“Superconductivity up to 110K in the 1212-Hg based cuprate Nd1-xCaxBa2Hg1-xCu2+xO6+y”. Maignan A, Michel C, Van Tendeloo G, Hervieu M, Raveau B, Physica: C : superconductivity 216, 1 (1993)
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 0.942
Times cited: 32
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“Some properties of “bulky&rdquo, links, generated by Generalized Möbius Listing's bodies GML4n”. Caratelli D, Gielis J, Ricci PE, Tavkhelidze I, Journal of mathematical sciences 216, 509 (2016). http://doi.org/10.1007/S10958-016-2907-X
Abstract: In the present paper, we consider the bulky knots and bulky links that appear after cutting of generalized MöbiusListing GML 4 n bodies (with corresponding radial cross sections square) along different generalized MöbiusListing surfaces GML 2 n situated in it. The aim of this article is to examine the number and geometric structure of independent objects that appear after such a cutting process of GML 4 n bodies. In most cases, we are able to count the indices of the resulting mathematical objects according to the known tabulation for knots and links of small complexity.
Keywords: A2 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
DOI: 10.1007/S10958-016-2907-X
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“ZnAl layered double hydroxide based catalysts (with Cu, Mn, Ti) used as noble metal-free three-way catalysts”. Van Everbroeck T, Wu J, Arenas-Esteban D, Ciocarlan R-G, Mertens M, Bals S, Dujardin C, Granger P, Seftel EM, Cool P, Applied clay science 217, 106390 (2022). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.clay.2021.106390
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Laboratory of adsorption and catalysis (LADCA)
Impact Factor: 5.6
Times cited: 6
DOI: 10.1016/j.clay.2021.106390
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“Modelling concentrations of airborne primary and secondary PM10 and PM2.5 with the BelEUROS-model in Belgium”. Deutsch F, Vankerkom J, Janssen L, Janssen S, Bencs L, Van Grieken R, Fierens F, Dumont G, Mensink C, Ecological modelling 217, 230 (2008). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.ECOLMODEL.2008.06.003
Abstract: The Eulerian Chemistry-Transport Model BelEUROS was used to calculate the concentrations of airborne PM10 and PM2.5 over Europe. Both primary as well as secondary particulate matter in the respirable size-range was taken into account. Especially PM2.5 aerosols are often formed in the atmosphere from gaseous precursor compounds. Comprehensive computer codes for the calculation of gas phase chemical reactions and thermodynamic equilibria between compounds in the gas-phase and the particulate phase had been implemented into the BelEUROS-model. Calculated concentrations of PM10 and PM2.5 are compared to observations, including both the spatial and daily, temporal distribution of particulate matter in Belgium for certain monitoring locations and periods. The concentrations of the secondary compounds ammonium, nitrate and sulfate have also been compared to observed values. BeIEUROS was found to reproduce the observed concentrations rather well. The model was applied to assess the contribution of emissions derived from the sector agriculture in Flanders, the northern part of Belgium, to PM10- and PM2.5-concentrations. The results demonstrate the importance of ammonia emissions in the formation of secondary particulate matter. Hence, future European emission abatement policy should consider more the role of ammonia in the formation of secondary particles
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
DOI: 10.1016/J.ECOLMODEL.2008.06.003
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“Production of carboxylates from high rate activated sludge through fermentation”. Cagnetta C, Coma M, Vlaeminck SE, Rabaey K, Bioresource technology 217, 165 (2016). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.BIORTECH.2016.03.053
Abstract: The aim of this work was to study the key parameters affecting fermentation of high rate activated A-sludge to carboxylates, including pH, temperature, inoculum, sludge composition and iron content. The maximum volatile fatty acids production was 141 mg C g−1 VSSfed, at pH 7. Subsequently the potential for carboxylate and methane production for A-sludge from four different plants at pH 7 and 35 °C were compared. Initial BOD of the sludge appeared to be key determining carboxylate yield from A-sludge. Whereas methanogenesis could be correlated linearly to the quantity of ferric used for coagulation, fermentation did not show a dependency on iron presence. This difference may enable a strategy whereby A-stage sludge is separated to achieve fermentation, and iron dosing for phosphate removal is only implemented at the B-stage.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
DOI: 10.1016/J.BIORTECH.2016.03.053
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“Thermophilic sludge digestion improves energy balance and nutrient recovery potential in full-scale municipal wastewater treatment plants”. De Vrieze J, Smet D, Klok J, Colsen J, Angenent LT, Vlaeminck SE, Bioresource technology 218, 1237 (2016). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.BIORTECH.2016.06.119
