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Author Baskurt, M.; Nair, R.R.; Peeters, F.M.; Sahin, H.
  Title Ultra-thin structures of manganese fluorides : conversion from manganese dichalcogenides by fluorination Type A1 Journal article
  Year (down) 2021 Publication Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics Abbreviated Journal Phys Chem Chem Phys
  Volume 23 Issue 17 Pages 10218-10224
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
  Abstract In this study, it is predicted by density functional theory calculations that graphene-like novel ultra-thin phases of manganese fluoride crystals, that have nonlayered structures in their bulk form, can be stabilized by fluorination of manganese dichalcogenide crystals. First, it is shown that substitution of fluorine atoms with chalcogens in the manganese dichalcogenide host lattice is favorable. Among possible crystal formations, three stable ultra-thin structures of manganese fluoride, 1H-MnF2, 1T-MnF2 and MnF3, are found to be stable by total energy optimization calculations. In addition, phonon calculations and Raman activity analysis reveal that predicted novel single-layers are dynamically stable crystal structures displaying distinctive characteristic peaks in their vibrational spectrum enabling experimental determination of the corresponding phases. Differing from 1H-MnF2 antiferromagnetic (AFM) large gap semiconductor, 1T-MnF2 and MnF3 single-layers are semiconductors with ferromagnetic (FM) ground state.
  Address
  Corporate Author Thesis
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor
  Language Wos 000641719700001 Publication Date 2021-04-15
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition
  ISSN 1463-9076; 1463-9084 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
  Impact Factor 4.123 Times cited 1 Open Access Not_Open_Access
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 4.123
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:178252 Serial 7043
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Sozen, Y.; Yagmurcukardes, M.; Sahin, H.
  Title Vibrational and optical identification of GeO₂ and GeO single layers : a first-principles study Type A1 Journal article
  Year (down) 2021 Publication Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics Abbreviated Journal Phys Chem Chem Phys
  Volume 23 Issue 37 Pages 21307-21315
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
  Abstract In the present work, the identification of two hexagonal phases of germanium oxides (namely GeO2 and GeO) through the vibrational and optical properties is reported using density functional theory calculations. While structural optimizations show that single-layer GeO2 and GeO crystallize in 1T and buckled phases, phonon band dispersions reveal the dynamical stability of each structure. First-order off-resonant Raman spectral predictions demonstrate that each free-standing single-layer possesses characteristic peaks that are representative for the identification of the germanium oxide phase. On the other hand, electronic band dispersion analysis shows the insulating and large-gap semiconducting nature of single-layer GeO2 and GeO, respectively. Moreover, optical absorption, reflectance, and transmittance spectra obtained by means of G(0)W(0)-BSE calculations reveal the existence of tightly bound excitons in each phase, displaying strong optical absorption. Furthermore, the excitonic gaps are found to be at deep UV and visible portions of the spectrum, for GeO2 and GeO crystals, with energies of 6.24 and 3.10 eV, respectively. In addition, at the prominent excitonic resonances, single-layers display high reflectivity with a zero transmittance, which is another indication of the strong light-matter interaction inside the crystal medium.
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  Corporate Author Thesis
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor
  Language Wos 000697364300001 Publication Date 2021-09-02
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition
  ISSN 1463-9076; 1463-9084 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
  Impact Factor 4.123 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 4.123
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:181571 Serial 7044
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Author Shi, W.; Pandey, T.; Lindsay, L.; Woods, L.M.
  Title Vibrational properties and thermal transport in quaternary chalcogenides : the case of Te-based compositions Type A1 Journal article
  Year (down) 2021 Publication Physical review materials Abbreviated Journal
  Volume 5 Issue 4 Pages 045401
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
  Abstract Vibrational thermal properties of CuZn2InTe4, AgZn2InTe4, and Cu2CdSnTe4, derived from binary II-VI zinc-blendes, are reported based on first-principles calculations. While the chalcogenide atoms in these materials have the same lattice positions, the cation atom arrangements vary, resulting in different crystal symmetries and subsequent properties. The compositional differences have important effects on the vibrational thermal characteristics of the studied materials, which demonstrate that low-frequency optical phonons hybridize with acoustic phonons and lead to enhanced phonon-phonon scattering and low lattice thermal conductivities. The phonon density of states, mode Gruneisen parameters, and phonon scattering rates are also calculated, enabling deeper insight into the microscopic thermal conduction processes in these materials. Compositional variations drive differences among the three materials considered here; nonetheless, their structural similarities and generally low thermal conductivities (0.5-4 W/mK at room temperature) suggest that other similar II-VI zinc-blende derived materials will also exhibit similarly low values, as also corroborated by experimental data. This, combined with the versatility in designing a variety of motifs on the overall structure, makes quaternary chalcogenides interesting for thermal management and energy conversion applications that require low thermal conductivity.
  Address
  Corporate Author Thesis
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor
  Language Wos 000655931400005 Publication Date 2021-04-01
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition
  ISSN 2475-9953 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
  Impact Factor Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: NA
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:179140 Serial 7045
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Author Locardi, F.; Samoli, M.; Martinelli, A.; Erdem, O.; Vale Magalhaes, D.; Bals, S.; Hens, Z.
  Title Cyan emission in two-dimensional colloidal Cs2CdCl4:SB3+ Ruddlesden-Popper phase nanoplatelets Type A1 Journal article
  Year (down) 2021 Publication Acs Nano Abbreviated Journal Acs Nano
  Volume 15 Issue 11 Pages 17729-17737
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
  Abstract Metal halide perovskites are one of the most investigated materials in optoelectronics, with their lead-based counterparts being renowned for their enhanced optoelectronic performance. The 3D CsPbX3 structure has set the standard with many studies currently attempting to substitute lead with other metals while retaining the properties of this material. This effort has led to the fabrication of metal halides with lower dimensionality, wherein particular 2D layered perovskite structures have captured attention as inspiration for the next generation of colloidal semiconductors. Here we report the synthesis of the Ruddlesden-Popper Cs2CdCl4:Sb3+ phase as colloidal nanoplatelets (NPs) using a facile hot injection approach under atmospheric conditions. Through strict adjustment of the synthesis parameters with emphasis on the ligand ratio, we obtained NPs with a relatively uniform size and good morphological control. The particles were characterized through transmission electron microscopy, synchrotron X-ray diffraction, and pair distribution function analysis. The spectroscopic characterization revealed most strikingly an intense cyan emission under UV excitation with a measured PLQY of similar to 20%. The emission was attributed to the Sb3+-doping within the structure.
  Address
  Corporate Author Thesis
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor
  Language Wos 000747115200053 Publication Date 0000-00-00
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition
  ISSN 1936-0851 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
  Impact Factor 13.942 Times cited 34 Open Access OpenAccess
  Notes The authors acknowledge the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility for provision of synchrotron radiation facilities and they would like to thank Andrew Fitch for assistance in using beamline ID22 (proposal HC-4098). Z.H. and S.B acknowledge funding from the Research Foundation − Flanders (FWO-Vlaanderen under the SBO − PROCEED project (No: S0002019N). Z.H. acknowledges Ghent University for funding (BOF-GOA 01G01019). S.B. is grateful to the European Research Council (ERC Consolidator Grant 815128, REALNANO). F.L. thanks Emanuela Sartori and Stefano Toso for the fruitful discussions. M.S. would like to thank Olivier Janssens for collecting XRPD data and Gabriele Pippia for helpful insights and discussions. Approved Most recent IF: 13.942
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:186465 Serial 7059
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Author Charalampopoulou, E.; Lambrinou, K.; Van der Donck, T.; Paladino, B.; Di Fonzo, F.; Azina, C.; Eklund, P.; Mraz, S.; Schneider, J.M.; Schryvers, D.; Delville, R.
