“Charged-impurity correlations in a δ-doped quantum barrier”. Koenraad PM, Shi JM, van de Stadt AFW, Smets A, Perenboom JAAJ, Peeters FM, Devreese JT, Wolter JH, , 2351 (1996)
Keywords: P3 Proceeding; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT); Theory of quantum systems and complex systems
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“Charged-impurity correlations in Si ?-doped GaAs”. Shi JM, Koenraad PM, van de Stadt AFW, Peeters FM, Devreese JT, Wolter JH, , 2351 (1996)
Keywords: P3 Proceeding; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT); Theory of quantum systems and complex systems
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“The (3 + 2)D structure of oxygen deficient LaSrCuO3.52”. Hadermann J, Pérez O, Créon N, Michel C, Hervieu M, Journal of materials chemistry 17, 2344 (2007). http://doi.org/10.1039/b701449j
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Times cited: 7
DOI: 10.1039/b701449j
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“Highly selective gas separation membrane using in situ amorphised metal-organic frameworks”. Kertik A, Wee LH, Pfannmöller M, Bals S, Martens JA, Vankelecom IFJ, Energy &, environmental science 10, 2342 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1039/C7EE01872J
Abstract: Conventional carbon dioxide (CO2) separation in the petrochemical industry via cryogenic distillation is energy intensive and environmentally unfriendly. Alternatively, polymer membrane-based separations are of significant interest owing to low production cost, low-energy consumption and ease of upscaling. However, the implementation of commercial polymeric membranes is limited by their permeability and selectivity trade-off and the insufficient thermal and chemical stability. Herein, a novel type of amorphous mixed matrix membrane (MMM) able to separate CO2/CH4 mixtures with the highest selectivities ever reported for MOF based MMMs is presented. The MMM consists of an amorphised metal-organic framework (MOF) dispersed in an oxidatively cross-linked matrix achieved by fine tuning of the thermal treatment temperature in air up to 350 degrees C which drastically boosts the separation properties of the MMM. Thanks to the protection of the surrounding polymer, full oxidation of this MOF (i.e. ZIF-8) is prevented, and amorphisation of the MOF is realized instead, thus in situ creating a molecular sieve network. In addition, the treatment also improves the filler-polymer adhesion and induces an oxidative cross-linking of the polyimide matrix, resulting in MMMs with increased stability or plasticization resistance at high pressure up to 40 bar, marking a new milestone as new molecular sieve MOF MMMs for challenging natural gas purification applications. A new field for the use of amorphised MOFs and a variety of separation opportunities for such MMMs are thus opened.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 29.518
Times cited: 122
DOI: 10.1039/C7EE01872J
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“ZnO nanorod arrays by plasma-enhanced CVD for light-activated functional applications”. Bekermann D, Gasparotto A, Barreca D, Devi A, Fischer RA, Kete M, Štangar UL, Lebedev OI, Maccato C, Tondello E, Van Tendeloo G, ChemPhysChem : a European journal of chemical physics and physical chemistry 11, 2337 (2010). http://doi.org/10.1002/cphc.201000333
Abstract: Switch of the surface properties: Supported ZnO nanorod arrays with tailored roughness and aspect ratios are successfully synthesized by plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition. Such nanostructures exhibit significant superhydrophilic and photocatalytic properties tunable as a function of their morphological organization (see picture). This renders them promising building blocks for the fabrication of stimuli-responsive materials.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 3.075
Times cited: 38
DOI: 10.1002/cphc.201000333
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“MXenes/graphene heterostructures for Li battery applications : a first principles study”. Aierken Y, Sevik C, Gulseren O, Peeters FM, Çakir D, Journal of materials chemistry A : materials for energy and sustainability 6, 2337 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1039/C7TA09001C
Abstract: MXenes are the newest class of two-dimensional (2D) materials, and they offer great potential in a wide range of applications including electronic devices, sensors, and thermoelectric and energy storage materials. In this work, we combined the outstanding electrical conductivity, that is essential for battery applications, of graphene with MXene monolayers (M2CX2 where M = Sc, Ti, V and X = OH, O) to explore its potential in Li battery applications. Through first principles calculations, we determined the stable stacking configurations of M2CX2/graphene bilayer heterostructures and their Li atom intercalation by calculating the Li binding energy, diffusion barrier and voltage. We found that: (1) for the ground state stacking, the interlayer binding is strong, yet the interlayer friction is small; (2) Li binds more