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“An efficient finite-difference scheme for computation of electron states in free-standing and core-shell quantum wires”. Arsoski VV, Čukarić, NA, Tadic MZ, Peeters FM, Computer physics communications 197, 17 (2015). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpc.2015.08.002
Abstract: The electron states in axially symmetric quantum wires are computed by means of the effective-mass Schrodinger equation, which is written in cylindrical coordinates phi, rho, and z. We show that a direct discretization of the Schrodinger equation by central finite differences leads to a non-symmetric Hamiltonian matrix. Because diagonalization of such matrices is more complex it is advantageous to transform it in a symmetric form. This can be done by the Liouville-like transformation proposed by Rizea et al. (2008), which replaces the wave function psi(rho) with the function F(rho) = psi(rho)root rho and transforms the Hamiltonian accordingly. Even though a symmetric Hamiltonian matrix is produced by this procedure, the computed wave functions are found to be inaccurate near the origin, and the accuracy of the energy levels is not very high. In order to improve on this, we devised a finite-difference scheme which discretizes the Schrodinger equation in the first step, and then applies the Liouville-like transformation to the difference equation. Such a procedure gives a symmetric Hamiltonian matrix, resulting in an accuracy comparable to the one obtained with the finite element method. The superior efficiency of the new finite-difference scheme (FDM) is demonstrated for a few p-dependent one-dimensional potentials which are usually employed to model the electron states in free-standing and core shell quantum wires. The new scheme is compared with the other FDM schemes for solving the effective-mass Schrodinger equation, and is found to deliver energy levels with much smaller numerical error for all the analyzed potentials. It also gives more accurate results than the scheme of Rizea et al., except for the ground state of an infinite rectangular potential in freestanding quantum wires. Moreover, the PT symmetry is invoked to explain similarities and differences between the considered FDM schemes. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.936
Times cited: 4
DOI: 10.1016/j.cpc.2015.08.002
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“Plasma-based conversion of CO2: current status and future challenges”. Bogaerts A, Kozak T, van Laer K, Snoeckx R, Faraday discussions 183, 217 (2015). http://doi.org/10.1039/c5fd00053j
Abstract: This paper discusses our recent results on plasma-based CO2 conversion, obtained by a combination of experiments and modeling, for a dielectric barrier discharge (DBD), a microwave plasma and a packed bed DBD reactor. The results illustrate that plasma technology is quite promising for CO2 conversion, but more research is needed to better understand the underlying mechanisms and to further improve the capabilities.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 3.588
Times cited: 89
DOI: 10.1039/c5fd00053j
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“The electrochemistry of tetrapropylammonium perruthenate, its role in the oxidation of primary alcohols and its potential for electrochemical recycling”. Lybaert J, Maes BUW, Tehrani KA, De Wael K, Electrochimica acta 182, 693 (2015). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.ELECTACTA.2015.09.107
Abstract: The search for strategies aiming at more sustainable (oxidation) reactions has led to the application of electrochemistry for recycling the spent catalyst. In this work, an electrochemical study of the tetrapropylammonium perruthenate catalyst (TPAP) and its activity towards a primary alcohol, n-butanol, has been carried out as well as a control study with tert-butanol. The redox chemistry of TPAP and the transition between the perruthenate anion and ruthenium tetroxide in a non-aqueous solvent have been, for the first time, investigated in depth. The oxidation reaction of n-butanol in the presence of TPAP has been electrochemically elucidated by performing potentiostatic experiments and registration of the corresponding oxidation current. Furthermore, it was shown that, by applying a specific potential, the reoxidized TPAP is able to oxidize/convert the primary alcohol, paving the way for practical applications using TPAP in electrochemical synthesis. The conversion of n-butanol into n-butanal was proven by the use of GC-MS.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation); Organic synthesis (ORSY)
Impact Factor: 4.798
Times cited: 2
DOI: 10.1016/J.ELECTACTA.2015.09.107
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“Stable Rh particles in hydrotalcite-derived catalysts coated on FeCrAlloy foams by electrosynthesis”. Benito P, Nuyts G, Monti M, de Nolf W, Fornasari G, Janssens K, Scavetta E, Vaccari A, Applied catalysis : B : environmental 179, 321 (2015). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.APCATB.2015.05.035
Abstract: Rh-based structured catalysts for the Catalytic Partial Oxidation of CH4 to syngas were prepared by electrosynthesis of Rh/Mg/Al hydrotalcite-type compounds on FeCrAlloy foams and calcination. The effects of Rh content, total metal concentration, and partial replacement of Mg2+ by Ni2+ in the electrolytic solution on coating thickness, Rh speciation, metallic particle size, and catalytic activity were investigated by SEM/EDS, mu-XRF/XANES and tests under diluted and concentrated reaction conditions. The amount of Rh species, present as Mg (RhxAl1-x)(2)O-4, depended on the thickness of the electrosynthesised layer as well as the Rh particle size and dispersion. Smaller and more dispersed particles were obtained by decreasing the Rh concentration in the electrolytic solution from Rh/Mg/Al=11/70/19 to 5/70/25 and 2/70/28 atomic ratio% (a.r.%) and in thinner rather than thicker layers. Despite the improvement in metallic particles features, the CH4 conversion was negatively affected by the low amount of active sites in the coating, the high metal support interaction and possibly the oxidation of metallic particles and carbon formation. A larger amount of solid containing well dispersed Rh particles was deposited by increasing the total metal concentration from 0.03 M to 0.06 M with the Rh/Mg/Al=5/70/25 a.r.%, and the catalytic performances were enhanced. The partial replacement of Mg2+ by Ni2+ gave rise to a very active bimetallic Rh/Ni catalyst, CH4 conversion and selectivity to syngas were above 90%, however, it slightly deactivated with time-on-stream. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
Impact Factor: 9.446
