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Spanoghe, J. |
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Purple bacteria cultivation on light, carbon dioxide and hydrogen gas : exploring and tuning the potential for microbial food production |
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Doctoral thesis |
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2022 |
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vi, 207 p. |
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Doctoral thesis; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL) |
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The human population is projected to grow to 9.7 billion by 2050, resulting in an estimated increase in protein demand of 50%. From an environmental perspective, the current and future demand of protein cannot be sustainably met as the conventional food production chain is severely altering biogeochemical cycles of nitrogen and phosphorus, biodiversity and land-use, with flows towards the biosphere and oceans that are exceeding the planetary boundaries. Microbial protein (protein derived from microorganisms) has been suggested as an excellent sustainable protein source, a fortiori when produced in a land- and fossil free manner. The photoautohydrogenotrophic cultivation (i.e. with light, CO2 and H2) of purple bacteria links up perfectly with the upcoming green electrification of industry (green H2) and the need for carbon capture and utilization. However, this metabolism represented a gap in literature, and thus this thesis aimed to establish a basic knowledge platform on its kinetic, stoichiometric and nutritional performance. At first, three originally photoheterotrophically enriched purple bacteria were studied of which Rhodobacter capsulatus reached the highest protein productivity of 0.16 g protein/L/d, which aligned well with the commonly-known photoautotrophic microalgae. Moreover, a full dietary essential amino acid match was found for human food, while the fatty acid content was dominated by the health-stimulating vaccenic acid (82-86%). Lastly, the achieved protein yield in photoautohydrogenotrophic purple bacteria was 2.3 times higher compared to hydrogen oxidizing bacteria, indicating a resource-efficient use of H2. Next, a photoautohydrogenotrophic enrichment of wastewater treatment microbiomes was performed in search for specialist species. While the isolates of this enrichment showed improvements in their performance during acclimation, the kinetic and nutritional performance of Rhodobacter capsulatus still excelled. Subsequently, the influence of nutrient limitations (C or N) and nitrogen gas fixation was studied on the nutritional tuning potential. Both the limitations as well as the N2 fixation resulted in the shift of the essential amino acid profiles. Additionally, the limitations significantly decreased the pigment content, while an increase in the storage of poly-P was seen in case of carbon limitations. The next major challenge was the production intensification in a photobioreactor of which the design was linked to minimizing both H2 and light limitations. The chosen bubble-column photobioreactor already resulted in a doubled biomass productivity. Finally, the remaining technological and non-technological challenges ahead for the production of a high-value, cost-efficient, environment-friendly microbial protein that complies with legislative requirements and appeals to future consumers were discussed. |
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978-90-5728-741-1 |
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UA @ admin @ c:irua:188233 |
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7198 |
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Van Tendeloo, M. |
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Resource-efficient nitrogen removal from sewage : kinetic, physical and chemical tools for mainstream partial nitritation/anammox |
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Doctoral thesis |
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2022 |
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iv, 204 p. |
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Doctoral thesis; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL) |
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Adequate removal of pollutants from sewage is important to protect the environment and public health. Today, sewage treatment plants are operational in many parts of the world, and although the used technologies are effective in removing pollutants from wastewater, they are energy- and resource-intensive. Reshaping sewage treatment into a two-stage system, with separated organic carbon and nitrogen removal, facilitates the transformation towards energy-positive sewage treatment. This thesis will focus on resource-efficient nitrogen removal from sewage via partial nitritation/anammox (PN/A), with reduced organic carbon and oxygen consumption compared to conventional techniques. PN/A relies on the teamwork between two microbial groups to convert ammonium into nitrogen gas. Several other groups of microbes however can proliferate in the sludge, competing for substrate with the key players, lowering the nitrogen removal efficiency and increasing the energy demand. To obtain the desired microbial community, control tools should be applied to selectively promote the desired microbes while suppressing the unwanted competitors. In this thesis, multiple control tools were studied to establish a workable framework for successful implementation of PN/A in the main stream of a sewage treatment plant. These tools can be divided into three categories: i) kinetic tools, regulating substrate availability (e.g., oxygen availability control and residual ammonium concentration), ii) physical tools, revolving around sludge retention and selection (e.g., sludge age control and sludge aggregation form), and iii) chemical tools, exposing the sludge to stress conditions for which the unwanted microbes are vulnerable (e.g., sludge treatments with a single stressor such as free ammonia). The first research chapter focussed on oxygen availability control and single-stressor sludge treatments. The following two chapters covered the development of a novel multi-stressor concept combining substrate starvation and exposure to sulphide and free ammonia. In the final research chapter, the previously obtained knowledge was combined into a demonstration study on pilot-scale. The combination of these control tools was found effective in achieving nitrogen removal via PN/A, both on lab- and pilot-scale. Consequently, the obtained results in this thesis can catalyse the implementation of mainstream PN/A by providing a toolbox with multiple control tools and clever reactor design, thus advancing the concept of energy neutrality and resource efficiency in sewage treatment plants. |
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UA @ admin @ c:irua:187665 |
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7204 |
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Pacquets, L. |
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Towards stable Cu-Ag bimetallic nanoparticles to boost the electrocatalytic CO2 reduction |
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Doctoral thesis |
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2022 |
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xvi, 188 p. |
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Doctoral thesis; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Applied Electrochemistry & Catalysis (ELCAT) |
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Ever since the industrial revolution, the emission of greenhouse gasses dramatically increased, resulting in high CO2 concentration in the atmosphere. The electrochemical conversion of CO2 to value added products, such as carbon monoxide, formic acid, methane, ethylene and ethanol is a very promising strategy to inhibit CO2 emissions. Nevertheless, at the moment, the electrochemical CO2 reduction (eCO2R) is not yet industrially viable, mainly due to the lack of good electrocatalysts. On the other hand, core-shell nanoparticles (NPs) have emerged over the last couple of years as promising candidates. It is believed that bimetallic enhancement effects are behind the improved performance of these core-shell NPs when compared to the individual metals. Although widely investigated, there are still some remaining issues and/or open questions. Indeed, the development of a robust and straightforward synthesis method along with fundamental insight into their resistance towards electrochemical stress remains absent. A good control over morphology, size and composition is key in determining which properties are beneficial for the eCO2R. Since these catalysts are designed to be implemented in electrolyzers, they have to maintain long-term performance. This makes the design of a reproducible method, unveiling structure-performance relationships the effect of electrochemical stress, a crucial aspect. Exploring and modifying existing synthesis methods, have led to the acquisition of a robust and reproducible synthesis method where thermal decomposition of the Cu core is combined with the galvanic replacement of Ag in organic solvents. The implementation of this method has led to the design of a wide variety of Cu-Ag bimetallic NPs and enabled to investigate their composition-selectivity profile. Introducing Ag on Cu suppressed hydrogen and increased the CO formation. CO production was boosted by using Cu@Ag core-shells and was promoted even more by changing the type of electrolyte. As these nanoparticles suffered from degradation, the 3D mapping of the structural changes of Cu@Ag core-shells under operating conditions led to the hypothesis of a two-step degradation mechanism where initially Cu leaching was observed with the subsequent sintering of the Ag shells. One approach to avoid this electrochemical degradation, investigated in this research, was the application of an ultrathin carbon layer to protect the active layer. This ultrathin carbon layer operated as a protective layer, suppressing hydrogen production and increasing the stability of the electrocatalyst. In conclusion, the product selectivity can be tuned by using different Cu-Ag bimetallic nanoparticles synthesized through a robust method. Their unique degradation pathway of Cu@Ag core-shell nanoparticles has led to the proposition of a more accurate stabilization strategy. These findings can contribute significantly in the quest for improved electrocatalysts for the eCO2R. |
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UA @ admin @ c:irua:190236 |
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7221 |
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Magalhães Cunha, S. |
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Wave-packet dynamics and electronic transport properties in 2D materials |
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Doctoral thesis |
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2022 |
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219 p. |
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Doctoral thesis; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT) |
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This piece of work is twofold. First, the time evolution of wave-packets in 2D systems is analyzed by the Split-Operator technique in three different scenarios: in multilayer phosphorene, the transient oscillations in the time-dependent average of position and momentum were observed due to the zitterbewegung effect, and the wave packet propagates non-uniformly along the space deforming itself into an elliptical shape. These results were corroborated by the Green’s function formalism except for large values of the wave-vector and long times; in 2D semiconductor quantum wires (QWs) with anisotropic effective masses and different angle orientations with respect to the anisotropic axis. We have shown that the greater this angle, the smaller is the energy levels spacing implying in an increase of the accessible electronic states. Additionally, for non-null magnetic field, the quantum Hall edge states are significantly affected by the edge orientation. In the anisotropic case damped oscillations in the average values of velocity in both x and y directions where obtained. Theses oscillations are originated by the QW geometry but also from subwavepackets with different momentum orientations, whereas for isotropic QWs the wavepacket disperses without splitting; in the third scenario the split-operator technique was used to study the Landau levels, the wave packet trajectories and velocities of electrons in graphene at low-energy regime described by a modified Dirac equation where the momentum-operator is written in a generalized form as result of applying the position-dependent translation operator formalism (PDTO). In the second part of this thesis, the electronic and tunneling properties of α − T3 lattices were studied. Electrons in these lattices behave analogous to integer-spin Dirac Fermions. The presence of a third atomic site in the unit cell leads to a flat band in the energy spectrum, providing unique electronic and tunneling properties. The presence of a super-periodic potential and the inclusion of symmetry-breaking terms results in deviations of the atomic equivalence between the atomic sites affecting the Dirac points and the band-gap. Small deviations in the equivalence between the atomic sites and the number of barriers change the transmission properties in these lattices. Additionally, new tunneling regions are possible by adjusting the symmetry between the atomic sites and affect the omnidirectional total transmission called super-Klein tunneling observed in these lattices. We compare those results to the tunneling probabilities through regions where the energy spectrum changes from linear with a middle flat band to a hyperbolic dispersion. |
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UA @ admin @ c:irua:189191 |
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7227 |
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Wang, J. |
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Plasma catalysis : study of CO2 reforming of CH4 in a DBD reactor |