strongly to the O-terminated monolayer, bilayer and heterostructure MXene systems when compared with the OHterminated MXenes due to the H+ induced repulsion to the Li atoms. The binding energy of Li decreases as the Li concentration increases due to enhanced repulsive interaction between the positively charged Li ions; (3) Ti2CO2/graphene and V2CO2/graphene heterostructures exhibit large Li atom binding energies making them the most promising candidates for battery applications. When fully loaded with Li atoms, the binding energy is -1.43 eV per Li atom and -1.78 eV per Li atom for Ti2CO2/graphene and V2CO2/graphene, respectively. These two heterostructures exhibit a nice compromise between storage capacity and kinetics. For example, the diffusion barrier of Li in Ti2CO2/graphene is around 0.3 eV which is comparable to that of graphite. Additionally, the calculated average voltages are 1.49 V and 1.93 V for Ti2CO2/graphene and V2CO2/graphene structures, respectively; (4) a small change in the in-plane lattice parameters (<1%), interatomic bond lengths and interlayer distances (<0.5 angstrom) proves the stability of the heterostructures against Li intercalation, and the impending phase separation into constituent layers and capacity fading during charge-discharge cycles in real battery applications; (5) as compared to bare M2CX2 bilayers, M2CX2/graphene heterostructures have lower molecular mass, offering high storage capacity; (6) the presence of graphene ensures good electrical conductivity that is essential for battery applications. Given these advantages, Ti2CO2/graphene and V2CO2/graphene heterostructures are predicted to be promising for lithium-ion battery applications.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 8.867
Times cited: 131
DOI: 10.1039/C7TA09001C
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“The remarkable and intriguing resistance to oxidation of 2D ordered hcp Co nanocrystals: a new intrinsic property”. Lisiecki I, Turner S, Bals S, Pileni MP, Van Tendeloo G, Chemistry of materials 21, 2335 (2009). http://doi.org/10.1021/cm900284u
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 9.466
Times cited: 28
DOI: 10.1021/cm900284u
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“Wave fronts and packets in 1D models of different meta-materials : graphene, left-handed media and transmission line”. Matulis A, Zarenia M, Peeters FM, Physica status solidi: B: basic research 252, 2330 (2015). http://doi.org/10.1002/pssb.201552023
Abstract: A comparative study is made of the propagation of wave packets and fronts in three different meta-media, i.e. graphene, left-handed media (LHM) and transmission lines, using one-dimensional models. It is shown that a potential step in graphene influences only the frequency of the electronic wave, i.e., the particular spectrum branch (electron or hole) to which the wave belongs to, while the envelop function (the wave front or packet form) remains unchanged. Although the model for a vacuum and LHM interface is similar to that of the potential step in graphene, the solutions are quite different due to differences in the chirality of the waves. Comparing the propagation of wave fronts and packets in a standard transmission line and its meta-analog we demonstrate that the propagating packets in the meta-line are much more deformed as compared to the standard one, including broadening, asymmetry and even the appearance of fast moving precursors. This influence is seen not only in the case of packets with steep fronts but in soft Gaussian packets as well.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 1.674
Times cited: 1
DOI: 10.1002/pssb.201552023
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“On the Anti-Cancer Effect of Cold Atmospheric Plasma and the Possible Role of Catalase-Dependent Apoptotic Pathways”. Bengtson C, Bogaerts A, Cells 9, 2330 (2020). http://doi.org/10.3390/cells9102330
Abstract: Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) is a promising new agent for (selective) cancer treatment, but the underlying cause of the anti-cancer effect of CAP is not well understood yet. Among different theories and observations, one theory in particular has been postulated in great detail and consists of a very complex network of reactions that are claimed to account for the anti-cancer effect of CAP. Here, the key concept is a reactivation of two specific apoptotic cell signaling pathways through catalase inactivation caused by CAP. Thus, it is postulated that the anti-cancer effect of CAP is due to its ability to inactivate catalase, either directly or indirectly. A theoretical investigation of the proposed theory, especially the role of catalase inactivation, can contribute to the understanding of the underlying cause of the anti-cancer effect of CAP. In the present study, we develop a mathematical model to analyze the proposed catalase-dependent anti-cancer effect of CAP. Our results show that a catalase-dependent reactivation of the two apoptotic pathways of interest is unlikely to contribute to the observed anti-cancer effect of CAP. Thus, we believe that other theories of the underlying cause should be considered and evaluated to gain knowledge about the principles of CAP-induced cancer cell death.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Times cited: 2
