|   | 
Details
   web
Records
Author Cai, Y.; Michiels, R.; De Luca, F.; Neyts, E.; Tu, X.; Bogaerts, A.; Gerrits, N.
Title Improving Molecule–Metal Surface Reaction Networks Using the Meta-Generalized Gradient Approximation: CO2Hydrogenation Type A1 Journal Article
Year (down) 2024 Publication The Journal of Physical Chemistry C Abbreviated Journal J. Phys. Chem. C
Volume 128 Issue 21 Pages 8611-8620
Keywords A1 Journal Article; Plasma, laser ablation and surface modeling Antwerp (PLASMANT) ;
Abstract Density functional theory is widely used to gain insights into molecule−metal surface reaction networks, which is important for a better understanding of catalysis. However, it is well-known that generalized gradient approximation (GGA)

density functionals (DFs), most often used for the study of reaction networks, struggle to correctly describe both gas-phase molecules and metal surfaces. Also, GGA DFs typically underestimate reaction barriers due to an underestimation of the selfinteraction energy. Screened hybrid GGA DFs have been shown to reduce this problem but are currently intractable for wide usage. In this work, we use a more affordable meta-GGA (mGGA) DF in combination with a nonlocal correlation DF for the first time to study and gain new insights into a catalytically important surface

reaction network, namely, CO2 hydrogenation on Cu. We show that the mGGA DF used, namely, rMS-RPBEl-rVV10, outperforms typical GGA DFs by providing similar or better predictions for metals and molecules, as well as molecule−metal surface adsorption