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Doctoral thesis |
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2022 |
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XVI, 232 p. |
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Doctoral thesis; Engineering sciences. Technology; Laboratory of adsorption and catalysis (LADCA); Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT) |
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The plasma-based dry reforming in a dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) reactor is important to achieve sustainable goals, but many challenges remain. For example, the conversion and energy yield of DBD reactors are relatively low, and the catalysts or packing materials used in existing studies cannot improve them, possibly due to the unsuitable properties and structures of catalysts or packing materials for plasma processes. In order to study the effect of catalyst structure on plasma-based dry reforming, a controllable synthesis of the catalyst supports or templates was explored. In Chapter 2, an initially immiscible synthesis method was proposed to synthesize uniform silica spheres, which can replace the organic solvent-based Stöber method to successfully synthesize silica particles with the same size ranges as the original Stöber process without addition of organic solvents. Using the silica spheres as templates, 3D porous Cu and CuO catalysts with different pore sizes were synthesized in Chapter 3 to study the effect of catalyst pore size on the plasma-catalytic dry reforming. In most cases, the smaller the pore size, the higher the conversion of CH4 and CO2 due to the reaction of radicals and ions formed in the plasma. An exception are the samples synthesized from 1 μm silica, which show better performance due to the electric field enhancement for pore sizes close to the Debye length. Besides the pore size, the particle diameter of the catalyst or packing is also one of the important factors affecting the interaction between plasma and catalyst. In Chapter 4, SiO2 spheres (with or without supported metal) were used to study the effect of different support particle sizes on plasma-based dry reforming. We found that a uniform SiO2 packing improves the conversion of plasma-based dry reforming. The conversion of plasma-based dry reforming first increases and then decreases with increasing particle size, due to the balance between the promoting and hindering effect of the particle filling on the plasma discharge. Chapter 5 is to improve the design of the DBD reactor itself, in order to try to increase its low energy yield. Some stainless steel rings were put over the inner electrode rod of the DBD reactor. The presence of rings increases the local electric field, the displaced charges and the discharge fraction, and also makes the discharge more stable and with more uniform intensity. The placement of the rings improves the performance of the reactor at 30 W supplied power. |
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UA @ admin @ c:irua:194045 |
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7273 |
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Penders, A.G. |
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Microstructural investigation of irradiation assisted stress corrosion cracking mechanisms based on focused ion beam analysis of tested and industrial specimens |
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Doctoral thesis |
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2022 |
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xxxviii, 226 p. |
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Doctoral thesis; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT) |
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Irradiation assisted stress corrosion cracking (IASCC) is an intergranular cracking effect which can occur in heavily irradiated internal structural components of nuclear reactor cores. It is a complex phenomenon which is not yet fully understood because it occurs through an interplay of several material degradation processes. The factors that influence IASCC susceptibility include irradiation damage (neutrons and other irradiation particles stemming from the nuclear fission reaction), the operating temperature of the nuclear reactor, water corrosion, operating stresses, and the composition of materials susceptible to IASCC. Such materials are typically fabricated from austenitic stainless steels because of their relatively high strength, ductility, and fracture toughness. However, besides excellent metallurgical and corrosion resistant qualities, the operating conditions may still cause severe material degradation and component failure, which is extremely important for nuclear power plant safety and lifetime managements. Despite much accumulated data in the literature, both crack initiation and crack propagation mechanisms still need to be further elucidated. To that end, a probabilistic fracture model entitled the subcritical crack propagation (SCP) was recently developed, which assumes that the oxidized part of stainless steel in front of the crack plays an essential role in the crack initiation and crack propagation in sample failures. Still, despite a very good agreement with experimental observations, the SCP model but also other contemporary models favoured within the literature, require further experimental verification to what concerns the investigation of (IA)SCC. To that end, the main objective of this doctorate was to utilize experimental instrumentations like SEM, FIB-SEM and (S)TEM to conduct the investigation of the crack initiation and propagation processes in both tested and industrial specimens. Some of the investigated materials were retrieved within a nuclear reactor and are thus considered as unique test material to investigate the material degradation processes relevant for cracking. Other specimens were tailor-made to simulate the cracking processes of irradiated materials in otherwise un-irradiated materials. The newly acquired experimental results in this doctorate help rationalize existing models and methodologies used in the literature to analyse the IASCC failures of structural materials of reactor components. These results also facilitate in the development of predictive methodologies and mitigation strategies towards IASCC cracking and provide more information on IASCC from a microstructural perspective. |
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UA @ admin @ c:irua:192431 |
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7323 |
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Kashiwar, A. |
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TEM investigations of deformation mechanisms in nanocrystalline metals and multilayered composites |
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Doctoral thesis |
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2022 |
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xvi, 129 p. |
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Doctoral thesis; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT) |
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In the last few decades, nanostructuring has driven significant attention towards the development of novel metallic materials with advanced mechanical properties. Nanocrystalline (nc) metals are a class of nanostructured materials with grain sizes smaller than about 100 nm. These exhibit outstanding mechanical strength and fatigue properties compared to their coarse-grained (cg) counterparts. These are promising candidates for application as structural or functional materials. Nc metals in the form of thin films are employed as hard coatings on bulk components, structural components, and conductive layers in various micro-/nanoscale devices. These structural components and devices are often subjected to cyclic stresses or fatigue loading. Under these cyclic stresses, nc metals tend to exhibit the Bauschinger effect (BE). The strength loss during the BE is of great importance concerning the strength-ductility trade-off in nc metals. Furthermore, contact surfaces of the engineering components in service often undergo relative motion and are subject to both friction and wear. These extreme loading conditions demand nc metals with tailored interfacial characteristics for improved tribological performance. Aiming at ensuring high reliability and mechanical robustness for optimum performance of these components, there has been a strong motivation for understanding the mechanical properties and governing deformation mechanisms in nc metallic materials. This thesis aimed at in-depth investigation of microstructures at micro-/nanoscales using state-of-the-art in situ and ex situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to develop a closer link between the deformation structure and underlying deformation mechanisms in some nc metallic materials. The thesis has primarily focused on the in situ TEM nanomechanics of the BE and rotational deformation of grains in nc palladium thin films. A sputtered thin film of nc Pd was deformed inside TEM by cyclic loading-unloading experiments and the evolving microstructure was studied in real-time under different TEM imaging modes. The stress-strain response of the film exhibited a characteristic non-linear unloading behavior confirming the BE in the film. The corresponding bright-field TEM imaging revealed evidence of partially reversible dislocation activity. Towards a quantitative understanding of the deformation structure in real-time, in situ nanomechanical testing was coupled with precession-assisted automated crystal orientation mapping in scanning TEM (ACOM-STEM). Global ACOM-STEM analysis offered crystal orientation of a large number of grains at different states of deformation and confirmed partially reversible rotations of nanosized grains fitting to the observed BE during loading and unloading. Analysis of intragranular rotations showed substantial changes in the sub-structure within most of these grains indicating a dominant role of dislocation-based processes in driving these rotations. Globally, an unusually random evolution of texture was seen that demonstrated the influence of deformation heterogeneity and grain interactions on the resulting texture characteristics in nc metals. In the quest of understanding the grain interactions, local investigations based on annular dark-field STEM imaging during loading-unloading showed reversible changes in the contrast of grains with sets of adjoining grains exhibiting a unique cooperative rotation. Local analysis of the density of geometrically necessary dislocations (GNDs) showed the formation of dislocation pile-up at grain boundaries due to the generation of back-stresses during unloading. Critical observations of the evolution of GND density offered greater insights into the mechanism of cooperative grain rotations and these rotations were related to grain structure and grain boundary characteristics. In addition to understanding the influence of grain structure and grain boundaries, the thesis has further investigated the role of heterointerfaces in sputtered Au-Cu and Cu-Cr nanocrystalline multilayered composites (NMCs) deformed under cyclic sliding contact. The microstructural evolution in the NMCs was investigated at different deformation states by classical TEM imaging, ACOM-STEM as well as energy-filtered TEM (EFTEM). Au-Cu NMC with an initial high density of twin boundaries deformed by stress-driven detwinning with a concurrent change in grain structure in both Au and Cu. The formation of a vortex structure was observed due to plastic flow instabilities at Au-Cu interfaces that led to codeformation and mechanical intermixing. Cu-Cr NMC showed a preferential grain growth in Cu layers whereas no noticeable change in the grain sizes was seen in Cr layers. The phase maps revealed sharp interfaces between Cu and Cr layers indicating no intermixing between the immiscible phases. EFTEM results exposed the cracking processes in Cr layers with a concurrent migration of Cu in the cracks. Overall, the thesis has attempted to analyze the competing deformation processes and relate these with the microstructural heterogeneity in terms of grain structure and GB and interfacial characteristics in nc metallic materials. |
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UA @ admin @ c:irua:189013 |
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7343 |
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Larraín, M. |
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Recycling of plastics : linking technical, economic and policy aspects of post-consumer plastic packaging |
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2022 |
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x, 165 p. |
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Doctoral thesis; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM); Intelligence in PRocesses, Advanced Catalysts and Solvents (iPRACS) |
