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“Plasmonic hybrid nanostructures in photocatalysis : structures, mechanisms, and applications”. Ninakanti R, Dingenen F, Borah R, Peeters H, Verbruggen SW, Topics in Current Chemistry 380, 40 (2022). http://doi.org/10.1007/S41061-022-00390-W
Abstract: (Sun)Light is an abundantly available sustainable source of energy that has been used in catalyzing chemical reactions for several decades now. In particular, studies related to the interaction of light with plasmonic nanostructures have been receiving increased attention. These structures display the unique property of localized surface plasmon resonance, which converts light of a specific wavelength range into hot charge carriers, along with strong local electromagnetic fields, and/or heat, which may all enhance the reaction efficiency in their own way. These unique properties of plasmonic nanoparticles can be conveniently tuned by varying the metal type, size, shape, and dielectric environment, thus prompting a research focus on rationally designed plasmonic hybrid nanostructures. In this review, the term “hybrid” implies nanomaterials that consist of multiple plasmonic or non-plasmonic materials, forming complex configurations in the geometry and/or at the atomic level. We discuss the synthetic techniques and evolution of such hybrid plasmonic nanostructures giving rise to a wide variety of material and geometric configurations. Bimetallic alloys, which result in a new set of opto-physical parameters, are compared with core–shell configurations. For the latter, the use of metal, semiconductor, and polymer shells is reviewed. Also, more complex structures such as Janus and antenna reactor composites are discussed. This review further summarizes the studies exploiting plasmonic hybrids to elucidate the plasmonic-photocatalytic mechanism. Finally, we review the implementation of these plasmonic hybrids in different photocatalytic application domains such as H2 generation, CO2 reduction, water purification, air purification, and disinfection.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
DOI: 10.1007/S41061-022-00390-W
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“Thermodynamically unconstrained forced concentration cycling of methane catalytic partial oxidation over CeO2FeCralloy catalysts”. Ma Z, Perreault P, Pelegrin DC, Boffito DC, Patience GS, Chemical Engineering Journal 380, 122470 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.CEJ.2019.122470
Abstract: Converting waste associated natural gas from oil fields is uneconomic with current gas-to-liquid technology. Micro Gas-to-Liquids technology ( GtL) combines process intensification and numbering up economics to reduce capital costs to convert flared and vented natural gas to value-added synthetic fuel: Milli-second contact times in the catalytic partial oxidation of methane (CPOX) integrated with a tandem Fischer-Tropsch (FT) step meets the economic constraints together with remote process control. FeCralloy knitted fibres with high thermal conductivity and low pressure drop, resist thermal and mechanical stresses in the high pressure CPOX step. The FeCralloy catalysts are free of pre-reduction treatments. We deposited Pt and/or CeO2 over the fibre surface via solution combustion synthesis. Methane conversion was higher at ambient pressure compared to 2 MPa while the Pt/CeO2 FeCralloy was relatively inert from 0.1 MPa to 2 MPa. However, both catalysts demonstrated high activity in quasi-chemical looping partial oxidation of methane: during the reduction step while feeding methane, an on-line mass spectrometer only detected H2 while in the oxidation step it detected predominantly CO. Kinetic modeling of the oxidation-reduction cycles suggests that the reaction follows a direct mechanism to produce CO and H2 rather than an indirect mechanism that first produces CO2 and H2O followed by reforming.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Impact Factor: 15.1
DOI: 10.1016/J.CEJ.2019.122470
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“Size of cerium dioxide support nanocrystals dictates reactivity of highly dispersed palladium catalysts”. Muravev V, Parastaev A, van den Bosch Y, Ligt B, Claes N, Bals S, Kosinov N, Hensen EJM, Science 380, 1174 (2023). http://doi.org/10.1126/science.adf9082
Abstract: The catalytic performance of heterogeneous catalysts can be tuned by modulation of the size and structure of supported transition metals, which are typically regarded as the active sites. In single-atom metal catalysts, the support itself can strongly affect the catalytic properties. Here, we demonstrate that the size of cerium dioxide (CeO2) support governs the reactivity of atomically dispersed palladium (Pd) in carbon monoxide (CO) oxidation. Catalysts with small CeO2 nanocrystals (~4 nanometers) exhibit unusually high activity in a CO-rich reaction feed, whereas catalysts with medium-size CeO2 (~8 nanometers) are preferred for lean conditions. Detailed spectroscopic investigations reveal support size–dependent redox properties of the Pd-CeO2 interface.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 56.9
Times cited: 22
DOI: 10.1126/science.adf9082
