivered a total of 911 detected compounds. While no significant land use (rural, urban, industrial, traffic, mixed) effects were observed, increasing exposure time (from one to 28 days) resulted in a higher number and diversity of SVOCs, suggesting cumulative time-integration to be more relevant than local source variations between sites. After one day, leaf-deposited SVOCs were mainly due to alcohols, N-containing compounds, carboxylic acids, esters and lactones, while ketones, diketones and hydrocarbons compounds gained relevance after one week, and phenol compounds after one month. As leaf-deposited SVOCs became overall more oxidized throughout exposure time, SVOCs transformation or degradation at the leaf surface is suggested to be an important phenomenon. This study confirmed the applicability of GCxGC-TOFMS to analyze SVOCs from leaf washing solutions, further research should include validation of the methodology and comparison with atmospheric organic pollutants.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000449891300013 Publication Date 2018-09-13  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0045-6535; 1879-1298 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 4.208 Times cited Open Access  
  Notes ; The authors thank the Flemish Environment Agency (VMM) for their collaboration and air quality data; Sam Dekkers and Jonathan Van Waeyenbergh for their help with sample collection. The study was performed using a study set-up funded by the Special Research Fund of the University of Antwerp (KPBOF 2014, no. FFB 140090 'Tree leaf surface properties as dynamic drivers of particulate matter-leaf interaction and phyllosphere microbial communities'). A.C. acknowledges the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO) for her SB PhD fellowship. ; Approved Most recent IF: 4.208  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:153509 Serial 5692  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Meng, S.; Li, S.; Sun, S.; Bogaerts, A.; Liu, Y.; Yi, Y. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title NH3 decomposition for H2 production by thermal and plasma catalysis using bimetallic catalysts Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2024 Publication Chemical engineering science Abbreviated Journal Chemical Engineering Science  
  Volume 283 Issue Pages 119449  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)  
  Abstract Plasma catalysis has emerged as a promising approach for driving thermodynamically unfavorable chemical

reactions. Nevertheless, comprehending the mechanisms involved remains a challenge, leading to uncertainty

about whether the optimal catalyst in plasma catalysis aligns with that in thermal catalysis. In this research, we

explore this question by studying monometallic catalysts (Fe, Co, Ni and Mo) and bimetallic catalysts (Fe-Co, Mo-

Co, Fe-Ni and Mo-Ni) in both thermal catalytic and plasma catalytic NH3 decomposition. Our findings reveal that

the Fe-Co bimetallic catalyst exhibits the highest activity in thermal catalysis, the Fe-Ni bimetallic catalyst

outperforms others in plasma catalysis, indicating a discrepancy between the optimal catalysts for the two

catalytic modes in NH3 decomposition. Comprehensive catalyst characterization, kinetic analysis, temperature

program surface reaction experiments and plasma diagnosis are employed to discuss the key factors influencing

NH3 decomposition performance.
 