Times cited: 14
DOI: 10.1016/J.APCATB.2015.05.035
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“N-doped ordered mesoporous carbons prepared by a two-step nanocasting strategy as highly active and selective electrocatalysts for the reduction of O2 to H2O2”. Sheng X, Daems N, Geboes B, Kurttepeli M, Bals S, Breugelmans T, Hubin A, Vankelecom IFJ, Pescarmona PP, Applied catalysis : B : environmental 176-177, 212 (2015). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.apcatb.2015.03.049
Abstract: A new, two-step nanocasting method was developed to prepare N-doped ordered mesoporous carbon (NOMC) electrocatalysts for the reduction of O2 to H2O2. Our strategy involves the sequential pyrolysis of two inexpensive and readily available N and C precursors, i.e. aniline and dihydroxynaphthalene (DHN), inside the pores of a SBA-15 hard silica template to obtain N-doped graphitic carbon materials with well-ordered pores and high surface areas (764 and 877 m2g−1). By tuning the ratio of carbon sources to silica template, it was possible to achieve an optimal filling of the pores of the SBA-15 silica and to minimise carbon species outside the pores. These NOMC materials displayed outstanding electrocatalytic activity in the oxygen reduction reaction, achieving a remarkably enhanced kinetic current density compared to state-of-the-art N-doped carbon materials (−16.7 mA cm−2 at −0.35 V vs. Ag/AgCl in a 0.1 M KOH solution as electrolyte). The NOMC electrocatalysts showed high selectivity toward the two-electron reduction of oxygen to hydrogen peroxide and excellent long-term stability.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Applied Electrochemistry & Catalysis (ELCAT)
Impact Factor: 9.446
Times cited: 111
DOI: 10.1016/j.apcatb.2015.03.049
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“Highly parameterized inversion of groundwater reactive transport for a complex field site”. Carniato L, Schoups G, van de Giesen N, Seuntjens P, Bastiaens L, Sapion H, Journal of contaminant hydrology 173, 38 (2015). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.JCONHYD.2014.12.001
Abstract: In this study a numerical groundwater reactive transport model of a shallow groundwater aquifer contaminated with volatile organic compounds is developed. In addition to advective-dispersive transport, the model includes contaminant release from source areas, natural attenuation, abiotic degradation by a permeable reactive barrier at the site, and dilution by infiltrating rain. Aquifer heterogeneity is parameterized using pilot points for hydraulic conductivity, specific yield and groundwater recharge. A methodology is developed and applied to estimate the large number of parameters from the limited data at the field site (groundwater levels, groundwater concentrations of multiple chemical species, point-scale measurements of soil hydraulic conductivity, and lab-scale derived information on chemical and biochemical reactions). The proposed methodology relies on pilot point parameterization of hydraulic parameters and groundwater recharge, a regularization procedure to reconcile the large number of spatially distributed model parameters with the limited field data, a step-wise approach for integrating the different data sets into the model, and high performance computing. The methodology was proven to be effective in reproducing multiple contaminant plumes and in reducing the prior parameter uncertainty of hydraulic conductivity and groundwater recharge. Our results further indicate that contaminant transport predictions are strongly affected by the choice of the groundwater recharge model and flow parameters should be identified using both head and concentration measurements. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
DOI: 10.1016/J.JCONHYD.2014.12.001
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“Photocatalytic carbon oxidation with nitric oxide”. Liao L, Heylen S, Vallaey B, Keulemans M, Lenaerts S, Roeffaers MBJ, Martens JA, Applied catalysis : B : environmental 166, 374 (2015). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.APCATB.2014.11.051
Abstract: The photocatalytic oxidation of carbon black on TiO2 using nitric oxide as an oxidizing agent was investigated. Layer-wise deposited carbon and TiO2 powder was illuminated with UVA light in the presence of NO at parts per million concentrations in dry and hydrated carrier gas at a temperature of 150 degrees C. Carbon was photocatalytically converted mainly into CO2, and NO mainly into N-2. Carbon oxidation rates of 7.2 mu g/h/mgTiO(2) were achieved in the presence of 3000 ppm NO. Under these experimental conditions in the absence of molecular oxygen, formation of surface nitrates causing TiO2 photocatalyst deactivation is suppressed. Addition of water enhances surface nitrate formation and catalyst deactivation. NO and carbon particulate matter are air pollutants emitted by diesel engines. Elimination of soot collected on a diesel particulate filter through oxidation is a demanding reaction requiring temperatures in excess of 250 degrees C. The present study opens perspectives for a low-temperature regeneration strategy for the diesel particulate filter that simultaneously performs DeNO(x) reactions. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Impact Factor: 9.446
Times cited: 5
DOI: 10.1016/J.APCATB.2014.11.051
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“Efficient amorphous platinum catalyst cluster growth on porous carbon : a combined molecular dynamics and experimental study”. Xie L, Brault P, Coutanceau C, Bauchire J-M, Caillard A, Baranton S, Berndt J, Neyts EC, Applied catalysis : B : environmental 162, 21 (2015). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.apcatb.2014.06.032
Abstract: Amorphous platinum clusters supported on porous carbon have been envisaged for high-performance fuel cell electrodes. For this application, it is crucial to control the morphology of the Pt layer and the Ptsubstrate interaction to maximize activity and stability. We thus investigate the morphology evolution during Pt cluster growth on a porous carbon substrate employing atomic scale molecular dynamics simulations. The simulations are based on the Pt-C interaction potential using parameters derived from density functional theory and are found to yield a Pt cluster morphology similar to that observed in low loaded fuel cell electrodes prepared by plasma sputtering. Moreover, the simulations show amorphous Pt cluster growth in agreement with X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy experiments on high performance low Pt content (10 μgPt cm−2) loaded fuel cell electrodes and provide a fundamental insight in the cluster growth mechanism.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 9.446
