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“Integrating PV+battery residential microgrids in distribution networks : how is the point of common coupling agreed upon?”.Saviuc I, Van Passel S, Peremans H in Sustainable Energy for Smart Cities : First EAI International Conference, SESC 2019, Braga, Portugal, December 4–6, 2019: proceedings, page 150 (2020).
Abstract: The anticipated development of decentralized electricity generation is expected to strengthen the opportunities of prosumers in the residential areas of cities, in line with the predicted establishment of renewable energy generation and storage. Based on academic research and on successful case studies, the opportunity for residential prosumers to organize in microgrids emerges as a viable and promising solution. This paper focuses on microgrids that are planned to generate electricity with a PV unit and use a shared storage system, and that opt to have a connection with the main grid. However, the point of common coupling needs to be agreed first between the microgrid operator and the network operator, and this agreement is determined by several factors and conditions beyond the basic technical and regulatory requirements. A survey of academic literature on the determinant factors for such an agreement exposes the fact that current research either focuses on the integration of individual prosumers in the main grid, or regards the point of common coupling as a given component of microgrids. We argue that neither of the two approaches is helpful in the case of microgrids vs. main grid, seeing as the agreement is not self-evident under just any circumstances, nor can the microgrid be equated to a single, large prosumer. Therefore this short paper compiles a set of determinant factors for the microgrid integration, as they emerge from academic literature, with the aim to document further research needs and support the discussion on microgrid integration.
Keywords: H1 Book chapter; Economics; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM)
DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-45694-8_12
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Van Schoubroeck S (2020) A techno-sustainability assessment framework : indicator selection and integrated method for sustainability analysis of biobased chemicals. 195 p
Abstract: Biobased chemistry has gained interest and has the potential to tackle some of the sustainability challenges the chemical industry must endure. Sustainability impacts need to be evaluated and monitored to highlight the advantages and pitfalls of different biobased routes over the product life cycle. A better understanding of the potential sustainability of emerging biobased technologies and products is essential to guide additional research and further technology development. This PhD thesis aims to develop a framework for a techno-sustainability assessment (TSA), while accounting for technological as well as economic, environmental, and social aspects in an integrated approach. First, a review of the state-of-the-art sustainability indicators for biobased chemicals was conducted and a gap analysis was performed to identify indicator development needs. Afterwards, a Delphi study was performed to select sustainability indicators specifically for biobased chemical assessment and to reach consensus among experts on a prioritization of these indicators. Next, the selected sustainability indicators were quantified while integrating technological and country-specific data with environmental characterization factors, economic values and social data. Finally, a stochastic, hierarchical multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) integrates the independent techno-sustainability indicators expressed in different units, taking into account stochastic and flexible method options. The developed integrated TSA framework was applied to a case for which a production and harvesting plant of microalgae-based food colorants is assessed. The final aim of the integrated TSA is to compare the potential sustainability performance of different scenarios and to make better-informed choices between alternatives by evaluating environmental, economic and social sustainability impacts in one holistic model. Integrated TSA offers a novel framework where decision makers can assess sustainability already in early technology development stages by identifying potential hurdles and opportunities to guide R&D and make sustainable investment decisions.
Keywords: Doctoral thesis; Engineering Management (ENM)
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“About some methods of analytic representation and classification of a wide set of geometric figures with “complex&rdquo, configuration”. Tavkhelidze I, Gielis J, Pinelas S, Sn –, 1512-0066 34, 81 (2020)
Keywords: A3 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
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“About some methods of analytic representation and classification of a wide set of geometric figures with “complex” configuration”. Tavkhelidze I, Gielis J, Pinelas S page 347 (2020).