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“Restructuring of titanium oxide overlayers over nickel nanoparticles during catalysis”. Monai M, Jenkinson K, Melcherts AEM, Louwen JN, Irmak EA, Van Aert S, Altantzis T, Vogt C, van der Stam W, Duchon T, Smid B, Groeneveld E, Berben P, Bals S, Weckhuysen BM, Science 380, 644 (2023). http://doi.org/10.1126/SCIENCE.ADF6984
Abstract: Reducible supports can affect the performance of metal catalysts by the formation of suboxide overlayers upon reduction, a process referred to as the strong metal-support interaction (SMSI). A combination of operando electron microscopy and vibrational spectroscopy revealed that thin TiOx overlayers formed on nickel/titanium dioxide catalysts during 400 degrees C reduction were completely removed under carbon dioxide hydrogenation conditions. Conversely, after 600 degrees C reduction, exposure to carbon dioxide hydrogenation reaction conditions led to only partial reexposure of nickel, forming interfacial sites in contact with TiOx and favoring carbon-carbon coupling by providing a carbon species reservoir. Our findings challenge the conventional understanding of SMSIs and call for more-detailed operando investigations of nanocatalysts at the single-particle level to revisit static models of structure-activity relationships.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Applied Electrochemistry & Catalysis (ELCAT)
Impact Factor: 56.9
Times cited: 29
DOI: 10.1126/SCIENCE.ADF6984
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“Applications of advanced transmission electron microscopic techniques to Ni-Ti based shape memory materials”. Schryvers D, Potapov P, Santamarta R, Tirry W, Materials science and engineering: part A: structural materials: properties, microstructure and processing 378, 11 (2004). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.msea.2003.10.325
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 3.094
Times cited: 6
DOI: 10.1016/j.msea.2003.10.325
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“High resolution TEM study of Ni4Ti3 precipitates in austenitic Ni51Ti49”. Tirry W, Schryvers D, Materials science and engineering: part A: structural materials: properties, microstructure and processing 378, 157 (2004). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.msea.2003.10.336
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 3.094
Times cited: 19
DOI: 10.1016/j.msea.2003.10.336
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“Structure of multi-grain spherical particles in an amorphous Ti50Ni25Cu25 melt-spun ribbon”. Santamarta R, Schryvers D, Materials science and engineering: part A: structural materials: properties, microstructure and processing 378, 143 (2004). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.msea.2003.11.060
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 3.094
Times cited: 5
DOI: 10.1016/j.msea.2003.11.060
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“Proof of concept of an upscaled photocatalytic multi-tube reactor : a combined modelling and experimental study”. van Walsem J, Roegiers J, Modde B, Lenaerts S, Denys S, Chemical engineering journal 378, 122038 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.CEJ.2019.122038
Abstract: Three upscaled multi-tube photocatalytic reactors designed for integration into HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) systems were proposed and evaluated using a CFD modelling approach, with emphasis on the flow, irradiation and concentration distribution in the reactor and hence, photocatalytic performance. Based on the obtained insights, the best reactor design was selected, further characterized and improved by an additional proof of concept study and eventually converted into practice. Subsequently, the scaled-up prototype was experimentally tested according to the CEN-EN-16846-1 standard (2017) for volatile organic compound (VOC) removal by an external scientific research center. The combined modelling and experimental approach used in this work, leads to essential insights into the design and assessment of photocatalytic reactors. Therefore, this study provides an essential step towards the optimization and commercialization of photocatalytic reactors for HVAC applications.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Impact Factor: 6.216
DOI: 10.1016/J.CEJ.2019.122038
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“Stripping voltammetry of tinidazole in solubilized system and biological fluids”. Jain R, Rather JA, Colloids and surfaces: A: physicochemical and engineering aspects 378, 27 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.COLSURFA.2011.01.045
Abstract: The adsorptive voltammetric behaviour of tinidazole onto the HMDE was investigated and validated in solubilized system and biological fluids by CV, SWCAdSV and DPCAdSV. Addition of CTAB to the solution containing drug enhanced the peak current while anionic and non-ionic surfactants showed an opposite effect. The electrode process is irreversible and adsorption controlled. Various chemical and instrumental parameters affecting the monitored electroanalytical response were investigated and optimized for tinidazole determination. Under optimized conditions; the adsorptive stripping peak current is linear over the concentration range 7.0 × 10−9 to 6.2 × 10−7 mol/L with detection limit of 4.5 × 10−10 mol/L. The precision of the proposed method in terms of RSD is 1.2% and mean recovery of 100.01%. The applicability of proposed method is further extended to in vitro determination of the drug in biological fluids.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