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The rise in plastic packaging production and disposal has encouraged the progress of recycling technologies and aroused policy discussion on how to increase recycling rates. However, the effect that these policy instruments will have on the development of the different recycling technologies has not been studied holistically yet. This dissertation explores how new and existing technologies will behave under the market and policy conditions observed at present and after the implementation of the policy instruments that are under discussion. The technologies that are analyzed in this thesis are mechanical recycling and thermochemical recycling of post-consumer polyolefin waste. Using a techno-economic assessment that takes into account the physical properties of the different plastic fractions and their contamination level, the study shows that both mechanical and thermochemical recycling can be profitable if oil prices remain steady or increase. Specifically, mechanical recycling will show better results than thermochemical recycling for plastic fractions with low contamination levels. On the contrary, thermochemical recycling is more profitable for fractions with a higher contamination level from which high-quality products cannot be obtained with mechanical recycling, such as PE films. Moreover, it demonstrates that besides the oil prices and sorted waste prices, waste purity and the plant capacity are the variables that influence more the net present value of thermochemical recycling and the labor cost and waste purity the ones of mechanical recycling. The thesis explores the dynamics between the stakeholders of the circular value chain and predicts the recycling rates under the implementation of several policy instruments. This is done with a supply chain equilibrium model, based on the extended producer responsibility scheme implemented in Flanders, that uses as an input the cost structures of mechanical and thermochemical recycling obtained from the techno-economic assessments. Direct interventions like recycled content standards, can decouple the recycling industry from the oil market, but in the long term, they may not present incentives to achieve recycling levels beyond the targeted amounts and thus limit technological innovation. On the contrary, economic interventions such as taxes, create economic incentives for recycling and allow fund collection from the government but leave the recycled levels dependent on external markets. Results also show that higher recycling rates does not necessarily mean better environmental performance. Therefore, when designing circular economy policies, policymakers should carefully analyze whether the intention is to increase circularity or improve the sustainability of the value chains. |
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UA @ admin @ c:irua:191730 |
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7366 |
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Tschulkow, M. |
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Title |
A techno-environmental economic assessment of a lignin-first biorefinery : a dynamic and prospective framework for emerging technologies |
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Doctoral thesis |
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2022 |
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175 p. |
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Doctoral thesis; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM) |
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Novel emerging biorefinery technologies have gained interest and have the potential to tackle several sustainability challenges in our society. A lignin-first biorefinery process – reductive catalytic fractionation (RCF) – is currently under development with the aim to process wood into high-value end-products that replace highly polluting fossil oil-based products. However, such emerging technologies are not matured yet, holding a certain degree of technological, economic, and environmental uncertainty. Hence, an appropriate assessment method is required to assess techno-economic feasibility and environmental impacts of emerging uncertain technologies (e.g lignin-first RCF process). This dissertation aims to develop an integrated techno-environmental economic assessment framework to assess emerging technologies dynamically and prospectively from economic and environmental points of view. First, a techno-economic assessment (TEA) is performed to assess the economic feasibility and the most influential economic and technological parameters of the lignin-first RCF biorefinery taking the whole wood value chain into account. By making the relations across the wood value chain, the scale of the biorefinery, wood species, and output prices highly determine the economic feasibility. The economic feasibility can be reached by a sufficient capacity level which depends on wood species-specific conditions. Also, waste wood proves to be the most profitable feedstock in comparison to virgin wood. Second, an analytical real options analysis (ROA) is performed taking two correlated market uncertainties and the value of flexibility into account to identify the optimal investment decision in an RCF biorefinery. Two different investment options, separated and united investments in harvesting equipment and RCF biorefinery, are analyzed. In both scenarios, market uncertainty postpones the investment. When both investment decisions are united, the probability of investment increases in comparison to separated investments. The study reveals that RCF has the potential to stimulate investments within the wood value chain. Third, a consequential life cycle assessment (LCA) is performed to assess the carbon emissions and the environmental consequences of the lignin-first RCF process and its products. The study reveals that at the current stage RCF products have higher carbon emissions than their alternative counterparts. Several options to improve the environmental performance are discussed such as different RCF technology configurations, targeting different RCF products with the ability to replace higher polluting alternative counterparts on the markets. Other discussion points such as transportation type and the distance, (in-)direct land-use change, the use stage and disposal stages implications, and a more comprehensive environmental view of the RCF products, show the potential to improve the environmental performance of the RCF technology. Overall, the study shows that the RCF process can be environmentally desirable if the appropriate RCF configuration and products are chosen. Finally, the above-mentioned methods – techno-economic assessment, analytical real options analysis, and consequential life cycle assessment – are uniquely integrated within the newly developed integrated assessment framework. The framework has the aim to complement the shortcomings and combine the advantages of all three methods. The framework assesses emerging technologies to give predictive insights about the time-specific economic and environmental performance under the newly developed three threshold conditions: technological readiness, economic feasibility, and environmental desirability. The developed integrated assessment framework assesses dynamically and prospectively the RCF biorefinery implementation under Belgian conditions. It reveals that the economic feasibility increases and carbon emissions decrease over time. The RCF biorefinery fulfills all three threshold conditions – technological readiness, economic feasibility, and environmental desirability – consecutively. The newly developed integrated assessment framework offers decision support to several stakeholders of emerging technologies starting from low technology readiness level (TRL). Practitioners such as the technology developers, researchers, and policymakers can use the framework to evaluate emerging technologies that deal with high levels of technological, economic, and environmental uncertainties. The framework assesses emerging technologies on a detailed level to give decision-makers in-depth insights into the intertwined nature of the technological, economic, and environmental dimensions. It offers insights into the expected time-specific economic and environmental performances, potential, and challenges of the emerging technology to further improve the technology and direct R&Ds along the right path. |
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UA @ admin @ c:irua:188968 |
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7369 |
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Author |
Mendonça Verbinnen, C.D. |
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Title |
Development of semiconductor-based photoelectrochemical sensing strategies for phenolic compounds in natural and supply water |
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Doctoral thesis |
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Year |
2022 |
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152 p. |
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Doctoral thesis; Engineering sciences. Technology; Antwerp Electrochemical and Analytical Sciences Lab (A-Sense Lab) |
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A wide variety of organic and inorganic compounds have been frequently released into the environment without control by industries and agricultural activities. This has caused significant impact on the development and health of living organisms, and biodiversity. Therefore, the challenge of monitoring and/or remediation of these contaminants remains. This thesis presents the development of three sensing strategies based on photoelectrochemical sensors to monitor phenolic contaminants. The well-known semiconductors TiO2 and ZnO were used for building novel setups for nM analysis of phenolic compounds in water. The setups employing TiO2-based photosensors were integrated into a photoelectrochemical flow cell. The flow system favored higher sensitivity of the method by periodic wash sequences of the electrode, significantly reducing the electrode fouling. Firstly, a straightforward method was developed based on the immobilization of TiO2 on screen printed graphite electrodes. Under UV light, the developed photosensor presented high performance for the detection of 4- aminophenol. A second study was developed by impregnating gold nanoparticles into TiO2 structure. The incorporation of gold nanoparticles can broaden the light absorption region of TiO2 and improve its photocatalytic activity for the detection of hydroquinone under visible light. In both systems, the detection was possible due to the presence of reactive oxygen species at the surface of TiO2 upon light, which participate in the oxidation process of the analyte. By applying a reductive potential, the oxidized form of the analyte gets reduced and a measurable amperometric response proportional to the initial analyte concentration is recorded. The third proposed setup is a ZnO-based photosensor for the quantification of 4-nitrophenol under UVA light. Nanostructured ZnO was electrochemically synthesized on FTO glass without the use of catalysts or seed layer. A post-growth annealing treatment significantly improved ZnO nanorods physicochemical properties. Subsequent modification of ZnO nanorods with a photosensitizer (perylene acid) increased the photocurrent response and the sensitivity. In this system, the detection mechanism is based on the decrease of the photocurrent response at the presence of an electron harvesting molecule, such as 4-nitrophenol. The decrease in photocurrent is proportional to the increase of 4-nitrophenol concentration in the solution. The applicability of the photoelectrochemical semiconductor-based sensing setups was verified to analyze phenolic compounds in natural and supply water samples. The proposed robust and sensitive approaches were designed for the on-site monitoring of phenolic compounds. The encouraging results confirm the potential of these photosensors as promising tools for tracelevel sensing purposes. |
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UA @ admin @ c:irua:186763 |
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8850 |
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Author |
Thiruvottriyur Shanmugam, S. |
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Title |
Singlet oxygen-based photoelectrochemical detection of nucleic acids |
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Doctoral thesis |
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Year |
2022 |
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Abbreviated Journal |
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217 p. |
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Doctoral thesis; Engineering sciences. Technology; Antwerp Electrochemical and Analytical Sciences Lab (A-Sense Lab) |
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Abstract |
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small oligonucleotides (18-25 bases) that play a key role in epigenetic regulation. Since the discovery of miRNAs in 1993, their role in biological processes has been extensively investigated. By now, it has been evidenced that monitoring and detection of miRNAs can improve (early) disease diagnosis. The existing diagnostic approaches have limitations such as the need for complex multistep protocols for sample preparation, analysis, data interpretation, high cost of equipment, the need for highly qualified personnel, and high laboratory standards. As opposed to this, point-of-care biosensors and chips aim to facilitate the procedure and avoid sending samples into centralized laboratories, which saves time, reduces the chance of sample degradation, and enables analysis of patient samples in remote areas, directly at home or primary and secondary care facilities (i.e. general practitioners and specialists). The latter is essential for therapy assessment and follow-up monitoring of patients with chronic diseases and cancer. Nevertheless, the development of such sensors is lagging compared to the projections of 10 – 20 years ago, mainly due to insufficient sensitivity, poor reproducibility, and the complexity of the sensors’ design reported in the research literature. This motivates the development of new detection strategies and technologies such as photoelectrochemical sensors that combine the best features of different sensing approaches. The primary concern when developing detection technologies for miRNA is the need for a highly sensitive and selective platform. This thesis explores a novel photoelectrochemical (PEC) method that is distinctive owing to its sensitive nature and simple and robust design. Firstly, we focused on the usage of recently emerging commercial gold-sputtered electrode systems for the detection of short nucleic acid with enzymatic amplification. Importantly, cleaning such electrodes is a challenge since the standard procedures known for regular disk electrodes such as polishing cannot be employed here, since it will damage the protective layer on the electrode. However, the electrodes can be washed and pretreated chemically and/or electrochemically. Thus, a procedure to effectively clean and modify the gold-sputtered electrode has been developed, resulting in high-performance gold-sputtered nucleic acid sensors. Next, the usage of molecular photosensitizers as an alternative to enzymatic amplification has been evaluated. We took advantage of the singlet oxygen production by