  Title Early stages of dissolution corrosion in 316L and DIN 1.4970 austenitic stainless steels with and without anticorrosion coatings in static liquid lead-bismuth eutectic (LBE) at 500 degrees C Type A1 Journal article
  Year (down) 2021 Publication Materials Characterization Abbreviated Journal Mater Charact
  Volume 178 Issue Pages 111234
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
  Abstract This work addresses the early stages (<= 1000 h) of the dissolution corrosion behavior of 316L and DIN 1.4970 austenitic stainless steels in contact with oxygen-poor (C-O < 10(-8) mass%), static liquid lead-bismuth eutectic (LBE) at 500 degrees C for 600-1000 h. The objective of this study was to determine the relative early-stage resistance of the uncoated steels to dissolution corrosion and to assess the protectiveness of select candidate coatings (Cr2AlC, Al2O3, V2AlxCy). The simultaneous exposure of steels with intended differences in microstructure and thermomechanical state showed the effects of steel grain size, density of annealing/deformation twins, and secondary precipitates on the steel dissolution corrosion behavior. The findings of this study provide recommendations on steel manufacturing with the aim of using the steels to construct Gen-IV lead-cooled fast reactors.
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  Corporate Author Thesis
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor
  Language Wos 000752582700001 Publication Date 2021-06-01
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition
  ISSN 1044-5803 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
  Impact Factor 2.714 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 2.714
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:186509 Serial 7061
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Author Li, W.; Tong, W.; Yadav, A.; Bladt, E.; Bals, S.; Funston, A.M.; Etheridge, J.
  Title Shape control beyond the seeds in gold nanoparticles Type A1 Journal article
  Year (down) 2021 Publication Chemistry Of Materials Abbreviated Journal Chem Mater
  Volume 33 Issue 23 Pages 9152-9164
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
  Abstract In typical seed-mediated syntheses of metal nanocrystals, the shape of the nanocrystal is determined largely by the seed nucleation environment and subsequent growth environment (where “environment” refers to the chemical environment, including the surfactant and additives). In this approach, crystallinity is typically determined by the seeds, and surfaces are controlled by the environment(s). However, surface energies, and crystallinity, are both influenced by the choice of environment(s). This limits the permutations of crystallinity and surface facets that can be mixed and matched to generate new nanocrystal morphologies. Here, we control post-seed growth to deliberately incorporate twin planes during the growth stage to deliver new final morphologies, including twinned cubes and bipyramids from single-crystal seeds. The nature and number of twin planes, together with surfactant control of facet growth, define the final nanoparticle morphology. Moreover, by breaking symmetry, the twin planes introduce new facet orientations. This additional mechanism opens new routes for the synthesis of different morphologies and facet orientations.
  Address
  Corporate Author Thesis
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor
  Language Wos 000753956100012 Publication Date 0000-00-00
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition
  ISSN 0897-4756; 1520-5002 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
  Impact Factor 9.466 Times cited 3 Open Access Not_Open_Access
  Notes This work was supported by the Australian Research Council (ARC) Grants DP160104679 and CE170100026 and used microscopes at the Monash Centre for Electron Microscopy funded by ARC Grants LE0454166, LE110100223, and LE140100104. W.L. thanks the support of the Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) scholarship. W.T. thanks the Australian Department of Education and Monash University for the IPRS and APA scholarships. E.B. acknowledges financial support and a post-doctoral grant from the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO, Belgium). The authors thank Dr. Matthew Weyland and Dr. Tim Peterson for helpful discussions. A.Y. thanks the support from Post Graduation Publication Award (PPA) scholarship from Monash University. Approved Most recent IF: 9.466
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:187229 Serial 7065
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Author Canossa, S.; Ferrari, E.; Sippel, P.; Fischer, J.K.H.; Pfattner, R.; Frison, R.; Masino, M.; Mas-Torrent, M.; Lunkenheimer, P.; Rovira, C.; Girlando, A.
  Title Tetramethylbenzidine-TetrafluoroTCNQ (TMB-TCNQF(4)) : a narrow-gap semiconducting salt with room-temperature relaxor ferroelectric behavior Type A1 Journal article
  Year (down) 2021 Publication Journal Of Physical Chemistry C Abbreviated Journal J Phys Chem C
  Volume 125 Issue 46 Pages 25816-25824
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
  Abstract We present an extension and revision of the spectroscopic and structural data of the mixed-stack charge-transfer (CT) crystal 3,3 ',5,5 '-tetramethylbenzidine-tetrafluorotetracyano-quinodimethane (TMB-TCNQF4), associated with new electric and dielectric measurements. Refinement of synchrotron structural data at low temperature has led to revise the previously reported C2/m structure. The revised structure is P2(1)/m, with two dimerized stacks per unit cell, and is consistent with the low temperature vibrational data. However, polarized Raman data in the low-frequency region also indicate that by increasing temperature above 200 K, the structure presents an increasing degree of disorder, mainly along the stack axis. X-ray diffraction data at room temperature have confirmed that the correct structure is P2(1)/ m -no phase transitions -but did not allow substantiating the presence of disorder. On the other hand, dielectric measurements have evidenced a typical relaxor ferroelectric behavior already at room temperature, with a peak in the real part of dielectric constant epsilon'(T,v) around 200 K and 0.1 Hz. The relaxor behavior is explained in terms of the presence of spin solitons separating domains of opposite polarity that yield to ferroelectric nanodomains. TMB-TCNQF(4) is confirmed to be a narrow-gap band semiconductor (Ea similar to 0.3 eV) with a room-temperature conductivity of similar to 10(-4) Omega(-1) cm(-1).
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  Corporate Author Thesis
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor
  Language Wos 000731170500008 Publication Date 0000-00-00
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition
  ISSN 1932-7447; 1932-7455 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
  Impact Factor 4.536 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access
  Notes A.G. thanks Prof. Pascale Foury-Leylekian for very helpful discussions about the crystallographic issues. R.F. thanks Prof. Anthony Linden for his help in the X-ray diffraction data collection. J.K.H.F. and P.L. acknowledge funding from the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) via the Transregional Collaborative Research Center TRR80 (Augsburg, Munich). R.P. and M.M.-T. acknowledge support from the Marie Curie Cofund, Beatriu de Pinós Fellowships (Grant nos. AGAUR 2017 BP 00064). This work was also supported by the Spanish Ministry project GENESIS PID2019-111682RBI00, the “Severo Ochoa” Programme for Centers of Excellence in R&D (FUNFUTURE, CEX2019-000917-S), and the Generalitat de Catalunya (2017-SGR-918). The Elettra Synchrotron (CNR Trieste) is acknowledged for granting the beamtime at the single-crystal diffraction beamline XRD1 (Proposal ID 20185483). In Parma, the work has benefited from the equipment and support of the COMP-HUB Initiative, funded by the “Departments of Excellence” program of the Approved Most recent IF: 4.536
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:184866 Serial 7066
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Author Quintelier, M.; Perkisas, T.; Poppe, R.; Batuk, M.; Hendrickx, M.; Hadermann, J.