Times cited: 20
DOI: 10.1016/j.apcatb.2014.06.032
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“Reversible Li-intercalation through oxygen reactivity in Li-rich Li-Fe-Te oxide materials”. McCalla E, Prakash AS, Berg E, Saubanere M, Abakumov AM, Foix D, Klobes B, Sougrati MT, Rousse G, Lepoivre F, Mariyappan S, Doublet ML, Gonbeau D, Novak P, Van Tendeloo G, Hermann RP, Tarascon JM;, Journal of the electrochemical society 162, A1341 (2015). http://doi.org/10.1149/2.0991507jes
Abstract: Lithium-rich oxides are a promising class of positive electrode materials for next generation lithium-ion batteries, and oxygen plays a prominent role during electrochemical cycling either by forming peroxo-like species and/or by irreversibly forming oxygen gas during first charge. Here, we present Li-Fe-Te-O materials which show a tremendous amount of oxygen gas release. This oxygen release accounts for nearly all the capacity during the first charge and results in vacancies as seen by transmission electron microscopy. There is no oxidation of either metal during charge but significant changes in their environments. These changes are particularly extreme for tellurium. XRD and neutron powder diffraction both show limited Changes during cycling and no appreciable change in lattice parameters. A density functional theory study of this material is performed and demonstrates that the holes created on some of the oxygen atoms upon oxidation are partially stabilized through the formation of shorter O-O bonds, i.e. (O-2)(n-) species which on further delithiation show a spontaneous O-2 de-coordination from the cationic network and migration to the now empty lithium layer. The rate limiting step during charge is undoubtedly the diffusion of oxygen either out along the lithium layer or via columns of oxygen atoms. (C) 2015 The Electrochemical Society. All rights reserved.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 3.259
Times cited: 23
DOI: 10.1149/2.0991507jes
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“Quantitative STEM normalisation : the importance of the electron flux”. Martinez GT, Jones L, de Backer A, Béché, A, Verbeeck J, Van Aert S, Nellist PD, Ultramicroscopy 159, 46 (2015). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.ultramic.2015.07.010
Abstract: Annular dark-field (ADF) scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) has become widely used in quantitative studies based on the opportunity to directly compare experimental and simulated images. This comparison merely requires the experimental data to be normalised and expressed in units of fractional beam-current. However, inhomogeneities in the response of electron detectors can complicate this normalisation. The quantification procedure becomes both experiment and instrument specific, requiring new simulations for the particular response of each instrument's detector, and for every camera-length used. This not only impedes the comparison between different instruments and research groups, but can also be computationally very time consuming. Furthermore, not all image simulation methods allow for the inclusion of an inhomogeneous detector response. In this work, we propose an alternative method for normalising experimental data in order to compare these with simulations that consider a homogeneous detector response. To achieve this, we determine the electron flux distribution reaching the detector by means of a camera-length series or a so-called atomic column cross-section averaged convergent beam electron diffraction (XSACBED) pattern. The result is then used to determine the relative weighting of the detector response. Here we show that the results obtained by this new electron flux weighted (EFW) method are comparable to the currently used method, while considerably simplifying the needed simulation libraries. The proposed method also allows one to obtain a metric that describes the quality of the detector response in comparison with the ideal detector response.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 2.843
Times cited: 27
DOI: 10.1016/j.ultramic.2015.07.010
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“Electron tomography based on highly limited data using a neural network reconstruction technique”. Bladt E, Pelt DM, Bals S, Batenburg KJ, Ultramicroscopy 158, 81 (2015). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.ultramic.2015.07.001
Abstract: Gold nanoparticles are studied extensively due to their unique optical and catalytical properties. Their exact shape determines the properties and thereby the possible applications. Electron tomography is therefore often used to examine the three-dimensional (3D) shape of nanoparticles. However, since the acquisition of the experimental tilt series and the 3D reconstructions are very time consuming, it is difficult to obtain statistical results concerning the 3D shape of nanoparticles. Here, we propose a new approach for electron tomography that is based on artificial neural networks. The use of a new reconstruction approach enables us to reduce the number of projection images with a factor of 5 or more. The decrease in acquisition time of the tilt series and use of an efficient reconstruction algorithm allows us to examine a large amount of nanoparticles in order to retrieve statistical results concerning the 3D shape.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Vision lab
Impact Factor: 2.843
Times cited: 25
DOI: 10.1016/j.ultramic.2015.07.001
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“Selective recovery of Cr from stainless steel slag by alkaline roasting followed by water leaching”. Kim E, Spooren J, Broos K, Horckmans L, Quaghebeur M, Vrancken KC, Hydrometallurgy 158, 139 (2015). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.HYDROMET.2015.10.024
Abstract: Selective chromium (Cr) leaching from stainless steel slag (SS slag) by alkali roasting followed by water leaching was investigated. The efficiency of the alkali roasting process for Cr leaching was increased by optimizing the mass ratio of alkaline agents (NaOH, and NaOH-NaNO3) to the slag, roasting temperature and time. At the optimum condition (0.67 mass ratio of NaOH to SS slag, 400 degrees C, 2 h) of NaOH roasting, chromium leaching was around 83%, while the matrix material was dissolved only to a limited extent (Si 8.0%). Mechanical activation of the SS slag prior to roasting reduced the optimum NaOH to SS slag mass ratio to 0.4. The addition of NaNO3 as an oxidant to the NaOH salt increased Cr leaching to 89% after roasting at 400 degrees C for 2 h. The remaining Cr phases in the residue were almost exclusively FeCr alloys. Further chromium dissolution from these alloys is prevented by a passivation layer of Fe oxides as shown by SEM/EDS images. Based on these results, a SS slag recycling process is suggested in which roasting-water leaching followed by water washing to remove Cr yields a residue which has potential for application as a construction material. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
