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Author Wagaarachchige, J.; Idris, Z.; Kummamuru, N.B.; Sætre, K.A.; Halstensen, M.; Jens, K.-J.
Title A new sulfolane based solvent for CO₂ capture Type P1 Proceeding
Year (down) 2021 Publication SSRN electronic journal Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue Pages
Keywords P1 Proceeding; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract This study presents novel sulfolane based non-aqueous CO2 capture solvents, as an alternative solution for capturing CO2 from industrial processes. In order to select the most promising amine system, five different amines were tested by monitoring CO2 absorption and desorption processes using the time-base Attenuated Total Reflectance-Fourier Transform Infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy. During absorption experiments, we observed the formation of Monomethyl Carbonate (MMC) in diisopropylamine (DIPA) and 2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanol (AMP) systems, while carbamate was observed as the main product for the other three amine systems tested. In regeneration experiments, the MMC could be desorbed relatively easily from the amine solution at a mild temperature.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos Publication Date 2021-04-17
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 OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: NA
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:180364 Serial 8305
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Author Bal, K.M.
Title Nucleation rates from small scale atomistic simulations and transition state theory Type A1 Journal article
Year (down) 2021 Publication Journal Of Chemical Physics Abbreviated Journal J Chem Phys
Volume 155 Issue 14 Pages 144111
Keywords A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract The evaluation of nucleation rates from molecular dynamics trajectories is hampered by the slow nucleation time scale and impact of finite size effects. Here, we show that accurate nucleation rates can be obtained in a very general fashion relying only on the free energy barrier, transition state theory, and a simple dynamical correction for diffusive recrossing. In this setup, the time scale problem is overcome by using enhanced sampling methods, in casu metadynamics, whereas the impact of finite size effects can be naturally circumvented by reconstructing the free energy surface from an appropriate ensemble. Approximations from classical nucleation theory are avoided. We demonstrate the accuracy of the approach by calculating macroscopic rates of droplet nucleation from argon vapor, spanning 16 orders of magnitude and in excellent agreement with literature results, all from simulations of very small (512 atom) systems.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000755502100008 Publication Date 2021-09-30
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0021-9606 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 2.965 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 2.965
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:184937 Serial 8320
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Author Alloul, A.; Cerruti, M.; Adamczyk, D.; Weissbrodt, D.G.; Vlaeminck, S.E.
Title Operational strategies to selectively produce purple bacteria for microbial protein in raceway reactors Type A1 Journal article
Year (down) 2021 Publication Environmental Science & Technology Abbreviated Journal Environ Sci Technol
Volume 55 Issue 12 Pages 8278-8286
Keywords A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract Purple non-sulfur bacteria (PNSB) show potential for microbial protein production on wastewater as animal feed. They offer good selectivity (i.e., low microbial diversity and high abundance of one species) when grown anaerobically in the light. However, the cost of closed anaerobic photobioreactors is prohibitive for protein production. Although open raceway reactors are cheaper, their feasibility to selectively grow PNSB is thus far unexplored. This study developed operational strategies to boost PNSB abundance in the biomass of a raceway reactor fed with volatile fatty acids. For a flask reactor run at a 2 day sludge retention time (SRT), matching the chemical oxygen demand (COD) loading rate to the removal rate in the light period prevented substrate availability during the dark period and increased the PNSB abundance from 50-67 to 88-94%. A raceway reactor run at a 2 day SRT showed an increased PNSB abundance from 14 to 56% when oxygen supply was reduced (no stirring at night). The best performance was achieved at the highest surface-to-volume ratio (10 m(2) m(-3) increased light availability) showing productivities up to 0.2 g protein L-1 day(-1) and a PNSB abundance of 78%. This study pioneered in PNSB-based microbial protein production in raceway reactors, yielding high selectivity while avoiding the combined availability of oxygen, COD, and darkness.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000663939900051 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:179768 Serial 8334
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Author Van Tendeloo, M.; Xie, Y.; Van Beeck, W.; Zhu, W.; Lebeer, S.; Vlaeminck, S.E.
Title Oxygen control and stressor treatments for complete and long-term suppression of nitrite-oxidizing bacteria in biofilm-based partial nitritation/anammox Type A1 Journal article
Year (down) 2021 Publication Bioresource Technology Abbreviated Journal Bioresource Technol
Volume 342 Issue Pages 125996
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract Mainstream nitrogen removal by partial nitritation/anammox (PN/A) can realize energy and cost savings for sewage treatment. Selective suppression of nitrite oxidizing bacteria (NOB) remains a key bottleneck for PN/A implementation. A rotating biological contactor was studied with an overhead cover and controlled air/N2 inflow to regulate oxygen availability at 20 °C. Biofilm exposure to dissolved oxygen concentrations < 0.51 ± 0.04 mg O2 L-1 when submerged in the water and < 1.41 ± 0.31 mg O2 L-1 when emerged in the headspace (estimated), resulted in complete and long-term NOB suppression with a low relative nitrate production ratio of 10 ± 4%. Additionally, weekly biofilm stressor treatments with free ammonia (FA) (29 ± 1 mg NH3-N L-1 for 3 h) could improve the NOB suppression while free nitrous acid treatments had insufficient effect. This study demonstrated the potential of managing NOB suppression in biofilm-based systems by oxygen control and recurrent FA exposure, opening opportunities for resource efficient nitrogen removal.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000704455300005 Publication Date 2021-09-21
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:181301 Serial 8355
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Author Van Hal, M.
Title Photo(electro)catalytic air purification and soot degradation with simultaneous energy recovery Type Doctoral thesis
Year (down) 2021 Publication Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue Pages XXXII, 203 p.
Keywords Doctoral thesis; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract Today’s society is increasingly challenged by a range of urgent environmental problems. Air pollution is one of these pressing topics. This thesis will mainly focus on the degradation of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and particulate matter (PM) – more specifically soot. A second globally urging topic is the quest for sustainable energy production. To simultaneously target both environmental problems, a photoelectrochemical (PEC) cell will be studied in this thesis, combining air purification and sustainable energy production in a single device. Photocatalysis is used at the anode of the PEC cell to drive the air purification process, while the energy contained in the degraded compounds is (partially) recovered at the cathode, either as H2 gas or electricity. The first two experimental chapters focus on the proof of concept of such an unbiased all-gas phase PEC cell targeting VOC degradation, using both TiO2- and WO3-based photocatalysts. In the two following experimental chapters the photocatalytic soot oxidation capacity of these TiO2- and WO3-based photocatalysts was studied. In the final experimental chapter the previously obtained results were combined, striving towards an efficient, sunlight-driven and soot-degrading waste gas-to-energy PEC cell.