  Title Determination of spinel content in cycled Li1.2Ni0.13Mn0.54Co0.13O2 using three-dimensional electron diffraction and precession electron diffraction Type A1 Journal article
  Year (down) 2021 Publication Symmetry-Basel Abbreviated Journal Symmetry-Basel
  Volume 13 Issue 11 Pages 1989-17
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM); Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
  Abstract Among lithium battery cathode materials, Li1.2Ni0.13Mn0.54Co0.13O2 (LR-NMC) has a high theoretical capacity, but suffers from voltage and capacity fade during cycling. This is partially ascribed to transition metal cation migration, which involves the local transformation of the honeycomb layered structure to spinel-like nano-domains. Determination of the honeycomb layered/spinel phase ratio from powder X-ray diffraction data is hindered by the nanoscale of the functional material and the domains, diverse types of twinning, stacking faults, and the possible presence of the rock salt phase. Determining the phase ratio from transmission electron microscopy imaging can only be done for thin regions near the surfaces of the crystals, and the intense beam that is needed for imaging induces the same transformation to spinel as cycling does. In this article, it is demonstrated that the low electron dose sufficient for electron diffraction allows the collection of data without inducing a phase transformation. Using calculated electron diffraction patterns, we demonstrate that it is possible to determine the volume ratio of the different phases in the particles using a pair-wise comparison of the intensities of the reflections. Using this method, the volume ratio of spinel structure to honeycomb layered structure is determined for a submicron sized crystal from experimental three-dimensional electron diffraction (3D ED) and precession electron diffraction (PED) data. Both twinning and the possible presence of the rock salt phase are taken into account. After 150 charge-discharge cycles, 4% of the volume in LR-NMC particles was transformed irreversibly from the honeycomb layered structure to the spinel structure. The proposed method would be applicable to other multi-phase materials as well.
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  Corporate Author Thesis
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor
  Language Wos 000815310500001 Publication Date 2021-10-21
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition
  ISSN 2073-8994 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
  Impact Factor 1.457 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 1.457
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:189468 Serial 7080
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Author Balashova, I.O.; Tolbin, A.Y.; Tarakanov, P.A.; Krot, A.R.; Fedorova, K., V; Sergeeva, I.A.; Trashin, S.A.; De Wael, K.; Pushkarev, V.E.; Koifman, M.O.; Ponomarev, G., V.
  Title A covalently linked dyad based on zinc phthalocyanine and methylpheophorbide α : synthetic and physicochemical study Type A1 Journal article
  Year (down) 2021 Publication Macroheterocycles Abbreviated Journal
  Volume 14 Issue 1 Pages 40-50
  Keywords A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
  Abstract The first covalently linked conjugate of metal phthalocyaninate and chlorin e(6) derivative has been obtained by transesterification of alpha-ketomethyl ester in methylpheophorbide a with zinc(II) 2-(2-hydroxymethylbenzyloxy)-9(10),16(17),23(24)-tri-tert-butylphthalocyaninate under mild conditions. The dyad exhibits a panchromatic nature revealing both the phthalocyanine and pheophorbide derived bands in the UV-Vis absorption spectrum. The H-1 NMR spectroscopy data combined with theoretical calculations indicate the presence of spatial intramolecular interactions between the phthalocyanine, pheophorbide and spacer fragments of the dyad allowing to forecast its enhanced nonlinear optical properties, as well as the characteristic energy transfer from the excited pheophorbide subunit to the phthalocyanine core. Indeed, when excited in the UV-Vis range, the conjugate shows red fluorescence with the spectral maximum at 686 nm, which is close to the one of the initial zinc phthalocyaninate. Furthermore, the dyad effectively generates singlet oxygen and, in the presence of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as biocompatible solubilizer, forms stable micellar saline solutions with the particles ranged in size between 40 and 100 nm. These nanoparticles represent promising third-generation photosensitizing systems for application in theranostics.
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  Corporate Author Thesis
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor
  Language Wos 000659682000003 Publication Date 2021-06-25
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition
  ISSN ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
  Impact Factor Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: NA
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:179196 Serial 7386
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Author Winterstetter, A.; Grodent, M.; Kini, V.; Ragaert, K.; Vrancken, K.C.M.
  Title A review of technological solutions to prevent or reduce marine plastic litter in developing countries Type A1 Journal article
  Year (down) 2021 Publication Sustainability Abbreviated Journal Sustainability-Basel
  Volume 13 Issue 9 Pages 4894
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
  Abstract Growing global plastic production combined with poor waste collection has led to increasing amounts of plastic debris being found in oceans, rivers and on shores. The goal of this study is to provide an overview on currently available technological solutions to tackle marine plastic litter and to assess their potential use in developing countries. To compile an inventory of technological solutions, a dedicated online platform was developed. A total of 51 out of initially 75 submitted solutions along the plastics value chain were assessed by independent experts. Collection systems represent more than half of the shortlisted solutions. A quarter include processing and treatment technologies, either as a stand-alone solution (30%) or, more commonly, in combination with a first litter capturing step. Ten percent offer digital solutions. The rest focuses on integrated waste management solutions. For each stage in the source-to-sea spectrum-land, rivers, sea-two illustrative examples are described in detail. This study concludes that the most cost-effective type of solution tackles land-based sources of marine litter and combines technology with people-oriented practices, runs on own energy sources, connects throughout the plastics value chain with a convincing valorization plan for captured debris, and involves all relevant stakeholders.
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  Corporate Author Thesis
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor
  Language Wos 000650920900001 Publication Date 2021-04-27
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition
  ISSN 2071-1050 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
  Impact Factor 1.789 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 1.789
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:178368 Serial 7396
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Author Tiwari, S.; Van de Put, M.L.; Sorée, B.; Vandenberghe, W.G.
  Title Ab initio modeling of few-layer dilute magnetic semiconductors Type P1 Proceeding
  Year (down) 2021 Publication International Conference on Simulation of Semiconductor Processes and Devices : [proceedings] T2 – International Conference on Simulation of Semiconductor Processes and, Devices (SISPAD), SEP 27-29, 2021, Dallas, TX Abbreviated Journal
  Volume Issue Pages 141-145
  Keywords P1 Proceeding; Engineering sciences. Technology; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
  Abstract We present a computational model to model the magnetic structure of two-dimensional (2D) dilute-magnetic-semiconductors (DMS) both the monolayers and multilayers using first-principles density functional theory (DFT), as well as their magnetic phase transition as a function of temperature using Monte-Carlo simulations. Using our method, we model the magnetic structure of bulk, bilayer, and monolayer MoS2 substitutionally doped with Fe atoms. We find that the out-of-plane interaction in bilayer MoS2 is weakly ferromagnetic, whereas in bulk MoS2 it is strongly anti-ferromagnetic. Finally, we show that the magnetic order is more robust in bilayer Fe-doped MoS2 compared to the monolayer and results in a room-temperature FM at an atomic substitution of 14-16%.
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  Corporate Author Thesis
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor
  Language Wos 000766985400034 Publication Date 2021-11-08
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition
  ISSN 978-1-6654-0685-7 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
  Impact Factor Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: NA
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:187291 Serial 7401
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Author Scolfaro, D.; Finamor, M.; Trinchao, L.O.; Rosa, B.L.T.; Chaves, A.; Santos, P., V.; Iikawa, F.; Couto, O.D.D., Jr.
