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Author Claes, N.; Asapu, R.; Blommaerts, N.; Verbruggen, S.W.; Lenaerts, S.; Bals, S. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Characterization of silver-polymer core–shell nanoparticles using electron microscopy Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2018 Publication Nanoscale Abbreviated Journal Nanoscale  
  Volume 10 Issue 10 Pages 9186-9191  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)  
  Abstract Silver-polymer core–shell nanoparticles show interesting optical properties, making them widely applicable in the field of plasmonics. The uniformity, thickness and homogeneity of the polymer shell will affect the properties of the system which makes a thorough structural characterization of these core–shell silver-polymer nanoparticles of great importance. However, visualizing the shell and the particle simultaneously is far from straightforward due to the sensitivity of the polymer shell towards the electron beam. In this study, we use different 2D and 3D electron microscopy techniques to investigate different structural aspects of the polymer coating.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication (up) Editor  
  Language Wos 000437007700028 Publication Date 2018-04-16  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2040-3364 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 7.367 Times cited 11 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes N. C. and S. B. acknowledge financial support from European Research Council (ERC Starting Grant #335078-COLOURATOMS) and from the FWO through project funding (G038116N). R. A. and S. L. acknowledge the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO) for financial support. (ROMEO:yellow; preprint:; postprint:restricted ; pdfversion:cannot); ECAS_Sara Approved Most recent IF: 7.367  
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:151290UA @ admin @ c:irua:151290 Serial 4959  
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Author Barreca, D.; Gri, F.; Gasparotto, A.; Carraro, G.; Bigiani, L.; Altantzis, T.; Žener, B.; Lavrenčič Štangar, U.; Alessi, B.; Padmanaban, D.B.; Mariotti, D.; Maccato, C. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Multi-functional MnO2nanomaterials for photo-activated applications by a plasma-assisted fabrication route Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2019 Publication Nanoscale Abbreviated Journal Nanoscale  
  Volume 11 Issue 1 Pages 98-108  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Supported MnO2-based nanomaterials were fabricated on fluorine-doped tin oxide substrates by plasma enhanced-chemical vapor deposition (PE-CVD) between 100 °C and 400 °C, starting from a fluorinated Mn(II) diamine diketonate precursor. Growth experiments yielded -MnO2 nanosystems with hierarchical morphology tuneable from dendritic structures to quasi-1D nanosystems as a function of growth temperature, whose variation enabled also a concomitant tailoring of the system fluorine content, and of the optical absorption and band gap. Preliminary photocatalytic tests were aimed at the investigation of photoinduced hydrophilic (PH) and solid phase photocatalytic (PC) performances of the present nanomaterials, as well as at the photodegradation of Plasmocorinth B azo-dye aqueous solutions. The obtained findings highlighted an attractive system photoactivity even under visible light, finely tailored by fluorine content, morphological organization and optical properties of the prepared nanostructures. The results indicate that the synthesized MnO2 nanosystems have potential applications as advanced smart materials for anti-fogging/self-cleaning end uses and water purification.  