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 001105312500001 Publication Date 2023-10-28  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0009-2509 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 4.7 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access  
  Notes Universiteit Antwerpen, 32249 ; National Natural Science Foundation of China, 21503032 ; PetroChina Innovation Foundation, 2018D-5007-0501 ; Approved Most recent IF: 4.7; 2024 IF: 2.895  
  Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @c:irua:201009 Serial 8967  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Maerivoet, S.; Tsonev, I.; Slaets, J.; Reniers, F.; Bogaerts, A. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Coupled multi-dimensional modelling of warm plasmas: Application and validation for an atmospheric pressure glow discharge in CO2/CH4/O2 Type A1 Journal Article
  Year 2024 Publication Chemical Engineering Journal Abbreviated Journal Chemical Engineering Journal  
  Volume 492 Issue Pages 152006  
  Keywords A1 Journal Article; Plasma, laser ablation and surface modeling Antwerp (PLASMANT) ;  
  Abstract To support experimental research into gas conversion by warm plasmas, models should be developed to explain the experimental observations. These models need to describe all physical and chemical plasma properties in a coupled way. In this paper, we present a modelling approach to solve the complete set of assumed relevant equations, including gas flow, heat balance and species transport, coupled with a rather extensive chemistry set, consisting of 21 species, obtained by reduction of a more detailed chemistry set, consisting of 41 species. We apply this model to study the combined CO2 and CH4 conversion in the presence of O2, in a direct current atmospheric pressure glow discharge. Our model can predict the experimental trends, and can explain why higher O2 fractions result in higher CH4 conversion, namely due to the higher gas temperature, rather than just by additional chemical reactions. Indeed, our model predicts that when more O2 is added, the energy required to reach any set temperature (i.e., the enthalpy) drops, allowing the system to reach higher temperatures with similar amounts of energy. This is in turn related to the higher H2O fraction and lower H2 fraction formed in the plasma, as demonstrated by our model. Altogether, our new self-consistent model can capture the main physics and chemistry occurring in this warm plasma, which is an important step towards predictive modelling for plasma-based gas conversion.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos Publication Date 2024-05-09  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1385-8947 ISBN Additional Links  
  Impact Factor 15.1 Times cited Open Access  
  Notes This research was supported by the Excellence of Science FWO-FNRS project (FWO grant ID G0I1822N; EOS ID 40007511) and the European Research Council (ERC) under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme (grant agreement No. 810182–SCOPE ERC Synergy project, and grant agreement No. 101081162–PREPARE ERC Proof of Concept project). computational resources and services used in this work were provided by the HPC core facility CalcUA of the Universiteit Antwerpen, and VSC (Flemish Supercomputer Center), funded by the Research Foundation – Flanders (FWO) and the Flemish Government. Approved Most recent IF: 15.1; 2024 IF: 6.216  
  Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @ Serial 9132  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author De Meyer, R.; Gorbanev, Y.; Ciocarlan, R.-G.; Cool, P.; Bals, S.; Bogaerts, A. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Importance of plasma discharge characteristics in plasma catalysis: Dry reforming of methane vs. ammonia synthesis Type A1 Journal Article
  Year 2024 Publication Chemical Engineering Journal Abbreviated Journal Chemical Engineering Journal  
  Volume 488 Issue Pages 150838  
  Keywords A1 Journal Article; Gas conversion Dry reforming of methane Ammonia Microdischarges Dielectric barrier discharge; Plasma, laser ablation and surface modeling Antwerp (PLASMANT) ;  
  Abstract Plasma catalysis is a rapidly growing field, often employing a packed-bed dielectric barrier discharge plasma reactor. Such dielectric barrier discharges are complex, especially when a packing material (e.g., a catalyst) is introduced in the discharge volume. Catalysts are known to affect the plasma discharge, though the underlying mechanisms influencing the plasma physics are not fully understood. Moreover, the effect of the catalysts on the plasma discharge and its subsequent effect on the overall performance is often overlooked. In this work, we deliberately design and synthesize catalysts to affect the plasma discharge in different ways. These Ni or Co alumina-based catalysts are used in plasma-catalytic dry reforming of methane and ammonia synthesis. Our work shows that introducing a metal to the dielectric packing can affect the plasma discharge, and that the distribution of the metal is crucial in this regard. Further, the altered discharge can greatly influence the overall performance. In an atmospheric pressure dielectric barrier discharge reactor, this apparently more uniform plasma yields a significantly better performance for ammonia synthesis compared to the more conventional filamentary discharge, while it underperforms in dry reforming of methane. This study stresses the importance of analyzing the plasma discharge in plasma catalysis experiments. We hope this work encourages a more critical view on the plasma discharge characteristics when studying various catalysts in a plasma reactor.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos Publication Date 2024-03-30  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1385-8947 ISBN Additional Links UA library record  
  Impact Factor 15.1 Times cited Open Access  
  Notes This research was supported through long-term structural funding (Methusalem FFB15001C) and by the European Research Council (ERC) under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme with grant agreement No 810182 (SCOPE ERC Synergy project) and with grant agreement No 815128 (REALNANO). We acknowledge the practical contribution of Senne Van Doorslaer. Approved Most recent IF: 15.1; 2024 IF: 6.216  
  Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @c:irua:205154 Serial 9115  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Wang, K.; Ceulemans, S.; Zhang, H.; Tsonev, I.; Zhang, Y.; Long, Y.; Fang, M.; Li, X.; Yan, J.; Bogaerts, A. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Inhibiting recombination to improve the performance of plasma-based CO2 conversion Type A1 Journal Article
  Year 2024 Publication Chemical Engineering Journal Abbreviated Journal Chemical Engineering Journal  
  Volume 481 Issue Pages 148684  
  Keywords A1 Journal Article; Plasma-based CO2 splitting Recombination reactions In-situ gas sampling Fluid dynamics modeling Kinetics modeling Afterglow quenching; Plasma, laser ablation and surface modeling Antwerp (PLASMANT) ;  
  Abstract Warm plasma offers a promising route for CO2 splitting into valuable CO, yet recombination reactions of CO with oxygen, forming again CO2, have recently emerged as critical limitation. This study combines experiments and fluid dynamics + chemical kinetics modelling to comprehensively analyse the recombination reactions upon CO2 splitting in an atmospheric plasmatron. We introduce an innovative in-situ gas sampling technique, enabling 2D spatial mapping of gas product compositions and temperatures, experimentally confirming for the first time the substantial limiting effect of CO recombination reactions in the afterglow region. Our results show that the CO mole fraction at a 5 L/min flow rate drops significantly from 11.9 % at a vertical distance of z = 20 mm in the afterglow region to 8.6 % at z = 40 mm. We constructed a comprehensive 2D model that allows for spatial reaction rates analysis incorporating crucial reactions, and we validated it to kinetically elucidate this phenomenon. CO2 +M⇌O+CO+M and CO2 +O⇌CO+O2 are the dominant reactions, with the forward reactions prevailing in the plasma region and the backward reactions becoming prominent in the afterglow region. These results allow us to propose an afterglow quenching strategy for performance enhancement, which is further demonstrated through a meticulously developed plasmatron reactor with two-stage cooling. Our approach substantially increases the CO2 conversion (e.g., from 6.6 % to 19.5 % at 3 L/min flow rate) and energy efficiency (from 13.5 % to 28.5 %, again at 3 L/min) and significantly shortens the startup time (from ~ 150 s to 25 s). Our study underscores the critical role of inhibiting recombination reactions in plasma-based CO2 conversion and offers new avenues for performance enhancement.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 001168999200001 Publication Date 2024-01-10  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1385-8947 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record  