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:184521 Serial 8378
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Author Van Tendeloo, M.; Bundervoet, B.; Carlier, N.; Van Beeck, W.; Mollen, H.; Lebeer, S.; Colsen, J.; Vlaeminck, S.E.
Title Piloting carbon-lean nitrogen removal for energy-autonomous sewage treatment Type A1 Journal article
Year (down) 2021 Publication Environmental Science-Water Research & Technology Abbreviated Journal Environ Sci-Wat Res
Volume 7 Issue 12 Pages 2268-2281
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract Energy-autonomous sewage treatment can be achieved if nitrogen (N) removal does not rely on organic carbon (∼chemical oxygen demand, COD), so that a maximum of the COD can be redirected to energy recovery. Shortcut N removal technologies such as partial nitritation/anammox and nitritation/denitritation are therefore essential, enabling carbon- and energy-lean nitrogen removal. In this study, a novel three-reactor pilot design was tested and consisted of a denitrification, an intermittent aeration, and an anammox tank. A vibrating sieve was added for differential sludge retention time (SRT) control. The 13 m3 pilot was operated on pre-treated sewage (A-stage effluent) at 12–24 °C. Selective suppression of unwanted nitrite-oxidizing bacteria over aerobic ammonium-oxidizing bacteria was achieved with strict floccular SRT management combined with innovative aeration control, resulting in a minimal nitrate production ratio of 17 ± 10%. Additionally, anoxic ammonium-oxidizing bacteria (AnAOB) activity could be maintained in the reactor for at least 150 days because of long granular SRT management and the anammox tank. Consequently, the COD/N removal ratio of 2.3 ± 0.7 demonstrated shortcut N removal almost three times lower than the currently applied nitrification/denitrification technology. The effluent total N concentrations of 17 ± 3 mg TN per L (at 21 ± 1 °C) and 17 ± 6 mg TN per L (at 15 ± 1 °C) were however too high for application at the sewage treatment plant Nieuwveer (Breda, The Netherlands). Corresponding N removal efficiencies were 52 ± 12% and 37 ± 21%, respectively. Further development should focus on redirecting more nitrite to AnAOB in the B-stage, exploring effluent-polishing options, or cycling nitrate for increased A-stage denitrification.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000714159900001 Publication Date 2021-10-29
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2053-1400 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 2.817 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 2.817
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:183347 Serial 8383
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Author Alloul, A.; Wille, M.; Lucenti, P.; Bossier, P.; Van Stappen, G.; Vlaeminck, S.E.
Title Purple bacteria as added-value protein ingredient in shrimp feed : Penaeus vannamei growth performance, and tolerance against Vibrio and ammonia stress Type A1 Journal article
Year (down) 2021 Publication Aquaculture Abbreviated Journal Aquaculture
Volume 530 Issue Pages 735788
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract Aquafeeds contain protein ingredients such as fishmeal and soybean meal, yet their production puts pressure on the environment. Finding novel protein sources such as dried microbial biomass produced on recovered or renewable resources, so-called single-cell protein or microbial protein, can contribute to a more sustainable aquaculture industry. New microbial protein sources are emerging with photoheterotrophic grown purple non‑sulfur bacteria (PNSB) showing high potential, yet research of PNSB as added-value protein ingredient is limited. This research studied their use as a protein source for the white leg shrimp (Penaeus vannamei) and investigated the shrimp's tolerance against Vibrio and ammonia stress. A 28-day shrimp feeding trial was performed with a commercial formulation without PNSB as experimental control (diet i), two pure PNSB species, namely Rhodopseudomonas palustris (diets ii-iii), Rhodobacter capsulatus (diets iv-v) at two protein inclusion levels of 5 and 11 g PNSBprotein 100 g−1 feedprotein and a PNSB enriched culture at a protein inclusion level of 11 g PNSBprotein 100 g−1 feedprotein (diet vi). For the shrimp fed with Rb. capsulatus, 5–25% higher individual weights (p < .05) and better feed conversion ratios were observed relative to the commercial diet (1.3–1.4 vs. control 1.7 g feed g−1 biomass; p < .05). The diet containing Rps. palustris at 5 g PNSBprotein 100 g−1 feedprotein inclusion also showed higher individual weights (26%, p < .05) and a better feed conversion ratio compared to the commercial feed (1.3 vs. control 1.7 g feed g−1 biomass; p < .05). The challenge test subsequent to the feeding trial showed a higher tolerance against ammonia (3 mg N L−1) for shrimp fed with Rps. palustris (survival 63–75% vs. 8% commercial diet; p < .05). For a post-feeding challenge test with Vibrio parahaemolyticus TW01, mortality rates were equal among all treatments. Yet, in vitro tests in 96-Well plates and agar spot assays showed that the PNSB species (i) Rps. palustris, (ii) Rb. capsulatus, (iii) Rb. sphaeroides, (iv) Rhodospirillum rubrum and (v) Afifella marina suppressed the pathogens V. parahaemolyticus TW01 and V. campbellii LMG 21363. Overall, this study demonstrated the potential of PNSB as an added-value protein ingredient in shrimp nursery feed. This can contribute to a circular economy, as PNSB can be cultivated on recovered or renewable resources (e.g. wastewater).
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000582169700073 Publication Date 2020-08-08
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0044-8486 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 2.57 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 2.57
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:170549 Serial 8429
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Author Parchomenko, A.; Nelen, D.; Gillabel, J.; Vrancken, K.C.M.; Rechberger, H.
