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Author Witters, N.; Mendelsohn, R.; Van Passel, S.; Van Slycken, S.; Weyens, N.; Schreurs, E.; Meers, E.; Tack, F.; Vanheusden, B.; Vangronsveld, J. doi  openurl
  Title Phytoremediation, a sustainable remediation technology? 2 : economic assessment of CO2 abatement through the use of phytoremediation crops for renewable energy production Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2012 Publication Biomass & Bioenergy Abbreviated Journal Biomass Bioenerg  
  Volume (down) 39 Issue Pages 470-477  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering Management (ENM)  
  Abstract Phytoremediation could be a sustainable remediation alternative for conventional remediation technologies. However, its implementation on a commercial scale remains disappointing. To emphasize its sustainability, this paper examines whether and how the potential economic benefit of CO2 abatement for different crops used for phytoremediation or sustainable land management purposes could promote phytotechnologies. Our analysis is based on a case study in the Campine region, where agricultural soils are contaminated with mainly cadmium. We use Life Cycle Analysis to show for the most relevant crops (willow (Salix spp), energy maize (Zea mays), and rapeseed (Brassica napus)), that phytoremediation, used for renewable energy production, could abate CO2. Converting this in economic numbers through the Marginal Abatement Cost of CO2 ( 20 ton−1) we can integrate this in the economic analysis to compare phytoremediation crops among each other, and phytoremediation with conventional technologies. The external benefit of CO2 abatement when using phytoremediation crops for land management ranges between 55 and 501 per hectare. The purpose of these calculations is not to calculate a subsidy for phytoremediation. There is no reason why one would prefer phytoremediation crops for renewable energy production over normal biomass. Moreover, subsidies for renewable energy already exist. Therefore, we should not integrate these numbers in the economic analysis again. However, these numbers could contribute to making explicit the competitive advantage of phytoremediation compared to conventional remediation technologies, but also add to a more sustainably funded decision on which crop should be grown on contaminated land.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000302829900054 Publication Date 2011-12-20  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0961-9534 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 3.219 Times cited 38 Open Access  
  Notes ; ; Approved Most recent IF: 3.219; 2012 IF: 2.975  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:129863 Serial 6236  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author De Schepper, E.; Van Passel, S.; Lizin, S. doi  openurl
  Title Economic benefits of combining clean energy technologies : the case of solar photovoltaics and battery electric vehicles Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2015 Publication International Journal Of Energy Research Abbreviated Journal Int J Energ Res  
  Volume (down) 39 Issue 8 Pages 1109-1119  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM)  
  Abstract The combined use of clean technologies can lead amongst other benefits to reduced environmental impacts, improved system efficiencies, better management of land scarcity, and diminishment of the effect of power variability of intermittent clean energy sources. Nonetheless, private investors facing budgetary constraints will only opt to invest in the combination of technologies if the latter is more profitable than the investment in a single technology. The aim of the paper is to provide a systematic model for decision makers that allows them to evaluate the profitability of any random combination of technologies under budgetary constraints, and to compare this profitability with that of the individual projects in isolation. This research goes beyond the state of art in the field of financial management and more specifically in the field of the rationing of capital amongst interdependent projects, by developing a method to calculate the payoff of interdependent projects undertaken together. Moreover, this paper develops a computational model from the investor's point of view, of which the purpose is threefold: First, the model allows to directly compare the economic payoff of individual complementary technologies with the economic payoff of their integrated combination, under budgetary constraints. Second, the model calculates economic synergies labeled benefits of combined technologies' (BOCT) when combining complementary technologies. Third, the model explains the rationalization behind the presence of BOCT. The model exemplifies an ex ante cost benefit analysis developed for business and non-governmental use. A four step methodology is proposed and illustrated by means of a case study of PV solar power and battery electric vehicles (BEVs) for a small Belgian enterprise. Results show that at low electricity prices (<Euro0.112/kWh) it is most profitable to invest in BEVs. When the price of electricity rises (>Euro0.134/kWh), investment in exclusively PV becomes most attractive. In all other cases, it is more profitable to invest in the combination of both technologies. Copyright (c) 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000355732200006 Publication Date 2015-03-21  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0363-907x ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 2.598 Times cited 14 Open Access  
  Notes ; Sebastien Lizin would like to thank the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO), grant number 12G5415N, for their funding without which it would have been impossible to review this work. ; Approved Most recent IF: 2.598; 2015 IF: 2.418  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:127535 Serial 6188  
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Author Snoeckx, R.; Setareh, M.; Aerts, R.; Simon, P.; Maghari, A.; Bogaerts, A. pdf  doi
openurl 
  Title Influence of N2 concentration in a CH4/N2 dielectric barrier discharge used for CH4 conversion into H2 Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2013 Publication International journal of hydrogen energy Abbreviated Journal Int J Hydrogen Energ  
  Volume (down) 38 Issue 36 Pages 16098-16120  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)  
  Abstract We present a combined study of experimental and computational work for a dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) used for CH4 conversion into H2. More specifically, we investigated the influence of N2 as an impurity (150,000 ppm) and as additive gas (199%) on the CH4 conversion and H2 yield. For this purpose, a zero-dimensional chemical kinetics model is applied to study the plasma chemistry. The calculated conversions and yields for various gas mixing ratios are compared to the obtained experimental values, and good agreement is achieved. The study reveals the significance of the View the MathML source and View the MathML source metastable states for the CH4 conversion into H2, based on a kinetic analysis of the reaction chemistry.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Oxford Editor  
  Language Wos 000327904500027 Publication Date 2013-10-23  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0360-3199; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 3.582 Times cited 40 Open Access  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 3.582; 2013 IF: 2.930  
  Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:111372 Serial 1642  
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Author Simon, Q.; Barreca, D.; Bekermann, D.; Gasparotto, A.; Maccato, C.; Comini, E.; Gombac, V.; Fornasiero, P.; Lebedev, O.I.; Turner, S.; Devi, A.; Fischer, R.A.; Van Tendeloo, G. pdf  doi
openurl 
  Title Plasma-assisted synthesis of Ag/ZnO nanocomposites : first example of photo-induced H2 production and sensing Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2011 Publication International journal of hydrogen energy Abbreviated Journal Int J Hydrogen Energ  
  Volume (down) 36 Issue 24 Pages 15527-15537  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Ag/ZnO nanocomposites were developed by a plasma-assisted approach. The adopted strategy exploits the advantages of Plasma Enhanced-Chemical Vapor Deposition (PE-CVD) for the growth of columnar ZnO arrays on Si(100) and Al2O3 substrates, in synergy with the infiltration power of the Radio Frequency (RF)-sputtering technique for the subsequent dispersion of different amounts of Ag nanoparticles (NPs). The resulting composites, both as-prepared and after annealing in air, were thoroughly characterized with particular attention on their morphological organization, structure and composition. For the first time, the above systems have been used as catalysts in the production of hydrogen by photo-reforming of alcoholic solutions, yielding a stable H2 evolution even by the sole use of simulated solar radiation. In addition, Ag/ZnO nanocomposites presented an excellent response in the gas-phase detection of H2, opening attractive perspectives for advanced technological applications.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Oxford Editor  
  Language Wos 000297089700006 Publication Date 2011-10-14  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0360-3199; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 3.582 Times cited 62 Open Access  
  Notes Esteem 026019; Fwo Approved Most recent IF: 3.582; 2011 IF: 4.054  
  Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:91901 Serial 2627  
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Author Compernolle, T.; Witters, N.; Van Passel, S.; Thewys, T. doi  openurl
  Title Analyzing a self-managed CHP system for greenhouse cultivation as a profitable way to reduce CO2-emissions Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2011 Publication Energy Abbreviated Journal Energy  
  Volume (down) 36 Issue 4 Pages 1940-1947  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology  