  Impact Factor 15.1 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access  
  Notes Key Research and Development Program of Zhejiang Province, 2023C03129 ; Vlaamse regering; European Research Council; National Natural Science Foundation of China, 51976191 52276214 ; Horizon 2020 Framework Programme; Fonds De La Recherche Scientifique – FNRS; Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek, 1101524N ; Vlaams Supercomputer Centrum; Horizon 2020, 101081162 810182 ; European Research Council; Approved Most recent IF: 15.1; 2024 IF: 6.216  
  Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @c:irua:204352 Serial 8993  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Brienza, F.; Van Aelst, K.; Devred, F.; Magnin, D.; Tschulkow, M.; Nimmegeers, P.; Van Passel, S.; Sels, B.F.; Gerin, P.; Debecker, D.P.; Cybulska, I. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Unleashing lignin potential through the dithionite-assisted organosolv fractionation of lignocellulosic biomass Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2022 Publication Chemical Engineering Journal Abbreviated Journal Chem Eng J  
  Volume 450 Issue 3 Pages 138179-14  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM); Intelligence in PRocesses, Advanced Catalysts and Solvents (iPRACS)  
  Abstract The development of biomass pretreatment approaches that, next to (hemi)cellulose valorization, aim at the conversion of lignin to chemicals is essential for the long-term success of a biorefinery. Herein, we discuss a dithionite-assisted organosolv fractionation (DAOF) of lignocellulose in n-butanol and water to produce cellulosic pulp and mono-/oligo-aromatics. The study frames the technicalities of this biorefinery process and relates them to the features of the obtained product streams. We comprehensively identify and quantify all products of interest: solid pulp (acid hydrolysis-HPLC, ATR-FTIR, XRD, SEM, enzymatic hydrolysis-HPLC), lignin derivatives (GPC, GC-MS/FID, 1H-13C HSQC NMR, ICP-AES), and carbohydrate derivatives (HPLC). These results were used for inspecting the economic feasibility of DAOF. In the best process configuration, a high yield of monophenolics was reached (~20%, based on acid insoluble lignin in birch sawdust). Various other lignocellulosic feedstocks were also explored, showing that DAOF is particularly effective on hardwood and herbaceous biomass. Overall, this study demonstrates that DAOF is a viable fractionation method for the sustainable upgrading of lignocellulosic biomass.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000888204900005 Publication Date 2022-07-20  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1385-8947; 1873-3212 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 15.1 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 15.1  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:189322 Serial 7373  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Wang, Y.; Chen, Y.; Harding, J.; He, H.; Bogaerts, A.; Tu, X. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Catalyst-free single-step plasma reforming of CH4 and CO2 to higher value oxygenates under ambient conditions Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2022 Publication Chemical Engineering Journal Abbreviated Journal Chem Eng J  
  Volume 450 Issue Pages 137860  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)  
  Abstract Direct conversion of CH4 and CO2 to liquid fuels and chemicals under mild conditions is appealing for biogas conversion and utilization but challenging due to the inert nature of both gases. Herein, we report a promising plasma process for the catalyst-free single-step conversion of CH4 and CO2 into higher value oxygenates (i.e., methanol, acetic acid, ethanol, and acetone) at ambient pressure and room temperature using a water-cooled dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) reactor, with methanol being the main liquid product. The distribution of liquid products could be tailored by tuning the discharge power, reaction temperature and residence time. Lower discharge powers (10–15 W) and reaction temperatures (5–20 ◦ C) were favourable for the production of liquid products, achieving the highest methanol selectivity of 43% at 5 ◦ C and 15 W. A higher discharge power and reaction temperature, on the other hand, produced more gaseous products, particularly H2 (up to 26% selec­tivity) and CO (up to 33% selectivity). In addition, varying these process parameters (discharge power, reaction temperature and residence time) resulted in a simultaneous change in key discharge properties, such as mean electron energy (Ee), electron density (ne) and specific energy input (SEI), all of which are essential determiners of plasma chemical reactions. According to the results of artificial neural network (ANN) models, the relative importance of these process parameters and key discharge indicators on reaction performance follows the order: discharge power > reaction temperature > residence time, and SEI > ne > Ee, respectively. This work provides new insights into the contributions and tuning mechanism of multiple parameters for optimizing the reaction performance (e.g., liquid production) in the plasma gas conversion process.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000830813300004 Publication Date 0000-00-00  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1385-8947 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 15.1 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes This project received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under the Marie SklodowskaCurie grant agreement No. 813393. Approved Most recent IF: 15.1  
  Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @c:irua:189502 Serial 7100  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Lang, X.; Ouyang, Y.; Vandewalle, L.A.; Goshayeshi, B.; Chen, S.; Madanikashani, S.; Perreault, P.; Van Geem, K.M.; van Geem, K.M. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Gas-solid hydrodynamics in a stator-rotor vortex chamber reactor Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2022 Publication Chemical engineering journal Abbreviated Journal Chem Eng J  
  Volume 446 Issue 5 Pages 137323-12  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)  
  Abstract The gas-solid vortex reactor (GSVR) has enormous process intensification potential. However the huge gas consumption can be a serious disadvantage for the GSVR in some applications such as fast pyrolysis. In this work, we demonstrate a recent novel design, where a stator-rotor vortex chamber (STARVOC) is driven by the fluid's kinetic energy, to decouple the solids bed rotation and gas. Gas-solid fluidization by using air and monosized aluminum balls was performed to investigate the hydrodynamics. A constructed fluidization flow regime map for a fixed solids loading of 100 g shows that the bed can only be fluidized for a rotation speed between 200 and 400 RPM. Below 200 RPM, particles settle down on the bottom plate and cannot form a stable bed due to inertia and friction. Above 400 RPM, the bed cannot be fluidized with superficial velocities up to 1.8 m/s (air flow rate of 90 Nm(3)/h). The bed thickness shows some non-uniformities, being smaller at the top of the bed than at the bottom counterpart. However by increasing the air flow rate or rotation speed the axial nonuniformity can be resolved. The bed pressure drop first increases with increasing gas flow rate and then levels off, showing similar characteristics as conventional fluidized beds. Theoretical pressure drops calculated from mathematical models such as Kao et al. model agree well with experimental measurements. Particle velocity discrepancies between the top and bottom particles reveal that the impact of gravity cannot be completely neglected. Design guidelines and possible applications for further development of STARVOC concept are proposed based on fundamental data provided in this work.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000833418100006 Publication Date 2022-06-01  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1385-8947; 1873-3212 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 15.1 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 15.1  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:189283 Serial 7167  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Van Alphen, S.; Ahmadi Eshtehardi, H.; O'Modhrain, C.; Bogaerts, J.; Van Poyer, H.; Creel, J.; Delplancke, M.-P.; Snyders, R.; Bogaerts, A. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Effusion nozzle for energy-efficient NOx production in a rotating gliding arc plasma reactor Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2022 Publication Chemical Engineering Journal Abbreviated Journal Chem Eng J  