DOI: 10.1016/J.HYDROMET.2015.10.024
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“The ASTRA Toolbox: A platform for advanced algorithm development in electron tomography”. van Aarle W, Palenstijn WJ, De Beenhouwer J, Altantzis T, Bals S, Batenburg KJ, Sijbers J, Ultramicroscopy 157, 35 (2015). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.ultramic.2015.05.002
Abstract: We present the ASTRA Toolbox as an open platform for 3D image reconstruction in tomography. Most of the software tools that are currently used in electron tomography offer limited flexibility with respect to the geometrical parameters of the acquisition model and the algorithms used for reconstruction. The ASTRA Toolbox provides an extensive set of fast and flexible building blocks that can be used to develop advanced reconstruction algorithms, effectively removing these limitations. We demonstrate this flexibility, the resulting reconstruction quality, and the computational efficiency of this toolbox by a series of experiments, based on experimental dual-axis tilt series.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Vision lab
Impact Factor: 2.843
Times cited: 562
DOI: 10.1016/j.ultramic.2015.05.002
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“Homogeneity and composition of AlInGaN : a multiprobe nanostructure study”. Krause FF, Ahl JP, Tytko D, Choi PP, Egoavil R, Schowalter M, Mehrtens T, Müller-Caspary K, Verbeeck J, Raabe D, Hertkorn J, Engl K, Rosenauer A, Ultramicroscopy 156, 29 (2015). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.ultramic.2015.04.012
Abstract: The electronic properties of quaternary AlInGaN devices significantly depend on the homogeneity of the alloy. The identification of compositional fluctuations or verification of random-alloy distribution is hence of grave importance. Here, a comprehensive multiprobe study of composition and compositional homogeneity is presented, investigating AlInGaN layers with indium concentrations ranging from 0 to 17 at% and aluminium concentrations between 0 and 39 at% employing high-angle annular dark field scanning electron microscopy (HAADF STEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and atom probe tomography (APT). EDX mappings reveal distributions of local concentrations which are in good agreement with random alloy atomic distributions. This was hence investigated with HAADF STEM by comparison with theoretical random alloy expectations using statistical tests. To validate the performance of these tests, HAADF STEM image simulations were carried out for the case of a random-alloy distribution of atoms and for the case of In-rich clusters with nanometer dimensions. The investigated samples, which were grown by metal-organic vapor phase epitaxy (MOVPE), were thereby found to be homogeneous on this nanometer scale. Analysis of reconstructions obtained from APT measurements yielded matching results. Though HAADF STEM only allows for the reduction of possible combinations of indium and aluminium concentrations to the proximity of isolines in the two-dimensional composition space. The observed ranges of composition are in good agreement with the EDX and APT results within the respective precisions.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 2.843
Times cited: 11
DOI: 10.1016/j.ultramic.2015.04.012
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“MULTEM : a new multislice program to perform accurate and fast electron diffraction and imaging simulations using graphics processing units with CUDA”. Lobato I, Van Dyck D, Ultramicroscopy 156, 9 (2015). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.ultramic.2015.04.016
Abstract: The main features and the GPU implementation of the MULTEM program are presented and described. This new program performs accurate and fast multislice simulations by including higher order expansion of the multislice solution of the high energy Schrodinger equation, the correct subslicing of the three-dimensional potential and top-bottom surfaces. The program implements different kinds of simulation for CTEM, STEM, ED, PED, CBED, ADF-TEM and ABF-HC with proper treatment of the spatial and temporal incoherences. The multislice approach described here treats the specimen as amorphous material which allows a straightforward implementation of the frozen phonon approximation. The generalized transmission function for each slice is calculated when is needed and then discarded. This allows us to perform large simulations that can include millions of atoms and keep the computer memory requirements to a reasonable level. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Vision lab
Impact Factor: 2.843
Times cited: 32
DOI: 10.1016/j.ultramic.2015.04.016
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“Iron allocation in leaves of Fe-deficient cucumber plants fed with natural Fe complexes”. Zanin L, Tomasi N, Rizzardo C, Gottardi S, Terzano R, Alfeld M, Janssens K, De Nobili M, Mimmo T, Cesco S, Physiologia plantarum 154, 82 (2015). http://doi.org/10.1111/PPL.12296
Abstract: Iron (Fe) sources available for plants in the rhizospheric solution are mainly a mixture of complexes between Fe and organic ligands, including phytosiderophores (PS) and water-extractable humic substances (WEHS). In comparison with the other Fe sources, Fe-WEHS are more efficiently used by plants, and experimental evidences show that Fe translocation contributes to this better response. On the other hand, very little is known on the mechanisms involved in Fe allocation in leaves. In this work, physiological and molecular processes involved in Fe distribution in leaves of Fe-deficient Cucumis sativus supplied with Fe-PS or Fe-WEHS up to 5days were studied combining different techniques, such as radiochemical experiments, synchrotron micro X-ray fluorescence, real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and in situ hybridization. In Fe-WEHS-fed plants, Fe was rapidly (1day) allocated into the leaf veins, and after 5days, Fe was completely transferred into interveinal cells; moreover, the amount of accumulated Fe was much higher than with Fe-PS. This redistribution in Fe-WEHS plants was associated with an upregulation of genes encoding a ferric(III)-chelate reductase (FRO), a Fe2+ transporter (IRT1) and a natural resistance-associated macrophage protein (NRAMP). The localization of FRO and IRT1 transcripts next to the midveins, beside that of NRAMP in the interveinal area, may suggest a rapid and efficient response induced by the presence of Fe-WEHS in the extra-radical solution for the allocation in leaves of high amounts of Fe. In conclusion, Fe is more efficiently used when chelated to WEHS than PS and seems to involve Fe distribution and gene regulation of Fe acquisition mechanisms operating in leaves.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