Abstract: The conventional treatment of municipal wastewater by means of activated sludge is typically energy demanding. Here, the potential benefits of: (1) the optimization of mesophilic digestion; and (2) transitioning to thermophilic sludge digestion in three wastewater treatment plants (Tilburg-Noord, Land van Cuijk and Bath) in the Netherlands is evaluated, including a full-scale trial validation in Bath. In Tilburg-Noord, thermophilic sludge digestion covered the energy requirements of the plant (102%), whereas 111% of sludge operational treatment costs could be covered in Bath. Thermophilic sludge digestion also resulted in a strong increase in nutrient release. The potential for nutrient recovery was evaluated via: (1) stripping/absorption of ammonium; (2) autotrophic removal of ammonium via partial nitritation/anammox; and (3) struvite precipitation. This research shows that optimization of sludge digestion may lead to a strong increase in energy recovery, sludge treatment costs reduction, and the potential for advanced nutrient management in full-scale sewage treatment plants. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
DOI: 10.1016/J.BIORTECH.2016.06.119
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“Confocal μ-XRF depth analysis of paint layers”. Šmit Ž, Janssens K, Proost K, Langus I, Nuclear instruments and methods in physics research: B: beam interactions with materials and atoms 219, 35 (2004). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.NIMB.2004.01.024
Abstract: Focused narrow-band beam of the synchrotron radiation was used for in-depth analysis of historic and modern paint layers. The fluorescent radiation induced by 21 keV impact radiation was detected by a Si(Li) detector equipped with a polycapillary X-ray lens in con-focal geometry. Scanning of the sample was performed by a motorized xyz stage. Space resolution of 30 ìm was achieved. The procedure of evaluation of concentrations was based on the independent parameter method and included absorption of radiation in the outer layers and secondary fluorescence enhancement induced by hard X-rays of the same and neighboring layers.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
Impact Factor: 1.109
Times cited: 69
DOI: 10.1016/J.NIMB.2004.01.024
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“Atom column detection from simultaneously acquired ABF and ADF STEM images”. Fatermans J, den Dekker Aj, Müller-Caspary K, Gauquelin N, Verbeeck J, Van Aert S, Ultramicroscopy 219, 113046 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.ultramic.2020.113046
Abstract: In electron microscopy, the maximum a posteriori (MAP) probability rule has been introduced as a tool to determine the most probable atomic structure from high-resolution annular dark-field (ADF) scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) images exhibiting low contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR). Besides ADF imaging, STEM can also be applied in the annular bright-field (ABF) regime. The ABF STEM mode allows to directly visualize light-element atomic columns in the presence of heavy columns. Typically, light-element nanomaterials are sensitive to the electron beam, limiting the incoming electron dose in order to avoid beam damage and leading to images exhibiting low CNR. Therefore, it is of interest to apply the MAP probability rule not only to ADF STEM images, but to ABF STEM images as well. In this work, the methodology of the MAP rule, which combines statistical parameter estimation theory and model-order selection, is extended to be applied to simultaneously acquired ABF and ADF STEM images. For this, an extension of the commonly used parametric models in STEM is proposed. Hereby, the effect of specimen tilt has been taken into account, since small tilts from the crystal zone axis affect, especially, ABF STEM intensities. Using simulations as well as experimental data, it is shown that the proposed methodology can be successfully used to detect light elements in the presence of heavy elements.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Vision lab
Impact Factor: 2.2
Times cited: 9
DOI: 10.1016/j.ultramic.2020.113046
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“HAADF-STEM block-scanning strategy for local measurement of strain at the nanoscale”. Prabhakara V, Jannis D, Guzzinati G, Béché, A, Bender H, Verbeeck J, Ultramicroscopy 219, 113099 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.ultramic.2020.113099
