|   | 
Details
   web
Records
Author Bekaert, J.; Saniz, R.; Partoens, B.; Lamoen, D.
Title First-principles study of carbon impurities in CuInSe2 and CuGaSe2, present in non-vacuum synthesis methods Type A1 Journal article
Year 2015 Publication Journal of applied physics Abbreviated Journal J Appl Phys
Volume (up) 117 Issue 117 Pages 015104
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Abstract A first-principles study of the structural and electronic properties of carbon impurities in CuInSe2 and CuGaSe2 is presented. Carbon is present in organic molecules in the precursor solutions used in non-vacuum growth methods for CuInSe2 and CuGaSe2 based photovoltaic cells. These growth methods make more efficient use of material, time, and energy than traditional vacuum methods. The formation energies of several carbon impurities are calculated using the hybrid HSE06 functional. C Cu acts as a shallow donor, CIn and interstitial C yield deep donor levels in CuInSe2, while in CuGaSe2 CGa and interstitial C act as deep amphoteric defects. So, these defects reduce the majority carrier (hole) concentration in p-type CuInSe2 and CuGaSe2 by compensating the acceptor levels. The deep defects are likely to act as recombination centers for the photogenerated charge carriers and are thus detrimental for the performance of the photovoltaic cells. On the other hand, the formation energies of the carbon impurities are high, even under C-rich growth conditions. Thus, few C impurities will form in CuInSe2 and CuGaSe2 in thermodynamic equilibrium. However, the deposition of the precursor solution in non-vacuum growth methods presents conditions far from thermodynamic equilibrium. In this case, our calculations show that C impurities formed in non-equilibrium tend to segregate from CuInSe2 and CuGaSe2 by approaching thermodynamic equilibrium, e.g., via thorough annealing.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher American Institute of Physics Place of Publication New York, N.Y. Editor
Language Wos 000347958600055 Publication Date 2015-01-07
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0021-8979;1089-7550; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 2.068 Times cited 6 Open Access
Notes FWO G015013; Hercules Approved Most recent IF: 2.068; 2015 IF: 2.183
Call Number c:irua:122064 Serial 1215
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Li, L.L.; Xu, W.; Peeters, F.M.
Title Optical conductivity of topological insulator thin films Type A1 Journal article
Year 2015 Publication Journal of applied physics Abbreviated Journal J Appl Phys
Volume (up) 117 Issue 117 Pages 175305
Keywords A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Abstract We present a detailed theoretical study on the optoelectronic properties of topological insulator thin film (TITFs). The k . p approach is employed to calculate the energy spectra and wave functions for both the bulk and surface states in the TITF. With these obtained results, the optical conductivities induced by different electronic transitions among the bulk and surface states are evaluated using the energy-balance equation derived from the Boltzmann equation. We find that for Bi2Se3-based TITFs, three characteristic regimes for the optical absorption can be observed. (i) In the low radiation frequency regime (photon energy (h) over bar omega < 200 meV), the free-carrier absorption takes place due to intraband electronic transitions. An optical absorption window can be observed. (ii) In the intermediate radiation frequency regime (200 < (h) over bar omega < 300 meV), the optical absorption is induced mainly by interband electronic transitions from surface states in the valance band to surface states in the conduction band and an universal value sigma(0) = e(2) / (8<(h)over bar>) for the optical conductivity can be obtained. (iii) In the high radiation frequency regime ((h) over bar omega > 300 meV), the optical absorption can be achieved via interband electronic transitions from bulk and surface states in the valance band to bulk and surface states in the conduction band. A strong absorption peak can be observed. These interesting findings indicate that optical measurements can be applied to identify the energy regimes of bulk and surface states in the TITF. (C) 2015 AIP Publishing LLC.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher American Institute of Physics Place of Publication New York, N.Y. Editor
Language Wos 000354984100615 Publication Date 2015-05-06
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0021-8979;1089-7550; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 2.068 Times cited 9 Open Access
Notes ; This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 11304316), Ministry of Science and Technology of China (Grant No. 2011YQ130018), Department of Science and Technology of Yunnan Province, and by the Chinese Academy of Sciences. ; Approved Most recent IF: 2.068; 2015 IF: 2.183
Call Number c:irua:126412 Serial 2473
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Zhao, C.X.; Xu, W.; Li, L.L.; Zhang, C.; Peeters, F.M.
Title Terahertz plasmon-polariton modes in graphene driven by electric field inside a Fabry-Perot cavity Type A1 Journal article
Year 2015 Publication Journal of applied physics Abbreviated Journal J Appl Phys
Volume (up) 117 Issue 117 Pages 223104
Keywords A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Abstract We present a theoretical study on plasmon-polariton modes in graphene placed inside an optical cavity and driven by a source-to-drain electric field. The electron velocity and electron temperature are determined by solving self-consistently the momentum-and energy-balance equations in which electron interactions with impurities, acoustic-, and optic-phonons are included. Based on many-body self-consistent field theory, we develop a tractable approach to study plasmon-polariton in an electron gas system. We find that when graphene is placed inside a Fabry-Perot cavity, two branches of the plasmon-polariton modes can be observed and these modes are very much optic-or plasmon-like. The frequencies of these modes depend markedly on driving electric field especially at higher resonant frequency regime. Moreover, the plasmon-polariton frequency in graphene is in terahertz (THz) bandwidth and can be tuned by changing the cavity length, gate voltage, and driving electric field. This work is pertinent to the application of graphene-based structures as tunable THz plasmonic devices. (C) 2015 AIP Publishing LLC.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher American Institute of Physics Place of Publication New York, N.Y. Editor
Language Wos 000356176100004 Publication Date 2015-06-10
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0021-8979;1089-7550; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 2.068 Times cited 13 Open Access
Notes ; This work was supported by the Ministry of Science and Technology of China (Grant No. 2011YQ130018), Department of Science and Technology of Yunnan Province, and by the Chinese Academy of Sciences. F.M.P. was a specially appointed Professor for foreign expert at the Chinese Academy of Sciences. ; Approved Most recent IF: 2.068; 2015 IF: 2.183
Call Number c:irua:127076 Serial 3507
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Berdiyorov, G.R.; Bahlouli, H.; Peeters, F.M.