Impact Factor: 3.33
Times cited: 14
DOI: 10.1111/PPL.12296
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“Dose limited reliability of quantitative annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy for nano-particle atom-counting”. de Backer A, Martinez GT, MacArthur KE, Jones L, Béché, A, Nellist PD, Van Aert S, Ultramicroscopy 151, 56 (2015). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.ultramic.2014.11.028
Abstract: Quantitative annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy (ADF STEM) has become a powerful technique to characterise nano-particles on an atomic scale. Because of their limited size and beam sensitivity, the atomic structure of such particles may become extremely challenging to determine. Therefore keeping the incoming electron dose to a minimum is important. However, this may reduce the reliability of quantitative ADF STEM which will here be demonstrated for nano-particle atom-counting. Based on experimental ADF STEM images of a real industrial catalyst, we discuss the limits for counting the number of atoms in a projected atomic column with single atom sensitivity. We diagnose these limits by combining a thorough statistical method and detailed image simulations.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 2.843
Times cited: 29
DOI: 10.1016/j.ultramic.2014.11.028
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“Optimal experimental design for nano-particle atom-counting from high-resolution STEM images”. de Backer A, De wael A, Gonnissen J, Van Aert S, Ultramicroscopy 151, 46 (2015). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.ultramic.2014.10.015
Abstract: In the present paper, the principles of detection theory are used to quantify the probability of error for atom-counting from high resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy (HR STEM) images. Binary and multiple hypothesis testing have been investigated in order to determine the limits to the precision with which the number of atoms in a projected atomic column can be estimated. The probability of error has been calculated when using STEM images, scattering cross-sections or peak intensities as a criterion to count atoms. Based on this analysis, we conclude that scattering cross-sections perform almost equally well as images and perform better than peak intensities. Furthermore, the optimal STEM detector design can be derived for atom-counting using the expression for the probability of error. We show that for very thin objects LAADF is optimal and that for thicker objects the optimal inner detector angle increases.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 2.843
Times cited: 24
DOI: 10.1016/j.ultramic.2014.10.015
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“Prospects for versatile phase manipulation in the TEM : beyond aberration correction”. Guzzinati G, Clark L, Béché, A, Juchtmans R, Van Boxem R, Mazilu M, Verbeeck J, Ultramicroscopy 151, 85 (2015). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.ultramic.2014.10.007
Abstract: In this paper we explore the desirability of a transmission electron microscope in which the phase of the electron wave can be freely controlled. We discuss different existing methods to manipulate the phase of the electron wave and their limitations. We show how with the help of current techniques the electron wave can already be crafted into specific classes of waves each having their own peculiar properties. Assuming a versatile phase modulation device is feasible, we explore possible benefits and methods that could come into existence borrowing from light optics where the so-called spatial light modulators provide programmable phase plates for quite some time now. We demonstrate that a fully controllable phase plate building on Harald Rose׳s legacy in aberration correction and electron optics in general would open an exciting field of research and applications.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 2.843
Times cited: 19
DOI: 10.1016/j.ultramic.2014.10.007
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“Pore REconstruction and Segmentation (PORES) method for improved porosity quantification of nanoporous materials”. Van Eyndhoven G, Kurttepeli M, van Oers CJ, Cool P, Bals S, Batenburg KJ, Sijbers J, Ultramicroscopy 148, 10 (2015). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.ultramic.2014.08.008
Abstract: Electron tomography is currently a versatile tool to investigate the connection between the structure and properties of nanomaterials. However, a quantitative interpretation of electron tomography results is still far from straightforward. Especially accurate quantification of pore-space is hampered by artifacts introduced in all steps of the processing chain, i.e., acquisition, reconstruction, segmentation and quantification. Furthermore, most common approaches require subjective manual user input. In this paper, the PORES algorithm POre REconstruction and Segmentation is introduced; it is a tailor-made, integral approach, for the reconstruction, segmentation, and quantification of porous nanomaterials. The PORES processing chain starts by calculating a reconstruction with a nanoporous-specific reconstruction algorithm: the Simultaneous Update of Pore Pixels by iterative REconstruction and Simple Segmentation algorithm (SUPPRESS). It classifies the interior region to the pores during reconstruction, while reconstructing the remaining region by reducing the error with respect to the acquired electron microscopy data. The SUPPRESS reconstruction can be directly plugged into the remaining processing chain of the PORES algorithm, resulting in accurate individual pore quantification and full sample pore statistics. The proposed approach was extensively validated on both simulated and experimental data, indicating its ability to generate accurate statistics of nanoporous materials.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Vision lab; Laboratory of adsorption and catalysis (LADCA)
Impact Factor: 2.843
Times cited: 7
DOI: 10.1016/j.ultramic.2014.08.008