  Title Acoustically driven stark effect in transition metal dichalcogenide monolayers Type A1 Journal article
  Year (down) 2021 Publication Acs Nano Abbreviated Journal Acs Nano
  Volume 15 Issue 9 Pages 15371-15380
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
  Abstract The Stark effect is one of the most efficient mechanisms to manipulate many-body states in nanostructured systems. In mono- and few-layer transition metal dichalcogenides, it has been successfully induced by optical and electric field means. Here, we tune the optical emission energies and dissociate excitonic states in MoSe2 monolayers employing the 220 MHz in-plane piezoelectric field carried by surface acoustic waves. We transfer the monolayers to high dielectric constant piezoelectric substrates, where the neutral exciton binding energy is reduced, allowing us to efficiently quench (above 90%) and red-shift the excitonic optical emissions. A model for the acoustically induced Stark effect yields neutral exciton and trion in-plane polarizabilities of 530 and 630 x 10(-5) meV/(kV/cm)(2), respectively, which are considerably larger than those reported for monolayers encapsulated in hexagonal boron nitride. Large in-plane polarizabilities are an attractive ingredient to manipulate and modulate multiexciton interactions in two-dimensional semiconductor nanostructures for optoelectronic applications.
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  Corporate Author Thesis
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor
  Language Wos 000703553600129 Publication Date 2021-08-27
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition
  ISSN 1936-0851 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
  Impact Factor 13.942 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 13.942
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:182545 Serial 7415
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Author Firmansyah, I.; Carsjens, G.J.; de Ruijter, F.J.; Zeeman, G.; Spiller, M.
  Title An integrated assessment of environmental, economic, social and technological parameters of source separated and conventional sanitation concepts : a contribution to sustainability analysis Type A1 Journal article
  Year (down) 2021 Publication Journal Of Environmental Management Abbreviated Journal J Environ Manage
  Volume 295 Issue Pages 113131
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
  Abstract Resource recovery and reuse from domestic wastewater has become an important subject for the current development of sanitation technologies and infrastructures. Different technologies are available and combined into sanitation concepts, with different performances. This study provides a methodological approach to evaluate the sustainability of these sanitation concepts with focus on resource recovery and reuse. St. Eustatius, a small tropical island in the Caribbean, was used as a case study for the evaluation. Three source separation-communityon-site and two combined sewerage island-scale concepts were selected and compared in terms of environmental (net energy use, nutrient recovery/reuse, BOD/COD, pathogens, and GHG emission, land use), economic (CAPEX and OPEX), social cultural (acceptance, required competences and education), and technological (flexibility/ adaptability, reliability/continuity of service) indicators. The best performing concept, is the application of Upflow Anaerobic Sludge Bed (UASB) and Trickling Filter (TF) at island level for combined domestic wastewater treatment with subsequent reuse in agriculture. Its overall average normalised score across the four categories (i. e., average of average per category) is about 15% (0.85) higher than the values of the remaining systems and with a score of 0.73 (conventional activated sludge – centralised level), 0.77 (UASB-septic tank (ST)), 0.76 (UASB-TF – community level), and 0.75 (ST – household level). The higher score of the UASB-TF at community level is mainly due to much better performance in the environmental and economic categories. In conclusion, the case study provides a methodological approach that can support urban planning and decision-making in selecting more sustainable sanitation concepts, allowing resource recovery and reuse in small island context or in other contexts.
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  Corporate Author Thesis
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor
  Language Wos 000681105800003 Publication Date 2021-06-30
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition
  ISSN 0301-4797 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
  Impact Factor 4.01 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 4.01
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:180488 Serial 7437
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Author Drăgan, A.-M.; Parrilla, M.; Feier, B.; Oprean, R.; Cristea, C.; De Wael, K.
  Title Analytical techniques for the detection of amphetamine-type substances in different matrices : a comprehensive review Type A1 Journal article
  Year (down) 2021 Publication Trac-Trends In Analytical Chemistry Abbreviated Journal Trac-Trend Anal Chem
  Volume 145 Issue Pages 116447
  Keywords A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation); Antwerp Electrochemical and Analytical Sciences Lab (A-Sense Lab)
  Abstract This current review focuses on contributions to amphetamine-type substances (ATS) analysis. This type of synthetic illicit drugs has been increasingly present worldwide reaching 5% of the market on illicit drugs in 2019. The increment of their production in many clandestine laboratories and easy distribution among society are two of the main concerns towards the battle against synthetic drugs. Therefore, the first part of this review details the classification and mechanism of action of ATS in the human body. Second, the pharmacological and toxicological effects of ATS on human health are described to motivate the need of early detection of ATS. Subsequently, the most used laboratory-based and portable methods are presented and critically discussed along the review. Finally, a careful discussion on the advantages and disadvantages of portable techniques employed on the field are addressed as potential tools for on-site ATS detection by law enforcement officers.
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  Corporate Author Thesis
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor
  Language Wos 000723747000009 Publication Date 2021-09-30
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition
  ISSN 0165-9936; 1879-3142 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
  Impact Factor 8.442 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 8.442
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:183268 Serial 7460
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Lauriks, T.; Longo, R.; Baetens, D.; Derudi, M.; Parente, A.; Bellemans, A.; van Beeck, J.; Denys, S.
  Title Application of improved CFD modeling for prediction and mitigation of traffic-related air pollution hotspots in a realistic urban street Type A1 Journal article
  Year (down) 2021 Publication Atmospheric Environment Abbreviated Journal Atmos Environ
  Volume 246 Issue Pages 118127
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
  Abstract The correct prediction of air pollutants dispersed in urban areas is of paramount importance to safety, public health and a sustainable environment. Vehicular traffic is one of the main sources of nitrogen oxides (NO ) and particulate matter (PM), strongly related to human morbidity and mortality. In this study, the pollutant level and distribution in a section of one of the main road arteries of Antwerp (Belgium, Europe) are analyzed. The assessment is performed through computational fluid dynamics (CFD), acknowledged as a powerful tool to predict and study dispersion phenomena in complex atmospheric environments. The two main traffic lanes are modeled as emitting sources and the surrounding area is explicitly depicted. A Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) approach specific for Atmospheric Boundary Layer (ABL) simulations is employed. After a validation on a wind tunnel urban canyon test case, the dispersion within the canopy of two relevant urban pollutants, nitrogen dioxide (NO) and particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter smaller than 10 m (PM10), is studied. An experimental field campaign led to the availability of wind velocity and direction data, as well as PM10 concentrations in some key locations within the urban canyon. To accurately predict the concentration field, a relevant dispersion parameter, the turbulent Schmidt number, , is prescribed as a locally variable quantity. The pollutant distributions in the area of interest – exhibiting strong heterogeneity – are finally demonstrated, considering one of the most frequent and concerning wind directions. Possible local remedial measures are conceptualized, investigated and implemented and their outcomes are directly compared. A major goal is, by realistically reproducing the district of interest, to identify the locations inside this intricate urban canyon where the pollutants are stagnating and to analyze which solution acts as best mitigation measure. It is demonstrated that removal by electrostatic precipitation (ESP), an active measure, and by enhancing the dilution process through wind catchers, a passive measure, are effective for local pollutant removal in a realistic urban canyon. It is also demonstrated that the applied ABL methodology resolves some well known problems in ABL dispersion modeling.
  Address
  Corporate Author Thesis
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor
  Language Wos 000613550100003 Publication Date 2020-12-07
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition
  ISSN 1352-2310 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
  Impact Factor 3.629 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 3.629
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:173917 Serial 7477
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Author Stefan, G.; Hosu, O.; De Wael, K.; Jesus Lobo-Castanon, M.; Cristea, C.