Title Theoretical study of electronic transport properties of a graphene-silicene bilayer Type A1 Journal article
Year 2015 Publication Journal of applied physics Abbreviated Journal J Appl Phys
Volume (up) 117 Issue 117 Pages 225101
Keywords A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Abstract Electronic transport properties of a graphene-silicene bilayer system are studied using density-functional theory in combination with the nonequilibrium Green's function formalism. Depending on the energy of the electrons, the transmission can be larger in this system as compared to the sum of the transmissions of separated graphene and silicene monolayers. This effect is related to the increased electron density of states in the bilayer sample. At some energies, the electronic states become localized in one of the layers, resulting in the suppression of the electron transmission. The effect of an applied voltage on the transmission becomes more pronounced in the layered sample as compared to graphene due to the larger variation of the electrostatic potential profile. Our findings will be useful when creating hybrid nanoscale devices where enhanced transport properties will be desirable. (C) 2015 AIP Publishing LLC.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher American Institute of Physics Place of Publication New York, N.Y. Editor
Language Wos 000356176100040 Publication Date 2015-06-10
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0021-8979;1089-7550; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 2.068 Times cited 10 Open Access
Notes ; H. B. and F. M. P. acknowledge support from King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Saudi Arabia, under the RG1329-1 and RG1329-2 DSR Projects. ; Approved Most recent IF: 2.068; 2015 IF: 2.183
Call Number c:irua:127075 Serial 3611
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Berdiyorov, G.; Harrabi, K.; Mehmood, U.; Peeters, F.M.; Tabet, N.; Zhang, J.; Hussein, I.A.; McLachlan, M.A.
Title Derivatization and diffusive motion of molecular fullerenes : ab initio and atomistic simulations Type A1 Journal article
Year 2015 Publication Journal of applied physics Abbreviated Journal J Appl Phys
Volume (up) 118 Issue 118 Pages 025101
Keywords A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Abstract Using first principles density functional theory in combination with the nonequilibrium Green's function formalism, we study the effect of derivatization on the electronic and transport properties of C-60 fullerene. As a typical example, we consider [6,6]-phenyl-C-61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM), which forms one of the most efficient organic photovoltaic materials in combination with electron donating polymers. Extra peaks are observed in the density of states (DOS) due to the formation of new electronic states localized at/near the attached molecule. Despite such peculiar behavior in the DOS of an isolated molecule, derivatization does not have a pronounced effect on the electronic transport properties of the fullerene molecular junctions. Both C-60 and PCBM show the same response to finite voltage biasing with new features in the transmission spectrum due to voltage induced delocalization of some electronic states. We also study the diffusive motion of molecular fullerenes in ethanol solvent and inside poly(3-hexylthiophene) lamella using reactive molecular dynamics simulations. We found that the mobility of the fullerene reduces considerably due to derivatization; the diffusion coefficient of C-60 is an order of magnitude larger than the one for PCBM. (c) 2015 AIP Publishing LLC.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher American Institute of Physics Place of Publication New York, N.Y. Editor
Language Wos 000357961000036 Publication Date 2015-07-10
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0021-8979;1089-7550; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 2.068 Times cited 2 Open Access
Notes ; K.H., U.M. and I.A.H. would like to thank the National Science, Technology and Innovation Program of KACST for funding this research under Project No. 12-ENE2379-04. They also acknowledge support from KFUPM and Research Institute. ; Approved Most recent IF: 2.068; 2015 IF: 2.183
Call Number c:irua:127098 Serial 652
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Zhao, S.-X.; Gao, F.; Wang, Y.-P.; Wang, Y.-N.; Bogaerts, A.
Title Effects of feedstock availability on the negative ion behavior in a C4F8 inductively coupled plasma Type A1 Journal article
Year 2015 Publication Journal of applied physics Abbreviated Journal J Appl Phys
Volume (up) 118 Issue 118 Pages 033301
Keywords A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract In this paper, the negative ion behavior in a C4F8 inductively coupled plasma (ICP) is investigated using a hybrid model. The model predicts a non-monotonic variation of the total negative ion density with power at low pressure (1030 mTorr), and this trend agrees well with experiments that were carried out in many fluorocarbon (fc) ICP sources, like C2F6, CHF3, and C4F8. This behavior is explained by the availability of feedstock C4F8 gas as a source of the negative ions, as well as by the presence of low energy electrons due to vibrational excitation at low power. The maximum of the negative ion density shifts to low power values upon decreasing pressure, because of the more pronounced depletion of C4F8 molecules, and at high pressure (∼50 mTorr), the anion density continuously increases with power, which is similar to fc CCP sources. Furthermore, the negative ion composition is identified in this paper. Our work demonstrates that for a clear understanding of the negative ion behavior in radio frequency C4F8 plasma sources, one needs to take into account many factors, like the attachment characteristics, the anion composition, the spatial profiles, and the reactor configuration. Finally, a detailed comparison of our simulation results with experiments is conducted.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher American Institute of Physics Place of Publication New York, N.Y. Editor
Language Wos 000358429200004 Publication Date 2015-07-20
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0021-8979;1089-7550; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 2.068 Times cited 1 Open Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 2.068; 2015 IF: 2.183
Call Number c:irua:126735 Serial 861
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Milovanović, S.P.; Moldovan, D.; Peeters, F.M.
Title Veselago lensing in graphene with a p-n junction: Classical versus quantum effects Type A1 Journal article
Year 2015 Publication Journal of applied physics Abbreviated Journal J Appl Phys
Volume (up) 118 Issue 118 Pages 154308
Keywords A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Abstract The feasibility of Veselago lensing in graphene with a p-n junction is investigated numerically for realistic injection leads. Two different set-ups with two narrow leads are considered with absorbing or reflecting side edges. This allows us to separately determine the influence of scattering on electron focusing for the edges and the p-n interface. Both semiclassical and tight-binding simulations show a distinctive peak in the transmission probability that is attributed to the Veselago lensing effect. We investigate the robustness of this peak on the width of the injector, the position of the p-n interface, and different gate potential profiles. Furthermore, the influence of scattering by both short- and long-range impurities is considered.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000363535800022 Publication Date 2015-10-20
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0021-8979;1089-7550; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 2.068 Times cited 19 Open Access
Notes This work was supported by the Flemish Science Foundation (FWO-Vl), the European Science Foundation (ESF) under the EUROCORES Program EuroGRAPHENE within the project CONGRAN, and the Methusalem Foundation of the Flemish government. Approved Most recent IF: 2.068; 2015 IF: 2.183
Call Number c:irua:129452 Serial 3969
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Schoeters, B.; Leenaerts, O.; Pourtois, G.; Partoens, B.
