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“First-principles investigation of nonmetal doped single-layer BiOBr as a potential photocatalyst with a low recombination rate”. Obeid MM, Stampfl C, Bafekry A, Guan Z, Jappor HR, Nguyen C V, Naseri M, Hoat DM, Hieu NN, Krauklis AE, Tuan V Vu, Gogova D, Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics 22, 15354 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1039/D0CP02007A
Abstract: Nonmetal doping is an effective approach to modify the electronic band structure and enhance the photocatalytic performance of bismuth oxyhalides. Using density functional theory, we systematically examine the fundamental properties of single-layer BiOBr doped with boron (B) and phosphorus (P) atoms. The stability of the doped models is investigated based on the formation energies, where the substitutional doping is found to be energetically more stable under O-rich conditions than under Bi-rich ones. The results showed that substitutional doping of P atoms reduced the bandgap of pristine BiOBr to a greater extent than that of boron substitution. The calculation of the effective masses reveals that B doping can render the electrons and holes of pristine BiOBr lighter and heavier, respectively, resulting in a slower recombination rate of photoexcited electron-hole pairs. Based on the results of HOMO-LUMO calculations, the introduction of B atoms tends to increase the number of photocatalytically active sites. The top of the valence band and the conduction band bottom of the B doped BiOBr monolayer match well with the water redox potentials in an acidic environment. The absorption spectra propose that B(P) doping causes a red-shift. Overall, the results predict that nonmetal-doped BiOBr monolayers have a reduced bandgap, a slow recombination rate, more catalytically active sites, enhanced optical absorption edges, and reduced work functions, which will contribute to superior photocatalytic performance.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.3
Times cited: 18
DOI: 10.1039/D0CP02007A
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“Wigner crystallization in transition metal dichalcogenides : a new approach to correlation energy”. Zarenia M, Neilson D, Partoens B, Peeters FM, Physical review B 95, 115438 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1103/PHYSREVB.95.115438
Abstract: We introduce a new approach for the correlation energy of one- and two-valley two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) systems. Our approach is based on an interpolation between two limits, a random phase approximation at high densities and a classical approach at low densities which gives excellent agreement with available Quantum Monte Carlo (QMC) calculations. The two-valley 2DEG model is introduced to describe the electron correlations in monolayer transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs). We study the zero-temperature transition from a Fermi liquid to a quantum Wigner crystal phase in monolayer TMDs. Consistent with QMC, we find that electrons crystallize at r(s) = 31 in one-valley 2DEG. For two valleys, we predict Wigner crystallization at r(s) = 30, implying that valley degeneracy has little effect on the critical r(s), in contrast to an earlier claim.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.836
Times cited: 18
DOI: 10.1103/PHYSREVB.95.115438
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“Anisotropic charge density wave in electron-hole double monolayers : applied to phosphorene”. Saberi-Pouya S, Zarenia M, Vazifehshenas T, Peeters FM, Physical review B 98, 245115 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1103/PHYSREVB.98.245115
Abstract: The possibility of an inhomogeneous charge density wave phase is investigated in a system of two coupled electron and hole monolayers separated by a hexagonal boron nitride insulating layer. The charge-density-wave state is induced through the assumption of negative compressibility of electron/hole gases in a Coulomb drag configuration between the electron and hole sheets. Under equilibrium conditions, we derive analytical expressions for the density oscillation along the zigzag and armchair directions. We find that the density modulation not only depends on the sign of the compressibility but also on the anisotropy of the low-energy bands. Our results are applicable to any two-dimensional system with anisotropic parabolic bands, characterized by different effective masses. For equal effective masses, i.e., isotropic energy bands, our results agree with Hroblak et al. [Phys. Rev. B 96, 075422 (2017)]. Our numerical results are applied to phosphorene.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.836
DOI: 10.1103/PHYSREVB.98.245115
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“Correlation functions in electron-electron and electron-hole double quantum wells : temperature, density, and barrier-width dependence”. Dharma-Wardana MWC, Neilson D, Peeters FM, Physical review B 99, 035303 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1103/PHYSREVB.99.035303
Abstract: The classical-map hypernetted-chain (CHNC) scheme, developed for treating fermion fluids at strong coupling and at finite temperatures, is applied to electron-electron and electron-hole double quantum wells. The pair-distribution functions and the local field factors needed in linear-response theory are determined for a range of temperatures, carrier densities, and barrier widths typical for experimental double-quantum-well systems in GaAs-GaAlAs. For electron-hole double quantum wells, a large enhancement in the pair-distribution functions is found for small carrier separations. The CHNC equations for electron-hole systems no longer hold at low densities where bound-state formation occurs.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.836
Times cited: 6
DOI: 10.1103/PHYSREVB.99.035303