DOI: 10.3390/cells9102330
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“Revealing nanoscale structural TEM/HRTEM: application on ferroelectric ordering by PMN-PT relaxor ferroelectric”. Ghica C, Nistor L, Van Tendeloo G, Journal of optoelectronics and advanced materials 10, 2328 (2008)
Abstract: Nano-scale ordering may be revealed in transmission electron microscopy (TEM) by at least three techniques that will be presented in this work: selected area electron diffraction, conventional TEM and high-resolution TEM. Digital image processing is used to extract additional information from the high-resolution micrographs. The described methods are illustrated in a microstructural and compositional study of a 90%Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O-3-10%PbTiO2 ceramic sample. High-resolution images reveal the presence of ordered compositional nano-domains, observable in two specific crystallographic orientations. Antiphase boundaries lying in the (111) planes separate them, while (100) and (111) facets separate the ordered domains from the disordered matrix.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 0.449
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“Controlling the bioreceptor spatial distribution at the nanoscale for single molecule counting in microwell arrays”. Daems D, Rutten I, Bath J, Decrop D, Van Gorp H, Pérez Ruiz E, De Feyter S, Turberfield AJ, Lammertyn J, ACS sensors 4, 2327 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1021/ACSSENSORS.9B00877
Abstract: The ability to detect low concentrations of protein biomarkers is crucial for the early-stage detection of many diseases and therefore indispensable for improving diagnostic devices for healthcare. Here, we demonstrate that by integrating DNA nanotechnologies like DNA origami and aptamers, we can design innovative biosensing concepts for reproducible and sensitive detection of specific targets. DNA origami structures decorated with aptamers were studied as a novel tool to structure the biosensor surface with nanoscale precision in a digital detection bioassay, enabling control of the density, orientation, and accessibility of the bioreceptor to optimize the interaction between target and aptamer. DNA origami was used to control the spatial distribution of an in-house-generated aptamer on superparamagnetic microparticles, resulting in an origami-linked digital aptamer bioassay to detect the main peanut antigen Ara h1 with 2-fold improved signal-to-noise ratio and 15-fold improved limit of detection compared to a digital bioassay without DNA origami. Moreover, the sensitivity achieved was 4 orders of magnitude higher than commercially available and literature-reported enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay techniques. In conclusion, this novel and innovative approach to engineer biosensing interfaces will be of major interest to scientists and clinicians looking for new molecular insights and ultrasensitive detection of a broad range of targets, and, for the next generation of diagnostics.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
DOI: 10.1021/ACSSENSORS.9B00877
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“Cultural heritage and the environment”. Van Grieken R, Delalieux F, Gysels K, Pure and applied chemistry 70, 2327 (1998). http://doi.org/10.1351/PAC199870122327
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
DOI: 10.1351/PAC199870122327
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“New insights into the early stages of nanoparticle electrodeposition”. Ustarroz J, Ke X, Hubin A, Bals S, Terryn H, The journal of physical chemistry: C : nanomaterials and interfaces 116, 2322 (2012). http://doi.org/10.1021/jp210276z
Abstract: Electrodeposition is an increasingly important method to synthesize supported nanoparticles, yet the early stages of electrochemical nanoparticle formation are not perfectly understood. In this paper, the early stages of silver nanoparticle electrodeposition on carbon substrates have been studied by aberration-corrected TEM, using carbon-coated TEM grids as electrochemical electrodes. In this manner we have access to as-deposited nanoparticle size distribution and structural characterization at the atomic scale combined with electrochemical measurements, which represents a breakthrough in a full understanding of the nanoparticle electrodeposition mechanisms. Whereas classical models, based upon characterization at the nanoscale, assume that electrochemical growth is only driven by direct attachment, the results reported hereafter indicate that early nanoparticle growth is mostly driven by nanocluster surface movement and aggregation. Hence, we conclude that electrochemical nulceation and growth models should be revised and that an electrochemical aggregative growth mechanism should be considered in the early stages of nanoparticle electrodeposition.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 4.536