Keywords: H1 Book chapter; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-56323-3_27
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“Controlling the mixed potential of polyelectrolyte-coated platinum electrodes for the potentiometric detection of hydrogen peroxide”. Baez JF, Compton M, Chahrati S, Cánovas R, Blondeau P, Andrade FJ, Analytica Chimica Acta 1097, 204 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.ACA.2019.11.018
Abstract: The use of a Pt electrode coated with a layer of Nafion has been described in previous works as an attractive way to perform the potentiometric detection of hydrogen peroxide. Despite of the attractive features of this approach, the nature of the non-Nernstian response of this system was not properly addressed. In this work, using a mixed potential model, the open circuit potential of the Pt electrode is shown to be under kinetic control of the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). It is proposed that hydrogen peroxide acts as an oxygenated species that blocks free sites on the Pt surface, interfering with the ORR. Therefore, the effect of the polyelectrolyte coating can be understood in terms of the modulation of the factors that affects the kinetics of the ORR, such as an increase of the H+ concentration, minimization of the effect of the spectator species, etc. Because of the complexity and the lack of models that accurately describe systems with practical applications, this work is not intended to provide a mechanistic but rather a phenomenological view on problem. A general framework to understand the factors that affect the potentiometric response is provided. Experimental evidence showing that the use of polyelectrolyte coatings are a powerful way to control the mixed potential open new ways for the development of robust and simple potentiometric sensors.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
Impact Factor: 6.2
DOI: 10.1016/J.ACA.2019.11.018
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“Drinking waste? An exploration of public support for wastewater reuse in Flanders”. Geerts R, Vandermoere F, Halet D, Joos P, Van Den Steen K, Van Meenen E, Blust R, Van Winckel T, Vlaeminck S, (2020)
Keywords: P3 Proceeding; Sociology; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL); Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change
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Vargas Paredes AA (2020) Emergent phenomena in superconductors in presence of intraband and cross-band pairing. 142 p
Abstract: In this thesis we investigate the emergence of new phenomena in multigap superconductors and multicomponent Ginzburg-Landau theories in the presence of intraband and cross-band pairing. The first part contains a review of emergent phenomena in superconductors with only intraband pairing, in particular the mechanism behind gap resonances which are accompanied by Higgs and Leggett modes. Then we study the gap resonances induced by two-dimensional quantum confinement and describe its spatial profile using the Bogoliubov-de Gennes equations. In the second part we describe the conditions where the cross-band pair formation is feasible. Using the formalism of Green functions we obtain the equations governing the interplay between intraband and cross-band pairing. Also, we derived the Ginzburg-Landau equations considering both intraband and cross-band pairing. Finally, we describe the crossover between the intraband-dominated and crossband-dominated regimes. These two are delimited by a tendency towards a gapless state. When a magnetic field is applied close to the gapless state, we found new arrangements of vortices like square lattices, stripes, labyrinths or of vortex clusters. The experimental signatures and consequences of crosspairing are discussed for MgB2 and Ba0.6K0.4Fe2As2.
Keywords: Doctoral thesis; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
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“Formation and stability of conformal spirals in confined 2D crystals”. Silva FCO, Menezes RM, Cabral LRE, de Souza Silva CC, Journal Of Physics-Condensed Matter 32, 505401 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1088/1361-648X/ABB0A7
Abstract: We investigate the ground-state and dynamical properties of nonuniform two-dimensional (2D) clusters of long-range interacting particles. We demonstrate that, when the confining external potential is designed to produce an approximate 1/ r 2 density profile, the particles crystallize into highly ordered structures featuring spiral crystalline lines. Despite the strong inhomogeneity of the observed configurations, most of them are characterized by small density of topological defects, typical of conformal crystals, and the net topological charge induced by the simply-connected geometry of the system is concentrated near the cluster center. These crystals are shown to be robust with respect to thermal fluctuations up to a certain threshold temperature, above which the net charge is progressively redistributed from the center to the rest of the system and the topological order is lost. The crystals are also resilient to the shear stress produced by a small nonuniform azimuthal force field, rotating as a rigid body (RB). For larger forces, topological defects proliferate and the RB rotation gives place to plastic flow.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 2.7
DOI: 10.1088/1361-648X/ABB0A7
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“The general case of cutting GML bodies : the geometrical solution”. Gielis J, Caratelli D, Tavkhelidze I page 397 (2020).