Title Resource effectiveness of the European automotive sector : a statistical entropy analysis over time Type A1 Journal article
Year (down) 2021 Publication Resources Conservation And Recycling Abbreviated Journal Resour Conserv Recy
Volume 169 Issue Pages 105558
Keywords A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract The European automotive sector is faced with potentially disruptive challenges. In particular, the projected increase in the share of electric vehicles (EVs) and calls to prepare for the implementation of more circular economy (CE) strategies are increasingly demanding systemic adaptations. Given the goals of the CE, the adaptations should enable a maximal preservation of the function and value of products (e.g. extension of lifetime), components (e.g. reuse of parts) and materials (e.g., material recycling), thus saving on the energy, materials and effort that would be required to restore the lost functionalities. In this context, statistical entropy analysis (SEA) is proposed as a methodology to assess the effort needed for preserving and restoring functionality at different product, component and material life cycle stages. Effort is measured as changes in statistical entropy that are caused by concentration and dilution activities in the production – consumption – End-of-Life (EoL) system. SEA was applied to a generic model of the European automotive system, in combination with a stock-driven model and a material flow analysis (MFA), allowing statistical entropy changes to be projected over time. The paper demonstrates how SEA can facilitate decision making on the transition towards a more circular economy by quantifying the effects of particular CE strategies and their combinations. The results show that without any additional system adaptations, an increasing share of EVs towards the year 2050 will lead to substantially increased effort in production as well as end-of-life vehicle treatment.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000657320800074 Publication Date 2021-03-18
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0921-3449 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 3.313 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 3.313
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:179770 Serial 8475
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Author Bal, K.M.
Title Reweighted Jarzynski sampling : acceleration of rare events and free energy calculation with a bias potential learned from nonequilibrium work Type A1 Journal article
Year (down) 2021 Publication Journal Of Chemical Theory And Computation Abbreviated Journal J Chem Theory Comput
Volume 17 Issue 11 Pages 6766-6774
Keywords A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract We introduce a simple enhanced sampling approach for the calculation of free energy differences and barriers along a one-dimensional reaction coordinate. First, a small number of short nonequilibrium simulations are carried out along the reaction coordinate, and the Jarzynski equality is used to learn an approximate free energy surface from the nonequilibrium work distribution. This free energy estimate is represented in a compact form as an artificial neural network and used as an external bias potential to accelerate rare events in a subsequent molecular dynamics simulation. The final free energy estimate is then obtained by reweighting the equilibrium probability distribution of the reaction coordinate sampled under the influence of the external bias. We apply our reweighted Jarzynski sampling recipe to four processes of varying scales and complexities.spanning chemical reaction in the gas phase, pair association in solution, and droplet nucleation in supersaturated vapor. In all cases, we find reweighted Jarzynski sampling to be a very efficient strategy, resulting in rapid convergence of the free energy to high precision.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000718183600008 Publication Date 2021-10-29
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1549-9618 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 5.245 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 5.245
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:184676 Serial 8479
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Author Muys, M.; Phukan, R.; Brader, G.; Samad, A.; Moretti, M.; Haiden, B.; Pluchon, S.; Roest, K.; Vlaeminck, S.E.; Spiller, M.
Title A systematic comparison of commercially produced struvite : quantities, qualities and soil-maize phosphorus availability Type A1 Journal article
Year (down) 2021 Publication Science Of The Total Environment Abbreviated Journal Sci Total Environ
Volume 756 Issue Pages 143726-12
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL); Engineering Management (ENM)
Abstract Production of struvite (MgNH4PO4·6H2O) from waste streams is increasingly implemented to recover phosphorus (P), which is listed as a critical raw material in the European Union (EU). To facilitate EU-wide trade of P-containing secondary raw materials such as struvite, the EU issued a revised fertilizer regulation in 2019. A comprehensive overview of the supply of struvite and its quality is presently missing. This study aimed: i) to determine the current EU struvite production volumes, ii) to evaluate all legislated physicochemical characteristics and pathogen content of European struvite against newly set regulatory limits, and iii) to compare not-regulated struvite characteristics. It is estimated that in 2020, between 990 and 1250 ton P are recovered as struvite in the EU. Struvite from 24 European production plants, accounting for 30% of the 80 struvite installations worldwide was sampled. Three samples failed the physicochemical legal limits; one had a P content of <7% and three exceeded the organic carbon content of 3% dry weight (DW). Mineralogical analysis revealed that six samples had a struvite content of 80–90% DW, and 13 samples a content of >90% DW. All samples showed a heavy metal content below the legal limits. Microbiological analyses indicated that struvite may exceed certain legal limits. Differences in morphology and particle size distribution were observed for struvite sourced from digestate (rod shaped; transparent; 82 mass% < 1 mm), dewatering liquor (spherical; opaque; 65 mass% 1–2 mm) and effluent from upflow anaerobic sludge blanket reactor processing potato wastewater (spherical; opaque; 51 mass% < 1 mm and 34 mass% > 2 mm). A uniform soil-plant P-availability pattern of 3.5–6.5 mg P/L soil/d over a 28 days sampling period was observed. No differences for plant biomass yield were observed. In conclusion, the results highlight the suitability of most struvite to enter the EU fertilizer market.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000603487500029 Publication Date 2020-11-24
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0048-9697; 1879-1026 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 4.9 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 4.9
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:173944 Serial 8638
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Agrawal, S.; Weissbrodt, D.G.; Annavajhala, M.; Jensen, M.M.; Arroyo, J.M.C.; Wells, G.; Chandran, K.; Vlaeminck, S.E.; Terada, A.; Smets, B.F.; Lackner, S.
Title Time to act–assessing variations in qPCR analyses in biological nitrogen removal with examples from partial nitritation/anammox systems Type A1 Journal article
Year (down) 2021 Publication Water Research Abbreviated Journal Water Res
Volume 190 Issue Pages 116604
Keywords A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract Quantitative PCR (qPCR) is broadly used as the gold standard to quantify microbial community fractions in environmental microbiology and biotechnology. Benchmarking efforts to ensure the comparability of qPCR data for environmental bioprocesses are still scarce. Also, for partial nitritation/anammox (PN/A) systems systematic investigations are still missing, rendering meta-analysis of reported trends and generic insights potentially precarious. We report a baseline investigation of the variability of qPCR-based analyses for microbial communities applied to PN/A systems. Round-robin testing was performed for three PN/A biomass samples in six laboratories, using the respective in-house DNA extraction and qPCR protocols. The concentration of extracted DNA was significantly different between labs, ranged between 2.7 and 328 ng mg−1 wet biomass. The variability among the qPCR abundance data of different labs was very high (1−7 log fold) but differed for different target microbial guilds. DNA extraction caused maximum variation (3–7 log fold), followed by the primers (1–3 log fold). These insights will guide environmental scientists and engineers as well as treatment plant operators in the interpretation of qPCR data.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000632807700001 Publication Date 2020-11-05
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0043-1354; 1879-2448 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 6.942 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 6.942
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:173838 Serial 8672
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Thiruvottriyur Shanmugam, S.; Van Echelpoel, R.; Boeye, G.; Eliaerts, J.; Samanipour, M.; Ching, H.Y.V.; Florea, A.; Van Doorslaer, S.; Van Durme, F.; Samyn, N.; Parrilla, M.; De Wael, K.