and activation energies. Hence, it is a better choice for constructing molecule−metal surface reaction networks.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos Publication Date 2024-05-30
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1932-7447 ISBN Additional Links
Impact Factor 3.7 Times cited Open Access
Notes H2020 Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions, 813393 ; Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek, 1114921N ; H2020 European Research Council, 810182 ; Nederlandse Organisatie voor Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek, 019.202EN.012 ; Approved Most recent IF: 3.7; 2024 IF: 4.536
Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @ Serial 9248
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Gerrits, N.; Jackson, B.; Bogaerts, A.
Title Accurate Reaction Probabilities for Translational Energies on Both Sides of the Barrier of Dissociative Chemisorption on Metal Surfaces Type A1 Journal Article
Year (down) 2024 Publication The Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters Abbreviated Journal J. Phys. Chem. Lett.
Volume 15 Issue 9 Pages 2566-2572
Keywords A1 Journal Article; Plasma, laser ablation and surface modeling Antwerp (PLASMANT) ;
Abstract Molecular dynamics simulations are essential for a better understanding of dissociative chemisorption on metal surfaces, which is often the rate-controlling step in heterogeneous and plasma catalysis. The workhorse quasi-classical trajectory approach ubiquitous in molecular dynamics is able to accurately predict reactivity only for high translational and low vibrational energies. In contrast, catalytically relevant conditions generally involve low translational and elevated vibrational energies. Existing quantum dynamics approaches are intractable or approximate as a result of the large number of degrees of freedom present in molecule−metal surface reactions. Here, we extend a ring polymer molecular dynamics approach to fully include, for the first time, the degrees of freedom of a moving metal surface. With this approach, experimental sticking probabilities for the dissociative chemisorption of methane on Pt(111) are reproduced for a large range of translational and vibrational energies by including nuclear quantum effects and employing full-dimensional simulations.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001177959900001 Publication Date 2024-03-07
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1948-7185 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 5.7 Times cited Open Access
Notes Nick Gerrits has been financially supported through a Dutch Research Council (NWO) Rubicon grant (019.202EN.012). The computational resources and services used in this work were provided by the high performance computing (HPC) core facility CalcUA of the Universiteit Antwerpen and the Flemish Supercomputer Center (VSC) funded by the Research Foundation−Flanders (FWO) and the Flemish Government. The authors thank Mark Somers for useful discussions. Approved Most recent IF: 5.7; 2024 IF: 9.353
Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @c:irua:204818 Serial 9114
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Van Tendeloo, M.; Baptista, M.C.; Van Winckel, T.; Vlaeminck, S.E.
Title Recurrent multi-stressor floc treatments with sulphide and free ammonia enabled mainstream partial nitritation/anammox Type A1 Journal article
Year (down) 2024 Publication The science of the total environment Abbreviated Journal
Volume 912 Issue Pages 169449-12
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract Selective suppression of nitrite-oxidising bacteria (NOB) over aerobic and anoxic ammonium-oxidising bacteria (AerAOB and AnAOB) remains a major challenge for mainstream partial nitritation/anammox implementation, a resource-efficient nitrogen removal pathway. A unique multi-stressor floc treatment was therefore designed and validated for the first time under lab-scale conditions while staying true to full-scale design principles. Two hybrid (suspended + biofilm growth) reactors were operated continuously at 20.2 ± 0.6 °C. Recurrent multi-stressor floc treatments were applied, consisting of a sulphide-spiked deoxygenated starvation followed by a free ammonia shock. A good microbial activity balance with high AnAOB (71 ± 21 mg N L−1 d−1) and low NOB (4 ± 17 % of AerAOB) activity was achieved by combining multiple operational strategies: recurrent multi-stressor floc treatments, hybrid sludge (flocs & biofilm), short floc age control, intermittent aeration, and residual ammonium control. The multi-stressor treatment was shown to be the most important control tool and should be continuously applied to maintain this balance. Excessive NOB growth on the biofilm was avoided despite only treating the flocs to safeguard the AnAOB activity on the biofilm. Additionally, no signs of NOB adaptation were observed over 142 days. Elevated effluent ammonium concentrations (25 ± 6 mg N L−1) limited the TN removal efficiency to 39 ± 9 %, complicating a future full-scale implementation. Operating at higher sludge concentrations or reducing the volumetric loading rate could overcome this issue. The obtained results ease the implementation of mainstream PN/A by providing and additional control tool to steer the microbial activity with the multi-stressor treatment, thus advancing the concept of energy neutrality in sewage treatment plants.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos Publication Date 2023-12-18
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0048-9697; 1879-1026 ISBN Additional Links UA library record
Impact Factor 9.8 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 9.8; 2024 IF: 4.9
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:202286 Serial 9083
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Reynaert, S.; D’Hose, T.; de Boeck, H.J.; Laorden, D.; Dult, L.; Verbruggen, E.; Nijs, I.
Title Can permanent grassland soils with elevated organic carbon buffer negative effects of more persistent precipitation regimes on forage grass performance? Type A1 Journal article
Year (down) 2024 Publication The science of the total environment Abbreviated Journal
Volume 918 Issue Pages 170623-15
Keywords A1 Journal article; Plant and Ecosystems (PLECO) – Ecology in a time of change
Abstract Agricultural practices enhancing soil organic carbon (SOC) show potential to buffer negative effects of climate change on forage grass performance. We tested this by subjecting five forage grass varieties differing in fodder quality and drought/flooding resistance to increased persistence in summer precipitation regimes (PR) across sandy and sandy-loam soils from either permanent (high SOC) or temporary grasslands (low SOC) in adjacent parcels. Over the course of two consecutive summers, monoculture mesocosms were subjected to rainy/dry weather alternation either every 3 days or every 30 days, whilst keeping total precipitation equal. Increased PR persistence induced species-specific drought damage and productivity declines. Soils from permanent grasslands with elevated SOC buffered plant quality, but buffering effects of SOC on drought damage, nutrient availability and yield differed between texture classes. In the more persistent PR, Festuca arundinacea FERMINA was the most productive species but had the lowest quality under both ample water supply and mild soil drought, whilst under the most intense soil droughts, Festulolium FESTILO maintained the highest yields. The hybrid Lolium × boucheanum kunth MELCOMBI had intermediate productivity and both Lolium perenne varieties showed the lowest yields under soil drought, but the highest forage quality (especially the tetraploid variety MELFORCE). Performance varied with plant maturity stage and across seasons/years and was driven by altered water and nutrient availability and related nitrogen nutrition among species during drought and upon rewetting. Moreover, whilst permanent grassland soils showed the most consistent positive effects on plant performance, their available water capacity also declined under increased PR persistence. We conclude that permanent grassland soils with historically elevated SOC likely buffer negative effects of increasing summer weather persistence on forage grass performance, but may also be more sensitive to degradation under climate change.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001183615800001 Publication Date 2024-02-04
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
Impact Factor 9.8 Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 9.8; 2024 IF: 4.9
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:204498 Serial 9191
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Hofer, C.; Gao, C.; Chennit, T.; Yuan, B.; Pennycook, T.J.
Title Phase offset method of ptychographic contrast reversal correction Type A1 Journal article
Year (down) 2024 Publication Ultramicroscopy Abbreviated Journal Ultramicroscopy
Volume Issue Pages 113922
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001164447000001 Publication Date 2024-01-08
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0304-3991 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 2.2 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access
Notes FWO, G013122N ; Horizon 2020 Framework Programme; European Research Council, 802123-HDEM ; European Research Council; Approved Most recent IF: 2.2; 2024 IF: 2.843
Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:202379 Serial 8988
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Şentürk, DG.; Yu, CP.; De Backer, A.; Van Aert, S.
Title Atom counting from a combination of two ADF STEM images Type A1 Journal article
Year (down) 2024 Publication Ultramicroscopy Abbreviated Journal Ultramicroscopy
Volume 255 Issue Pages 113859
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract To understand the structure–property relationship of nanostructures, reliably quantifying parameters, such as the number of atoms along the projection direction, is important. Advanced statistical methodologies have made it possible to count the number of atoms for monotype crystalline nanoparticles from a single ADF STEM image. Recent developments enable one to simultaneously acquire multiple ADF STEM images. Here, we present an extended statistics-based method for atom counting from a combination of multiple statistically independent ADF STEM images reconstructed from non-overlapping annular detector collection regions which improves the accuracy and allows one to retrieve precise atom-counts, especially for images acquired with low electron doses and multiple element structures.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001089064200001 Publication Date 2023-09-23
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0304-3991 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 2.2 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes This work was supported by the European Research Council (Grant 770887 PICOMETRICS to S. Van Aert). The authors acknowledge financial support from the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO, Belgium) through project fundings (G034621N, G0A7723N, and EOS 40007495) and a postdoctoral grant to A. De Backer. S. Van Aert acknowledges funding from the University of Antwerp Research fund (BOF). Approved Most recent IF: 2.2; 2024 IF: 2.843
Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:201008 Serial 8964
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Şentürk, D.G.; De Backer, A.; Van Aert, S.
Title Element specific atom counting for heterogeneous nanostructures: Combining multiple ADF STEM images for simultaneous thickness and composition determination Type A1 Journal Article
Year (down) 2024 Publication Ultramicroscopy Abbreviated Journal Ultramicroscopy
Volume 259 Issue Pages 113941
Keywords A1 Journal Article; Electron Microscopy for Materials Science (EMAT) ;