  Abstract To counter global warming, a transition to a low-carbon economy is needed. The greenhouse sector can contribute by installing Combined Heat and Power (CHP) systems, known for their excellent energy efficiency. Due to the recent European liberalization of the energy market, glass horticulturists have the opportunity to sell excess electricity to the market and by tailored policy and support measures, regional governments can fill the lack of technical and economic knowledge, causing initial resistance. This research investigates the economic and environmental opportunities using two detailed cases applying a self managed cogeneration system. The Net Present Value is calculated to investigate the economic feasibility. The Primary Energy Saving, the CO2 Emission Reduction indicator and an Emission Balance are applied to quantify the environmental impact. The results demonstrate that a self-managed CHP system is economic viable and that CO2 emissions are reduced. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000289605900014 Publication Date 2010-04-03  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0360-5442 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 4.52 Times cited 19 Open Access  
  Notes ; ; Approved Most recent IF: 4.52; 2011 IF: 3.487  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:127561 Serial 6152  
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Author Li, C.-F.; Zhao, K.; Liao, X.; Hu, Z.-Y.; Zhang, L.; Zhao, Y.; Mu, S.; Li, Y.; Li, Y.; Van Tendeloo, G.; Sun, C. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Interface cation migration kinetics induced oxygen release heterogeneity in layered lithium cathodes Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2021 Publication Energy Storage Materials Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume (down) 36 Issue Pages 115-122  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract The irreversible release of the lattice oxygen in layered cathodes is one of the major degradation mechanisms of lithium ion batteries, which accounts for a number of battery failures including the voltage/capacity fade, loss of cation ions and detachment of the primary particles, etc. Oxygen release is generally attributed to the stepwise thermodynamic controlled phase transitions from the layered to spinel and rock salt phases. Here, we report a strong kinetic effect from the mobility of cation ions, whose migration barrier can be significantly modulated by the phase epitaxy at the degrading interface. It ends up with a clear oxygen release heterogeneity and completely different reaction pathways between the thin and thick areas, as well as the interparticle valence boundaries, both of which widely exist in the mainstream cathode design with the secondary agglomerates. This work unveils the origin of the heterogenous oxygen release in the layered cathodes. It also sheds light on the rational design of cathode materials with enhanced oxygen stability by suppressing the cation migration.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000620584300009 Publication Date 2020-12-24  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor Times cited Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: NA  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:176654 Serial 6730  
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Author Jorli, M.; Van Passel, S.; Saghdel, H.S. pdf  doi
openurl 
  Title External costs from fossil electricity generation : a review of the applied impact pathway approach Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2018 Publication Energy & Environment Abbreviated Journal Energ Environ-Uk  
  Volume (down) 29 Issue 5 Pages 635-648  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering Management (ENM)  
  Abstract This paper reviews and compares 11 studies that have estimated external costs of fossil electricity generation by benefits transfer. These studies include 13 countries and most of these countries are developing countries. The impact pathway approach is applied to estimate the environmental impact arising from fossil fuel-fired power plant's air emission and the related damages on human health. The estimated damages are used to value the monetary external costs from fossil fuel electricity generation. The estimated external costs in the 13 countries vary from 0.51 to 213.5 USD (2005) per MWh due to differences in fossil fuel quality, location, technology, and efficiency of power plants and additionally differences in assumptions, monetization values, and impact estimations. Accounting for these externalities can indicate the actual costs of fossil energy. The results can be applied by policy makers to take measures to avoid additional costs and to apply newer and cleaner energy sources. The described methods in the selected studies for estimating the external costs with respect to incomplete local data can be applied as a useful example for other developing countries.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000440685300001 Publication Date 2018-03-02  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0958-305x ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 0.302 Times cited 3 Open Access  
  Notes ; ; Approved Most recent IF: 0.302  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:153136 Serial 6201  
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Author Paolella, A.; Bertoni, G.; Hovington, P.; Feng, Z.; Flacau, R.; Prato, M.; Colombo, M.; Marras, S.; Manna, L.; Turner, S.; Van Tendeloo, G.; Guerfi, A.; Demopoulos, G.P.; Zaghib, K.; pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Cation exchange mediated elimination of the Fe-antisites in the hydrothermal synthesis of LiFePO4 Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2015 Publication Nano energy Abbreviated Journal Nano Energy  
  Volume (down) 16 Issue 16 Pages 256-267  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract In this work we elucidate the elimination of mechanism Fe-antisite defects in lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) during the hydrothermal synthesis. Compelling evidence of this effect is provided by combining Neutron Powder Diffraction (NPD), High Resolution (Scanning) Transmission Electron Microscopy (HR-(S)TEM), Electron Energy Loss Spectroscopy (EELS), X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) and calculations. We found: i) the first intermediate vivianite inevitably creates Fe-antisite defects in LiFePO4; ii) the removal of these antisite defects by cation exchange is assisted by a nanometer-thick amorphous layer, rich in Li, that enwraps the LiFePO4 crystals.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000364579300027 Publication Date 2015-06-19  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2211-2855; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 12.343 Times cited 27 Open Access  
  Notes The authorswanttoacknowledgeVincentGariepy,Cathe- rine Gagnon,JulieTrottier,DanielClement,Dr.CyrilFaure of IREQ,Dr.GaiaTomaselloofInstitutfürTheoretische PhysikFreieUniversitätBerlinandProf.MichelArmandof CICenergigune forhelpfuldiscussionsandtechnical supports. Approved Most recent IF: 12.343; 2015 IF: 10.325  
  Call Number c:irua:127688 Serial 296  
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Author Mortazavi, B.; Bafekry, A.; Shahrokhi, M.; Rabczuk, T.; Zhuang, X. pdf  doi
openurl 
  Title ZnN and ZnP as novel graphene-like materials with high Li-ion storage capacities Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2020 Publication Materials today energy Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume (down) 16 Issue Pages Unsp 100392-8  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)  
  Abstract In this work, we employed first-principles density functional theory (DFT) calculations to investigate the dynamical and thermal stability of graphene-like ZnX (X = N, P, As) nanosheets. We moreover analyzed the electronic, mechanical and optical properties of these novel two-dimensional (2D) systems. Acquired phonon dispersion relations reveal the absence of imaginary frequencies and thus confirming the dynamical stability of predicted monolayers. According to ab-initio molecular dynamics results however only ZnN and ZnP exhibit the required thermally stability. The elastic modulus of ZnN, ZnP and ZnAs are estimated to be 31, 21 and 17 N/m, respectively, and the corresponding tensile strengths values are 6.0, 4.9 and 4.0 N/m, respectively. Electronic band structure analysis confirms the metallic electronic character for the predicted monolayers. Results for the optical characteristics also indicate a reflectivity of 100% at extremely low energy levels, which is desirable for photonic and optoelectronic applications. According to our results, graphene-like ZnN and ZnP nanosheets can yield high capacities of 675 and 556 mAh/g for Li-ion storage, respectively. Acquired results confirm the stability and acceptable strength of ZnN and ZnP nanosheets and highlight their attractive application prospects in optical and energy storage systems.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000539083500049 Publication Date 2020-02-21  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2468-6069 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 9.3 Times cited 13 Open Access  
  Notes ; B. M. and X. Z. appreciate the funding by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG, German Research Foundation) under Germany's Excellence Strategy within the Cluster of Excellence PhoenixD (EXC 2122, Project ID 390833453). ; Approved Most recent IF: 9.3; 2020 IF: NA  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:169752 Serial 6655  
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Author Rouwenhorst, K.H.R.; Jardali, F.; Bogaerts, A.; Lefferts, L. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Correction: From the Birkeland–Eyde process towards energy-efficient plasma-based NOXsynthesis: a techno-economic analysis Type A1 Journal Article
  Year 2023 Publication Energy & Environmental Science Abbreviated Journal Energy Environ. Sci.  