Abstract: Lattice strain measurement of nanoscale semiconductor devices is crucial for the semiconductor industry as strain substantially improves the electrical performance of transistors. High resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy (HR-STEM) imaging is an excellent tool that provides spatial resolution at the atomic scale and strain information by applying Geometric Phase Analysis or image fitting procedures. However, HR-STEM images regularly suffer from scanning distortions and sample drift during image acquisition. In this paper, we propose a new scanning strategy that drastically reduces artefacts due to drift and scanning distortion, along with extending the field of view. It consists of the acquisition of a series of independent small subimages containing an atomic resolution image of the local lattice. All subimages are then analysed individually for strain by fitting a nonlinear model to the lattice images. The method allows flexible tuning of spatial resolution and the field of view within the limits of the dynamic range of the scan engine while maintaining atomic resolution sampling within the subimages. The obtained experimental strain maps are quantitatively benchmarked against the Bessel diffraction technique. We demonstrate that the proposed scanning strategy approaches the performance of the diffraction technique while having the advantage that it does not require specialized diffraction cameras.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 2.2
Times cited: 4
DOI: 10.1016/j.ultramic.2020.113099
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“Hidden Markov model for atom-counting from sequential ADF STEM images: Methodology, possibilities and limitations”. De wael A, De Backer A, Van Aert S, Ultramicroscopy 219, 113131 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.ultramic.2020.113131
Abstract: We present a quantitative method which allows us to reliably measure dynamic changes in the atomic structure of monatomic crystalline nanomaterials from a time series of atomic resolution annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy images. The approach is based on the so-called hidden Markov model and estimates the number of atoms in each atomic column of the nanomaterial in each frame of the time series. We discuss the origin of the improved performance for time series atom-counting as compared to the current state-of-the-art atom-counting procedures, and show that the so-called transition probabilities that describe the probability for an atomic column to lose or gain one or more atoms from frame to frame are particularly important. Using these transition probabilities, we show that the method can also be used to estimate the probability and cross section related to structural changes. Furthermore, we explore the possibilities for applying the method to time series recorded under variable environmental conditions. The method is shown to be promising for a reliable quantitative analysis of dynamic processes such as surface diffusion, adatom dynamics, beam effects, or in situ experiments.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 2.2
DOI: 10.1016/j.ultramic.2020.113131
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“The path towards efficient wide band gap thin-film kesterite solar cells with transparent back contact for viable tandem application”. Khelifi S, Brammertz G, Choubrac L, Batuk M, Yang S, Meuris M, Barreau N, Hadermann J, Vrielinck H, Poelman D, Neyts K, Vermang B, Lauwaert J, Solar Energy Materials And Solar Cells 219, 110824 (2021). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.solmat.2020.110824
Abstract: Wide band gap thin-film kesterite solar cell based on non-toxic and earth-abundant materials might be a suitable candidate as a top cell for tandem configuration in combination with crystalline silicon as a bottom solar cell. For this purpose and based on parameters we have extracted from electrical and optical characterization techniques of Cu2ZnGeSe4 absorbers and solar cells, a model has been developed to describe the kesterite top cell efficiency limitations and to investigate the different possible configurations with transparent back contact for fourterminal tandem solar cell application. Furthermore, we have studied the tandem solar cell performance in view of the band gap and the transparency of the kesterite top cell and back contact engineering. Our detailed analysis shows that a kesterite top cell with efficiency > 14%, a band gap in the range of 1.5-1.7 eV and transparency above 80% at the sub-band gaps photons energies are required to achieve a tandem cell with higher efficiency than with a single silicon solar cell.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 4.784
DOI: 10.1016/j.solmat.2020.110824
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“Nanowire facilitated transfer of sensitive TEM samples in a FIB”. Gorji S, Kashiwar A, Mantha LS, Kruk R, Witte R, Marek P, Hahn H, Kübel C, Scherer T, Ultramicroscopy 219, 113075 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.ULTRAMIC.2020.113075
Abstract: We introduce a facile approach to transfer thin films and other mechanically sensitive TEM samples inside a FIB with minimal introduction of stress and bending. The method is making use of a pre-synthetized flexible freestanding Ag nanowire attached to the tip of a typical tungsten micromanipulator inside the FIB. The main advantages of this approach are the significantly reduced stress-induced bending during transfer and attachment of the TEM sample, the very short time required to attach and cut the nanowire, the operation at very low dose and ion current, and only using the e-beam for Pt deposition during the transfer of sensitive TEM samples. This results in a reduced sample preparation time and reduced exposure to the ion beam or e-beam for Pt deposition during the sample preparation and thus also reduced contamination and beam damage. The method was applied to a number of thin films and different TEM samples in order to illustrate the advantageous benefits of the concept. In particular, the technique has been successfully tested for the transfer of a thin film onto a MEMS heating chip for in situ TEM experiments.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 2.2