DOI: 10.1016/J.COLSURFA.2011.01.045
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“3D-printed microneedle-based potentiometric sensor for pH monitoring in skin interstitial fluid”. Parrilla M, Vanhooydonck A, Johns M, Watts R, De Wael K, Sensors and actuators : B : chemical 378, 133159 (2023). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.SNB.2022.133159
Abstract: Wearable electrochemical sensors are driven by the user-friendly capability of continuous monitoring of key biomarkers for diagnostic or therapeutic operations. Particularly, microneedle (MN)-based sensors can access the interstitial fluid (ISF) in the dermis layer of skin to carry out on-body transdermal detection of analytes. Interestingly, 3D-printing technology allows for rapid and versatile prototyping reaching micrometer resolution. Herein, for the first time, we explore 3D-printed hollow MN patches (1 mm height x 1 mm base with 0.3 mm hole) which are modified with conductive inks to develop a potentiometric sensor for pH monitoring. First, the piercing capability of 3D-printed MN patches is demonstrated by using the parafilm model and their insertion in porcine skin. Subsequently, the hollow MNs are filled with conductive inks to engineer a set of microelectrodes. Thereafter, the working and reference electrodes are properly modified with polyaniline and polyvinyl butyral, respectively, toward a highly stable potentiometric cell. A full in vitro characterization is performed within a broad range of pH (i.e. pH 4 to pH 9). Besides, the MN sensor is analytically assessed in phantom gel and pierced on porcine skin to evaluate the resilience of the MN sensor. Finally, the MN sensor is pierced on the forearm of a subject and tested for its on-body monitoring capability. Overall, 3D-printed MN-based potentiometric sensing brings a versatile and affordable technology to minimally-invasively monitor key physiological parameters in the body.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Internet Data Lab (IDLab); Product development; Antwerp Electrochemical and Analytical Sciences Lab (A-Sense Lab)
DOI: 10.1016/J.SNB.2022.133159
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“Characterisation of a high-power impulse magnetron sputtered C/Mo/W wear resistant coating by transmission electron microscopy”. Sharp J, Mueller IC, Mandal P, Abbas A, Nord M, Doye A, Ehiasarian A, Hovsepian P, MacLaren I, Rainforth WM, Surface and coatings technology 377, 124853 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.SURFCOAT.2019.08.007
Abstract: Thin films of C/Mo/W deposited using combined UBM/HIPIMS sputtering show 2-8 nm clusters of material richer in Mo and W than the matrix (found by EDS microanalysis), with structures that resemble graphitic onions with the metal atoms arranged regularly within them. EELS microanalysis showed the clusters to be rich in W and Mo. As the time averaged power used in the pulsed HIPIMS magnetron was increased, the clusters became more defined, larger, and arranged into layers with amorphous matrix between them. Films deposited with average HIPIMS powers of 4 kW and 6 kW also showed a periodic modulation of the cluster density within the finer layers giving secondary, wider stripes in TEM. By analysing the ratio between the finer and coarser layers, it was found that this meta-layering is related to the substrate rotation in the deposition chamber but in a non-straightforward way. Reasons for this are proposed. The detailed structure of the clusters remains unknown and is the subject of further work. Fluctuation electron microscopy results indicated the presence of crystal planes with the graphite interlayer spacing, crystal planes in hexagonal WC perpendicular to the basal plane, and some plane spacings found in Mo2C. Other peaks in the FEM results suggested symmetry-related starting points for future determination of the structure of the clusters.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 2.589
Times cited: 1
DOI: 10.1016/J.SURFCOAT.2019.08.007
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“On the path integral representation of the Wigner function and the BarkerMurray ansatz”. Sels D, Brosens F, Magnus W, Physics letters : A 376, 809 (2012). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.physleta.2012.01.020
Abstract: The propagator of the Wigner function is constructed from the WignerLiouville equation as a phase space path integral over a new effective Lagrangian. In contrast to a paper by Barker and Murray (1983) [1], we show that the path integral can in general not be written as a linear superposition of classical phase space trajectories over a family of non-local forces. Instead, we adopt a saddle point expansion to show that the semiclassical Wigner function is a linear superposition of classical solutions for a different set of non-local time dependent forces. As shown by a simple example the specific form of the path integral makes the formulation ideal for Monte Carlo simulation.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Theory of quantum systems and complex systems; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 1.772
