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Author Samaee, V.; Dupraz, M.; Pardoen, T.; VAn Swygenhoven, H.; Schryvers, D.; Idrissi, H.
Title Deciphering the interactions between single arm dislocation sources and coherent twin boundary in nickel bi-crystal Type A1 Journal article
Year 2021 Publication Nature Communications Abbreviated Journal Nat Commun
Volume 12 Issue 1 Pages 962
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract The introduction of a well-controlled population of coherent twin boundaries (CTBs) is an attractive route to improve the strength ductility product in face centered cubic (FCC) metals. However, the elementary mechanisms controlling the interaction between single arm dislocation sources (SASs), often present in nanotwinned FCC metals, and CTB are still not well understood. Here, quantitative in-situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observations of these mechanisms under tensile loading are performed on submicron Ni bi-crystal. We report that the absorption of curved screw dislocations at the CTB leads to the formation of constriction nodes connecting pairs of twinning dislocations at the CTB plane in agreement with large scale 3D atomistic simulations. The coordinated motion of the twinning dislocation pairs due to the presence of the nodes leads to a unique CTB sliding mechanism, which plays an important role in initiating the fracture process at a CTB ledge. TEM observations of the interactions between non-screw dislocations and the CTB highlight the importance of the synergy between the repulsive force of the CTB and the back stress from SASs when the interactions occur in small volumes. Interactions of dislocations with coherent twin boundaries contribute to strength and ductility in metals, but investigating the interaction mechanisms is challenging. Here the authors unravel these mechanisms through quantitative in-situ transmission electron microscopy observations in nickel bi-crystal samples under tensile loading.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000620142700024 Publication Date 2021-02-11
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2041-1723 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 12.124 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 12.124
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:176680 Serial 6722
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Author Courtens, E.N.P.; Spieck, E.; Vilchez-Vargas, R.; Bode, S.; Boeckx, P.; Schouten, S.; Jauregui, R.; Pieper, D.H.; Vlaeminck, S.E.; Boon, N.
Title A robust nitrifying community in a bioreactor at 50 degrees C opens up the path for thermophilic nitrogen removal Type A1 Journal article
Year 2016 Publication The ISME journal : multidisciplinary journal of microbial ecology Abbreviated Journal
Volume 10 Issue 9 Pages 2293-2303
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract The increasing production of nitrogen-containing fertilizers is crucial to meet the global food demand, yet high losses of reactive nitrogen associated with the food production/consumption chain progressively deteriorate the natural environment. Currently, mesophilic nitrogen-removing microbes eliminate nitrogen from wastewaters. Although thermophilic nitrifiers have been separately enriched from natural environments, no bioreactors are described that couple these processes for the treatment of nitrogen in hot wastewaters. Samples from composting facilities were used as inoculum for the batch-wise enrichment of thermophilic nitrifiers (350 days). Subsequently, the enrichments were transferred to a bioreactor to obtain a stable, high-rate nitrifying process (560 days). The community contained up to 17% ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOAs) closely related to 'Candidatus Nitrososphaera gargensis', and 25% nitrite-oxidizing bacteria (NOBs) related to Nitrospira calida. Incorporation of C-13-derived bicarbonate into the respective characteristic membrane lipids during nitrification supported their activity as autotrophs. Specific activities up to 198 +/- 10 and 894 +/- 81 mg N g(-1) VSS per day for AOAs and NOBs were measured, where NOBs were 33% more sensitive to free ammonia. The NOBs were extremely sensitive to free nitrous acid, whereas the AOAs could only be inhibited by high nitrite concentrations, independent of the free nitrous acid concentration. The observed difference in product/substrate inhibition could facilitate the development of NOB inhibition strategies to achieve more cost-effective processes such as deammonification. This study describes the enrichment of autotrophic thermophilic nitrifiers from a nutrient-rich environment and the successful operation of a thermophilic nitrifying bioreactor for the first time, facilitating opportunities for thermophilic nitrogen removal biotechnology.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000386664600019 Publication Date 2016-02-19
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1751-7362 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved no
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:138184 Serial 7397
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Author Long, Y.; Wang, X.; Zhang, H.; Wang, K.; Ong, W.-L.; Bogaerts, A.; Li, K.; Lu, C.; Li, X.; Yan, J.; Tu, X.; Zhang, H.
Title Plasma chemical looping : unlocking high-efficiency CO₂ conversion to clean CO at mild temperatures Type A1 Journal article
Year 2024 Publication JACS Au Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue Pages
Keywords A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract We propose a plasma chemical looping CO2 splitting (PCLCS) approach that enables highly efficient CO2 conversion into O-2-free CO at mild temperatures. PCLCS achieves an impressive 84% CO2 conversion and a 1.3 mmol g(-1) CO yield, with no O-2 detected. Crucially, this strategy significantly lowers the temperature required for conventional chemical looping processes from 650 to 1000 degrees C to only 320 degrees C, demonstrating a robust synergy between plasma and the Ce0.7Zr0.3O2 oxygen carrier (OC). Systematic experiments and density functional theory (DFT) calculations unveil the pivotal role of plasma in activating and partially decomposing CO2, yielding a mixture of CO, O-2/O, and electronically/vibrationally excited CO2*. Notably, these excited CO2* species then efficiently decompose over the oxygen vacancies of the OCs, with a substantially reduced activation barrier (0.86 eV) compared to ground-state CO2 (1.63 eV), contributing to the synergy. This work offers a promising and energy-efficient pathway for producing O-2-free CO from inert CO2 through the tailored interplay of plasma and OCs.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001225139200001 Publication Date 2024-05-08
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: NA
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:205970 Serial 9166
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Author Broers, F.T.H.; Janssens, K.; Weker, J.N.; Webb, S.M.; Mehta, A.; Meirer, F.; Keune, K.