photosensitizers upon photoexcitation, leading to a photocurrent response due to the singlet oxygen-induced (electro)chemical conversions. Following the demonstration of the detection strategy, the analytical performance of the sensing system was evaluated using magnetic beads-based nucleic acid assay on disposable electrode platforms, with a focus to enhance the sensitivity and robustness of the technique in detecting complementary nucleic acid targets. Following the fundamental evaluation of the singlet oxygen-based PEC detection of nucleic acids, we further optimized the assay and measurement parameters and employed the sensing strategy for a polymerase chain reaction-free (PCR-free) quantification of miRNAs related to prostate cancer. By successfully detecting and quantifying low-picomolar range concentrations (< 10 pM) in plasma samples from prostate cancer patients, we successfully showed the applicability of the novel sensing strategy. We have also compared and positioned the performance of our developed PEC strategy with an existing state-of-art technique, i.e. electrochemiluminescence (ECL). Our PEC strategy performed on par with ECL, both yielding low-picomolar detection limits in serum matrices, however quicker and cheaper than ECL. Owing to the versatility of this PEC technique, the final study explored its multiplexing capability. As a starting point in this branch of the research, we have investigated two possible ways for multiplexing. To perform multiple measurements at the same time, constructing calibration plots and quantifying unknown miRNA concentrations in patient samples at the same time, we have developed a high-throughput detection with 96X multi-channel electrode systems and in-house designed and constructed 96XLED illumination sources. Secondly, to detect more than one target miRNA in a single measurement, intra-vial multiplexing where the samples were analyzed for different targets in one vial was also explored. Altogether, this thesis presents the fundamentals, development and application of a novel PEC strategy for detecting short (< 25 bases) nucleic acid sequences, in particular, miRNA. With an aim to serve as a distinctive technique to function as a clinical testing platform without any need for PCR, this work adds value to the development of nucleic acid-based sensors for miRNAs and other short-stranded nucleic acid biomarkers, and benefits in the early detection of diseases like cancer. |
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no |
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UA @ admin @ c:irua:191753 |
Serial |
8931 |
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Author |
Neven, L. |
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Title |
Singlet oxygen-based photoelectrochemical detection of phenolic contaminants |
Type |
Doctoral thesis |
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Year |
2022 |
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Abbreviated Journal |
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Volume |
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234 p. |
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Doctoral thesis; Antwerp Electrochemical and Analytical Sciences Lab (A-Sense Lab) |
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Phenolic compounds can be found everywhere in our daily lives but exhibit high toxicity, low (bio)degradability and hormone-disrupting effects when they are released in the environment. It is for this reason imperative to develop detection strategies for these pollutants. A promising approach involves the use of a photoelectrochemical (PEC) sensor. In this sensor, a photosensitiser (PS) type II, which generates 1O2 under illumination, is used to oxidise phenolic compounds present in the sample. The oxidised phenols are reduced at the electrode surface leading to the generation of an electrocatalytic redox cycle. In this thesis, an in-depth understanding, through the identification of the reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the PEC sensing mechanism, is obtained. The detection strategy is optimised by choosing the PS with the highest 1O2 production and by optimising the detection parameters so that the PEC sensor can be successfully applied for the detection of phenols in industrial samples. First, it was determined that the use of highly fluorinated zinc phthalocyanine derivatives, F52PcZn and F64PcZn, as photocatalysts was optimal for the sensing of phenol due to their high 1O2 production and improved single-site isolation. However, next to 1O2, it was shown that the ROS O2•- and H2O2 were also generated in the PEC sensor. Their contribution to the photocurrent response was studied by rotating disk electrode measurements in function of the pH and applied potential. After this, the PEC detection strategy was optimised in terms of pH and applied potential for the detection of doxycycline, cefadroxil, and phenol. It was found that the use of alkaline pH-levels led to nmol L-1-level detection limits. The combination with square wave voltammetry (SWV) was, also, proposed to allow the quantification and identification of phenolic compounds in a specific sample. At last, the developed PEC and SWV sensors were applied for the measurement of phenolic compounds in industrial water samples. The PEC sensor could follow the decrease of the phenolic concentration throughout the wastewater treatment process while the SWV sensor provided the electrochemical fingerprints of these samples. The thesis concluded that the use of the PEC sensor was advantageous in the measurement of lower concentrated phenolic samples due to its high sensitivity and fast measurement time in comparison to commercial test kits. |
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UA @ admin @ c:irua:187029 |
Serial |
8932 |
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Poulain, R.; Lumbeeck, G.; Hunka, J.; Proost, J.; Savolainen, H.; Idrissi, H.; Schryvers, D.; Gauquelin, N.; Klein, A. |
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Electronic and chemical properties of nickel oxide thin films and the intrinsic defects compensation mechanism |
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A1 Journal article |
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2022 |
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ACS applied electronic materials |
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Volume |
4 |
Issue |
6 |
Pages |
2718-2728 |
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A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT) |
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Although largely studied, contradictory results on nickel oxide (NiO) properties can be found in the literature. We herein propose a comprehensive study that aims at leveling contradictions related to NiO materials with a focus on its conductivity, surface properties, and the intrinsic charge defects compensation mechanism with regards to the conditions preparation. The experiments were performed by in situ photo-electron spectroscopy, electron energy loss spectroscopy, and optical as well as electrical measurements on polycrystalline NiO thin films prepared under various preparation conditions by reactive sputtering. The results show that surface and bulk properties were strongly related to the deposition temperature with in particular the observation of Fermi level pinning, high work function, and unstable oxygen-rich grain boundaries for the thin films produced at room temperature but not at high temperature (>200 degrees C). Finally, this study provides substantial information about surface and bulk NiO properties enabling to unveil the origin of the high electrical conductivity of room temperature NiO thin films and also for supporting a general electronic charge compensation mechanism of intrinsic defects according to the deposition temperature. |
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000819431200001 |
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2022-06-07 |
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2637-6113 |
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UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles |
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Most recent IF: NA |
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UA @ admin @ c:irua:189555 |
Serial |
7081 |
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Vishwakarma, M.; Batra, Y.; Hadermann, J.; Singh, A.; Ghosh, A.; Mehta, B.R. |
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Exploring the role of graphene oxide as a co-catalyst in the CZTS photocathodes for improved photoelectrochemical properties |
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A1 Journal article |
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2022 |
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ACS applied energy materials |
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5 |
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6 |
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7538-7549 |
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A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT) |
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The hydrogen evolution properties of CZTS heterostructure photocathodes are reported with graphene oxide (GO) as a co-catalyst layer coated by a drop-cast method and an Al2O3 protection layer fabricated using atomic layer deposition. In the CZTS absorber, a minor deviation from stoichiometry across the cross section of the thin film results in nanoscale growth of spurious phases, but the kesterite phase remains the dominant phase. We have investigated the band alignment parameters such as the band gap, work function, and Fermi level position that are crucial for making kesterite-based heterostructure devices. The photocurrent density in the photocathode CZTS/CdS/ZnO is found to be improved to -4.71 mAmiddotcm(-2) at -0.40 V-RHE, which is 3 times that of the pure CZTS. This enhanced photoresponse can be attributed to faster carrier separation at p-n junction regions driven by upward band bending at CZTS grain boundaries and the ZnO layer. GO as a co-catalyst over the heterostructure photocathode significantly improves the photocurrent density to -6.14 mAmiddotcm(-2) at -0.40 V-RHE by effective charge migration in the CZTS/CdS/ZnO/GO configuration, but the onset potential shifts only after application of the Al2O3 protection layer. Significant photocurrents of -29 mAmiddotcm(-2) at -0.40 V-RHE and -8 mAmiddotcm(-2) at 0 V-RHE are observed, with an onset potential of 0.7 V-RHE in CZTS/CdS/ZnO/GO/Al2O3. The heterostructure configuration and the GO co-catalyst reduce the charge-transfer resistance, while the Al2O3 top layer provides a stable photocurrent for a prolonged time (similar to 16 h). The GO co-catalyst increases the flat band potential from 0.26 to 0.46 V-RHE in CZTS/CdS/ZnO/GO, which supports the bias-induced band bending at the electrolyte-electrode interface. |
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000820418400001 |
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2022-05-24 |
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2574-0962 |
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Impact Factor |
6.4 |
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Most recent IF: 6.4 |
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UA @ admin @ c:irua:189666 |
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7082 |
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Cui, Z.; Meng, S.; Yi, Y.; Jafarzadeh, A.; Li, S.; Neyts, E.C.; Hao, Y.; Li, L.; Zhang, X.; Wang, X.; Bogaerts, A. |
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Plasma-catalytic methanol synthesis from CO₂ hydrogenation over a supported Cu cluster catalyst : insights into the reaction mechanism |
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A1 Journal article |
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2022 |
Publication |
Acs Catalysis |
Abbreviated Journal |
Acs Catal |
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12 |
Issue |
2 |
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1326-1337 |
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A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT) |
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Plasma-catalytic CO, hydrogenation for methanol production is gaining increasing interest, but our understanding of its reaction mechanism remains primitive. We present a combined experimental/computational study on plasma-catalytic CO, hydrogenation to CH3OH over a size-selected Cu/gamma-Al2O3 catalyst. Our experiments demonstrate a synergistic effect between the Cu/gamma-Al2O3 catalyst and the CO2/H-2 plasma, achieving a CO2 conversion of 10% at 4 wt % Cu loading and a CH3OH selectivity near 50% further rising to 65% with H2O addition (for a H2O/CO2 ratio of 1). Furthermore, the energy consumption for CH3OH production was more than 20 times lower than with plasma only. We carried out density functional theory calculations over a Cu-13/gamma-Al2O3 model, which reveal that the interfacial sites of the Cu-13 cluster and gamma-Al2O3 support show a bifunctional effect: they not only activate the CO2 molecules but also strongly adsorb key intermediates to promote their hydrogenation further. Reactive plasma species can regulate the catalyst surface reactions via the Eley-Rideal (E-R) mechanism, which accelerates the hydrogenation process and promotes the generation of the key intermediates. H2O can promote the CH3OH desorption by competitive adsorption over the Cu-13/gamma-Al2O3 surface. This study provides new insights into CO2 hydrogenation through plasma catalysis, and it provides inspiration for the conversion of some other small molecules (CH4, N-2, CO, etc.) by plasma catalysis using supported-metal clusters. |
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000742735600001 |
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2022-01-07 |
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2155-5435 |
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Impact Factor |
12.9 |
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OpenAccess |
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Most recent IF: 12.9 |