  Volume (down) 16 Issue 12 Pages 6170-6173  
  Keywords A1 Journal Article; Plasma, laser ablation and surface modeling Antwerp (PLASMANT) ;  
  Abstract Correction for ‘From the Birkeland–Eyde process towards energy-efficient plasma-based NO<sub><italic>X</italic></sub>synthesis: a techno-economic analysis’ by Kevin H. R. Rouwenhorst<italic>et al.</italic>,<italic>Energy Environ. Sci.</italic>, 2021,<bold>14</bold>, 2520–2534, https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EE03763J.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos Publication Date 2023-11-27  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1754-5692 ISBN Additional Links  
  Impact Factor 32.5 Times cited Open Access  
  Notes H2020 European Research Council; Horizon 2020, 810182 ; Ministerie van Economische Zaken en Klimaat; Approved Most recent IF: 32.5; 2023 IF: 29.518  
  Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @ Serial 8980  
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Author Buytaert, V.; Muys, B.; Devriendt, N.; Pelkmans, L.; Kretzschmar, J.G.; Samson, R. pdf  doi
openurl 
  Title Towards integrated sustainability assessment for energetic use of biomass : a state of the art evaluation of assessment tools Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2011 Publication Renewable and sustainable energy reviews Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume (down) 15 Issue 8 Pages 3918-3933  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)  
  Abstract Biomass is expected to play an increasingly significant role in the greening of energy supply. Nevertheless, concerns are rising about the sustainability of large-scale energy crop production. Impacts must be assessed carefully before deciding whether and how this industry should be developed, and what technologies, policies and investment strategies should be pursued. There is need for a comprehensive and reliable sustainability assessment tool to evaluate the environmental, social and economic performance of biomass energy production. This paper paves the way for such a tool by analysing and comparing the performance and applicability of a selection of existing tools that are potentially useful for sustainability assessment of bioenergy systems. The selected tools are: Criteria And Indicators (C&I), Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), Cost Benefit Analysis (CBA), Exergy Analysis (EA) and System Perturbation Analysis (SPA). To evaluate the tools, a framework was constructed that consists of four evaluation levels: sustainability issues, tool attributes, model structure, area of application. The tools were then evaluated using literature data and with the help of a Delphi panel of experts. Finally, a statistical analysis was performed on the resulting data matrix to detect significant differences between tools. It becomes clear that none of the selected tools is able to perform a comprehensive sustainability assessment of bioenergy systems. Every tool has its particular advantages and disadvantages, which means that trade-offs are inevitable and a balance must be found between scientific accuracy and pragmatic decision making. A good definition of the assessment objective is therefore crucial. It seems an interesting option to create a toolbox that combines procedural parts of C&I and EIA, supplemented with calculation algorithms of LCA and CBA for respectively environmental and economic sustainability indicators. Nevertheless, this would require a more comprehensive interdisciplinary approach to align the different tool characteristics and focuses.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000298764100043 Publication Date 2011-08-06  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1364-0321; 1879-0690 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:96444 Serial 8682  
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Author Rouwenhorst, K.H.R.; Jardali, F.; Bogaerts, A.; Lefferts, L. url  doi
openurl 
  Title From the Birkeland–Eyde process towards energy-efficient plasma-based NOXsynthesis: a techno-economic analysis Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2021 Publication Energy & Environmental Science Abbreviated Journal Energ Environ Sci  
  Volume (down) 14 Issue 5 Pages 2520-2534  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)  
  Abstract Plasma-based NO<sub>X</sub>synthesis<italic>via</italic>the Birkeland–Eyde process was one of the first industrial nitrogen fixation methods. However, this technology never played a dominant role for nitrogen fixation, due to the invention of the Haber–Bosch process. Recently, nitrogen fixation by plasma technology has gained significant interest again, due to the emergence of low cost, renewable electricity. We first present a short historical background of plasma-based NO<sub>X</sub>synthesis. Thereafter, we discuss the reported performance for plasma-based NO<sub>X</sub>synthesis in various types of plasma reactors, along with the current understanding regarding the reaction mechanisms in the plasma phase, as well as on a catalytic surface. Finally, we benchmark the plasma-based NO<sub>X</sub>synthesis process with the electrolysis-based Haber–Bosch process combined with the Ostwald process, in terms of the investment cost and energy consumption. This analysis shows that the energy consumption for NO<sub>X</sub>synthesis with plasma technology is almost competitive with the commercial process with its current best value of 2.4 MJ mol N<sup>−1</sup>, which is required to decrease further to about 0.7 MJ mol N<sup>−1</sup>in order to become fully competitive. This may be accomplished through further plasma reactor optimization and effective plasma–catalyst coupling.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000639255800001 Publication Date 2021-03-31  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1754-5692 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 29.518 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes H2020 European Research Council; Horizon 2020, 810182 ; Ministerie van Economische Zaken en Klimaat; This research was supported by the TKI-Energie from Toeslag voor Topconsortia voor Kennis en Innovatie (TKI) from the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy, the Excellence of Science FWO-FNRS project (FWO grant ID GoF9618n, EOS ID 30505023), and the European Research Council (ERC) under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme (grant agreement No 810182 – SCOPE ERC Synergy project). Approved Most recent IF: 29.518  
  Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @c:irua:178173 Serial 6763  
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Author Watson, G.; Kummamuru, N.B.; Verbruggen, S.W.; Perreault, P.; Houlleberghs, M.; Martens, J.; Breynaert, E.; Van Der Voort, P. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Engineering of hollow periodic mesoporous organosilica nanorods for augmented hydrogen clathrate formation Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2023 Publication Journal of materials chemistry A : materials for energy and sustainability Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume (down) 11 Issue 47 Pages 26265-26276  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology  
  Abstract Hydrogen (H2) storage, in the form of clathrate hydrates, has emerged as an attractive alternative to classical storage methods like compression or liquefaction. Nevertheless, the sluggish enclathration kinetics along with low gas storage capacities in bulk systems is currently impeding the progress of this technology. To this end, unstirred systems coupled with porous materials have been shown to tackle the aforementioned drawbacks. In line with this approach, the present study explores the use of hydrophobic periodic organosilica nanoparticles, later denoted as hollow ring-PMO (HRPMO), for H2 storage as clathrate hydrates under mild operating conditions (5.56 mol% THF, 7 MPa, and 265–273 K). The surface of the HRPMO nanoparticles was carefully decorated/functionalized with THF-like moieties, which are well-known promoter agents in clathrate formation when applied in classical, homogeneous systems. The study showed that, while the non-functionalized HRPMO can facilitate the formation of binary H2-THF clathrates, the incorporation of surface-bound promotor structures enhances this process. More intriguingly, tuning the concentration of these surface-bound promotor agents on the HRPMO led to a notable effect on solid-state H2 storage capacities. An increase of 3% in H2 storage capacity, equivalent to 0.26 wt%, along with a substantial increase of up to 28% in clathrate growth kinetics, was observed when an optimal loading of 0.14 mmol g−1 of promoter agent was integrated into the HRPMO framework. Overall, the findings from this study highlight that such tuning effects in the solid-state have the potential to significantly boost hydrate formation/growth kinetics and H2 storage capacities, thereby opening new avenues for the ongoing development of H2 clathrates in industrial applications.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 001108752600001 Publication Date 2023-11-24  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2050-7488; 2050-7496 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 11.9 Times cited Open Access  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 11.9; 2023 IF: 8.867  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:201007 Serial 9031  