Title Ab-initio study of the segregation and electronic properties of neutral and charged B and P dopants in Si and Si/SiO2 nanowires Type A1 Journal article
Year 2015 Publication Journal of applied physics Abbreviated Journal J Appl Phys
Volume (up) 118 Issue 118 Pages 104306
Keywords A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT); Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract We perform first-principles calculations to investigate the preferred positions of B and P dopants, both neutral and in their preferred charge state, in Si and Si/SiO2 core-shell nanowires (NWs). In order to understand the observed trends in the formation energy, we isolate the different effects that determine these formation energies. By making the distinction between the unrelaxed and the relaxed formation energy, we separate the impact of the relaxation from that of the chemical environment. The unrelaxed formation energies are determined by three effects: (i) the effect of strain caused by size mismatch between the dopant and the host atoms, (ii) the local position of the band edges, and (iii) a screening effect. In the case of the SiNW (Si/SiO2 NW), these effects result in an increase of the formation energy away from the center (interface). The effect of relaxation depends on the relative size mismatch between the dopant and host atoms. A large size mismatch causes substantial relaxation that reduces the formation energy considerably, with the relaxation being more pronounced towards the edge of the wires. These effects explain the surface segregation of the B dopants in a SiNW, since the atomic relaxation induces a continuous drop of the formation energy towards the edge. However, for the P dopants, the formation energy starts to rise when moving from the center but drops to a minimum just next to the surface, indicating a different type of behavior. It also explains that the preferential location for B dopants in Si/SiO2 core-shell NWs is inside the oxide shell just next to the interface, whereas the P dopants prefer the positions next to the interface inside the Si core, which is in agreement with recent experiments. These preferred locations have an important impact on the electronic properties of these core-shell NWs. Our simulations indicate the possibility of hole gas formation when B segregates into the oxide shell.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000361636900031 Publication Date 2015-09-09
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0021-8979 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 2.068 Times cited 3 Open Access
Notes This work was carried out using the Turing HPC infrastructure at the CalcUA core facility of the Universiteit Antwerpen, a division of the Flemish Supercomputer Center VSC, funded by the Hercules Foundation, the Flemish government and the Universiteit Antwerpen. Approved Most recent IF: 2.068; 2015 IF: 2.183
Call Number c:irua:128729 Serial 4056
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Verreck, D.; Verhulst, A.S.; Van de Put, M.; Sorée, B.; Magnus, W.; Mocuta, A.; Collaert, N.; Thean, A.; Groeseneken, G.
Title Full-zone spectral envelope function formalism for the optimization of line and point tunnel field-effect transistors Type A1 Journal article
Year 2015 Publication Journal of applied physics Abbreviated Journal J Appl Phys
Volume (up) 118 Issue 118 Pages 134502
Keywords A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Abstract Efficient quantum mechanical simulation of tunnel field-effect transistors (TFETs) is indispensable to allow for an optimal configuration identification. We therefore present a full-zone 15-band quantum mechanical solver based on the envelope function formalism and employing a spectral method to reduce computational complexity and handle spurious solutions. We demonstrate the versatility of the solver by simulating a 40 nm wide In0.53Ga0.47As lineTFET and comparing it to p-n-i-n configurations with various pocket and body thicknesses. We find that the lineTFET performance is not degraded compared to semi-classical simulations. Furthermore, we show that a suitably optimized p-n-i-n TFET can obtain similar performance to the lineTFET. (C) 2015 AIP Publishing LLC.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher American Institute of Physics Place of Publication New York, N.Y. Editor
Language Wos 000362668400025 Publication Date 2015-10-01
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0021-8979; 1089-7550 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 2.068 Times cited 9 Open Access
Notes ; D. Verreck acknowledges the support of a Ph.D. stipend from the Institute for the Promotion of Innovation through Science and Technology in Flanders (IWT-Vlaanderen). This work was supported by imec's Industrial Affiliation Program. ; Approved Most recent IF: 2.068; 2015 IF: 2.183
Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:128765 Serial 4183
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Moors, K.; Sorée, B.; Magnus, W.
Title Modeling surface roughness scattering in metallic nanowires Type A1 Journal article
Year 2015 Publication Journal of applied physics Abbreviated Journal J Appl Phys
Volume (up) 118 Issue 118 Pages 124307
Keywords A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Abstract Ando's model provides a rigorous quantum-mechanical framework for electron-surface roughness scattering, based on the detailed roughness structure. We apply this method to metallic nanowires and improve the model introducing surface roughness distribution functions on a finite domain with analytical expressions for the average surface roughness matrix elements. This approach is valid for any roughness size and extends beyond the commonly used Prange-Nee approximation. The resistivity scaling is obtained from the self-consistent relaxation time solution of the Boltzmann transport equation and is compared to Prange-Nee's approach and other known methods. The results show that a substantial drop in resistivity can be obtained for certain diameters by achieving a large momentum gap between Fermi level states with positive and negative momentum in the transport direction. (C) 2015 AIP Publishing LLC.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher American Institute of Physics Place of Publication New York, N.Y. Editor
Language Wos 000362565800032 Publication Date 2015-09-24
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0021-8979; 1089-7550 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 2.068 Times cited 11 Open Access
Notes ; ; Approved Most recent IF: 2.068; 2015 IF: 2.183
Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:129425 Serial 4207
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Yagmurcukardes, M.; Sahin, H.; Kang, J.; Torun, E.; Peeters, F.M.; Senger, R.T.