Title Two pathways for the degradation of orpiment pigment (As₂S₃) found in paintings Type A1 Journal article
Year 2023 Publication Journal of the American Chemical Society Abbreviated Journal
Volume 145 Issue 16 Pages 8847-8859
Keywords A1 Journal article; Antwerp X-ray Imaging and Spectroscopy (AXIS)
Abstract Paintings are complex objects containing many different chemical compounds that can react over time. The degradation of arsenic sulfide pigments causes optical changes in paintings. The main degradation product was thought to be white arsenolite (As2O3), but previous research also showed the abundant presence of As(V) species. In this study, we investigate the influence of the presence of a medium on the degradation mechanism of orpiment (As2S3) using synchrotron radiation (SR)-based tomographic transmission X-ray microscopy, SR-based micro-X-ray fluorescence, and Xray absorption near edge structure spectroscopy. Upon direct illumination of dry orpiment powder using UV-visible light, only the formation of As2O3 was observed. When As2S3 was surrounded by a medium and illuminated, As2O3 was only observed in the area directly exposed to light, while As(V) degradation species were found elsewhere in the medium. Without accelerated artificial light aging, As(V)(aq) species are formed and migrate throughout the medium within weeks after preparation. In both scenarios, the As(V) species form via intermediate As(III)(aq) species and the presence of a medium is necessary. As(V)(aq) species can react with available cations to form insoluble metal arsenates, which induces stress within the paint layers (leading to, e.g., cracks and delamination) or can lead to a visual change of the image of the painting.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000974346900001 Publication Date 2023-04-14
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0002-7863 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 15 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 15; 2023 IF: 13.858
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:196762 Serial 8948
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Author Lopez-Garcia, C.; Canossa, S.; Hadermann, J.; Gorni, G.; Oropeza, F.E.; de la Pena O'Shea, V.A.; Iglesias, M.; Monge, M.A.; Gutierrez-Puebla, E.; Gandara, F.
Title Heterometallic molecular complexes act as messenger building units to encode desired metal-atom combinations to multivariate metal-organic frameworks Type A1 Journal article
Year 2022 Publication Journal of the American Chemical Society Abbreviated Journal J Am Chem Soc
Volume 144 Issue 36 Pages 16262-16266
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract A novel synthetic approach is described for the targeted preparation of multivariate metal-organic frameworks (MTV-MOFs) with specific combinations of metal elements. This methodology is based on the use of molecular complexes that already comprise desired metal-atom combinations, as building units for the MTV-MOF synthesis. These units are transformed into the MOF structural constituents through a ligand/linker exchange process that involves structural modifications while preserving their origina l l y encoded atomic combination. Thus, through the use of heterometalli c ring-shaped molecules combining gallium and nickel or cobalt, we have obtained MOFs with identical combinations of the metal elements, now incorporated in the rod-shaped secondary building unit, as confirmed with a combination of X-ray and electron diffraction, electron microscopy, and X-ray absorption spectroscopy techniques.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000841435900001 Publication Date 2022-08-12
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0002-7863 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 15 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 15
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:190023 Serial 7169
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Author Gonzalez-Nelson, A.; Mula, S.; Simenas, M.; Balciunas, S.; Altenhof, A.R.; Vojvodin, C.S.; Canossa, S.; Banys, J.; Schurko, R.W.; Coudert, F.-X.; van der Veen, M.A.
Title Emergence of coupled rotor dynamics in metal-organic frameworks via tuned steric interactions Type A1 Journal article
Year 2021 Publication Journal Of The American Chemical Society Abbreviated Journal J Am Chem Soc
Volume 143 Issue 31 Pages 12053-12062
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract The organic components in metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are unique: they are embedded in a crystalline lattice, yet, as they are separated from each other by tunable free space, a large variety of dynamic behavior can emerge. These rotational dynamics of the organic linkers are especially important due to their influence over properties such as gas adsorption and kinetics of guest release. To fully exploit linker rotation, such as in the form of molecular machines, it is necessary to engineer correlated linker dynamics to achieve their cooperative functional motion. Here, we show that for MIL-53, a topology with closely spaced rotors, the phenylene functionalization allows researchers to tune the rotors' steric environment, shifting linker rotation from completely static to rapid motions at frequencies above 100 MHz. For steric interactions that start to inhibit independent rotor motion, we identify for the first time the emergence of coupled rotation modes in linker dynamics. These findings pave the way for function-specific engineering of gear-like cooperative motion in MOFs.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000684581100022 Publication Date 2021-07-29
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0002-7863 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 13.858 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 13.858
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:180504 Serial 6867
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Author Blondiaux, E.; Bomon, J.; Smolen, M.; Kaval, N.; Lemière, F.; Sergeyev, S.; Diels, L.; Sels, B.; Maes, B.U.W.
Title Bio-based aromatic amines from lignin-derived monomers Type A1 Journal article
Year 2019 Publication ACS Sustainable Chemistry and Engineering Abbreviated Journal
Volume 7 Issue 7 Pages 6906-6916
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Organic synthesis (ORSY); Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract A new approach to synthesize valuable 3,4-dialkoxyanilines and alkyl propionates from lignin-derived 4-propylguaiacol and -catechol with overall isolated yields up to 65% has been described. The strategy is based on the introduction of nitrogen via a Beckmann rearrangement. Amino introduction therefore coincides with a C-defunctionalization reaction; overall a replacement of the propyl chain by an amino group is obtained. The process only requires cheap bulk chemicals as reagents/reactants and does not involve column chromatography to purify the reaction products. Furthermore, all carbon atoms from the biorenewable lignin-derived monomers are transformed into valuable compounds. Greenness was assessed by performing a Green Metrics analysis on two dialkoxyanilines. A comparison was made with literature routes for these compounds starting from a petrochemical substrate.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000463462100050 Publication Date 2019-02-14
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2168-0485 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved no
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:159378 Serial 7556
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Author Sahun, M.; Privat-Maldonado, A.; Lin, A.; De Roeck, N.; Van de Heyden, L.; Hillen, M.; Michiels, J.; Steenackers, G.; Smits, E.; Ariën, K.K.; Jorens, P.G.; Delputte, P.; Bogaerts, A.