Keywords: H1 Book chapter; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-56323-3_31
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“The general case of cutting of Generalized Möbius-Listing surfaces and bodies”. Gielis J, Tavkhelidze I, 4Open 3, 7 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1051/FOPEN/2020007
Abstract: The original motivation to study Generalized Möbius-Listing GML surfaces and bodies was the observation that the solution of boundary value problems greatly depends on the domains. Since around 2010 GML’s were merged with (continuous) Gielis Transformations, which provide a unifying description of geometrical shapes, as a generalization of the Pythagorean Theorem. The resulting geometrical objects can be used for modeling a wide range of natural shapes and phenomena. The cutting of GML bodies and surfaces, with the Möbius strip as one special case, is related to the field of knots and links, and classifications were obtained for GML with cross sectional symmetry of 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6. The general case of cutting GML bodies and surfaces, in particular the number of ways of cutting, could be solved by reducing the 3D problem to planar geometry. This also unveiled a range of connections with topology, combinatorics, elasticity theory and theoretical physics.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
DOI: 10.1051/FOPEN/2020007
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“The Mӧbius phenomenon in Generalized Mӧbius-Listing bodies with cross sections of odd and even polygons”. Gielis J, Tavkhelidze I, Sn –, 1512-0066 34, 23 (2020)
Keywords: A3 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
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“Modulating the mixed potential for developing biosensors: Direct potentiometric determination of glucose in whole, undiluted blood”. Cánovas R, Blondeau P, Andrade FJ, Biosensors &, Bioelectronics 163, 112302 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.BIOS.2020.112302
Abstract: The growing demand for tools to generate chemical information in decentralized settings is creating a vast range of opportunities for potentiometric sensors, since their combination of robustness, simplicity of operation and cost can hardly be rivalled by any other technique. In previous works, we have shown that the mixed potential of a Pt electrode can be controlled with analytical purposes using a coating of Nafion, thus providing a way to develop a potentiometric biosensor for glucose. Unfortunately, the linear range of this device did not match the relevant clinical range for glucose in blood. This work presents a novel strategy to control the mixed potential that allows the development of a potentiometric biosensor for the direct detection of glucose in whole, undiluted blood without any sample pretreatment. By changing the ionomer, the analytical response can be tuned, shifting the linear range while keeping the sensitivity. Aquivion, a polyelectrolyte from the same family as Nafion, is used to stabilize the mixed potential of a platinized paper-based electrode, to entrap the enzyme and to reduce the interference from negatively charged species. Factors affecting the generation of the signal and the principle of detection are discussed. Optimization of the biosensor composition was achieved with particular focus on the characterization of the linear range and sensitivity. The accurate measurement of blood sugar levels in a single drop of whole blood with excellent recovery is presented.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
Impact Factor: 12.6
DOI: 10.1016/J.BIOS.2020.112302
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“The sweet detection of rolling circle amplification : glucose-based electrochemical genosensor for the detection of viral nucleic acid”. Ciftci S, Cánovas R, Neumann F, Paulraj T, Nilsson M, Crespo GA, Madaboosi N, Biosensors &, Bioelectronics 151, 112002 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.BIOS.2019.112002
Abstract: Herein, an isothermal padlock probe-based assay for the simple and portable detection of pathogens coupled with a glucose oxidase (GOx)-based electrochemical readout is reported. Infectious diseases remain a constant threat on a global scale, as in recurring pandemics. Rapid and portable diagnostics hold the promise to tackle the spreading of diseases and decentralising healthcare to point-of-care needs. Ebola, a hypervariable RNA virus causing fatalities of up to 90% for recent outbreaks in Africa, demands immediate attention for bedside diagnostics. The design of the demonstrated assay consists of a rolling circle amplification (RCA) technique, responsible for the generation of nucleic acid amplicons as RCA products (RCPs). The RCPs are generated on magnetic beads (MB) and subsequently, connected via streptavidin-biotin bonds to GOx. The enzymatic catalysis of glucose by the bound GOx allows for an indirect electrochemical measurement of the DNA target. The RCPs generated on the surface of the MB were confirmed by scanning electron microscopy, and among other experimental conditions such as the type of buffer, temperature, concentration of GOx, sampling and measurement time were evaluated for the optimum electrochemical detection. Accordingly, 125 μg mL−1 of GOx with 5 mM glucose using phosphate buffer saline (PBS), monitored for 1 min were selected as the ideal conditions. Finally, we assessed the analytical performance of the biosensing strategy by using clinical samples of Ebola virus from patients. Overall, this work provides a proof-of-concept bioassay for simple and portable molecular diagnostics of emerging pathogens using electrochemical detection, especially in resource-limited settings.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