Abstract In this paper, a methodology is presented to count the number of atoms in heterogeneous nanoparticles based on the combination of multiple annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy (ADF STEM) images. The different non-overlapping annular detector collection regions are selected based on the principles of optimal statistical experiment design for the atom-counting problem. To count the number of atoms, the total intensities of scattered electrons for each atomic column, the so-called scattering cross-sections, are simultaneously compared with simulated library values for the different detector regions by minimising the squared differences. The performance of the method is evaluated for simulated Ni@Pt and Au@Ag core-shell nanoparticles. Our approach turns out to be a dose efficient alternative for the investigation of beam-sensitive heterogeneous materials as compared to the combination of ADF STEM and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos Publication Date 2024-02-19
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0304-3991 ISBN Additional Links UA library record
Impact Factor 2.2 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes This work was supported by the European Research Council (Grant 770887 PICOMETRICS to S. Van Aert). The authors acknowledge financial support from the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO, Belgium) through project fundings (G.0346.21N, GOA7723N, and EOS 40007495) and a postdoctoral grant to A. De Backer. S. Van Aert acknowledges funding from the University of Antwerp Research fund (BOF). Approved Most recent IF: 2.2; 2024 IF: 2.843
Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:204353 Serial 8996
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Gao, C.; Hofer, C.; Pennycook, T.J.
Title On central focusing for contrast optimization in direct electron ptychography of thick samples Type A1 Journal article
Year (down) 2024 Publication Ultramicroscopy Abbreviated Journal
Volume 256 Issue Pages 113879-7
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Ptychography provides high dose efficiency images that can reveal light elements next to heavy atoms. However, despite ptychography having an otherwise single signed contrast transfer function, contrast reversals can occur when the projected potential becomes strong for both direct and iterative inversion ptychography methods. It has recently been shown that these reversals can often be counteracted in direct ptychography methods by adapting the focus. Here we provide an explanation of why the best contrast is often found with the probe focused to the middle of the sample. The phase contribution due to defocus at each sample slice above and below the central plane in this configuration effectively cancels out, which can prevent contrast reversals when dynamical scattering effects are not overly strong. In addition we show that the convergence angle can be an important consideration for removal of contrast reversals in relatively thin samples.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001112166400001 Publication Date 2023-11-03
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0304-3991 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 2.2 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 2.2; 2024 IF: 2.843
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:202029 Serial 9066
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Hofer, C.; Mustonen, K.; Skakalova, V.; Pennycook, T.J.
Title Picometer-precision few-tilt ptychotomography of 2D materials Type A1 Journal article
Year (down) 2023 Publication 2D materials Abbreviated Journal
Volume 10 Issue 3 Pages 035029-7
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract From ripples to defects, edges and grain boundaries, the 3D atomic structure of 2D materials is critical to their properties. However the damage inflicted by conventional 3D analysis precludes its use with fragile 2D materials, particularly for the analysis of local defects. Here we dramatically increase the potential for precise local 3D atomic structure analysis of 2D materials, with both greatly improved dose efficiency and sensitivity to light elements. We demonstrate light atoms can now be located in complex 2D materials with picometer precision at doses 30 times lower than previously possible. Moreover we demonstrate this using WS2, in which the light atoms are practically invisible to conventional methods at low doses. The key advance is combining the concept of few tilt tomography with highly dose efficient ptychography in scanning transmission electron microscopy. We further demonstrate the method experimentally with the even more challenging and newly discovered 2D CuI, leveraging a new extremely high temporal resolution camera.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001013151600001 Publication Date 2023-06-12
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2053-1583 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 5.5 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 5.5; 2023 IF: 6.937
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:197809 Serial 8915
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Mosquera, J.; Wang, D.; Bals, S.; Liz-Marzan, L.M.
Title Surfactant layers on gold nanorods Type A1 Journal article
Year (down) 2023 Publication Accounts of chemical research Abbreviated Journal
Volume 56 Issue 10 Pages 1204-1212
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Gold nanorods (Au NRs) are an exceptionally promising tool in nanotechnology due to three key factors: (i) their strong interaction with electromagnetic radiation, stemming from their plasmonic nature, (ii) the ease with which the resonance frequency of their longitudinal plasmon mode can be tuned from the visible to the near-infrared region of the electromagnetic spect r u m based on their aspect ratio, and (iii) their simple and cost-effective preparation through seed-mediated chemical growth. In this synthetic method, surfactants play a critical role in controlling the size, shape, and colloidal stabi l i t y of Au NRs. For example, surfactants can stabilize specific crystallographic facets during the formation of Au NRs, leading to t h e formation of NRs with specific morphologies. The process of surfactant adsorption onto the NR surface may result in various assemblies of surfactant molecules, such as spherical micelles, elongated micelles, or bilayers. Again, the assembly mode is critical toward determining the further availabi l i t y of the Au NR surface to the surrounding medium. Despite its importance and a great deal of research effort, the interaction between Au NPs and surfactants remains insufficiently understood, because the assembly process is influenced by numerous factors, including the chemical nature of the surfactant, the surface morphology of Au NPs, and solution parameters. Therefore, gaining a more comprehensive understanding of these interactions is essential to unlock the full potential of the seed-mediated growth method and the applications of plasmonic NPs. A plethora of characterization techniques have been applied to reach such an understanding , but many open questions remain. In this Account, we review the current knowledge on the interactions between surfactants and Au NRs. We briefly introduce the state-of-the-art methods for synthesizing Au NRs and highlight the crucial role of cationic surfactants during this process. The self-assembly and organization of surfactants on the Au NR surface is then discussed to better understand their role in seed-mediated growth. Subsequently, we provide examples and elucidate how chemical additives can be used to modulate micellar assemblies, in turn allowing for a finer control over the growth of Au NRs, including chiral NRs. Next, we review the main experimental characterization and computational modeling techniques that have been applied to shed light on the arrangement of surfactants on Au NRs and summarize the advantages and disadvantages for each technique. The Account ends with a “Conclusions and Outlook” section, outlining promising future research directions and developments that we consider are sti l l required, mostly related to the application of electron microscopy in liquid and in 3D. Finally, we remark on the potential of exploiting machine learning techniques to predict synthetic routes for NPs with predefined structures and properties.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000986447000001 Publication Date 2023-05-08
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0001-4842 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 18.3 Times cited 8 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes The authors acknowledge financial support by the European Research Council (ERC CoG No. 815128 REALNANO to S.B.; ERC AdG No. 787510, 4DbioSERS to L.M.L.-M.) , from MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 and “ESF Investing in your future” (Grant PID2020-117779RB-I00 to L.M.L.-M. and Grants RYC2019-027842-I , PID2020-117885GA-I00 to J.M.) , and by Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Optical Information Materials and Technology (No. 2017B030301007) , National Center for International Research on Green Optoelectronics (No. 2016B01018) , MOE Interna-tional Laboratory for Optical Information Technologies, and the 111 projects. Approved Most recent IF: 18.3; 2023 IF: 20.268
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:196768 Serial 8940
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Rakesh Roshan, S.C.; Yedukondalu, N.; Pandey, T.; Kunduru, L.; Muthaiah, R.; Rajaboina, R.K.; Ehm, L.; Parise, J.B.
Title Effect of atomic mass contrast on lattice thermal conductivity : a case study for alkali halides and alkaline-earth chalcogenides Type A1 Journal article
Year (down) 2023 Publication ACS applied electronic materials Abbreviated Journal
Volume 5 Issue 11 Pages 5852-5863
Keywords A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Abstract Lattice thermal conductivity (kappa(L)) is of great scientific interest for the development of efficient energy conversion technologies. Therefore, microscopic understanding of phonon transport is critically important for designing functional materials. In our previous study (Roshan et al., ACS Applied Energy Mater. 2021, 5, 882-896), anomalous kappa(L) trends were predicted for rocksalt alkaline-earth chalcogenides (AECs). In the present work, we extended it to alkali halides (AHs) and conducted a thorough investigation to explore the role of atomic mass contrast on lattice dynamics and phonon transport properties of 36 binary compounds (20 AHs + 16 AECs). The calculated spectral and cumulative kappa(L) reveal that low-lying optical phonon modes significantly boost kappa(L) alongside acoustic phonons in materials where the atomic mass ratio approaches unity and cophonocity nears zero. Phonon scattering rates are relatively low for materials with a mass ratio close to one, and the corresponding phonon lifetimes are higher, which enhances kappa(L). Phonon lifetimes play a critical role, outweighing phonon group velocities, in determining the anomalous trends in kappa(L) for both AHs and AECs. To further explore the role of atomic mass contrast in kappa(L), the effect of tensile lattice strain on phonon transport has also been investigated. Under tensile strain, both group velocities and phonon lifetimes decrease in the low frequency range, leading to a decrease in kappa(L). This work provides insights on how atomic mass contrast can tune the contribution of optical phonons to kappa(L) and its implications on scattering rates by either enhancing or suppressing kappa(L). These insights would aid in the selection of elements for designing new functional materials with and without atomic mass contrast to achieve relatively high and low kappa(L) values, respectively.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001096792500001 Publication Date 2023-10-26
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2637-6113 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: NA
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:201198 Serial 9026
Permanent link to this record
 