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“Multicomponent screening and superfluidity in gapped electron-hole double bilayer graphene with realistic bands”. Conti S, Perali A, Peeters FM, Neilson D, Physical review B 99, 144517 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1103/PHYSREVB.99.144517
Abstract: Superfluidity has recently been reported in double electron-hole bilayer graphene. The multiband nature of the bilayers is important because of the very small band gaps between conduction and valence bands. The long-range nature of the superfluid pairing interaction means that screening must be fully taken into account. We have carried out a systematic mean-field investigation that includes (i) contributions to screening from both intraband and interband excitations, (ii) the low-energy band structure of bilayer graphene with its small band gap and flattened Mexican-hat-like low-energy bands, (iii) the large density of states at the bottom of the bands, (iv) electron-hole pairing in the multibands, and (v) electron-hole pair transfers between the conduction and valence band condensates. We find that the superfluidity strongly modifies the intraband contributions to the screening, but that the interband contributions are unaffected. Unexpectedly, a net effect of the screening is to suppress Josephson-like pair transfers and to confine the superfluid pairing entirely to the conduction-band condensate even for very small band gaps, making the system behave similarly to a one-band superfluid.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.836
Times cited: 15
DOI: 10.1103/PHYSREVB.99.144517
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“Transition metal dichalcogenides as strategy for high temperature electron-hole superfluidity”. Conti S, Neilson D, Peeters FM, Perali A, Condensed Matter 5, 22 (2020). http://doi.org/10.3390/CONDMAT5010022
Abstract: Condensation of spatially indirect excitons, with the electrons and holes confined in two separate layers, has recently been observed in two different double layer heterostructures. High transition temperatures were reported in a double Transition Metal Dichalcogenide (TMD) monolayer system. We briefly review electron-hole double layer systems that have been proposed as candidates for this interesting phenomenon. We investigate the double TMD system WSe2/hBN/MoSe2, using a mean-field approach that includes multiband effects due to the spin-orbit coupling and self-consistent screening of the electron-hole Coulomb interaction. We demonstrate that the transition temperature observed in the double TMD monolayers, which is remarkably high relative to the other systems, is the result of (i) the large electron and hole effective masses in TMDs, (ii) the large TMD band gaps, and (iii) the presence of multiple superfluid condensates in the TMD system. The net effect is that the superfluidity is strong across a wide range of densities, which leads to high transition temperatures that extend as high as TBKT=150 K.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Times cited: 13
DOI: 10.3390/CONDMAT5010022
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“Doping-dependent switch from one- to two-component superfluidity in coupled electron-hole van der Waals heterostructures”. Conti S, Van der Donck M, Perali A, Peeters FM, Neilson D, Physical Review B 101, 220504 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1103/PHYSREVB.101.220504
Abstract: The hunt for high-temperature superfluidity has received new impetus from the discovery of atomically thin stable materials. Electron-hole superfluidity in coupled MoSe2-WSe2 monolayers is investigated using a mean-field multiband model that includes band splitting caused by strong spin-orbit coupling. This splitting leads to a large energy misalignment of the electron and hole bands which is strongly modified by interchanging the doping of the monolayers. The choice of doping determines if the superfluidity is tunable from one to two components.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.7
Times cited: 12
DOI: 10.1103/PHYSREVB.101.220504
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“Electrochemically activated MnO as a cathode material for sodium-ion batteries”. Zhang L, Batuk D, Chen G, Tarascon J-M, Electrochemistry communications 77, 81 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.ELECOM.2017.02.020
Abstract: Besides classical electrode materials pertaining to Li-ion batteries, recent interest has been devoted to pairs of active redox composites having a redox center and an intercalant source. Taking advantage of the NaPFG salt decomposition above 4.2 V. we extrapolate this concept to the electrochemical in situ preparation of F-based MnO composite electrodes for Na-ion batteries. Such electrodes exhibit a reversible discharge capacity of 145 mAh g(-1) at room temperature. The amorphization of pristine MnO electrode after activation is attributed to the electrochemical grinding effect caused by substantial atomic migration and lattice strain build-up upon cycling. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 4.396
Times cited: 8
DOI: 10.1016/J.ELECOM.2017.02.020
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“Tuning the intrinsic anisotropy with disorder in the CaKFE₄As₄, superconductor”. Torsello D, Ummarino GA, Bekaert J, Gozzelino L, Gerbaldo R, Tanatar MA, Canfield PC, Prozorov R, Ghigo G, Physical Review Applied 13, 064046 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1103/PHYSREVAPPLIED.13.064046