Impact Factor: 12.6
DOI: 10.1016/J.BIOS.2019.112002
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“Thermodynamically unconstrained forced concentration cycling of methane catalytic partial oxidation over CeO2FeCralloy catalysts”. Ma Z, Perreault P, Pelegrin DC, Boffito DC, Patience GS, Chemical Engineering Journal 380, 122470 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.CEJ.2019.122470
Abstract: Converting waste associated natural gas from oil fields is uneconomic with current gas-to-liquid technology. Micro Gas-to-Liquids technology ( GtL) combines process intensification and numbering up economics to reduce capital costs to convert flared and vented natural gas to value-added synthetic fuel: Milli-second contact times in the catalytic partial oxidation of methane (CPOX) integrated with a tandem Fischer-Tropsch (FT) step meets the economic constraints together with remote process control. FeCralloy knitted fibres with high thermal conductivity and low pressure drop, resist thermal and mechanical stresses in the high pressure CPOX step. The FeCralloy catalysts are free of pre-reduction treatments. We deposited Pt and/or CeO2 over the fibre surface via solution combustion synthesis. Methane conversion was higher at ambient pressure compared to 2 MPa while the Pt/CeO2 FeCralloy was relatively inert from 0.1 MPa to 2 MPa. However, both catalysts demonstrated high activity in quasi-chemical looping partial oxidation of methane: during the reduction step while feeding methane, an on-line mass spectrometer only detected H2 while in the oxidation step it detected predominantly CO. Kinetic modeling of the oxidation-reduction cycles suggests that the reaction follows a direct mechanism to produce CO and H2 rather than an indirect mechanism that first produces CO2 and H2O followed by reforming.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Impact Factor: 15.1
DOI: 10.1016/J.CEJ.2019.122470
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“Thin-layer potentiometry for creatinine detection in undiluted human urine using ion-exchange membranes as barriers for charged interferences”. Liu Y, Cánovas R, Crespo GA, Cuartero M, Analytical Chemistry 92, 3315 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1021/ACS.ANALCHEM.9B05231
Abstract: Herein, thin-layer potentiometry combined with ion-exchange membranes as barriers for charged interferences is demonstrated for the analytical detection of creatinine (CRE) in undiluted human urine. Briefly, CRE diffuses through an anion-exchange membrane (AEM) from a sample contained in one fluidic compartment to a second reservoir, containing the enzyme CRE deiminase. There, CRE reacts with the enzyme, and the formation of ammonium is dynamically monitored by potentiometric ammonium-selective electrodes. This analytical concept is integrated into a lab-on-a-chip microfluidic cell that allows for a high sample throughput and the operation under stop-flow mode, which allows CRE to passively diffuse across the AEM. Conveniently, positively charged species (i.e., potassium, sodium, and ammonium, among others) are repelled by the AEM and never reach the ammonium-selective electrodes; thus, possible interference in the response can be avoided. As a result, the dynamic potential response of the electrodes is entirely ascribed to the stoichiometric formation of ammonium. The new CRE biosensor exhibits a Nernstian slope, within a linear range of response from 1 to 50 mM CRE concentration. As expected, the response time (15–60 min) primarily depends on the CRE diffusion across the AEM. CRE analysis in urine samples displayed excellent results, without requiring sample pretreatment (before the introduction of the sample in the microfluidic chip) and with high compatibility with development into a potential point-of-care clinical tool. In an attempt to decrease the analysis time, the presented analytical methodology for CRE detection is translated into an all-solid-state platform, in which the enzyme is immobilized on the surface of the ammonium-selective electrode and with the AEM on top. While more work is necessary in this direction, the CRE sensor appears to be promising for CRE analysis in both urine and blood.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
Impact Factor: 7.4
DOI: 10.1021/ACS.ANALCHEM.9B05231
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Nakhaee M (2020) Tight-binding model for two-dimensional materials. 139 p
Abstract: abstract not available
Keywords: Doctoral thesis; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
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“Purple non-sulphur bacteria and plant production: benefits for fertilization, stress resistance and the environment”. Sakarika M, Spanoghe J, Sui Y, Wambacq E, Grunert O, Haesaert G, Spiller M, Vlaeminck SE, Microbial biotechnology 13, 1336 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1111/1751-7915.13474