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

 
Author Paulus, A.; Hendrickx, M.; Mayda, S.; Batuk, M.; Reekmans, G.; von Holst, M.; Elen, K.; Abakumov, A.M.; Adriaensens, P.; Lamoen, D.; Partoens, B.; Hadermann, J.; Van Bael, M.K.; Hardy, A.
Title Understanding the Activation of Anionic Redox Chemistry in Ti4+-Substituted Li2MnO3as a Cathode Material for Li-Ion Batteries Type A1 Journal article
Year (down) 2023 Publication ACS applied energy materials Abbreviated Journal ACS Appl. Energy Mater.
Volume 6 Issue 13 Pages 6956-6971
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Abstract Layered Li-rich oxides, demonstrating both cationic and anionic redox chemistry being used as positive electrodes for Li-ion batteries,have raised interest due to their high specific discharge capacities exceeding 250 mAh/g. However, irreversible structural transformations triggered by anionic redox chemistry result in pronounced voltagefade (i.e., lowering the specific energy by a gradual decay of discharge potential) upon extended galvanostatic cycling. Activating or suppressing oxygen anionic redox through structural stabilization induced by redox-inactivecation substitution is a well-known strategy. However, less emphasishas been put on the correlation between substitution degree and theactivation/suppression of the anionic redox. In this work, Ti4+-substituted Li2MnO3 was synthesizedvia a facile solution-gel method. Ti4+ is selected as adopant as it contains no partially filled d-orbitals. Our study revealedthat the layered “honeycomb-ordered” C2/m structure is preserved when increasing the Ticontent to x = 0.2 in the Li2Mn1-x Ti (x) O-3 solidsolution, as shown by electron diffraction and aberration-correctedscanning transmission electron microscopy. Galvanostatic cycling hintsat a delayed oxygen release, due to an improved reversibility of theanionic redox, during the first 10 charge-discharge cyclesfor the x = 0.2 composition compared to the parentmaterial (x = 0), followed by pronounced oxygen redoxactivity afterward. The latter originates from a low activation energybarrier toward O-O dimer formation and Mn migration in Li2Mn0.8Ti0.2O3, as deducedfrom first-principles molecular dynamics (MD) simulations for the“charged” state. Upon lowering the Ti substitution to x = 0.05, the structural stability was drastically improvedbased on our MD analysis, stressing the importance of carefully optimizingthe substitution degree to achieve the best electrochemical performance.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001018266700001 Publication Date 2023-07-10
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2574-0962 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 6.4 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access: Available from 24.12.2023
Notes Universiteit Hasselt, AUHL/15/2 – GOH3816N ; Russian Science Foundation, 20-43-01012 ; Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek, AUHL/15/2 – GOH3816N G040116N ; The computational resources and services used in this work were provided by the VSC (Flemish Supercomputer Center) and the HPC infrastructure of the University of Antwerp (CalcUA), both funded by the FWO Vlaanderen and the Flemish Government-department EWI. Approved Most recent IF: 6.4; 2023 IF: NA
Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:198160 Serial 8809
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Bhatia, H.; Martin, C.; Keshavarz, M.; Dovgaliuk, I.; Schrenker, N.J.; Ottesen, M.; Qiu, W.; Fron, E.; Bremholm, M.; Van de Vondel, J.; Bals, S.; Roeffaers, M.B.J.; Hofkens, J.; Debroye, E.
Title Deciphering the role of water in promoting the optoelectronic performance of surface-engineered lead halide perovskite nanocrystals Type A1 Journal article
Year (down) 2023 Publication ACS applied materials and interfaces Abbreviated Journal
Volume 15 Issue 5 Pages 7294-7307
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Lead halide perovskites are promising candidates for applicability is limited by their structural instability toward moisture. Although a deliberate addition of water to the precursor solution has recently been shown to improve the crystallinity and optical properties of perovskites, the corresponding thin films still do not exhibit a near-unity quantum yield. Herein, we report that the direct addition of a minute amount of water to post-treated substantially enhances the stability while achieving a 95% photoluminescence quantum yield in a NC thin film. We unveil the mechanism of how moisture assists in the formation of an additional NH4Br component. Alongside, we demonstrate the crucial role of moisture in assisting localized etching of the perovskite crystal, facilitating the partial incorporation of NH4+, which is key for improved performance under ambient conditions. Finally, as a proof-of-concept, the application of post-treated and watertreated perovskites is tested in LEDs, with the latter exhibiting a superior performance, offering opportunities toward commercial application in moisture-stable optoelectronics.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000931729400001 Publication Date 2023-01-27
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1944-8244 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 9.5 Times cited 3 Open Access Not_Open_Access
Notes H.B. would like to express her sincere gratitude to Dr. Peter Erk (formerly BASF SE, Germany) for very insightful discussions. The authors acknowledge financial support from the Research Foundation-Flanders (FWO grant numbers S002019N, 1514220N, G.0B39.15, G.0B49.15, G098319N, and ZW15_09-GOH6316) , the KU Leuven Research Fund (C14/19/079, iBOF-21-085 PERSIST, and STG/21/010) , the Flemish government through long-term structural funding Methusalem (CASAS2, Meth/15/04) , the Hercules Founda-tion (HER/11/14) , and the ERC through the Marie Curie ITN iSwitch Ph.D. fellowship to H.B. (grant number 642196) . C.M. acknowledges the financial support from grants PID2021-128761OA-C22 funded by MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 by the ?European Union? and SBPLY/21/180501/000127 funded by JCCM and by the EU through Fondo Europeo de Desarollo Regional? (FEDER) . Martin Bremholm and Martin Ottesen acknowledge funding from the Danish Council for Independent Research, Natural Sciences, under the Sapere Aude program (grant no. 7027-00077B) and VILLUM FONDEN through the Centre of Excellence for Dirac Materials (grant no. 11744) . Affiliation with the Center for Integrated Materials Research (iMAT) at Aarhus University is gratefully acknowledged.-N.J.S. acknowledges financial support from the research foundation Flanders (FWO) through a postdoctoral fellowship (FWO grant no. 1238622N) . S.B. acknowledges financial support from the European Commission by the ERC Consolidator grant REALNANO (no. 815128) . Approved Most recent IF: 9.5; 2023 IF: 7.504
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:195375 Serial 7293
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Mulder, J.T.; Meijer, M.S.; van Blaaderen, J.J.; du Fosse, I.; Jenkinson, K.; Bals, S.; Manna, L.; Houtepen, A.J.
Title Understanding and preventing photoluminescence quenching to achieve unity photoluminescence quantum yield in Yb:YLF nanocrystals Type A1 Journal article
Year (down) 2023 Publication ACS applied materials and interfaces Abbreviated Journal
Volume 15 Issue 2 Pages 3274-3286
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Ytterbium-doped LiYF4 (Yb:YLF) is a commonly used material for laser applications, as a photon upconversion medium, and for optical refrigeration. As nanocrystals (NCs), the material is also of interest for biological and physical applications. Unfortunately, as with most phosphors, with the reduction in size comes a large reduction of the photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY), which is typically associated with an increase in surface-related PL quenching. Here, we report the synthesis of bipyramidal Yb:YLF NCs with a short axis of similar to 60 nm. We systematically study and remove all sources of PL quenching in these NCs. By chemically removing all traces of water from the reaction mixture, we obtain NCs that exhibit a near-unity PLQY for an Yb3+ concentration below 20%. At higher Yb3+ concentrations, efficient concentration quenching occurs. The surface PL quenching is mitigated by growing an undoped YLF shell around the NC core, resulting in near-unity PLQY values even for fully Yb3+-based LiYbF4 cores. This unambiguously shows that the only remaining quenching sites in core-only Yb:YLF NCs reside on the surface and that concentration quenching is due to energy transfer to the surface. Monte Carlo simulations can reproduce the concentration dependence of the PLQY. Surprisingly, Fo''rster resonance energy transfer does not give satisfactory agreement with the experimental data, whereas nearest-neighbor energy transfer does. This work demonstrates that Yb3+-based nanophosphors can be synthesized with a quality close to that of bulk single crystals. The high Yb3+ concentration in the LiYbF4/LiYF4 core/shell nanocrystals increases the weak Yb3+ absorption, making these materials highly promising for fundamental studies and increasing their effectiveness in bioapplications and optical refrigeration.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000912997300001 Publication Date 2023-01-06
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1944-8244 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 9.5 Times cited 3 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes This project has received funding from the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under Grant Agreement No. 766900 (Testing the Large-Scale Limit of Quantum Mechanics). A.J.H. and I.d.F. further acknowledge the European Research Council Horizon 2020 ERC Grant Agreement No. 678004 (Doping on Demand) for financial support. The authors thank Freddy Rabouw and Andries Meijerink (Utrecht University) for very fruitful discussions and extremely useful advice. The author s thank Jos Thieme for his help with the laser setups used . The authors furthermore thank Niranjan Saikumar for proofreading the manuscript. Approved Most recent IF: 9.5; 2023 IF: 7.504