  Title Aptamers in biomedicine : selection strategies and recent advances Type A1 Journal article
  Year (down) 2021 Publication Electrochimica Acta Abbreviated Journal Electrochim Acta
  Volume 376 Issue Pages 137994
  Keywords A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
  Abstract Aptamers have come in the spotlight as bio-mimetic molecular recognition elements in the field of biomedicine due to various applications in diagnostics, drug delivery, therapeutics, and pharmaceutical analysis. Aptamers are composed of nucleic acid strands (DNA or RNA) that can specifically interact in a three-dimensional tailored design with the target molecule. The basic method to generate aptamers is Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential Enrichment (SELEX). Recent technological advances in aptamer selection allow for faster and cheaper production of a new generation of high-affinity aptamers compared to the traditional SELEX, which can last up to several months. Rigorous characterization performed by multiple research groups endorsed several well-defined aptamer sequences. Binding affinity, nature of the biomolecular interactions and structural characterization are of paramount importance for aptamer screening and development of applications. However, remarkable challenges still need to be dealt with before the aptamers can make great contributions to the biomedical field. Poor specificity and sensitivity, questionable clinical use, low drug loading, in vivo stability and toxicity are only some of the identified challenges. This review accounts for the 30th celebration of the SELEX technology underlining the most important aptamers' achievements in the biomedical field within mostly the past five years. Aptamers' advantages over antibodies are discussed. Because of potential clinical translational utility, insights of remarkable developments in aptamer-based methods for diagnosis and monitoring of disease biomarkers and pharmaceuticals are discussed focusing on the recent studies (2015-2020). The current challenges and promising opportunities for aptamers for therapeutic and theragnostic purposes are also presented. (C) 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
  Address
  Corporate Author Thesis
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor
  Language Wos 000634761900003 Publication Date 2021-02-22
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition
  ISSN 0013-4686 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
  Impact Factor 4.798 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 4.798
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:177677 Serial 7491
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Author Weiβ, R.; Gritsch, S.; Brader, G.; Nikolic, B.; Spiller, M.; Santolin, J.; Weber, H.K.; Schwaiger, N.; Pluchon, S.; Dietel, K.; Guebitz, G.; Nyanhongo, G.
  Title A biobased, bioactive, low CO₂ impact coating for soil improvers Type A1 Journal article
  Year (down) 2021 Publication Green Chemistry Abbreviated Journal Green Chem
  Volume 23 Issue 17 Pages 6501-6514
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
  Abstract Lignosulfonate-based bioactive coatings as soil improvers for lawns were developed using laccase as a biocatalyst. Incorporation of glycerol, xylitol and sorbitol as plasticizers considerably reduced the brittleness of the synthesized coatings of marine carbonate granules while thermal enzyme inactivation at 100 degrees C enabled the production of stable coatings. Heat inactivation produced stable coatings with a molecular weight of 2000 kDa and a viscosity of 4.5 x 10(-3) Pas. The desired plasticity for the spray coating of soil improver granules was achieved by the addition of 2.7% of xylitol. Agriculture beneficial microorganisms (four different Bacillus species) were integrated into the coatings. The stable coatings protected the marine calcium carbonate granules, maintained the viability of the microorganisms and showed no toxic effects on the germination and growth of model plants including corn, wheat, salad, and tomato despite a slight delay in germination. Moreover, the coatings reduced the dust formation of soil improvers by 70%. CO2 emission analysis showed potential for the reduction of up to 3.4 kg CO2-eq. kg(-1) product, making it a viable alternative to fossil-based coatings.
  Address
  Corporate Author Thesis
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor
  Language Wos 000683056500001 Publication Date 2021-08-09
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition
  ISSN 1463-9262; 1463-9270 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
  Impact Factor 9.125 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 9.125
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:180511 Serial 7558
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Author Nunez Manzano, M.; Gonzalez Quiroga, A.; Perreault, P.; Madanikashani, S.; Vandewalle, L.A.; Marin, G.B.; Heynderickx, G.J.; Van Geem, K.M.
  Title Biomass fast pyrolysis in an innovative gas-solid vortex reactor : experimental proof of concept Type A1 Journal article
  Year (down) 2021 Publication Journal Of Analytical And Applied Pyrolysis Abbreviated Journal J Anal Appl Pyrol
  Volume 156 Issue Pages 105165-12
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
  Abstract Biomass fast pyrolysis has been considered one of the best alternatives for the thermal conversion of biomass into bio-oil. This work introduces a new reactor technology for biomass fast pyrolysis, the Gas-Solid Vortex Reactor (GSVR), to obtain high bio-oil yields. The GSVR was designed to decrease the residence time of the pyrolysis vapors; thus, the secondary cracking reactions are reduced, to enhance the segregation of the char and the unreacted biomass and to improve the heat transfer rate. Biomass fast pyrolysis experiments have been carried out for the first time in a Gas-Solid Vortex Reactor (GSVR) at 773 K, using softwood (pine) and hardwood (poplar) as feedstock. Char yields as low as 10 wt. % in the GSVR were comparable to those reported for the same feedstocks processed in conventional fluidized bed reactors. The yields of non-condensable gases in the range of 15–17 wt. % were significantly lower than those reported for other commonly used biomass fast pyrolysis reactors. Two-dimensional gas chromatography (GC × GC) revealed noticeable differences at the molecular level between the bio-oils from the GSVR and bio-oils from other reactors. The aromatics in the pine bio-oil consist almost entirely (85 wt. %) of guaiacols. For poplar bio-oils no predominant group of aromatics was found, but phenolics, syringols, and catechols were the most pronounced. The experimental results highlight the advantages of the GSVR for biomass pyrolysis, reaching stable operation in around 60 s, removing the formed char selectively during operation, and enabling fast entrainment of pyrolysis vapors. Results indicate a great potential for increasing yield and selectivity towards guaiacols in softwood (e.g., pine) bio-oil. Likewise, decreasing pyrolysis temperature could increase the yield of guaiacols and syringols in hardwood (e.g., poplar) bio-oil.
  Address
  Corporate Author Thesis
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor
  Language Wos 000663091200002 Publication Date 2021-04-16
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition
  ISSN 0165-2370 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
  Impact Factor 3.471 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 3.471
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:178743 Serial 7562
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Fuoco, T.; Cuartero, M.; Parrilla, M.; García-Guzmán, J.J.; Crespo, G.A.; Finne-Wistrand, A.
  Title Capturing the real-time hydrolytic degradation of a library of biomedical polymers by combining traditional assessment and electrochemical sensors Type A1 Journal article
  Year (down) 2021 Publication Biomacromolecules Abbreviated Journal Biomacromolecules
  Volume 22 Issue 2 Pages 949-960
  Keywords A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
  Abstract We have developed an innovative methodology to overcome the lack of techniques for real-time assessment of degradable biomedical polymers at physiological conditions. The methodology was established by combining polymer characterization techniques with electrochemical sensors. The in vitro hydrolytic degradation of a series of aliphatic polyesters was evaluated by following the molar mass decrease and the mass loss at different incubation times while tracing pH and l-lactate released into the incubation media with customized miniaturized electrochemical sensors. The combination of different analytical approaches provided new insights into the mechanistic and kinetics aspects of the degradation of these biomedical materials. Although molar mass had to reach threshold values for soluble oligomers to be formed and specimens’ resorption to occur, the pH variation and l-lactate concentration were direct evidence of the resorption of the polymers and indicative of the extent of chain scission. Linear models were found for pH and released l-lactate as a function of mass loss for the l-lactide-based copolymers. The methodology should enable the sequential screening of degradable polymers at physiological conditions and has potential to be used for preclinical material’s evaluation aiming at reducing animal tests.