  Volume 443 Issue Pages 136529  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)  
  Abstract Plasma-based NOx production is of interest for sustainable N2 fixation, but more research is needed to improve its performance. One of the current limitations is recombination of NO back into N2 and O2 molecules immediately after the plasma reactor. Therefore, we developed a novel so-called “effusion nozzle”, to improve the perfor­mance of a rotating gliding arc plasma reactor for NOx production, but the same principle can also be applied to other plasma types. Experiments in a wide range of applied power, gas flow rates and N2/O2 ratios demonstrate an enhancement in NOx concentration by about 8%, and a reduction in energy cost by 22.5%. In absolute terms, we obtain NOx concentrations up to 5.9%, at an energy cost down to 2.1 MJ/mol, which are the best values reported to date in literature. In addition, we developed four complementary models to describe the gas flow, plasma temperature and plasma chemistry, aiming to reveal why the effusion nozzle yields better performance. Our simulations reveal that the effusion nozzle acts as very efficient heat sink, causing a fast drop in gas tem­perature when the gas molecules leave the plasma, hence limiting the recombination of NO back into N2 and O2. This yields an overall higher NOx concentration than without the effusion nozzle. This immediate quenching right at the end of the plasma makes our effusion nozzle superior to more conventional cooling options, like water cooling In addition, this higher NOx concentration can be obtained at a slightly lower power, because the effusion nozzle allows for the ignition and sustainment of the plasma at somewhat lower power. Hence, this also explains the lower energy cost. Overall, our experimental results and detailed modeling analysis will be useful to improve plasma-based NOx production in other plasma reactors as well.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000800010600003 Publication Date 0000-00-00  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1385-8947 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 15.1 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes This research was supported by the Excellence of Science FWO-FNRS project (FWO grant ID GoF9618n, EOS ID 30505023), the European Research Council (ERC) under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme (grant agreement No 810182 – SCOPE ERC Synergy project), and through long-term structural funding (Methusalem). The calculations were performed using the Turing HPC infrastructure at the CalcUA core facility of the Universiteit Antwerpen (UAntwerpen), a division of the Flemish Supercomputer Center VSC, funded by the Hercules Foundation, the Flemish Government (depart­ment EWI) and the UAntwerpen. Approved Most recent IF: 15.1  
  Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @c:irua:188283 Serial 7057  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Girard-Sahun, F.; Biondo, O.; Trenchev, G.; van Rooij, G.; Bogaerts, A. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Carbon bed post-plasma to enhance the CO2 conversion and remove O2 from the product stream Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2022 Publication Chemical Engineering Journal Abbreviated Journal Chem Eng J  
  Volume 442 Issue Pages 136268  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)  
  Abstract CO2 conversion by plasma technology is gaining increasing interest. We present a carbon (charcoal) bed placed after a Gliding Arc Plasmatron (GAP) reactor, to enhance the CO2 conversion, promote O/O2 removal and in­ crease the CO fraction in the exhaust mixture. By means of an innovative (silo) system, the carbon is constantly supplied, to avoid carbon depletion upon reaction with O/O2. Using this carbon bed, the CO2 conversion is enhanced by almost a factor of two (from 7.6 to 12.6%), while the CO concentration even increases by a factor of three (from 7.2 to 21.9%), and O2 is completely removed from the exhaust mixture. Moreover, the energy ef­ ficiency of the conversion process drastically increases from 27.9 to 45.4%, and the energy cost significantly drops from 41.9 to 25.4 kJ.L− 1. We also present the temperature as a function of distance from the reactor outlet, as well as the CO2, CO and O2 concentrations and the temperature in the carbon bed as a function of time, which is important for understanding the underlying mechanisms. Indeed, these time-resolved measurements reveal that the initial enhancements in CO2 conversion and in CO concentration are not maintained in our current setup. Therefore, we present a model to study the gasification of carbon with different feed gases (i.e., O2, CO and CO2 separately), from which we can conclude that the oxygen coverage at the surface plays a key role in determining the product composition and the rate of carbon consumption. Indeed, our model insights indicate that the drop in CO2 conversion and in CO concentration after a few minutes is attributed to deactivation of the carbon bed, due to rapid formation of oxygen complexes at the surface.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000797716700002 Publication Date 0000-00-00  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1385-8947 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 15.1 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes Horizon 2020 Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions; European Research Council; This research was supported by the European Research Council (ERC) under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation programme (grant agreement No 810182 – SCOPE ERC Synergy project) and the European Union’s Horizon 2020 Research and Inno­vation programme under the Marie Sklodowska-Curie grant agreement No 813393 (PIONEER). The calculations were performed using the Turing HPC infrastructure at the CalcUA core facility of the Universiteit Approved Most recent IF: 15.1  
  Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @c:irua:188286 Serial 7052  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Girard-Sahun, F.; Biondo, O.; Trenchev, G.; van Rooij, G.; Bogaerts, A. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Carbon bed post-plasma to enhance the CO2 conversion and remove O2 from the product stream Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2022 Publication Chemical Engineering Journal Abbreviated Journal Chem Eng J  
  Volume 442 Issue Pages 136268  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)  
  Abstract CO2 conversion by plasma technology is gaining increasing interest. We present a carbon (charcoal) bed placed after a Gliding Arc Plasmatron (GAP) reactor, to enhance the CO2 conversion, promote O/O2 removal and in­ crease the CO fraction in the exhaust mixture. By means of an innovative (silo) system, the carbon is constantly supplied, to avoid carbon depletion upon reaction with O/O2. Using this carbon bed, the CO2 conversion is enhanced by almost a factor of two (from 7.6 to 12.6%), while the CO concentration even increases by a factor of three (from 7.2 to 21.9%), and O2 is completely removed from the exhaust mixture. Moreover, the energy ef­ ficiency of the conversion process drastically increases from 27.9 to 45.4%, and the energy cost significantly drops from 41.9 to 25.4 kJ.L− 1. We also present the temperature as a function of distance from the reactor outlet, as well as the CO2, CO and O2 concentrations and the temperature in the carbon bed as a function of time, which is important for understanding the underlying mechanisms. Indeed, these time-resolved measurements reveal that the initial enhancements in CO2 conversion and in CO concentration are not maintained in our current setup. Therefore, we present a model to study the gasification of carbon with different feed gases (i.e., O2, CO and CO2 separately), from which we can conclude that the oxygen coverage at the surface plays a key role in determining the product composition and the rate of carbon consumption. Indeed, our model insights indicate that the drop in CO2 conversion and in CO concentration after a few minutes is attributed to deactivation of the carbon bed, due to rapid formation of oxygen complexes at the surface.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000797716700002 Publication Date 0000-00-00  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1385-8947 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 15.1 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes Horizon 2020 Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions; European Research Council; This research was supported by the European Research Council (ERC) under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation programme (grant agreement No 810182 – SCOPE ERC Synergy project) and the European Union’s Horizon 2020 Research and Inno­vation programme under the Marie Sklodowska-Curie grant agreement No 813393 (PIONEER). The calculations were performed using the Turing HPC infrastructure at the CalcUA core facility of the Universiteit Antwerpen (UAntwerpen), a division of the Flemish Supercomputer Center VSC, funded by the Hercules Foundation, the Flemish Govern­ment (department EWI) and the UAntwerpen. We also thank R. De Meyer, K. Leyssens and S. Defossé for performing the charcoal characterizations. Approved Most recent IF: 15.1  
  Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @c:irua:188286 Serial 7053  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Blommaerts, N.; Hoeven, N.; Arenas Esteban, D.; Campos, R.; Mertens, M.; Borah, R.; Glisenti, A.; De Wael, K.; Bals, S.; Lenaerts, S.; Verbruggen, S.W.; Cool, P. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Tuning the turnover frequency and selectivity of photocatalytic CO2 reduction to CO and methane using platinum and palladium nanoparticles on Ti-Beta zeolites Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2021 Publication Chemical Engineering Journal Abbreviated Journal Chem Eng J  
  Volume 410 Issue Pages 128234  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL); Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Laboratory of adsorption and catalysis (LADCA); AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)  
  Abstract A Ti-Beta zeolite was used in gas phase photocatalytic CO2 reduction to reduce the charge recombination rate and increase the surface area compared to P25 as commercial benchmark, reaching 607 m2 g-1. By adding Pt nanoparticles, the selectivity can be tuned toward CO, reaching a value of 92% and a turnover frequency (TOF) of 96 µmol.gcat-1.h-1, nearly an order of magnitude higher in comparison with P25. By adding Pd nanoparticles the selectivity can be shifted from CO (70% for a bare Ti-Beta zeolite), toward CH4 as the prevalent species (60%). In this way, the selectivity toward CO or CH4 can be tuned by either using Pt or Pd. The TOF values obtained in this work outperform reported state-of-the-art values in similar research. The improved activity by adding the nanoparticles was attributed to an improved charge separation efficiency, together with a plasmonic contribution of the metal nanoparticles under the applied experimental conditions.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000623394200004 Publication Date 2021-01-09  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1385-8947 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 6.216 Times cited 15 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes N.B., S.L., S.W.V. and P.C. wish to thank the Flemish government and Catalisti for financial support and coordination in terms of a sprint SBO in the context of the moonshot project D2M. N.H. thanks the Flanders Innovation and Entrepreneurship (VLAIO) for the financial support. The Systemic Physiological and Ecotoxicological Research (SPHERE) group, R. Blust, University of Antwerp is acknowledged for the ICP-MS measurements. Approved Most recent IF: 6.216  
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:174591 Serial 6662  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Roegiers, J.; Denys, S. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Development of a novel type activated carbon fiber filter for indoor air purification Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2021 Publication Chemical Engineering Journal Abbreviated Journal Chem Eng J  
  Volume 417 Issue Pages 128109  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)  
  Abstract A novel type of activated carbon fiber filter was developed for indoor air purification. The filter is equipped with electrodes for thermo-electrical regeneration at the point of saturation. The electrodes are arranged in such a way that the filter forms a pleated structure with an electrode in the tip of each pleat. This allows for a uniform temperature distribution on the filter surface during the regeneration process and the pleated structure reduces the overall pressure drop across the filter. The latter was validated by Computational Fluid Dynamics, using Darcy-Forchheimer parameters derived in previous work. The CFD model was further used to perform a virtual sensitivity study in search for the optimal ACF filter design by varying the pleat length, pleat height and filter thickness. Finally, adsorption and desorption properties were investigated with acetaldehyde and toluene as model compounds. Freundlich and Langmuir adsorption parameters, derived in previous work were successfully validated with a Multiphysics model.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000653229500132 Publication Date 2020-12-15  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1385-8947; 1873-3212 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 6.216 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 6.216  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:174105 Serial 7800  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Uytdenhouwen, Y.; Bal, Km.; Neyts, Ec.; Meynen, V.; Cool, P.; Bogaerts, A. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title On the kinetics and equilibria of plasma-based dry reforming of methane Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2021 Publication Chemical Engineering Journal Abbreviated Journal Chem Eng J  
  Volume 405 Issue Pages 126630  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Laboratory of adsorption and catalysis (LADCA); Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)  
  Abstract Plasma reactors are interesting for gas-based chemical conversion but the fundamental relation between the plasma chemistry and selected conditions remains poorly understood. Apparent kinetic parameters for the loss and formation processes of individual components of gas conversion processes, can however be extracted by performing experiments in an extended residence time range (2–75 s) and fitting the gas composition to a firstorder kinetic model of the evolution towards partial chemical equilibrium (PCE). We specifically investigated the differences in kinetic characteristics and PCE state of the CO2 dissociation and CH4 reforming reactions in a dielectric barrier discharge reactor (DBD), how these are mutually affected when combining both gases in the dry reforming of methane (DRM) reaction, and how they change when a packing material (non-porous SiO2) is added to the reactor. We find that CO2 dissociation is characterized by a comparatively high reaction rate of 0.120 s−1 compared to CH4 reforming at 0.041 s−1; whereas CH4 reforming reaches higher equilibrium conversions, 82% compared to 53.6% for CO2 dissociation. Combining both feed gases makes the DRM reaction to proceed at a relatively high rate (0.088 s−1), and high conversion (75.4%) compared to CO2 dissociation, through accessing new chemical pathways between the products of CO2 and CH4. The addition of the packing material can also distinctly influence the conversion rate and position of the equilibrium, but its precise effect depends strongly on the gas composition. Comparing different CO2:CH4 ratios reveals the delicate balance of the combined chemistry. CO2 drives the loss reactions in DRM, whereas CH4 in the mixture suppresses back reactions. As a result, our methodology provides some of the insight necessary to systematically tune the conversion process.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000621197700003 Publication Date 2020-08-12  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1385-8947 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 6.216 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes The authors acknowledge financial support from the European Fund for Regional Development through the cross-border collaborative Interreg V program Flanders-the Netherlands (project EnOp), the Fund for Scientific Research (FWO; grant number: G.0254.14N), a TOP-BOF project and an IOF-SBO (SynCO2Chem) project from the University of Antwerp. Approved Most recent IF: 6.216  
  Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @c:irua:172458 Serial 6411  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Uytdenhouwen, Y.; Hereijgers, J.; Breugelmans, T.; Cool, P.; Bogaerts, A. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title How gas flow design can influence the performance of a DBD plasma reactor for dry reforming of methane Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2021 Publication Chemical Engineering Journal Abbreviated Journal Chem Eng J  
  Volume 405 Issue Pages 126618  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Laboratory of adsorption and catalysis (LADCA); Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT); Applied Electrochemistry & Catalysis (ELCAT)  