Abstract: We report on the anisotropy of the London penetration depth of CaKFe4As4, discussing how it relates to its electronic structure and how it modifies under introduction of disorder, both chemically induced (by Ni substitution) and irradiation induced (by 3.5-MeV protons). Indeed, CaKFe4As4 is particularly suitable for the study of fundamental superconducting properties due to its stoichiometric composition, exhibiting clean-limit behavior in the pristine samples and having a fairly high critical temperature, T-c approximate to 35 K. The London penetration depth lambda(L) is measured with a microwave-coplanar-resonator technique that allows us to deconvolve the anisotropic contributions lambda(L,ab) and lambda(L,c) and obtain the anisotropy parameter gamma(lambda) = lambda(L,c)/lambda(L,ab). The gamma(lambda) (T) found for the undoped pristine sample is in good agreement with previous literature and is here compared to ab initio density-functional-theory and Eliashberg calculations. The dependence of gamma(lambda) (T) on both chemical and irradiation-induced disorder is discussed to highlight which method is more suitable to decrease the direction dependence of the electromagnetic properties while maintaining a high critical temperature. Lastly, the relevance of an intrinsic anisotropy such as gamma(lambda) on application-related anisotropic parameters (critical current, pinning) is discussed in light of the recent employment of CaKFe4As4 in the production of wires.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 4.6
Times cited: 4
DOI: 10.1103/PHYSREVAPPLIED.13.064046
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“Angle-resolved synchrotron photoemission and density functional theory on the iridium modified Si(111) surface”. Oncel N, Çakir D, Dil JH, Slomski B, Landolt G, Journal of physics : condensed matter 26, 285501 (2014). http://doi.org/10.1088/0953-8984/26/28/285501
Abstract: The physical and electronic properties of the Ir modified Si(1 1 1) surface have been investigated with the help of angle resolved photoemission spectroscopy and density functional theory. The surface consists of Ir-ring clusters that form a root 7 x root 7 -R19.1 degrees reconstruction. A comparison between the measured and calculated band structure of the system reveals that the dispersions of the projected bulk states and the states originating from '1x1' domains are heavily modified due to Umklapp scattering from the surface Brillouin zone. Density of states calculations show that Ir-ring clusters contribute to the states in the vicinity of the Fermi level.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 2.649
Times cited: 4
DOI: 10.1088/0953-8984/26/28/285501
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“Temporary cooling of quasiparticles and delay in voltage response of superconducting bridges after abruptly switching on the supercritical current”. Vodolazov DY, Peeters FM, Physical review : B : condensed matter and materials physics 90, 094504 (2014). http://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.90.094504
Abstract: We revisit the problem of the dynamic response of a superconducting bridge after abruptly switching on the supercritical current. In contrast to previous theoretical works we take into account spatial gradients and use both the local temperature approach and the kinetic equation for the distribution function of quasiparticles. We find that the temperature dependence of the finite delay time t(d) in the voltage response is model dependent and relatively large t(d) is connected with temporary cooling of quasiparticles during decay of superconducting order parameter vertical bar Delta vertical bar in time. It turns out that the presence of even small inhomogeneities in the bridge or finite length of the homogenous bridge favors a local suppression of vertical bar Delta vertical bar during the dynamic response. It results in a decrease of the delay time, in comparison with the spatially uniform model, due to the diffusion of nonequilibrium quasiparticles from the region with locally suppressed vertical bar Delta vertical bar. In the case when the current density is maximal near the edge of a not very wide bridge the delay time is mainly connected with the time needed for the nucleation (entrance) of the first vortex and t(d) could be tuned by a weak external magnetic field. We also find that a short alternating current pulse (sinusoidlike) with zero time average may result in a nonzero time- averaged voltage response where its sign depends on the phase of the ac current.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.836
Times cited: 2
DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevB.90.094504
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“Carbon Incorporation and Anion Dynamics as Synergistic Drivers for Ultrafast Diffusion in Superionic LiCB11H12 and NaCB11H12”. Dimitrievska M, Shea P, Kweon KE, Bercx M, Varley JB, Tang WS, Skripov AV, Stavila V, Udovic TJ, Wood BC, Advanced energy materials 8, 1703422 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1002/AENM.201703422
Abstract: The disordered phases of LiCB11H12 and NaCB11H12 possess superb superionic conductivities that make them suitable as solid electrolytes. In these materials, cation diffusion correlates with high orientational mobilities of the CB11H12- anions; however, the precise relationship has yet to be demonstrated. In this work, ab initio molecular dynamics and quasielastic neutron scattering are combined to probe anion reorientations and their mechanistic connection to cation mobility over a range of timescales and temperatures. It is found that anions do not rotate freely, but rather transition rapidly between orientations defined by the cation sublattice symmetry. The symmetry-breaking carbon atom in CB11H12- also plays a critical role by perturbing the energy landscape along the instantaneous orientation of the anion dipole, which couples fluctuations in the cation probability density directly to the anion motion. Anion reorientation rates exceed 3 x 10(10) s(-1), suggesting the underlying energy landscape fluctuates dynamically on diffusion-relevant timescales. Furthermore, carbon is found to modify the orientational preferences of the anions and aid rotational mobility, creating additional symmetry incompatibilities that inhibit ordering. The results suggest that synergy between the anion reorientational dynamics and the carbon-modified cation-anion interaction accounts for the higher ionic conductivity in CB11H12- salts compared with B12H122-.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 16.721