Times cited: 7
DOI: 10.1016/j.physleta.2012.01.020
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“Characterization of U/Pu particles originating from the nuclear weapon accidents at Palomares, Spain, 1966 and Thule, Greenland, 1968”. Lind OC, Salbu B, Janssens K, Proost K, Garcia-León M, Garcia-Tenorio R, The science of the total environment 376, 294 (2007). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.SCITOTENV.2006.11.050
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
Impact Factor: 4.9
Times cited: 44
DOI: 10.1016/J.SCITOTENV.2006.11.050
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“Aptamers in biomedicine : selection strategies and recent advances”. Stefan G, Hosu O, De Wael K, Jesus Lobo-Castanon M, Cristea C, Electrochimica Acta 376, 137994 (2021). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.ELECTACTA.2021.137994
Abstract: Aptamers have come in the spotlight as bio-mimetic molecular recognition elements in the field of biomedicine due to various applications in diagnostics, drug delivery, therapeutics, and pharmaceutical analysis. Aptamers are composed of nucleic acid strands (DNA or RNA) that can specifically interact in a three-dimensional tailored design with the target molecule. The basic method to generate aptamers is Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential Enrichment (SELEX). Recent technological advances in aptamer selection allow for faster and cheaper production of a new generation of high-affinity aptamers compared to the traditional SELEX, which can last up to several months. Rigorous characterization performed by multiple research groups endorsed several well-defined aptamer sequences. Binding affinity, nature of the biomolecular interactions and structural characterization are of paramount importance for aptamer screening and development of applications. However, remarkable challenges still need to be dealt with before the aptamers can make great contributions to the biomedical field. Poor specificity and sensitivity, questionable clinical use, low drug loading, in vivo stability and toxicity are only some of the identified challenges. This review accounts for the 30th celebration of the SELEX technology underlining the most important aptamers' achievements in the biomedical field within mostly the past five years. Aptamers' advantages over antibodies are discussed. Because of potential clinical translational utility, insights of remarkable developments in aptamer-based methods for diagnosis and monitoring of disease biomarkers and pharmaceuticals are discussed focusing on the recent studies (2015-2020). The current challenges and promising opportunities for aptamers for therapeutic and theragnostic purposes are also presented. (C) 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
Impact Factor: 4.798
DOI: 10.1016/J.ELECTACTA.2021.137994
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“Catalytic characterization of pure SnO2 and GeO2 in methanol steam reforming”. Zhao Q, Lorenz H, Turner S, Lebedev OI, Van Tendeloo G, Rameshan C, Klötzer B, Konzett J, Penner S, Applied catalysis : A : general 375, 188 (2010). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.apcata.2009.12.027
Abstract: Structural changes of a variety of different SnO, SnO2 and GeO2 catalysts upon reduction in hydrogen were correlated with associated catalytic changes in methanol steam reforming. Studied systems include SnO, SnO2 and GeO2 thin film model catalysts prepared by vapour phase deposition and growth on polycrystalline NaCl surfaces and, for comparison, the corresponding pure oxide powder catalysts. Reduction of both the SnO2 thin film and powder at around 673 K in 1 bar hydrogen leads to a substantial reduction of the bulk structure and yields a mixture of SnO2 and metallic β-Sn. On the powder catalyst this transformation is fully reversible upon oxidation in 1 bar O2 at 673 K. Strongly reduced thin films, however, can only be re-transformed to SnO2 if the reduction temperature did not exceed 573 K. For GeO2, the situation is more complex due to its polymorphism. Whereas the tetragonal phase is structurally stable during reduction, oxidation or catalytic reaction, a small part of the hexagonal phase is always transformed into the tetragonal at 673 K independent of the gas phase used. SnO2 is highly active and CO2 selective in methanol steam reforming, but the initial high activity drops considerably upon reduction between 373 and 573 K and almost complete catalyst deactivation is observed after reduction at 673 K, which is associated with the parallel formation of β-Sn. In close correlation to the structural results, the catalytic activity and selectivity can be restored upon an oxidative catalyst regeneration at 673 K. Tetragonal GeO2 exhibits only a small activity and no pronounced selectivity to either CO or CO2, at least after reduction. In its fully oxidized state release of surface/lattice oxygen results in a non-catalytic formation of CO2 by oxidation of CO originating from catalytic dehydrogenation.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 4.339