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  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication (up) Editor  
  Language Wos 000454327500037 Publication Date 2018-10-10  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2040-3364 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 7.367 Times cited 7 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes Padova University DOR 2016–2017, P-DiSC #03BIRD2016-UNIPD projects, HERALD Cost Action MP1402 – 37831 and ACTION post-doc fellowship are acknowledged for financial support. T.A. acknowledges a post-doctoral grant from the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO). Thanks are also due to Prof. Sara Bals (EMAT, University of Antwerp, Belgium), Prof. Romana Cerc Korošec and to Dr. Lev Matoh (University of Ljubljana, Slovenia), and to Prof. Elza Bontempi (Brescia University, Italy). The work was also supported by EPSRC (award EP/R008841/1, EP/M024938/1). Approved Most recent IF: 7.367  
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @UA @ admin @ c:irua:156388 Serial 5148  
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Author Vanrompay, H.; Bladt, E.; Albrecht, W.; Béché, A.; Zakhozheva, M.; Sánchez-Iglesias, A.; Liz-Marzán, L.M.; Bals, S. url  doi
openurl 
  Title 3D characterization of heat-induced morphological changes of Au nanostars by fast in situ electron tomography Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2018 Publication Nanoscale Abbreviated Journal Nanoscale  
  Volume 10 Issue 10 Pages 22792-22801  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract A thorough understanding of the thermal stability and potential reshaping of anisotropic gold nanostars is required for various potential applications. Combination of a tomographic heating holder with fast tilt series acquisition has been used to monitor temperature-induced morphological changes of Au nanostars. The outcome of our 3D investigations can be used as an input for boundary element method simulations, enabling us to investigate the influence of reshaping on the nanostars’ plasmonic properties. Our work leads to a better understanding of the mechanism behind thermal reshaping. In addition, the approach presented here is generic and can hence be applied to a wide variety of nanoparticles made of different materials and with arbitrary morphology.  
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  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication (up) Editor  
  Language Wos 000453248100010 Publication Date 2018-11-28  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2040-3364 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 7.367 Times cited 55 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes H.V. acknowledges financial support by the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO grant 1S32617N). E.B. acknowledges a post-doctoral grant from the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO, Belgium). W.A. acknowledges an Individual Fellowship funded by the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) in Horizon 2020. The authors acknowledge funding from European Commission Grant (EUSMI 731019 to S.B., L.M.L.-M. and M.Z. and MUMMERING 765604 to S.B. and M.Z.). S.B. acknowledges financial support from European Research Council (ERC Starting Grant #335078- COLOURATOMS).; Ecas_sara Approved Most recent IF: 7.367  
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:155718UA @ admin @ c:irua:155718 Serial 5071  
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Author Khalilov, U.; Vets, C.; Neyts, E.C. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Molecular evidence for feedstock-dependent nucleation mechanisms of CNTs Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2019 Publication Nanoscale Horizons Abbreviated Journal Nanoscale Horiz.  
  Volume 4 Issue 3 Pages 674-682  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)  
  Abstract Atomic scale simulations have been shown to be a powerful tool for elucidating the growth mechanisms of carbon nanotubes. The growth picture is however not entirely clear yet due to the gap between current simulations and real experiments. We here simulate for the first time the nucleation and subsequent growth of single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) from oxygen-containing hydrocarbon feedstocks using the hybrid Molecular Dynamics/Monte Carlo technique. The underlying nucleation mechanisms of Ni-catalysed SWNT growth are discussed in detail. Specifically, we find that as a function of the feedstock, different carbon fractions may emerge as the main growth species, due to a competition between the feedstock decomposition, its rehydroxylation and its contribution to etching of the growing SWNT. This study provides a further understanding of the feedstock effects in SWNT growth in comparison with available experimental evidence as well as with<italic>ab initio</italic>and other simulation data, thereby reducing the simulation–experiment gap.  