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Author Kertik, A.; Wee, L.H.; Pfannmöller, M.; Bals, S.; Martens, J.A.; Vankelecom, I.F.J. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Highly selective gas separation membrane using in situ amorphised metal-organic frameworks Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2017 Publication Energy & environmental science Abbreviated Journal Energ Environ Sci  
  Volume (down) 10 Issue 10 Pages 2342-2351  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Conventional carbon dioxide (CO2) separation in the petrochemical industry via cryogenic distillation is energy intensive and environmentally unfriendly. Alternatively, polymer membrane-based separations are of significant interest owing to low production cost, low-energy consumption and ease of upscaling. However, the implementation of commercial polymeric membranes is limited by their permeability and selectivity trade-off and the insufficient thermal and chemical stability. Herein, a novel type of amorphous mixed matrix membrane (MMM) able to separate CO2/CH4 mixtures with the highest selectivities ever reported for MOF based MMMs is presented. The MMM consists of an amorphised metal-organic framework (MOF) dispersed in an oxidatively cross-linked matrix achieved by fine tuning of the thermal treatment temperature in air up to 350 degrees C which drastically boosts the separation properties of the MMM. Thanks to the protection of the surrounding polymer, full oxidation of this MOF (i.e. ZIF-8) is prevented, and amorphisation of the MOF is realized instead, thus in situ creating a molecular sieve network. In addition, the treatment also improves the filler-polymer adhesion and induces an oxidative cross-linking of the polyimide matrix, resulting in MMMs with increased stability or plasticization resistance at high pressure up to 40 bar, marking a new milestone as new molecular sieve MOF MMMs for challenging natural gas purification applications. A new field for the use of amorphised MOFs and a variety of separation opportunities for such MMMs are thus opened.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000414774500007 Publication Date 2017-08-09  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1754-5692; 1754-5706 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 29.518 Times cited 122 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes ; A.K. acknowledges financial support from the Erasmus-Mundus Doctorate in Membrane Engineering (EUDIME) Programme. L.H.W. thanks the FWO-Vlaanderen for a postdoctoral research fellowship (12M1415N). M. P. acknowledges financial support by the FP7 European project SUNFLOWER (FP7 #287594). S. B. acknowledges financial support from European Research Council (ERC Starting Grant # 335078-COLOURATOMS). J. A. M. gratefully acknowledges financial supports from the Flemish Government for long-term Methusalem funding. J. A. M. and I. F. J. V. acknowledge the Belgian Government for IAP-PAI networking. A. K. would also like to thank Frank Mathijs for the mechanical tests, Roy Bernstein for the XPS analysis and Lien Telen and Bart Goderis for the DSC measurements. We thank Verder Scientific Benelux for providing the service of ZIF-8 ball milling. ; ecas_sara Approved Most recent IF: 29.518  
  Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:147399UA @ admin @ c:irua:147399 Serial 4879  
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Author Snoeckx, R.; Heijkers, S.; Van Wesenbeeck, K.; Lenaerts, S.; Bogaerts, A. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title CO2conversion in a dielectric barrier discharge plasma: N2in the mix as a helping hand or problematic impurity? Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2016 Publication Energy & environmental science Abbreviated Journal Energ Environ Sci  
  Volume (down) 9 Issue 9 Pages 999-1011  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT); Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)  
  Abstract Carbon dioxide conversion and utilization has gained significant interest over the years. A novel gas conversion technique with great potential in this area is plasma technology. A lot of research has already been performed, but mostly on pure gases. In reality, N2 will always be an important impurity in effluent

gases. Therefore, we performed an extensive combined experimental and computational study on the effect of N2 in the range of 1–98% on CO2 splitting in dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma. The presence of up to 50% N2 in the mixture barely influences the effective (or overall) CO2 conversion and energy efficiency, because the N2 metastable molecules enhance the absolute CO2 conversion, and this compensates for the lower CO2 fraction in the mixture. Higher N2 fractions, however, cause a drop in the CO2 conversion and energy efficiency. Moreover, in the entire CO2/N2 mixing ratio, several harmful compounds, i.e., N2O and NOx compounds, are produced in the range of several 100 ppm. The reaction pathways for the formation of these compounds are explained based on a kinetic analysis, which allows proposing solutions on how to prevent the formation of these harmful compounds.
 
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000372243600030 Publication Date 2015-12-15  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1754-5692 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 29.518 Times cited 68 Open Access  
  Notes The authors acknowledge financial support from the IAP/7 (Inter-university Attraction Pole) program ‘PSI-Physical Chemistry of Plasma-Surface Interactions’, financially supported by the Belgian Federal Office for Science Policy (BELSPO), as well as the Fund for Scientific Research Flanders (FWO). This work was carried out in part 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 University of Antwerp. Approved Most recent IF: 29.518  
  Call Number c:irua:133169 Serial 4020  
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Author Saviuc, I.; Milis, K.; Peremans, H.; Van Passel, S. doi  openurl
  Title A cross-European analysis of the impact of electricity pricing on battery uptake in residential microgrids with photovoltaic units Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2021 Publication Journal of Sustainable Development of Energy, Water and Environment Systems Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume (down) 9 Issue 3 Pages 1080368  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering Management (ENM)  
  Abstract As decentralized electricity generation is supporting grid development into the prosumer era, this paper investigates the economic viability of adding batteries to residential microgrids powered by photovoltaic units, under various electricity pricing schemes. Batteries bring the benefits of grid-stabilization and congestion relief, and they are also becoming cheaper. The problem identified is that the main grid effectively acts as a lossless storage system, especially under the net-metering scheme, whereas using a battery involves investment costs and energy losses. This mismatch is addressed by analysing residential microgrid projects under seven tariff designs, each in seven countries of the European Union, and compare the economic viability of photovoltaic systems with and without batteries. The findings show that the conditions most favourable to batteries are given by a capacity tariff scheme allowing price arbitrage. Based on these findings, the paper discusses possibilities for further support in order to bring the economic viability of microgrids with batteries on par with that of microgrids without batteries.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000669453200005 Publication Date 2020-10-14  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1848-9257 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor Times cited Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: NA  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:179767 Serial 6910  
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Author Ying, J.; Yang, X.-Y.; Hu, Z.-Y.; Mu, S.-C.; Janiak, C.; Geng, W.; Pan, M.; Ke, X.; Van Tendeloo, G.; Su, B.-L. pdf  doi
openurl 
  Title One particle@one cell : highly monodispersed PtPd bimetallic nanoparticles for enhanced oxygen reduction reaction Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2014 Publication Nano energy Abbreviated Journal Nano Energy  