Times cited: 20
DOI: 10.1016/j.apcata.2009.12.027
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“Nano-single crystal coalesced PtCu nanospheres as robust bifunctional catalyst for hydrogen evolution and oxygen reduction reactions”. Li W, Hu Z-Y, Zhang Z, Wei P, Zhang J, Pu Z, Zhu J, He D, Mu S, Van Tendeloo G, Journal of catalysis 375, 164 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.JCAT.2019.05.031
Abstract: Because of high electrocatalytic activity, Pt based metal nanospheres (NSs) have attracted a lot of attention. Hence, multi-particle nano-single crystal coalesced PtCu NSs are designed and successfully synthesized by a cost-effective aqueous solution method. The formed PtCu NS catalyst exhibits a superior hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) electrocatalytic activity with an ultralow onset potential of 18 mV at the current density of 2 mA/cm(2) and high mass activity of 1.08 A/mg(pt) (7.2 times higher than that of commercial Pt/C catalysts). Also, it shows an enhancement of 3.2 and 2.7 times in the mass and specific activities toward oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) compared to that of Pt/C. Moreover, it possesses an excellent catalytic durability for both ORR and HER. Even after 10,000 cycles, its ORR mass activity retains 87% of its initial value. The density functional theory (DFT) calculations demonstrate that by introducing Cu atoms into the Pt lattice, a downshift of the D-band center and favorable hydrogen adsorption free energy of approaching to zero (Delta G) occur, indicating the increased electrocatalytic activity of Pt electrocatalysts. (C) 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 6.844
Times cited: 25
DOI: 10.1016/J.JCAT.2019.05.031
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“Induced giant piezoelectricity in centrosymmetric oxides”. Park D-s, Hadad M, Riemer LM, Ignatans R, Spirito D, Esposito V, Tileli V, Gauquelin N, Chezganov D, Jannis D, Verbeeck J, Gorfman S, Pryds N, Muralt P, Damjanovic D, Science 375, 653 (2022). http://doi.org/10.1126/science.abm7497
Abstract: Giant piezoelectricity can be induced in centrosymmetric oxides by controlling the long-range motion of oxygen vacancies.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 56.9
Times cited: 51
DOI: 10.1126/science.abm7497
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“Pd-In2O3 interaction due to reduction in hydrogen: consequences for methanol steam reforming”. Lorenz H, Turner S, Lebedev OI, Van Tendeloo G, Klötzer B, Rameshan C, Pfaller K, Penner S, Applied catalysis : A : general 374, 180 (2010). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.apcata.2009.12.007
Abstract: Two different Pd/In2O3 samples including a thin film model catalyst with well-defined Pd particles grown on NaCl(0 0 1) supports and a powder catalyst prepared by an impregnation technique are examined by electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and catalytic measurements in methanol steam reforming in order to correlate the formation of different oxide-supported bimetallic PdIn phases with catalytic activity and selectivity. A PdIn shell around the Pd particles is observed on the thin film catalyst after embedding the Pd particles in In2O3 at 300 K, likely because alloying to PdIn and oxidation to In2O3 are competing processes. Increased PdIn bimetallic formation is observed up to 573 K reduction temperature until at 623 K the film stability limit in hydrogen is reached. Oxidative treatments at 573 K lead to decomposition of PdIn and to the formation of an In2O3 shell covering the Pd particles, which irreversibly changes the activity and selectivity pattern to clean In2O3. PdIn and Pd2In3 phases are obtained on the powder catalyst after reduction at 573 K and 673 K, respectively. Only CO2-selective methanol steam reforming is observed in the reduction temperature range between 473 K and 573 K. After reduction at 673 K encapsulation of the bimetallic particles by crystalline In2O3 suppresses CO2 formation and only activity and selectivity of clean In2O3 are measured.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 4.339
Times cited: 55
DOI: 10.1016/j.apcata.2009.12.007
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“Non-invasive and non-destructive examination of artistic pigments, paints, and paintings by means of X-Ray methods”. Janssens K, van der Snickt G, Vanmeert F, Legrand S, Nuyts G, Alfeld M, Monico L, Anaf W, de Nolf W, Vermeulen M, Verbeeck J, De Wael K, Topics in Current Chemistry 374, 81 (2016). http://doi.org/10.1007/S41061-016-0079-2