DOI: 10.1016/J.ULTRAMIC.2020.113075
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“Rheology of amorphous olivine thin films characterized by nanoindentation”. Baral P, Orekhov A, Dohmen R, Coulombier M, Raskin JP, Cordier P, Idrissi H, Pardoen T, Acta Materialia 219, 117257 (2021). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.ACTAMAT.2021.117257
Abstract: The rheological properties of amorphous olivine thin films deposited by pulsed laser deposition have been studied based on ambient temperature nanoindentation under constant strain-rate as well as re-laxation conditions. The amorphous olivine films exhibit a viscoelastic-viscoplastic behavior with a significant rate dependency. The strain-rate sensitivity m is equal to similar to 0 . 05 which is very high for silicates, indicating a complex out-of-equilibrium structure. The minimum apparent activation volume determined from nanoindentation experiments corresponds to Mg and Fe atomic metallic sites in the (Mg,Fe)(2)SiO4 crystalline lattice. The ambient temperature creep behavior of the amorphous olivine films differs very much from the one of single crystal olivine. This behavior directly connects to the recent demonstration of the activation of grain boundary sliding in polycrystalline olivine following grain boundary amorphization under high-stress. (C) 2021 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of Acta Materialia Inc.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 5.301
DOI: 10.1016/J.ACTAMAT.2021.117257
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“Characterization of impact materials around Barringer meteor crater by micro-PIXE nd micro-SRXRF techniques”. Uzonyi I, Szöör G, Rozsa P, Vekemans B, Vincze L, Adams F, Drakopoulos M, Somogyi A, Kiss ÁZ, Nuclear instruments and methods in physics research: B: beam interactions with materials and atoms 219/220, 555 (2004). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.NIMB.2004.01.119
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
DOI: 10.1016/J.NIMB.2004.01.119
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“Micro-analytical characterization of thorium-rich aggregates from Norwegian NORM sites (Fen Complex, Telemark)”. Cagno S, Lind OC, Popic JM, Skipperud L, De Nolf W, Nuyts G, Vanmeert F, Jaroszewicz J, Janssens K, Salbu B, Journal Of Environmental Radioactivity 219, 106273 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.JENVRAD.2020.106273
Abstract: In this study we performed microscopic characterization of mineral particles that were collected in the thorium-rich Fen Complex in Norway and identified and isolated based on autoradiography in function of their radioactivity. For this we combined information obtained with X-ray absorption mu-CT, mu-XRF and mu-XRD, both in bi- and in three-dimensional (tomographic) mode. We demonstrate that radionuclides and metals are heterogeneously distributed both within soil samples and within individual Th-enriched aggregates, which are characterised as low-density mineral bulk particles with high density material inclusions, where Th as well as several metals are highly concentrated. For these sites, it is important to take into account how these inhomogeneous distributions could affect the overall environmental behaviour of Th and progeny upon weathering due to human or environmental factors. Moreover, the estimated size of the Th-containing inclusions as determined in this work represents information of importance for the characterization of radionuclides and toxic metals exposure, as well as for assessing the viability of mining for Th and rare-earth metals in the Fen Complex and the associated environmental impact.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
Impact Factor: 2.3
DOI: 10.1016/J.JENVRAD.2020.106273
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“The interplay of microstructure and magnetism in La3Ni2SbO9”. Battle PD, Avdeev M, Hadermann J, Journal of solid state chemistry 220, 163 (2014). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.jssc.2014.08.024
Abstract: La3Ni2SbO9 adopts a perovskite-related structure in which the six-coordinate cation sites are occupied alternately by Ni2+ and a disordered arrangement of Ni2+/Sb5+. A polycrystalline sample has been studied by neutron diffraction in applied magnetic fields of 0 <= H/kOe <= 50 at 5 K. In 0 kOe, weak magnetic Bragg scattering consistent with the adoption of a G-type ferrimagnetic structure is observed; the ordered component of the magnetic moment was found to be 0.89(7) mu(B) per Ni2+ cation. This increased to 1.60(3) mu(B) in a field of 50 kOe. Transmission electron microscopy revealed variations in the Ni:Sb ratio across crystallites of the sample. It is proposed that these composition variations disrupt the magnetic superexchange interactions within the compound, leading to domain formation and a reduced average moment. The application of a magnetic field aligns the magnetisation vectors across the crystal and the average moment measured by neutron diffraction increases accordingly. The role played by variations in the local chemical composition in determining the magnetic properties invites comparison with the behaviour of relaxor ferroelectrics. (C) 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 2.299