  Abstract DBD plasma reactors are commonly used in a static ‘one inlet – one outlet’ design that goes against reactor design principles for multi-component reactions, such as dry reforming of methane (DRM). Therefore, in this paper we have developed a novel reactor design, and investigated how the shape and size of the reaction zone, as well as gradual gas addition, and the method of mixing CO2 and CH4 can influence the conversion and product com­ position of DRM. Even in the standard ‘one inlet – one outlet’ design, the direction of the gas flow (i.e. short or long path through the reactor, which defines the gas velocity at fixed residence time), as well as the dimensions of the reaction zone and the power delivery to the reactor, largely affect the performance. Using gradual gas addition and separate plasma activation zones for the individual gases give increased conversions within the same operational parameters, by optimising mixing ratios and kinetics. The choice of the main (pre-activated) gas and the direction of gas flow largely affect the conversion and energy cost, while the gas inlet position during separate addition only influences the product distribution.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000626511800005 Publication Date 2020-08-12  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1385-8947 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 6.216 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes Interreg; Flanders; FWO; University of Antwerp; The authors acknowledge financial support from the European Fund for Regional Development through the cross-border collaborative Interreg V program Flanders-the Netherlands (project EnOp), the Fund 13 for Scientific Research (FWO; grant number: G.0254.14N), and an IOFSBO (SynCO2Chem) project from the University of Antwerp. Approved Most recent IF: 6.216  
  Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @c:irua:170609 Serial 6410  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Andersen, Ja.; Christensen, Jm.; Østberg, M.; Bogaerts, A.; Jensen, Ad. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Plasma-catalytic dry reforming of methane: Screening of catalytic materials in a coaxial packed-bed DBD reactor Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2020 Publication Chemical Engineering Journal Abbreviated Journal Chem Eng J  
  Volume 397 Issue Pages 125519  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)  
  Abstract The combination of catalysis with non-thermal plasma is a promising alternative to thermal catalysis. A dielectric-barrier discharge reactor was used to study plasma-catalytic dry reforming of methane at ambient pressure and temperature and a fixed plasma power of 45 W. The effect of different catalytic packing materials was evaluated in terms of conversion, product selectivity, and energy efficiency. The conversion of CO2 (~22%) and CH4 (~33%) were found to be similar in plasma-only and when introducing packing materials in plasma. The main reason is the shorter residence time of the gas due to packing geometry, when compared at identical flow rates. H2, CO, C2-C4 hydrocarbons, and oxygenates were identified in the product gas. High selectivity towards H2 and CO were found for all catalysts and plasma-only, with a H2/CO molar ratio of ~0.9. The lowest syngas selectivity was obtained with Cu/Al2O3 (~66%), which instead, had the highest alcohol selectivity (~3.6%).  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000542296100011 Publication Date 2020-05-17  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1385-8947 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 15.1 Times cited Open Access  
  Notes Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, Technical University of Denmark; We thank Haldor Topsoe A/S for providing all the catalytic materials used and the Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, for funding this project. Approved Most recent IF: 15.1; 2020 IF: 6.216  
  Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @c:irua:170613 Serial 6406  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Zhou, R.; Zhou, R.; Xian, Y.; Fang, Z.; Lu, X.; Bazaka, K.; Bogaerts, A.; Ostrikov, K.(K.) pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Plasma-enabled catalyst-free conversion of ethanol to hydrogen gas and carbon dots near room temperature Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2020 Publication Chemical Engineering Journal Abbreviated Journal Chem Eng J  
  Volume 382 Issue 382 Pages 122745  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)  
  Abstract Selective conversion of bio-renewable ethanol under mild conditions especially at room temperature remains a major challenge for sustainable production of hydrogen and valuable carbon-based materials. In this study, adaptive non-thermal plasma is applied to deliver pulsed energy to rapidly and selectively reform ethanol in the absence of a catalyst. Importantly, the carbon atoms in ethanol that would otherwise be released into the environment in the form of CO or CO2 are effectively captured in the form of carbon dots (CDs). Three modes of non-thermal spark plasma discharges, i.e. single spark mode (SSM), multiple spark mode (MSM) and gliding spark mode (GSM), provide additional flexibility in ethanol reforming by controlling the processes of energy transfer and distribution, thereby affecting the flow rate, gas content, and energy consumption in H-2 production. A favourable combination of low temperature (< 40 degrees C), attractive conversion rate (gas flow rate of similar to 120 mL/min), high hydrogen yield (H-2 content > 90%), low energy consumption (similar to 0.96 kWh/m(3) H-2) and the effective generation of photoluminescent CDs (which are applicable for bioimaging or biolabelling) in the MSM indicate that the proposed strategy may offer a new carbon-negative avenue for comprehensive utilization of alcohols and mitigating the increasingly severe energy and environmental issues.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000503381200200 Publication Date 2019-09-07  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1385-8947; 1873-3212 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 15.1 Times cited 20 Open Access  
  Notes ; ; Approved Most recent IF: 15.1; 2020 IF: 6.216  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:165648 Serial 6318  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author van Walsem, J.; Roegiers, J.; Modde, B.; Lenaerts, S.; Denys, S. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Proof of concept of an upscaled photocatalytic multi-tube reactor : a combined modelling and experimental study Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2019 Publication Chemical engineering journal Abbreviated Journal Chem Eng J  
  Volume 378 Issue 378 Pages 122038  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)  
  Abstract Three upscaled multi-tube photocatalytic reactors designed for integration into HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) systems were proposed and evaluated using a CFD modelling approach, with emphasis on the flow, irradiation and concentration distribution in the reactor and hence, photocatalytic performance. Based on the obtained insights, the best reactor design was selected, further characterized and improved by an additional proof of concept study and eventually converted into practice. Subsequently, the scaled-up prototype was experimentally tested according to the CEN-EN-16846-1 standard (2017) for volatile organic compound (VOC) removal by an external scientific research center. The combined modelling and experimental approach used in this work, leads to essential insights into the design and assessment of photocatalytic reactors. Therefore, this study provides an essential step towards the optimization and commercialization of photocatalytic reactors for HVAC applications.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000487764800011 Publication Date 2019-06-22  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1385-8947; 1873-3212 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 6.216 Times cited Open Access  
  Notes ; J.V.W. acknowledges the Agentschap Innoveren & Ondernemen for a PhD fellowship. ; Approved Most recent IF: 6.216  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:162190 Serial 5986  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Uytdenhouwen, Y.; Bal, Km.; Michielsen, I.; Neyts, Ec.; Meynen, V.; Cool, P.; Bogaerts, A. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title How process parameters and packing materials tune chemical equilibrium and kinetics in plasma-based CO2 conversion Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2019 Publication Chemical engineering journal Abbreviated Journal Chem Eng J  
  Volume 372 Issue Pages 1253-1264  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Laboratory of adsorption and catalysis (LADCA); Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)  
  Abstract Plasma (catalysis) reactors are increasingly being used for gas-based chemical conversions, providing an alternative method of energy delivery to the molecules. In this work we explore whether classical concepts such as