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UA @ admin @ c:irua:186416 |
Serial |
7192 |
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Faust, V.; Gruber, W.; Ganigue, R.; Vlaeminck, S.E.; Udert, K.M. |
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Nitrous oxide emissions and carbon footprint of decentralized urine fertilizer production by nitrification and distillation |
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A1 Journal article |
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2022 |
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ACS ES&T engineering |
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2 |
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9 |
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1745-1755 |
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A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL) |
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Combining partial nitrification, granular activated carbon (GAC) filtration, and distillation is a well-studied approach to convert urine into a fertilizer. To evaluate the environmental sustainability of a technology, the operational carbon footprint and therefore nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions should be known, but N2O emissions from urine nitrification have not been assessed yet. Therefore, N2O emissions of a decentralized urine nitrification reactor were monitored for 1 month. During nitrification, 0.4-1.2% of the total nitrogen load was emitted as N2O-N with an average N2O emission factor (EFN2O) of 0.7%. Additional N2O was produced during anoxic storage between nitrification and GAC filtration with an estimated EFN2O of 0.8%, resulting in an EFN2O of 1.5% for the treatment chain. N2O emissions during nitrification can be mitigated by 60% by avoiding low dissolved oxygen or anoxic conditions and nitrite concentrations above 5 mg-N L-1. Minimizing the hydraulic retention time between nitrification and GAC filtration can reduce N2O formation during intermediate storage by 100%. Overall, the N2O emissions accounted for 45% of the operational carbon footprint of 14 kg-CO2,equiv kg-N-1 for urine fertilizer production. Using electricity from renewable sources and applying the proposed N2O mitigation strategies could potentially lower the carbon footprint by 85%. |
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Thesis |
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Publisher |
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Place of Publication |
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Editor |
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Language |
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Wos |
000835412700001 |
Publication Date |
2022-07-29 |
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Series Editor |
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Abbreviated Series Title |
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Series Volume |
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Series Issue |
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Edition |
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ISSN |
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ISBN |
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Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles |
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Impact Factor |
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Times cited |
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Open Access |
OpenAccess |
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Notes |
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Approved |
Most recent IF: NA |
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Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:189599 |
Serial |
7182 |
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| Permanent link to this record |
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Author |
Ehirim, T.J.; Ozoemena, O.C.; Mwonga, P.V.; Haruna, A.B.; Mofokeng, T.P.; De Wael, K.; Ozoemena, K.I. |
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Title |
Onion-like carbons provide a favorable electrocatalytic platform for the sensitive detection of tramadol drug |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
| |
Year |
2022 |
Publication |
ACS Omega |
Abbreviated Journal |
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| |
Volume |
7 |
Issue |
51 |
Pages |
47892-47905 |
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| |
Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Antwerp Electrochemical and Analytical Sciences Lab (A-Sense Lab) |
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Abstract |
This work reports the first study on the possible application of nanodiamond-derived onion-like carbons (OLCs), in comparison with conductive carbon black (CB), as an electrode platform for the electrocatalytic detection of tramadol (an important drug of abuse). The physicochemical properties of OLCs and CB were determined using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The OLC exhibits, among others, higher surface area, more surface defects, and higher thermal stability than CB. From the electrochemical analysis (interrogated using cyclic voltammetry, differential pulse voltammetry, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy), it is shown that an OLC-modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE-OLC) allows faster electron transport and electrocatalysis toward tramadol compared to a GCE-CB. To establish the underlying science behind the high performance of the OLC, theoretical calculations (density functional theory (DFT) simulations) were conducted. DFT predicts that OLC allows for weaker surface binding of tramadol (Ead = -26.656 eV) and faster kinetic energy (K.E. = -155.815 Ha) than CB (Ead = -40.174 eV and -305.322 Ha). The GCE-OLC shows a linear calibration curve for tramadol over the range of similar to 55 to 392 mu M, with high sensitivity (0.0315 mu A/mu M) and low limit of detection (LoD) and quantification (LoQ) (3.8 and 12.7 mu M, respectively). The OLC-modified screen-printed electrode (SPE-OLC) was successfully applied for the sensitive detection of tramadol in real pharmaceutical formulations and human serum. The OLC-based electrochemical sensor promises to be useful for the sensitive and accurate detection of tramadol in clinics, quality control, and routine quantification of tramadol drugs in pharmaceutical formulations. |
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Corporate Author |
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Thesis |
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Place of Publication |
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Editor |
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Language |
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Wos |
000903165200001 |
Publication Date |
2022-12-15 |
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Series Editor |
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Series Title |
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Abbreviated Series Title |
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Series Volume |
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Series Issue |
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Edition |
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ISSN |
2470-1343 |
ISBN |
|
Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles |
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Impact Factor |
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Times cited |
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Open Access |
OpenAccess |
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Notes |
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Approved |
no |
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Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:193391 |
Serial |
8908 |
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| Permanent link to this record |
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Author |
Missen, O.P.; Mills, S.J.; Canossa, S.; Hadermann, J.; Nenert, G.; Weil, M.; Libowitzky, E.; Housley, R.M.; Artner, W.; Kampf, A.R.; Rumsey, M.S.; Spratt, J.; Momma, K.; Dunstan, M.A. |
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Title |
Polytypism in mcalpineite : a study of natural and synthetic Cu₃TeO₆ |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
| |
Year |
2022 |
Publication |
Acta Crystallographica. Section B: Structural Science, Crystal Engineering and Materials (Online) |
Abbreviated Journal |
Acta Crystallogr B |
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| |
Volume |
78 |
Issue |
1 |
Pages |
|
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| |
Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT) |
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| |
Abstract |
Synthetic and naturally occurring forms of tricopper orthotellurate, (Cu3TeO6)-Te-II-O-IV (the mineral mcalpineite) have been investigated by 3D electron diffraction (3D ED), X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), Raman and infrared (IR) spectroscopic measurements. As a result of the diffraction analyses, (Cu3TeO6)-Te-II-O-IV is shown to occur in two polytypes. The higher-symmetric (Cu3TeO6)-Te-II-O-IV-1C polytype is cubic, space group 1a (3) over bar, with a = 9.537 (1) angstrom and V = 867.4 (3) angstrom(3) as reported in previous studies. The 1C polytype is a well characterized structure consisting of alternating layers of (CuO6)-O-II octahedra and both (CuO6)-O-II and (TeO6)-O-VI octahedra in a patchwork arrangement. The structure of the lower-symmetric orthorhombic (Cu3TeO6)-Te-II-O-IV-2O polytype was determined for the first time in this study by 3D ED and verified by Rietveld refinement. The 2O polytype crystallizes in space group Pcca, with a = 9.745 (3) angstrom, b = 9.749 (2) angstrom, c = 9.771 (2) angstrom and V = 928.3 (4) angstrom(3) . High-precision XRPD data were also collected on (Cu3TeO6)-Te-II-O-IV-2O to verify the lower-symmetric structure by performing a Rietveld refinement. The resultant structure is identical to that determined by 3D ED, with unit-cell parameters a = 9.56157 (19) angstrom, b = 9.55853 (11) angstrom, c = 9.62891 (15) angstrom and V = 880.03 (2) angstrom(3) . The lower symmetry of the 2O polytype is a consequence of a different cation ordering arrangement, which involves the movement of every second (CuO6)-O-II and (TeO6)-O-VI octahedral layer by (1/4, 1/4, 0), leading to an offset of (TeO6)-O-VI and (CuO6)-O-II octahedra in every second layer giving an ABAB* stacking arrangement. Syntheses of (Cu3TeO6)-Te-II-O-IV showed that low-temperature (473 K) hydrothermal conditions generally produce the 2O polytype. XRPD measurements in combination with Raman spectroscopic analysis showed that most natural mcalpineite is the orthorhombic 2O polytype. Both XRPD and Raman spectroscopy measurements may be used to differentiate between the two polytypes of (Cu3TeO6)-Te-II-O-IV. In Raman spectroscopy, (Cu3TeO6)-Te-II-O-IV-1C has a single strong band around 730 cm(-1), whereas (Cu3TeO6)-Te-II-O-IV-2O shows a broad double maximum with bands centred around 692 and 742 cm(-1). |
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Address |
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Corporate Author |
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Thesis |
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Publisher |
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Place of Publication |
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Editor |
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Language |
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Wos |
000752899700003 |
Publication Date |
2022-01-18 |
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Series Editor |
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Series Title |
|
Abbreviated Series Title |
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| |
Series Volume |
|
Series Issue |
|
Edition |
|
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| |
ISSN |
2052-5206 |
ISBN |
|
Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles |
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| |
Impact Factor |
1.9 |
Times cited |
|
Open Access |
OpenAccess |
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Notes |
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Approved |
Most recent IF: 1.9 |
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Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:186529 |
Serial |
6962 |
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| Permanent link to this record |
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Author |
Choisez, L.; Ding, L.; Marteleur, M.; Kashiwar, A.; Idrissi, H.; Jacques, P.J. |
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Title |
Shear banding-activated dynamic recrystallization and phase transformation during quasi-static loading of β-metastable Ti – 12 wt % Mo alloy |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
| |
Year |
2022 |
Publication |
Acta materialia |
Abbreviated Journal |
Acta Mater |
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| |
Volume |
235 |
Issue |
|
Pages |
118088-13 |
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Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT) |
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| |
Abstract |
Dynamic recrystallization (DRX) within adiabatic shear bands forming during the fracture of TRIP-TWIP β−metastable Ti-12Mo (wt %) alloy was recently reported. The formation of 1-3 µm thick-adiabatic shear bands, and of dynamic recrystallization, was quite surprising as their occurrence generally requires high temperature and/or high strain rate loading while these samples were loaded in quasi-static conditions at room temperature. To better understand the fracture mechanism and associated microstructural evolution, thin foils representative of different stages of the fracture process were machined from the fracture surface by Focused Ion Beam (FIB) and analyzed by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and Automated Crystal Orientation mapping (ACOM-TEM). Complex microstructure transformations involving severe plastic deformed nano-structuration, crystalline rotation and local precipitation of the omega phase were identified. The spatial and temporal evolution of the microstructure during the propagation of the crack was explained through dynamic recovery and continuous dynamic recrystallization, and linked to the modelled distribution of temperature and strain level where TEM samples were extracted. |