Times cited: 13
DOI: 10.1016/j.jssc.2014.08.024
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“Direct and indirect effect of irrigation water availability on crop revenue in northwest Ethiopia : a structural equation model”. Chekol Zewdie M, Van Passel S, Cools J, Tenessa DB, Ayele ZA, Tsegaye EA, Minale AS, Nyssen J, Agricultural Water Management 220, 27 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.AGWAT.2019.04.013
Abstract: Development of a clear understanding of the relationship between the availability of dam-driven irrigation water and crop revenue is important in poverty reduction and food security process. As a result, large research efforts are devoted to understanding the relationship between the availability of irrigation water and crop revenue. However, earlier studies do have several limitations. For example, without considering its indirect effect, prior studies focused solely on the direct effect of availability of irrigation water on crop revue. In this study, using a structural equation model analysis, the direct and indirect effect of availability of dam-driven irrigation water on crop revenue is decomposed and quantified specifically for the Koga irrigation scheme, located in the Mecha district of Amhara region in Ethiopia. A primary data set was collected from a randomly selected sample of 450 households in the Koga irrigation scheme. More than half of the households (254) are supported by the Koga Dam irrigation water during the dry season, and the other 196 households depended only on rainfall. The results of the study showed that, in addition to its direct effect, the availability of irrigation water indirectly affected crop revenue through receptivity of the farmers to use modern farm inputs. Around 27 percent of the total effect of dam-driven irrigation water on crop revenue was mediated by farmers’ receptivity to use yield-enhancing modern farm inputs. The results of this study suggested that the availability of irrigation water is essential to improve both crop revenue and receptivity of the farmers to use modern farm inputs. This finding also drives a strategic framework that the receptivity of the farmers to use modern farm inputs is crucial for utilizing the positive effects of irrigation water availability on crop revenue.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering Management (ENM)
Impact Factor: 2.848
Times cited: 1
DOI: 10.1016/J.AGWAT.2019.04.013
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“Shearing and rotation of β'' and β' precipitates in an Al-Mg-Si alloy under tensile deformation : in-situ and ex-situ studies”. Yang M, Orekhov A, Hu Z-Y, Feng M, Jin S, Sha G, Li K, Samaee V, Song M, Du Y, Van Tendeloo G, Schryvers D, Acta Materialia 220, 117310 (2021). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.ACTAMAT.2021.117310
Abstract: The interaction between dislocations and nano-precipitates during deformation directly influences hardening response of precipitation-strengthening metals such as Al-Mg-Si alloys. However, how coherent and semi-coherent nano-precipitates accommodate external deformation applied to an Al alloy remains to be elucidated. In-situ tensile experiments in a transmission electron microscope (TEM) were conducted to study the dynamic process of dislocations cutting through coherent needle-like beta '' precipitates with diameters of 3 similar to 8 nm. Comprehensive investigations using in-situ, ex-situ TEM and atom probe tomography uncovered that beta '' precipitates were firstly sheared into small fragments, and then the rotation of the fragments, via sliding along precipitate/matrix interfaces, destroyed their initially coherent interface with the Al matrix. In contrast, semi-coherent beta' precipitates with sizes similar to beta '' were more difficult to be fragmented and accumulation of dislocations at the interface increased interface misfit between beta' and the Al matrix. Consequently, beta' precipitates could basically maintain their needle-like shape after the tensile deformation. This research gains new insights into the interaction between nano-precipitates and dislocations. (C) 2021 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 5.301
DOI: 10.1016/J.ACTAMAT.2021.117310
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“Thermochemical conversion of coal and biomass blends in a top-lit updraft fixed bed reactor : experimental assessment of the ignition front propagation velocity”. Quintero-Coronel DA, Lenis-Rodas YA, Corredor LA, Perreault P, Gonzalez-Quiroga A, Energy 220, 119702 (2021). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.ENERGY.2020.119702