Times cited: 20
DOI: 10.1002/AENM.201703422
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“Deactivation of Sn-Beta during carbohydrate conversion”. van der Graaf WNP, Tempelman CHL, Hendriks FC, Ruiz-Martinez J, Bals S, Weckhuysen BM, Pidko EA, Hensen EJM, Applied catalysis : A : general 564, 113 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.APCATA.2018.07.023
Abstract: The deactivation of Sn-Beta zeolite catalyst during retro-aldolization and isomerization of glucose is investigated. Confocal fluorescence microscopy reveals that retro-aldolization of glucose in CH3OH at 160 degrees C is accompanied with the build-up of insoluble oligomeric deposits in the micropores, resulting in a rapid catalyst deactivation. These deposits accumulate predominantly in the outer regions of the zeolite crystals, which points to mass transport limitations. Glucose isomerization in water is not only accompanied by the formation of insoluble deposits in the micropores, but also by the structural degradation of the zeolite due to desilication and destannation. Enhanced and sustained catalytic performance can be achieved by using ethanol/water mixtures as the reaction solvent instead of water.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 4.339
Times cited: 25
DOI: 10.1016/J.APCATA.2018.07.023
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“Direct oxidation of methane to methanol on Co embedded N-doped graphene: Comparing the role of N₂O and O₂, as oxidants”. Nematollahi P, Neyts EC, Applied Catalysis A-General 602, 117716 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.APCATA.2020.117716
Abstract: In this work, the effects of N-doping into the Co-doped single vacancy (Co-SV-G) and di-vacancy graphene flake (Co-dV-G) are investigated and compared toward direct oxidation of methane to methanol (DOMM) employing two different oxidants (N2O and O-2) using density functional theory (DFT) calculation. We found that DOMM on CoN3-G utilizing the N2O molecule as oxygen-donor proceeds via a two-step reaction with low activation energies. In addition, we found that although CoN3-G might be a good catalyst for methane conversion, it can also catalyze the oxidation of methanol to CO2 and H2O due to the required low activation barriers. Moreover, the adsorption behaviors of CHx (x = 0-4) species and dehydrogenation of CHx (x = 1-4) species on CoN3-G are investigated. We concluded that CoN3-G can be used as an efficient catalyst for DOMM and N-2O reduction at ambient conditions which may serve as a guide for fabricating effective C/N catalysts in energy-related devices.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 5.5
DOI: 10.1016/J.APCATA.2020.117716
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“FTIR techniques applied to the detection of gelatine in paper artifacts: from macroscopic to microscopic approach”. Rouchon V, Pellizzi E, Janssens K, Applied physics A : materials science &, processing 100, 663 (2010). http://doi.org/10.1007/S00339-010-5649-5
Abstract: In order to render paper hydrophobic for ink and thus adequate for writing, gelatine has been largely used. To this day, it is still employed in conservation workshops as an adhesive or a sizing agent, for instance, during the treatment of iron gall ink manuscripts. Various types and concentrations of gelatine are recommended, depending on the desired effect, but little information is available regarding to the physical distribution of gelatine in the paper. This aspect is however determinant for a better control of conservation treatments. In this work, we investigate the possibilities offered by FTIR microscopy for the measurement of the gelatine distribution in paper. Laboratory papers were preliminary treated with different types of gelatine and then embedded in a resin and cut in thin slices. Mapping techniques enable to compare the penetration of different types of gelatine in a semiquantitative way. The performance of conventional laboratory equipment and synchrotron radiation experimental setup are discussed.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
Impact Factor: 1.455
Times cited: 12
DOI: 10.1007/S00339-010-5649-5
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“Inkjet printing multideposited YBCO on CGO/LMO/MgO/Y2O3/Al2O3/Hastelloy tape for 2G-coated conductors”. Roxana Vlad V, Bartolome E, Vilardell M, Calleja A, Meledin A, Obradors X, Puig T, Ricart S, Van Tendeloo G, Usoskin A, Lee S, Petrykin V, Molodyk A, IEEE transactions on applied superconductivity 28, 6601805 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1109/TASC.2018.2808403
Abstract: We present the preparation of a new architecture of coated conductor by Inkjet printing of low fluorine YBa2Cu3O7-x (YBCO) on top of SuperOx tape: CGO/LMO/IBAD-MgO/Y2O3/Al-2 O-3/Hastelloy. A five-layered multideposited, 475-nm-thick YBCO film was structurally and magnetically characterized. A good texture was achieved using this combination of buffer layers, requiring only a 30-nm-thin ion-beam-assisted deposition (IBAD)-MgO layer. The LF-YBCO CC reaches self-field critical current density values of J(c)(GB) similar to NJ 15.9 MA/cm(2) (5 K), similar to 1.23 MA/cm(2) (77 K) corresponding to an I-c (77 K) = 58.4 A/cm-width. Inkjet printing offers a flexible and cost effective method for YBCO deposition, allowing patterning of structures.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 1.288
Times cited: 2
DOI: 10.1109/TASC.2018.2808403
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“BiVo4/3DOM TiO2 nanocomposites : effect of BiVO4 as highly efficient visible light sensitizer for highly improved visible light photocatalytic activity in the degradation of dye pollutants”. Zalfani M, Hu Z-Y, Yu W-B, Mahdouani M, Bourguiga R, Wu M, Li Y, Van Tendeloo G, Djoued Y, Su B-L, Applied catalysis : B : environmental 205, 121 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.APCATB.2016.12.019