Title Inactivation of SARS-CoV-2 and other enveloped and non-enveloped viruses with non-thermal plasma for hospital disinfection Type A1 Journal article
Year 2023 Publication ACS Sustainable Chemistry and Engineering Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue Pages 1-10
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Center for Oncological Research (CORE); Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT); Laboratory Experimental Medicine and Pediatrics (LEMP)
Abstract As recently highlighted by the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, viruses have become an increasing burden for health, global economy, and environment. The control of transmission by contact with contaminated materials represents a major challenge, particularly in hospital environments. However, the current disinfection methods in hospital settings suffer from numerous drawbacks. As a result, several medical supplies that cannot be properly disinfected are not reused, leading to severe shortages and increasing amounts of waste, thus prompting the search for alternative solutions. In this work, we report that non-thermal plasma (NTP) can effectively inactivate SARS-CoV-2 from non-porous and porous materials commonly found in healthcare facilities. We demonstrated that 5 min treatment with a dielectric barrier discharge NTP can inactivate 100% of SARS-CoV-2 (Wuhan and Omicron strains) from plastic material. Using porcine respiratory coronavirus (surrogate for SARS-CoV-2) and coxsackievirus B3 (highly resistant non-enveloped virus), we tested the NTP virucidal activity on hospital materials and obtained complete inactivation after 5 and 10 min, respectively. We hypothesize that the produced reactive species and local acidification contribute to the overall virucidal effect of NTP. Our results demonstrate the potential of dielectric barrier discharge NTPs for the rapid, efficient, and low-cost disinfection of healthcare materials.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000964269500001 Publication Date 2023-03-23
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2168-0485 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 8.4 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 8.4; 2023 IF: 5.951
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:194897 Serial 7269
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Author Parrilla, M.; Detamornrat, U.; Domínguez-Robles, J.; Tunca, S.; Donnelly, R.F.; De Wael, K.
Title Wearable microneedle-based array patches for continuous electrochemical monitoring and drug delivery : toward a closed-loop system for methotrexate treatment Type A1 Journal article
Year 2023 Publication ACS sensors Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue Pages acssensors.3c01381-10
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Antwerp Electrochemical and Analytical Sciences Lab (A-Sense Lab)
Abstract Wearable devices based on microneedle (MN) technology have recently emerged as tools for in situ transdermal sensing or delivery in interstitial fluid (ISF). Particularly, MN-based electrochemical sensors allow the continuous monitoring of analytes in a minimally invasive manner through ISF. Exogenous small molecules found in ISF such as therapeutic drugs are ideal candidates for MN sensors due to their correlation with blood levels and their relevance for the optimal management of personalized therapies. Herein, a hollow MN array patch is modified with conductive pastes and functionalized with cross-linked chitosan to develop an MN-based voltammetric sensor for continuous monitoring of methotrexate (MTX). Interestingly, the chitosan coating avoids biofouling while enabling the adsorption of MTX at the electrode’s surface for sensitive analysis. The MN sensor exhibits excellent analytical performance in vitro with protein-enriched artificial ISF and ex vivo under a Franz diffusion cell configuration. The MN sensor shows a linear range from 25 to 400 μM, which fits within the therapeutic range of high-dose MTX treatment for cancer patients and an excellent continuous operation for more than two days. Moreover, an iontophoretic hollow MN array patch is developed with the integration of both the anode and cathode in the single MN array patch. The ex vivo characterization demonstrates the transdermal on-demand drug delivery of MTX. Overall, the combination of both MN patches represents impactful progress in closed-loop systems for therapeutic drug management in disorders such as cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, or psoriasis.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001109702900001 Publication Date 2023-10-19
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2379-3694 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 8.9 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access: Available from 19.04.2024
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 8.9; 2023 IF: NA
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:200074 Serial 8956
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Author Blidar, A.; Trashin, S.; Carrion, E.N.; Gorun, S.M.; Cristea, C.; De Wael, K.
Title Enhanced photoelectrochemical detection of an analyte triggered by its concentration by a singlet oxygen-generating fluoro photosensitizer Type A1 Journal article
Year 2020 Publication Acs Sensors Abbreviated Journal Acs Sensors
Volume 5 Issue 11 Pages 3501-3509
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
Abstract The use of a photocatalyst (photosensitizer) which produces singlet oxygen instead of enzymes for oxidizing analytes creates opportunities for designing cost-efficient and sensitive photoelectrochemical sensors. We report that perfluoroisopropyl-substituted zinc phthalocyanine (F64PcZn) interacts specifically with a complex phenolic compound, the antibiotic rifampicin (RIF), but not with hydroquinone or another complex phenolic compound, the antibiotic doxycycline. The specificity is imparted by the selective preconcentration of RIF in the photocatalytic layer, as revealed by electrochemical and optical measurements, complemented by molecular modeling that confirms the important role of a hydrophobic cavity formed by the iso-perfluoropropyl groups of the photocatalyst. The preconcentration effect favorably enhances the RIF photoelectrochemical detection limit as well as sensitivity to nanomolar (ppb) concentrations, LOD = 7 nM (6 ppb) and 2.8 A.M-1.cm(-2), respectively. The selectivity to RIF, retained in the photosensitizer layer, is further enhanced by the selective removal of all unretained phenols via simple washing of the electrodes with pure buffer. The utility of the sensor for analyzing municipal wastewater was demonstrated. This first demonstration of enhanced selectivity and sensitivity due to intrinsic interactions of a molecular photocatalyst (photosensitizer) with an analyte, without use of a biorecognition element, may allow the design of related, robust, simple, and viable sensors.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000595550100021 Publication Date 2020-10-29
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2379-3694 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 8.9 Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 8.9; 2020 IF: NA
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:176057 Serial 7913
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Author Grubova, I.Y.; Surmenev, R.A.; Neyts, E.C.; Koptyug, A.V.; Volkova, A.P.; Surmeneva, M.A.