Abstract: Purple non-sulphur bacteria (PNSB) are phototrophic microorganisms, which increasingly gain attention in plant production due to their ability to produce and accumulate high-value compounds that are beneficial for plant growth. Remarkable features of PNSB include the accumulation of polyphosphate, the production of pigments and vitamins and the production of plant growth-promoting substances (PGPSs). Scattered case studies on the application of PNSB for plant cultivation have been reported for decades, yet a comprehensive overview is lacking. This review highlights the potential of using PNSB in plant production, with emphasis on three key performance indicators (KPIs): fertilization, resistance to stress (biotic and abiotic) and environmental benefits. PNSB have the potential to enhance plant growth performance, increase the yield and quality of edible plant biomass, boost the resistance to environmental stresses, bioremediate heavy metals and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. Here, the mechanisms responsible for these attributes are discussed. A distinction is made between the use of living and dead PNSB cells, where critical interpretation of existing literature revealed the better performance of living cells. Finally, this review presents research gaps that remain yet to be elucidated and proposes a roadmap for future research and implementation paving the way for a more sustainable crop production.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Impact Factor: 5.7
Times cited: 10
DOI: 10.1111/1751-7915.13474
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“Structural, electronic and vibrational properties of ultra-thin octahedrally coordinated structure of EuO2”. Ozcan M, Ozen S, Yagmurcukardes M, Sahin H, Journal Of Magnetism And Magnetic Materials 493, 165668 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.JMMM.2019.165668
Abstract: Novel stable ultra-thin phases of europium oxide are investigated by means of state-of-the-art first principles calculations. Total energy calculations show that single layers of EuO2 and Eu(OH)(2) can be stabilized in an octahedrally coordinated (1T) atomic structure. However, phonon calculations reveal that although both structures are energetically feasible, only the 1T-EuO2 phase has dynamical stability. The phonon spectrum of 1T-EuO2 displays three Raman active modes; a non-degenerate out-of-plane A(1g) mode at 353.5 cm(-1) and two doubly-degenerate in-plane E-g modes at 304.3 cm(-1). Furthermore, magnetic ground state and electronic band dispersion calculations show that the single layer EuO2 is a metal with net magnetic moment of 5(mu B) per unitcell resulting in a half-metallic ferrimagnetic behavior. Moreover, robustness of the half-metallic ferrimagnetic characteristics of EuO2 is confirmed by the application of electric field and charging. Single layer 1T-EuO2, with its stable ultra-thin structure and half-metallic ferrimagnetic feature, is a promising novel material for nanoscale electronic and spintronic applications.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 2.7
Times cited: 1
DOI: 10.1016/J.JMMM.2019.165668
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“Do bottom-up and independent agricultural cooperatives really perform better? Insights from a technical efficiency analysis in Ethiopia”. Gezahegn TW, Van Passel S, Berhanu T, D'haese M, Maertens M, Agrekon (2020). http://doi.org/10.1080/03031853.2019.1663223
Abstract: The cooperative landscape in Ethiopia is very heterogeneous with a mixture of remains of the pre-1991 government-controlled system and new post-1991 bottom-up collective action initiatives. This heterogeneity, coupled with a large growth in the number of cooperatives in the country, offers an interesting perspective to study the determinants of the (in)efficiency of cooperatives. In this paper, we analyse the performance of Ethiopian agricultural cooperatives, focusing on the degree of technical (in)efficiency and its determinants. We use the stochastic frontier approach in which we account for heteroskedasticity and the monotonicity of production functions, presenting a methodological improvement with respect to previous technical efficiency studies. The results show that NGO- and government-initiated cooperatives are less efficient than community-initiated ones, implying that governments and NGOs should not interfere too strongly in cooperative formation. Cooperatives with a high degree of heterogeneity in members' participation are found to be about 98% less efficient, while cooperatives that have paid employees are 33% more efficient. Besides, results show that cooperatives in Ethiopia function more efficiently if they incentivize committee members through monetary compensation.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering Management (ENM)
Impact Factor: 1.3
DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2019.1663223
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“A critical view on social performance assessment at company level : social life cycle analysis of an algae case”. Rafiaani P, Kuppens T, Thomassen G, Van Dael M, Azadi H, Lebailly P, Van Passel S, International Journal Of Life Cycle Assessment (2020). http://doi.org/10.1007/S11367-019-01702-X