  Volume (down) 8 Issue Pages 214-222  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Highly monodispersed platinum-based nanoalloys are the best-known catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction. Although certainly promising, the durability and stability are among the main requirements for commercializing fuel cell electrocatalysts in practical applications. Herein, we synthesize highly stable, durable and catalytic active monodispersed PtPd nano-particles encapsulated in a unique one particle@one cell structure by adjusting the viscosity of solvents using mesocellular foam. PtPd nanoparticles in mesocellular carbon foam exhibit an excellent electrocatalytic activity (over 4 times mass and specific activities than the commercial Pt/C catalyst). Most importantly, this nanocatalyst shows no obvious change of structure and only a 29.5% loss in electrochemically active surface area after 5000 potential sweeps between 0.6 and 1.1 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode cycles. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000340981700026 Publication Date 2014-06-23  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2211-2855; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 12.343 Times cited 40 Open Access  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 12.343; 2014 IF: 10.325  
  Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:119255 Serial 2465  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Lutz, L.; Corte, D.A.D.; Chen, Y.; Batuk, D.; Johnson, L.R.; Abakumov, A.; Yate, L.; Azaceta, E.; Bruce, P.G.; Tarascon, J.-M.; Grimaud, A. pdf  doi
openurl 
  Title The role of the electrode surface in Na-Air batteries : insights in electrochemical product formation and chemical growth of NaO2 Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2018 Publication Advanced energy materials Abbreviated Journal Adv Energy Mater  
  Volume (down) 8 Issue 4 Pages 1701581  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract The Na-air battery, because of its high energy density and low charging overpotential, is a promising candidate for low-cost energy storage, hence leading to intensive research. However, to achieve such a battery, the role of the positive electrode material in the discharge process must be understood. This issue is herein addressed by exploring the electrochemical reduction of oxygen, as well as the chemical formation and precipitation of NaO2 using different electrodes. Whereas a minor influence of the electrode surface is demonstrated on the electrochemical formation of NaO2, a strong dependence of the subsequent chemical precipitation of NaO2 is identified. In the origin, this effect stems from the surface energy and O-2/O-2(-) affinity of the electrode. The strong interaction of Au with O-2/O-2(-) increases the nucleation rate and leads to an altered growth process when compared to C surfaces. Consequently, thin (3 mu m) flakes of NaO2 are found on Au, whereas on C large cubes (10 mu m) of NaO2 are formed. This has significant impact on the cell performance and leads to four times higher capacity when C electrodes with low surface energy and O-2/O-2(-) affinity are used. It is hoped that these findings will enable the design of new positive electrode materials with optimized surfaces.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. Place of Publication Weinheim Editor  
  Language Wos 000424152200009 Publication Date 2017-09-25  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1614-6832; 1614-6840 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 16.721 Times cited 13 Open Access Not_Open_Access  
  Notes ; L.L. thanks ALISTORE-ERI for his PhD grant. P.G.B. is indebted to the EPSRC for financial support, including the Supergen Energy Storage grant. ; Approved Most recent IF: 16.721  
  Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:149269 Serial 4951  
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Author Dimitrievska, M.; Shea, P.; Kweon, K.E.; Bercx, M.; Varley, J.B.; Tang, W.S.; Skripov, A.V.; Stavila, V.; Udovic, T.J.; Wood, B.C. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Carbon Incorporation and Anion Dynamics as Synergistic Drivers for Ultrafast Diffusion in Superionic LiCB11H12 and NaCB11H12 Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2018 Publication Advanced energy materials Abbreviated Journal Adv Energy Mater  
  Volume (down) 8 Issue 15 Pages 1703422  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract The disordered phases of LiCB11H12 and NaCB11H12 possess superb superionic conductivities that make them suitable as solid electrolytes. In these materials, cation diffusion correlates with high orientational mobilities of the CB11H12- anions; however, the precise relationship has yet to be demonstrated. In this work, ab initio molecular dynamics and quasielastic neutron scattering are combined to probe anion reorientations and their mechanistic connection to cation mobility over a range of timescales and temperatures. It is found that anions do not rotate freely, but rather transition rapidly between orientations defined by the cation sublattice symmetry. The symmetry-breaking carbon atom in CB11H12- also plays a critical role by perturbing the energy landscape along the instantaneous orientation of the anion dipole, which couples fluctuations in the cation probability density directly to the anion motion. Anion reorientation rates exceed 3 x 10(10) s(-1), suggesting the underlying energy landscape fluctuates dynamically on diffusion-relevant timescales. Furthermore, carbon is found to modify the orientational preferences of the anions and aid rotational mobility, creating additional symmetry incompatibilities that inhibit ordering. The results suggest that synergy between the anion reorientational dynamics and the carbon-modified cation-anion interaction accounts for the higher ionic conductivity in CB11H12- salts compared with B12H122-.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. Place of Publication Weinheim Editor  
  Language Wos 000434031400026 Publication Date 2018-02-21  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1614-6832; 1614-6840 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 16.721 Times cited 20 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes ; This work was performed in part under the auspices of the U.S. Department of Energy at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) under Contract No. DE-AC52-07NA27344 and funded by Laboratory Directed Research and Development Grant 15-ERD-022. Computing support came from the LLNL Institutional Computing Grand Challenge program. This work was also performed in part within the assignment of the Russian Federal Agency of Scientific Organizations (program “Spin” No. 01201463330). The authors gratefully acknowledge support from the Russian Foundation for Basic Research under Grant No. 15-03-01114 and the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences under Grant No. 15-9-2-9. A.V.S. gratefully acknowledges travel support from CRDF Global in conjunction with this work under Grant No. FSCX-15-61826-0. M.D. gratefully acknowledges research support from the Hydrogen Materials-Advanced Research Consortium (HyMARC), established as part of the Energy Materials Network under the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Fuel Cell Technologies Office, under Contract No. DE-AC36-08GO28308. Sandia National Laboratories is a multiprogram laboratory managed and operated by Sandia Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Lockheed Martin Corporation, for the U.S. Department of Energy National Nuclear Security Administration under Contract No. DE-AC04-94AL85000. This work utilized facilities supported in part by the National Science Foundation under Agreement No. DMR-1508249. The views, opinions, findings, and conclusions stated herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of CRDF Global, or the United States Government or any agency thereof. Neither the United States Government nor any agency thereof, nor any of their employees, makes any warranty, expressed or implied, or assumes any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information, apparatus, product, or process disclosed, or represents that its use would not infringe privately owned rights. ; Approved Most recent IF: 16.721  
  Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:152045 Serial 5015  
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Author Bogaerts, A.; Centi, G. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Plasma Technology for CO2 Conversion: A Personal Perspective on Prospects and Gaps Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2020 Publication Frontiers in energy research Abbreviated Journal Front. Energy Res.  
  Volume (down) 8 Issue Pages  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)  
  Abstract There is increasing interest in plasma technology for CO2 conversion because it can operate at mild conditions and it can store fluctuating renewable electricity into

value-added compounds and renewable fuels. This perspective paper aims to provide a view on the future for non-specialists who want to understand the role of plasma

technology in the new scenario for sustainable and low-carbon energy and chemistry. Thus, it is prepared to give a personal view on future opportunities and challenges. First, we introduce the current state-of-the-art and the potential of plasma-based CO2 conversion. Subsequently, we discuss the challenges to overcome the current limitations and to apply plasma technology on a large scale. The final section discusses the general context and the potential benefits of plasma-based CO2 conversion for our life and the impact on climate change. It also includes a brief analysis on the future scenario for energy and chemical production, and how plasma technology may realize new paths for CO2 utilization.