Title Towards developing a screening strategy for ecstasy : revealing the electrochemical profile Type A1 Journal article
Year (down) 2021 Publication Chemelectrochem Abbreviated Journal Chemelectrochem
Volume 8 Issue 24 Pages 4826-4834
Keywords A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation); Organic synthesis (ORSY); Applied Electrochemistry & Catalysis (ELCAT); Antwerp Electrochemical and Analytical Sciences Lab (A-Sense Lab)
Abstract This article describes the development of an electrochemical screening strategy for 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), the regular psychoactive compound in ecstasy (XTC) pills. We have investigated the specific electrochemical profile of MDMA and its electro-oxidation mechanisms at disposable graphite screen-printed electrodes. We have proved that the formation of a radical cation and subsequent reactions are indeed responsible for the electrode surface passivation, as evidenced by using electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy and electrochemistry. Thereafter, pure cutting agents and MDMA as well as simulated binary mixtures of compounds with MDMA were subjected to square wave voltammetry at pH 7 to understand the characteristic electrochemical profile. An additional measurement at pH 12 was able to resolve false positives and negatives occurring at pH 7. Finally, validation of the screening strategy was done by measuring a set of ecstasy street samples. Overall, our proposed electrochemical screening strategy has been demonstrated for the rapid, sensitive, and selective detection of MDMA, resolving most of the false positives and negatives given by the traditional Marquis color tests, thus exhibiting remarkable promises for the on-site screening of MDMA.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000735883700020 Publication Date 2021-12-22
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2196-0216 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 4.136 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 4.136
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:184371 Serial 8680
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Author Van Echelpoel, R.; de Jong, M.; Daems, D.; van Espen, P.; De Wael, K.
Title Unlocking the full potential of voltammetric data analysis : a novel peak recognition approach for (bio)analytical applications Type A1 Journal article
Year (down) 2021 Publication Talanta Abbreviated Journal Talanta
Volume 233 Issue Pages 122605
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
Abstract Bridging the gap between complex signal data output and clear interpretation by non-expert end-users is a major challenge many scientists face when converting their scientific technology into a real-life application. Currently, pattern recognition algorithms are the most frequently encountered signal data interpretation algorithms to close this gap, not in the least because of their straight-forward implementation via convenient software packages. Paradoxically, just because their implementation is so straight-forward, it becomes cumbersome to integrate the expert's domain-specific knowledge. In this work, a novel signal data interpretation approach is presented that uses this domain-specific knowledge as its fundament, thereby fully exploiting the unique expertise of the scientist. The new approach applies data preprocessing in an innovative way that transcends its usual purpose and is easy to translate into a software application. Multiple case studies illustrate the straight-forward application of the novel approach. Ultimately, the approach is highly suited for integration in various (bio)analytical applications that require interpretation of signal data.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000668000500108 Publication Date 2021-06-11
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0039-9140; 1873-3573 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 4.162 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 4.162
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:179417 Serial 8712
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Author Maso, L.; Trande, M.; Liberi, S.; Moro, G.; Daems, E.; Linciano, S.; Sobott, F.; Covaceuszach, S.; Cassetta, A.; Fasolato, S.; Moretto, L.M.; De Wael, K.; Cendron, L.; Angelini, A.
Title Unveiling the binding mode of perfluorooctanoic acid to human serum albumin Type A1 Journal article
Year (down) 2021 Publication Protein Science Abbreviated Journal Protein Sci
Volume 30 Issue 4 Pages 830-841
Keywords A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
Abstract Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is a toxic compound that is absorbed and distributed throughout the body by noncovalent binding to serum proteins such as human serum albumin (hSA). Though the interaction between PFOA and hSA has been already assessed using various analytical techniques, a high resolution and detailed analysis of the binding mode is still lacking. We report here the crystal structure of hSA in complex with PFOA and a medium-chain saturated fatty acid (FA). A total of eight distinct binding sites, four occupied by PFOAs and four by FAs, have been identified. In solution binding studies confirmed the 4:1 PFOA-hSA stoichiometry and revealed the presence of one high and three low affinity binding sites. Competition experiments with known hSA-binding drugs allowed locating the high affinity binding site in sub-domain IIIA. The elucidation of the molecular basis of the interaction between PFOA and hSA might provide not only a better assessment of the absorption and elimination mechanisms of these compounds in vivo but also have implications for the development of novel molecular receptors for diagnostic and biotechnological applications.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000625392600001 Publication Date 2021-02-08
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0961-8368 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 2.523 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 2.523
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:176725 Serial 8714
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Author Ortiz-Aguayo, D.; De Wael, K.; del Valle, M.
Title Voltammetric sensing using an array of modified SPCE coupled with machine learning strategies for the improved identification of opioids in presence of cutting agents Type A1 Journal article
Year (down) 2021 Publication Journal Of Electroanalytical Chemistry Abbreviated Journal J Electroanal Chem
Volume 902 Issue Pages 115770
Keywords A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation); Antwerp Electrochemical and Analytical Sciences Lab (A-Sense Lab)
Abstract This work reports the use of modified screen-printed carbon electrodes (SPCEs) for the identification of three drugs of abuse and two habitual cutting agents, caffeine and paracetamol, combining voltammetric sensing and chemometrics. In order to achieve this goal, codeine, heroin and morphine were subjected to Square Wave Voltammetry (SWV) at pH 7, in order to elucidate their electrochemical fingerprints. The optimized SPCEs electrode array, which have a differentiated response for the three oxidizable compounds, was derived from Carbon, Prussian blue, Cobalt (II) phthalocyanine, Copper (II) oxide, Polypyrrole and Palladium nanoparticles ink-modified carbon electrodes. Finally, Principal Component Analysis (PCA) coupled with Silhouette parameter assessment was used to select the most suitable combination of sensors for identification of drugs of abuse in presence of cutting agents.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000714415500006 Publication Date 2021-10-13
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1572-6657; 1873-2569 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 3.012 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 3.012
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:184018 Serial 8745
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Author Parrilla, M.; De Wael, K.