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  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication (up) Editor  
  Language Wos 000471816500011 Publication Date 2019-01-02  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2055-6756 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor Times cited 1 Open Access Not_Open_Access: Available from 03.01.2020  
  Notes Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek, 12M1318N 1S22516N ; The authors gratefully acknowledge financial support from the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO), Belgium (Grant numbers 12M1318N and 1S22516N). The work was carried out in part using the CalcUA core facility of the Universiteit Antwerpen, a division of the Flemish Supercomputer Centre VSC, funded by FWO and the Flemish Government (Department EWI). We thank Prof. A. C. T. van Duin for sharing the reax-code and forcefield parameters. Approved Most recent IF: NA  
  Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @UA @ admin @ c:irua:159658 Serial 5169  
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Author Payne, L.M.; Albrecht, W.; Langbein, W.; Borri, P. url  doi
openurl 
  Title The optical nanosizer – quantitative size and shape analysis of individual nanoparticles by high-throughput widefield extinction microscopy Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2020 Publication Nanoscale Abbreviated Journal Nanoscale  
  Volume Issue Pages  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Nanoparticles are widely utilised for a range of applications, from catalysis to medicine, requiring accurate knowledge of their size and shape. Current techniques for particle characterisation are either not very accurate or time consuming and expensive. Here we demonstrate a rapid and quantitative method for particle analysis based on measuring the polarisation-resolved optical extinction cross-section of hundreds of individual nanoparticles using wide-field microscopy, and determining the particle size and shape from the optical properties. We show measurements on three samples consisting of nominally spherical gold nanoparticles of 20 nm and 30 nm diameter, and gold nanorods of 30 nm length and 10 nm diameter. Nanoparticle sizes and shapes in three dimensions are deduced from the measured optical cross-sections at different wavelengths and light polarisation, by solving the inverse problem, using an ellipsoid model of the particle polarisability in the dipole limit. The sensitivity of the method depends on the experimental noise and the choice of wavelengths. We show an uncertainty down to about 1 nm in mean diameter, and 10% in aspect ratio when using two or three color channels, for a noise of about 50 nm<sup>2</sup>in the measured cross-section. The results are in good agreement with transmission electron microscopy, both 2D projection and tomography, of the same sample batches. Owing to its combination of experimental simplicity, ease of access to statistics over many particles, accuracy, and geometrical particle characterisation in 3D, this “optical nanosizer” method has the potential to become the technique of choice for quality control in next-generation particle manufacturing.  
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  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication (up) Editor  
  Language Wos 000558928800022 Publication Date 2020-07-08  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2040-3364 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 6.7 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes This work was supported by a Welsh Government Life Sciences Bridging Fund (grant LSBF/R6-005) and by the UK EPSRC (grant no. EP/I005072/1 and EP/M028313/1). PB acknowledges the Royal Society for her Wolfson research merit award (grant WM140077). The authors acknowledge funding from the European Commission (Grant EUSMI E191000350). WA acknowledges an Individual Fellowship from the Marie Sklodowska-Curie actions (MSCA) under the EU’s Horizon 2020 program (Grant 797153, SOPMEN), and Sara Bals for supporting the STEM measurements. The bright-field TEM was performed by Thomas Davies at Cardiff University. We acknowledge Attilio Zilli for helpful discussions and contributions in calculating the relative field strengths in the illumination and finite-element simulation of cross-sections shown in the ESI.† We acknowledge Iestyn Pope for technical support of the optical equipment. Approved Most recent IF: 6.7; 2020 IF: 7.367  
  Call Number UA @ lucian @c:irua:170485 Serial 6397  
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Author Liu, P.; Arslan Irmak, E.; De Backer, A.; De wael, A.; Lobato, I.; Béché, A.; Van Aert, S.; Bals, S. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Three-dimensional atomic structure of supported Au nanoparticles at high temperature Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2021 Publication Nanoscale Abbreviated Journal Nanoscale  
  Volume 13 Issue Pages  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Au nanoparticles (NPs) deposited on CeO2 are extensively used as thermal catalysts since the morphology of the NPs is expected to be stable at elevated temperatures. Although it is well known that the activity of Au NPs depends on their size and surface structure, their three-dimensional (3D) structure at the atomic scale has not been completely characterized as a function of temperature. In this paper, we overcome the limitations of conventional electron tomography by combining atom counting applied to aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy images and molecular dynamics relaxation. In this manner, we are able to perform an atomic resolution 3D investigation of supported Au NPs. Our results enable us to characterize the 3D equilibrium structure of single NPs as a function of temperature. Moreover, the dynamic 3D structural evolution of the NPs at high temperatures, including surface layer jumping and crystalline transformations, has been studied.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication (up) Editor  