equilibrium constants, (overall) rate coefficients, and catalysis exist under plasma conditions. We specifically

investigate the existence of a so-called partial chemical equilibrium (PCE), and how process parameters and

packing properties influence this equilibrium, as well as the overall apparent rate coefficient, for CO2 splitting in

a DBD plasma reactor. The results show that a PCE can be reached, and that the position of the equilibrium, in

combination with the rate coefficient, greatly depends on the reactor parameters and operating conditions (i.e.,

power, pressure, and gap size). A higher power, higher pressure, or smaller gap size enhance both the equilibrium constant and the rate coefficient, although they cannot be independently tuned. Inserting a packing

material (non-porous SiO2 and ZrO2 spheres) in the reactor reveals interesting gap/material effects, where the

type of material dictates the position of the equilibrium and the rate (inhibition) independently. As a result, no

apparent synergistic effect or plasma-catalytic behaviour was observed for the non-porous packing materials

studied in this reaction. Within the investigated parameters, equilibrium conversions were obtained between 23

and 71%, while the rate coefficient varied between 0.027 s−1 and 0.17 s−1. This method of analysis can provide

a more fundamental insight in the overall reaction kinetics of (catalytic) plasma-based gas conversion, in order

to be able to distinguish plasma effects from true catalytic enhancement.
 