Abstract: A series of BiVO4/3DOM TiO2 nanocomposites have been synthesized and their photocatalytic activity was investigated under visible light irradiation using the RhB dye as model pollutant molecule in an aqueous solution. The effect of the amount of BiVO4 as visible light sensitizer on the photocatalytic activity of BiVO4/3DOM TiO2 nanocomposites was highlighted. The heterostructured composite system leads to much higher photocatalytic efficiencies than bare 3DOM TiO2 and BiVO4 nanoparticles. As the proportion of BiVO4 in BiVO4/3DOM TiO2 nanocomposites increases from 0.04 to 0.6, the photocatalytic performance of the BiVO4/3DOM TiO2 nanocomposites increases and then decreases after reaching a maximum at 0.2. This improvement in photocatalytic perfomance is related to 1) the interfacial electron transfer efficiency between the coupled materials, 2) the 3DOM TiO2 inverse opal structure with interconnected pores providing an easy mass transfer of the reactant molecules and high accessibility to the active sites and large surface area and 3) the effect of light sensitizer of BiVO4. Intensive studies on structural, textural, optical and surface properties reveal that the electronic interactions between BiVO4 and TiO2 lead to an improved charge separation of the coupled BiVO4/TiO2 system. The photogenerated charge carrier densities increase with increasing the BiVO4 content, which acts as visible light sensitizer to the TiO2 and is responsible for the enhancement in the rate of photocatalytic degradation. However, the photocatalytic activity is reduced when the BiVO4 amount is much higher than that of 3DOM TiO2. Two reasons could account for this behavior. First, with increasing BiVO4 content, the photogenerated electron/hole pairs are accumulated at the surface of the BiVO4 nanoparticles and the recombination rate increases as shown by the PL results. Second, decreasing the amount of 3DOM TiO2 in the nanocomposite decreases the surface area as shown by the BET results. Moreover, the poor adsorptive properties of the BiVO4 photocatalyst also affect the photocatalytic performance, in particular at higher BiVO4 content. The present work demonstrates that BiVO4/3DOM TiO2 is a very promising heterojunction system for visible light photocatalytic applications.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 9.446
Times cited: 52
DOI: 10.1016/J.APCATB.2016.12.019
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“Embedding of atoms into the nanopore sites of the C₆N₆, and C₆N₈, porous carbon nitride monolayers with tunable electronic properties”. Bafekry A, Stampfl C, Akgenc B, Mortazavi B, Ghergherehchi M, Nguyen CV, Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics 22, 6418 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1039/D0CP00093K
Abstract: Using first-principles calculations, we study the effect of embedding various atoms into the nanopore sites of both C6N6 and C6N8 monolayers. Our results indicate that the embedded atoms significantly affect the electronic and magnetic properties of C6N6 and C6N8 monolayers and lead to extraordinary and multifarious electronic properties, such as metallic, half-metallic, spin-glass semiconductor and dilute-magnetic semiconductor behaviour. Our results reveal that the H atom concentration dramatically affects the C6N6 monolayer. On increasing the H coverage, the impurity states also increase due to H atoms around the Fermi-level. C6N6 shows metallic character when the H atom concentration reaches 6.25%. Moreover, the effect of charge on the electronic properties of both Cr@C6N6 and C@C6N8 is also studied. Cr@C6N6 is a ferromagnetic metal with a magnetic moment of 2.40 mu(B), and when 0.2 electrons are added and removed, it remains a ferromagnetic metal with a magnetic moment of 2.57 and 2.77 mu(B), respectively. Interestingly, one can observe a semi-metal, in which the VBM and CBM in both spin channels touch each other near the Fermi-level. C@C6N8 is a semiconductor with a nontrivial band gap. When 0.2 electrons are removed, it remains metallic, and under excess electronic charge, it exhibits half-metallic behaviour.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.3
Times cited: 17
DOI: 10.1039/D0CP00093K
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“Photocatalytic degradation of soot deposition : self-cleaning effect on titanium dioxide coated cementitious materials”. Smits M, Chan C kit, Tytgat T, Craeye B, Costarramone N, Lacombe S, Lenaerts S, Chemical engineering journal 222, 411 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.CEJ.2013.02.089
Abstract: Diesel soot emissions deteriorate the appearance of architectural building materials by soot fouling. This soot deposition devalue the aesthetic value of the building. A solution to counteract this problem is applying titanium dioxide on building materials. TiO2 can provide air-purifying and self-cleaning properties due to its photocatalytic activity. In literature, photocatalytic soot oxidation is observed on glass or silicon substrates. However, degradation of soot by photocatalysis was not yet investigated on cementitious samples (mortar, concrete) although it is one of the most frequently used building materials. In this study, photocatalytic soot oxidation by means of TiO2 coated cementitious samples is addressed. The soot removal capacity of four types of TiO2 layers, coated on mortar samples, is evaluated by means of two detection methods. The first method is based on colorimetric measurements, while the second method uses digital image processing to calculate the area of soot coverage. The experimental data revealed that cementitious materials coated with commercially available TiO2 exhibited self-cleaning properties as it was found that all coated samples were able to remove soot. The P25 coating gave the best soot degradation performance, while the Eoxolit product showed the slowest soot degradation rate. In addition, gas chromatography measurements in a closed chamber experiment with P25 confirmed that complete mineralization of about 60% of the soot was obtained within 24 hours since CO2 was the sole observed oxidation product. Due to its realistic approach, this study proves that photocatalytic soot removal on TiO2 coated cementitious surfaces is possible in practice, which is an important step towards the practical application of self-cleaning building materials.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Impact Factor: 6.216
Times cited: 43
DOI: 10.1016/J.CEJ.2013.02.089
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“Effect of process parameters on the photocatalytic soot degradation on self-cleaning cementitious materials”. Smits M, Huygh D, Craeye B, Lenaerts S, Catalysis today 230, 250 (2014). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.CATTOD.2013.10.001
Abstract: Soot deposition has the negative ability to devalue the aesthetic appearance of buildings. Titanium dioxide applied on the building material is one way to counteract this problem as it provides air-purifying and self-cleaning properties due to its photocatalytic activity. In literature, photocatalytic soot oxidation was described, but until now, little information was available about the influence of process parameters on the photocatalytic degradation efficiency. The influence of three process parameters was tested in this study, namely TiO2 concentration, soot concentration and water-to-cement ratio (WIC-ratio) of the mortar substrates. The results revealed 50 mu gTiO(2) cm(-2) is better to use on the cementitious materials than 250 mu gTiO(2) cm(-2). The soot concentrations occurring in real-world situations will not inhibit the photocatalyst to be activated by light. Furthermore, the photonic efficiency increases slightly for lower WIC-ratios. This can be of interest for structural building applications, since a lower WIC-ratio results in a lower porosity of the samples and consequently in an increase in mortar strength. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL); Energy and Materials in Infrastructure and Buildings (EMIB)
Impact Factor: 4.636
Times cited: 14
DOI: 10.1016/J.CATTOD.2013.10.001
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“Immobilization of TiO2 into self-supporting photocatalytic foam : influence of calcination temperature”. Tytgat T, Smits M, Lenaerts S, Verbruggen SW, International journal of applied ceramic technology 11, 714 (2014). http://doi.org/10.1111/IJAC.12086
Abstract: Immobilization of photocatalytic powder is crucial to obtain industrially relevant purification processes. To achieve this goal, self-supporting TiO2 foams were manufactured by a polyacrylamide gel process. These gels were calcined at different temperatures to study the effect of the calcination temperature on foam characteristics (rigidity, crystallinity, and porosity) and its influence on photocatalytic activity. The results show that an optimal degradation is achieved for those foams calcined between 700 and 800°C. Calcination at higher temperatures results in a steep decrease in activity, explained by stability issues of the material due to formation of Na2SO4 phases and a larger rutile fraction.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Impact Factor: 1.048
Times cited: 2
DOI: 10.1111/IJAC.12086
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“Respiratory muscle activity after spontaneous, neostigmine- or sugammadex-enhanced recovery of neuromuscular blockade : a double blind prospective randomized controlled trial”. Schepens T, Janssens K, Maes S, Wildemeersch D, Vellinga J, Jorens PG, Saldien V, BMC anesthesiology 19, 187 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1186/S12871-019-0863-Y
Abstract: Background The use of neostigmine after neuromuscular blockade (NMB) has been associated with postoperative respiratory complications. In previous studies, we found lower diaphragmatic activity after neostigmine reversal of NMB, compared to sugammadex. It is still unclear whether the adequate use of neostigmine guarantees normal respiratory muscle function after NMB. In this study, we wanted to assess the effect of commonly used degrees of NMB and their possible reversal strategies on respiratory muscle activity after the return of normal neuromuscular transmission. Methods This is a randomized, controlled, parallel-group, single-centre, double-blind study in patients scheduled for intracranial surgery at a tertiary academic hospital in Belgium. All participants received target controlled propofol/remifentanil anesthesia and were randomized into one of five groups, receiving either a shallow NMB with no reversal (shallow/saline), a shallow NMB with sugammadex reversal (shallow/sugammadex), a moderate NMB with neostigmine reversal (moderate/neostigmine), a moderate NMB with sugammadex reversal (moderate/sugammadex), or a deep NMB with sugammadex reversal (deep/sugammadex). Primary and secondary outcome parameters were diaphragm and intercostal electromyographic (EMG) activity at the moment of resumed spontaneous breathing activity, defined as a maximal interval of 10 min after the first spontaneous breath. Results For the five groups, a total of 55 patients could be included in the final analysis. Median time of spontaneous breathing analyzed was 5 min (IQR 3-9.5 min). Both the moderate/sugammadex and the moderate/neostigmine groups had lower levels of diaphragm EMG compared to the shallow/sugammadex group. The moderate/neostigmine group had lower levels of intercostal EMG activity compared to the shallow/saline group. Conclusions In this study, the depth of neuromuscular blockade and type of reversal strategy impacts respiratory muscle activity at the moment of resumed spontaneous breathing and recovery of neuromuscular blockade. Both groups that received moderate NMB had lower levels of diaphragm EMG, compared to the shallow NMB group with sugammadex reversal. Compared to the shallow NMB group with no reversal, the moderate NMB with neostigmine reversal group had lower intercostal EMG activity.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation); Antwerp Surgical Training, Anatomy and Research Centre (ASTARC); Laboratory Experimental Medicine and Pediatrics (LEMP)