Abstract: Purpose Social indicators are not easy to be quantitatively analyzed, although at the local scale, the social impacts might be relevant and important. Using the existing approaches for both quantitative and semi-qualitative measurements, this study aims to assess the social impacts of a company working on algae production systems in Belgium through social life cycle analysis (SLCA). By highlighting the opportunities and challenges on the way of applying the existing SLCA approaches at company level, the objective of this study is to contribute to the development of a suitable and clear SLCA approach when a company is considered as the unit of analysis. Methods Based on the list of potential social impact categories suggested by the United Nations Environment Program/Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (UNEP/SETAC) guidelines (2009) for SLCA, three stakeholder groups (workers, consumers, and local community) and three subcategories associated with each stakeholder group were identified as the most relevant for carbon capture and utilization technologies. Company and sector level data were collected using existing documents and reports, and the data were analyzed and scored using a combined quantitative and semi-quantitative approach to develop a social assessment model for the case study. Results and discussion The company appears to perform well for all the evaluated social indicators except the one related to the subcategory “equal opportunity/discrimination for workers” for which the share of women employed is lower compared with the sector-level data. The results of our assessment were further discussed regarding the challenges and limitations of performing SLCA at the company level. Based on our experience, the validity of the outcomes is significantly influenced by the data availability, the generality of the indicators introduced within the UNEP/SETAC guidelines, and the subjectivity in data collection for the semi-quantitative assessment among others. Conclusions By highlighting the difficulties and challenges of applying the SLCA at the company level, our study provides a starting point for improving the quantitative assessment and monitoring social implications at the company level within a regional foreground in Europe.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering Management (ENM)
Impact Factor: 4.8
Times cited: 1
DOI: 10.1007/S11367-019-01702-X
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“Use of Banana Fibers in SMA Mixtures”. Ferreira da Costa L, de Lucena LCFL, de Lucena AEFL, Grangeiro de Barros A, Journal Of Materials In Civil Engineering 32, 04019341 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)MT.1943-5533.0002994
Abstract: Asphalt binder draindown is a potential issue related to stone matrix asphalt (SMA) mixtures. One convenient approach for reducing binder drainage is the use of fibers as stabilizing additives. This study assesses the feasibility of incorporating fibers from banana plants into an SMA mixture as a proposed use for residues from banana cultivation. We found the fiber content capable of preventing draindown and subsequently evaluated the influence of fiber length on the mechanical properties of an SMA mixture. Samples were prepared in a Superpave gyratory compactor with four different fiber lengths (5, 10, 15, and 20 mm) at a fixed content (0.3% by weight) and then compared to samples without fibers. Indirect tensile strength, resilient and dynamic modulus, flow number, and fatigue life tests were conducted. Overall, fibers improved the mechanical properties analyzed. These enhancements were more pronounced for the samples with 15- and 20-mm fibers. Thus, a smaller number of longer fibers was more beneficial to the fiber reinforcement of mixtures than a larger number of shorter fibers.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT); Energy and Materials in Infrastructure and Buildings (EMIB)
Impact Factor: 3.2
DOI: 10.1061/(ASCE)MT.1943-5533.0002994
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“Defect-directed growth of symmetrically branched metal nanocrystals”. Smith JD, Bladt E, Burkhart JAC, Winckelmans N, Koczkur KM, Ashberry HM, Bals S, Skrabalak SE, Angewandte Chemie-International Edition 59, 943 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1002/ANIE.201913301
Abstract: Branched plasmonic nanocrystals (NCs) have attracted much attention due to electric field enhancements at their tips. Seeded growth provides routes to NCs with defined branching patterns and, in turn, near-field distributions with defined symmetries. Here, a systematic analysis was undertaken in which seeds containing different distributions of planar defects were used to grow branched NCs in order to understand how their distributions direct the branching. Characterization of the products by multimode electron tomography and analysis of the NC morphologies at different overgrowth stages indicate that the branching patterns are directed by the seed defects, with the emergence of branches from the seed faces consistent with minimizing volumetric strain energy at the expense of surface energy. These results contrast with growth of branched NCs from single-crystalline seeds and provide a new platform for the synthesis of symmetrically branched plasmonic NCs.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 16.6
Times cited: 23
DOI: 10.1002/ANIE.201913301
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“Dislocation structures and the role of grain boundaries in cyclically deformed Ni micropillars”. Samaee V, Sandfeld S, Idrissi H, Groten J, Pardoen T, Schwaiger R, Schryvers D, Materials Science And Engineering A-Structural Materials Properties Microstructure And Processing 769, 138295 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.msea.2019.138295