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:194317 Serial 7348
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Bhatia, H.; Keshavarz, M.; Martin, C.; Van Gaal, L.; Zhang, Y.; de Coen, B.; Schrenker, N.J.; Valli, D.; Ottesen, M.; Bremholm, M.; Van de Vondel, J.; Bals, S.; Hofkens, J.; Debroye, E.
Title Achieving High Moisture Tolerance in Pseudohalide Perovskite Nanocrystals for Light-Emitting Diode Application Type A1 Journal Article
Year (down) 2023 Publication ACS Applied Optical Materials Abbreviated Journal ACS Appl. Opt. Mater.
Volume 1 Issue 6 Pages 1184-1191
Keywords A1 Journal Article; Electron Microscopy for Materials Science (EMAT) ;
Abstract The addition of potassium thiocyanate (KSCN) to the FAPbBr3 structure and subsequent post-treatment of nanocrystals (NCs) lead to high quantum confinement, resulting in a photoluminescent quantum yield (PLQY) approaching unity and microsecond decay times. This synergistic approach demonstrated exceptional stability under humid conditions, retaining 70% of the PLQY for over a month, while the untreated NCs degrade within 24 h. Additionally, the devices incorporating the post-treated NCs displayed 1.5% external quantum efficiency (EQE), a 5-fold improvement over untreated devices. These results provide promising opportunities for the use of perovskites in moisture-stable optoelectronics.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos Publication Date 2023-06-23
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2771-9855 ISBN Additional Links UA library record
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Hercules Foundation, HER/11/14 ; European Commission; Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovaci?n, PID2021-128761OA-C22 ; European Regional Development Fund; Vlaamse regering, CASAS2 Meth/15/04 ; Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek, 1238622N 1514220N 1S45223N G.0B39.15 G.0B49.15 G098319N S002019N ZW15_09-GOH6316 ; Onderzoeksraad, KU Leuven, C14/19/079 db/21/006/bm iBOF-21-085 STG/21/010 ; Junta de Comunidades de Castilla-La Mancha, SBPLY/21/180501/000127 ; H2020 European Research Council, 642196 815128 ; Approved Most recent IF: NA
Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:201011 Serial 8975
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Vlasov, E.; Skorikov, A.; Sánchez-Iglesias, A.; Liz-Marzán, L.M.; Verbeeck, J.; Bals, S.
Title Secondary electron induced current in scanning transmission electron microscopy: an alternative way to visualize the morphology of nanoparticles Type A1 Journal article
Year (down) 2023 Publication ACS materials letters Abbreviated Journal ACS Materials Lett.
Volume Issue Pages 1916-1921
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Electron tomography (ET) is a powerful tool to determine the three-dimensional (3D) structure of nanomaterials in a transmission electron microscope. However, the acquisition of a conventional tilt series for ET is a time-consuming process and can therefore not provide 3D structural information in a time-efficient manner. Here, we propose surface-sensitive secondary electron (SE) imaging as an alternative to ET for the investigation of the morphology of nanomaterials. We use the SE electron beam induced current (SEEBIC) technique that maps the electrical current arising from holes generated by the emission of SEs from the sample. SEEBIC imaging can provide valuable information on the sample morphology with high spatial resolution and significantly shorter throughput times compared with ET. In addition, we discuss the contrast formation mechanisms that aid in the interpretation of SEEBIC data.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001006191600001 Publication Date 2023-06-12
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2639-4979 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor Times cited 1 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes The funding for this project was provided by European Research Council (ERC Consolidator Grant 815128, REALNANO). J.V. acknowledges the eBEAM project, which is supported by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under grant agreement no. 101017720 (FET-Proactive EBEAM). L.M.L.-M. acknowledges funding from MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 (grant # PID2020-117779RB-I00). Approved Most recent IF: NA
Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:197004 Serial 8795
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Hugenschmidt, M.; Jannis, D.; Kadu, A.A.; Grünewald, L.; De Marchi, S.; Perez-Juste, J.; Verbeeck, J.; Van Aert, S.; Bals, S.
Title Low-dose 4D-STEM tomography for beam-sensitive nanocomposites Type A1 Journal article
Year (down) 2023 Publication ACS materials letters Abbreviated Journal
Volume 6 Issue 1 Pages 165-173
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Electron tomography is essential for investigating the three-dimensional (3D) structure of nanomaterials. However, many of these materials, such as metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), are extremely sensitive to electron radiation, making it difficult to acquire a series of projection images for electron tomography without inducing electron-beam damage. Another significant challenge is the high contrast in high-angle annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy that can be expected for nanocomposites composed of a metal nanoparticle and an MOF. This strong contrast leads to so-called metal artifacts in the 3D reconstruction. To overcome these limitations, we here present low-dose electron tomography based on four-dimensional scanning transmission electron microscopy (4D-STEM) data sets, collected using an ultrafast and highly sensitive direct electron detector. As a proof of concept, we demonstrate the applicability of the method for an Au nanostar embedded in a ZIF-8 MOF, which is of great interest for applications in various fields, including drug delivery.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001141178500001 Publication Date 2023-12-11
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2639-4979 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access
Notes This work was supported by the European Research Council (Grant 815128 REALNANO to S.B., Grant 770887 PICOMETRICS to S.V.A.). J.P.-J. and S.M. acknowledge financial support from the MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 (Grants No. PID2019-108954RB-I00) and EU Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under grant agreement no. 883390 (SERSing). J.V., S.B., S.V.A., and L.G. acknowledge funding from the Flemish government (iBOF-21-085 PERsist). Approved Most recent IF: NA
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:202771 Serial 9053
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Kante, M.V.; Weber, M.L.; Ni, S.; van den Bosch, I.C.G.; van der Minne, E.; Heymann, L.; Falling, L.J.; Gauquelin, N.; Tsvetanova, M.; Cunha, D.M.; Koster, G.; Gunkel, F.; Nemsak, S.; Hahn, H.; Estrada, L.V.; Baeumer, C.
Title A high-entropy oxide as high-activity electrocatalyst for water oxidation Type A1 Journal article
Year (down) 2023 Publication ACS nano Abbreviated Journal
Volume 17 Issue 6 Pages 5329-5339
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract High-entropy materials are an emerging pathway in the development of high-activity (electro)catalysts because of the inherent tunability and coexistence of multiple potential active sites, which may lead to earth-abundant catalyst materials for energy-efficient electrochemical energy storage. In this report, we identify how the multication composition in high-entropy perovskite oxides (HEO) contributes to high catalytic activity for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER), i.e., the key kinetically limiting half-reaction in several electrochemical energy conversion technologies, including green hydrogen generation. We compare the activity of the (001) facet of LaCr0.2Mn0.2Fe0.2Co0.2Ni0.2O3-delta with the parent compounds (single B-site in the ABO3 perovskite). While the single B-site perovskites roughly follow the expected volcano-type activity trends, the HEO clearly outperforms all of its parent compounds with 17 to 680 times higher currents at a fixed overpotential. As all samples were grown as an epitaxial layer, our results indicate an intrinsic composition-function relationship, avoiding the effects of complex geometries or unknown surface composition. In-depth X-ray photoemission studies reveal a synergistic effect of simultaneous oxidation and reduction of different transition metal cations during the adsorption of reaction intermediates. The surprisingly high OER activity demonstrates that HEOs are a highly attractive, earth-abundant material class for high-activity OER electrocatalysts, possibly allowing the activity to be fine-tuned beyond the scaling limits of mono-or bimetallic oxides.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000953440900001 Publication Date 2023-03-13
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 17.1 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 17.1; 2023 IF: 13.942
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:196097 Serial 7390
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Zhang, G.; Huang, S.; Chaves, A.; Yan, H.
Title Black phosphorus as tunable Van der Waals quantum wells with high optical quality Type A1 Journal article
Year (down) 2023 Publication ACS nano Abbreviated Journal
Volume 17 Issue 6 Pages 6073-6080