Title Wearable self‐powered electrochemical devices for continuous health management Type A1 Journal article
Year (down) 2021 Publication Advanced Functional Materials Abbreviated Journal Adv Funct Mater
Volume 31 Issue 50 Pages 2107042
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 The wearable revolution is already present in society through numerous gadgets. However, the contest remains in fully deployable wearable (bio)chemical sensing. Its use is constrained by the energy consumption which is provided by miniaturized batteries, limiting the autonomy of the device. Hence, the combination of materials and engineering efforts to develop sustainable energy management is paramount in the next generation of wearable self-powered electrochemical devices (WeSPEDs). In this direction, this review highlights for the first time the incorporation of innovative energy harvesting technologies with top-notch wearable self-powered sensors and low-powered electrochemical sensors toward battery-free and self-sustainable devices for health and wellbeing management. First, current elements such as wearable designs, electrochemical sensors, energy harvesters and storage, and user interfaces that conform WeSPEDs are depicted. Importantly, the bottlenecks in the development of WeSPEDs from an analytical perspective, product side, and power needs are carefully addressed. Subsequently, energy harvesting opportunities to power wearable electrochemical sensors are discussed. Finally, key findings that will enable the next generation of wearable devices are proposed. Overall, this review aims to bring new strategies for an energy-balanced deployment of WeSPEDs for successful monitoring of (bio)chemical parameters of the body toward personalized, predictive, and importantly, preventive healthcare.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000694642500001 Publication Date 2021-09-09
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1616-301x ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 12.124 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 12.124
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:181306 Serial 8750
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Author Yang, M.; Chen, H.; Orekhov, A.; Lu, Q.; Lan, X.; Li, K.; Zhang, S.; Song, M.; Kong, Y.; Schryvers, D.; Du, Y.
Title Quantified contribution of β″ and β′ precipitates to the strengthening of an aged Al–Mg–Si alloy Type A1 Journal article
Year (down) 2020 Publication Materials Science And Engineering A-Structural Materials Properties Microstructure And Processing Abbreviated Journal Mat Sci Eng A-Struct
Volume 774 Issue Pages 138776
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract It is generally believed that β00 precipitates, rather than β0 precipitates, are the major strengthening precipitates in

aged Al–Mg–Si alloys. The reason for this difference is not well understood. To clarify this, two samples of the

same Al–Mg–Si alloy but with different aging states were prepared. The under-aged sample only contains nanoprecipitates

of the β00 type, while the peak-aged one contains nearly equal volumes of β00 and β0 precipitates. We

have, for the first time, separated the strengthening effect of the contribution from βʺ and βʹ precipitates,

respectively, by an indirect approach based on high-precision measurements of volume fractions, number densities,

sizes, proportions of the precipitates, their lattice strains, the composition and grain size of the matrix. The

β0 precipitates, which take 45.6% of the total precipitate volume in the peak-aged sample, contribute to the entire

precipitation strengthening by only 31.6%. The main reason why they are less useful compared to β00 precipitates

has been found to be associated with their smaller lattice strains relative to the matrix, which is 0.99% versus

2.10% (for β00 ).
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000514747200001 Publication Date 2019-12-04
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0921-5093 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 6.4 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes National Natural Science Foundation of China, 51531009 51711530713 51501230 ; Central South University, 2018gczd033 ; Flemish Science Foundation, VS.026.18N ; Program for Guangdong Introducing Innovative and Entrepreneurial Teams, 2016ZT06G025 ; Guangdong Natural Science Foundation, 2017B030306014 ; Approved Most recent IF: 6.4; 2020 IF: 3.094
Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:165290 Serial 5440
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Author Bal, K.M.; Bogaerts, A.; Neyts, E.C.
Title Ensemble-Based Molecular Simulation of Chemical Reactions under Vibrational Nonequilibrium Type A1 Journal article
Year (down) 2020 Publication Journal Of Physical Chemistry Letters Abbreviated Journal J Phys Chem Lett
Volume 11 Issue 2 Pages 401-406
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract We present an approach to incorporate the effect of vibrational nonequilibrium in molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. A perturbed canonical ensemble, in which selected modes are excited to higher temperature while all others remain equilibrated at low temperature, is simulated by applying a specifically tailored bias potential. Our method can be readily applied to any (classical or quantum mechanical) MD setup at virtually no additional computational cost and allows the study of reactions of vibrationally excited molecules in nonequilibrium environments such as plasmas. In combination with enhanced sampling methods, the vibrational efficacy and mode selectivity of vibrationally stimulated reactions can then be quantified in terms of chemically relevant observables, such as reaction rates and apparent free energy barriers. We first validate our method for the prototypical hydrogen exchange reaction and then show how it can capture the effect of vibrational excitation on a symmetric SN2 reaction and radical addition on CO2.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000508473400008 Publication Date 2020-01-16
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1948-7185 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 5.7 Times cited Open Access
Notes Universiteit Antwerpen; Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek, 12ZI420N ; Departement Economie, Wetenschap en Innovatie van de Vlaamse Overheid; K.M.B. was funded as a junior postdoctoral fellow of the FWO (Research Foundation − Flanders), Grant 12ZI420N, and through a TOP-BOF research project of the University of Antwerp. The computational resources and services used in this work were provided by the VSC (Flemish Supercomputer Center), funded by the FWO and the Flemish Government− department EWI. Approved Most recent IF: 5.7; 2020 IF: 9.353
Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @c:irua:165587 Serial 5442
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Author Van Alphen, S.; Vermeiren, V.; Butterworth, T.; van den Bekerom, D.C.M.; van Rooij, G.J.; Bogaerts, A.