Times cited: 104
DOI: 10.1021/jp210276z
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“'Disordered' Ba(Mg1/3Ta2/3)O3 and its ordering transition”. Lei CH, Amelinckx S, Van Tendeloo G, Philosophical magazine: A: physics of condensed matter: defects and mechanical properties 82, 2321 (2002). http://doi.org/10.1080/01418610210138969
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Times cited: 5
DOI: 10.1080/01418610210138969
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“Low-dimensional semiconductor superlattices formed by geometric control over nanocrystal attachment”. Evers WH, Goris B, Bals S, Casavola M, de Graaf J, van Roij R, Dijkstra M, Vanmaekelbergh D, Nano letters 13, 2317 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1021/nl303322k
Abstract: Oriented attachment, the process in which nanometer-sized crystals fuse by atomic bonding of specific crystal facets, is expected to be more difficult to control than nanocrystal self-assembly that is driven by entropic factors or weak van der Waals attractions. Here, we present a study of oriented attachment of PbSe nanocrystals that counteract this tuition. The reaction was studied in a thin film of the suspension casted on an immiscible liquid at a given temperature. We report that attachment can be controlled such that it occurs with one type of facets exclusively. By control of the temperature and particle concentration we obtain one- or two-dimensional PbSe single crystals, the latter with a honeycomb or square superimposed periodicity in the nanometer range. We demonstrate the ability to convert these PbSe superstructures into other semiconductor compounds with the preservation of crystallinity and geometry.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 12.712
Times cited: 206
DOI: 10.1021/nl303322k
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“Static flexural modes and piezoelectricity in 2D and layered crystals”. Michel KH, Neek-Amal M, Peeters FM, Physica status solidi: B: basic research 253, 2311 (2016). http://doi.org/10.1002/PSSB.201600226
Abstract: Piezo- and flexoelectricity are manifestations of electromechanical coupling in solids with potential applications in nanoscale materials. Naumov etal. [Phys. Rev. Lett. 102, 217601 (2009)] have shown by first principles calculations that a monolayer BN sheet becomes macroscopically polarized in-plane when in a corrugated state. Here, we investigate the interplay of layer corrugation and in-plane polarization by atomistic lattice dynamics. We treat the coupling between static flexural modes and in-plane atomic ion displacements as an anharmonic effect, similar to the membrane effect that is at the origin of negative thermal expansion in layered crystals. We have derived analytical expressions for the corrugation-induced static in-plane strains and the optical displacements with the resulting polarization response functions. Beyond h-BN, the theory applies to transition metal dichalcogenides and dioxides. Numerical calculations show that the effects are considerably stronger for 2D h-BN than for 2H-MoS2.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 1.674
Times cited: 5
DOI: 10.1002/PSSB.201600226
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“Factors driving the activity of commercial titanium dioxide powders towards gas phase photocatalytic oxidation of acetaldehyde”. Verbruggen SW, Masschaele K, Moortgat E, Korany TE, Hauchecorne B, Martens JA, Lenaerts S, Catalysis science &, technology 2, 2311 (2012). http://doi.org/10.1039/C2CY20123B
Abstract: The photocatalytic activity of two commercial titanium dioxide powders (Cristal Global, Millennium PC500 and Evonik, P25) is compared towards acetaldehyde degradation in the gas phase. In contrast to the extensive literature available, we found a higher activity for the PC500 than for the P25 coating. Here, we present a comprehensive characterization of the bulk and surface properties of both powders. Our comparison shows that the material properties that dominate the overall photocatalytic activity in gas phase differ from those required for the photodegradation of water-borne pollutants.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Impact Factor: 5.773
Times cited: 33
DOI: 10.1039/C2CY20123B
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“Normal and hot electro-phonon resonance effect in a quasi-two-dimensional semiconductor system”. Xu W, Peeters FM, Devreese JT, Journal of physics : condensed matter 5, 2307 (1993). http://doi.org/10.1088/0953-8984/5/15/004
Abstract: The electro-phonon resonance effect is a consequence of a resonant interaction between two electric subbands mediated by an optical phonon. It occurs in a quasi-two-dimensional electron system each time the energy difference between two electric subbands equals the energy of a Lo phonon. We study the influence of this effect on the electron mobility by using the momentum balance equation. The temperature and electron density dependences of the resonances are studied in the linear and non-linear response regimes.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT); Theory of quantum systems and complex systems