Title Combined first-principles and experimental study on the microstructure and mechanical characteristics of the multicomponent additive-manufactured Ti-35Nb-7Zr-5Ta alloy Type A1 Journal article
Year 2023 Publication ACS Omega Abbreviated Journal
Volume 8 Issue 30 Pages 27519-27533
Keywords A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract New & beta;-stabilizedTi-based alloys are highly promising forbone implants, thanks in part to their low elasticity. The natureof this elasticity, however, is as yet unknown. We here present combinedfirst-principles DFT calculations and experiments on the microstructure,structural stability, mechanical characteristics, and electronic structureto elucidate this origin. Our results suggest that the studied & beta;Ti-35Nb-7Zr-5Ta wt % (TNZT) alloy manufacturedby the electron-beam powder bed fusion (E-PBF) method has homogeneousmechanical properties (H = 2.01 & PLUSMN; 0.22 GPa and E = 69.48 & PLUSMN; 0.03 GPa) along the building direction,which is dictated by the crystallographic texture and microstructuremorphologies. The analysis of the structural and electronic properties,as the main factors dominating the chemical bonding mechanism, indicatesthat TNZT has a mixture of strong metallic and weak covalent bonding.Our calculations demonstrate that the softening in the Cauchy pressure(C & PRIME; = 98.00 GPa) and elastic constant C ̅ ( 44 ) = 23.84 GPa is the originof the low elasticity of TNZT. Moreover, the nature of this softeningphenomenon can be related to the weakness of the second and thirdneighbor bonds in comparison with the first neighbor bonds in theTNZT. Thus, the obtained results indicate that a carefully designedTNZT alloy can be an excellent candidate for the manufacturing oforthopedic internal fixation devices. In addition, the current findingscan be used as guidance not only for predicting the mechanical propertiesbut also the nature of elastic characteristics of the newly developedalloys with yet unknown properties.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001031269000001 Publication Date 2023-07-18
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2470-1343 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 4.1 Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 4.1; 2023 IF: NA
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:198313 Serial 9011
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Author Ehirim, T.J.; Ozoemena, O.C.; Mwonga, P.V.; Haruna, A.B.; Mofokeng, T.P.; De Wael, K.; Ozoemena, K.I.
Title Onion-like carbons provide a favorable electrocatalytic platform for the sensitive detection of tramadol drug Type A1 Journal article
Year 2022 Publication ACS Omega Abbreviated Journal
Volume 7 Issue 51 Pages 47892-47905
Keywords A1 Journal article; Antwerp Electrochemical and Analytical Sciences Lab (A-Sense Lab)
Abstract This work reports the first study on the possible application of nanodiamond-derived onion-like carbons (OLCs), in comparison with conductive carbon black (CB), as an electrode platform for the electrocatalytic detection of tramadol (an important drug of abuse). The physicochemical properties of OLCs and CB were determined using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The OLC exhibits, among others, higher surface area, more surface defects, and higher thermal stability than CB. From the electrochemical analysis (interrogated using cyclic voltammetry, differential pulse voltammetry, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy), it is shown that an OLC-modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE-OLC) allows faster electron transport and electrocatalysis toward tramadol compared to a GCE-CB. To establish the underlying science behind the high performance of the OLC, theoretical calculations (density functional theory (DFT) simulations) were conducted. DFT predicts that OLC allows for weaker surface binding of tramadol (Ead = -26.656 eV) and faster kinetic energy (K.E. = -155.815 Ha) than CB (Ead = -40.174 eV and -305.322 Ha). The GCE-OLC shows a linear calibration curve for tramadol over the range of similar to 55 to 392 mu M, with high sensitivity (0.0315 mu A/mu M) and low limit of detection (LoD) and quantification (LoQ) (3.8 and 12.7 mu M, respectively). The OLC-modified screen-printed electrode (SPE-OLC) was successfully applied for the sensitive detection of tramadol in real pharmaceutical formulations and human serum. The OLC-based electrochemical sensor promises to be useful for the sensitive and accurate detection of tramadol in clinics, quality control, and routine quantification of tramadol drugs in pharmaceutical formulations.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000903165200001 Publication Date 2022-12-15
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2470-1343 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved no
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:193391 Serial 8908
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Bafekry, A.; Shahrokhi, M.; Shafique, A.; Jappor, H.R.; Fadlallah, M.M.; Stampfl, C.; Ghergherehchi, M.; Mushtaq, M.; Feghhi, S.A.H.; Gogova, D.
Title Semiconducting chalcogenide alloys based on the (Ge, Sn, Pb) (S, Se, Te) formula with outstanding properties : a first-principles calculation study Type A1 Journal article
Year 2021 Publication ACS Omega Abbreviated Journal
Volume 6 Issue 14 Pages 9433-9441
Keywords A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Abstract Very recently, a new class of the multicationic and -anionic entropy-stabilized chalcogenide alloys based on the (Ge, Sn, Pb) (S, Se, Te) formula has been successfully fabricated and characterized experimentally [Zihao Deng et al., Chem. Mater. 32, 6070 (2020)]. Motivated by the recent experiment, herein, we perform density functional theory-based first-principles calculations in order to investigate the structural, mechanical, electronic, optical, and thermoelectric properties. The calculations of the cohesive energy and elasticity parameters indicate that the alloy is stable. Also, the mechanical study shows that the alloy has a brittle nature. The GeSnPbSSeTe alloy is a semiconductor with a direct band gap of 0.4 eV (0.3 eV using spin-orbit coupling effect). The optical analysis illustrates that the first peak of Im(epsilon) for the GeSnPbSSeTe alloy along all polarization directions is located in the visible range of the spectrum which renders it a promising material for applications in optical and electronic devices. Interestingly, we find an optically anisotropic character of this system which is highly desirable for the design of polarization-sensitive photodetectors. We have accurately predicted the thermoelectric coefficients and have calculated a large power factor value of 3.7 x 10(11) W m(-1) K-2 s(-1) for p-type. The high p-type power factor is originated from the multiple valleys near the valence band maxima. The anisotropic results of the optical and transport properties are related to the specific tetragonal alloy unit cell.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000640649500012 Publication Date 2021-03-30
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2470-1343 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: NA
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:178395 Serial 7017
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Author Kante, M.V.; Weber, M.L.; Ni, S.; van den Bosch, I.C.G.; van der Minne, E.; Heymann, L.; Falling, L.J.; Gauquelin, N.; Tsvetanova, M.; Cunha, D.M.; Koster, G.; Gunkel, F.; Nemsak, S.; Hahn, H.; Estrada, L.V.; Baeumer, C.