Abstract: Co-thermochemical conversion of coal and biomass can potentially decrease the use of fossil carbon and pollutant emissions. This work presents experimental results for the so-called top-lit updraft fixed bed reactor, in which the ignition front starts at the top and propagates downward while the gas product flows upwards. The study focuses on the ignition front propagation velocity for the co-thermochemical conversion of palm kernel shell and high-volatile bituminous coal. Within the range of assessed air superficial velocities, the process occurred under gasification and near stoichiometric conditions. Under gasification conditions increasing coal particle size from 7.1 to 22 mm decreased ignition front velocity by around 26% regardless of the coal volume percentage. Furthermore, increasing coal volume percentage and decreasing coal particle size result in product gas with higher energy content. For the operation near stoichiometric conditions, increasing coal volume percentage from 10 to 30% negatively affected the ignition front velocity directly proportional to its particle size. Additional experiments confirmed a linear dependence of ignition front velocity on air superficial velocity. Further steps in the development of the top-lit updraft technology are implementing continuous solids feeding and variable cross-sectional area and optimizing coal particle size distribution.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Impact Factor: 4.52
DOI: 10.1016/J.ENERGY.2020.119702
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“Are aptamer-based biosensing approaches a good choice for female fertility monitoring? A comprehensive review”. Cánovas R, Daems E, Langley AR, De Wael K, Biosensors and bioelectronics 220, 114881 (2023). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.BIOS.2022.114881
Abstract: The WHO estimates that 8–10% of couples are facing fertility problems, often due to inaccuracy in predicting the female's ovulation period controlled by four key hormones. The quantification and monitoring of such key hormones are crucial for the early identification of infertility, but also in improving therapeutic management associated with hormonal imbalance. In this review, we extensively summarize and discuss: i) drawbacks of laboratory methods for fertility testing (costly, invasive, complex) and commercially available point-of-care tests (measuring only one/two of the four key hormones), ii) the understanding of different biosensors for fertility monitoring, and iii) an in-depth classification and overview of aptamer-based sensing of the hormones of interest. This review provides insights on hormone detection strategies for fertility, with a focus on the classification of the current ‘aptasensing’ strategies, aiming to assist as a basic guide for the development of accurate fertility window monitoring tools based on aptamers.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Antwerp Electrochemical and Analytical Sciences Lab (A-Sense Lab)
Impact Factor: 12.6
DOI: 10.1016/J.BIOS.2022.114881
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“The growth of Ni5Al3 in L10 martensite studied by in situ transmission electron microscopy and high resolution electron microscopy”. Schryvers D, Ma Y, Journal of alloys and compounds 221, 227 (1995). http://doi.org/10.1016/0925-8388(94)01467-1
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 2.999
Times cited: 19
DOI: 10.1016/0925-8388(94)01467-1
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“Light-assisted nucleation of silver nanowires during polyol synthesis”. Lin H, Ohta T, Paul A, Hutchison JA, Kirilenko D, Lebedev O, Van Tendeloo G, Hofkens J, Uji-i H, Journal of photochemistry and photobiology: A: chemistry 221, 220 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.jphotochem.2011.04.015
Abstract: This report describes the effect of light irradiation on the synthesis of silver nanowires by the well-known polyol method. High quality nanowires are produced in high yields when the reaction suspension is irradiated with 400500 nm light during the nucleation stage. These studies suggest that light accelerates the formation of the nanoparticle seeds most appropriate for nanowire growth.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 2.625
Times cited: 24
DOI: 10.1016/j.jphotochem.2011.04.015
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“Ge40.0Te5.3I8: synthesis, crystal structure, and properties of a new clathrate-I compound”. Kovnir KA, Abramchuk NS, Zaikina JV, Baitinger M, Burkhardt U, Schnelle W, Olenev AV, Lebedev OI, Van Tendeloo G, Dikarev EV, Shevelkov AV, Zeitschrift für Kristallographie 221, 527 (2006). http://doi.org/10.1524/zkri.2006.221.5-7.527
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 3.179
Times cited: 16
DOI: 10.1524/zkri.2006.221.5-7.527
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“Leaf accumulation of atmospheric dust : biomagnetic, morphological and elemental evaluation using SEM, ED-XRF and HR-ICP-MS”. Castanheiro A, Hofman J, Nuyts G, Joosen S, Spassov S, Blust R, Lenaerts S, De Wael K, Samson R, Atmospheric Environment 221, 117082 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.ATMOSENV.2019.117082