Impact Factor: 2.346
Times cited: 18
DOI: 10.1088/0953-8984/5/15/004
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“Quantum transport in a nanosize double-gate metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor”. Croitoru MD, Gladilin VN, Fomin VM, Devreese JT, Magnus W, Schoenmaker W, Sorée B, Journal of applied physics 96, 2305 (2004). http://doi.org/10.1063/1.1767619
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Theory of quantum systems and complex systems; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT); Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 2.068
Times cited: 14
DOI: 10.1063/1.1767619
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“Transdermal on-demand drug delivery based on an iontophoretic hollow microneedle array system”. Detamornrat U, Parrilla M, Domínguez-Robles J, Anjani QK, Larrañeta E, De Wael K, Donnelly RF, Lab on a chip 23, 2304 (2023). http://doi.org/10.1039/D3LC00160A
Abstract: Transdermal drug delivery has emerged as an alternative administration route for therapeutic drugs, overcoming current issues in oral and parenteral administration. However, this technology is hindered by the low permeability of the stratum corneum of the skin. In this work, we develop a synergic combination of two enhancing technologies to contribute to an improved and on-demand drug delivery through an iontophoretic system coupled with hollow microneedles (HMNs). For the first time, a polymeric HMN array coupled with integrated iontophoresis for the delivery of charged molecules and macromolecules (e.g. proteins) is devised. To prove the concept, methylene blue, fluorescein sodium, lidocaine hydrochloride, and bovine serum albumin-fluorescein isothiocyanate conjugate (BSA-FITC) were first tested in an in vitro setup using 1.5% agarose gel model. Subsequently, the ex vivo drug permeation study using a Franz diffusion cell was conducted, exhibiting a 61-fold, 43-fold, 54-fold, and 17-fold increment of the permeation of methylene blue, fluorescein sodium, lidocaine hydrochloride, and BSA-FITC, respectively, during the application of 1 mA cm(-2) current for 6 h. Moreover, the total amount of drug delivered (i.e. in the skin and receptor compartment) was analysed to untangle the different delivery profiles according to the types of molecule. Finally, the integration of the anode and cathode into an iontophoretic hollow microneedle array system (IHMAS) offers the full miniaturisation of the concept. Overall, the IHMAS device provides a versatile wearable technology for transdermal on-demand drug delivery that can improve the administration of personalised doses, and potentially enhance precision medicine.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Antwerp Electrochemical and Analytical Sciences Lab (A-Sense Lab)
Impact Factor: 6.1
DOI: 10.1039/D3LC00160A
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“The sustainable value approach : a clarifying and constructive comment”. Ang F, Van Passel S, Ecological Economics 69, 2303 (2010). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.ECOLECON.2010.05.016
Abstract: Recently, the original benchmarking methodology of the Sustainable Value approach became subjected to serious debate. While Kuosmanen and Kuosmanen (2009b) critically question its validity introducing productive efficiency theory, Figge and Hahn (2009) put forward that the implementation of productive efficiency theory severely conflicts with the original financial economics perspective of the Sustainable Value approach. We argue that the debate is very confusing because the original Sustainable Value approach presents two largely incompatible objectives. Nevertheless, we maintain that both ways of benchmarking could provide useful and moreover complementary insights. If one intends to present the overall resource efficiency of the firm from the investor's viewpoint, we recommend the original benchmarking methodology. If one on the other hand aspires to create a prescriptive tool setting up some sort of reallocation scheme, we advocate implementation of the productive efficiency theory. Although the discussion on benchmark application is certainly substantial, we should avoid the debate to become accordingly narrowed. Next to the benchmark concern, we see several other challenges considering the development of the Sustainable Value approach: (1) a more systematic resource selection, (2) the inclusion of the value chain and (3) additional analyses related to policy in order to increase interpretative power.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Economics
Impact Factor: 2.965
Times cited: 18
DOI: 10.1016/J.ECOLECON.2010.05.016
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“Two-dimensional model of a direct current glow discharge: description of the electrons, argon ions and fast argon atoms”. Bogaerts A, Gijbels R, Goedheer WJ, Analytical chemistry 68, 2296 (1996). http://doi.org/10.1021/ac9510651
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 5.636