Title A high-entropy oxide as high-activity electrocatalyst for water oxidation Type A1 Journal article
Year 2023 Publication ACS nano Abbreviated Journal
Volume 17 Issue 6 Pages 5329-5339
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract High-entropy materials are an emerging pathway in the development of high-activity (electro)catalysts because of the inherent tunability and coexistence of multiple potential active sites, which may lead to earth-abundant catalyst materials for energy-efficient electrochemical energy storage. In this report, we identify how the multication composition in high-entropy perovskite oxides (HEO) contributes to high catalytic activity for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER), i.e., the key kinetically limiting half-reaction in several electrochemical energy conversion technologies, including green hydrogen generation. We compare the activity of the (001) facet of LaCr0.2Mn0.2Fe0.2Co0.2Ni0.2O3-delta with the parent compounds (single B-site in the ABO3 perovskite). While the single B-site perovskites roughly follow the expected volcano-type activity trends, the HEO clearly outperforms all of its parent compounds with 17 to 680 times higher currents at a fixed overpotential. As all samples were grown as an epitaxial layer, our results indicate an intrinsic composition-function relationship, avoiding the effects of complex geometries or unknown surface composition. In-depth X-ray photoemission studies reveal a synergistic effect of simultaneous oxidation and reduction of different transition metal cations during the adsorption of reaction intermediates. The surprisingly high OER activity demonstrates that HEOs are a highly attractive, earth-abundant material class for high-activity OER electrocatalysts, possibly allowing the activity to be fine-tuned beyond the scaling limits of mono-or bimetallic oxides.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000953440900001 Publication Date 2023-03-13
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 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 17.1; 2023 IF: 13.942
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:196097 Serial 7390
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Author Byrnes, I.; Rossbach, L.M.; Brede, D.A.; Grolimund, D.; Sanchez, D.F.; Nuyts, G.; Cuba, V.; Reinoso-Maset, E.; Salbu, B.; Janssens, K.; Oughton, D.; Scheibener, S.; Teien, H.-C.; Lind, O.C.
Title Synchrotron-based X-ray fluorescence imaging elucidates uranium toxicokinetics in Daphnia magna Type A1 Journal article
Year 2023 Publication ACS nano Abbreviated Journal
Volume 17 Issue 6 Pages 5296-5305
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Antwerp X-ray Imaging and Spectroscopy (AXIS)
Abstract A combination of synchrotron-based elemental anal-ysis and acute toxicity tests was used to investigate the biodistribution and adverse effects in Daphnia magna exposed to uranium nanoparticle (UNP, 3-5 nm) suspensions or to uranium reference (Uref) solutions. Speciation analysis revealed similar size distributions between exposures, and toxicity tests showed com-parable acute effects (UNP LC50: 402 mu g L-1 [336-484], Uref LC50: 268 mu g L-1 [229-315]). However, the uranium body burden was 3 -to 5-fold greater in UNP-exposed daphnids, and analysis of survival as a function of body burden revealed a similar to 5-fold higher specific toxicity from the Uref exposure. High-resolution X-ray fluorescence elemental maps of intact, whole daphnids from sublethal, acute exposures of both treatments revealed high uranium accumulation onto the gills (epipodites) as well as within the hepatic ceca and the intestinal lumen. Uranium uptake into the hemolymph circulatory system was inferred from signals observed in organs such as the heart and the maxillary gland. The substantial uptake in the maxillary gland and the associated nephridium suggests that these organs play a role in uranium removal from the hemolymph and subsequent excretion. Uranium was also observed associated with the embryos and the remnants of the chorion, suggesting uptake in the offspring. The identification of target organs and tissues is of major importance to the understanding of uranium and UNP toxicity and exposure characterization that should ultimately contribute to reducing uncertainties in related environmental impact and risk assessments.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000960129800001 Publication Date 2023-03-15
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 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 17.1; 2023 IF: 13.942
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:196061 Serial 8631
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Author Scolfaro, D.; Finamor, M.; Trinchao, L.O.; Rosa, B.L.T.; Chaves, A.; Santos, P., V.; Iikawa, F.; Couto, O.D.D., Jr.
Title Acoustically driven stark effect in transition metal dichalcogenide monolayers Type A1 Journal article
Year 2021 Publication Acs Nano Abbreviated Journal Acs Nano
Volume 15 Issue 9 Pages 15371-15380
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Abstract The Stark effect is one of the most efficient mechanisms to manipulate many-body states in nanostructured systems. In mono- and few-layer transition metal dichalcogenides, it has been successfully induced by optical and electric field means. Here, we tune the optical emission energies and dissociate excitonic states in MoSe2 monolayers employing the 220 MHz in-plane piezoelectric field carried by surface acoustic waves. We transfer the monolayers to high dielectric constant piezoelectric substrates, where the neutral exciton binding energy is reduced, allowing us to efficiently quench (above 90%) and red-shift the excitonic optical emissions. A model for the acoustically induced Stark effect yields neutral exciton and trion in-plane polarizabilities of 530 and 630 x 10(-5) meV/(kV/cm)(2), respectively, which are considerably larger than those reported for monolayers encapsulated in hexagonal boron nitride. Large in-plane polarizabilities are an attractive ingredient to manipulate and modulate multiexciton interactions in two-dimensional semiconductor nanostructures for optoelectronic applications.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000703553600129 Publication Date 2021-08-27
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 13.942 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 13.942
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:182545 Serial 7415
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Author Frolov, A.S.; Sanchez-Barriga, J.; Callaert, C.; Hadermann, J.; Fedorov, A., V; Usachov, D.Y.; Chaika, A.N.; Walls, B.C.; Zhussupbekov, K.; Shvets, I., V.; Muntwiler, M.; Amati, M.; Gregoratti, L.; Varykhalov, A.Y.; Rader, O.; Yashina, L., V.