Abstract: Recent studies are concisely reviewed, in which X-ray beams of (sub)micrometre to millimetre dimensions have been used for non-destructive analysis and characterization of pigments, minute paint samples, and/or entire paintings from the seventeenth to the early twentieth century painters. The overview presented encompasses the use of laboratory and synchrotron radiation-based instrumentation and deals with the use of several variants of X-ray fluorescence (XRF) as a method of elemental analysis and imaging, as well as with the combined use of X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS). Microscopic XRF is a variant of the method that is well suited to visualize the elemental distribution of key elements, mostly metals, present in paint multi-layers, on the length scale from 1 to 100 μm inside micro-samples taken from paintings. In the context of the characterization of artists pigments subjected to natural degradation, the use of methods limited to elemental analysis or imaging usually is not sufficient to elucidate the chemical transformations that have taken place. However, at synchrotron facilities, combinations of μ-XRF with related methods such as μ-XAS and μ-XRD have proven themselves to be very suitable for such studies. Their use is often combined with microscopic Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy and/or Raman microscopy since these methods deliver complementary information of high molecular specificity at more or less the same length scale as the X-ray microprobe techniques. Since microscopic investigation of a relatively limited number of minute paint samples, taken from a given work of art, may not yield representative information about the entire artefact, several methods for macroscopic, non-invasive imaging have recently been developed. Those based on XRF scanning and full-field hyperspectral imaging appear very promising; some recent published results are discussed.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
Impact Factor: 4.033
Times cited: 50
DOI: 10.1007/S41061-016-0079-2
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“Orientational disorder in some molecular solids in relation to the boson peak in glasses”. Lamoen D, March NH, Physics letters : A 373, 799 (2009). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.physleta.2009.01.003
Abstract: Orientational disorder in some molecular solids is discussed in relation to the emphasis placed on transverse vibrational modes in glasses as the origin of the observed boson peak in two very recent contributions in Nature Materials. In particular, facts are here presented for (i) CH4, (ii) C60 and (iii) ethanol in their solid phases for (a) specific heat and (b) neutron scattering. The results for ethanol in particular do not fit in with the interpretation of the boson peak in terms of transverse acoustic phonons in disordered systems. Glasses will therefore have to be separated into at least two classes where the physical interpretation of the boson peak is concerned.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 1.772
Times cited: 3
DOI: 10.1016/j.physleta.2009.01.003
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“Feasibility of packed-bed trickling filters for partial nitritation/anammox : effects of carrier material, bottom ventilation openings, hydraulic loading rate and free ammonia”. Xie Y, Jia M, De Wilde F, Daeninck K, De Clippeleir H, Verstraete W, Vlaeminck SE, Bioresource technology 373, 128713 (2023). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.BIORTECH.2023.128713
Abstract: This study pioneers the feasibility of cost-effective partial nitritation/anammox (PN/A) in packed-bed trickling filters (TFs). Three parallel TFs tested different carrier materials, the presence or absence of bottom ventilation openings, hydraulic loading rates (HLR, 0.4–2.2 m3 m−2 h−1), and free ammonia (FA) levels on synthetic medium. The inexpensive Argex expanded clay was recommended due to the similar nitrogen removal rates as commercially used plastics. Top-only ventilation at an optimum HLR of 1.8 m3 m−2 h−1 could remove approximately 60% of the total nitrogen load (i.e., 300 mg N L-1 d−1, 30 °C) and achieve relatively low NO3–-N accumulation (13%). Likely FA levels of around 1.3–3.2 mg N L-1 suppressed nitratation. Most of the total nitrogen removal took place in the upper third of the reactor, where anammox activity was highest. Provided further optimizations, the results demonstrated TFs are suitable for low-energy shortcut nitrogen removal.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Impact Factor: 11.4
DOI: 10.1016/J.BIORTECH.2023.128713
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“Optimisation of superconducting thin films by TEM”. Bals S, Van Tendeloo G, Rijnders G, Blank DHA, Leca V, Salluzzo M, Physica: C : superconductivity 372/376, 711 (2002). http://doi.org/10.1016/S0921-4534(02)00838-9
Abstract: High-resolution electron microscopy is used to study the initial growth of different REBa2CU3O7-5 thin films. In DyBa2CU3O7-5 ultra-thin films, deposited on TiO2 terminated SrTiO3, two different types of interface arrangements occur: bulk-SrO-TiO2-BaO-CuO-BaO-CuO2-Dy-CuO2-BaO-bulk and bulk-SrO-TiO2-BaO-CuO2-Dy-CuO2-BaO-CuO-BaO-bulk. This variable growth sequence is the origin of the presence of antiphase boundaries. In Nd1+xBa2-xCu3O7-5 thin films, antiphase boundaries tend to annihilate by the insertion of extra Nd-layers. This annihilation is correlated with the flat morphology of the film and the absence of growth spirals at the surface of the Nd-rich films. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 1.404
Times cited: 6
DOI: 10.1016/S0921-4534(02)00838-9