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“Quantifying inflow and RANS turbulence model form uncertainties for wind engineering flows”. Gorle C, Garcia Sánchez C, Iaccarino G, Journal of wind engineering and industrial aerodynamics
T2 –, 6th International Symposium on Computational Wind Engineering (CWE), JUN 08-12, 2014, Hamburg, GERMANY 144, 202 (2015). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.jweia.2015.03.025
Abstract: Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) simulations are often used in the wind engineering practice for the analysis of turbulent bluff body flows. An approach that allows identifying the uncertainty related to the use of reduced-order turbulence models in RANS simulations would significantly increase the confidence in the use of simulation results as a basis for design decisions. In the present study we apply a strategy that enables quantifying these uncertainties by introducing perturbations in the Reynolds stress tensor to simulations of the flow in downtown Oklahoma City. The method is combined with a framework to quantify uncertainties in the inflow wind direction and intensity, and the final result of the UQ approach is compared to field measurement data for the velocity at 13 locations in the downtown area. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 2.049
Times cited: 22
DOI: 10.1016/j.jweia.2015.03.025
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“Structural transitions and long-time self-diffusion of interacting colloids confined by a parabolic potential”. Euan-Diaz E, Herrera-Velarde S, Misko VR, Peeters FM, Castaneda-Priego R, The journal of chemical physics 142, 024902 (2015). http://doi.org/10.1063/1.4905215
Abstract: We report on the ordering and dynamics of interacting colloidal particles confined by a parabolic potential. By means of Brownian dynamics simulations, we find that by varying the magnitude of the trap stiffness, it is possible to control the dimension of the system and, thus, explore both the structural transitions and the long-time self-diffusion coefficient as a function of the degree of confinement. We particularly study the structural ordering in the directions perpendicular and parallel to the confinement. Further analysis of the local distribution of the first-neighbors layer allows us to identify the different structural phases induced by the parabolic potential. These results are summarized in a structural state diagram that describes the way in which the colloidal suspension undergoes a structural re-ordering while increasing the confinement. To fully understand the particle dynamics, we take into account hydrodynamic interactions between colloids; the parabolic potential constricts the available space for the colloids, but it does not act on the solvent. Our findings show a non-linear behavior of the long-time self-diffusion coefficient that is associated to the structural transitions induced by the external field. (C) 2015 AIP Publishing LLC.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 2.965
Times cited: 7
DOI: 10.1063/1.4905215
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“Understanding the roles of anionic redox and oxygen release during electrochemical cycling of lithium-rich layered Li4FeSbO6”. McCalla E, Sougrati MT, Rousse G, Berg EJ, Abakumov A, Recham N, Ramesha K, Sathiya M, Dominko R, Van Tendeloo G, Novák P, Tarascon JM;, Journal of the American Chemical Society 137, 4804 (2015). http://doi.org/10.1021/jacs.5b01424
Abstract: Li-rich oxides continue to be of immense interest as potential next generation Li-ion battery positive electrodes, and yet the role of oxygen during cycling is still poorly understood. Here, the complex electrochemical behavior of Li4FeSbO6 materials is studied thoroughly with a variety of methods. Herein, we show that oxygen release occurs at a distinct voltage plateau from the peroxo/superoxo formation making this material ideal for revealing new aspects of oxygen redox processes in Li-rich oxides. Moreover, we directly demonstrate the limited reversibility of the oxygenated species (O-2(n-); n = 1, 2, 3) for the first time. We also find that during charge to 4.2 V iron is oxidized from +3 to an unusual +4 state with the concomitant formation of oxygenated species. Upon further charge to 5.0 V, an oxygen release process associated with the reduction of iron +4 to +3 is present, indicative of the reductive coupling mechanism between oxygen and metals previously reported. Thus, in full state of charge, lithium removal is fully compensated by oxygen only, as the iron and antimony are both very close to their pristine states. Besides, this charging step results in complex phase transformations that are ultimately destructive to the crystallinity of the material. Such findings again demonstrate the vital importance of fully understanding the behavior of oxygen in such systems. The consequences of these new aspects of the electrochemical behavior of lithium-rich oxides are discussed in detail.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 13.858
Times cited: 86
DOI: 10.1021/jacs.5b01424
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“Core-shell-corona doxorubicin-loaded superparamagnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles for cancer theranostics”. Semkina A, Abakumov M, Grinenko N, Abakumov A, Skorikov A, Mironova E, Davydova G, Majouga AG, Nukolova N, Kabanov A, Chekhonin V;, Colloids and surfaces: B : biointerfaces 136, 1073 (2015). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.colsurfb.2015.11.009
Abstract: Superparamagnetic iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) are successfully used as contrast agents in magnetic-resonance imaging. They can be easily functionalized for drug delivery functions, demonstrating great potential for both imaging and therapeutic applications. Here we developed new pH-responsive theranostic core-shell-corona nanoparticles consisting of superparamagentic Fe3O4 core that displays high T2 relaxivity, bovine serum albumin (BSA) shell that binds anticancer drug, doxorubicin (Dox) and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) corona that increases stability and biocompatibility. The nanoparticles were produced by adsorption of the BSA shell onto the Fe3O4 core followed by crosslinking of the protein layer and subsequent grafting of the PEG corona using monoamino-terminated PEG via carbodiimide chemistry. The hydrodynamic diameter, zeta-potential, composition and T2 relaxivity of the resulting nanoparticles were characterized using transmission electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, thermogravimetric analysis and T2-relaxometry. Nanoparticles were shown to absorb Dox molecules, possibly through a combination of electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions. The loading capacity (LC) of the nanoparticles was 8 wt.%. The Dox loaded nanoparticles release the drug at a higher rate at pH 5.5 compared to pH 7.4 and display similar cytotoxicity against C6 and HEK293 cells as the free Dox. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 3.887
Times cited: 37
DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2015.11.009
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“Using agro-environmental models to design a sustainable benchmark for the sustainable value method”. Merante P, Van Passel S, Pacini C, Agricultural Systems 136, 1 (2015). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.AGSY.2015.02.001
Abstract: Farms contribute heavily to overall sustainability. To date, various frameworks, approaches, methods and indicators have been developed to appraise how much corporations (firms, farms) contribute to sustainability. Among these, the Sustainable Value (SV) method helps to determine by which economic entity resources should be used in order to achieve the highest contributions to sustainability, by comparing company's efficiency of capital use against the efficiency of a benchmark. In this work we argue that the SV benchmark does not include certain crucial environmental concepts, such as the carrying capacity of an ecosystem or the multiple vital functions provided by ecosystem services. Thus, it is not a suitable reference for companies to evaluate their contribution to sustainability. As an alternative benchmark to standard SV applications, we propose a farm whose resource use productivity is correlated to the fulfilment of pre-determined environmental constraints: the Environmentally Sustainable Farm (ESF). To design this farm, we created an agro-environmental farm modelling framework that includes: (i) methods and approaches to assess indicators concerning specific environmental issues; (ii) an integrated ecological-economic model based on linear programming. This farm modelling framework is employed to determine both the environmental performance and the economic returns of two farming systems, conventional (CFS) and organic (OFS), which are compared using the Sustainable Value approach. Despite the fact that the OFS environmentally outperforms the CFS, none of them reaches the sustainable performances achieved by the ESF, both performing a negative Sustainable Value. The environmental constraints forced the ESF towards management choices that, although decreasing the economic performance, increase its environmental sustainability behaviour. Hence, the ESF is a viable benchmark that can be used to evaluate llllfarms' environmental sustainability. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering Management (ENM)
Impact Factor: 2.571
Times cited: 6
DOI: 10.1016/J.AGSY.2015.02.001
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“Increasing the cost-effectiveness of EU agri-environment policy measures through evaluation of farm and field-level environmental and economic performance”. Pacini GC, Merante P, Lazzerini G, Van Passel S, Agricultural Systems 136, 70 (2015). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.AGSY.2015.02.004
Abstract: A lot of attention in the debate on the 2014-2020 programming period of the EU CAP and rural development policy revolves around the policy's contribution to enhancing resource use efficiency, decreasing environmental impact, restoring ecosystems and how to ensure more efficient and effective agrienvironmental measures (AEMs). Nevertheless, studies that simultaneously address multiple measures with multiple environmental objectives and targets are underrepresented in the scientific literature. The objectives of the present article are (i) to present an integrated tool-kit for AEM design resulting from the combination of farm modelling with the Sustainable Value Approach (SVA), and (ii) to evaluate the potential of the tool-kit to support AEM design through an application to estimate cost-effective organic agriculture payments for the dairy sector in Mugello, northern Tuscany. Sustainability assessment of organic and conventional farming systems (OFS and CFS, respectively.) under the 2007-2013 EU CAP support schemes and a no EU support scenario show better OFS performances regarding nitrogen leaching (-52% and -47% under the current CAP and the no EU support scenarios, respectively), soil erosion (-24% and -34%), potential pesticide risks (-100%), biodiversity (+13% and +30%). Income foregone for the production of environmental benefits from organic agriculture under a no EU support scenario is equal to 210 Euro/ha. Sustainable value calculations combined with modelling results indicate soil erosion and nitrogen leaching as the environmental processes to be addressed with specific policy measures to further increase the efficiency of organic farming. A new organic agriculture support scheme designed based on such indications further increases the OFS SV and almost closes the GAP with a benchmark farm of the area, featured with ideal performances in terms of environmental and economic indicators. The payment scheme we designed with the support of the integrated tool-kit shows to be more cost-effective and efficient of current AEMs. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering Management (ENM)
Impact Factor: 2.571
Times cited: 12
DOI: 10.1016/J.AGSY.2015.02.004
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“RAMS and WRF sensitivity to grid spacing in large-eddy simulations of the dry convective boundary layer”. Ercolani G, Gorle C, Garcia Sánchez C, Corbari C, Mancini M, Computers and fluids 123, 54 (2015). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.compfluid.2015.09.009
Abstract: Large-eddy simulations (LESS) are frequently used to model the planetary boundary layer, and the choice of the grid cell size, numerical schemes and sub grid model can significantly influence the simulation results. In the present paper the impact of grid spacing on LES of an idealized atmospheric convective boundary layer (CBL), for which the statistics and flow structures are well understood, is assessed for two mesoscale models: the Regional Atmospheric Modeling System (RAMS) and the Weather Research and Forecasting model (WRF). Nine simulations are performed on a fixed computational domain (6 x 6 x 2 km), combining three different horizontal (120, 60, 30 m) and vertical (20, 10, 5 m) spacings. The impact of the cell size on the CBL is investigated by comparing turbulence statistics and velocity spectra. The results demonstrate that both WRF and RAMS can perform LES of the CBL under consideration without requiring extremely high computational loads, but they also indicate the importance of adopting a computational grid that is adequate for the numerical schemes and subgrid models used. In both RAMS and WRF a horizontal cell size of 30 m is required to obtain a suitable turbulence reproduction throughout the CBL height. Considering the vertical grid spacing, WRF produced similar results for all the three tested values, while in RAMS it should be ensured that the aspect ratio of the cells does not exceed a value of 3. The two models were found to behave differently in function of the grid resolution, and they have different shortcomings in their prediction of CBL turbulence. WRF exhibits enhanced damping at the smallest scales, while RAMS is prone to the appearance of spurious fluctuations in the flow when the grid aspect ratio is too high. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 2.313