  Language Wos 000612999200029 Publication Date 2020-12-29  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2040-3364 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 7.367 Times cited 13 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes This work was supported by the European Research Council (Grant 815128 REALNANO to SB, Grant 770887 PICOMETRICS to SVA, Grant 823717 ESTEEM3). The authors acknowledge financial support from the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO, Belgium) through grants to A. D. w. and A. D. B. and project funding G.0267.18N.; sygma; esteem3JRA; esteem3reported Approved Most recent IF: 7.367  
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:174858 Serial 6665  
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Author Geerts, L.; Geerts-Claes, H.; Skorikov, A.; Vermeersch, J.; Vanbutsele, G.; Galvita, V.; Constales, D.; Chandran, C.V.; Radhakrishnan, S.; Seo, J.W.; Breynaert, E.; Bals, S.; Sree, S.P.; Martens, J.A. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Spherical core–shell alumina support particles for model platinum catalysts Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2021 Publication Nanoscale Abbreviated Journal Nanoscale  
  Volume 13 Issue 7 Pages 4221-4232  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract γ- and δ-alumina are popular catalyst support materials. Using a hydrothermal synthesis method starting from aluminum nitrate and urea in diluted solution, spherical core–shell particles with a uniform particle size of about 1 μm were synthesized. Upon calcination at 1000 °C, the particles adopted a core–shell structure with a γ-alumina core and δ-alumina shell as evidenced by 2D and 3D electron microscopy and<sup>27</sup>Al magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The spherical alumina particles were loaded with Pt nanoparticles with an average size below 1 nm using the strong electrostatic adsorption method. Electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy revealed a homogeneous platinum dispersion over the alumina surface. These platinum loaded alumina spheres were used as a model catalyst for bifunctional catalysis. Physical mixtures of Pt/alumina spheres and spherical zeolite particles are equivalent to catalysts with platinum deposited on the zeolite itself facilitating the investigation of the catalyst components individually. The spherical alumina particles are very convenient supports for obtaining a homogeneous distribution of highly dispersed platinum nanoparticles. Obtaining such a small Pt particle size is challenging on other support materials such as zeolites. The here reported and well-characterized Pt/alumina spheres can be combined with any zeolite and used as a bifunctional model catalyst. This is an interesting strategy for the examination of the acid catalytic function without the interference of the supported platinum metal on the investigated acid material.  
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  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication (up) Editor  
  Language Wos 000621767000026 Publication Date 2021-01-21  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2040-3364 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 7.367 Times cited 3 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek, G0A5417N G038116N ; Vlaamse regering, Methusalem ; Hercules Foundation, AKUL/13/19 ; Approved Most recent IF: 7.367  
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:176021 Serial 6679  
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Author Wu, L.; Kolmeijer, K.E.; Zhang, Y.; An, H.; Arnouts, S.; Bals, S.; Altantzis, T.; Hofmann, J.P.; Costa Figueiredo, M.; Hensen, E.J.M.; Weckhuysen, B.M.; van der Stam, W. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Stabilization effects in binary colloidal Cu and Ag nanoparticle electrodes under electrochemical CO₂ reduction conditions Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2021 Publication Nanoscale Abbreviated Journal Nanoscale  
  Volume 13 Issue 9 Pages 4835-4844  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Applied Electrochemistry & Catalysis (ELCAT)  
  Abstract Nanoparticle modified electrodes constitute an attractive way to tailor-make efficient carbon dioxide (CO2) reduction catalysts. However, the restructuring and sintering processes of nanoparticles under electrochemical reaction conditions not only impedes the widespread application of nanoparticle catalysts, but also misleads the interpretation of the selectivity of the nanocatalysts. Here, we colloidally synthesized metallic copper (Cu) and silver (Ag) nanoparticles with a narrow size distribution (<10%) and utilized them in electrochemical CO2 reduction reactions. Monometallic Cu and Ag nanoparticle electrodes showed severe nanoparticle sintering already at low overpotential of -0.8 V vs. RHE, as evidenced by ex situ SEM investigations, and potential-dependent variations in product selectivity that resemble bulk Cu (14% for ethylene at -1.3 V vs. RHE) and Ag (69% for carbon monoxide at -1.0 V vs. RHE). However, by co-deposition of Cu and Ag nanoparticles, a nanoparticle stabilization effect was observed between Cu and Ag, and the sintering process was greatly suppressed at CO2 reducing potentials (-0.8 V vs. RHE). Furthermore, by varying the Cu/Ag nanoparticle ratio, the CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) selectivity towards methane (maximum of 20.6% for dense Cu-2.5-Ag-1 electrodes) and C-2 products (maximum of 15.7% for dense Cu-1-Ag-1 electrodes) can be tuned, which is attributed to a synergistic effect between neighbouring Ag and Cu nanoparticles. We attribute the stabilization of the nanoparticles to the positive enthalpies of Cu-Ag solid solutions, which prevents the dissolution-redeposition induced particle growth under CO2RR conditions. The observed nanoparticle stabilization effect enables the design and fabrication of active CO2 reduction nanocatalysts with high durability.  