Title Power Pulsing To Maximize Vibrational Excitation Efficiency in N2Microwave Plasma: A Combined Experimental and Computational Study Type A1 Journal article
Year (down) 2020 Publication Journal Of Physical Chemistry C Abbreviated Journal J Phys Chem C
Volume 124 Issue 3 Pages 1765-1779
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract Plasma is gaining increasing interest for N2 fixation, being a flexible, electricity-driven alternative for the current conventional fossil fuel-based N2 fixation processes. As the vibrational-induced dissociation of N2 is found to be an energy-efficient pathway to acquire atomic N for the fixation processes, plasmas that are in vibrational nonequilibrium seem promising for this application. However, an important challenge in using nonequilibrium plasmas lies in preventing vibrational−translational (VT) relaxation processes, in which vibrational energy crucial for N2 dissociation is lost to gas heating. We present here both experimental and modeling results for the vibrational and gas temperature in a microsecond-pulsed microwave (MW) N2 plasma, showing how power pulsing can suppress this unfavorable VT relaxation and achieve a maximal vibrational nonequilibrium. By means of our kinetic model, we demonstrate that pulsed plasmas take advantage of the long time scale on which VT processes occur, yielding a very pronounced nonequilibrium over the whole N2 vibrational ladder. Additionally, the effect of pulse parameters like the pulse frequency and pulse width are investigated, demonstrating that the advantage of pulsing to inhibit VT relaxation diminishes for high pulse frequencies (around 7000 kHz) and long power pulses (above 400 μs). Nevertheless, all regimes studied here demonstrate a clear vibrational nonequilibrium while only requiring a limited power-on time, and thus, we may conclude that a pulsed plasma seems very interesting for energyefficient vibrational excitation.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000509438600001 Publication Date 2020-01-23
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1932-7447 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 3.7 Times cited Open Access
Notes Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek, 30505023 GoF9618n ; This research was supported by the Excellence of Science FWO-FNRS project (FWO Grant ID GoF9618n, EOS ID 30505023). The calculations were performed using the Turing HPC infrastructure at the CalcUA core facility of the Universiteit Antwerpen (UAntwerpen), a division of the Flemish Supercomputer Center VSC, funded by the Hercules Foundation, the Flemish Government (department EWI) and the UAntwerpen. Approved Most recent IF: 3.7; 2020 IF: 4.536
Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @c:irua:165586 Serial 5443
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Author Attri, P.; Razzokov, J.; Yusupov, M.; Koga, K.; Shiratani, M.; Bogaerts, A.
Title Influence of osmolytes and ionic liquids on the Bacteriorhodopsin structure in the absence and presence of oxidative stress: A combined experimental and computational study Type A1 Journal article
Year (down) 2020 Publication International Journal Of Biological Macromolecules Abbreviated Journal Int J Biol Macromol
Volume 148 Issue Pages 657-665
Keywords A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract Understanding the folding and stability of membrane proteins is of great importance in protein science. Recently, osmolytes and ionic liquids (ILs) are increasingly being used as drug delivery systems in the biopharmaceutical industry. However, the stability of membrane proteins in the presence of osmolytes and ILs is not yet fully understood. Besides, the effect of oxidative stress on membrane proteins with osmolytes or ILs has not been investigated. Therefore, we studied the influence of osmolytes and ILs as co-solvents on the stability of a model membrane protein (i.e., Bacteriorhodopsin in purple membrane of Halobacterium salinarum), using UV–Vis spectroscopy and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The MD simulations allowed us to determine the flexibility and solvent accessible surface area (SASA) of Bacteriorhodopsin protein in the presence and/or absence of cosolvents, as well as to carry out principal component analysis (PCA) to identify the most important movements in this protein. In addition, by means of UV–Vis spectroscopy we studied the effect of oxidative stress generated by cold atmospheric plasma on the stability of Bacteriorhodopsin in the presence and/or absence of co-solvents. This study is important for a better understanding of the stability of proteins in the presence of oxidative stress.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000522094600066 Publication Date 2020-01-20
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0141-8130 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 8.2 Times cited Open Access
Notes Horizon2020, 743546 ; JSPS, 19H05462 16H03895 ; Nagoya University; We gratefully acknowledge the European Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowship “Anticancer-PAM” within Horizon2020 (grant number 743546). This work was also supported by JSPS-KAKENHI 19H05462 and 16H03895, the joint usage/research program of Center for Low-temperature Plasma Science, Nagoya University and also supported by JSPS and RCL under the Japan-Lithuania Research Cooperative Program. The computational work was carried out using the Turing HPC infrastructure at the CalcUA core facility of the Universiteit Antwerpen (UA), a division of the Flemish Supercomputer Center VSC, funded by the Hercules Foundation, the Flemish Government (department EWI) and the UA. Approved Most recent IF: 8.2; 2020 IF: 3.671
Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @c:irua:165585 Serial 5444
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Author Peeters, H.; Keulemans, M.; Nuyts, G.; Vanmeert, F.; Li, C.; Minjauw, M.; Detavernier, C.; Bals, S.; Lenaerts, S.; Verbruggen, S.W.
Title Plasmonic gold-embedded TiO2 thin films as photocatalytic self-cleaning coatings Type A1 Journal article
Year (down) 2020 Publication Applied Catalysis B-Environmental Abbreviated Journal Appl Catal B-Environ
Volume 267 Issue 267 Pages 118654
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation); Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract Transparent photocatalytic TiO2 thin films hold great potential in the development of self-cleaning glass sur-

faces, but suffer from a poor visible light response that hinders the application under actual sunlight. To alleviate this problem, the photocatalytic film can be modified with plasmonic nanoparticles that interact very effectively with visible light. Since the plasmonic effect is strongly concentrated in the near surroundings of the nano- particle surface, an approach is presented to embed the plasmonic nanostructures in the TiO2 matrix itself, rather than deposit them loosely on the surface. This way the interaction interface is maximised and the plasmonic effect can be fully exploited. In this study, pre-fabricated gold nanoparticles are made compatible with the organic medium of a TiO2 sol-gel coating suspension, resulting in a one-pot coating suspension. After spin coating, homogeneous, smooth, highly transparent and photoactive gold-embedded anatase thin films are ob- tained.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000518865300002 Publication Date 2020-01-18
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0926-3373 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 22.1 Times cited 57 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes H.P. is grateful to the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO) for an aspirant PhD scholarship. Approved Most recent IF: 22.1; 2020 IF: 9.446
Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:165616 Serial 5446
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Author Peeters, M.; Compernolle, T.; Van Passel, S.