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Corporate Author |
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Thesis |
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Publisher |
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Place of Publication |
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Editor |
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Language |
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Wos |
000814729300005 |
Publication Date |
2022-06-05 |
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Series Editor |
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Series Title |
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Abbreviated Series Title |
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Series Volume |
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Series Issue |
|
Edition |
|
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| |
ISSN |
1359-6454 |
ISBN |
|
Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles |
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| |
Impact Factor |
9.4 |
Times cited |
|
Open Access |
OpenAccess |
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| |
Notes |
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Approved |
Most recent IF: 9.4 |
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| |
Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:188505 |
Serial |
7096 |
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| Permanent link to this record |
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Author |
Arseenko, M.; Hannard, F.; Ding, L.; Zhao, L.; Maire, E.; Villanova, J.; Idrissi, H.; Simar, A. |
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Title |
A new healing strategy for metals : programmed damage and repair |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
| |
Year |
2022 |
Publication |
Acta materialia |
Abbreviated Journal |
Acta Mater |
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| |
Volume |
238 |
Issue |
|
Pages |
118241-10 |
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Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT) |
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Abstract |
Self-healing strategies aim at avoiding part repair or even replacement, which is time consuming, expen-sive and generates waste. However, strategies for metallic systems are still under-developed and solid-state solutions for room temperature service are limited to nano-scale damage repair. Here we propose a new healing strategy of micron-sized damage requiring only short and low temperature heating. This new strategy is based on damage localization particles, which can be healed by fast diffusing atoms of the matrix activated during heat treatment. The healing concept was successfully validated with a com-mercial aluminum alloy and manufactured by Friction Stir Processing (FSP). Damage was demonstrated to initiate on particles that were added to the matrix during material processing. In situ 2D and 3D nano -imaging confirmed healing of the damaged material and showed that heating this material for 10 min at 400 degrees C is sufficient to heal incipient damage with complete filling of 70% of all damage (and up to 90% when their initial size is below 0.2 mu m). Furthermore, strength is retained and the work of fracture of the alloy is improved by about 40% after healing. The proposed Programmed Damage and Repair healing strategy could be extended to other metal based systems presenting precipitation. (C) 2022 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. |
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Address |
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Corporate Author |
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Thesis |
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Publisher |
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Place of Publication |
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Editor |
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Language |
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Wos |
000843502700006 |
Publication Date |
2022-08-03 |
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Series Editor |
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Series Title |
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Abbreviated Series Title |
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Series Volume |
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Series Issue |
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Edition |
|
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| |
ISSN |
1359-6454 |
ISBN |
|
Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles |
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| |
Impact Factor |
9.4 |
Times cited |
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Open Access |
Not_Open_Access |
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Notes |
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Approved |
Most recent IF: 9.4 |
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Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:190561 |
Serial |
7121 |
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| Permanent link to this record |
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Author |
Guo, A.; Bai, H.; Liang, Q.; Feng, L.; Su, X.; Van Tendeloo, G.; Wu, J. |
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Title |
Resistive switching in Ag₂Te semiconductor modulated by Ag+-ion diffusion and phase transition |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
| |
Year |
2022 |
Publication |
Advanced Electronic Materials |
Abbreviated Journal |
Adv Electron Mater |
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Volume |
|
Issue |
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Pages |
2200850-2200858 |
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Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT) |
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Abstract |
Memristors are considered to be the fourth circuit element and have great potential in areas like logic operations, information storage, and neuromorphic computing. The functional material in a memristor, which has a nonlinear resistance, is the key component to be developed. Herein, resistive switching is demonstrated and the structural evolutions in Ag2Te are examined under an external electric field. It is shown that the electroresistance effect is originating from an electronically triggered phase transition together with directional Ag+-ion diffusion. Using in situ transmission electron microscopy, the phase transition from the monoclinic alpha-Ag2Te into the face-centered cubic beta-Ag2Te, accompanied by a change in resistance, is directly observed. Diffusion of Ag+-ions modulates the localized density of Ag+-ion vacancies, leading to a change in electrical conductivity and influences the threshold voltage to trigger the phase transition. During the electric field-driven phase transition, the spontaneous and localized multiple polarizations from the low-symmetry alpha-Ag2Te (referring to an antiferroelectric structure) are vanishing in the cubic beta-Ag2Te (referring to a paraelectric structure). The abrupt resistance change of thin Ag2Te caused by the phase transition and modulated by the applied electric field demonstrates its great potential as functional material in volatile memory and memristors with a low-energy consumption. |
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Address |
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Corporate Author |
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Thesis |
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Publisher |
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Place of Publication |
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Editor |
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Language |
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Wos |
000855728500001 |
Publication Date |
2022-09-21 |
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Series Editor |
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Series Title |
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Abbreviated Series Title |
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Series Volume |
|
Series Issue |
|
Edition |
|
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| |
ISSN |
2199-160x |
ISBN |
|
Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles |
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| |
Impact Factor |
6.2 |
Times cited |
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Open Access |
Not_Open_Access |
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Notes |
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Approved |
Most recent IF: 6.2 |
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Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:190582 |
Serial |
7203 |
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| Permanent link to this record |
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Author |
Lu, W.; Cui, W.; Zhao, W.; Lin, W.; Liu, C.; Van Tendeloo, G.; Sang, X.; Zhao, W.; Zhang, Q. |
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Title |
In situ atomistic insight into magnetic metal diffusion across Bi0.5Sb1.5Te3 quintuple layers |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
| |
Year |
2022 |
Publication |
Advanced Materials Interfaces |
Abbreviated Journal |
Adv Mater Interfaces |
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Volume |
|
Issue |
|
Pages |
2102161 |
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Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT) |
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Abstract |
Diffusion and occupancy of magnetic atoms in van der Waals (VDW) layered materials have significant impact on applications such as energy storage, thermoelectrics, catalysis, and topological phenomena. However, due to the weak VDW bonding, most research focus on in-plane diffusion within the VDW gap, while out-of-plane diffusion has rarely been reported. Here, to investigate out-of-plane diffusion in VDW-layered Bi2Te3-based alloys, a Ni/Bi0.5Sb1.5Te3 heterointerface is synthesized by depositing magnetic Ni metal on a mechanically exfoliated Bi0.5Sb1.5Te3 (0001) substrate. Diffusion of Ni atoms across the Bi0.5Sb1.5Te3 quintuple layers is directly observed at elevated temperatures using spherical-aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM). Density functional theory calculations demonstrate that the diffusion energy barrier of Ni atoms is only 0.31-0.45 eV when they diffuse through Te-3(Bi, Sb)(3) octahedron chains. Atomic-resolution in situ STEM reveals that the distortion of the Te-3(Bi, Sb)(3) octahedron, induced by the Ni occupancy, drives the formation of coherent NiM (M = Bi, Sb, Te) at the heterointerfaces. This work can lead to new strategies to design novel thermoelectric and topological materials by introducing magnetic dopants to VDW-layered materials. |
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Address |
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Corporate Author |
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Thesis |
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Publisher |
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Place of Publication |
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Editor |
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Language |
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Wos |
000751742300001 |
Publication Date |
2022-02-07 |
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Series Editor |
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Series Title |
|
Abbreviated Series Title |
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Series Volume |
|
Series Issue |
|
Edition |
|
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ISSN |
2196-7350 |
ISBN |
|
Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles |
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Impact Factor |
5.4 |
Times cited |
|
Open Access |
Not_Open_Access |
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Notes |
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Approved |
Most recent IF: 5.4 |
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Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:186421 |
Serial |
6960 |
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| Permanent link to this record |
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Author |
Ying, J.; Lenaerts, S.; Symes, M.D.; Yang, X.-Y. |
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Title |
Hierarchical design in nanoporous metals |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
| |
Year |
2022 |
Publication |
Advanced Science |
Abbreviated Journal |
Adv Sci |
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| |
Volume |
9 |
Issue |
27 |
Pages |
2106117-2106120 |
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Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL) |
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Abstract |
Hierarchically porous metals possess intriguing high accessibility of matter molecules and unique continuous metallic frameworks, as well as a high level of exposed active atoms. High rates of diffusion and fast energy transfer have been important and challenging goals of hierarchical design and porosity control with nanostructured metals. This review aims to summarize recent important progress toward the development of hierarchically porous metals, with special emphasis on synthetic strategies, hierarchical design in structure-function and corresponding applications. The current challenges and future prospects in this field are also discussed. |
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Address |
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Corporate Author |
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Thesis |
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Publisher |
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Place of Publication |
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Editor |
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Language |
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Wos |
000831201000001 |
Publication Date |
2022-07-28 |
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Series Editor |
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Series Title |
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Abbreviated Series Title |
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Series Volume |
|
Series Issue |
|
Edition |
|
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| |
ISSN |
2198-3844 |
ISBN |
|
Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles |
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| |
Impact Factor |
15.1 |
Times cited |
|
Open Access |
OpenAccess |
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| |
Notes |
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Approved |
Most recent IF: 15.1 |
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Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:189646 |
Serial |
7170 |
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| Permanent link to this record |
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Author |
Biely, K.; Von Muenchhausen, S.; Van Passel, S. |
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Title |
Vertical integration as a strategy to increase value absorption by primary producers : the Belgian sugar beet and the German rapeseed case |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
| |
Year |
2022 |
Publication |
AIMS Agriculture and Food |
Abbreviated Journal |
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| |
Volume |
7 |
Issue |
3 |
Pages |
659-682 |
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Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Pharmacology. Therapy; Engineering Management (ENM) |
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Abstract |
Vertical integration is a means of increasing market power. For some agricultural products, it is easier for farmers to exert control over their product beyond the farm gate, but for others it is more difficult. Cases in the latter category have two main characteristics. First, the farmer cannot sell the respective product to final consumers without processing. Second, processing is capital-intensive. Consequently, farmers have limited sales channels, and vertical integration of the supply chain is complex and challenging. It implies cooperation among farmers to process the raw material at a profitable scale and to finance the installation of processing facilities. Thus, for these product categories, farmers are prone to market power issues, since they depend on private businesses that have the financial means to install processing facilities and the logistical capacities to organize the collection of large amounts of raw material. This paper aims to identify and analyze the role of supply chain integration for farmers who are already cooperating horizontally. Two case studies serve as the basis for the analysis: sugar beet in Flanders, Belgium, and oilseed rape in Hessen, Germany. The analysis is based on a qualitative research approach combining interviews, focus groups, and workshops with farmers and processors. While for sugar beet, the effects of market power are emerging only now with the termination of the quota system, farmers growing oilseed rape have been experiencing these problems since the 1990s. Our analysis concludes that most strategies to maintain or improve farm income have been exhausted. Even various forms of vertical integration supported by European policies do not necessarily work as a successful strategy. |
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Address |
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Corporate Author |
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Thesis |
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Publisher |
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Place of Publication |
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Editor |
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Language |
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Wos |
000860666800001 |
Publication Date |
2022-08-17 |
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Series Editor |
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Series Title |
|
Abbreviated Series Title |
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| |
Series Volume |
|
Series Issue |
|
Edition |
|
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| |
ISSN |
2471-2086 |
ISBN |
|
Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record |
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| |
Impact Factor |
1.8 |
Times cited |
|
Open Access |
OpenAccess |
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| |
Notes |
|
Approved |
Most recent IF: 1.8 |
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| |
Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:191514 |
Serial |
7374 |
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| Permanent link to this record |
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Author |
Neven, L.; Barich, H.; Sleegers, N.; Cánovas, R.; Debruyne, G.; De Wael, K. |
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Title |
Development of a combi-electrosensor for the detection of phenol by combining photoelectrochemistry and square wave voltammetry |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
| |
Year |
2022 |
Publication |
Analytica chimica acta |
Abbreviated Journal |
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| |
Volume |
1206 |
Issue |
|
Pages |
339732 |
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Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Antwerp Electrochemical and Analytical Sciences Lab (A-Sense Lab) |
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Abstract |
The high toxicity, endocrine-disrupting effects and low (bio)degradability commonly attributed to phenolic compounds have promoted their recognition as priority toxic pollutants. For this reason, the monitoring of these compounds in industrial, domestic and agricultural streams is crucial to prevent and decrease their toxicity in our daily life. To confront this relevant environmental issue, we propose the use of a combi-electrosensor which combines singlet oxygen (1O2)-based photoelectrochemistry (PEC) with square wave voltammetry (SWV). The high sensitivity of the PEC sensor (being a faster alternative for traditional COD measurements) ensures the detection of nmol L−1 levels of phenolic compounds while the SWV measurements (being faster than the color test kits) allow the differentiation between phenolic compounds. Herein, we report on the development of such a combi-electrosensor for the sensitive and selective detection of phenol (PHOH) in the presence of related phenolic compounds such as hydroquinone (HQ), bisphenol A (BPA), resorcinol (RC) and catechol (CC). The PEC sensor was able to determine the concentration of PHOH in spiked river samples containing only PHOH with a recovery between 96% and 111%. The SWV measurements elucidated the presence of PHOH, HQ and CC in the spiked samples containing multiple phenol compounds. Finally, the practicality of the combi-electrosensor set-up with a dual SPE containing two working electrodes and shared reference and counter electrodes was demonstrated. As a result, the combination of the two techniques is a powerful and valuable tool in the analysis of phenolic samples, since each technique improves the general performance by overcoming the inherent drawbacks that they display independently. |
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Address |
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Corporate Author |
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Thesis |
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Publisher |
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Place of Publication |
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Editor |
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Language |
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Wos |
000793070200016 |
Publication Date |
2022-03-16 |
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Series Title |
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Abbreviated Series Title |
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Series Volume |
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Series Issue |
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Edition |
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ISSN |
0003-2670; 1873-4324 |
ISBN |
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Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles |
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Impact Factor |
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Times cited |
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Open Access |
OpenAccess |
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Notes |
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Approved |
no |
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Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:187499 |
Serial |
8848 |
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| Permanent link to this record |
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Author |
Moro, G.; Foumthuim, C.J.D.; Spinaci, M.; Martini, E.; Cimino, D.; Balliana, E.; Lieberzeit, P.; Romano, F.; Giacometti, A.; Campos, R.; De Wael, K.; Moretto, L.M. |
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Title |
How perfluoroalkyl substances modify fluorinated self-assembled monolayer architectures : an electrochemical and computational study |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
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Year |
2022 |
Publication |
Analytica chimica acta |
Abbreviated Journal |
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Volume |
1204 |
Issue |
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Pages |
339740-12 |
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Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Antwerp Electrochemical and Analytical Sciences Lab (A-Sense Lab) |
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Abstract |
There is an urgent need for sensing strategies to screen perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in aqueous matrices. These strategies must be applicable in large-scale monitoring plans to face the ubiquitous use of PFAS, their wide global spread, and their fast evolution towards short-chain, branched molecules. To this aim, the changes in fluorinated self-assembled monolayers (SAM) with different architectures (pinholes/defects-free and with randomized pinholes/defects) were studied upon exposure to both long and short-chain PFAS. The applicability of fluorinated SAM in PFAS sensing was evaluated. Changes in the SAM structures were characterised combining electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and voltam-metric techniques. The experimental data interpretation was supported by molecular dynamics simu-lations to gain a more in-depth understanding of the interaction mechanisms involved. Pinhole/defect-free fluorinated SAM were found to be applicable to long-chain PFAS screening within switch-on sensing strategy, while a switch-off sensing strategy was reported for screening of both short/long-chain PFAS. These strategies confirmed the possibility to play on fluorophilic interactions when designing PFAS screening methods.(c) 2022 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. |
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Place of Publication |
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Wos |
000789493000010 |
Publication Date |
2022-03-17 |
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Series Editor |
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Series Title |
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Abbreviated Series Title |
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Series Volume |
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Series Issue |
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Edition |
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ISSN |
0003-2670; 1873-4324 |
ISBN |
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Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles |
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Impact Factor |
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Times cited |
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Open Access |
Not_Open_Access |
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Notes |
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Approved |
no |
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Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:188658 |
Serial |
8880 |
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| Permanent link to this record |
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Author |
Neven, L.; Barich, H.; Ching, H.Y.V.; Khan, S.U.; Colomier, C.; Patel, H.H.; Gorun, S.M.; Verbruggen, S.; Van Doorslaer, S.; De Wael, K. |
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Title |
Correlation between the fluorination degree of perfluorinated zinc phthalocyanines, their singlet oxygen generation ability, and their photoelectrochemical response for phenol sensing |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
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Year |
2022 |
Publication |
Analytical chemistry |
Abbreviated Journal |
Anal Chem |
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Volume |
94 |
Issue |
13 |
Pages |
5221-5230 |
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Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Organic synthesis (ORSY); Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL); Antwerp Electrochemical and Analytical Sciences Lab (A-Sense Lab) |
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Abstract |