  Address
  Corporate Author Thesis
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor
  Language Wos Publication Date 2021-01-27
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition
  ISSN 1525-7797 ISBN Additional Links UA library record
  Impact Factor 5.246 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 5.246
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:175296 Serial 7575
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Alloul, A.; Muys, M.; Hertoghs, N.; Kerckhof, F.-M.; Vlaeminck, S.E.
  Title Cocultivating aerobic heterotrophs and purple bacteria for microbial protein in sequential photo- and chemotrophic reactors Type A1 Journal article
  Year (down) 2021 Publication Bioresource Technology Abbreviated Journal Bioresource Technol
  Volume 319 Issue Pages 124192
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
  Abstract Aerobic heterotrophic bacteria (AHB) and purple non-sulfur bacteria (PNSB) are typically explored as two separate types of microbial protein, yet their properties as respectively a bulk and added-value feed ingredient make them appealing for combined use. The feasibility of cocultivation in a sequential photo- and chemotrophic approach was investigated. First, mapping the chemotrophic growth kinetics for four Rhodobacter, Rhodopseudomonas and Rhodospirillum species on different carbon sources showed a preference for fructose (µmax 2.4–3.9 d−1 28 °C; protein 36–59%DW). Secondly, a continuous photobioreactor inoculated with Rhodobacter capsulatus (VFA as C-source) delivered the starter culture for an aerobic batch reactor (fructose as C-source). This two-stage system showed an improved nutritional quality compared to AHB production: higher protein content (45–71%DW), more attractive amino/fatty acid profile and contained up to 10% PNSB. The findings strengthen protein production with cocultures and might enable the implementation of the technology for resource recovery on streams such as wastewater.
  Address
  Corporate Author Thesis
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor
  Language Wos 000613136600013 Publication Date 2020-09-30
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition
  ISSN 0960-8524 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
  Impact Factor 5.651 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 5.651
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:171766 Serial 7677
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Demiroglu, I.; Karaaslan, Y.; Kocabas, T.; Keceli, M.; Vazquez-Mayagoitia, A.; Sevik, C.
  Title Computation of the thermal expansion coefficient of graphene with Gaussian approximation potentials Type A1 Journal article
  Year (down) 2021 Publication Journal Of Physical Chemistry C Abbreviated Journal J Phys Chem C
  Volume 125 Issue 26 Pages 14409-14415
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
  Abstract Direct experimental measurement of thermal expansion coefficient without substrate effects is a challenging task for two-dimensional (2D) materials, and its accurate estimation with large-scale ab initio molecular dynamics is computationally very expensive. Machine learning-based interatomic potentials trained with ab initio data have been successfully used in molecular dynamics simulations to decrease the computational cost without compromising the accuracy. In this study, we investigated using Gaussian approximation potentials to reproduce the density functional theory-level accuracy for graphene within both lattice dynamical and molecular dynamical methods, and to extend their applicability to larger length and time scales. Two such potentials are considered, GAP17 and GAP20. GAP17, which was trained with pristine graphene structures, is found to give closer results to density functional theory calculations at different scales. Further vibrational and structural analyses verify that the same conclusions can be deduced with density functional theory level in terms of the reasoning of the thermal expansion behavior, and the negative thermal expansion behavior is associated with long-range out-of-plane phonon vibrations. Thus, it is argued that the enabled larger system sizes by machine learning potentials may even enhance the accuracy compared to small-size-limited ab initio molecular dynamics.
  Address
  Corporate Author Thesis
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor
  Language Wos 000672734100027 Publication Date 2021-06-24
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition
  ISSN 1932-7447; 1932-7455 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
  Impact Factor 4.536 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 4.536
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:179850 Serial 7719
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Parrilla, M.; Montiel, F.N.; Van Durme, F.; De Wael, K.
  Title Derivatization of amphetamine to allow its electrochemical detection in illicit drug seizures Type A1 Journal article
  Year (down) 2021 Publication Sensors And Actuators B-Chemical Abbreviated Journal Sensor Actuat B-Chem
  Volume 337 Issue Pages 129819
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
  Abstract Amphetamine (AMP) is posing critical issues in our society being one of the most encountered drugs-of-abuse in the current illicit market. The continuous drug production in Europe urges the development of new tools for the rapid on-site determination of illicit drugs such as AMP. However, the direct electrochemical detection of AMP is a challenge because the molecule is non-electroactive at the potential window of conventional graphite SPEs. For this reason, a derivatization step is needed to convert the primary amine into an electroactive oxidizable group. Herein, the rapid electrochemical detection of AMP in seized samples based on the derivatization by 1,2-naphthoquinone-4-sulfonate (NQS) is presented by using square wave voltammetry (SWV) at graphite screen-printed electrodes (SPEs). First, a detailed optimization of the key parameters and the analytical performance is provided. The method showed a sensitivity of 7.9 µA mM-1 within a linear range from 50 to 500 µM, a limit of detection of 22.2 µM, and excellent reproducibility (RSD = 4.3%, n = 5 at 500 µM). Subsequently, the effect of NQS on common cutting agents for the selective detection of AMP is addressed. The comparison of the method with drugs-of-abuse containing secondary and tertiary amines confirms the selectivity of the method. Finally, the concept is applied to quantify AMP in 20 seized samples provided by forensic laboratories, exhibiting an accuracy of 97.3 ± 10.5%. Overall, the fast analysis of samples with the electrochemical profiling of derivatized AMP exhibits a straightforward on-site screening aiming to facilitate the tasks of law enforcement agents in the field.
  Address
  Corporate Author Thesis
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor
  Language Wos 000640386500001 Publication Date 2021-03-19
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition
  ISSN 0925-4005 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
  Impact Factor 5.401 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 5.401
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:176353 Serial 7762
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Blidar, A.-M.
  Title The development of sensitive and selective electrochemical methods for the detection of antibiotics Type Doctoral thesis
  Year (down) 2021 Publication Abbreviated Journal
  Volume Issue Pages 139 p.
  Keywords Doctoral thesis; Pharmacology. Therapy; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation); Antwerp Electrochemical and Analytical Sciences Lab (A-Sense Lab)
  Abstract The discovery of antibiotics represented one of the greatest breakthroughs in medicine. Their success combined with an increasing intensive use is apparently bound to be also their undoing. This is due to the development of acquired antibiotic resistance, leading to inefficient antibiotherapy and even to the impossibility of treatment and death. The development and spread of antibiotic resistance are fueled by the widespread presence of trace levels of antibiotics residue, in various media, from environment to aliments. One of the solutions is the rigorous monitoring of the levels of antibiotics, which in term requires an almost constant development of new, more accessible analytical methods, especially screening methods, capable of decentralized analysis. In this direction, the electrochemical detection of antibiotics represents a very viable alternative. In this context, the aim of this thesis was to develop new electrochemical methods for the detection of antibiotics by employing and expanding on several strategies, like biomimetic sensors and electrochemical fingerprinting. Five studies were described in this thesis, that can be roughly divided in three categories, based on the analytical strategy employed. The first group is represented by direct electrochemical methods. The second group focuses on the use of biomimetic elements, molecularly imprinted polymers and aptamers. The hyphenation of electrochemical methods with other analytical methods was explored in the last group. In the last study, included in this group, the singlet oxygen-based photoelectrochemical approach was used for the detection of a phenolic antibiotic, rifampicin. The originality of the thesis consists in the testing and development of new approaches to various strategies used in electrochemical detection, revealing new insights in the field of electrochemical detection of antibiotics. The complex electrochemical fingerprint and the mechanism of the electrochemical oxidation were created and investigated, respectively, for the antibiotic vancomycin. New sensitive nanoplatforms were prepared by employing and combining new protocols. Additionally, important contributions were brought through the study involving the singlet oxygen-based detection of rifampicin. We demonstrated how a photocatalyst can exhibit analyte selectivity by strongly interacting with a complex phenolic compound, rifampicin. Summing up, the studies presented in this thesis will have an important impact in the field of electrochemical detection of antibiotics.