Times cited: 70
DOI: 10.1021/ac9510651
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“A characterisation of the surface properties of an ultra fine fly ash (UFFA) used in the polymer industry”. Potgieter-Vermaak SS, Potgieter JH, Kruger RA, Spolnik Z, Van Grieken R, Fuel 84, 2295 (2005). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.FUEL.2005.05.013
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
DOI: 10.1016/J.FUEL.2005.05.013
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“Nanotube field of C60 and C70 molecules in carbon nanotubes”. Verberck B, Michel KH, International journal of quantum chemistry 107, 2294 (2007). http://doi.org/10.1002/qua.21309
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 2.92
Times cited: 6
DOI: 10.1002/qua.21309
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“A robust nitrifying community in a bioreactor at 50 degrees C opens up the path for thermophilic nitrogen removal”. Courtens ENP, Spieck E, Vilchez-Vargas R, Bode S, Boeckx P, Schouten S, Jauregui R, Pieper DH, Vlaeminck SE, Boon N, The ISME journal : multidisciplinary journal of microbial ecology 10, 2293 (2016). http://doi.org/10.1038/ISMEJ.2016.8
Abstract: The increasing production of nitrogen-containing fertilizers is crucial to meet the global food demand, yet high losses of reactive nitrogen associated with the food production/consumption chain progressively deteriorate the natural environment. Currently, mesophilic nitrogen-removing microbes eliminate nitrogen from wastewaters. Although thermophilic nitrifiers have been separately enriched from natural environments, no bioreactors are described that couple these processes for the treatment of nitrogen in hot wastewaters. Samples from composting facilities were used as inoculum for the batch-wise enrichment of thermophilic nitrifiers (350 days). Subsequently, the enrichments were transferred to a bioreactor to obtain a stable, high-rate nitrifying process (560 days). The community contained up to 17% ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOAs) closely related to 'Candidatus Nitrososphaera gargensis', and 25% nitrite-oxidizing bacteria (NOBs) related to Nitrospira calida. Incorporation of C-13-derived bicarbonate into the respective characteristic membrane lipids during nitrification supported their activity as autotrophs. Specific activities up to 198 +/- 10 and 894 +/- 81 mg N g(-1) VSS per day for AOAs and NOBs were measured, where NOBs were 33% more sensitive to free ammonia. The NOBs were extremely sensitive to free nitrous acid, whereas the AOAs could only be inhibited by high nitrite concentrations, independent of the free nitrous acid concentration. The observed difference in product/substrate inhibition could facilitate the development of NOB inhibition strategies to achieve more cost-effective processes such as deammonification. This study describes the enrichment of autotrophic thermophilic nitrifiers from a nutrient-rich environment and the successful operation of a thermophilic nitrifying bioreactor for the first time, facilitating opportunities for thermophilic nitrogen removal biotechnology.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
DOI: 10.1038/ISMEJ.2016.8
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“Modeling of a capacitively coupled radio-frequency methane plasma: comparison between a one-dimensional and a two-dimensional fluid model”. Herrebout D, Bogaerts A, Yan M, Gijbels R, Goedheer W, Vanhulsel A, Journal of applied physics 92, 2290 (2002). http://doi.org/10.1063/1.1500789
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 2.068
Times cited: 15
DOI: 10.1063/1.1500789
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“The influence of synthesis method on the local structure and electrochemical properties of Li-rich/Mn-rich NMC cathode materials for Li-Ion batteries”. Hendrickx M, Paulus A, Kirsanova MA, Van Bael MK, Abakumov AM, Hardy A, Hadermann J, Nanomaterials 12, 2269 (2022). http://doi.org/10.3390/NANO12132269
Abstract: Electrochemical energy storage plays a vital role in combating global climate change. Nowadays lithium-ion battery technology remains the most prominent technology for rechargeable batteries. A key performance-limiting factor of lithium-ion batteries is the active material of the positive electrode (cathode). Lithium- and manganese-rich nickel manganese cobalt oxide (LMR-NMC) cathode materials for Li-ion batteries are extensively investigated due to their high specific discharge capacities (>280 mAh/g). However, these materials are prone to severe capacity and voltage fade, which deteriorates the electrochemical performance. Capacity and voltage fade are strongly correlated with the particle morphology and nano- and microstructure of LMR-NMCs. By selecting an adequate synthesis strategy, the particle morphology and structure can be controlled, as such steering the electrochemical properties. In this manuscript we comparatively assessed the morphology and nanostructure of LMR-NMC (Li1.2Ni0.13Mn0.54Co0.13O2) prepared via an environmentally friendly aqueous solution-gel and co-precipitation route, respectively. The solution-gel (SG) synthesized material shows a Ni-enriched spinel-type surface layer at the {200} facets, which, based on our post-mortem high-angle annual dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy and selected-area electron diffraction analysis, could partly explain the retarded voltage fade compared to the co-precipitation (CP) synthesized material. In addition, deviations in voltage fade and capacity fade (the latter being larger for the SG material) could also be correlated with the different particle morphology obtained for both materials.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 5.3