Title Pentagonal monolayer crystals of carbon, boron nitride, and silver azide Type A1 Journal article
Year 2015 Publication Journal of applied physics Abbreviated Journal J Appl Phys
Volume (up) 118 Issue 118 Pages 104303
Keywords A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Abstract In this study, we present a theoretical investigation of structural, electronic, and mechanical properties of pentagonal monolayers of carbon (p-graphene), boron nitride (p-B2N4 and p-B4N2), and silver azide (p-AgN3) by performing state-of-the-art first principles calculations. Our total energy calculations suggest feasible formation of monolayer crystal structures composed entirely of pentagons. In addition, electronic band dispersion calculations indicate that while p-graphene and p-AgN3 are semiconductors with indirect bandgaps, p-BN structures display metallic behavior. We also investigate the mechanical properties (in-plane stiffness and the Poisson's ratio) of four different pentagonal structures under uniaxial strain. p-graphene is found to have the highest stiffness value and the corresponding Poisson's ratio is found to be negative. Similarly, p-B2N4 and p-B4N2 have negative Poisson's ratio values. On the other hand, the p-AgN3 has a large and positive Poisson's ratio. In dynamical stability tests based on calculated phonon spectra of these pentagonal monolayers, we find that only p-graphene and p-B2N4 are stable, but p-AgN3 and p-B4N2 are vulnerable against vibrational excitations.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher American Institute of Physics Place of Publication New York, N.Y. Editor
Language Wos 000361636900028 Publication Date 2015-09-08
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0021-8979; 1089-7550 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 2.068 Times cited 79 Open Access
Notes ; This work was supported by the Flemish Science Foundation (FWO-Vl) and the Methusalem foundation of the Flemish government. Computational resources were provided by TUBITAK ULAKBIM, High Performance and Grid Computing Center (TR-Grid e-Infrastructure). H.S. was supported by a FWO Pegasus Long Marie Curie Fellowship. H.S. and R.T.S. acknowledge the support from TUBITAK through Project No. 114F397. ; Approved Most recent IF: 2.068; 2015 IF: 2.183
Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:128415 Serial 4223
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author de Sousa, A.A.; Chaves, A.; Pereira, T.A.S.; Farias, G.A.; Peeters, F.M.
Title Quantum tunneling between bent semiconductor nanowires Type A1 Journal article
Year 2015 Publication Journal of applied physics Abbreviated Journal J Appl Phys
Volume (up) 118 Issue 118 Pages 174301
Keywords A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Abstract We theoretically investigate the electronic transport properties of two closely spaced L-shaped semiconductor quantum wires, for different configurations of the output channel widths as well as the distance between the wires. Within the effective-mass approximation, we solve the time-dependent Schrodinger equation using the split-operator technique that allows us to calculate the transmission probability, the total probability current, the conductance, and the wave function scattering between the energy subbands. We determine the maximum distance between the quantum wires below which a relevant non-zero transmission is still found. The transmission probability and the conductance show a strong dependence on the width of the output channel for small distances between the wires. (C) 2015 AIP Publishing LLC.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher American Institute of Physics Place of Publication New York, N.Y. Editor
Language Wos 000364584200020 Publication Date 2015-11-02
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0021-8979; 1089-7550 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 2.068 Times cited 7 Open Access
Notes ; A. A. Sousa was financially supported by CAPES, under the PDSE Contract No. BEX 7177/13-5. T. A. S. Pereira was financially supported by PRONEX/CNPq/FAPEMAT 850109/2009 and by CAPES under process BEX 3299/13-9. This work was financially supported by PRONEX/CNPq/FUNCAP, the Science Without Borders program and the bilateral project CNPq-FWO. ; Approved Most recent IF: 2.068; 2015 IF: 2.183
Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:129544 Serial 4234
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Huygh, S.; Neyts, E.C.
Title Adsorption of C and CHx radicals on anatase (001) and the influence of oxygen vacancies Type A1 Journal article
Year 2015 Publication The journal of physical chemistry: C : nanomaterials and interfaces Abbreviated Journal J Phys Chem C
Volume (up) 119 Issue 119 Pages 4908-4921
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract The adsorption of C and CHx radicals on anatase (001) was studied using DFT within the generalized gradient approximation using the Perde-Burke-Ernzerhof (PBE) functional. We have studied the influence of oxygen vacancies in and at the surface on the adsorption properties of the radicals. For the oxygen vacancies in anatase (001), the most stable vacancy is located at the surface. For this vacancy, the maximal adsorption strength of C and CH decreases compared to the adsorption on the stoichiometric surface, but it increases for CH2 and CH3. If an oxygen vacancy is present in the first subsurface layer, the maximal adsorption strength increases for C, CH, CH2, and CH3. When the vacancy is present in the next subsurface layer, we find that only the CH3 adsorption is enhanced, while the maximal adsorption energies for the other radical species decrease. Not only does the precise location of the oxygen vacancy determine the maximal adsorption interaction, it also influences the adsorption strengths of the radicals at different surface configurations. This determines the probability of finding a certain adsorption configuration at the surface, which in turn influences the possible surface reactions. We find that C preferentially adsorbs far away from the oxygen vacancy, while CH2 and CH3 adsorb preferentially at the oxygen vacancy site. A fraction of CH partially adsorbs at the oxygen vacancy, and another fraction adsorbs further away from the vacancy.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Washington, D.C. Editor
Language Wos 000350840700052 Publication Date 2015-02-18
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 13 Open Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 4.536; 2015 IF: 4.772
Call Number c:irua:124909 Serial 63
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Quan Manh, P.; Pourtois, G.; Swerts, J.; Pierloot, K.; Delabie, A.
Title Atomic layer deposition of Ruthenium on Ruthenium surfaces : a theoretical study Type A1 Journal article
Year 2015 Publication The journal of physical chemistry: C : nanomaterials and interfaces Abbreviated Journal J Phys Chem C
Volume (up) 119 Issue 119 Pages 6592-6603
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract Atomic, layer deposition,(ALD of ruthenium using two ruthenium precursors, i.e., Ru(C5H5)(2) (RuCp2) and Ru(C5H5)(C4H4N) (RuCpPy), is studied using density functional theory. By investigating the reaction mechanisms On bare ruthenium surfaces, i.e., (001), (101), and (100), and H-terminated surfaces, an atomistic insight in the Ru ALD is provided. The calculated results show that on the Ru surfaces both RuCp2 and RuCpPy an undergo dehydrogenation and ligand dissociation reactions. RuCpPy is more reactive than RuCp2. By forming a, strong, bond between N of Py and Ru of the surface, RuCpPy can easily chemisorb on the surfaces. The reactions of RuCp2,On the Surfaces are less favorable the adsorption is not strong enough This could be a,factor contributing to the higher growth-per-cycle of Ru using RuCpPy, as observed experimentally. By Studying, the adsorption on H-terminated Ru surfaces, We showed that H Can prevent the adsorption of the precursors, thus inhibiting the growth of Ru. Our calculations indicate that the H content on the surface can have an impact on the growth-per-cycle. Finally, our simulations also demonstrate large impacts of the surface structure on the reaction mechanisms. Of the three surfaces, the (100) surface, which is the less stable and has a zigzag surface structure, is also the most reactive one.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Washington, D.C. Editor
Language Wos 000351970800015 Publication Date 2015-03-04
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 10 Open Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 4.536; 2015 IF: 4.772
Call Number c:irua:125544 Serial 171
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Kato, T.; Neyts, E.C.; Abiko, Y.; Akama, T.; Hatakeyama, R.; Kaneko, T.