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000471670400116 Publication Date 2019-05-08  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1385-8947 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 6.216 Times cited 3 Open Access Not_Open_Access: Available from 05.05.2021  
  Notes European Fund for Regional Development; FWOFWO, G.0254.14N ; University of Antwerp; FWO-FlandersFWO-Flanders, 11V8915N ; The authors acknowledge financial support from the European Fund for Regional Development through the cross-border collaborative Interreg V program Flanders-the Netherlands (project EnOp), the Fund for Scientific Research (FWO; Grant Number: G.0254.14N), a TOP-BOF project and an IOF-SBO (SynCO2Chem) project from the University of Antwerp. K. M. B. was funded as a PhD fellow (aspirant) of the FWOFlanders (Fund for Scientific Research-Flanders), Grant 11V8915N. Approved Most recent IF: 6.216  
  Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @UA @ admin @ c:irua:159979 Serial 5171  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Van Hal, M.; Verbruggen, S.W.; Yang, X.-Y.; Lenaerts, S.; Tytgat, T. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Image analysis and in situ FTIR as complementary detection tools for photocatalytic soot oxidation Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2019 Publication Chemical engineering journal Abbreviated Journal Chem Eng J  
  Volume 367 Issue 367 Pages 269-277  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)  
  Abstract Air pollution, especially particulate matter (PM), is an increasingly urgent problem in urban environments, causing both short and long-term health problems, climate interference and aesthetical problems due to building fouling. Photocatalysis has been shown to be a possible solution to that end. In this work two complementary detection methods for photocatalytic soot oxidation are studied and their advantages and disadvantages are discussed. First, a colour-based digital image analysis method is drastically improved towards an accurate, detailed and straightforward detection tool, that enables simultaneous measurement of the degradation of different grades of soot fouling (for instance a shallow soot haze versus condensed soot deposits). In the next part, a second soot oxidation detection method is presented based on in situ FTIR spectroscopy. This method has the additional advantage of providing more insight into the photocatalytic soot degradation process by monitoring both gaseous and adsorbed intermediates as well as reaction products while the reactions are ongoing. As an illustration, the proposed detection strategies were applied on four different commercially available and synthesized photocatalytic materials. The digital image analysis showed that P25 (Evonik) is the fastest photocatalytic soot degrader of all studied materials for both a uniform soot haze as well as concentrated soot spots. Application of the in situ method showed that for all studied materials adsorbed formate-related surface species were formed and that commercially available ZnO nanopowder has the highest specificity towards complete mineralization into CO2. With this we aim to provide a set of complementary experimental tools for the convenient, reliable, realistic and standardised detection of photocatalytic soot degradation.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000461380400028 Publication Date 2019-02-23  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1385-8947; 1873-3212 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 6.216 Times cited 1 Open Access  
  Notes ; M.V.H. acknowledges the Research Foundation-Flanders (FWO) for a doctoral fellowship. M.V.H., S.W.V., S.L. and X-Y.Y. thank the FWO and the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) for funding an international collaboration project. Mr. M. Minjauw is greatly thanked for his help in the AFM measurements. ; Approved Most recent IF: 6.216  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:157789 Serial 5958  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Trenchev, G.; Nikiforov, A.; Wang, W.; Kolev, S.; Bogaerts, A. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Atmospheric pressure glow discharge for CO2 conversion : model-based exploration of the optimum reactor configuration Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2019 Publication Chemical engineering journal Abbreviated Journal Chem Eng J  
  Volume 362 Issue 362 Pages 830-841  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)  
  Abstract We investigate the performance of an atmospheric pressure glow discharge (APGD) reactor for CO2 conversion in three different configurations, through experiments and simulations. The first (basic) configuration utilizes the well-known pin-to-plate design, which offers a limited conversion. The second configuration improves the reactor performance by employing a vortex-flow generator. The third, “confined” configuration is a complete redesign of the reactor, which encloses the discharge in a limited volume, significantly surpassing the conversion rate of the other two designs. The plasma properties are investigated using an advanced plasma model.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000457863500084 Publication Date 2019-01-18  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1385-8947; 1873-3212 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 6.216 Times cited 4 Open Access Not_Open_Access: Available from 15.10.2019  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 6.216  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:157459 Serial 5269  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author van Walsem, J.; Roegiers, J.; Modde, B.; Lenaerts, S.; Denys, S. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Determination of intrinsic kinetic parameters in photocatalytic multi-tube reactors by combining the NTUm-method with radiation field modelling Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2018 Publication Chemical engineering journal Abbreviated Journal Chem Eng J  
  Volume 354 Issue 354 Pages 1042-1049  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)  
  Abstract In this work, we propose an adapted Number of Transfer Units (NTUm)-method as an effective tool to determine the Langmuir-Hinshelwood kinetic parameters for a photocatalytic multi-tube reactor. The Langmuir-Hinshelwood rate constant kLH and the Langmuir adsorption constant KL were determined from several experiments under different UV-irradiance conditions, resulting in irradiance depending values for kLH. In order to determine a unique, intrinsic empirical constant k0, valid for all irradiation conditions, we coupled the adapted NTUm-method with a radiation field model to predict UV-irradiance distribution inside the reactor. The final set of kinetic parameters were derived using a Generalized Reduced Gradient (GRG) nonlinear solving method in Matlab which minimizes the differences between model and experimental reactor outlet concentrations of acetaldehyde for various photocatalytic experiments under varying operating conditions, including inlet concentration, flow rate and UV-irradiance. An excellent agreement of the intrinsic empirical constant k0, derived from the coupled NTUm-radiation field model and an earlier published CFD approach was found, emphasizing its validity and reliability.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000445413900099 Publication Date 2018-08-03  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1385-8947; 1873-3212 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 6.216 Times cited 2 Open Access  
  Notes ; J.V.W. acknowledges the Agentschap Innoveren & Ondernemen for a PhD fellowship. ; Approved Most recent IF: 6.216  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:154845 Serial 5940  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Li, K.; Liu, J.-L.; Li, X.-S.; Lian, H.-Y.; Zhu, X.; Bogaerts, A.; Zhu, A.-M. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Novel power-to-syngas concept for plasma catalytic reforming coupled with water electrolysis Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2018 Publication Chemical engineering journal Abbreviated Journal Chem Eng J  
  Volume 353 Issue Pages 297-304  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)  
  Abstract We propose a novel Power to Synthesis Gas (P2SG) approach, composed of two high-efficiency and renewable electricity-driven units, i.e., plasma catalytic reforming (PCR) and water electrolysis (WE), to produce high quality syngas from CH4, CO2 and H2O. As WE technology is already commercial, we mainly focus on the PCR unit, consisting of gliding arc plasma and Ni-based catalyst, for oxidative dry reforming of methane. An energy efficiency of 78.9% and energy cost of 1.0 kWh/Nm3 at a CH4 conversion of 99% and a CO2 conversion of 79% are obtained. Considering an energy efficiency of 80% for WE, the P2SG system yields an overall energy efficiency of 79.3% and energy cost of 1.8 kWh/Nm3. High-quality syngas is produced without the need for posttreatment units, featuring the ideal stoichiometric number of 2, with concentration of 94.6 vol%, and a desired CO2 fraction of 1.9 vol% for methanol synthesis. The PCR unit has the advantage of fast response to adapting to fluctuation of renewable electricity, avoiding local hot spots in the catalyst bed and coking, in contrast to conventional catalytic processes. Moreover, pure O2 from the WE unit is directly utilized by the PCR unit for oxidative dry reforming of methane, and thus, no air separation unit, like in conventional processes, is required. This work demonstrates the viability of the P2SG approach for large-scale energy storage of renewable electricity via electricity-to-fuel conversion.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000441527900029 Publication Date 2018-07-20  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1385-8947 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 6.216 Times cited 7 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes This project is supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (11705019, 11475041), the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities (DUT16QY49, DUT16LK16) and the Fund for Scientific Research Flanders (FWO; grant G.0383.16N). Approved Most recent IF: 6.216  
  Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @c:irua:153059 Serial 5049  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Uytdenhouwen, Y.; Van Alphen, S.; Michielsen, I.; Meynen, V.; Cool, P.; Bogaerts, A. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title A packed-bed DBD micro plasma reactor for CO 2 dissociation: Does size matter? Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2018 Publication Chemical engineering journal Abbreviated Journal Chem Eng J  
  Volume 348 Issue Pages 557-568  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Laboratory of adsorption and catalysis (LADCA); Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)  
  Abstract DBD plasma reactors are of great interest for environmental and energy applications, such as CO2 conversion, but they suffer from limited conversion and especially energy efficiency. The introduction of packing materials has been a popular subject of investigation in order to increase the reactor performance. Reducing the discharge gap of the reactor below one millimetre can enhance the plasma performance as well. In this work, we combine both effects and use a packed-bed DBD micro plasma reactor to investigate the influence of gap size reduction, in combination with a packing material, on the conversion and efficiency of CO2 dissociation. Packing materials used in this work were SiO2, ZrO2, and Al2O3 spheres as well as glass wool. The results are compared to a regular size reactor as a benchmark. Reducing the discharge gap can greatly increase the CO2 conversion, although at a lower energy efficiency. Adding a packing material further increases the conversion when keeping a constant residence time, but is greatly dependent on the material composition, gap and sphere size used. Maximum conversions of 50–55% are obtained for very long residence times (30 s and higher) in an empty reactor or with certain packing material combinations, suggesting a balance in CO2 dissociation and recombination reactions. The maximum energy efficiency achieved is 4.3%, but this is for the regular sized reactor at a short residence time (7.5 s). Electrical characterization is performed to reveal some trends in the electrical behaviour of the plasma upon reduction of the discharge gap and addition of a packing material.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000434467000055 Publication Date 2018-05-03  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1385-8947 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 6.216 Times cited 22 Open Access Not_Open_Access: Available from 03.05.2020  
  Notes We acknowledge financial support from the European Fund for Regional Development through the cross-border collaborative Interreg V program Flanders-the Netherlands (project EnOp), the Fund for Scientific Research (FWO; Grant Number: G.0254.14N) and an IOF-SBO (SynCO2Chem) project from the University of Antwerp. Approved Most recent IF: 6.216  
  Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @c:irua:151238 Serial 4956  
Permanent link to this record
Select All    Deselect All
 |   | 
Details
   print

Save Citations:
Export Records: