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Author Sanchez-Barriga, J.; Ogorodnikov, I.I.; Kuznetsov, M.V.; Volykhov, A.A.; Matsui, F.; Callaert, C.; Hadermann, J.; Verbitskiy, N.I.; Koch, R.J.; Varykhalov, A.; Rader, O.; Yashina, L.V.
Title Observation of hidden atomic order at the interface between Fe and topological insulator Bi2Te3 Type A1 Journal article
Year 2017 Publication Physical chemistry, chemical physics Abbreviated Journal Phys Chem Chem Phys
Volume 19 Issue 45 Pages 30520-30532
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract <script type='text/javascript'>document.write(unpmarked('To realize spintronic devices based on topological insulators (TIs), well-defined interfaces between magnetic metals and TIs are required. Here, we characterize atomically precisely the interface between the 3d transition metal Fe and the TI Bi2Te3 at different stages of its formation. Using photoelectron diffraction and holography, we show that after deposition of up to 3 monolayers Fe on Bi2Te3 at room temperature, the Fe atoms are ordered at the interface despite the surface disorder revealed by our scanning-tunneling microscopy images. We find that Fe occupies two different sites: a hollow adatom deeply relaxed into the Bi2Te3 quintuple layers and an interstitial atom between the third (Te) and fourth (Bi) atomic layers. For both sites, our core-level photoemission spectra and density-functional theory calculations demonstrate simultaneous chemical bonding of Fe to both Te and Bi atoms. We further show that upon deposition of Fe up to a thickness of 20 nm, the Fe atoms penetrate deeper into the bulk forming a 2-5 nm interface layer containing FeTe. In addition, excessive Bi is pushed down into the bulk of Bi2Te3 leading to the formation of septuple layers of Bi3Te4 within a distance of similar to 25 nm from the interface. Controlling the magnetic properties of the complex interface structures revealed by our work will be of critical importance when optimizing the efficiency of spin injection in TI-based devices.'));
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Cambridge Editor
Language Wos 000416054400023 Publication Date 2017-10-24
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1463-9076; 1463-9084 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 4.123 Times cited 4 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes ; The authors acknowledge financial support within the bilateral program “Russian-German Laboratory at BESSY II” and thank Helmholtz Zentrum Berlin for granting access to the beamlines RGBL, UE112-PGM2a and U49-PGM1. The Supercomputing Center of Lomonosov Moscow State University is gratefully acknowledged for granting access to the “Lomonosov” supercomputer. The work was partially supported by DFG priority program SPP 1666, Impuls- und Vernetzungsfonds der Helmholtz-Gemeinschaft (Grant No. HRJRG-408) and Russian Foundation for Basic Research (Grants No. 13-02-91327 and No. 16-29-06410). C. C. acknowledges support from the University of Antwerp through the BOF grant 31445. The authors thank Dr Vera Neudachina, Daria Tsukanova, Dr Elmar Kataev and Dr Maria Batuk for their support during the XPS and TEM experiments. ; Approved (down) Most recent IF: 4.123
Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:147659 Serial 4888
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Author Bal, K.M.; Neyts, E.C.
Title Modelling molecular adsorption on charged or polarized surfaces: a critical flaw in common approaches Type A1 Journal article
Year 2018 Publication Physical chemistry, chemical physics Abbreviated Journal Phys Chem Chem Phys
Volume 20 Issue 13 Pages 8456-8459
Keywords A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract A number of recent computational material design studies based on density functional theory (DFT) calculations have put forward a new class of materials with electrically switchable chemical characteristics that can be exploited in the development of tunable gas storage and electrocatalytic applications. We find systematic flaws in almost every computational study of gas adsorption on polarized or charged surfaces, stemming from an improper and unreproducible treatment of periodicity, leading to very large errors of up to 3 eV in some cases. Two simple corrective procedures that lead to consistent results are proposed, constituting a crucial course correction to the research in the field.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000428779700007 Publication Date 2018-03-12
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1463-9076 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 4.123 Times cited 8 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes K. M. B. is funded as PhD fellow (aspirant) of the FWO-Flanders (Research Foundation – Flanders), Grant 11V8915N. 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 (down) Most recent IF: 4.123
Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @c:irua:150357 Serial 4916
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Author Serrano-Sevillano, J.; Reynaud, M.; Saracibar, A.; Altantzis, T.; Bals, S.; van Tendeloo, G.; Casas-Cabanas, M.
Title Enhanced electrochemical performance of Li-rich cathode materials through microstructural control Type A1 Journal article
Year 2018 Publication Physical chemistry, chemical physics Abbreviated Journal Phys Chem Chem Phys
Volume 20 Issue 20 Pages 23112-23122
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract The microstructural complexity of Li-rich cathode materials has so far hampered understanding the critical link between size, morphology and structural defects with both capacity and voltage fadings that this family of materials exhibits. Li2MnO3 is used here as a model material to extract reliable structure–property

relationships that can be further exploited for the development of high-performing and long-lasting Li-rich oxides. A series of samples with microstructural variability have been prepared and thoroughly characterized using the FAULTS software, which allows quantification of planar defects and extraction of

average crystallite sizes. Together with transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and density functional theory (DFT) results, the successful application of FAULTS analysis to Li2MnO3 has allowed rationalizing the synthesis conditions and identifying the individual impact of concurrent microstructural features on

both voltage and capacity fadings, a necessary step for the development of high-capacity Li-ion cathode materials with enhanced cycle life.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000445220500071 Publication Date 2018-08-24
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1463-9076 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 4.123 Times cited 36 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes This work was supported by the Spanish Ministerio de la Economı´a y de la Competitividad through the project IONSTORE (MINECO ref. ENE2016-81020-R). The research leading to these results has received funding from the European Union Seventh Framework Programme under Grant Agreement 312483 – ESTEEM2 (Integrated Infrastructure Initiative-I3). JSS and AS are grateful for computing time provided by the Spanish i2Basque Centers. MR acknowledges the Spanish State for its financial support through her post-doctoral grant Juan de la Cierva – Formacio´n (MINECO ref. FJCI-2014-19990) and her international mobility grant Jose´ Castillejos (MECD ref. CAS15/00354). S. B. acknowledges funding from the European Research Council (ERC starting grant #335078 Colouratom) and T. A. a postdoctoral grant from the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO). (ROMEO:yellow; preprint:; postprint:restricted ; pdfversion:cannot); ecas_sara Approved (down) Most recent IF: 4.123
Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:154782UA @ admin @ c:irua:154782 Serial 5062
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Author Mefford, J.T.; Kurilovich, A.A.; Saunders, J.; Hardin, W.G.; Abakumov, A.M.; Forslund, R.P.; Bonnefont, A.; Dai, S.; Johnston, K.P.; Stevenson, K.J.
Title Decoupling the roles of carbon and metal oxides on the electrocatalytic reduction of oxygen on La1-xSrxCoO3-\delta perovskite composite electrodes Type A1 Journal article
Year 2019 Publication Physical chemistry, chemical physics Abbreviated Journal Phys Chem Chem Phys
Volume 21 Issue 6 Pages 3327-3338
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Perovskite oxides are active room-temperature bifunctional oxygen electrocatalysts in alkaline media, capable of performing the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) with lower combined overpotentials relative to their precious metal counterparts. However, their semiconducting nature necessitates the use of activated carbons as conductive supports to generate applicably relevant current densities. In efforts to advance the performance and theory of oxide electrocatalysts, the chemical and physical properties of the oxide material often take precedence over contributions from the conductive additive. In this work, we find that carbon plays an important synergistic role in improving the performance of La1-xSrxCoO3- (0 x 1) electrocatalysts through the activation of O-2 and spillover of radical oxygen intermediates, HO2- and O-2(-), which is further reduced through chemical decomposition of HO2- on the perovskite surface. Through a combination of thin-film rotating disk electrochemical characterization of the hydrogen peroxide intermediate reactions (hydrogen peroxide reduction reaction (HPRR), hydrogen peroxide oxidation reaction (HPOR)) and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), surface chemical analysis, HR-TEM, and microkinetic modeling on La1-xSrxCoO3- (0 x 1)/carbon (with nitrogen and non-nitrogen doped carbons) composite electrocatalysts, we deconvolute the mechanistic aspects and contributions to reactivity of the oxide and carbon support.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000459584900049 Publication Date 2019-01-18
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1463-9076; 1463-9084 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 4.123 Times cited 5 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes ; Financial support for this work was provided by the R. A. Welch Foundation (grants F-1529 and F-1319). S. D. was supported as part of the Fluid Interface Reactions, Structures and Transport (FIRST) Center, an Energy Frontier Research Center funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Science, and Office of Basic Energy Sciences. ; Approved (down) Most recent IF: 4.123
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:158625 Serial 5244
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Author Dabral, A.; Lu, A.K.A.; Chiappe, D.; Houssa, M.; Pourtois, G.
Title A systematic study of various 2D materials in the light of defect formation and oxidation Type A1 Journal article
Year 2019 Publication Physical chemistry, chemical physics Abbreviated Journal Phys Chem Chem Phys
Volume 21 Issue 3 Pages 1089-1099
Keywords A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract The thermodynamic aspects of various 2D materials are explored using Density Functional Theory (DFT). Various metal chalcogenides (MX2, M = metal, chalcogen X = S, Se, Te) are investigated with respect to their interaction and stability under different ambient conditions met in the integration process of a transistor device. Their interaction with high- dielectrics is also addressed, in order to assess their possible integration in Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) field effect transistors. 2D materials show promise for high performance nanoelectronic devices, but the presence of defects (vacancies, grain boundaries,...) can significantly impact their electronic properties. To assess the impact of defects, their enthalpies of formation and their signature levels in the density of states have been studied. We find, consistently with literature reports, that chalcogen vacancies are the most likely source of defects. It is shown that while pristine 2D materials are in general stable whenever set in contact with different ambient atmospheres, the presence of defective sites affects the electronic properties of the 2D materials to varying degrees. We observe that all the 2D materials studied in the present work show strong reactivity towards radical oxygen plasma treatments while reactivity towards other common gas phase chemical such as O-2 and H2O and groups present at the high- surface varies significantly between species. While energy band-gaps, effective masses and contact resistivities are key criteria in selection of 2D materials for scaled CMOS and tunneling based devices, the phase and ambient stabilities might also play a very important role in the development of reliable nanoelectronic applications.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000456147000009 Publication Date 2018-12-19
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1463-9076; 1463-9084 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 4.123 Times cited 1 Open Access Not_Open_Access
Notes Approved (down) Most recent IF: 4.123
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:156715 Serial 5267
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Author Bafekry, A.; Shayesteh, S.F.; Peeters, F.M.
Title Introducing novel electronic and magnetic properties in C3N nanosheets by defect engineering and atom substitution Type A1 Journal article
Year 2019 Publication Physical chemistry, chemical physics Abbreviated Journal Phys Chem Chem Phys
Volume 21 Issue 37 Pages 21070-21083
Keywords A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Abstract Using first-principles calculations the effect of topological defects, vacancies, Stone-Wales and anti-site and substitution of atoms, on the structure and electronic properties of monolayer C3N are investigated. Vacancy defects introduce localized states near the Fermi level and a local magnetic moment. While pristine C3N is an indirect semiconductor with a 0.4 eV band gap, with substitution of O, S and Si atoms for C, it remains a semiconductor with a band gap in the range 0.25-0.75 eV, while it turns into a metal with H, Cl, B, P, Li, Na, K, Be and Mg substitution. With F substitution, it becomes a dilute-magnetic semiconductor, while with Ca substitution it is a ferromagnetic-metal. When replacing the N host atom, C3N turns into: a metal (H, O, S, C, Si, P, Li and Be), ferromagnetic-metal (Mg), half-metal (Ca) and spin-glass semiconductor (Na and K). Moreover, the effects of charging and strain on the electronic properties of Na atom substitution in C3N are investigated. We found that the magnetic moment decreases or increases depending on the type and size of strain (tensile or compression). Our study shows how the band gap and magnetism in monolayer C3N can be tuned by introducing defects and atom substitution. The so engineered C3N can be a good candidate for future low dimensional devices.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000489984200050 Publication Date 2019-09-09
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1463-9076; 1463-9084 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 4.123 Times cited 59 Open Access
Notes ; This work was supported by the Flemish Science Foundation (FWO-Vl). ; Approved (down) Most recent IF: 4.123
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:163732 Serial 5418
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Author de Aquino, B.R.H.; Ghorbanfekr-Kalashami, H.; Neek-Amal, M.; Peeters, F.M.
Title Ionized water confined in graphene nanochannels Type A1 Journal article
Year 2019 Publication Physical chemistry, chemical physics Abbreviated Journal Phys Chem Chem Phys
Volume 21 Issue 18 Pages 9285-9295
Keywords A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT); Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract When confined between graphene layers, water behaves differently from the bulk and exhibits unusual properties such as fast water flow and ordering into a crystal. The hydrogen-bonded network is affected by the limited space and by the characteristics of the confining walls. The presence of an extraordinary number of hydronium and hydroxide ions in narrow channels has the following effects: (i) they affect water permeation through the channel, (ii) they may interact with functional groups on the graphene oxide surface and on the edges, and (iii) they change the thermochemistry of water, which are fundamentally important to understand, especially when confined water is subjected to an external electric field. Here we study the physical properties of water when confined between two graphene sheets and containing hydronium and hydroxide. We found that: (i) there is a disruption in the solvation structure of the ions, which is also affected by the layered structure of confined water, (ii) hydronium and hydroxide occupy specific regions inside the nanochannel, with a prevalence of hydronium (hydroxide) ions at the edges (interior), and (iii) ions recombine more slowly in confined systems than in bulk water, with the recombination process depending on the channel height and commensurability between the size of the molecules and the nanochannel height – a decay of 20% (40%) in the number of ions in 8 ps is observed for a channel height of h = 7 angstrom (bulk water). Our work reveals distinctive properties of water confined in a nanocapillary in the presence of additional hydronium and hydroxide ions.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000472922500028 Publication Date 2019-03-22
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1463-9076; 1463-9084 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 4.123 Times cited 10 Open Access
Notes ; This work was supported by the Fund for Scientific Research Flanders (FWO-Vl) and the Methusalem programe. ; Approved (down) Most recent IF: 4.123
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:161377 Serial 5419
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Author Nakhaee, M.; Yagmurcukardes, M.; Ketabi, S.A.; Peeters, F.M.
Title Single-layer structures of a100- and b010-Gallenene : a tight-binding approach Type A1 Journal article
Year 2019 Publication Physical chemistry, chemical physics Abbreviated Journal Phys Chem Chem Phys
Volume 21 Issue 28 Pages 15798-15804
Keywords A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Abstract Using the simplified linear combination of atomic orbitals (LCAO) method in combination with ab initio calculations, we construct a tight-binding (TB) model for two different crystal structures of monolayer gallium: a(100)- and b(010)-Gallenene. The analytical expression for the Hamiltonian and numerical results for the overlap matrix elements between different orbitals of the Ga atoms and for the Slater and Koster (SK) integrals are obtained. We find that the compaction of different structures affects significantly the formation of the orbitals. The results for a(100)-Gallenene can be very well explained with an orthogonal basis set, while for b(010)-Gallenene we have to assume a non-orthogonal basis set in order to construct the TB model. Moreover, the transmission properties of nanoribbons of both monolayers oriented along the AC and ZZ directions are also investigated and it is shown that both AC- and ZZ-b(010)-Gallenene nanoribbons exhibit semiconducting behavior with zero transmission while those of a(100)-Gallenene nanoribbons are metallic.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000476603700057 Publication Date 2019-06-27
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1463-9076; 1463-9084 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 4.123 Times cited 14 Open Access
Notes ; This work is supported by the Methusalem program of the Flemish government and the FLAG-ERA project TRANS-2D-TMD. This work is supported by the Flemish Science Foundation (FWO-Vl) by a post-doctoral fellowship (M. Y.). M. N. is partially supported by BFO (Uantwerpen). ; Approved (down) Most recent IF: 4.123
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:161881 Serial 5427
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Author Bafekry, A.; Ghergherehchi, M.; Shayesteh, S.F.
Title Tuning the electronic and magnetic properties of antimonene nanosheets via point defects and external fields: first-principles calculations Type A1 Journal article
Year 2019 Publication Physical chemistry, chemical physics Abbreviated Journal Phys Chem Chem Phys
Volume 21 Issue 20 Pages 10552-10566
Keywords A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Abstract Defects are inevitably present in materials, and their existence in a material strongly affects its fundamental physical properties. We have systematically investigated the effects of surface adsorption, substitutional impurities, defect engineering, an electric field and strain engineering on the structural, electronic and magnetic properties of antimonene nanosheets, using spin-polarized density functional calculations based on first-principles. The adsorption or substitution of atoms can locally modify the atomic and electronic structures as well as induce a variety of electronic behaviors including metal, half-metal, ferromagnetic metal, dilute magnetic semiconductor and spin-glass semiconductor. Our calculations show that the presence of typical defects (vacancies and Stone-Wales defect) in antimonene affects the geometrical symmetry as well as the band gap in the electronic band structure and induces magnetism to antimonene. Moreover, by applying an external electric field and strain (uniaxial and biaxial), the electronic structure of antimonene can be easily modified. The calculation results presented in this paper provide a fundamental insight into the tunable nature of the electronic properties of antimonene, supporting its promise for use in future applications.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000476561000031 Publication Date 2019-04-25
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1463-9076; 1463-9084 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 4.123 Times cited 17 Open Access
Notes ; ; Approved (down) Most recent IF: 4.123
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:161945 Serial 5430
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Author Van der Paal, J.; Hong, S.-H.; Yusupov, M.; Gaur, N.; Oh, J.-S.; Short, R.D.; Szili, E.J.; Bogaerts, A.
Title How membrane lipids influence plasma delivery of reactive oxygen species into cells and subsequent DNA damage : an experimental and computational study Type A1 Journal article
Year 2019 Publication Physical chemistry, chemical physics Abbreviated Journal Phys Chem Chem Phys
Volume 21 Issue 35 Pages 19327-19341
Keywords A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract The mechanisms of plasma in medicine are broadly attributed to plasma-derived reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS). In order to exert any intracellular effects, these plasma-derived RONS must first traverse a major barrier in the cell membrane. The cell membrane lipid composition, and thereby the magnitude of this barrier, is highly variable between cells depending on type and state (e.g. it is widely accepted that healthy and cancerous cells have different membrane lipid compositions). In this study, we investigate how plasma-derived RONS interactions with lipid membrane components can potentially be exploited in the future for treatment of diseases. We couple phospholipid vesicle experiments, used as simple cell models, with molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of the lipid membrane to provide new insights into how the interplay between phospholipids and cholesterol may influence the response of healthy and diseased cell membranes to plasma-derived RONS. We focus on the (i) lipid tail saturation degree, (ii) lipid head group type, and (iii) membrane cholesterol fraction. Using encapsulated molecular probes, we study the influence of the above membrane components on the ingress of RONS into the vesicles, and subsequent DNA damage. Our results indicate that all of the above membrane components can enhance or suppress RONS uptake, depending on their relative concentration within the membrane. Further, we show that higher RONS uptake into the vesicles does not always correlate with increased DNA damage, which is attributed to ROS reactivity and lifetime. The MD simulations indicate the multifactorial chemical and physical processes at play, including (i) lipid oxidation, (ii) lipid packing, and (iii) lipid rafts formation. The methods and findings presented here provide a platform of knowledge that could be leveraged in the development of therapies relying on the action of plasma, in which the cell membrane and oxidative stress response in cells is targeted.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000486175400045 Publication Date 2019-08-21
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1463-9076; 1463-9084 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 4.123 Times cited 1 Open Access
Notes Approved (down) Most recent IF: 4.123
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:162782 Serial 6303
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Author Izadi, M.E.; Bal, K.M.; Maghari, A.; Neyts, E.C.
Title Reaction mechanisms of C(3PJ) and C+(2PJ) with benzene in the interstellar medium from quantum mechanical molecular dynamics simulations Type A1 Journal article
Year 2021 Publication Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics Abbreviated Journal Phys Chem Chem Phys
Volume 23 Issue 7 Pages 4205-4216
Keywords A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract While spectroscopic data on small hydrocarbons in interstellar media in combination with crossed molecular beam (CMB) experiments have provided a wealth of information on astrochemically relevant species, much of the underlying mechanistic pathways of their formation remain elusive. Therefore, in this work, the chemical reaction mechanisms of C(<sup>3</sup>P<sub>J</sub>) + C<sub>6</sub>H<sub>6</sub>and C<sup>+</sup>(<sup>2</sup>P) + C<sub>6</sub>H<sub>6</sub>systems using the quantum mechanical molecular dynamics (QMMD) technique at the PBE0-D3(BJ) level of theory is investigated, mimicking a CMB experiment. Both the dynamics of the reactions as well as the electronic structure for the purpose of the reaction network are evaluated. The method is validated for the first reaction by comparison to the available experimental data. The reaction scheme for the C(<sup>3</sup>P<sub>J</sub>) + C<sub>6</sub>H<sub>6</sub>system covers the literature data,<italic>e.g.</italic>the major products are the 1,2-didehydrocycloheptatrienyl radical (C<sub>7</sub>H<sub>5</sub>) and benzocyclopropenyl radical (C<sub>6</sub>H<sub>5</sub>–CH), and it reveals the existence of less common pathways for the first time. The chemistry of the C<sup>+</sup>(<sup>2</sup>P<sub>J</sub>) + C<sub>6</sub>H<sub>6</sub>system is found to be much richer, and we have found that this is because of more exothermic reactions in this system in comparison to those in the C(<sup>3</sup>P<sub>J</sub>) + C<sub>6</sub>H<sub>6</sub>system. Moreover, using the QMMD simulation, a number of reaction paths have been revealed that produce three distinct classes of reaction products with different ring sizes. All in all, at all the collision energies and orientations, the major product is the heptagon molecular ion for the ionic system. It is also revealed that the collision orientation has a dominant effect on the reaction products in both systems, while the collision energy mostly affects the charged system. These simulations both prove the applicability of this approach to simulate crossed molecular beams, and provide fundamental information on reactions relevant for the interstellar medium.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000621595300016 Publication Date 2021-01-18
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1463-9076 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 4.123 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek, 12ZI420N ; Ministry of Science Research and Technology; Universiteit Antwerpen; The financial support from the Iran Ministry of Science, Research and Technology and PLASMANT Research Group University of Antwerp is highly acknowledged by the authors. K.M.B. was funded as a junior postdoctoral fellow of the FWO (Research Foundation – Flanders), Grant 12ZI420N. The computational resources and services used in this work were provided by the HPC core facility CalcUA of the Universiteit Antwerpen, and VSC (Flemish Supercomputer Center), funded by the FWO and the Flemish Government. Approved (down) Most recent IF: 4.123
Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @c:irua:176672 Serial 6742
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Author Bafekry, A.; Gogova, D.; M. Fadlallah, M.; V. Chuong, N.; Ghergherehchi, M.; Faraji, M.; Feghhi, S.A.H.; Oskoeian, M.
Title Electronic and optical properties of two-dimensional heterostructures and heterojunctions between doped-graphene and C- and N-containing materials Type A1 Journal article
Year 2021 Publication Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics Abbreviated Journal Phys Chem Chem Phys
Volume 23 Issue 8 Pages 4865-4873
Keywords A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Abstract The electronic and optical properties of vertical heterostructures (HTSs) and lateral heterojunctions (HTJs) between (B,N)-codoped graphene (dop@Gr) and graphene (Gr), C3N, BC3 and h-BN monolayers are investigated using van der Waals density functional theory calculations. We have found that all the considered HTSs are energetically and thermally feasible at room temperature, and therefore they can be synthesized experimentally. The dop@Gr/Gr, BC3/dop@Gr and BN/dop@Gr HTSs are semiconductors with direct bandgaps of 0.1 eV, 80 meV and 1.23 eV, respectively, while the C3N/dop@Gr is a metal because of the strong interaction between dop@Gr and C3N layers. On the other hand, the dop@Gr-Gr and BN-dop@Gr HTJs are semiconductors, whereas the C3N-dop@Gr and BC3-dop@Gr HTJs are metals. The proposed HTSs can enhance the absorption of light in the whole wavelength range as compared to Gr and BN monolayers. The applied electric field or pressure strain changes the bandgaps of the HTSs and HTJs, indicating that these HTSs are highly promising for application in nanoscale multifunctional devices.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000625306100038 Publication Date 2021-02-05
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1463-9076; 1463-9084 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 4.123 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved (down) Most recent IF: 4.123
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:177659 Serial 6986
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Author Bafekry, A.; Yagmurcukardes, M.; Akgenc, B.; Ghergherehchi, M.; Mortazavi, B.
Title First-principles investigation of electronic, mechanical and thermoelectric properties of graphene-like XBi (X = Si, Ge, Sn) monolayers Type A1 Journal article
Year 2021 Publication Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics Abbreviated Journal Phys Chem Chem Phys
Volume 23 Issue 21 Pages 12471-12478
Keywords A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Abstract Research progress on single layer group III monochalcogenides has been increasing rapidly owing to their interesting physics. Herein, we investigate the dynamically stable single layer forms of XBi (X = Ge, Si or Sn) using density functional theory calculations. Phonon band dispersion calculations and ab initio molecular dynamics simulations reveal the dynamical and thermal stability of the considered monolayers. Raman spectra calculations indicate the existence of 5 Raman active phonon modes, 3 of which are prominent and can be observed in possible Raman measurements. The electronic band structures of the XBi single layers were investigated with and without the effects of spin-orbit coupling (SOC). Our results show that XBi single layers show semiconducting properties with narrow band gap values without SOC. However, only single layer SiBi is an indirect band gap semiconductor, while GeBi and SnBi exhibit metallic behaviors when adding spin-orbit coupling effects. In addition, the calculated linear elastic parameters indicate the soft nature of the predicted monolayers. Moreover, our predictions for the thermoelectric properties of single layer XBi reveal that SiBi is a good thermoelectric material with increasing temperature. Overall, it is proposed that single layer XBi structures can be alternative, stable 2D single layers with varying electronic and thermoelectric properties.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000653851100001 Publication Date 2021-04-08
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1463-9076; 1463-9084 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 4.123 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved (down) Most recent IF: 4.123
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:179007 Serial 6992
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Bafekry, A.; Faraji, M.; Fadlallah, M.M.; Jappor, H.R.; Karbasizadeh, S.; Ghergherehchi, M.; Sarsari, I.A.; Ziabari, A.A.
Title Novel two-dimensional AlSb and InSb monolayers with a double-layer honeycomb structure : a first-principles study Type A1 Journal article
Year 2021 Publication Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics Abbreviated Journal Phys Chem Chem Phys
Volume 23 Issue 34 Pages 18752-18759
Keywords A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Abstract In this work, motivated by the fabrication of an AlSb monolayer, we have focused on the electronic, mechanical and optical properties of AlSb and InSb monolayers with double-layer honeycomb structures, employing the density functional theory approach. The phonon band structure and cohesive energy confirm the stability of the XSb (X = Al and In) monolayers. The mechanical properties reveal that the XSb monolayers have a brittle nature. Using the GGA + SOC (HSE + SOC) functionals, the bandgap of the AlSb monolayer is predicted to be direct, while InSb has a metallic character using both functionals. We find that XSb (X = Al, In) two-dimensional bodies can absorb ultraviolet light. The present findings suggest several applications of AlSb and InSb monolayers in novel optical and electronic usages.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000686236800001 Publication Date 2021-08-05
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1463-9076; 1463-9084 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 4.123 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved (down) Most recent IF: 4.123
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:181712 Serial 7005
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Chaney, G.; Cakir, D.; Peeters, F.M.; Ataca, C.
Title Stability of adsorption of Mg and Na on sulfur-functionalized MXenes Type A1 Journal article
Year 2021 Publication Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics Abbreviated Journal Phys Chem Chem Phys
Volume 23 Issue 44 Pages 25424-25433
Keywords A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Abstract Two-dimensional materials composed of transition metal carbides and nitrides (MXenes) are poised to revolutionize energy conversion and storage. In this work, we used density functional theory (DFT) to investigate the adsorption of Mg and Na adatoms on five M2CS2 monolayers (where M = Mo, Nb, Ti, V, and Zr) for battery applications. We assessed the stability of the adatom (i.e. Na and Mg)-monolayer systems by calculating adsorption and formation energies, as well as voltages as a function of surface coverage. For instance, we found that Mo2CS2 cannot support a full layer of Na nor even a single Mg atom. Na and Mg exhibit the strongest binding on Zr2CS2, followed by Ti2CS2, Nb2CS2 and V2CS2. Using the nudged elastic band method (NEB), we computed promising diffusion barriers for both dilute and nearly full ion surface coverage cases. In the dilute ion adsorption case, a single Mg and Na atom on Ti2CS2 experience similar to 0.47 eV and similar to 0.10 eV diffusion barriers between the lowest energy sites, respectively. For a nearly full surface coverage, a Na ion moving on Ti2CS2 experiences a similar to 0.33 eV energy barrier, implying a concentration-dependent diffusion barrier. Our molecular dynamics results indicate that the three (one) layers (layer) of the Mg (Na) ion on both surfaces of Ti2CS2 remain stable at T = 300 K. While, according to voltage calculations, Zr2CS2 can store Na up to three atomic layers, our MD simulations predict that the outermost layers detach from the Zr2CS2 monolayer due to the weak interaction between Na ions and the monolayer. This suggests that MD simulations are essential to confirm the stability of an ion-electrode system – an insight that is mostly absent in previous studies.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000716024400001 Publication Date 2021-10-22
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1463-9076; 1463-9084 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 4.123 Times cited 7 Open Access Not_Open_Access
Notes Approved (down) Most recent IF: 4.123
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:184075 Serial 7020
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Nazar, N.D.; Vazifehshenas, T.; Ebrahimi, M.R.; Peeters, F.M.
Title Strong anisotropic optical properties of 8-Pmmn borophene : a many-body perturbation study Type A1 Journal article
Year 2021 Publication Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics Abbreviated Journal Phys Chem Chem Phys
Volume 23 Issue 30 Pages 16417-16422
Keywords A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Abstract Using first-principles many-body perturbation theory, we investigate the optical properties of 8-Pmmn borophene at two levels of approximations; the GW method considering only the electron-electron interaction and the GW in combination with the Bethe-Salpeter equation including electron-hole coupling. The band structure exhibits anisotropic Dirac cones with semimetallic character. The optical absorption spectra are obtained for different light polarizations and we predict strong optical absorbance anisotropy. The absorption peaks undergo a global redshift when the electron-hole interaction is taken into account due to the formation of bound excitons which have an anisotropic excitonic wave function.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000677722700001 Publication Date 2021-07-21
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1463-9076; 1463-9084 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 4.123 Times cited 4 Open Access Not_Open_Access
Notes Approved (down) Most recent IF: 4.123
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:180385 Serial 7022
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Author Faraji, M.; Bafekry, A.; Fadlallah, M.M.; Molaei, F.; Hieu, N.N.; Qian, P.; Ghergherehchi, M.; Gogova, D.
Title Surface modification of titanium carbide MXene monolayers (Ti₂C and Ti₃C₂) via chalcogenide and halogenide atoms Type A1 Journal article
Year 2021 Publication Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics Abbreviated Journal Phys Chem Chem Phys
Volume 23 Issue 28 Pages 15319-15328
Keywords A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Abstract Inspired by the recent successful growth of Ti2C and Ti3C2 monolayers, here, we investigate the structural, electronic, and mechanical properties of functionalized Ti2C and Ti3C2 monolayers by means of density functional theory calculations. The results reveal that monolayers of Ti2C and Ti3C2 are dynamically stable metals. Phonon band dispersion calculations demonstrate that two-surface functionalization of Ti2C and Ti(3)C(2)via chalcogenides (S, Se, and Te), halides (F, Cl, Br, and I), and oxygen atoms results in dynamically stable novel functionalized monolayer materials. Electronic band dispersions and density of states calculations reveal that all functionalized monolayer structures preserve the metallic nature of both Ti2C and Ti3C2 except Ti2C-O-2, which possesses the behavior of an indirect semiconductor via full-surface oxygen passivation. In addition, it is shown that although halide passivated Ti3C2 structures are still metallic, there exist multiple Dirac-like cones around the Fermi energy level, which indicates that semi-metallic behavior can be obtained upon external effects by tuning the energy of the Dirac cones. In addition, the computed linear-elastic parameters prove that functionalization is a powerful tool in tuning the mechanical properties of stiff monolayers of bare Ti2C and Ti3C2. Our study discloses that the electronic and structural properties of Ti2C and Ti3C2 MXene monolayers are suitable for surface modification, which is highly desirable for material property engineering and device integration.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000672406800001 Publication Date 2021-06-23
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1463-9076; 1463-9084 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 4.123 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved (down) Most recent IF: 4.123
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:179809 Serial 7027
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Naseri, M.; Bafekry, A.; Faraji, M.; Hoat, D.M.; Fadlallah, M.M.; Ghergherehchi, M.; Sabbaghi, N.; Gogova, D.
Title Two-dimensional buckled tetragonal cadmium chalcogenides including CdS, CdSe, and CdTe monolayers as photo-catalysts for water splitting Type A1 Journal article
Year 2021 Publication Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics Abbreviated Journal Phys Chem Chem Phys
Volume 23 Issue 21 Pages 12226-12232
Keywords A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Abstract Pure hydrogen production via water splitting is an ideal strategy for producing clean and sustainable energy. Two-dimensional (2D) cadmium chalcogenide single-layers with a tetragonal crystal structure, namely Tetra-CdX (X = S, Se, and Te) monolayers, are theoretically predicted by means of density functional theory (DFT). Their structural stability and electronic and optical properties are investigated. We find that Tetra-CdX single-layers are thermodynamically stable. Their stability decreases as we go down the 6A group in the periodic table, i.e., from X = S to Se, and Te which also means that the electronegativity decreases. All considered novel monolayers are indirect band gap semiconductors. Using the HSE06 functional the electronic band gaps of CdS, CdSe, and CdTe monolayers are predicted to be 3.10 eV, 2.97 eV, and 2.90 eV, respectively. The impact of mechanical strain on the physical properties was studied, which indicates that compressive strain increases the band gap and tensile strain decreases the band gap. The optical properties of the Tetra-CdX monolayers show the ability of these monolayers to absorb visible light. Due to the suitable band gaps and band edge positions of Tetra-CdX, these newly discovered 2D materials are promising for photocatalytic water splitting.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000651904600001 Publication Date 2021-04-30
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1463-9076; 1463-9084 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 4.123 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access
Notes Approved (down) Most recent IF: 4.123
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:178378 Serial 7041
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Bafekry, A.; Karbasizadeh, S.; Stampfl, C.; Faraji, M.; Hoat, D.M.; Sarsari, I.A.; Feghhi, S.A.H.; Ghergherehchi, M.
Title Two-dimensional Janus semiconductor BiTeCl and BiTeBr monolayers : a first-principles study on their tunable electronic properties via an electric field and mechanical strain Type A1 Journal article
Year 2021 Publication Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics Abbreviated Journal Phys Chem Chem Phys
Volume 23 Issue 28 Pages 15216-15223
Keywords A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Abstract Motivated by the recent successful synthesis of highly crystalline ultrathin BiTeCl and BiTeBr layered sheets [Debarati Hajra et al., ACS Nano, 2020, 14, 15626], herein for the first time, we carry out a comprehensive study on the structural and electronic properties of BiTeCl and BiTeBr Janus monolayers using density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Different structural and electronic parameters including the lattice constant, bond lengths, layer thickness in the z-direction, different interatomic angles, work function, charge density difference, cohesive energy and Rashba coefficients are determined to acquire a deep understanding of these monolayers. The calculations show good stability of the studied single layers. BiTeCl and BiTeBr monolayers are semiconductors with electronic bandgaps of 0.83 and 0.80 eV, respectively. The results also show that the semiconductor-metal transformation can be induced by increasing the number of layers. In addition, the engineering of the electronic structure is also studied by applying an electric field, and mechanical uniaxial and biaxial strain. The results show a significant change of the bandgaps and that an indirect-direct band-gap transition can be induced. This study highlights the positive prospect for the application of BiTeCl and BiTeBr layered sheets in novel electronic and energy conversion systems.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000670553900001 Publication Date 2021-06-16
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1463-9076; 1463-9084 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 4.123 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved (down) Most recent IF: 4.123
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:179827 Serial 7042
Permanent link to this record
 

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

 
Author Sozen, Y.; Yagmurcukardes, M.; Sahin, H.
Title Vibrational and optical identification of GeO₂ and GeO single layers : a first-principles study Type A1 Journal article
Year 2021 Publication Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics Abbreviated Journal Phys Chem Chem Phys
Volume 23 Issue 37 Pages 21307-21315
Keywords A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Abstract In the present work, the identification of two hexagonal phases of germanium oxides (namely GeO2 and GeO) through the vibrational and optical properties is reported using density functional theory calculations. While structural optimizations show that single-layer GeO2 and GeO crystallize in 1T and buckled phases, phonon band dispersions reveal the dynamical stability of each structure. First-order off-resonant Raman spectral predictions demonstrate that each free-standing single-layer possesses characteristic peaks that are representative for the identification of the germanium oxide phase. On the other hand, electronic band dispersion analysis shows the insulating and large-gap semiconducting nature of single-layer GeO2 and GeO, respectively. Moreover, optical absorption, reflectance, and transmittance spectra obtained by means of G(0)W(0)-BSE calculations reveal the existence of tightly bound excitons in each phase, displaying strong optical absorption. Furthermore, the excitonic gaps are found to be at deep UV and visible portions of the spectrum, for GeO2 and GeO crystals, with energies of 6.24 and 3.10 eV, respectively. In addition, at the prominent excitonic resonances, single-layers display high reflectivity with a zero transmittance, which is another indication of the strong light-matter interaction inside the crystal medium.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000697364300001 Publication Date 2021-09-02
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1463-9076; 1463-9084 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 4.123 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access
Notes Approved (down) Most recent IF: 4.123
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:181571 Serial 7044
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Meul, M.; Van Passel, S.; Fremaut, D.; Haesaert, G.
Title Higher sustainability performance of intensive grazing versus zero-grazing dairy systems Type A1 Journal article
Year 2012 Publication Agronomy For Sustainable Development Abbreviated Journal Agron Sustain Dev
Volume 32 Issue 3 Pages 629-638
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM)
Abstract Although grazing of dairy cows is an integral part of dairy farming in many European countries, farmers today more often choose for zero-grazing systems, where cows are housed throughout the year. Some studies already compared grazing and zero-grazing systems for specific issues such as labor efficiency, environmental impact, or animal welfare. In our study, we perform a more integrated evaluation, considering relevant ecological, economic, and social aspects. This allows for a balanced and more complete comparison of the sustainability performance of the two production methods. We evaluated ten intensive grazing and ten zero-grazing specialized Flemish dairy farms on the use of nutrients and energy, productivity and profitability, labor input, and animal welfare. In addition, we put special effort in formulating useful management advice for farmers. Therefore, we combined a detailed analysis of the sustainability indicators with an intensive interaction and discussion with farmers and farm advisors. Results show that, on average, the zero-grazing farms performed significantly worse from an ecological and economic point of view. This fact is explained mainly due to a less efficient use of concentrates and byproducts. Social sustainability performance did not differ significantly between the two groups. As a result, the integrated sustainability performance was significantly lower for the zero-grazing group. This finding shows that a further shift from intensive grazing to zero-grazing can move dairy farming in Flanders further away from sustainability. An important advice to improve the ecological and economic performance of zero-grazing farms is to optimize cows' rations to include more forages and optimize forage production and use. More detailed site- and case-specific management advice for farmers of both groups was provided during a discussion meeting. We consider this an essential additional step to any sustainability evaluation, since progress can only be made when monitoring results are translated into practical measures.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000306061800003 Publication Date 2012-01-11
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1774-0746 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 4.101 Times cited 26 Open Access
Notes ; ; Approved (down) Most recent IF: 4.101; 2012 IF: 3.573
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:127557 Serial 6209
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Author Meul, M.; Van Passel, S.; Nevens, F.; Dessein, J.; Rogge, E.; Mulier, A.; Van Hauwermeiren, A.
Title MOTIFS : a monitoring tool for integrated farm sustainability Type A1 Journal article
Year 2008 Publication Agronomy For Sustainable Development Abbreviated Journal Agron Sustain Dev
Volume 28 Issue 2 Pages 321-332
Keywords A1 Journal article; Economics
Abstract Indicator-based monitoring tools are frequently applied for sustainability assessments, also in agriculture. However, many indicators focus on a rather restricted number of sustainability aspects such as economy or ecology. Moreover the choice of the indicator is rarely explained. The aim of our study was to develop an indicator-based monitoring tool for integrated farm sustainability – i.e. taking into account economic and ecological and social aspects – based on a supported vision of sustainable agriculture and using a set of relevant indicators. Hereby, specific attention was paid to aspects of communication and user-friendliness. Four methodological steps were considered: (i) translating the major principles of a supported vision of sustainable Flemish agriculture into concrete and relevant themes; (ii) designing indicators to monitor progress towards sustainability for each of those themes; (iii) aggregating the indicators into an integrated farm sustainability monitoring tool and (iv) applying the monitoring tool on a practical farm, as a first attempt at end-use validation. Stakeholder participation and expert consulting played an important part in each of these methodological steps. As a case study, the methodology was applied to Flemish dairy farms. As a result, we developed MOTIFS, a user-friendly and strongly communicative indicator-based monitoring tool that allows the measurement of progress towards integrated sustainable dairy farming systems and fits within a well-founded methodological framework. MOTIFS is based on the equality of the economic, ecological and social sustainability dimensions, and this equality is inherently built into the system. Through the applied methodology, we founded the selected themes and indicators and we avoided using indicators that are not relevant to the problem at hand.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000256235500018 Publication Date 2008-03-21
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1774-0746 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 4.101 Times cited 97 Open Access
Notes Approved (down) Most recent IF: 4.101; 2008 IF: 1.649
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:136763 Serial 6229
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Dong, Y.; Chen, S.-Y.; Lu, Y.; Xiao, Y.-X.; Hu, J.; Wu, S.-M.; Deng, Z.; Tian, G.; Chang, G.-G.; Li, J.; Lenaerts, S.; Janiak, C.; Yang, X.-Y.; Su, B.-L.
Title Hierarchical MoS2@TiO2 heterojunctions for enhanced photocatalytic performance and electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution Type A1 Journal article
Year 2018 Publication Chemistry: an Asian journal Abbreviated Journal Chem-Asian J
Volume 13 Issue 12 Pages 1609-1615
Keywords A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract Hierarchical MoS2@TiO2 heterojunctions were synthesized through a one-step hydrothermal method by using protonic titanate nanosheets as the precursor. The TiO2 nanosheets prevent the aggregation of MoS2 and promote the carrier transfer efficiency, and thus enhance the photocatalytic and electrocatalytic activity of the nanostructured MoS2. The obtained MoS2@TiO2 has significantly enhanced photocatalytic activity in the degradation of rhodamineB (over 5.2times compared with pure MoS2) and acetone (over 2.8times compared with pure MoS2). MoS2@TiO2 is also beneficial for electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution (26times compared with pure MoS2, based on the cathodic current density). This work offers a promising way to prevent the self-aggregation of MoS2 and provides a new insight for the design of heterojunctions for materials with lattice mismatches.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000435773300011 Publication Date 2018-04-10
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1861-4728; 1861-471x ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 4.083 Times cited 22 Open Access
Notes ; This work was supported by the National Key R&D Program of China (2017YFC1103800), PCSIRT (IRT15R52), NSFC (U1662134, U1663225, 51472190, 51611530672, 51503166, 21706199, 21711530705), ISTCP (2015DFE52870), HPNSF (2016CFA033, 2017CFB487), and SKLPPC (PPC2016007). ; Approved (down) Most recent IF: 4.083
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:151971 Serial 5956
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Zhang, F.; Inokoshi, M.; Batuk, M.; Hadermann, J.; Naert, I.; Van Meerbeek, B.; Vleugels, J.
Title Strength, toughness and aging stability of highly-translucent Y-TZP ceramics for dental restorations Type A1 Journal article
Year 2016 Publication Dental Materials Abbreviated Journal Dent Mater
Volume 32 Issue 32 Pages e327-e337
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron Microscopy for Materials Science (EMAT);
Abstract OBJECTIVE: The aim was to evaluate the optical properties, mechanical properties and aging stability of yttria-stabilized zirconia with different compositions, highlighting the influence of the alumina addition, Y2O3 content and La2O3 doping on the translucency. METHODS: Five different Y-TZP zirconia powders (3 commercially available and 2 experimentally modified) were sintered under the same conditions and characterized by X-ray diffraction with Rietveld analysis and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Translucency (n=6/group) was measured with a color meter, allowing to calculate the translucency parameter (TP) and the contrast ratio (CR). Mechanical properties were appraised with four-point bending strength (n=10), single edge V-notched beam (SEVNB) fracture toughness (n=8) and Vickers hardness (n=10). The aging stability was evaluated by measuring the tetragonal to monoclinic transformation (n=3) after accelerated hydrothermal aging in steam at 134 degrees C, and the transformation curves were fitted by the Mehl-Avrami-Johnson (MAJ) equation. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA, followed by Tukey's HSD test (alpha=0.05). RESULTS: Lowering the alumina content below 0.25wt.% avoided the formation of alumina particles and therefore increased the translucency of 3Y-TZP ceramics, but the hydrothermal aging stability was reduced. A higher yttria content (5mol%) introduced about 50% cubic zirconia phase and gave rise to the most translucent and aging-resistant Y-TZP ceramics, but the fracture toughness and strength were considerably sacrificed. 0.2mol% La2O3 doping of 3Y-TZP tailored the grain boundary chemistry and significantly improved the aging resistance and translucency. Although the translucency improvement by La2O3 doping was less effective than for introducing a substantial amount of cubic zirconia, this strategy was able to maintain the mechanical properties of typical 3Y-TZP ceramics. SIGNIFICANCE: Three different approaches were compared to improve the translucency of 3Y-TZP ceramics.
Address KU Leuven, Department of Materials Engineering, Kasteelpark Arenberg 44, Belgium
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language English Wos 000389516400003 Publication Date 2016-10-06
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0109-5641 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 4.07 Times cited Open Access
Notes The authors acknowledge the Research Fund of KU Leu- ven under project 0T/10/052 and the Fund for Scientific Research Flanders (FWO-Vlaanderen) under grant G.0431.10N. F. Zhang thanks the Research Fund of KU Leuven for her post- doctoral fellowship (PDM/15/153). We thank M. Peumans for the translucency measurements. Approved (down) Most recent IF: 4.07
Call Number EMAT @ emat @ c:irua:136821 Serial 4313
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Zhang, F.; Inokoshi, M.; Batuk, M.; Hadermann, J.; Naert, I.; Van Meerbeek, B.; Vleugels, J.
Title Strength, toughness and aging stability of highly-translucent Y-TZP ceramics for dental restorations Type A1 Journal article
Year 2016 Publication Dental materials Abbreviated Journal Dent Mater
Volume 32 Issue 12 Pages E327-E337
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Objective. The aim was to evaluate the optical properties, mechanical properties and aging stability of yttria-stabilized zirconia with different compositions, highlighting the influence of the alumina addition, Y2O3 content and La2O3 doping on the translucency. Methods. Five different Y-TZP zirconia powders (3 commercially available and 2 experimentally modified) were sintered under the same conditions and characterized by X-ray diffraction with Rietveld analysis and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Translucency (n = 6/group) was measured with a color meter, allowing to calculate the translucency parameter (TP) and the contrast ratio (CR). Mechanical properties were appraised with four-point bending strength (n = 10), single edge V-notched beam (SEVNB) fracture toughness (n = 8) and Vickers hardness (n = 10). The aging stability was evaluated by measuring the tetragonal to monoclinic transformation (n = 3) after accelerated hydrothermal aging in steam at 134 degrees C, and the transformation curves were fitted by the Mehl-Avrami-Johnson (MAJ) equation. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA, followed by Tukey's HSD test (alpha = 0.05). Results. Lowering the alumina content below 0.25 wt.% avoided the formation of alumina particles and therefore increased the translucency of 3Y-TZP ceramics, but the hydrothermal aging stability was reduced. A higher yttria content (5 mol%) introduced about 50% cubic zirconia phase and gave rise to the most translucent and aging-resistant Y-TZP ceramics, but the fracture toughness and strength were considerably sacrificed. 0.2 mol% La2O3 doping of 3Y-TZP tailored the grain boundary chemistry and significantly improved the aging resistance and translucency. Although the translucency improvement by La2O3 doping was less effective than for introducing a substantial amount of cubic zirconia, this strategy was able to maintain the mechanical properties of typical 3Y-TZP ceramics. Significance. Three different approaches were compared to improve the translucency of 3YTZP ceramics. (C) 2016 The Academy of Dental Materials. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Copenhagen Editor
Language Wos 000389516400003 Publication Date
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0109-5641 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 4.07 Times cited 47 Open Access
Notes Approved (down) Most recent IF: 4.07
Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:140246 Serial 4447
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Eckert, M.; Neyts, E.; Bogaerts, A.
Title Differences between ultrananocrystalline and nanocrystalline diamond growth: theoretical investigation of CxHy species at diamond step edges Type A1 Journal article
Year 2010 Publication Crystal growth & design Abbreviated Journal Cryst Growth Des
Volume 10 Issue 9 Pages 4123-4134
Keywords A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract The behavior of hydrocarbon species at step edges of diamond terraces is investigated by means of combined molecular dynamics−Metropolis Monte Carlo simulations. The results show that the formation of ballas-like diamond films (like UNCD) and well-faceted diamond films (like NCD) can be related to the gas phase concentrations of CxHy in a new manner: Species that have high concentrations above the growing UNCD films suppress the extension of step edges through defect formation. The species that are present above the growing NCD film, however, enhance the extension of diamond terraces, which is believed to result in well-faceted diamond films. Furthermore, it is shown that, during UNCD growth, CxHy species with x ≥ 2 play an important role, in contrast to the currently adopted CVD diamond growth mechanism. Finally, the probabilities for the extension of the diamond (100) terrace are much higher than those for the diamond (111) terrace, which is in full agreement with the experimental observation that diamond (100) facets are more favored than diamond (111) facets during CVD diamond growth.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000281353900042 Publication Date 2010-08-16
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1528-7483;1528-7505; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 4.055 Times cited 11 Open Access
Notes Approved (down) Most recent IF: 4.055; 2010 IF: 4.390
Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:83696 Serial 694
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Author Eckert, M.; Neyts, E.; Bogaerts, A.
Title Insights into the growth of (ultra)nanocrystalline diamond by combined molecular dynamics and Monte Carlo simulations Type A1 Journal article
Year 2010 Publication Crystal growth & design Abbreviated Journal Cryst Growth Des
Volume 10 Issue 7 Pages 3005-3021
Keywords A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract In this paper, we present the results of combined molecular dynamics−Metropolis Monte Carlo (MD-MMC) simulations of hydrocarbon species at flat diamond (100)2 × 1 and (111)1 × 1 surfaces. The investigated species are considered to be the most important growth species for (ultra)nanocrystalline diamond ((U)NCD) growth. When applying the MMC algorithm to stuck species at monoradical sites, bonding changes are only seen for CH2. The sequence of the bond breaking and formation as put forward by the MMC simulations mimics the insertion of CH2 into a surface dimer as proposed in the standard growth model of diamond. For hydrocarbon species attached to two adjacent radical (biradical) sites, the MMC simulations give rise to significant changes in the bonding structure. For UNCD, the combinations of C3 and C3H2, and C3 and C4H2 (at diamond (100)2 × 1) and C and C2H2 (at diamond (111)1 × 1) are the most successful in nucleating new crystal layers. For NCD, the following combinations pursue the diamond structure the best: C2H2 and C3H2 (at diamond (100)2 × 1) and CH2 and C2H2 (at diamond (111)1 × 1). The different behaviors of the hydrocarbon species at the two diamond surfaces are related to the different sterical hindrances at the diamond surfaces.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000279422700032 Publication Date 2010-05-25
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1528-7483;1528-7505; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 4.055 Times cited 13 Open Access
Notes Approved (down) Most recent IF: 4.055; 2010 IF: 4.390
Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:83065 Serial 1675
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Author Neira, I.S.; Kolen'ko, Y.V.; Lebedev, O.I.; Van Tendeloo, G.; Gupta, H.S.; Guitián, F.; Yoshimura, M.
Title An effective morphology control of hydroxyapatite crystals via hydrothermal synthesis Type A1 Journal article
Year 2009 Publication Crystal growth & design Abbreviated Journal Cryst Growth Des
Volume 9 Issue 1 Pages 466-474
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract A facile urea-assisted hydrothermal synthesis and systematic characterization of hydroxyapatite (HA) with calcium nitrate tetrahydrate and diammonium hydrogen phosphate as precursors are reported. The advantage of the proposed technique over previously reported synthetic approaches is the simple but precise control of the HA crystals morphology, which is achieved by employing an intensive, stepwise, and slow thermal decomposition of urea as well as varying initial concentrations of starting reagents. Whereas the plate-, hexagonal prism- and needle-like HA particles preferentially growth along the c-axis, the smaller and fine-plate-like HA crystals demonstrate crystal growth along the (102) and (211) directions, uncommon for HA. Furthermore, it was established that the hydrothermally derived powdered products are phase-pure HA containing CO32− anions in the crystal lattice, that is, AB-type carbonated hydroxyapatite. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and electron diffraction (ED) of selected samples reveal that the as-prepared HA crystals are single-crystalline and exhibit a nearly defect-free microstructure. The hardness and elastic modulus of the hexagonal prism-like HA crystals have been investigated on a nanoscale using the nanoindentation technique; the observed trends are discussed.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000262332700073 Publication Date 2008-11-21
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1528-7483;1528-7505; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 4.055 Times cited 183 Open Access
Notes Esteem 026019 Approved (down) Most recent IF: 4.055; 2009 IF: 4.162
Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:75740 Serial 853
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Author Hoang, D.-Q.; Pobedinskas, P.; Nicley, S.S.; Turner, S.; Janssens, S.D.; Van Bael, M.K.; D'Haen, J.; Haenen, K.
Title Elucidation of the Growth Mechanism of Sputtered 2D Hexagonal Boron Nitride Nanowalls Type A1 Journal article
Year 2016 Publication Crystal growth & design Abbreviated Journal Cryst Growth Des
Volume 16 Issue 7 Pages 3699-3708
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Hexagonal boron nitride nanowall thin films were deposited on Si(100) substrates using a Ar(51%)/N-2(44%)/H-2(5%) gas mixture by unbalanced radio frequency sputtering. The effects of various target-to-substrate distances, substrate temperatures, and substrate tilting angles were investigated. When the substrate is close to the target, hydrogen etching plays a significant role in the film growth, while the effect is negligible for films deposited at a farther distance. The relative quantity of defects was measured by a non-destructive infrared spectroscopy technique that characterized the hydrogen incorporation at dangling nitrogen bonds at defect sites in the deposited films. Despite the films deposited at different substrate tilting angles, the nanowalls of those films were found to consistently grow vertical to the substrate surface, independent of the tilting angle. This implies that chemical processes, rather than physical ones, govern the growth of the nanowalls. The results also reveal that the degree of nanowall crystallization is tunable by varying the growth parameters. Finally, evidence of hydrogen desorption during vacuum annealing is given based on measurements of infrared stretching (E-1u) and bending (A(2u)) modes of the optical phonons, and the H-N vibration mode.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000379456700020 Publication Date 2016-05-25
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1528-7483 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 4.055 Times cited 8 Open Access
Notes Approved (down) Most recent IF: 4.055
Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:144690 Serial 4652
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