Title Kinetics of energy selective Cs encapsulation in single-walled carbon nanotubes for damage-free and position-selective doping Type A1 Journal article
Year 2015 Publication The journal of physical chemistry: C : nanomaterials and interfaces Abbreviated Journal J Phys Chem C
Volume (up) 119 Issue 119 Pages 11903-11908
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract A method has been developed for damage-free cesium (Cs) encapsulation within single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) with fine position selectivity. Precise energy tuning of Cs-ion irradiation revealed that there is a clear energy window (2060 eV) for the efficient encapsulation of Cs through the hexagonal network of SWNT sidewalls without causing significant damage. This minimum energy threshold of Cs-ion encapsulation (∼20 eV) matches well with the value obtained by ab initio simulation (∼22 eV). Furthermore, position-selective Cs encapsulation was carried out, resulting in the successful formation of pn-junction SWNT thin films with excellent environmental stability.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Washington, D.C. Editor
Language Wos 000355495600072 Publication Date 2015-05-06
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 3 Open Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 4.536; 2015 IF: 4.772
Call Number c:irua:125928 Serial 1760
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author De Bie, C.; van Dijk, J.; Bogaerts, A.
Title The Dominant Pathways for the Conversion of Methane into Oxygenates and Syngas in an Atmospheric Pressure Dielectric Barrier Discharge Type A1 Journal article
Year 2015 Publication The journal of physical chemistry: C : nanomaterials and interfaces Abbreviated Journal J Phys Chem C
Volume (up) 119 Issue 119 Pages 22331-22350
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract A one-dimensional fluid model for a dielectric barrier discharge in CH4/O2 and CH4/CO2 gas mixtures is developed. The model describes the gas-phase chemistry for partial oxidation and for dry reforming of methane. The spatially averaged densities of the various plasma species are presented as a function of time and initial gas mixing ratio. Besides, the conversion of the inlet gases and the selectivities of the reaction products are calculated. Syngas, higher hydrocarbons, and higher oxygenates are typically found to be important reaction products. Furthermore, the main underlying reaction pathways for the formation of syngas, methanol, formaldehyde, and other higher oxygenates are determined.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000362385700010 Publication Date 2015-09-10
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 46 Open Access
Notes This work was carried out using the Turing HPC infrastructure at the CalcUA core facility of the Universiteit Antwerpen, a division of the Flemish Supercomputer Center VSC, funded by the Hercules Foundation, the Flemish Government (department EWI), and the Universiteit Antwerpen. The authors also acknowledge financial support from the IAP/7 (Interuniversity Attraction Pole) program “PSI-Physical Chemistry of Plasma- Surface Interactions” by the Belgian Federal Office for Science Policy (BELSPO) and from the Fund for Scientific Research Flanders (FWO). Approved Most recent IF: 4.536; 2015 IF: 4.772
Call Number c:irua:128774 Serial 3960
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Nicholls, D.; Li, R.R.; Ware, B.; Pansegrau, C.; Çakir, D.; Hoffmann, M.R.; Oncel, N.
Title Scanning tunneling microscopy and density functional theory study on zinc(II)-phthalocyanine tetrasulfonic acid on bilayer epitaxial graphene on silicon carbide(0001) Type A1 Journal article
Year 2015 Publication The journal of physical chemistry: C : nanomaterials and interfaces Abbreviated Journal J Phys Chem C
Volume (up) 119 Issue 119 Pages 9845-9850
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Abstract Zinc(II)-phthalocyanine tetrasulfonic acid (Zn-PcS) molecules physisorbed on bilayer epitaxial graphene on silicon carbide (SiC(0001)) were studied by using scanning tunneling microscopy/spectroscopy (STM/STS) and density functional theory (DFT). Two different methods were used to deposit Zn-PcS molecules and regardless of the method being used, the surface coverage stayed very low indicating the weakness of surface-molecule interaction. STS measurements revealed that derivative of tunneling current with respect to voltage (dI/dV) measured on Zn-PcS molecules did not exhibit the characteristic dip observed on dI/dV curves of pristine bilayer epitaxial graphene. DFT calculations show that the energy of the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) of the Zn-PcS molecule is below the Dirac point of graphene which enhances local density of states (LDOS). We attribute the disappearance of the dip in the dI/dV curves measured on the Zn-PcS/bilayer system to the LUMO of Zn-PcS. Charge density calculations along Zn-PcS/graphene interface reveal that there is a small charge transfer from graphene to the molecule. Calculated adsorption energy (3.13 eV) of the molecule is notably low and is consistent with the observed low surface coverage at room temperature.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Washington, D.C. Editor
Language Wos 000354339000020 Publication Date 2015-04-15
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 3 Open Access
Notes ; We gratefully acknowledge the NSF (Grant Nos.: DMR-1306101, EPS-814442, and EPS-1354366) for financial support. ; Approved Most recent IF: 4.536; 2015 IF: 4.772
Call Number c:irua:126370 Serial 2947
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Esfahani; Leenaerts, O.; Sahin, H.; Partoens, B.; Peeters, F.M.
Title Structural transitions in monolayer MOS2 by lithium adsorption Type A1 Journal article
Year 2015 Publication The journal of physical chemistry: C : nanomaterials and interfaces Abbreviated Journal J Phys Chem C
Volume (up) 119 Issue 119 Pages 10602-10609
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Abstract Based on first-principles calculations, we study the structural stability of the H and T phases of monolayer MoS2 upon Li doping. Our calculations demonstrate that it is possible to stabilize a distorted T phase of MoS2 over the H phase through adsorption of Li atoms on the MoS2 surface. Through molecular dynamics and phonon calculations, we show that the T phase of MoS2 is dynamically unstable and undergoes considerable distortions. The type of distortion depends on the concentration of adsorbed Li atoms and changes from zigzag-like to diamond-like when increasing the Li doping. There exists a substantial energy barrier to transform the stable H phase to the distorted T phases, which is considerably reduced by increasing the concentration of Li atoms. We show that it is necessary that the Li atoms adsorb on both sides of the MoS2 monolayer to reduce the barrier sufficiently. Two processes are examined that allow for such two-sided adsorption, namely, penetration through the MoS2 layer and diffusion over the MoS2 surface. We show that while there is only a small barrier of 0.24 eV for surface diffusion, the amount of energy needed to pass through a pure MoS2 layer is of the order of similar or equal to 2 eV. However, when the MoS2 layer is covered with Li atoms the amount of energy that Li atoms should gain to penetrate the layer is drastically reduced and penetration becomes feasible.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Washington, D.C. Editor
Language Wos 000354912200051 Publication Date 2015-04-07
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 96 Open Access
Notes ; This work was supported by the Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek (FWO-Vl) and the Methusalem program of the Flemish government. H. S is supported by an FWO Pegasus-Long Marie Curie fellowship. The computational resources and services used in this work were provided by the VSC (Flemish Supercomputer Center), funded by the Hercules Foundation and the Flemish Government department EWI. ; Approved Most recent IF: 4.536; 2015 IF: 4.772
Call Number c:irua:126409 Serial 3270
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Heijkers, S.; Snoeckx, R.; Kozák, T.; Silva, T.; Godfroid, T.; Britun, N.; Snyders, R.; Bogaerts, A.
Title CO2 conversion in a microwave plasma reactor in the presence of N2 : elucidating the role of vibrational levels Type A1 Journal article
Year 2015 Publication The journal of physical chemistry: C : nanomaterials and interfaces Abbreviated Journal J Phys Chem C
Volume (up) 119 Issue 119 Pages 12815-12828
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract A chemical kinetics model is developed for a CO2/N2 microwave plasma, focusing especially on the vibrational levels of both CO2 and N2. The model is used to calculate the CO2 and N2 conversion as well as the energy efficiency of CO2 conversion for different power densities and for N2 fractions in the CO2/N2 gas mixture ranging from 0 to 90%. The calculation results are compared with measurements, and agreements within 23% and 33% are generally found for the CO2 conversion and N2 conversion, respectively. To explain the observed trends, the destruction and formation processes of both CO2 and N2 are analyzed, as well as the vibrational distribution functions of both CO2 and N2. The results indicate that N2 contributes in populating the lower asymmetric levels of CO2, leading to a higher absolute CO2 conversion upon increasing N2 fraction. However, the effective CO2 conversion drops because there is less CO2 initially present in the gas mixture; thus, the energy efficiency also drops with rising N2 fraction.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Washington, D.C. Editor
Language Wos 000356317500005 Publication Date 2015-05-13
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 56 Open Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 4.536; 2015 IF: 4.772
Call Number c:irua:126325 Serial 3523
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Kang, J.; Sahin, H.; Peeters, F.M.
Title Tuning carrier confinement in the MoS2/WS2 lateral heterostructure Type A1 Journal article
Year 2015 Publication The journal of physical chemistry: C : nanomaterials and interfaces Abbreviated Journal J Phys Chem C
Volume (up) 119 Issue 119 Pages 9580-9586
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Abstract To determine and control the spatial confinement of charge carriers is of importance for nanoscale optoelectronic device applications. Using first-principles calculations, we investigate the tunability of band alignment and Charge localization in lateral and combined lateral vertical heterostructures of MoS2 and WS2. First, we Show that a type-II to type-I band alignment transition takes place when tensile strain is applied on the WS2 region. This band alignment transition is a result of the different response of the band edge states with strain and is caused by their different wave function characters. Then we show that the presence of the grain boundary introduces localized in-gap states. The boundary at the armchair interface significantly modifies the charge distribution of the valence band maximum (VBM) state, whereas in a heterostructure with tilt grain domains both conducation band maximum (CBM) and VBM are found to be localized around the grain boundary. We also found that the thickness of the constituents in a lateral heterostructure also determines how the electrons and holes are confined. Creating combined lateral vertical heterostructures of MOS2/WS2 provides another way cif tuning the charge confinement. These results provide possible ways to tune the carrier confinement in MoS2/WS2 heterostructures, which are interesting for its practical: applications in the future.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Washington, D.C. Editor
Language Wos 000353930700066 Publication Date 2015-04-07
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 73 Open Access
Notes ; This work was supported by the Methusalem program of the Flemish government. H.S. is supported by a FWO Pegasus Marie Curie-long Fellowship and J.K. by a FWO Pegasus Marie Curie-short Fellowship. ; Approved Most recent IF: 4.536; 2015 IF: 4.772
Call Number c:irua:126381 Serial 3747
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Iyikanat, F.; Sahin, H.; Senger, R.T.; Peeters, F.M.
Title Vacancy formation and oxidation characteristics of single layer TiS3 Type A1 Journal article
Year 2015 Publication The journal of physical chemistry: C : nanomaterials and interfaces Abbreviated Journal J Phys Chem C
Volume (up) 119 Issue 119 Pages 10709-10715
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Abstract The structural, electronic, and magnetic properties of pristine, defective, and oxidized monolayer TiS3 are investigated using first-principles calculations in the framework of density functional theory. We found that a single layer of TiS3 is a direct band gap semiconductor, and the bonding nature of the crystal is fundamentally different from other transition metal chalcogenides. The negatively charged surfaces of single layer TiS3 makes this crystal a promising material for lubrication applications. The formation energies of possible vacancies, i.e. S, Ti, TiS, and double S, are investigated via total energy optimization calculations. We found that the formation of a single S vacancy was the most likely one among the considered vacancy types. While a single S vacancy results in a nonmagnetic, semiconducting character with an enhanced band gap, other vacancy types induce metallic behavior with spin polarization of 0.3-0.8 mu(B). The reactivity of pristine and defective TiS3 crystals against oxidation was investigated using conjugate gradient calculations where we considered the interaction with atomic O, O-2, and O-3. While O-2 has the lowest binding energy with 0.05-0.07 eV, O-3 forms strong bonds stable even at moderate temperatures. The strong interaction (3.9-4.0 eV) between atomic O and TiS3 results in dissociative adsorption of some O-containing molecules. In addition, the presence of S-vacancies enhances the reactivity of the surface with atomic O, whereas it had a negative effect on the reactivity with O-2 and O-3 molecules.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Washington, D.C. Editor
Language Wos 000354912200063 Publication Date 2015-04-28
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 51 Open Access
Notes ; This work was supported by the Flemish Science Foundation (FWO-Vl) and the Methusalem foundation of the Flemish government. Computational resources were provided by TUBITAK ULAKBIM, High Performance and Grid Computing Center (TR-Grid e-Infrastructure), and HPC infrastructure of the University of Antwerp (CalcUA), a division of the Flemish Supercomputer Center (VSC), which is funded by the Hercules foundation. H.S. is supported by a FWO Pegasus Marie Curie Fellowship. RI., H.S., and R.T.S. acknowledge the support from TUBITAK through project 114F397. ; Approved Most recent IF: 4.536; 2015 IF: 4.772
Call Number c:irua:126410 Serial 3829
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Alyörük, M.M.; Aierken, Y.; Çakır, D.; Peeters, F.M.; Sevik, C.