Title Simulation of a controlled water heating system with demand response remunerated on imbalance market pricing Type A1 Journal article
Year (down) 2020 Publication Journal of building engineering Abbreviated Journal
Volume 27 Issue 27 Pages 100969
Keywords A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering sciences. Technology; Economics; Engineering Management (ENM)
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.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000502361000075 Publication Date 2019-09-27
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes ; Tine Compernolle thanks the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO) for funding her postdoctoral mandate [grant number 12M7417N]. ; Approved Most recent IF: NA
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:164236 Serial 6248
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Author Gezahegn, T.W.; Van Passel, S.; Berhanu, T.; D'haese, M.; Maertens, M.
Title Do bottom-up and independent agricultural cooperatives really perform better? Insights from a technical efficiency analysis in Ethiopia Type A1 Journal article
Year (down) 2020 Publication Agrekon Abbreviated Journal Agrekon
Volume Issue Pages
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering Management (ENM)
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.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000487651200001 Publication Date 2019-09-24
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0303-1853 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 1.3 Times cited Open Access
Notes ; The authors acknowledge funding from the VLIR-UOS TEAM Program (VLIR-UOS-ZEIN2015PR406 (13V95615T), Belgium. ; Approved Most recent IF: 1.3; 2020 IF: 0.224
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:163772 Serial 6184
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Author Rafiaani, P.; Kuppens, T.; Thomassen, G.; Van Dael, M.; Azadi, H.; Lebailly, P.; Van Passel, S.
Title A critical view on social performance assessment at company level : social life cycle analysis of an algae case Type A1 Journal article
Year (down) 2020 Publication International Journal Of Life Cycle Assessment Abbreviated Journal Int J Life Cycle Ass
Volume Issue Pages
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering Management (ENM)
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.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000492643600001 Publication Date 2019-10-26
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0948-3349; 1614-7502 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 4.8 Times cited 1 Open Access
Notes ; ; Approved Most recent IF: 4.8; 2020 IF: 3.173
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:164676 Serial 6141
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Author Bafekry, A.; Stampfl, C.; Ghergherehchi, M.; Shayesteh, S.F.
Title 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 Type A1 Journal article
Year (down) 2020 Publication Carbon Abbreviated Journal Carbon
Volume 157 Issue 157 Pages 371-384
Keywords A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
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.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000502548500044 Publication Date 2019-10-22
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0008-6223 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 10.9 Times cited 49 Open Access
Notes ; This work was supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea grant funded by the Korea government (MSIT) (NRF-2017R1A2B2011989). We are thankful for comments by Meysam Baghery Tagani from department of physics in University of Guilan and Bohayra Mortazavi from Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Universitat Hannover, Hannover, Germany. ; Approved Most recent IF: 10.9; 2020 IF: 6.337
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:165024 Serial 6283
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Author Smith, J.D.; Bladt, E.; Burkhart, J.A.C.; Winckelmans, N.; Koczkur, K.M.; Ashberry, H.M.; Bals, S.; Skrabalak, S.E.
Title Defect-directed growth of symmetrically branched metal nanocrystals Type A1 Journal article
Year (down) 2020 Publication Angewandte Chemie-International Edition Abbreviated Journal Angew Chem Int Edit
Volume 59 Issue 59 Pages 943-950
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
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.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000498760200001 Publication Date 2019-11-13
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1433-7851; 0570-0833 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 16.6 Times cited 23 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes ; The authors thank Samantha Harvey for her initial observations of branched structures, Alexander Chen for his help with SAED, the staff of the Nanoscale Characterization Facility (Dr. Yi Yi), Electron Microscopy Center (Dr. David Morgan and Dr. Barry Stein), and Molecular Structure Center at Indiana University. J.S. recognizes a fellowship provided by the Indiana Space Grant Consortium. E.B. acknowledges a post-doctoral grant from the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO, Belgium). This project has received funding to S.E.S. from the U.S. National Science Foundation (award numbers: 1602476 and 1904499) and Research Corporation for Scientific Advancement (2017 Frontiers in Research Excellence and Discovery Award) as well as to S.B. from the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under grant agreement No 731019 (EUSMI) and No 815128 (REALNANO). ; sygma Approved Most recent IF: 16.6; 2020 IF: 11.994
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:165124 Serial 6293
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Author Spreitzer, M.; Klement, D.; Egoavil, R.; Verbeeck, J.; Kovac, J.; Zaloznik, A.; Koster, G.; Van Tendeloo, G.; Suvorov, D.; Rijnders, G.
Title Growth mechanism of epitaxial SrTiO3 on a (1 x 2) + (2 x 1) reconstructed Sr(1/2 ML)/Si(001) surface Type A1 Journal article
Year (down) 2020 Publication Journal Of Materials Chemistry C Abbreviated Journal J Mater Chem C
Volume 8 Issue 2 Pages 518-527
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Sub-monolayer control over the growth at silicon-oxide interfaces is a prerequisite for epitaxial integration of complex oxides with the Si platform, enriching it with a variety of functionalities. However, the control over this integration is hindered by the intense reaction of the constituents. The most suitable buffer material for Si passivation is metallic strontium. When it is overgrown with a layer of SrTiO3 (STO) it can serve as a pseudo-substrate for the integration with functional oxides. In our study we determined a mechanism for epitaxial integration of STO with a (1 x 2) + (2 x 1) reconstructed Sr(1/2 ML)/Si(001) surface using all-pulsed laser deposition (PLD) technology. A detailed analysis of the initial deposition parameters was performed, which enabled us to develop a complete protocol for integration, taking into account the peculiarities of the PLD growth, STO critical thickness, and process thermal budget, in order to kinetically trap the reaction between STO and Si and thus to minimize the thickness of the interface layer. The as-prepared oxide layer exhibits STO(001)8Si(001) out-of-plane and STO[110]8Si[100] in-plane orientation and together with recent advances in large-scale PLD tools these results represent a new technological solution for the implementation of oxide electronics on demand.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000506852400036 Publication Date 2019-10-28
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2050-7526; 2050-7534 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 6.4 Times cited 12 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes ; The research was financially supported by the Slovenian Research Agency (Project No. P2-0091, J2-9237) and Ministry of Education, Science and Sport of the Republic of Slovenia (SIOX projects). This work was also funded by the European Union Council under the 7th Framework Program grant no. NMP3-LA-2010-246102 IFOX. J. V. and G. V. T. acknowledge funding from the Fund for Scientific Research Flanders under project no. G.0044.13N. ; Approved Most recent IF: 6.4; 2020 IF: 5.256
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:165672 Serial 6298
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Author Wang, J.; Nguyen, M.D.; Gauquelin, N.; Verbeeck, J.; Do, M.T.; Koster, G.; Rijnders, G.; Houwman, E.