Title Atomic and electronic structure of a multidomain GeTe crystal Type A1 Journal article
Year 2020 Publication Acs Nano Abbreviated Journal Acs Nano
Volume 14 Issue 12 Pages 16576-16589
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Renewed interest in the ferroelectric semi-conductor germanium telluride was recently triggered by the direct observation of a giant Rashba effect and a 30-year-old dream about a functional spin field-effect transistor. In this respect, all-electrical control of the spin texture in this material in combination with ferroelectric properties at the nanoscale would create advanced functionalities in spintronics and data information processing. Here, we investigate the atomic and electronic properties of GeTe bulk single crystals and their (111) surfaces. We succeeded in growing crystals possessing solely inversion domains of similar to 10 nm thickness parallel to each other. Using HAADF-TEM we observe two types of domain boundaries, one of them being similar in structure to the van der Waals gap in layered materials. This structure is responsible for the formation of surface domains with preferential Te-termination (similar to 68%) as we determined using photoelectron diffraction and XPS. The lateral dimensions of the surface domains are in the range of similar to 10-100 nm, and both Ge- and Te-terminations reveal no reconstruction. Using spin-ARPES we establish an intrinsic quantitative relationship between the spin polarization of pure bulk states and the relative contribution of different terminations, a result that is consistent with a reversal of the spin texture of the bulk Rashba bands for opposite configurations of the ferroelectric polarization within individual nanodomains. Our findings are important for potential applications of ferroelectric Rashba semiconductors in nonvolatile spintronic devices with advanced memory and computing capabilities at the nanoscale.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000603308800022 Publication Date 2020-11-02
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 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 17.1; 2020 IF: 13.942
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:175027 Serial 6716
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Author Faust, V.; Vlaeminck, S.E.; Ganigué, R.; Udert, K.M.
Title Influence of pH on urine nitrification : community shifts of ammonia-oxidizing bacteria and inhibition of nitrite-oxidizing bacteria Type A1 Journal article
Year 2024 Publication ACS ES&T engineering Abbreviated Journal
Volume 4 Issue 2 Pages 342-353
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract Urine nitrification is pH-sensitive due to limited alkalinity and high residual ammonium concentrations. This study aimed to investigate how the pH affects nitrogen conversion and the microbial community of urine nitrification with a pH-based feeding strategy. First, kinetic parameters for NH3, HNO2, and NO2– limitation and inhibition were determined for nitrifiers from a urine nitrification reactor. The turning point for ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB), i.e., the substrate concentration at which a further increase would lead to a decrease in activity due to inhibitory effects, was at an NH3 concentration of 12 mg-N L–1, which was reached only at pH values above 7. The total nitrite turning point for nitrite-oxidizing bacteria (NOB) was pH-dependent, e.g., 18 mg-N L–1 at pH 6.3. Second, four years of data from two 120 L reactors were analyzed, showing that stable nitrification with low nitrite was most likely between pH 5.8 and 6.7. And third, six 12 L urine nitrification reactors were operated at total nitrogen concentrations of 1300 and 3600 mg-N L–1 and pH values between 2.5 and 8.5. At pH 6, the AOB Nitrosomonas europaea was found, and the NOB belonged to the genus Nitrobacter. At pH 7, nitrite accumulated, and Nitrosomonas halophila was the dominant AOB. NOB were inhibited by HNO2 accumulation. At pH 8.5, the AOB Nitrosomonas stercoris became dominant, and NH3 inhibited NOB. Without influent, the pH dropped to 2.5 due to the growth of the acid-tolerant AOB “Candidatus Nitrosacidococcus urinae”. In conclusion, pH is a decisive process control parameter for urine nitrification by influencing the selection and kinetics of nitrifiers.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos Publication Date 2023-11-02
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN ISBN Additional Links UA library record
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: NA
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:203306 Serial 9048
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Author 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
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Author O'Modhrain, C.; Trenchev, G.; Gorbanev, Y.; Bogaerts, A.
Title Upscaling plasma-based CO₂ conversion : case study of a multi-reactor gliding arc plasmatron Type A1 Journal article
Year 2024 Publication ACS Engineering Au Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue Pages
Keywords A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract Atmospheric pressure plasmas have shifted in recent years from being a burgeoning research field in the academic setting to an actively investigated technology in the chemical, oil, and environmental industries. This is largely driven by the climate change mitigation efforts, as well as the evident pathways of value creation by converting greenhouse gases (such as CO2) into useful chemical feedstock. Currently, most high technology readiness level (TRL) plasma-based technologies are based on volumetric and power-based scaling of thermal plasma systems, which results in large capital investment and regular maintenance costs. This work investigates bringing a quasi-thermal (so-called “warm”) plasma setup, namely, a gliding arc plasmatron, from a lab-scale to a pilot-scale capacity with an increase in throughput capacity by a factor of 10. The method of scaling is the parallelization of plasmatron reactors within a single housing, with the aim of maintaining a warm plasma regime while simultaneously improving build cost and efficiency (compared to separate reactors operating in parallel). Special attention is also given to the safety and control features implemented in the setup, a key component required for integration into industrial systems. The performance of the multi-reactor gliding arc plasmatron (MRGAP) reactor is investigated, focusing on the influence of flow rate and the number of active reactors. The location of active reactors was deemed to have a negligible effect on the monitored metrics of conversion, energy efficiency, and energy cost. The optimum operating conditions were found to be with the most active reactors (five) at the highest investigated flow rate (80 L/min). Analysis of results suggests that an optimum conversion (9%) and plug power-based energy efficiency (19%) can be maintained at a specific energy input (SEI) around 5.3 kJ/L (or 1 eV/molecule). The concept of parallelization of plasmatron reactors within a singular housing was demonstrated to be a viable method for scaling up from a lab-scale to a prototype-scale device, with performance analysis suggesting that increasing the power (through adding more reactor channels) and total flow rate, while maintaining an SEI around 5.3 or 4.2 kJ/L, i.e., 1.3 or 1 eV/molecule (based on plug power and plasma-deposited power, respectively), can result in increased conversion rate without sacrificing absolute conversion or energy efficiency.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001166625200001 Publication Date 2024-02-14
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
Notes Approved Most recent IF: NA
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:204749 Serial 9182
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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
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Author Alexander, C.T.; Abakumov, A.M.; Forslund, R.P.; Johnston, K.P.; Stevenson, K.J.