Times cited: 3
DOI: 10.1016/j.compfluid.2015.09.009
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“Effect of clay modification on structureproperty relationships and thermal degradation kinetics of \beta-polypropylene/clay composite materials”. Papageorgiou DG, Filippousi M, Pavlidou E, Chrissafis K, Van Tendeloo G, Bikiaris D, Journal of thermal analysis and calorimetry 122, 393 (2015). http://doi.org/10.1007/s10973-015-4705-y
Abstract: The influence of neat and organically modified montmorillonite on the structureproperty relationships of a β-nucleated polypropylene matrix has been thoroughly investigated. High-angle annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy revealed that the organic modification of clay facilitated the dispersion of the clay, while X-ray diffractograms showed the α-nucleating effect of the clays on the β-nucleated matrix. The results from tensile tests showed that the organic modification of MMT affected profoundly only the tensile strength at yield and at break. The effect of the organic modification of the clay on the thermal stability of the composites was finally evaluated by thermogravimetric analysis, where the samples filled with oMMT decomposed faster than the ones filled with neat MMT, due to the decomposition of the organic salts that were initially used for the modification of MMT. A kinetics study of the thermal degradation of the composites was also performed, in order to export additional conclusions on the activation energy of the samples.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 1.953
Times cited: 7
DOI: 10.1007/s10973-015-4705-y
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“Rembrandt's An Old Man in Military Costume: the underlying image re-examined”. Trentelman K, Janssens K, van der Snickt G, Szafran Y, Woollett AT, Dik J, Applied physics A : materials science &, processing 121, 801 (2015). http://doi.org/10.1007/S00339-015-9426-3
Abstract: The painting An Old Man in Military Costume in the J. Paul Getty Museum, by Rembrandt Harmensz van Rijn, was studied using two complementary, element-specific imaging techniques-neutron activation autoradiography (NAAR) and macro-X-ray fluorescence (MA-XRF) mapping-to reveal the second, hidden painting. NAAR provided a strong image of the face and cloak of the underlying figure, along with an indication of the chemical composition. The single-element distribution maps produced by MA-XRF mapping provided additional details into the shape of the underlying image and the composition of the pigments used. The underlying figure's face is richer in mercury, indicative of the pigment vermilion, than the face of the figure on the surface. Likewise, the cloak of the underlying figure is richer in copper than the surface figure though the identity of the copper-containing pigment cannot be determined from these data. The use of iron earth pigments, specifically Si-rich umbers, is indicated through the complementary information provided by the NAAR and MA-XRF maps. These data are used to create a false color digital reconstruction, yielding the most detailed representation of the underlying painting to date.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
Impact Factor: 1.455
Times cited: 22
DOI: 10.1007/S00339-015-9426-3
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“2D X-ray and FTIR micro-analysis of the degradation of cadmium yellow pigment in paintings of Henri Matisse”. Pouyet E, Cotte M, Fayard B, Salome M, Meirer F, Mehta A, Uffelman ES, Hull A, Vanmeert F, Kieffer J, Burghammer M, Janssens K, Sette F, Mass J, Applied physics A : materials science &, processing 121, 967 (2015). http://doi.org/10.1007/S00339-015-9239-4
Abstract: The chemical and physical alterations of cadmium yellow (CdS) paints in Henri Matisse's The Joy of Life (1905-1906, The Barnes Foundation) have been recognized since 2006, when a survey by portable X-ray fluorescence identified this pigment in all altered regions of the monumental painting. This alteration is visible as fading, discoloration, chalking, flaking, and spalling of several regions of light to medium yellow paint. Since that time, synchrotron radiation-based techniques including elemental and spectroscopic imaging, as well as X-ray scattering have been employed to locate and identify the alteration products observed in this and related works by Henri Matisse. This information is necessary to formulate one or multiple mechanisms for degradation of Matisse's paints from this period, and thus ensure proper environmental conditions for the storage and the display of his works. This paper focuses on 2D full-field X-ray Near Edge Structure imaging, 2D micro-X-ray Diffraction, X-ray Fluorescence, and Fourier Transform Infra-red imaging of the altered paint layers to address one of the long-standing questions about cadmium yellow alteration-the roles of cadmium carbonates and cadmium sulphates found in the altered paint layers. These compounds have often been assumed to be photo-oxidation products, but could also be residual starting reagents from an indirect wet process synthesis of CdS. The data presented here allow identifying and mapping the location of cadmium carbonates, cadmium chlorides, cadmium oxalates, cadmium sulphates, and cadmium sulphides in thin sections of altered cadmium yellow paints from The Joy of Life and Matisse's Flower Piece (1906, The Barnes Foundation). Distribution of various cadmium compounds confirms that cadmium carbonates and sulphates are photo-degradation products in The Joy of Life, whereas in Flower Piece, cadmium carbonates appear to have been a [(partially) unreacted] starting reagent for the yellow paint, a role previously suggested in other altered yellow paints.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
DOI: 10.1007/S00339-015-9239-4
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