 
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000553392300001 Publication Date 2020-07-07  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2296-598X ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 3.4 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes We acknowledge financial support from the European Research Council (ERC) under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program (grant agreement no. 810182 – SCOPE ERC Synergy project). We thank A. Berthelot, M. Ramakers, R. Snoeckx, G. Trenchev, and V. Vermeiren for providing the figures used in this article. Approved Most recent IF: 3.4; 2020 IF: NA  
  Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @c:irua:170136 Serial 6390  
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Author Aierken, Y.; Sevik, C.; Gulseren, O.; Peeters, F.M.; Çakir, D. pdf  doi
openurl 
  Title MXenes/graphene heterostructures for Li battery applications : a first principles study Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2018 Publication Journal of materials chemistry A : materials for energy and sustainability Abbreviated Journal J Mater Chem A  
  Volume (down) 6 Issue 5 Pages 2337-2345  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)  
  Abstract MXenes are the newest class of two-dimensional (2D) materials, and they offer great potential in a wide range of applications including electronic devices, sensors, and thermoelectric and energy storage materials. In this work, we combined the outstanding electrical conductivity, that is essential for battery applications, of graphene with MXene monolayers (M2CX2 where M = Sc, Ti, V and X = OH, O) to explore its potential in Li battery applications. Through first principles calculations, we determined the stable stacking configurations of M2CX2/graphene bilayer heterostructures and their Li atom intercalation by calculating the Li binding energy, diffusion barrier and voltage. We found that: (1) for the ground state stacking, the interlayer binding is strong, yet the interlayer friction is small; (2) Li binds more strongly to the O-terminated monolayer, bilayer and heterostructure MXene systems when compared with the OHterminated MXenes due to the H+ induced repulsion to the Li atoms. The binding energy of Li decreases as the Li concentration increases due to enhanced repulsive interaction between the positively charged Li ions; (3) Ti2CO2/graphene and V2CO2/graphene heterostructures exhibit large Li atom binding energies making them the most promising candidates for battery applications. When fully loaded with Li atoms, the binding energy is -1.43 eV per Li atom and -1.78 eV per Li atom for Ti2CO2/graphene and V2CO2/graphene, respectively. These two heterostructures exhibit a nice compromise between storage capacity and kinetics. For example, the diffusion barrier of Li in Ti2CO2/graphene is around 0.3 eV which is comparable to that of graphite. Additionally, the calculated average voltages are 1.49 V and 1.93 V for Ti2CO2/graphene and V2CO2/graphene structures, respectively; (4) a small change in the in-plane lattice parameters (<1%), interatomic bond lengths and interlayer distances (<0.5 angstrom) proves the stability of the heterostructures against Li intercalation, and the impending phase separation into constituent layers and capacity fading during charge-discharge cycles in real battery applications; (5) as compared to bare M2CX2 bilayers, M2CX2/graphene heterostructures have lower molecular mass, offering high storage capacity; (6) the presence of graphene ensures good electrical conductivity that is essential for battery applications. Given these advantages, Ti2CO2/graphene and V2CO2/graphene heterostructures are predicted to be promising for lithium-ion battery applications.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Cambridge Editor  
  Language Wos 000423981200049 Publication Date 2018-01-02  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2050-7488; 2050-7496 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 8.867 Times cited 131 Open Access  
  Notes ; This work was supported by the bilateral project between the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TUBITAK) and FWO-Flanders, Flemish Science Foundation (FWO-Vl) and the Methusalem foundation of the Flemish government. Computational resources were provided by the TUBITAK ULAKBIM, High Performance and Grid Computing Center (TRGrid 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. We acknowledge the support from the TUBITAK (Grant No. 115F024 and 116F080). Part of this work was supported by the BAGEP Award of the Science Academy. ; Approved Most recent IF: 8.867  
  Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:149265UA @ admin @ c:irua:149265 Serial 4945  
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Author Lizin, S.; Van Passel, S.; De Schepper, E.; Maes, W.; Lutsen, L.; Manca, J.; Vanderzande, D. doi  openurl
  Title Life cycle analyses of organic photovoltaics : a review Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2013 Publication Energy & Environmental Science Abbreviated Journal Energ Environ Sci  
  Volume (down) 6 Issue 11 Pages 3136-3149  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM)  
  Abstract This paper reviews the available life cycle analysis (LCA) literature on organic photovoltaics (OPVs). This branch of OPV research has focused on the environmental impact of single-junction bulk heterojunction polymer solar cells using a P3HT/PC60BM active layer blend processed on semi-industrial pilot lines in ambient surroundings. The environmental impact was found to be strongly decreasing through continuous innovation of the manufacturing procedures. The current top performing cell regarding environmental performance has a cumulative energy demand of 37.58 MJp m(-2) and an energy payback time in the order of months for cells having 2% efficiency, thereby rendering OPV cells one of the best performing PV technologies from an environmental point of view. Nevertheless, we find that LCA literature is lagging behind on the main body of OPV literature due to the lack of readily available input data. Still, LCA research has led us to believe that in the quest for higher efficiencies, environmental sustainability is being disregarded on the materials' side. Hence, we advise the scientific community to take the progress made on environmental sustainability aspects of OPV preparations into account not only because standard procedures put a bigger strain on the environment, but also because these methods may not be transferrable to an industrial process. Consequently, we recommend policy makers to subsidize research that bridges the gaps between fundamental materials research, stability, and scalability given that these constraints have to be fulfilled simultaneously if OPVs are ever to be successful on the market. Additionally, environmental sustainability will have to keep on being monitored to steer future developments in the right direction.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000325946400002 Publication Date 2013-10-11  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1754-5692; 1754-5706 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 29.518 Times cited 124 Open Access  
  Notes ; The authors are much obliged to both the INTERREG ORGAN-EXT project and FP7 MOLESOL project for their financial support, without which it would have been impossible to conduct this research. ; Approved Most recent IF: 29.518; 2013 IF: 15.490  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:127548 Serial 6223  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Yedukondalu, N.; Pandey, T.; Roshan, S.C.R. pdf  doi
openurl 
  Title Effect of hydrostatic pressure on lone pair activity and phonon transport in Bi₂O₂S Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2023 Publication ACS applied energy materials Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume (down) 6 Issue 4 Pages 2401-2411  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)  
  Abstract Dibismuth dioxychalcogenides, Bi2O2Ch (Ch = S, Se, Te), are a promising class of materials for next-generation electronics and thermoelectrics due to their ultrahigh carrier mobility and excellent air stability. An interesting member of this family is Bi2O2S, which has a stereochemically active 6s2 lone pair of Bi3+ cations, heterogeneous bonding, and a high mass contrast between its constituent elements. In the present study, we have used first-principles calculations in combination with Boltzmann transport theory to systematically investigate the effect of hydrostatic pressure on lattice dynamics and phonon transport properties of Bi2O2S. We found that the ambient Pnmn phase has a low average lattice thermal conductivity (kappa l) of 1.71 W/(m K) at 300 K. We also predicted that Bi2O2S undergoes a structural phase transition from a low-symmetry (Pnmn) to a high-symmetry (I4/mmm) structure at around 4 GPa due to centering of Bi3+ cations with pressure. Upon compression, the lone pair activity of Bi3+ cations is suppressed, which increases kappa l by almost 3 times to 4.92 W/ (m K) at 5 GPa for the I4/mmm phase. The computed phonon lifetimes and Gru''neisen parameters show that anharmonicity decreases with increasing pressure due to further suppression of the lone pair activity and strengthening of intra-and intermolecular interactions, leading to an average room-temperature kappa l of 12.82 W/(m K) at 20 GPa. Overall, this study provides a comprehensive understanding of the effect of hydrostatic pressure on the stereochemical activity of the lone pair of Bi3+ cations and its implications on the phonon transport properties of Bi2O2S.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000929103700001 Publication Date 2023-02-08  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2574-0962 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 6.4 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 6.4; 2023 IF: NA  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:195245 Serial 7300  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Paulus, A.; Hendrickx, M.; Mayda, S.; Batuk, M.; Reekmans, G.; von Holst, M.; Elen, K.; Abakumov, A.M.; Adriaensens, P.; Lamoen, D.; Partoens, B.; Hadermann, J.; Van Bael, M.K.; Hardy, A. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Understanding the Activation of Anionic Redox Chemistry in Ti4+-Substituted Li2MnO3as a Cathode Material for Li-Ion Batteries Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2023 Publication ACS applied energy materials Abbreviated Journal ACS Appl. Energy Mater.  