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“Random charge fluctuation effect on strongly correlated dust particles confined in two dimensions”. Rouaiguia L, Djebli M, Peeters F, Physics letters : A 372, 4487 (2008). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.physleta.2008.04.020
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 1.772
Times cited: 4
DOI: 10.1016/j.physleta.2008.04.020
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“Role of Nd/Ba substitution on the growth mode and on the structural properties of Nd-rich Re1(NdxBa2-x)Cu3O7-\delta (Re=Nd, Y) thin films”. Salluzzo M, Aruta C, Ausanio G, Bals S, d' Agostino A, Maglione MG, Physica: C : superconductivity 372-376, 675 (2002). http://doi.org/10.1016/S0921-4534(02)00828-6
Abstract: Thin films of the superconducting Nd1+xBa2−xCu3O7−δ (NBCO) and Y1(NdxBa2−x)Cu3O7−δ (YNBCO) compounds have been deposited by dc magnetron sputtering and diode high pressure oxygen sputtering. Different techniques, including scanning tunneling microscopy, atomic force microscopy, X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) have been used to study the film microstructures and the surface morphology. It is shown that the Nd/Ba exchange promotes a 2D heteroepitaxial growth in the case of the NBCO films deposited on (1 0 0) SrTiO3 substrates, with a suppression of the characteristic 3D spirals structures. On the contrary in YNBCO the Nd/Ba exchange does not provide a driving force for the suppression of screw-dislocations, since spirals or towers originated by screw and half loop dislocations are observed on the surface. TEM reveals that anti-phase boundaries are eliminated during the growth of NBCO films thanks to the Nd/Ba exchange while this mechanism is not operating in the case of YNBCO films.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 1.404
Times cited: 5
DOI: 10.1016/S0921-4534(02)00828-6
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“How process parameters and packing materials tune chemical equilibrium and kinetics in plasma-based CO2 conversion”. Uytdenhouwen Y, Bal Km, Michielsen I, Neyts Ec, Meynen V, Cool P, Bogaerts A, Chemical engineering journal 372, 1253 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2019.05.008
Abstract: Plasma (catalysis) reactors are increasingly being used for gas-based chemical conversions, providing an alternative method of energy delivery to the molecules. In this work we explore whether classical concepts such as
equilibrium constants, (overall) rate coefficients, and catalysis exist under plasma conditions. We specifically
investigate the existence of a so-called partial chemical equilibrium (PCE), and how process parameters and
packing properties influence this equilibrium, as well as the overall apparent rate coefficient, for CO2 splitting in
a DBD plasma reactor. The results show that a PCE can be reached, and that the position of the equilibrium, in
combination with the rate coefficient, greatly depends on the reactor parameters and operating conditions (i.e.,
power, pressure, and gap size). A higher power, higher pressure, or smaller gap size enhance both the equilibrium constant and the rate coefficient, although they cannot be independently tuned. Inserting a packing
material (non-porous SiO2 and ZrO2 spheres) in the reactor reveals interesting gap/material effects, where the
type of material dictates the position of the equilibrium and the rate (inhibition) independently. As a result, no
apparent synergistic effect or plasma-catalytic behaviour was observed for the non-porous packing materials
studied in this reaction. Within the investigated parameters, equilibrium conversions were obtained between 23
and 71%, while the rate coefficient varied between 0.027 s−1 and 0.17 s−1. This method of analysis can provide
a more fundamental insight in the overall reaction kinetics of (catalytic) plasma-based gas conversion, in order
to be able to distinguish plasma effects from true catalytic enhancement.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Laboratory of adsorption and catalysis (LADCA); Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 6.216
Times cited: 3
DOI: 10.1016/j.cej.2019.05.008
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“Development, performance and stability of sulfur-free, macrovoid-free BSCF capillaries for high temperature oxygen separation from air”. Buysse C, Kovalevsky A, Snijkers F, Buekenhoudt A, Mullens S, Luyten J, Kretzschmar J, Lenaerts S, Journal of membrane science 372, 239 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.MEMSCI.2011.02.011