  Address
  Corporate Author Thesis
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor
  Language Wos Publication Date
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition
  ISSN ISBN Additional Links UA library record
  Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: NA
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:182955 Serial 7804
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Yildiz, A.; Chouki, T.; Atli, A.; Harb, M.; Verbruggen, S.W.; Ninakanti, R.; Emin, S.
  Title Efficient iron phosphide catalyst as a counter electrode in dye-sensitized solar cells Type A1 Journal article
  Year (down) 2021 Publication ACS applied energy materials Abbreviated Journal
  Volume 4 Issue 10 Pages 10618-10626
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
  Abstract Developing an efficient material as a counter electrode (CE) with excellent catalytic activity, intrinsic stability, and low cost is essential for the commercial application of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Transition metal phosphides have been demonstrated as outstanding multifunctional catalysts in a broad range of energy conversion technologies. Here, we exploited different phases of iron phosphide as CEs in DSSCs with an I–/I3–-based electrolyte. Solvothermal synthesis using a triphenylphosphine precursor as a phosphorus source allows to grow a Fe2P phase at 300 °C and a FeP phase at 350 °C. The obtained iron phosphide catalysts were coated on fluorine-doped tin oxide substrates and heat-treated at 450 °C under an inert gas atmosphere. The solar-to-current conversion efficiency of the solar cells assembled with the Fe2P material reached 3.96 ± 0.06%, which is comparable to the device assembled with a platinum (Pt) CE. DFT calculations support the experimental observations and explain the fundamental origin behind the improved performance of Fe2P compared to FeP. These results indicate that the Fe2P catalyst exhibits excellent performance along with desired stability to be deployed as an efficient Pt-free alternative in DSSCs.
  Address
  Corporate Author Thesis
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor
  Language Wos 000711236300022 Publication Date 2021-10-08
  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 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: NA
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:181953 Serial 7853
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Dragan, A.-M.; Truta, F.M.; Tertis, M.; Florea, A.; Schram, J.; Cernat, A.; Feier, B.; De Wael, K.; Cristea, C.; Oprean, R.
  Title Electrochemical fingerprints of illicit drugs on graphene and multi-walled carbon nanotubes Type A1 Journal article
  Year (down) 2021 Publication Frontiers In Chemistry Abbreviated Journal Front Chem
  Volume 9 Issue Pages 641147
  Keywords A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
  Abstract Illicit drugs use and abuse remains an increasing challenge for worldwide authorities and, therefore, it is important to have accurate methods to detect them in seized samples, biological fluids and wastewaters. They are recently classified as the latest group of emerging pollutants as their consumption increased tremendously in recent years. Nanomaterials have gained much attention over the last decade in the development of sensors for a myriad of applications. The applicability of these nanomaterials, functionalized or not, significantly increases and it is therefore highly suitable for use in the detection of illicit drugs. We have assessed the suitability of various nanoplatforms, such as graphene (GPH), multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and platinum nanoparticles (PtNPs) for the electrochemical detection of illicit drugs. GPH and MWCNTs were chosen as the most suitable platforms and cocaine, 3,4-methylendioxymethamfetamine (MDMA), 3-methylmethcathinone (MMC) and alpha-pyrrolidinovalerophenone (PVP) were tested. Due to the hydrophobicity of the nanomaterials-based platforms which led to low signals, two strategies were followed namely, pretreatment of the electrodes in sulfuric acid by cyclic voltammetry and addition of Tween 20 to the detection buffer. Both strategies led to an increase in the oxidation signal of illicit drugs. Binary mixtures of illicit drugs with common adulterants found in street samples were also investigated. The proposed strategies allowed the sensitive detection of illicit drugs in the presence of most adulterants. The suitability of the proposed sensors for the detection of illicit drugs in spiked wastewaters was finally assessed.
  Address
  Corporate Author Thesis
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor
  Language Wos 000634708900001 Publication Date 2021-03-16
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition
  ISSN 2296-2646 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
  Impact Factor 3.994 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 3.994
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:177704 Serial 7861
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author De Paepe, J.; Clauwaert, P.; Gritti, M.C.; Ganigue, R.; Sas, B.; Vlaeminck, S.E.; Rabaey, K.
  Title Electrochemical in situ pH control enables chemical-free full urine nitrification with concomitant nitrate extraction Type A1 Journal article
  Year (down) 2021 Publication Environmental Science & Technology Abbreviated Journal Environ Sci Technol
  Volume 55 Issue 12 Pages 8287-8298
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
  Abstract Urine is a valuable resource for nutrient recovery. Stabilization is, however, recommended to prevent urea hydrolysis and the associated risk for ammonia volatilization, uncontrolled precipitation, and malodor. This can be achieved by alkalinization and subsequent biological conversion of urea and ammonia into nitrate (nitrification) and organics into CO2. Yet, without pH control, the extent of nitrification is limited as a result of insufficient alkalinity. This study explored the feasibility of an integrated electrochemical cell to obtain on-demand hydroxide production through water reduction at the cathode, compensating for the acidification caused by nitritation, thereby enabling full nitrification. To deal with the inherent variability of the urine influent composition and bioprocess, the electrochemical cell was steered via a controller, modulating the current based on the pH in the bioreactor. This provided a reliable and innovative alternative to base addition, enabling full nitrification while avoiding the use of chemicals, the logistics associated with base storage and dosing, and the associated increase in salinity. Moreover, the electrochemical cell could be used as an in situ extraction and concentration technology, yielding an acidic concentrated nitrate-rich stream. The make-up of the end product could be tailored by tweaking the process configuration, offering versatility for applications on Earth and in space.
  Address
  Corporate Author Thesis
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor
  Language Wos 000663939900052 Publication Date 2021-06-04
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition
  ISSN 0013-936x; 1520-5851 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
  Impact Factor 6.198 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 6.198
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:179779 Serial 7862
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Schram, J.; Parrilla, M.; Sleegers, N.; Van Durme, F.; van den Berg, J.; van Nuijs, A.L.N.; De Wael, K.