Title Promising Piezoelectric Performance of Single Layer Transition-Metal Dichalcogenides and Dioxides Type A1 Journal article
Year 2015 Publication The journal of physical chemistry: C : nanomaterials and interfaces Abbreviated Journal J Phys Chem C
Volume (up) 119 Issue 119 Pages 23231-23237
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Abstract Piezoelectricity is a unique material property that allows one to convert mechanical energy into electrical one or vice versa. Transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDC) and transition metal dioxides (TMDO) are expected to have great potential for piezoelectric device applications due to their noncentrosymmetric and two-dimensional crystal structure. A detailed theoretical investigation of the piezoelectric stress (e 11 ) and piezoelectric strain (d 11 ) coefficients of single layer TMDCs and TMDOs with chemical formula MX 2 (where M= Cr, Mo, W, Ti, Zr, Hf, Sn and X = O, S, Se, Te) is presented by using first-principles calculations based on density func- tional theory. We predict that not only the Mo- and W-based members of this family but also the other materials with M= Cr, Ti, Zr and Sn exhibit highly promising piezoelectric properties. CrTe 2 has the largest e 11 and d 11 coefficients among the group VI elements (i.e., Cr, Mo, and W). In addition, the relaxed-ion e 11 and d 11 coefficients of SnS 2 are almost the same as those of CrTe 2 . Furthermore, TiO 2 and ZrO 2 pose comparable or even larger e 11 coefficients as compared to Mo- and W-based TMDCs and TMDOs. Our calculations reveal that TMDC and TMDO structures are strong candidates for future atomically thin piezoelectric applications such as transducers, sensors, and energy harvesting devices due to their piezoelectric coefficients that are comparable (even larger) to currently used bulk piezoelectric materials.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000362702100054 Publication Date 2015-09-14
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1932-7447 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 4.536 Times cited 134 Open Access
Notes M.M.A and C.S. acknowledges the support from Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TUBITAK- 113F333). C.S. acknowledges support from Anadolu University (BAP-1407F335, -1505F200), and Turkish Academy of Sciences (TUBA-GEBIP). Computational resources were provided by TUBITAK ULAKBIM, High Performance and Grid Computing Center (TR-Grid e-Infrastructure), and HPC infrastructure of the University of Antwerp (CalcUA) a division of the Flemish Supercomputer Center (VSC), which is funded by the Hercules foundation. Approved Most recent IF: 4.536; 2015 IF: 4.772
Call Number c:irua:129418 Serial 4035
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Alfeld, M.; Laurenze-Landsberg, C.; Denker, A.; Janssens, K.; Noble, P.
Title Neutron activation autoradiography and scanning macro-XRF of Rembrandt van Rijn's Susanna and the Elders (Gemaldegalerie Berlin) : a comparison of two methods for imaging of historical paintings with elemental contrast Type A1 Journal article
Year 2015 Publication Applied physics A : materials science & processing Abbreviated Journal Appl Phys A-Mater
Volume (up) 119 Issue 3 Pages 795-805
Keywords A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
Abstract Imaging methods with elemental contrast are of great value for the investigation of historical paintings, as they allow for study of sub-surface layers that provide insight into a painting's creation process. Two of the most important methods are neutron activation autoradiography (NAAR) and scanning macro-XRF (MA-XRF). Given the differences between these methods in the fundamental physical phenomena exploited, a theoretical comparison of their capabilities is difficult and until now a critical comparison of their use on the same painting is missing. In this paper, we present a study of Rembrandt van Rijn's painting Susanna and the Elders from the Gemaldegalerie in Berlin employing both techniques. The painting features a considerable number of overpainted features and a wide range of pigments with different elemental tracers, including earth pigments (Mn/Fe), Azurite (Cu), lead white (Pb), vermilion (Hg) and smalt (Co, As). MA-XRF can detect all elements above Si (Z = 14), suffers from few spectral overlaps and can be performed in a few tens of hours in situ, i.e. in a museum. NAAR requires the stay of the painting at a research facility for several weeks, and inter-element interferences can be difficult to resolve. Also, only a limited number of elements contribute to the acquired autoradiographs, most notably Mn, Cu, As, Co, Hg and P. However, NAAR provides a higher lateral resolution and is less hindered by absorption in covering layers, which makes it the only method capable of visualizing P in lower paint layers.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000354189200001 Publication Date 2015-04-13
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0947-8396 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 1.455 Times cited 11 Open Access
Notes ; This research was supported by the Interuniversity Attraction Poles Programme-Belgian Science Policy (IUAP VI/16). The text also presents the results of GOA “XANES meets ELNES” (Research Fund University of Antwerp, Belgium) and from FWO (Brussels, Belgium) Project Nos. G.0704.08 and G.01769.09. M. Alfeld received from 2009 to 2013 a PhD fellowship of the Research Foundation-Flanders (FWO). ; Approved Most recent IF: 1.455; 2015 IF: 1.704
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:126034 Serial 5745
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Buczyńska, A.J.; Geypens, B.; Van Grieken, R.; De Wael, K.