Abstract: Capture and storage of CO2 (CCS) from fossil-fuel power plants is vital in order to counteract a pending anthropogenic global warming. High temperature oxygen transport perovskite membranes can fulfill an important role in the separation of oxygen from air needed in the oxy-fuel technologies for CCS. In this study we present the development, performance and stability of gastight, macrovoid-free and sulfur-free Ba0.5Sr0.5Co0.8Fe0.2O3 − δ (BSCF) mixed conductor capillary membranes prepared by phase-inversion spinning and sintering. A sulfur-free phase-inversion polymer was chosen in order to obtain a phase-pure BSCF crystal phase. Special attention was given to the polymer solution and ceramic spinning suspension in order to avoid macrovoids and achieve gastight membranes. The sulfur-free BSCF capillaries showed an average 4-point bending strength of 64 ± 8 MPa and a maximum oxygen flux of not, vert, similar5.3 Nml/(cm2 min) at 950 °C for an argon sweep flow rate of 125 Nml/min. The comparison of the performance of sulfur-free and sulfur-containing BSCF capillaries with similar dimensions revealed a profound impact of the sulfur contamination on both the oxygen flux and the activation energy of the overall oxygen transport mechanism. Both long-term oxygen permeation at different temperatures and post-operation analysis of a sulfur-free BSCF capillary were performed and discussed.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Impact Factor: 6.035
Times cited: 32
DOI: 10.1016/J.MEMSCI.2011.02.011
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“Estimating the urban soil information gap using exhaustive land cover data: The example of Flanders, Belgium”. Van De Vijver E, Delbecque N, Verdoodt A, Seuntjens P, Geoderma 372, 114371 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.GEODERMA.2020.114371
Abstract: Human activities related to urbanization and industrialization have established a vast territory of urban soil worldwide. On traditional soil maps, urban and industrial areas usually appear as blind spots as they were beyond the interest of national soil survey campaigns. Furthermore, these soil maps are likely already outdated with respect to urban soil due to rapid urban expansion in recent decades. This research aims to evaluate the use of land cover data to estimate the urban soil information gap considering the highly urbanized region of Flanders, Belgium, as a case study. The current extent and spatial distribution of anthropogenic urban soil (1) was estimated through reclassification of recently acquired (2012) exhaustive land cover data, discriminating three qualitative likelihood levels (high-intermediate-low) of anthropogenic influence by urbanization, and (2) compared with its occurrence as represented by the 'Technosols/Not Surveyed area' in the legacy soil map of Belgium, as this map unit best matches with the likelihood for anthropogenic urban soil at the time of the National Soil Survey conducted between end 1940s and mid 1970s. The proposed reclassification of the land cover map resulted in 16.3% and 16.7% of Flanders' total area that corresponds with a high and intermediate likelihood for anthropogenic urban soil, which highlights the underestimation of the anthropogenic urban soil extent as represented by the 'Technosol/Not Surveyed' unit in the legacy soil map (only 13.7%). Moreover, a more realistic spatial pattern of anthropogenic urban soil occurrence was obtained, providing an improved basis for urban soil spatial analysis studies. The produced anthropogenic urban soil likelihood map therefore presents a useful supporting tool for coordinating future soil surveys in urban environments.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Impact Factor: 6.1
Times cited: 2
DOI: 10.1016/J.GEODERMA.2020.114371
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“Design and development of a new program for data processing of mass spectra acquired by means of a high-resolution double-focusing glow-discharge mass spectrometer”. Robben J, Dufour D, Gijbels R, Fresenius' journal of analytical chemistry 370, 663 (2001). http://doi.org/10.1007/s002160100881
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Times cited: 2
DOI: 10.1007/s002160100881
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“Modeling of the sputtering process of cubic silver halide microcrystals and its relevance in depth profiling by secondary ion-mass spectrometry (SIMS)”. Lenaerts J, Verlinden G, Ignatova VA, van Vaeck L, Gijbels R, Geuens I, Fresenius' journal of analytical chemistry 370, 654 (2001). http://doi.org/10.1007/s002160100880
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Times cited: 3
DOI: 10.1007/s002160100880
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“Fractional and negative flux penetration in mesoscopic superconducting disks”. Peeters FM, Schweigert VA, Baelus BJ, Physica: C : superconductivity 369, 158 (2002). http://doi.org/10.1016/S0921-4534(01)01234-5
Abstract: The one vortex entry in a superconducting disk is investigated within the non-linear Ginzburg-Landau theory near the first critical field. We find that in mesoscopic superconducting disks the magnetic flux enters with fractions of one flux quantum phi(0) = ch/2e. For disks with a very smooth surface it is possible to drive the Meissner state so far into the metastable region that at the vortex entry a net amount of flux is expelled from the superconductor. We show that the magnetic field for flux entry is very sensitive to indentations of the disk surface and only weakly to bulges. On the other hand the flux exit field is practically insensitive to such geometrical surface defects. Our results are in agreement with recent experimental findings. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 1.404
Times cited: 11
DOI: 10.1016/S0921-4534(01)01234-5
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