  Title Electrochemical profiling and liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry characterization of synthetic cathinones : from methodology to detection in forensic samples Type A1 Journal article
  Year (down) 2021 Publication Drug Testing And Analysis Abbreviated Journal Drug Test Anal
  Volume 13 Issue 7 Pages 1282-1294
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Pharmacology. Therapy; Engineering sciences. Technology; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation); Toxicological Centre
  Abstract The emergence of new psychoactive drugs in the market demands rapid and accurate tools for the on‐site classification of illegal and legal compounds with similar structures. Herein, a novel method for the classification of synthetic cathinones (SC) is presented based on their electrochemical profile. First, the electrochemical profile of five common SC (i.e., mephedrone, ethcathinone, methylone, butylone and 4‐chloro‐alpha‐pyrrolidinovalerophenone) is collected to build calibration curves using square wave voltammetry on graphite screen‐printed electrodes (SPE). Second, the elucidation of the oxidation pathways, obtained by liquid chromatography‐high resolution mass spectrometry, allows the pairing of the oxidation products to the SC electrochemical profile, providing a selective and robust classification. Additionally, the effect of common adulterants and illicit drugs on the electrochemical profile of the SC is explored. Interestingly, a cathodic pretreatment of the SPE allows the selective detection of each SC in presence of electroactive adulterants. Finally, the electrochemical approach is validated with gas‐chromatography‐mass spectrometry by analyzing 26 confiscated samples from seizures and illegal webshops. Overall, the electrochemical method exhibits a successful classification of SC including structural derivatives, a crucial attribute in an ever‐diversifying drug market.
  Address
  Corporate Author Thesis
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor
  Language Wos 000624902500001 Publication Date 2021-02-24
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition
  ISSN 1942-7603; 1942-7611 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
  Impact Factor 3.469 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 3.469
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:175583 Serial 7863
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Sleegers, N.; van Nuijs, A.L.N.; van den Berg, M.; De Wael, K.
  Title Electrochemistry of intact versus degraded cephalosporin antibiotics facilitated by LC–MS analysis Type A1 Journal article
  Year (down) 2021 Publication Analytical Chemistry Abbreviated Journal Anal Chem
  Volume 93 Issue 4 Pages 2394-2402
  Keywords A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation); Toxicological Centre
  Abstract The electrochemical detection of cephalosporins is a promising approach for the monitoring of cephalosporin levels in process waters. However, this class of antibiotics, like penicillins, is composed of chemically active molecules and susceptible to hydrolysis and aminolysis of the four membered β-lactam ring present. In order to develop a smart monitoring strategy for cephalosporins, the influence of degradation (hydrolysis and aminolysis) on the electrochemical fingerprint has to be taken into account. Therefore, an investigation was carried out to understand the changes of the voltammetric fingerprints upon acidic and alkaline degradation. Changes in fingerprints were correlated to the degradation pathways through the combination of square wave voltammetry and liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight analysis. The characteristic electrochemical signals of the β-lactam ring disappeared upon hydrolysis. Additional oxidation signals that appeared after degradation were elucidated and linked to different degradation products, and therefore, enrich the voltammetric fingerprints with information of the state of the cephalosporins. The applicability of the electrochemical monitoring system was explored by the analysis of the intact and degraded industrial process waters containing the key intermediate 7-aminodeacetoxycephalosporanic acid (7-ADCA). Clearly, the intact process samples exhibited the expected core signals of 7-ADCA and could be quantified, while the degraded samples only showed the newly formed degradation products.
  Address
  Corporate Author Thesis
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor
  Language Wos 000618089100063 Publication Date 2021-01-04
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition
  ISSN 0003-2700; 5206-882x ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
  Impact Factor 6.32 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 6.32
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:176206 Serial 7864
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Parrilla, M.; Joosten, F.; De Wael, K.
  Title Enhanced electrochemical detection of illicit drugs in oral fluid by the use of surfactant-mediated solution Type A1 Journal article
  Year (down) 2021 Publication Sensors And Actuators B-Chemical Abbreviated Journal Sensor Actuat B-Chem
  Volume 348 Issue Pages 130659
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation); Antwerp Electrochemical and Analytical Sciences Lab (A-Sense Lab)
  Abstract Illicit drug consumption is a worldwide worrying phenomenon that troubles modern society. For this reason, law enforcement agencies (LEAs) are placing tremendous efforts into tackling the spreading of such substances among our community. New sensing technologies can facilitate the LEAs duties by providing portable and affordable analytical devices. Herein, we present for the first time a sensitive and low-cost electrochemical method, i.e. square-wave adsorptive stripping voltammetry on carbon screen-printed electrodes (SPE), for the detection of five illicit drugs (i.e. cocaine, heroin, 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, 4-chloro-alpha-pyrrolidinovalerophenone, and ketamine) in oral fluid by the aid of a surfactant. Particularly, the surfactant is adsorbed at the carbon electrode’s surface and yields the adsorption of illicit drug molecules, allowing for an enhanced electrochemical signal in comparison to surfactant-free media. First, the surfactant-mediated behavior is deeply explored at the SPE by cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. Subsequently, the electrochemical behavior of the five illicit drugs is studied and optimized to render optimal analytical performance. Accordingly, the analytical system exhibited a wide linear concentration range from 1 to 30 µM with sub-micromolar limits of detection and high sensitivity. This performance is similar to other reported electrochemical sensors, but with the advantage of using an unmodified SPE, thus avoiding costly and complex functionalization of the SPE. Finally, the methodology was evaluated in diluted oral fluid samples spiked with illicit drugs. Overall, this work describes a simple, rapid, portable, and sensitive method for the detection of illicit drugs aiming to provide oral fluid testing opportunities to LEAs.
  Address
  Corporate Author Thesis
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor
  Language Wos 000701915600005 Publication Date 2021-08-27
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition
  ISSN 0925-4005 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
  Impact Factor 5.401 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 5.401
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:181307 Serial 7912
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Author Chernozem, R., V; Romanyuk, K.N.; Grubova, I.; Chernozem, P., V.; Surmeneva, M.A.; Mukhortova, Y.R.; Wilhelm, M.; Ludwig, T.; Mathur, S.; Kholkin, A.L.; Neyts, E.; Parakhonskiy, B.; Skirtach, A.G.; Surmenev, R.A.
  Title Enhanced piezoresponse and surface electric potential of hybrid biodegradable polyhydroxybutyrate scaffolds functionalized with reduced graphene oxide for tissue engineering Type A1 Journal article
  Year (down) 2021 Publication Nano Energy Abbreviated Journal Nano Energy
  Volume 89 Issue B Pages 106473
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
  Abstract Piezoelectricity is considered to be one of the key functionalities in biomaterials to boost bone tissue regeneration, however, integrating biocompatibility, biodegradability and 3D structure with pronounced piezoresponse remains a material challenge. Herein, novel hybrid biocompatible 3D scaffolds based on biodegradable poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) flakes have been developed. Nanoscale insights revealed a more homogenous distribution and superior surface potential values of PHB fibers (33 +/- 29 mV) with increasing rGO content up to 1.0 wt% (314 +/- 31 mV). The maximum effective piezoresponse was detected at 0.7 wt% rGO content, demonstrating 2.5 and 1.7 times higher out-of-plane and in-plane values, respectively, than that for pure PHB fibers. The rGO addition led to enhanced zigzag chain formation between paired lamellae in PHB fibers. In contrast, a further increase in rGO content reduced the alpha-crystal size and prevented zigzag chain conformation. A corresponding model explaining structural and molecular changes caused by rGO addition in electrospun PHB fibers is proposed. In addition, finite element analysis revealed a negligible vertical piezoresponse compared to lateral piezoresponse in uniaxially oriented PHB fibers based on alpha-phase (P2(1)2(1)2(1) space group). Thus, the present study demonstrates promising results for the development of biodegradable hybrid 3D scaffolds with an enhanced piezoresponse for various tissue engineering applications.
  Address
  Corporate Author Thesis
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor
  Language Wos 000703592700002 Publication Date 2021-08-31
  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 Open Access Not_Open_Access
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 12.343
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:182579 Serial 7914
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