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Abstract Van der Waals quantum wells, naturally formed in two-dimensional layered materials with nanoscale thickness, possess many inherent advantages over conventional molecular beam epitaxy grown counterparts, and could bring up intriguing physics and applications. However, optical transitions originated from the series of quantized states in these emerging quantum wells are still elusive. Here, we show that multilayer black phosphorus appears to be an excellent candidate for van der Waals quantum wells with well-defined subbands and high optical quality. Using infrared absorption spectroscopy, we probe subband structures of multilayer black phosphorus with tens of atomic layers, revealing clear signatures for optical transitions with subband index as high as 10, far from what was attainable previously. Surprisingly, in addition to allowed transitions, an unexpected series of “forbidden” transitions is also evidently observed, which enables us to determine energy spacings separately for conduction and valence subbands. Furthermore, the linear tunability of subband spacings by temperature and strain is demonstrated. Our results are expected to facilitate potential applications for infrared optoelectronics based on tunable van der Waals quantum wells.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000953463300001 Publication Date 2023-03-13
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 17.1 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 17.1; 2023 IF: 13.942
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:196100 Serial 7565
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Byrnes, I.; Rossbach, L.M.; Brede, D.A.; Grolimund, D.; Sanchez, D.F.; Nuyts, G.; Cuba, V.; Reinoso-Maset, E.; Salbu, B.; Janssens, K.; Oughton, D.; Scheibener, S.; Teien, H.-C.; Lind, O.C.
Title Synchrotron-based X-ray fluorescence imaging elucidates uranium toxicokinetics in Daphnia magna Type A1 Journal article
Year (down) 2023 Publication ACS nano Abbreviated Journal
Volume 17 Issue 6 Pages 5296-5305
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Antwerp X-ray Imaging and Spectroscopy (AXIS)
Abstract A combination of synchrotron-based elemental anal-ysis and acute toxicity tests was used to investigate the biodistribution and adverse effects in Daphnia magna exposed to uranium nanoparticle (UNP, 3-5 nm) suspensions or to uranium reference (Uref) solutions. Speciation analysis revealed similar size distributions between exposures, and toxicity tests showed com-parable acute effects (UNP LC50: 402 mu g L-1 [336-484], Uref LC50: 268 mu g L-1 [229-315]). However, the uranium body burden was 3 -to 5-fold greater in UNP-exposed daphnids, and analysis of survival as a function of body burden revealed a similar to 5-fold higher specific toxicity from the Uref exposure. High-resolution X-ray fluorescence elemental maps of intact, whole daphnids from sublethal, acute exposures of both treatments revealed high uranium accumulation onto the gills (epipodites) as well as within the hepatic ceca and the intestinal lumen. Uranium uptake into the hemolymph circulatory system was inferred from signals observed in organs such as the heart and the maxillary gland. The substantial uptake in the maxillary gland and the associated nephridium suggests that these organs play a role in uranium removal from the hemolymph and subsequent excretion. Uranium was also observed associated with the embryos and the remnants of the chorion, suggesting uptake in the offspring. The identification of target organs and tissues is of major importance to the understanding of uranium and UNP toxicity and exposure characterization that should ultimately contribute to reducing uncertainties in related environmental impact and risk assessments.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000960129800001 Publication Date 2023-03-15
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 17.1 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 17.1; 2023 IF: 13.942
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:196061 Serial 8631
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Zhang, Y.; van Schayck, J.P.; Pedrazo-Tardajos, A.; Claes, N.; Noteborn, W.E.M.; Lu, P.-H.; Duimel, H.; Dunin-Borkowski, R.E.; Bals, S.; Peters, P.J.; Ravelli, R.B.G.
Title Charging of vitreous samples in cryogenic electron microscopy mitigated by graphene Type A1 Journal article
Year (down) 2023 Publication ACS nano Abbreviated Journal
Volume 17 Issue 16 Pages 15836-15846
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Cryogenic electronmicroscopy can provide high-resolution reconstructionsof macromolecules embedded in a thin layer of ice from which atomicmodels can be built de novo. However, the interactionbetween the ionizing electron beam and the sample results in beam-inducedmotion and image distortion, which limit the attainable resolutions.Sample charging is one contributing factor of beam-induced motionsand image distortions, which is normally alleviated by including partof the supporting conducting film within the beam-exposed region.However, routine data collection schemes avoid strategies wherebythe beam is not in contact with the supporting film, whose rationaleis not fully understood. Here we characterize electrostatic chargingof vitreous samples, both in imaging and in diffraction mode. We mitigatesample charging by depositing a single layer of conductive grapheneon top of regular EM grids. We obtained high-resolution single-particleanalysis (SPA) reconstructions at 2 & ANGS; when the electron beamonly irradiates the middle of the hole on graphene-coated grids, usingdata collection schemes that previously failed to produce sub 3 & ANGS;reconstructions without the graphene layer. We also observe that theSPA data obtained with the graphene-coated grids exhibit a higher b factor and reduced particle movement compared to dataobtained without the graphene layer. This mitigation of charging couldhave broad implications for various EM techniques, including SPA andcryotomography, and for the study of radiation damage and the developmentof future sample carriers. Furthermore, it may facilitate the explorationof more dose-efficient, scanning transmission EM based SPA techniques.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001041649900001 Publication Date 2023-08-02
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1936-0851 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 17.1 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes We thank H. Nguyen for editing the manuscript. We warmly thank the M4i Microscopy CORE Lab team of FHML Maastricht University (MU) for their support and collaboration and Eve Timlin and Ye Gao (MU) for providing protein samples. Members of the Amsterdam Scientific Instruments team are acknowledged for their Timepix detector support. This work benefited from access to The Netherlands Centre for Electron Nanoscopy (NeCEN) with assistance from Ludovic Renault and Meindert Lamers. The authors acknowledge financial support of the Netherlands Electron Microscopy Infrastructure (NEMI), project number 184.034.014 of the National Roadmap for Large-Scale Research Infrastructure of the Dutch Research Council (NWO), the PPP Allowance made available by Health-Holland, Top Sector Life Sciences & Health, to stimulate public-private partnerships, project 4DEM, number LSHM21029, and the LINK program from the Province of Limburg, The Netherlands, as well as financial support from the European Commission under the Horizon 2020 Programme by grant no. 815128 (REALNANO). Approved Most recent IF: 17.1; 2023 IF: 13.942
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:198376 Serial 8840
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Vega-Paredes, M.; Aymerich-Armengol, R.; Arenas Esteban, D.; Marti-Sanchez, S.; Bals, S.; Scheu, C.; Manjon, A.G.
Title Electrochemical stability of rhodium-platinum core-shell nanoparticles : an identical location scanning transmission electron microscopy study Type A1 Journal article
Year (down) 2023 Publication ACS nano Abbreviated Journal
Volume 17 Issue 17 Pages 16943-16951
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Rhodium-platinum core-shell nanoparticleson a carbonsupport (Rh@Pt/C NPs) are promising candidates as anode catalystsfor polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells. However, their electrochemicalstability needs to be further explored for successful applicationin commercial fuel cells. Here we employ identical location scanningtransmission electron microscopy to track the morphological and compositionalchanges of Rh@Pt/C NPs during potential cycling (10 000 cycles,0.06-0.8 V-RHE, 0.5 H2SO4)down to the atomic level, which are then used for understanding thecurrent evolution occurring during the potential cycles. Our resultsreveal a high stability of the Rh@Pt/C system and point toward particledetachment from the carbon support as the main degradation mechanism.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001051495900001 Publication Date 2023-08-21
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 17.1 Times cited 2 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes The authors would like to thank C. Bodirsky for providing the samples, N. Rivas Rivas for his corrections on the manuscript, and D. Chatain for providing her expertise on the equilibrium shape of nanoparticles. Special thanks to B. Breitbach for performing the XRD experiments. A.G.M. acknowledges the Grant RYC2021-033479- I funded by MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 and, as appropriate, by European Union NextGenerationEU/PRTR. Approved Most recent IF: 17.1; 2023 IF: 13.942
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:199253 Serial 8859
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Tran, T.T.; Lee, Y.; Roy, S.; Tran, T.U.; Kim, Y.; Taniguchi, T.; Watanabe, K.; Milošević, M.V.; Lim, S.C.; Chaves, A.; Jang, J.I.; Kim, J.
Title Synergetic enhancement of quantum yield and exciton lifetime of monolayer WS₂ by proximal metal plate and negative electric bias Type A1 Journal article
Year (down) 2023 Publication ACS nano Abbreviated Journal
Volume 18 Issue 1 Pages 220-228