  Volume (down) 6 Issue 13 Pages 6956-6971  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)  
  Abstract Layered Li-rich oxides, demonstrating both cationic and anionic redox chemistry being used as positive electrodes for Li-ion batteries,have raised interest due to their high specific discharge capacities exceeding 250 mAh/g. However, irreversible structural transformations triggered by anionic redox chemistry result in pronounced voltagefade (i.e., lowering the specific energy by a gradual decay of discharge potential) upon extended galvanostatic cycling. Activating or suppressing oxygen anionic redox through structural stabilization induced by redox-inactivecation substitution is a well-known strategy. However, less emphasishas been put on the correlation between substitution degree and theactivation/suppression of the anionic redox. In this work, Ti4+-substituted Li2MnO3 was synthesizedvia a facile solution-gel method. Ti4+ is selected as adopant as it contains no partially filled d-orbitals. Our study revealedthat the layered “honeycomb-ordered” C2/m structure is preserved when increasing the Ticontent to x = 0.2 in the Li2Mn1-x Ti (x) O-3 solidsolution, as shown by electron diffraction and aberration-correctedscanning transmission electron microscopy. Galvanostatic cycling hintsat a delayed oxygen release, due to an improved reversibility of theanionic redox, during the first 10 charge-discharge cyclesfor the x = 0.2 composition compared to the parentmaterial (x = 0), followed by pronounced oxygen redoxactivity afterward. The latter originates from a low activation energybarrier toward O-O dimer formation and Mn migration in Li2Mn0.8Ti0.2O3, as deducedfrom first-principles molecular dynamics (MD) simulations for the“charged” state. Upon lowering the Ti substitution to x = 0.05, the structural stability was drastically improvedbased on our MD analysis, stressing the importance of carefully optimizingthe substitution degree to achieve the best electrochemical performance.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 001018266700001 Publication Date 2023-07-10  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2574-0962 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 6.4 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access: Available from 24.12.2023  
  Notes Universiteit Hasselt, AUHL/15/2 – GOH3816N ; Russian Science Foundation, 20-43-01012 ; Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek, AUHL/15/2 – GOH3816N G040116N ; The computational resources and services used in this work were provided by the VSC (Flemish Supercomputer Center) and the HPC infrastructure of the University of Antwerp (CalcUA), both funded by the FWO Vlaanderen and the Flemish Government-department EWI. Approved Most recent IF: 6.4; 2023 IF: NA  
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:198160 Serial 8809  
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Author Berdiyorov, G.R.; Neek-Amal, M.; Hussein, I.A.; Madjet, M.E.; Peeters, F.M. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Large CO2 uptake on a monolayer of CaO Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2017 Publication Journal of materials chemistry A : materials for energy and sustainability Abbreviated Journal J Mater Chem A  
  Volume (down) 5 Issue 5 Pages 2110-2114  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)  
  Abstract Density functional theory calculations are used to study gas adsorption properties of a recently synthesized CaO monolayer, which is found to be thermodynamically stable in its buckled form. Due to its topology and strong interaction with the CO2 molecules, this material possesses a remarkably high CO2 uptake capacity (similar to 0.4 g CO2 per g adsorbent). The CaO + CO2 system shows excellent thermal stability (up to 1000 K). Moreover, the material is highly selective towards CO2 against other major greenhouse gases such as CH4 and N2O. These advantages make this material a very promising candidate for CO2 capture and storage applications.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Cambridge Editor  
  Language Wos 000395074300035 Publication Date 2016-12-19  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2050-7488; 2050-7496 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 8.867 Times cited 2 Open Access  
  Notes ; ; Approved Most recent IF: 8.867  
  Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:142034 Serial 4556  
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Author Navarrete, A.; Centi, G.; Bogaerts, A.; Mart?n,?ngel; York, A.; Stefanidis, G.D. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Harvesting Renewable Energy for Carbon Dioxide Catalysis Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2017 Publication Energy technology Abbreviated Journal Energy Technol-Ger  
  Volume (down) 5 Issue 5 Pages 796-811  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)  
  Abstract The use of renewable energy (RE) to transform carbon dioxide into commodities (i.e., CO2 valorization) will pave the way towards a more sustainable economy in the coming years. But how can we efficiently use this energy (mostly available as electricity or solar light) to drive the necessary (catalytic) transformations? This paper presents a review of the technological advances in the transformation of carbon dioxide by means of RE. The socioeconomic implications and chemical basis of the transformation of carbon dioxide with RE are discussed. Then a general view of the use of RE to activate the (catalytic) transformations of carbon dioxide with microwaves, plasmas, and light is presented. The fundamental phenomena involved are introduced from a catalytic and reaction device perspective to present the advantages of this energy form as well as the inherent limitations of the present state-of-the-art. It is shown that efficient use of RE requires the redesign of current catalytic concepts. In this context, a new kind of reaction system, an energy-harvesting device, is proposed as a new conceptual approach for this endeavor. Finally, the challenges that lie ahead for the efficient and economical use of RE for carbon dioxide conversion are exposed.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000451619500001 Publication Date 2017-02-08  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2194-4288 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 2.789 Times cited 15 Open Access Not_Open_Access  
  Notes Fund for Scientific Research Flanders, G.0254.14 N, G.0217.14 N and G.0383.16 N ; Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness, ENE2014-53459-R ; Approved Most recent IF: 2.789  
  Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @ c:irua:144217 Serial 4615  
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Author Ben Dkhil, S.; Pfannmöller, M.; Ata, I.; Duche, D.; Gaceur, M.; Koganezawa, T.; Yoshimoto, N.; Simon, J.-J.; Escoubas, L.; Videlot-Ackermann, C.; Margeat, O.; Bals, S.; Bauerle, P.; Ackermann, J. doi  openurl
  Title Time evolution studies of dithieno[3,2-b:2 ',3 '-d] pyrrole-based A-D-A oligothiophene bulk heterojunctions during solvent vapor annealing towards optimization of photocurrent generation Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2017 Publication Journal of materials chemistry A : materials for energy and sustainability Abbreviated Journal J Mater Chem A  
  Volume (down) 5 Issue 5 Pages 1005-1013  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Solvent vapor annealing (SVA) is one of the main techniques to improve the morphology of bulk heterojunction solar cells using oligomeric donors. In this report, we study time evolution of nanoscale morphological changes in bulk heterojunctions based on a well-studied dithienopyrrole-based A-D-A oligothiophene (dithieno[3,2-b: 2',3'-d] pyrrole named here 1) blended with [6,6]-phenyl-C-71-butyric acid methyl ester (PC71BM) to increase photocurrent density by combining scanning transmission electron microscopy and low-energy-loss spectroscopy. Our results show that SVA transforms the morphology of 1 : PC71BM blends by a three-stage mechanism: highly intermixed phases evolve into nanostructured bilayers that correspond to an optimal blend morphology. Additional SVA leads to completely phaseseparated micrometer-sized domains. Optical spacers were used to increase light absorption inside optimized 1 : PC71BM blends leading to solar cells of 7.74% efficiency but a moderate photocurrent density of 12.3 mA cm (-2). Quantum efficiency analyses reveal that photocurrent density is mainly limited by losses inside the donor phase. Indeed, optimized 1 : PC71BM blends consist of large donor-enriched domains not optimal for exciton to photocurrent conversion. Shorter SVA times lead to smaller domains; however they are embedded in large mixed phases suggesting that introduction of stronger molecular packing may help us to better balance phase separation and domain size enabling more efficient bulk heterojunction solar cells.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Cambridge Editor  
  Language Wos 000394430800018 Publication Date 2016-11-30  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2050-7488; 2050-7496 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 8.867 Times cited 19 Open Access Not_Open_Access  