Title Optimization of sample clean-up for the GC-C-IRMS and GC-IT-MS analysis of PAHs from air particulate matter Type A1 Journal article
Year 2015 Publication Microchemical journal Abbreviated Journal Microchem J
Volume (up) 119 Issue Pages 83-92
Keywords A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
Abstract The optimization of sample clean-up for the analysis of air particulate matter PAHs stable carbon isotope ratio using Solid Phase Extraction (SPE) cartridges is described in this paper. Various adsorbents, such as silica gel, alumina, florisil, commercially available for sample purification were compared. Best performance for the clean-up of 24-h air particulate matter samples was obtained with activated silica-gel columns in terms of selectivity and reproducibility. One step clean-up was optimized for concentration determination and in case of co-elutions, a second step was additionally used for carbon isotope ratio analysis. The method was subsequently validated with standard reference material and was checked for carbon isotope fractionation artefacts. No significant differences in δ13C values were found for unprocessed solutions of PAHs and solution subjected to the extraction and purification procedure. The procedure was tested on air particulate matter samples collected in three different locations in Belgium. Statistically significant differences in carbon isotope ratio of PAHs between Borgerhout location and Zelzate or Gent were noticed, confirming the differences in distribution and diagnostic ratios found during the concentration analyses and different PAH sources in these locations. The results, therefore, seem very promising for the use of δ13C of PAHs as an additional information helpful in source identification of these pollutants
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000348957800013 Publication Date 2014-11-01
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0026-265x; 0026-265x ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 3.034 Times cited 7 Open Access
Notes ; ; Approved Most recent IF: 3.034; 2015 IF: 2.746
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:120641 Serial 5759
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Trentelman, K.; Janssens, K.; van der Snickt, G.; Szafran, Y.; Woollett, A.T.; Dik, J.
Title Rembrandt's An Old Man in Military Costume: the underlying image re-examined Type A1 Journal article
Year 2015 Publication Applied physics A : materials science & processing Abbreviated Journal Appl Phys A-Mater
Volume (up) 121 Issue 3 Pages 801-811
Keywords A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
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.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000364914100003 Publication Date 2015-08-31
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0947-8396 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 1.455 Times cited 22 Open Access
Notes ; The authors gratefully acknowledge the assistance of all those who aided in the examination of this painting over the decades, that has culminated in the work presented here. Particular thanks go to Mark Leonard (former head of Paintings Conservation at the J. Paul Getty Museum) and Henry Prask (NIST) for carrying out the NAAR analysis; John Twilley (former GCI Scientist) for early investigations; Andrea Sartorius (former JPGM Paintings intern) for creating a mock-up painting used in earlier phases of this work; Peter Reishig (former GCI intern) for compiling the NAAR data; Catherine Patterson, Lynn Lee, and David Carson (GCI Science) and Gene Karraker (JPGM Paintings Conservation) for helping with the setup and operation of the M6 Jetstream; and Giacomo Chiari (former head of GCI Science) for performing the XRD analysis. Koen Janssens and Geert van der Snickt acknowledge the Fund Inbev-Baillet Latour for financial support. Joris Dik acknowledges the help of the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research (NWO) in the form of a VIDI grant in the Innovational Research Incentive Scheme. ; Approved Most recent IF: 1.455; 2015 IF: 1.704
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:130289 Serial 5812
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Pouyet, E.; Cotte, M.; Fayard, B.; Salome, M.; Meirer, F.; Mehta, A.; Uffelman, E.S.; Hull, A.; Vanmeert, F.; Kieffer, J.; Burghammer, M.; Janssens, K.; Sette, F.; Mass, J.
Title 2D X-ray and FTIR micro-analysis of the degradation of cadmium yellow pigment in paintings of Henri Matisse Type A1 Journal article
Year 2015 Publication Applied physics A : materials science & processing Abbreviated Journal
Volume (up) 121 Issue 3 Pages 967-980
Keywords A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
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.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000364914100017 Publication Date 2015-06-03
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0947-8396; 1432-0630 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:130290 Serial 7382
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Papageorgiou, D.G.; Filippousi, M.; Pavlidou, E.; Chrissafis, K.; Van Tendeloo, G.; Bikiaris, D.
Title Effect of clay modification on structureproperty relationships and thermal degradation kinetics of \beta-polypropylene/clay composite materials Type A1 Journal article
Year 2015 Publication Journal of thermal analysis and calorimetry Abbreviated Journal J Therm Anal Calorim
Volume (up) 122 Issue 122 Pages 393-406
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
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.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication S.l. Editor
Language Wos 000361431200042 Publication Date 2015-04-29
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1388-6150;1588-2926; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 1.953 Times cited 7 Open Access
Notes 262348 Esmi Approved Most recent IF: 1.953; 2015 IF: 2.042
Call Number c:irua:127492 Serial 805
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Ercolani, G.; Gorle, C.; Garcia Sánchez, C.; Corbari, C.; Mancini, M.
Title RAMS and WRF sensitivity to grid spacing in large-eddy simulations of the dry convective boundary layer Type A1 Journal article
Year 2015 Publication Computers and fluids Abbreviated Journal Comput Fluids
Volume (up) 123 Issue 123 Pages 54-71
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
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.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Oxford Editor
Language Wos 000365367500006 Publication Date 2015-10-08
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0045-7930 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 2.313 Times cited 3 Open Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 2.313; 2015 IF: 1.619
Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:130200 Serial 4236
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Semkina, A.; Abakumov, M.; Grinenko, N.; Abakumov, A.; Skorikov, A.; Mironova, E.; Davydova, G.; Majouga, A.G.; Nukolova, N.; Kabanov, A.; Chekhonin, V.;
Title Core-shell-corona doxorubicin-loaded superparamagnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles for cancer theranostics Type A1 Journal article
Year 2015 Publication Colloids and surfaces: B : biointerfaces Abbreviated Journal Colloid Surface B
Volume (up) 136 Issue 136 Pages 1073-1080
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
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.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Amsterdam Editor
Language Wos 000367408100131 Publication Date 2015-11-10
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0927-7765 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 3.887 Times cited 37 Open Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 3.887; 2015 IF: 4.152
Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:131075 Serial 4157
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Merante, P.; Van Passel, S.; Pacini, C.
Title Using agro-environmental models to design a sustainable benchmark for the sustainable value method Type A1 Journal article
Year 2015 Publication Agricultural Systems Abbreviated Journal Agr Syst
Volume (up) 136 Issue Pages 1-13
Keywords A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering Management (ENM)
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.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000354503000001 Publication Date 2015-02-25
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0308-521x ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 2.571 Times cited 6 Open Access
Notes ; We wish to thank all participants to the SVAPPAS project for their inspiring contributions and challenging debates. Furthermore, we are grateful to the financial support from the 6th Framework Programme of the EU (project code: SSPECT – 2006 – DG AGRI). The authors thank the technicians Giovanna Casella and Roberto Vivoli (University of Florence) for their technical contribution. ; Approved Most recent IF: 2.571; 2015 IF: 2.906
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:127536 Serial 6275
Permanent link to this record