Title Role of the carbon support on the oxygen reduction and evolution activities in LaNiO3 composite electrodes in alkaline solution Type A1 Journal article
Year 2018 Publication ACS applied energy materials Abbreviated Journal
Volume 1 Issue 4 Pages 1549-1558
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Metal-air batteries and fuel cells show a great deal of promise in advancing low-cost, high-energy-density charge storage solutions for sustainable energy applications. To improve the activities and stabilities of electrocatalysts for the critical oxygen reduction and evolution reactions (ORR and OER, respectively), a greater understanding is needed of the catalyst/carbon interactions and carbon stability. Herein, we report how LaNiO3 (LNO) supported on nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes (N-CNT) made from a high-yield synthesis lowers the overpotential for both the OER and ORR markedly to enable a low bifunctional window of 0.81 V at only a 51 mu g cm(-2) mass loading. Furthermore, the addition of LNO to the N-CNTs improves the galvanostatic stability for the OER by almost 2 orders of magnitude. The nanoscale geometries of the perovskites and the CNTs enhance the number of metal-support and charge transfer interactions and thus the activity. We use rotating ring disk electrodes (RRDEs) combined with Tafel slope analysis and ICP-OES to quantitatively separate current contributions from the OER, carbon oxidation, and even anodic iron leaching from carbon nanotubes.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000458705400020 Publication Date 2018-03-28
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2574-0962 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved no
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:157642 Serial 8487
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Author Yildiz, A.; Chouki, T.; Atli, A.; Harb, M.; Verbruggen, S.W.; Ninakanti, R.; Emin, S.
Title Efficient iron phosphide catalyst as a counter electrode in dye-sensitized solar cells Type A1 Journal article
Year 2021 Publication ACS applied energy materials Abbreviated Journal
Volume 4 Issue 10 Pages 10618-10626
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract Developing an efficient material as a counter electrode (CE) with excellent catalytic activity, intrinsic stability, and low cost is essential for the commercial application of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Transition metal phosphides have been demonstrated as outstanding multifunctional catalysts in a broad range of energy conversion technologies. Here, we exploited different phases of iron phosphide as CEs in DSSCs with an I–/I3–-based electrolyte. Solvothermal synthesis using a triphenylphosphine precursor as a phosphorus source allows to grow a Fe2P phase at 300 °C and a FeP phase at 350 °C. The obtained iron phosphide catalysts were coated on fluorine-doped tin oxide substrates and heat-treated at 450 °C under an inert gas atmosphere. The solar-to-current conversion efficiency of the solar cells assembled with the Fe2P material reached 3.96 ± 0.06%, which is comparable to the device assembled with a platinum (Pt) CE. DFT calculations support the experimental observations and explain the fundamental origin behind the improved performance of Fe2P compared to FeP. These results indicate that the Fe2P catalyst exhibits excellent performance along with desired stability to be deployed as an efficient Pt-free alternative in DSSCs.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000711236300022 Publication Date 2021-10-08
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2574-0962 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:181953 Serial 7853
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Mazzola, F.; Hassani, H.; Amoroso, D.; Chaluvadi, S.K.; Fujii, J.; Polewczyk, V.; Rajak, P.; Koegler, M.; Ciancio, R.; Partoens, B.; Rossi, G.; Vobornik, I.; Ghosez, P.; Orgiani, P.
Title Unveiling the electronic structure of pseudotetragonal WO₃ thin films Type A1 Journal article
Year 2023 Publication The journal of physical chemistry letters Abbreviated Journal
Volume 14 Issue 32 Pages 7208-7214
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Abstract WO3 isa 5d compound that undergoes severalstructuraltransitions in its bulk form. Its versatility is well-documented,with a wide range of applications, such as flexopiezoelectricity,electrochromism, gating-induced phase transitions, and its abilityto improve the performance of Li-based batteries. The synthesis ofWO(3) thin films holds promise in stabilizing electronicphases for practical applications. However, despite its potential,the electronic structure of this material remains experimentally unexplored.Furthermore, its thermal instability limits its use in certain technologicaldevices. Here, we employ tensile strain to stabilize WO3 thin films, which we call the pseudotetragonal phase, and investigateits electronic structure using a combination of photoelectron spectroscopyand density functional theory calculations. This study reveals theFermiology of the system, notably identifying significant energy splittingsbetween different orbital manifolds arising from atomic distortions.These splittings, along with the system's thermal stability,offer a potential avenue for controlling inter- and intraband scatteringfor electronic applications.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001044522400001 Publication Date 2023-08-08
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; 2023 IF: 9.353
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:198391 Serial 8951
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Gerrits, N.
Title Accurate simulations of the reaction of H₂ on a curved Pt crystal through machine learning Type A1 Journal article
Year 2021 Publication Journal Of Physical Chemistry Letters Abbreviated Journal J Phys Chem Lett
Volume 12 Issue 51 Pages 12157-12164
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract Theoretical studies on molecule-metal surface reactions have so far been limited to small surface unit cells due to computational costs. Here, for the first time molecular dynamics simulations on very large surface unit cells at the level of density functional theory are performed, allowing a direct comparison to experiments performed on a curved crystal. Specifically, the reaction of D-2 on a curved Pt crystal is investigated with a neural network potential (NNP). The developed NNP is also accurate for surface unit cells considerably larger than those that have been included in the training data, allowing dynamical simulations on very large surface unit cells that otherwise would have been intractable. Important and complex aspects of the reaction mechanism are discovered such as diffusion and a shadow effect of the step. Furthermore, conclusions from simulations on smaller surface unit cells cannot always be transfered to larger surface unit cells, limiting the applicability of theoretical studies of smaller surface unit cells to heterogeneous catalysts with small defect densities.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000734045900001 Publication Date 2021-12-17
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 9.353 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 9.353
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:184717 Serial 7413
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Author Borah, R.; Verbruggen, S.W.