Abstract: Atmospheric dust deposition on plants enables the collection of site-specific particulate matter (PM). Knowing the morphology and composition of PM aids in disclosing their emitting sources as well as the associated human health risk. Therefore, this study aimed for a leaf-level holistic analysis of dust accumulation on plant leaves. Plant species (ivy and strawberry) with distinct leaf macro- and micro-morphology were exposed during 3 months at a moderate road traffic site in Antwerp, Belgium. Leaves collected every three weeks were analyzed for their magnetic signature, morphology and elemental content, by a combination of techniques (biomagnetic analyses, ED-XRF, HR-ICP-MS, SEM). Dust accumulation on the leaves was observed both visually (SEM) and magnetically, while the metal enrichment was limited (only evident for Cr) and more variable over time. Temporal dynamics during the second half of the exposure period, due to precipitation events and reduction of atmospheric pollution input, were evidenced in our results (elements/magnetically/SEM). Ivy accumulated more dust than strawberry leaves and seemed less susceptible to wash-off, even though strawberry leaves contain trichomes and a rugged micromorphology, leaf traits considered to be important for capturing PM. The magnetic enrichment (in small-grained, SD/PSD magnetite particles), on the other hand, was not species-specific, indicating a common contributing source. Variations in pollution contributions, meteorological phenomena, leaf traits, particle deposition (and encapsulation) versus micronutrients depletion, are discussed in light of the conducted monitoring campaign. Although not completely elucidative, the complex, multifactorial process of leaf dust accumulation can better be understood through a combination of techniques.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation); Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Impact Factor: 5
DOI: 10.1016/J.ATMOSENV.2019.117082
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“Swift electrochemical detection of paraben an endocrine disruptor by In2O3 nanobricks”. Qurashi A, Rather JA, Yamazaki T, Sohail M, De Wael K, Merzougui B, Hakeem AS, Sensors and actuators : B : chemical 221, 167 (2015). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.SNB.2015.06.026
Abstract: Novel indium oxide (In2O3) nanobricks have been prepared by template-less and surfactant-free hydrothermal synthesis method and were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy and field emission scanning electronic microscopy (FESEM). The synthesized In2O3 nanobricks were successfully immobilized on the surface of glassy carbon electrode for the detection of Parabens (butylparaben). Owing to the unique structure and intriguing properties of these In2O3 nanobricks, the nanostructured thin-film electrode has shown an obvious electrocatalytic activity for the detection of butylparaben (BP). The detection limit (LOD) was estimated as 3 s/m and the sensitivity (LOQ) was calculated as 10 s/m and were found to be 0.08 μM and 0.26 μA μM−1 cm−2 respectively. This sensor showed high sensitivity compared with the reported electrochemical sensors for the detection of BP. The fabricated sensor was successfully applied for the detection of butyl paraben in real cosmetic samples with good recovery ranging from 96.0 to 100.3%.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
Impact Factor: 5.401
Times cited: 11
DOI: 10.1016/J.SNB.2015.06.026
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“Fast versus conventional HAADF-STEM tomography of nanoparticles: advantages and challenges”. Vanrompay H, Skorikov A, Bladt E, Béché, A, Freitag B, Verbeeck J, Bals S, Ultramicroscopy 221, 113191 (2021). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.ultramic.2020.113191
Abstract: HAADF-STEM tomography is a widely used experimental technique for analyzing nanometer-scale crystalline structures of a large variety of materials in three dimensions. Unfortunately, the acquisition of conventional HAADF-STEM tilt series can easily take up one hour or more, depending on the complexity of the experiment. It is therefore far from straightforward to investigate samples that do not withstand long acquisition or to acquire large amounts of tilt series during a single TEM experiment. The latter would lead to the ability to obtain statistically meaningful 3D data, or to perform in situ 3D characterizations with a much shorter time resolution. Various HAADF-STEM acquisition strategies have been proposed to accelerate the tomographic acquisition and reduce the required electron dose. These methods include tilting the holder continuously while acquiring a projection “movie” and a hybrid, incremental, methodology which combines the benefits of the conventional and continuous technique. However, until now an experimental evaluation has been lacking. In this paper, the different acquisition strategies will be experimentally compared in terms of speed, resolution and electron dose. This evaluation will be performed based on experimental tilt series acquired for various metallic nanoparticles with different shapes and sizes. We discuss the data processing involved with the fast HAADF-STEM tilt series and provide a general guideline when which acquisition strategy should be preferentially used.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 2.843