Electron-withdrawing perfluoroalkyl peripheral groups grafted on phthalocyanine (Pc) macrocycles improve their single-site isolation, solubility, and resistance to self-oxidation, all beneficial features for catalytic applications. A high degree of fluorination also enhances the reducibility of Pcs and could alter their singlet oxygen (1O2) photoproduction. The ethanol/toluene 20:80 vol % solvent mixture was found to dissolve perfluorinated FnPcZn complexes, n = 16, 52, and 64, and minimize the aggregation of the sterically unencumbered F16PcZn. The 1O2 production ability of FnPcZn complexes was examined using 9,10-dimethylanthracene (DMA) and 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine (TEMP) in combination with UV–vis and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy, respectively. While the photoreduction of F52PcZn and F64PcZn in the presence of redox-active TEMP lowered 1O2 production, DMA was a suitable 1O2 trap for ranking the complexes. The solution reactivity was complemented by solid-state studies via the construction of photoelectrochemical sensors based on TiO2-supported FnPcZn, FnPcZn|TiO2. Phenol photo-oxidation by 1O2, followed by its electrochemical reduction, defines a redox cycle, the 1O2 production having been found to depend on the value of n and structural features of the supported complexes. Consistent with solution studies, F52PcZn was found to be the most efficient 1O2 generator. The insights on reactivity testing and structural–activity relationships obtained may be useful for designing efficient and robust sensors and for other 1O2-related applications of FnPcZn. |
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Corporate Author |
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Publisher |
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Place of Publication |
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Editor |
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Language |
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Wos |
000786254500002 |
Publication Date |
2022-03-22 |
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Series Editor |
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Series Title |
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Abbreviated Series Title |
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Series Volume |
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Series Issue |
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Edition |
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ISSN |
0003-2700; 5206-882x |
ISBN |
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Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles |
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Impact Factor |
7.4 |
Times cited |
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Open Access |
OpenAccess |
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Notes |
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Approved |
Most recent IF: 7.4 |
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Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:187522 |
Serial |
7141 |
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| Permanent link to this record |
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Author |
Girard-Sahun, F.; Lefrancois, P.; Badets, V.; Arbault, S.; Clement, F. |
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Title |
Direct sensing of superoxide and its relatives reactive oxygen and nitrogen species in phosphate buffers during cold atmospheric plasmas exposures |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
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Year |
2022 |
Publication |
Analytical Chemistry |
Abbreviated Journal |
Anal Chem |
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Volume |
94 |
Issue |
14 |
Pages |
5555-5565 |
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Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT) |
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Abstract |
This study aims at sensing in situ reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) and specifically superoxide anion (O-2(center dot-)) in aqueous buffer solutions exposed to cold atmospheric plasmas (CAPs). CAPs were generated by ionizing He gas shielded with variable N-2/O-2 mixtures. Thanks to ultramicroelectrodes protected against the high electric fields transported by the ionization waves of CAPs, the production of superoxide and several RONS was electrochemically directly detected in liquids during their plasma exposure. Complementarily, optical emissive spectroscopy (OES) was used to study the plasma phase composition and its correlation with the chemistry in the exposed liquid. The specific production of O-2(center dot-), a biologically reactive redox species, was analyzed by cyclic voltammetry (CV), in both alkaline (pH 11), where the species is fairly stable, and physiological (pH 7.4) conditions, where it is unstable. To understand its generation with respect to the plasma chemistry, we varied the shielding gas composition of CAPs to directly impact on the RONS composition at the plasma-liquid interface. We observed that the production and accumulation of RONS in liquids, including O(2)(center dot-)depends on the plasma composition, with N-2-based shieldings providing the highest superoxide concentrations (few 10s of micromolar at most) and of its derivatives (hundreds of micromolar). In situ spectroscopic and electrochemical analyses provide a high resolution kinetic and quantitative understanding of the interactions between CAPs and physiological solutions for biomedical applications. |
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Wos |
000805334400013 |
Publication Date |
2022-03-28 |
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Series Editor |
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Series Title |
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Abbreviated Series Title |
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Series Volume |
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Series Issue |
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Edition |
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ISSN |
0003-2700; 5206-882x |
ISBN |
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Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record |
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Impact Factor |
7.4 |
Times cited |
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Open Access |
OpenAccess |
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Notes |
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Approved |
Most recent IF: 7.4 |
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Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:189093 |
Serial |
7143 |
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Author |
Khan, S.U.; Trashin, S.; Beltran, V.; Korostei, Y.S.; Pelmus, M.; Gorun, S.M.; Dubinina, T., V.; Verbruggen, S.W.; De Wael, K. |
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Title |
Photoelectrochemical behavior of phthalocyanine-sensitized TiO₂ in the presence of electron-shuttling mediators |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
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Year |
2022 |
Publication |
Analytical chemistry |
Abbreviated Journal |
Anal Chem |
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Volume |
94 |
Issue |
37 |
Pages |
12723-12731 |
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Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL); Antwerp Electrochemical and Analytical Sciences Lab (A-Sense Lab) |
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Abstract |
Dye-sensitized TiO(2 )has found many applications for dye sensitized solar cells (DSSC), solar-to-chemical energy conversion, water/air purification systems, and (electro)chemical sensors. We report an electrochemical system for testing dye-sensitized materials that can be utilized in photoelectrochemical (PEC) sensors and energy conversion. Unlike related systems, the reported system does not require a direct electron transfer from semiconductors to electrodes. Rather, it relies on electron shuttling by redox mediators. A range of model photocatalytic materials were prepared using three different TiO2 materials (P25, P90, and PC500) and three sterically hindered phthalocyanines (Pcs) with electron-rich tert-butyl substituents (t-Bu4PcZn, t-Bu4PcAlCl, and t-Bu4PcH2). The materials were compared with previously developed TiO(2 )modified by electron-deficient, also sterically hindered fluorinated phthalocyanine F64PcZn, a singlet oxygen (O-1(2)) producer, as well as its metal-free derivative, F64PcH2. The PEC activity depended on the redox mediator, as well as the type of TiO2 and Pc. By comparing the responses of one-electron shuttles, such as K4Fe(CN)(4), and O-1(2)-reactive electron shuttles, such as phenol, it is possible to reveal the action mechanism of the supported photosensitizers, while the overall activity can be assessed using hydroquinone. t-Bu4PcAlCl showed significantly lower blank responses and higher specific responses toward chlorophenols compared to t-Bu4PcZn due to the electron-withdrawing effect of the Al3+ metal center. The combination of reactivity insights and the need for only microgram amounts of sensing materials renders the reported system advantageous for practical applications. |
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Wos |
000855284300001 |
Publication Date |
2022-09-12 |
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Series Editor |
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Abbreviated Series Title |
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Series Volume |
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Series Issue |
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Edition |
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ISSN |
0003-2700; 5206-882x |
ISBN |
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Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles |
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Impact Factor |
7.4 |
Times cited |
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Open Access |
OpenAccess |
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Notes |
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Approved |
Most recent IF: 7.4 |
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Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:190602 |
Serial |
7190 |
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Author |
Ma, X.; Pavlidis, G.; Dillon, E.; Beltran, V.; Schwartz, J.J.; Thoury, M.; Borondics, F.; Sandt, C.; Kjoller, K.; Berrie, B.H.; Centrone, A. |
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Title |
Micro to nano : multiscale IR analyses reveal zinc soap heterogeneity in a 19th-century painting by Corot |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
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Year |
2022 |
Publication |
Analytical chemistry |
Abbreviated Journal |
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Volume |
94 |
Issue |
7 |
Pages |
3103-3110 |
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Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Antwerp Electrochemical and Analytical Sciences Lab (A-Sense Lab) |
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Abstract |
Formation and aggregation of metal carboxylates (metal soaps) can degrade the appearance and integrity of oil paints, challenging efforts to conserve painted works of art. Endeavors to understand the root cause of metal soap formation have been hampered by the limited spatial resolution of Fourier transform infrared microscopy (mu-FTIR). We overcome this limitation using optical photothermal infrared spectroscopy (O-PTIR) and photothermal-induced resonance (PTIR), two novel methods that provide IR spectra with approximate to 500 and approximate to 10 nm spatial resolutions, respectively. The distribution of chemical phases in thin sections from the top layer of a 19th-century painting is investigated at multiple scales (mu-FTIR approximate to 10(2) mu m(3), O-PTIR approximate to 10(-1) mu m(3), PTIR approximate to 10(-5) mu m(3)). The paint samples analyzed here are found to be mixtures of pigments (cobalt green, lead white), cured oil, and a rich array of intermixed, small (often << 0.1 mu m(3)) zinc soap domains. We identify Zn stearate and Zn oleate crystalline soaps with characteristic narrow IR peaks (approximate to 1530-1558 cm(-1)) and a heterogeneous, disordered, water-permeable, tetrahedral zinc soap phase, with a characteristic broad peak centered at approximate to 1596 cm(-1). We show that the high signal-to-noise ratio and spatial resolution afforded by O-PTIR are ideal for identifying phase-separated (or locally concentrated) species with low average concentration, while PTIR provides an unprecedented nanoscale view of distributions and associations of species in paint. This newly accessible nanocompositional information will advance our knowledge of chemical processes in oil paint and will stimulate new art conservation practices. |
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Wos |
000766206700011 |
Publication Date |
2022-02-09 |
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Abbreviated Series Title |
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Series Volume |
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Series Issue |
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Edition |
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ISSN |
0003-2700; 5206-882x |
ISBN |
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Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles |
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Impact Factor |
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Times cited |
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Open Access |
OpenAccess |
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Notes |
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Approved |
no |
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Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:187380 |
Serial |
8897 |
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| Permanent link to this record |