DOI: 10.3390/NANO12132269
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“Piloting carbon-lean nitrogen removal for energy-autonomous sewage treatment”. Van Tendeloo M, Bundervoet B, Carlier N, Van Beeck W, Mollen H, Lebeer S, Colsen J, Vlaeminck SE, Environmental Science-Water Research &, Technology 7, 2268 (2021). http://doi.org/10.1039/D1EW00525A
Abstract: Energy-autonomous sewage treatment can be achieved if nitrogen (N) removal does not rely on organic carbon (∼chemical oxygen demand, COD), so that a maximum of the COD can be redirected to energy recovery. Shortcut N removal technologies such as partial nitritation/anammox and nitritation/denitritation are therefore essential, enabling carbon- and energy-lean nitrogen removal. In this study, a novel three-reactor pilot design was tested and consisted of a denitrification, an intermittent aeration, and an anammox tank. A vibrating sieve was added for differential sludge retention time (SRT) control. The 13 m3 pilot was operated on pre-treated sewage (A-stage effluent) at 12–24 °C. Selective suppression of unwanted nitrite-oxidizing bacteria over aerobic ammonium-oxidizing bacteria was achieved with strict floccular SRT management combined with innovative aeration control, resulting in a minimal nitrate production ratio of 17 ± 10%. Additionally, anoxic ammonium-oxidizing bacteria (AnAOB) activity could be maintained in the reactor for at least 150 days because of long granular SRT management and the anammox tank. Consequently, the COD/N removal ratio of 2.3 ± 0.7 demonstrated shortcut N removal almost three times lower than the currently applied nitrification/denitrification technology. The effluent total N concentrations of 17 ± 3 mg TN per L (at 21 ± 1 °C) and 17 ± 6 mg TN per L (at 15 ± 1 °C) were however too high for application at the sewage treatment plant Nieuwveer (Breda, The Netherlands). Corresponding N removal efficiencies were 52 ± 12% and 37 ± 21%, respectively. Further development should focus on redirecting more nitrite to AnAOB in the B-stage, exploring effluent-polishing options, or cycling nitrate for increased A-stage denitrification.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Impact Factor: 2.817
DOI: 10.1039/D1EW00525A
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“Effects of confinement in strongly-coupled superlattices on impurity bound magneto-polarons”. Shi JM, Peeters FM, Devreese JT, Cheng J-P, Kono J, McCombe BD, Proceedings of the International Conference on the Physics of Semiconductors 22, 2267 (1994)
Keywords: P3 Proceeding; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT); Theory of quantum systems and complex systems
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“Metal-polymer heterojunction in colloidal-phase plasmonic catalysis”. Rogolino A, Claes N, Cizaurre J, Marauri A, Jumbo-Nogales A, Lawera Z, Kruse J, Sanroman-Iglesias M, Zarketa I, Calvo U, Jimenez-Izal E, Rakovich YP, Bals S, Matxain JM, Grzelczak M, The journal of physical chemistry letters 13, 2264 (2022). http://doi.org/10.1021/ACS.JPCLETT.1C04242
Abstract: Plasmonic catalysis in the colloidal phase requires robust surface ligands that prevent particles from aggregation in adverse chemical environments and allow carrier flow from reagents to nanoparticles. This work describes the use of a water-soluble conjugated polymer comprising a thiophene moiety as a surface ligand for gold nanoparticles to create a hybrid system that, under the action of visible light, drives the conversion of the biorelevant NAD+ to its highly energetic reduced form NADH. A combination of advanced microscopy techniques and numerical simulations revealed that the robust metal-polymer heterojunction, rich in sulfonate functional groups, directs the interaction of electron-donor molecules with the plasmonic photocatalyst. The tight binding of polymer to the gold surface precludes the need for conventional transition-metal surface cocatalysts, which were previously shown to be essential for photocatalytic NAD(+) reduction but are known to hinder the optical properties of plasmonic nanocrystals. Moreover, computational studies indicated that the coating polymer fosters a closer interaction between the sacrificial electron-donor triethanolamine and the nanoparticles, thus enhancing the reactivity.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 5.7
Times cited: 1
DOI: 10.1021/ACS.JPCLETT.1C04242
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