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Abstract The efficiency of light emission is a critical performance factor for monolayer transition metal dichalcogenides (1L-TMDs) for photonic applications. While various methods have been studied to compensate for lattice defects to improve the quantum yield (QY) of 1L-TMDs, exciton-exciton annihilation (EEA) is still a major nonradiative decay channel for excitons at high exciton densities. Here, we demonstrate that the combined use of a proximal Au plate and a negative electric gate bias (NEGB) for 1L-WS2 provides a dramatic enhancement of the exciton lifetime at high exciton densities with the corresponding QY enhanced by 30 times and the EEA rate constant decreased by 80 times. The suppression of EEA by NEGB is attributed to the reduction of the defect-assisted EEA process, which we also explain with our theoretical model. Our results provide a synergetic solution to cope with EEA to realize high-intensity 2D light emitters using TMDs.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001139516800001 Publication Date 2023-12-21
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1936-0851 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 17.1 Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 17.1; 2023 IF: 13.942
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:202811 Serial 9101
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Grubova, I.Y.; Surmenev, R.A.; Neyts, E.C.; Koptyug, A.V.; Volkova, A.P.; Surmeneva, M.A.
Title Combined first-principles and experimental study on the microstructure and mechanical characteristics of the multicomponent additive-manufactured Ti-35Nb-7Zr-5Ta alloy Type A1 Journal article
Year (down) 2023 Publication ACS Omega Abbreviated Journal
Volume 8 Issue 30 Pages 27519-27533
Keywords A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract New & beta;-stabilizedTi-based alloys are highly promising forbone implants, thanks in part to their low elasticity. The natureof this elasticity, however, is as yet unknown. We here present combinedfirst-principles DFT calculations and experiments on the microstructure,structural stability, mechanical characteristics, and electronic structureto elucidate this origin. Our results suggest that the studied & beta;Ti-35Nb-7Zr-5Ta wt % (TNZT) alloy manufacturedby the electron-beam powder bed fusion (E-PBF) method has homogeneousmechanical properties (H = 2.01 & PLUSMN; 0.22 GPa and E = 69.48 & PLUSMN; 0.03 GPa) along the building direction,which is dictated by the crystallographic texture and microstructuremorphologies. The analysis of the structural and electronic properties,as the main factors dominating the chemical bonding mechanism, indicatesthat TNZT has a mixture of strong metallic and weak covalent bonding.Our calculations demonstrate that the softening in the Cauchy pressure(C & PRIME; = 98.00 GPa) and elastic constant C ̅ ( 44 ) = 23.84 GPa is the originof the low elasticity of TNZT. Moreover, the nature of this softeningphenomenon can be related to the weakness of the second and thirdneighbor bonds in comparison with the first neighbor bonds in theTNZT. Thus, the obtained results indicate that a carefully designedTNZT alloy can be an excellent candidate for the manufacturing oforthopedic internal fixation devices. In addition, the current findingscan be used as guidance not only for predicting the mechanical propertiesbut also the nature of elastic characteristics of the newly developedalloys with yet unknown properties.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001031269000001 Publication Date 2023-07-18
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2470-1343 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 4.1 Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 4.1; 2023 IF: NA
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:198313 Serial 9011
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Mangnus, M.J.J.; de Wit, J.W.; Vonk, S.J.W.; Geuchies, J.J.; Albrecht, W.; Bals, S.; Houtepen, A.J.; Rabouw, F.T.
Title High-throughput characterization of single-quantum-dot emission spectra and spectral diffusion by multiparticle spectroscopy Type A1 Journal article
Year (down) 2023 Publication ACS Photonics Abbreviated Journal
Volume 10 Issue 8 Pages 2688-2698
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract In recent years, quantum dots (QDs) have emerged as bright,color-tunablelight sources for various applications such as light-emitting devices,lasing, and bioimaging. One important next step to advance their applicabilityis to reduce particle-to-particle variations of the emission propertiesas well as fluctuations of a single QD's emission spectrum,also known as spectral diffusion (SD). Characterizing SD is typicallyinefficient as it requires time-consuming measurements at the single-particlelevel. Here, however, we demonstrate multiparticle spectroscopy (MPS)as a high-throughput method to acquire statistically relevant informationabout both fluctuations at the single-particle level and variationsat the level of a synthesis batch. In MPS, we simultaneously measureemission spectra of many (20-100) QDs with a high time resolution.We obtain statistics on single-particle emission line broadening fora batch of traditional CdSe-based core-shell QDs and a batchof the less toxic InP-based core-shell QDs. The CdSe-basedQDs show significantly narrower homogeneous line widths, less SD,and less inhomogeneous broadening than the InP-based QDs. The timescales of SD are longer in the InP-based QDs than in the CdSe-basedQDs. Based on the distributions and correlations in single-particleproperties, we discuss the possible origins of line-width broadeningof the two types of QDs. Our experiments pave the way to large-scale,high-throughput characterization of single-QD emission propertiesand will ultimately contribute to facilitating rational design offuture QD structures.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001009443500001 Publication Date 2023-06-18
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2330-4022 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 7 Times cited 1 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes This work was supported by The Netherlands Center for Multiscale Catalytic Energy Conversion (MCEC), an NWO Gravitation Programme funded by the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science of the government of The Netherlands. The electron microscopy experiments at EMAT were supported by the European Commission (EUSMI grant E210100474). Approved Most recent IF: 7; 2023 IF: 6.756
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:197337 Serial 8879
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Parrilla, M.; Detamornrat, U.; Domínguez-Robles, J.; Tunca, S.; Donnelly, R.F.; De Wael, K.
Title Wearable microneedle-based array patches for continuous electrochemical monitoring and drug delivery : toward a closed-loop system for methotrexate treatment Type A1 Journal article
Year (down) 2023 Publication ACS sensors Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue Pages acssensors.3c01381-10
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Antwerp Electrochemical and Analytical Sciences Lab (A-Sense Lab)
Abstract Wearable devices based on microneedle (MN) technology have recently emerged as tools for in situ transdermal sensing or delivery in interstitial fluid (ISF). Particularly, MN-based electrochemical sensors allow the continuous monitoring of analytes in a minimally invasive manner through ISF. Exogenous small molecules found in ISF such as therapeutic drugs are ideal candidates for MN sensors due to their correlation with blood levels and their relevance for the optimal management of personalized therapies. Herein, a hollow MN array patch is modified with conductive pastes and functionalized with cross-linked chitosan to develop an MN-based voltammetric sensor for continuous monitoring of methotrexate (MTX). Interestingly, the chitosan coating avoids biofouling while enabling the adsorption of MTX at the electrode’s surface for sensitive analysis. The MN sensor exhibits excellent analytical performance in vitro with protein-enriched artificial ISF and ex vivo under a Franz diffusion cell configuration. The MN sensor shows a linear range from 25 to 400 μM, which fits within the therapeutic range of high-dose MTX treatment for cancer patients and an excellent continuous operation for more than two days. Moreover, an iontophoretic hollow MN array patch is developed with the integration of both the anode and cathode in the single MN array patch. The ex vivo characterization demonstrates the transdermal on-demand drug delivery of MTX. Overall, the combination of both MN patches represents impactful progress in closed-loop systems for therapeutic drug management in disorders such as cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, or psoriasis.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001109702900001 Publication Date 2023-10-19
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2379-3694 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 8.9 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access: Available from 19.04.2024
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 8.9; 2023 IF: NA
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:200074 Serial 8956
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Li, S.; Sun, J.; Gorbanev, Y.; van’t Veer, K.; Loenders, B.; Yi, Y.; Kenis, T.; Chen, Q.; Bogaerts, A.
Title Plasma-Assisted Dry Reforming of CH4: How Small Amounts of O2Addition Can Drastically Enhance the Oxygenate Production─Experiments and Insights from Plasma Chemical Kinetics Modeling Type A1 Journal Article
Year (down) 2023 Publication ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering Abbreviated Journal ACS Sustainable Chem. Eng.
Volume 11 Issue 42 Pages 15373-15384
Keywords A1 Journal Article; Plasma, laser ablation and surface modeling Antwerp (PLASMANT) ;
Abstract Plasma-based dry reforming of methane (DRM) into