Impact Factor: 1.525
DOI: 10.1186/S12871-019-0863-Y
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“Tuning of PCDTBT : PC71BM blend nanoparticles for eco-friendly processing of polymer solar cells”. D'Olieslaeger L, Pfannmöller M, Fron E, Cardinaletti I, Van der Auweraer M, Van Tendeloo G, Bals S, Maes W, Vanderzande D, Manca J, Ethirajan A, Solar energy materials and solar cells 159, 179 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.SOLMAT.2016.09.008
Abstract: We report the controlled preparation of water processable nanoparticles (NPs) employing the push-pull polymer PCDTBT and the fullerene acceptor PC71BM in order to enable solar cell processing using eco-friendly solvent (i.e. water). The presented method provides the possibility to separate the formation of the active layer blend and the deposition of the active layer into two different processes. For the first time, the benefits of aqueous processability for the high-potential class of push-pull polymers, generally requiring high boiling solvents, are made accessible. With our method we demonstrate excellent control over the blend stoichiometry and efficient mixing. Furthermore, we provide visualization of the nano morphology of the different NPs to obtain structural information down to similar to 2 nm resolution using advanced analytical electron microscopy. The imaging directly reveals very small compositional demixing in the PCDTBT:PC71BM blend NPs, in the size range of about <5 nm, indicating fine mixing at the molecular level. The suitability of the proposed methodology and materials towards the aspects of eco-friendly processing of organic solar cells is demonstrated through a processing of lab scale NPs solar cell prototypes reaching a power conversion efficiency of 1.9%. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 4.784
Times cited: 32
DOI: 10.1016/J.SOLMAT.2016.09.008
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“The electronic properties of graphene and graphene ribbons under simple shear strain”. Sena SHR, Pereira JM, Farias GA, Peeters FM, Costa Filho RN, Journal of physics : condensed matter 24, 375301 (2012). http://doi.org/10.1088/0953-8984/24/37/375301
Abstract: A tight-binding model is used to study the energy band of graphene and graphene ribbon under simple shear strain. The ribbon consists of lines of carbon atoms in an armchair or zigzag orientation where a simple shear strain is applied in the x-direction keeping the atomic distances in the y-direction unchanged. Such modification in the lattice gives an energy band that differs in several aspects from the one without any shear and with pure shear. The changes in the spectrum depend on the line displacement of the ribbon, and also on the modified hopping parameter. It is also shown that this simple shear strain tunes the electronic properties of both graphene and graphene ribbon, opening and closing energy gaps for different displacements of the system. The modified density of states is also shown.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 2.649
Times cited: 15
DOI: 10.1088/0953-8984/24/37/375301
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“Interplay of model ingredients affecting aggregate shape plasticity in diffusion-limited aggregation”. Duarte-Neto P, Stosic T, Stosic B, Lessa R, Milošević, MV, Physical review : E : statistical, nonlinear, and soft matter physics 90, 012312 (2014). http://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevE.90.012312
Abstract: We analyze the combined effect of three ingredients of an aggregation model-surface tension, particle flow and particle source-representing typical characteristics of many aggregation growth processes in nature. Through extensive numerical experiments and for different underlying lattice structures we demonstrate that the location of incoming particles and their preferential direction of flow can significantly affect the resulting general shape of the aggregate, while the surface tension controls the surface roughness. Combining all three ingredients increases the aggregate shape plasticity, yielding a wider spectrum of shapes as compared to earlier works that analyzed these ingredients separately. Our results indicate that the considered combination of effects is fundamental for modeling the polymorphic growth of a wide variety of structures in confined geometries and/or in the presence of external fields, such as rocks, crystals, corals, and biominerals.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 2.366
Times cited: 3
DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevE.90.012312
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“Tunable diffusion of magnetic particles in a quasi-one-dimensional channel”. Lucena D, Ferreira WP, Munarin FF, Farias GA, Peeters FM, Physical review : E : statistical, nonlinear, and soft matter physics 87, 012307 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevE.87.012307
Abstract: The diffusion of a system of ferromagnetic dipoles confined in a quasi-one-dimensional parabolic trap is studied using Brownian dynamics simulations. We show that the dynamics of the system is tunable by an in-plane external homogeneous magnetic field. For a strong applied magnetic field, we find that the mobility of the system, the exponent of diffusion, and the crossover time among different diffusion regimes can be tuned by the orientation of the magnetic field. For weak magnetic fields, the exponent of diffusion in the subdiffusive regime is independent of the orientation of the external field. DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevE.87.012307
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 2.366
Times cited: 11
DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevE.87.012307
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“Single-file and normal diffusion of magnetic colloids in modulated channels”. Lucena D, Galván Moya JE, Ferreira WP, Peeters FM, Physical review : E : statistical, nonlinear, and soft matter physics 89, 032306 (2014). http://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevE.89.032306
Abstract: Diffusive properties of interacting magnetic dipoles confined in a parabolic narrow channel and in the presence of a periodic modulated (corrugated) potential along the unconfined direction are studied using Brownian dynamics simulations. We compare our simulation results with the analytical result for the effective diffusion coefficient of a single particle by Festa and d'Agliano [Physica A 90, 229 (1978)] and show the importance of interparticle interaction on the diffusion process. We present results for the diffusion of magnetic dipoles as a function of linear density, strength of the periodic modulation and commensurability factor.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 2.366
Times cited: 5
DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevE.89.032306
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“Transition from single-file to two-dimensional diffusion of interacting particles in a quasi-one-dimensional channel”. Lucena D, Tkachenko DV, Nelissen K, Misko VR, Ferreira WP, Farias GA, Peeters FM, Physical review : E : statistical, nonlinear, and soft matter physics 85, 031147 (2012). http://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevE.85.031147
Abstract: Diffusive properties of a monodisperse system of interacting particles confined to a quasi-one-dimensional channel are studied using molecular dynamics simulations. We calculate numerically the mean-squared displacement (MSD) and investigate the influence of the width of the channel (or the strength of the confinement potential) on diffusion in finite-size channels of different shapes (i.e., straight and circular). The transition from single-file diffusion to the two-dimensional diffusion regime is investigated. This transition [ regarding the calculation of the scaling exponent (alpha) of the MSD <Delta x(2)(t)> proportional to t(alpha)] as a function of the width of the channel is shown to change depending on the channel's confinement profile. In particular, the transition can be either smooth (i.e., for a parabolic confinement potential) or rather sharp (i.e., for a hard-wall potential), as distinct from infinite channels where this transition is abrupt. This result can be explained by qualitatively different distributions of the particle density for the different confinement potentials.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 2.366
Times cited: 38
DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevE.85.031147
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“A two-component mixture of charged particles confined in a channel: melting”. Ferreira WP, Farias GA, Peeters FM, Journal of physics : condensed matter 22, 11 (2010). http://doi.org/10.1088/0953-8984/22/28/285103
Abstract: The melting of a binary system of charged particles confined in a quasi-one-dimensional parabolic channel is studied through Monte Carlo simulations. At zero temperature the particles are ordered in parallel chains. The melting is anisotropic and different melting temperatures are obtained according to the spatial direction, and the different kinds of particles present in the system. Melting is very different for the single-, two- and four-chain configurations. A temperature induced structural phase transition is found between two different four-chain ordered states which is absent in the mono-disperse system. In the mixed regime, where the two kinds of particles are only slightly different, melting is almost isotropic and a thermally induced homogeneous distribution of the distinct kinds of charges is observed.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 2.649
Times cited: 10
DOI: 10.1088/0953-8984/22/28/285103
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“The role of Ti and TiC nanoprecipitates in radiation resistant austenitic steel: A nanoscale study”. Cautaerts N, Delville R, Stergar E, Pakarinen J, Verwerft M, Yang Y, Hofer C, Schnitzer R, Lamm S, Felfer P, Schryvers D, Acta Materialia 197, 184 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.ACTAMAT.2020.07.022
Abstract: This work encompasses an in-depth transmission electron microscopy and atom probe tomography study of Ti-stabilized austenitic steel irradiated with Fe-ions. The focus is on radiation induced segregation and precipitation, and in particular on how Ti and TiC affect these processes. A 15-15Ti steel (grade: DIN 1.4970) in two thermo-mechanical states (cold-worked and aged) was irradiated at different temperatures up to a dose of 40 dpa. At low irradiation temperatures, the cold-worked and aged materials evolved to a similar microstructure dominated by small Si and Ni clusters, corresponding to segregation to small point defect clusters. TiC precipitates, initially present in the aged material, were found to be unstable under these irradiation conditions. Elevated irradiation temperatures resulted in the nucleation of nanometer sized Cr enriched TiC precipitates surrounded by Si and Ni enriched shells. In addition, nanometer sized Ti- and Mn-enriched G-phase (M6Ni16Si7) precipitates formed, often attached to TiC precipitates. Post irradiation, larger number densities of TiC were observed in the cold-worked material compared to the aged material. This was correlated with a lower volume fraction of G-phase. The findings suggest that at elevated irradiation temperatures, the precipitate-matrix interface is an important point defect sink and contributes to the improved radiation resistance of this material. The study is a first of its kind on stabilized steel and demonstrates the significance of the small Ti addition to the evolution of the microstructure under irradiation. (C) 2020 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 9.4
DOI: 10.1016/J.ACTAMAT.2020.07.022
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