Abstract: Transmission electron microscopy and finite element-based dislocation simulations were combined to study the development of dislocation microstructures after cyclic deformation of single crystal and bicrystal Ni micropillars oriented for multi-slip. A direct correlation between large accumulation of plastic strain and the presence of dislocation cell walls in the single crystal micropillars was observed, while the presence of the grain boundary hampered the formation of wall-like structures in agreement with a smaller accumulated plastic strain. Automated crystallographic orientation and nanostrain mapping using transmission electron microscopy revealed the presence of lattice heterogeneities associated to the cell walls including long range elastic strain fields. By combining the nanostrain mapping with an inverse modelling approach, information about dislocation density, line orientation and Burgers vector direction was derived, which is not accessible otherwise in such dense dislocation structures. Simulations showed that the image forces associated with the grain boundary in this specific bicrystal configuration have only a minor influence on dislocation behavior. Thus, the reduced occurrence of “mature” cell walls in the bicrystal can be attributed to the available volume, which is too small to accommodate cell structures.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 6.4
Times cited: 1
DOI: 10.1016/j.msea.2019.138295
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“Simulation of a controlled water heating system with demand response remunerated on imbalance market pricing”. Peeters M, Compernolle T, Van Passel S, Journal of building engineering 27, 100969 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.JOBE.2019.100969
Abstract: Buildings are responsible for 40% of our worldwide energy consumption and 50% of this energy is converted for Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems in buildings. The increasing share of renewable energy production required to make the transition towards a carbon neutral energy system challenges the stability of the grid. Through demand response it becomes possible to activate these systems in support of grid balancing. However, this flexibility is currently not rewarded in the market. We simulate a domestic water heater participating in the balancing of the electricity net and calculated the revenue from this action. We simulate a water heater in connection with an Economic Model Predictive Controller (EMPC) which takes future usage, energy cost, and reward for delivering balanced power into account. We show that the choice of an EMPC controller is valid as it allows the setpoint to change if certain conditions are met, leading to a more optimal revenue stream from selling flexibility. We find that the economic benefits of participating in delivering balancing power is considerable and offset an increase in energy costs. The increase in energy consumption could be justified as the participation in net stabilisation allows the macro-system to integrate more renewable energy sources. More importantly, the simulations also show that the poorer the energy performance of the water heater, the more flexibility can be sold. From a policy point of view, a minimal energy performance should be determined before allowing participation in net stabilisation.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering sciences. Technology; Economics; Engineering Management (ENM)
DOI: 10.1016/J.JOBE.2019.100969
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“A first-principles study of the effects of atom impurities, defects, strain, electric field and layer thickness on the electronic and magnetic properties of the C2N nanosheet”. Bafekry A, Stampfl C, Ghergherehchi M, Shayesteh SF, Carbon 157, 371 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.CARBON.2019.10.038
Abstract: Using the first-principles calculations, we explore the structural and novel electronic/optical properties of the C2N nanosheet. To this goal, we systematically investigate the affect of layer thickness, electrical field and strain on the electronic properties of the C2N nanosheet. By increasing the thickness of C2N, we observed that the band gap decreases. Moreover, by applying an electrical field to bilayer C2N, the band gap decreases and a semiconductor-to-metal transition can occur. Our results also confirm that uniaxial and biaxial strain can effectively alter the band gap of C2N monolayer. Furthermore, we show that the electronic and magnetic properties of C2N can be modified by the adsorption and substitution of various atoms. Depending on the species of embedded atoms, they may induce semiconductor (O, C, Si and Be), metal (S, N, P, Na, K, Mg and Ca), dilute-magnetic semiconductor (H, F, B), or ferro-magnetic-metal (Cl, Li) character in C2N monolayer. It was also found that the inclusion of hydrogen or oxygen impurities and nitrogen vacancies, can induce magnetism in the C2N monolayer. These extensive calculations can be useful to guide future studies to modify the electronic/optical properties of two-dimensional materials. (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 10.9
Times cited: 49
DOI: 10.1016/J.CARBON.2019.10.038
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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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“Dunaliella microalgae for nutritional protein : an undervalued asset”. Sui Y, Vlaeminck SE, Trends in biotechnology : regular edition 38, 10 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.TIBTECH.2019.07.011