Title Coupled plasmon modes in 2D gold nanoparticle clusters and their effect on local temperature control Type A1 Journal article
Year 2019 Publication The journal of physical chemistry: C : nanomaterials and interfaces Abbreviated Journal J Phys Chem C
Volume 123 Issue 50 Pages 30594-30603
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract Assemblies of closely separated gold nanoparticles exhibit a strong collective plasmonic response due to coupling of the plasmon modes of the individual nanostructures. In the context of self-assembly of nanoparticles, close-packed two-dimensional (2D) clusters of spherical nanoparticles present an important composite system that promises numerous applications. The present study probes the collective plasmonic characteristics and resulting photothermal behavior of close-packed 2D Au nanoparticle clusters to delineate the effects of the cluster size, interparticle distance, and particle size. Smaller nanoparticles (20 and 40 nm in diameter) that exhibit low individual scattering and high absorption were considered for their relevance to photothermal applications. In contrast to typical literature studies, the present study compares the optical response of clusters of different sizes ranging from a single nanoparticle up to large assemblies of 61 nanoparticles. Increasing the cluster size induces significant changes to the spectral position and optophysical characteristics. Based on the model outcome, an optimal cluster size for maximum absorption per nanoparticle is also determined for enhanced photothermal effects. The effect of the particle size and interparticle distance is investigated to elucidate the nature of interaction in terms of near-field and far-field coupling. The photothermal effect resulting from absorption is compared for different cluster sizes and interparticle distances considering a homogeneous water medium. A strong dependence of the steady-state temperature of the nanoparticles on the cluster size, particle position in the cluster, incident light polarization, and interparticle distance provides new physical insight into the local temperature control of plasmonic nanostructures.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000503919500061 Publication Date 2019-11-20
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; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 4.536 Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 4.536
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:164530 Serial 5938
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Author Tchakoua, T.; Powell, A.D.; Gerrits, N.; Somers, M.F.; Doblhoff-Dier, K.; Busnengo, H.F.; Kroes, G.-J.
Title Simulating highly activated sticking of H₂ on Al(110) : quantum versus quasi-classical dynamics Type A1 Journal article
Year 2023 Publication The journal of physical chemistry: C : nanomaterials and interfaces Abbreviated Journal
Volume 127 Issue 11 Pages 5395-5407
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract We evaluate the importance of quantum effects on the sticking of H2 on Al(110) for conditions that are close to those of molecular beam experiments that have been done on this system. Calculations with the quasi-classical trajectory (QCT) method and with quantum dynamics (QD) are performed using a model in which only motion in the six molecular degrees of freedom is allowed. The potential energy surface used has a minimum barrier height close to the value recently obtained with the quantum Monte Carlo method. Monte Carlo averaging over the initial rovibrational states allowed the QD calculations to be done with an order of magnitude smaller computational expense. The sticking probability curve computed with QD is shifted to lower energies relative to the QCT curve by 0.21 to 0.05 kcal/mol, with the highest shift obtained for the lowest incidence energy. Quantum effects are therefore expected to play a small role in calculations that would evaluate the accuracy of electronic structure methods for determining the minimum barrier height to dissociative chemisorption for H2 + Al(110) on the basis of the standard procedure for comparing results of theory with molecular beam experiments.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000971346700001 Publication Date 2023-03-14
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; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 3.7 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 3.7; 2023 IF: 4.536
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:196071 Serial 8525
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 Nematollahi, P.; Ma, H.; Schneider, W.F.; Neyts, E.C.
Title DFT and microkinetic comparison of ru-doped porphyrin-like graphene and nanotubes toward catalytic formic acid decomposition and formation Type A1 Journal article
Year 2021 Publication Journal Of Physical Chemistry C Abbreviated Journal J Phys Chem C
Volume 125 Issue 34 Pages 18673-18683
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract Immobilization of single metal atoms on a solid host opens numerous possibilities for catalyst designs. If that host is a two-dimensional sheet, sheet curvature becomes a design parameter potentially complementary to host and metal composition. Here, we use a combination of density functional theory calculations and microkinetic modeling to compare the mechanisms and kinetics of formic acid decomposition and formation, chosen for their relevance as a potential hydrogen storage medium, over single Ru atoms anchored to pyridinic nitrogen in a planar graphene flake (RuN4-G) and curved carbon nanotube (RuN4-CNT). Activation barriers are lowered and the predicted turnover frequencies are increased over RuN4-CNT relative to RuN4-CNT. The results highlight the potential of curvature control as a means to achieve high performance and robust catalysts.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000693413400013 Publication Date 2021-08-22
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; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 4.536 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 4.536
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:181538 Serial 7805
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Author Demiroglu, I.; Karaaslan, Y.; Kocabas, T.; Keceli, M.; Vazquez-Mayagoitia, A.; Sevik, C.
Title Computation of the thermal expansion coefficient of graphene with Gaussian approximation potentials Type A1 Journal article
Year 2021 Publication Journal Of Physical Chemistry C Abbreviated Journal J Phys Chem C
Volume 125 Issue 26 Pages 14409-14415
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Abstract Direct experimental measurement of thermal expansion coefficient without substrate effects is a challenging task for two-dimensional (2D) materials, and its accurate estimation with large-scale ab initio molecular dynamics is computationally very expensive. Machine learning-based interatomic potentials trained with ab initio data have been successfully used in molecular dynamics simulations to decrease the computational cost without compromising the accuracy. In this study, we investigated using Gaussian approximation potentials to reproduce the density functional theory-level accuracy for graphene within both lattice dynamical and molecular dynamical methods, and to extend their applicability to larger length and time scales. Two such potentials are considered, GAP17 and GAP20. GAP17, which was trained with pristine graphene structures, is found to give closer results to density functional theory calculations at different scales. Further vibrational and structural analyses verify that the same conclusions can be deduced with density functional theory level in terms of the reasoning of the thermal expansion behavior, and the negative thermal expansion behavior is associated with long-range out-of-plane phonon vibrations. Thus, it is argued that the enabled larger system sizes by machine learning potentials may even enhance the accuracy compared to small-size-limited ab initio molecular dynamics.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000672734100027 Publication Date 2021-06-24
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; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 4.536 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 4.536
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:179850 Serial 7719
Permanent link to this record