Title On the importance of the work function and electron carrier density of oxide electrodes for the functional properties of ferroelectric capacitors Type A1 Journal article
Year (down) 2020 Publication Physica Status Solidi-Rapid Research Letters Abbreviated Journal Phys Status Solidi-R
Volume 14 Issue 14 Pages 1900520
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract It is important to understand the effect of the interfaces between the oxide electrode layers and the ferroelectric layer on the polarization response for optimizing the device performance of all-oxide ferroelectric devices. Herein, the effects of the oxide La0.07Ba0.93SnO3 (LBSO) as an electrode material in an PbZr0.52Ti0.48O3 (PZT) ferroelectric capacitor are compared with those of the more commonly used SrRuO3 (SRO) electrode. SRO (top)/PZT/SRO (bottom), SRO/PZT/LBSO, and SRO/PZT/2 nm SRO/LBSO devices are fabricated. Only marginal differences in crystalline properties, determined by X-ray diffraction and scanning transmission electron microscopy, are found. High-quality polarization loops are obtained, but with a much larger coercive field for the SRO/PZT/LBSO device. In contrast to the SRO/PZT/SRO device, the polarization decreases strongly with increasing field cycling. This fatigue problem can be remedied by inserting a 2 nm SRO layer between PZT and LBSO. It is argued that strongly increased charge injection into the PZT occurs at the bottom interface, because of the low PZT/LBSO interfacial barrier and the much lower carrier density in LBSO, as compared with that in SRO, causing a low dielectric constant, depleted layer in LBSO. The charge injection creates a trapped space charge in the PZT, causing the difference in fatigue behavior.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000506195600001 Publication Date 2019-12-12
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1862-6254 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 2.8 Times cited 6 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes ; This work was supported by Nederlandse Organisatie voor Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek through grant no.13HTSM01. ; Approved Most recent IF: 2.8; 2020 IF: 3.032
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:165681 Serial 6316
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Author Ozcan, M.; Ozen, S.; Yagmurcukardes, M.; Sahin, H.
Title Structural, electronic and vibrational properties of ultra-thin octahedrally coordinated structure of EuO2 Type A1 Journal article
Year (down) 2020 Publication Journal Of Magnetism And Magnetic Materials Abbreviated Journal J Magn Magn Mater
Volume 493 Issue 493 Pages 165668
Keywords A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
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.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000486397800003 Publication Date 2019-08-03
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0304-8853 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 2.7 Times cited 1 Open Access
Notes ; Computational resources were provided by TUBITAK ULAKBIM, High Performance and Grid Computing Center (TR-Grid e-Infrastructure). HS acknowledges financial support from the TUBITAK under the project number 117F095. MY is supported by the Flemish Science Foundation (FWO-Vl) by a postdoctoral fellowship. ; Approved Most recent IF: 2.7; 2020 IF: 2.63
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:162755 Serial 6323
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Author Tran Phong Le, P.; Hofhuis, K.; Rana, A.; Huijben, M.; Hilgenkamp, H.; Rijnders, G.A.J.H.M.; ten Elshof, J.E.; Koster, G.; Gauquelin, N.; Lumbeeck, G.; Schuessler-Langeheine, C.; Popescu, H.; Fortuna, F.; Smit, S.; Verbeek, X.H.; Araizi-Kanoutas, G.; Mishra, S.; Vaskivskyi, I.; Duerr, H.A.; Golden, M.S.
Title Tailoring vanadium dioxide film orientation using nanosheets : a combined microscopy, diffraction, transport, and soft X-ray in transmission study Type A1 Journal article
Year (down) 2020 Publication Advanced Functional Materials Abbreviated Journal Adv Funct Mater
Volume 30 Issue 1 Pages 1900028
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Vanadium dioxide (VO2) is a much-discussed material for oxide electronics and neuromorphic computing applications. Here, heteroepitaxy of VO2 is realized on top of oxide nanosheets that cover either the amorphous silicon dioxide surfaces of Si substrates or X-ray transparent silicon nitride membranes. The out-of-plane orientation of the VO2 thin films is controlled at will between (011)(M1)/(110)(R) and (-402)(M1)/(002)(R) by coating the bulk substrates with Ti0.87O2 and NbWO6 nanosheets, respectively, prior to VO2 growth. Temperature-dependent X-ray diffraction and automated crystal orientation mapping in microprobe transmission electron microscope mode (ACOM-TEM) characterize the high phase purity, the crystallographic and orientational properties of the VO2 films. Transport measurements and soft X-ray absorption in transmission are used to probe the VO2 metal-insulator transition, showing results of a quality equal to those from epitaxial films on bulk single-crystal substrates. Successful local manipulation of two different VO2 orientations on a single substrate is demonstrated using VO2 grown on lithographically patterned lines of Ti0.87O2 and NbWO6 nanosheets investigated by electron backscatter diffraction. Finally, the excellent suitability of these nanosheet-templated VO2 films for advanced lensless imaging of the metal-insulator transition using coherent soft X-rays is discussed.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000505545800010 Publication Date 2019-10-31
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1616-301x ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 19 Times cited 1 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes P.T.P.L. and K.H. contributed equally to this work. The authors thank Mark A. Smithers for performing high-resolution scanning electron microscopy and electron backscattering diffraction. The authors also thank Dr. Nicolas Jaouen for his contribution to the soft X-ray imaging experiments. This work is part of the DESCO research program of the Foundation for Fundamental Research on Matter (FOM), which is part of the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO). P.T.P.L. acknowledges the NWO/CW ECHO grant ECHO.15.CM2.043. N.G. acknowledges funding from the Geconcentreerde Onderzoekacties (GOA) project “Solarpaint” of the University of Antwerp and the FLAG-ERA JTC 2017 project GRAPH-EYE. G.L. acknowledges financial support from the Flemish Research Fund (FWO) under project G.0365.15N. I.V. acknowledges support by the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Science under Award Number 0000231415. Approved Most recent IF: 19; 2020 IF: 12.124
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:165705 Serial 6325
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