  Notes ; We acknowledge financial support by the French Fond Unique Interministeriel (FUI) under the project “SFUMATO” (Grant number: F1110019V/201308815) as well as by the European Commission under the Project “SUNFLOWER” (FP7-ICT-2011-7, Grant number: 287594). The synchrotron radiation experiments were performed at BL19B2 in SPring-8 with the approval of Japan Synchrotron Radiation Research Institute (JASRI) (Proposal No. 2016A1568). We further acknowledge financial support via ERC Starting Grant Colouratoms (335078). ; Approved Most recent IF: 8.867  
  Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:142602UA @ admin @ c:irua:142602 Serial 4695  
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Author Van Alphen, S.; Jardali, F.; Creel, J.; Trenchev, G.; Snyders, R.; Bogaerts, A. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Sustainable gas conversion by gliding arc plasmas: a new modelling approach for reactor design improvement Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2021 Publication Sustainable energy & fuels Abbreviated Journal Sustainable Energy Fuels  
  Volume (down) 5 Issue 6 Pages 1786-1800  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)  
  Abstract Research in plasma reactor designs is developing rapidly as plasma technology is gaining increasing interest for sustainable gas conversion applications, like the conversion of greenhouse gases into value-added chemicals and renewable fuels, and fixation of N<sub>2</sub>from air into precursors of mineral fertilizer. As plasma is generated by electric power and can easily be switched on/off, these applications allows for efficient conversion and energy storage of intermittent renewable electricity. In this paper, we present a new comprehensive modelling approach for the design and development of gliding arc plasma reactors, which reveals the fluid dynamics, the arc behaviour and the plasma chemistry by solving a unique combination of five complementary models. This results in a complete description of the plasma process, which allows one to efficiently evaluate the performance of a reactor and indicate possible design improvements before actually building it. We demonstrate the capabilities of this method for an experimentally validated study of plasma-based NO<sub>x</sub>formation in a rotating gliding arc reactor, which is gaining increasing interest as a flexible, electricity-driven alternative for the Haber–Bosch process. The model demonstrates the importance of the vortex flow and the presence of a recirculation zone in the reactor, as well as the formation of hot spots in the plasma near the cathode pin and the anode wall that are responsible for most of the NO<sub>x</sub>formation. The model also reveals the underlying plasma chemistry and the vibrational non-equilibrium that exists due to the fast cooling during each arc rotation. Good agreement with experimental measurements on the studied reactor design proves the predictive capabilities of our modelling approach.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000631643300013 Publication Date 2021-02-22  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2398-4902 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor Times cited Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek, GoF9618n ; Vlaamse regering, HBC.2019.0107 ; European Research Council, 810182 ; This research was supported by the Excellence of Science FWOFNRS project (FWO grant ID GoF9618n, EOS ID 30505023), the European Research Council (ERC) under the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme (grant agreement no. 810182 – SCOPE ERC Synergy project), the 1798 | Sustainable Energy Fuels, 2021, 5, 1786–1800 Approved Most recent IF: NA  
  Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @c:irua:177540 Serial 6745  
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Author Vishwakarma, M.; Batra, Y.; Hadermann, J.; Singh, A.; Ghosh, A.; Mehta, B.R. pdf  doi
openurl 
  Title Exploring the role of graphene oxide as a co-catalyst in the CZTS photocathodes for improved photoelectrochemical properties Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2022 Publication ACS applied energy materials Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume (down) 5 Issue 6 Pages 7538-7549  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract The hydrogen evolution properties of CZTS heterostructure photocathodes are reported with graphene oxide (GO) as a co-catalyst layer coated by a drop-cast method and an Al2O3 protection layer fabricated using atomic layer deposition. In the CZTS absorber, a minor deviation from stoichiometry across the cross section of the thin film results in nanoscale growth of spurious phases, but the kesterite phase remains the dominant phase. We have investigated the band alignment parameters such as the band gap, work function, and Fermi level position that are crucial for making kesterite-based heterostructure devices. The photocurrent density in the photocathode CZTS/CdS/ZnO is found to be improved to -4.71 mAmiddotcm(-2) at -0.40 V-RHE, which is 3 times that of the pure CZTS. This enhanced photoresponse can be attributed to faster carrier separation at p-n junction regions driven by upward band bending at CZTS grain boundaries and the ZnO layer. GO as a co-catalyst over the heterostructure photocathode significantly improves the photocurrent density to -6.14 mAmiddotcm(-2) at -0.40 V-RHE by effective charge migration in the CZTS/CdS/ZnO/GO configuration, but the onset potential shifts only after application of the Al2O3 protection layer. Significant photocurrents of -29 mAmiddotcm(-2) at -0.40 V-RHE and -8 mAmiddotcm(-2) at 0 V-RHE are observed, with an onset potential of 0.7 V-RHE in CZTS/CdS/ZnO/GO/Al2O3. The heterostructure configuration and the GO co-catalyst reduce the charge-transfer resistance, while the Al2O3 top layer provides a stable photocurrent for a prolonged time (similar to 16 h). The GO co-catalyst increases the flat band potential from 0.26 to 0.46 V-RHE in CZTS/CdS/ZnO/GO, which supports the bias-induced band bending at the electrolyte-electrode interface.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000820418400001 Publication Date 2022-05-24  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2574-0962 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 6.4 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 6.4  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:189666 Serial 7082  
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Author Neubert, S.; Mitoraj, D.; Shevlin, S.A.; Pulisova, P.; Heimann, M.; Du, Y.; Goh, G.K.L.; Pacia, M.; Kruczała, K.; Turner, S.; Macyk, W.; Guo, Z.X.; Hocking, R.K.; Beranek, R.; url  doi
openurl 
  Title Highly efficient rutile TiO2 photocatalysts with single Cu(II) and Fe(III) surface catalytic sites Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2016 Publication Journal of materials chemistry A : materials for energy and sustainability Abbreviated Journal J Mater Chem A  
  Volume (down) 4 Issue 4 Pages 3127-3138  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Highly active photocatalysts were obtained by impregnation of nanocrystalline rutile TiO2 powders with small amounts of Cu(II) and Fe(III) ions, resulting in the enhancement of initial rates of photocatalytic degradation of 4-chlorophenol in water by factors of 7 and 4, compared to pristine rutile, respectively. Detailed structural analysis by EPR and X-ray absorption spectroscopy (EXAFS) revealed that Cu(II) and Fe(III) are present as single species on the rutile surface. The mechanism of the photoactivity enhancement was elucidated by a combination of DFT calculations and detailed experimental mechanistic studies including photoluminescence measurements, photocatalytic experiments using scavengers, OH radical detection, and photopotential transient measurements. The results demonstrate that the single Cu(II) and Fe(III) ions act as effective cocatalytic sites, enhancing the charge separation, catalyzing “dark” redox reactions at the interface, thus improving the normally very low quantum yields of UV light-activated TiO2 photocatalysts. The exact mechanism of the photoactivity enhancement differs depending on the nature of the cocatalyst. Cu(II)-decorated samples exhibit fast transfer of photogenerated electrons to Cu(II/I) sites, followed by enhanced catalysis of dioxygen reduction, resulting in improved charge separation and higher photocatalytic degradation rates. At Fe(III)-modified rutile the rate of dioxygen reduction is not improved and the photocatalytic enhancement is attributed to higher production of highly oxidizing hydroxyl radicals produced by alternative oxygen reduction pathways opened by the presence of catalytic Fe(III/II) sites. Importantly, it was demonstrated that excessive heat treatment (at 450 degrees C) of photocatalysts leads to loss of activity due to migration of Cu(II) and Fe(III) ions from TiO2 surface to the bulk, accompanied by formation of oxygen vacancies. The demonstrated variety of mechanisms of photoactivity enhancement at single site catalyst-modified photocatalysts holds promise for developing further tailored photocatalysts for various applications.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Cambridge Editor  
  Language Wos 000371077300040 Publication Date 2015-12-30  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2050-7488; 2050-7496 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 8.867 Times cited 44 Open Access  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 8.867  
  Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:132322 Serial 4191  
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