high-value-added oxygenates is an appealing approach to enable

otherwise thermodynamically unfavorable chemical reactions at

ambient pressure and near room temperature. However, it suffers

from coke deposition due to the deep decomposition of CH4. In this

work, we assess the DRM performance upon O2 addition, as well as

varying temperature, CO2/CH4 ratio, discharge power, and gas

residence time, for optimizing oxygenate production. By adding O2,

the main products can be shifted from syngas (CO + H2) toward

oxygenates. Chemical kinetics modeling shows that the improved

oxygenate production is due to the increased concentration of

oxygen-containing radicals, e.g., O, OH, and HO2, formed by electron

impact dissociation [e + O2 → e + O + O/O(1D)] and subsequent

reactions with H atoms. Our study reveals the crucial role of oxygen-coupling in DRM aimed at oxygenates, providing practical

solutions to suppress carbon deposition and at the same time enhance the oxygenates production in plasma-assisted DRM.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001082603900001 Publication Date 2023-10-23
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2168-0485 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 8.4 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access
Notes Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek, S001619N ; China Scholarship Council, 202006060029 ; National Natural Science Foundation of China, 21975018 ; H2020 European Research Council, 810182 ; Approved Most recent IF: 8.4; 2023 IF: 5.951
Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @c:irua:201013 Serial 8966
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Tsonev, I.; O’Modhrain, C.; Bogaerts, A.; Gorbanev, Y.
Title Nitrogen Fixation by an Arc Plasma at Elevated Pressure to Increase the Energy Efficiency and Production Rate of NOx Type A1 Journal article
Year (down) 2023 Publication ACS Sustainable Chemistry and Engineering Abbreviated Journal
Volume 11 Issue 5 Pages 1888-1897
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract Plasma-based nitrogen fixation for fertilizer production is an attractive alternative to the fossil fuel-based industrial processes. However, many factors hinder its applicability, e.g., the commonly observed inverse correlation between energy consumption and production rates or the necessity to enhance the selectivity toward NO2, the desired product for a more facile formation of nitrate-based fertilizers. In this work, we investigated the use of a rotating gliding arc plasma for nitrogen fixation at elevated pressures (up to 3 barg), at different feed gas flow rates and composition. Our results demonstrate a dramatic increase in the amount of NOx produced as a function of increasing pressure, with a record-low EC of 1.8 MJ/(mol N) while yielding a high production rate of 69 g/h and a high selectivity (94%) of NO2. We ascribe this improvement to the enhanced thermal Zeldovich mechanism and an increased rate of NO oxidation compared to the back reaction of NO with atomic oxygen, due to the elevated pressure.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000924366700001 Publication Date 2023-02-06
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2168-0485 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 8.4 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek, G0G2322N ; Horizon 2020 Framework Programme, 965546 ; Approved Most recent IF: 8.4; 2023 IF: 5.951
Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @c:irua:194281 Serial 7239
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Eshtehardi, H.A.; van 't Veer, K.; Delplancke, M.-P.; Reniers, F.; Bogaerts, A.
Title Postplasma Catalytic Model for NO Production: Revealing the Underlying Mechanisms to Improve the Process Efficiency Type A1 Journal article
Year (down) 2023 Publication ACS Sustainable Chemistry and Engineering Abbreviated Journal
Volume 11 Issue 5 Pages 1720-1733
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract Plasma catalysis is emerging for plasma-assisted gas conversion processes. However, the underlying mechanisms of plasma catalysis are poorly understood. In this work, we present a 1D heterogeneous catalysis model with axial dispersion (i.e., accounting for back-mixing and molecular diffusion of fluid elements in the process stream in the axial direction), for plasma-catalytic NO production from N2/O2 mixtures. We investigate the concentration and reaction rates of each species formed as a function of time and position across the catalyst, in order to determine the underlying mechanisms. To obtain insights into how the performance of the process can be further improved, we also study how changes in the postplasma gas flow composition entering the catalyst bed and in the operation conditions of the catalytic stage affect the performance of NO production.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000926412800001 Publication Date 2023-02-06
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2168-0485 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 8.4 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek, 30505023 GoF9618n ; Fonds De La Recherche Scientifique FNRS, 30505023 GoF9618n ; H2020 European Research Council, 810182 ; Approved Most recent IF: 8.4; 2023 IF: 5.951
Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @c:irua:195377 Serial 7241
Permanent link to this record