Abstract: β-carotene production using Dunaliella microalgae is established, yet their potential as a source of protein for food and feed applications appears to be overlooked. The rich protein content and nutritional tunability of Dunaliella make these algae intriguing sources of sustainable protein. Thus, it is of societal interest to exploit these promising proteinaceous Dunaliella traits.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Impact Factor: 17.3
Times cited: 2
DOI: 10.1016/J.TIBTECH.2019.07.011
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“Plasma-enabled catalyst-free conversion of ethanol to hydrogen gas and carbon dots near room temperature”. Zhou R, Zhou R, Xian Y, Fang Z, Lu X, Bazaka K, Bogaerts A, Ostrikov K(K), Chemical Engineering Journal 382, 122745 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.CEJ.2019.122745
Abstract: Selective conversion of bio-renewable ethanol under mild conditions especially at room temperature remains a major challenge for sustainable production of hydrogen and valuable carbon-based materials. In this study, adaptive non-thermal plasma is applied to deliver pulsed energy to rapidly and selectively reform ethanol in the absence of a catalyst. Importantly, the carbon atoms in ethanol that would otherwise be released into the environment in the form of CO or CO2 are effectively captured in the form of carbon dots (CDs). Three modes of non-thermal spark plasma discharges, i.e. single spark mode (SSM), multiple spark mode (MSM) and gliding spark mode (GSM), provide additional flexibility in ethanol reforming by controlling the processes of energy transfer and distribution, thereby affecting the flow rate, gas content, and energy consumption in H-2 production. A favourable combination of low temperature (< 40 degrees C), attractive conversion rate (gas flow rate of similar to 120 mL/min), high hydrogen yield (H-2 content > 90%), low energy consumption (similar to 0.96 kWh/m(3) H-2) and the effective generation of photoluminescent CDs (which are applicable for bioimaging or biolabelling) in the MSM indicate that the proposed strategy may offer a new carbon-negative avenue for comprehensive utilization of alcohols and mitigating the increasingly severe energy and environmental issues.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 15.1
Times cited: 20
DOI: 10.1016/J.CEJ.2019.122745
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“A first-principles study of C3N nanostructures : control and engineering of the electronic and magnetic properties of nanosheets, tubes and ribbons”. Bafekry A, Stampfl C, Shayesteh SF, Chemphyschem 21, 164 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1002/CPHC.201900852
Abstract: Using first-principles calculations we systematically investigate the atomic, electronic and magnetic properties of novel two-dimensional materials (2DM) with a stoichiometry C3N which has recently been synthesized. We investigate how the number of layers affect the electronic properties by considering monolayer, bilayer and trilayer structures, with different stacking of the layers. We find that a transition from semiconducting to metallic character occurs which could offer potential applications in future nanoelectronic devices. We also study the affect of width of C3N nanoribbons, as well as the radius and length of C3N nanotubes, on the atomic, electronic and magnetic properties. Our results show that these properties can be modified depending on these dimensions, and depend markedly on the nature of the edge states. Functionalization of the nanostructures by the adsorption of H adatoms is found induce metallic, half-metallic, semiconducting and ferromagnetic behavior, which offers an approach to tailor the properties, as can the application of strain. Our calculations give insight into this new family of C3N nanostructures, which reveal unusual electronic and magnetic properties, and may have great potential in applications such as sensors, electronics and optoelectronic at the nanoscale.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 2.9
Times cited: 27
DOI: 10.1002/CPHC.201900852
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“Defect‐Directed Growth of Symmetrically Branched Metal Nanocrystals”. Smith JD, Bladt E, Burkhart JAC, Winckelmans N, Koczkur KM, Ashberry HM, Bals S, Skrabalak SE, Angewandte Chemie (International ed. Print) 132, 953 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1002/ange.201913301
Abstract: Branched plasmonic nanocrystals (NCs) have attracted much attention due to electric field enhancements at their tips. Seeded growth provides routes to NCs with defined branching patterns and, in turn, near‐field distributions with defined symmetries. Here, a systematic analysis was undertaken in which seeds containing different distributions of planar defects were used to grow branched NCs in order to understand how their distributions direct the branching. Characterization of the products by multimode electron tomography and analysis of the NC morphologies at different overgrowth stages indicate that the branching patterns are directed by the seed defects, with the emergence of branches from the seed faces consistent with minimizing volumetric strain energy at the expense of surface energy. These results contrast with growth of branched NCs from single‐crystalline seeds and provide a new platform for the synthesis of symmetrically branched plasmonic NCs.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
DOI: 10.1002/ange.201913301
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