Times cited: 15
DOI: 10.1016/j.ultramic.2020.113191
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“A simple method to clean ligand contamination on TEM grids”. Li C, Tardajos AP, Wang D, Choukroun D, Van Daele K, Breugelmans T, Bals S, Ultramicroscopy 221, 113195 (2021). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.ultramic.2020.113195
Abstract: Colloidal nanoparticles (NPs) including nanowires and nanosheets made by chemical methods involve many organic ligands. When the structure of NPs is investigated via transmission electron microscopy (TEM), the organic ligands act as a source for e-beam induced deposition and this causes substantial build-up of carbon layers in the investigated areas, which is typically referred to as “contamination” in the eld of electron mi- croscopy. This contamination is often more severe for scanning TEM, a technique that is based on a focused electron beam and hence higher electron dose rate. In this paper, we report a simple and effective method to clean drop-cast TEM grids that contain NPs with ligands. Using a combination of activated carbon and ethanol, this method effectively reduces the amount of ligands on TEM grids, and therefore greatly improves the quality of electron microscopy images and subsequent analytical measurements. This ef cient and facile method can be helpful during electron microscopy investigation of different kinds of nanomaterials that suffer from ligand- induced contamination.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Applied Electrochemistry & Catalysis (ELCAT)
Impact Factor: 2.843
Times cited: 10
DOI: 10.1016/j.ultramic.2020.113195
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“Effect of annealing on mechanical properties and thermal stability of ZrCu/O nanocomposite amorphous films synthetized by pulsed laser deposition”. Bignoli F, Rashid S, Rossi E, Jaddi S, Djemia P, Terraneo G, Li Bassi A, Idrissi H, Pardoen T, Sebastiani M, Ghidelli M, Materials &, design 221, 110972 (2022). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.MATDES.2022.110972
Abstract: Binary ZrCu nanocomposite amorphous films are synthetized by pulsed laser deposition (PLD) under vac-uum (2 x 10-3 Pa) and 10 Pa He pressure, leading to fully amorphous compact and nanogranular mor-phologies, respectively. Then, post-thermal annealing treatments are carried out to explore thermal stability and crystallization phenomena together with the evolution of mechanical properties. Compact films exhibit larger thermal stability with partial crystallization phenomena starting at 420 degrees C, still to be completed at 550 degrees C, while nanogranular films exhibit early-stage crystallization at 300 degrees C and com-pleted at 485 degrees C. The microstructural differences are related to a distinct evolution of mechanical
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 8.4
DOI: 10.1016/J.MATDES.2022.110972
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“Uncoupling the solids retention times of flocs and granules in mainstream deammonification : a screen as effective out-selection tool for nitrite oxidizing bacteria”. Han M, Vlaeminck SE, Al-Omari A, Wett B, Bott C, Murthy S, De Clippeleir H, Bioresource technology 221, 195 (2016). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.BIORTECH.2016.08.115
Abstract: This study focused on a physical separator in the form of a screen to out-select nitrite oxidizing bacteria (NOB) for mainstream sewage treatment. This separation relied on the principle that the NOB prefer to grow in flocs, while anammox bacteria (AnAOB) reside in granules. Two types of screens (vacuum and vibrating) were tested for separating these fractions. The vibrating screen was preferred due to more moderate normal forces and additional tangential forces, better balancing retention efficiency of AnAOB granules (41% of the AnAOB activity) and washout of NOB (92% activity washout). This operation resulted in increased NOB out-selection (AerAOB/NOB ratio of 2.3) and a total nitrogen removal efficiency of 70% at influent COD/N ratio of 1.4. An effluent total nitrogen concentration <10 mg N/L was achieved using this novel approach combining biological selection with physical separation, opening up the path towards energy positive sewage treatment. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
DOI: 10.1016/J.BIORTECH.2016.08.115
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“Ab initio study of the spectroscopy, kinetics, and thermochemistry of the BN2 molecule”. Martin JML, Taylor PR, François JP, Gijbels R, Chemical physics letters 222, 517 (1994). http://doi.org/10.1016/0009-2614(94)00378-5
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 1.897
Times cited: 14
DOI: 10.1016/0009-2614(94)00378-5
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