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  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication (up) Editor  
  Language Wos 000628024200011 Publication Date 2021-02-22  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2040-3364 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 7.367 Times cited 24 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes This work is funded by the Strategic UU-TU/e Alliance project ‘Joint Centre for Chemergy Research’ (budget holder B. M. W.). S. B. acknowledges support from the European Research Council (ERC Consolidator Grant #815128 REALNANO). S. A. and T. A. acknowledge funding from the University of Antwerp Research fund (BOF). We thank Eric Hellebrand (Faculty of Geosciences, Utrecht University) for the assistance in SEM measurements. Dr Ramon Oord (ARC Chemical Building Blocks Consortium, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University) is acknowledged for assisting with the grazing incidence XRD measurements; sygma Approved Most recent IF: 7.367  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:176723 Serial 6737  
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Author Skorikov, A.; Heyvaert, W.; Albecht, W.; Pelt, D.M.; Bals, S. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Deep learning-based denoising for improved dose efficiency in EDX tomography of nanoparticles Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2021 Publication Nanoscale Abbreviated Journal Nanoscale  
  Volume 13 Issue Pages 12242-12249  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract The combination of energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and electron tomography is a powerful approach to retrieve the 3D elemental distribution in nanomaterials, providing an unprecedented level of information for complex, multi-component systems, such as semiconductor devices, as well as catalytic and plasmonic nanoparticles. Unfortunately, the applicability of EDX tomography is severely limited because of extremely long acquisition times and high electron irradiation doses required to obtain 3D EDX reconstructions with an adequate signal-to-noise ratio. One possibility to address this limitation is intelligent denoising of experimental data using prior expectations about the objects of interest. Herein, this approach is followed using the deep learning methodology, which currently demonstrates state-of-the-art performance for an increasing number of data processing problems. Design choices for the denoising approach and training data are discussed with a focus on nanoparticle-like objects and extremely noisy signals typical for EDX experiments. Quantitative analysis of the proposed method demonstrates its significantly enhanced performance in comparison to classical denoising approaches. This allows for improving the tradeoff between the reconstruction quality, acquisition time and radiation dose for EDX tomography. The proposed method is therefore especially beneficial for the 3D EDX investigation of electron beam-sensitive materials and studies of nanoparticle transformations.  
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  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication (up) Editor  
  Language Wos 000671395800001 Publication Date 2021-07-08  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2040-3364 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 7.367 Times cited 11 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes Nederlandse Organisatie voor Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek, 016.Veni.192.235 ; H2020 European Research Council, 815128 ; H2020 Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, 797153 ; H2020 Research Infrastructures, 731019; realnano; sygmaSB Approved Most recent IF: 7.367  
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:179756 Serial 6799  
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Author Pramanik, G.; Kvakova, K.; Thottappali, M.A.; Rais, D.; Pfleger, J.; Greben, M.; El-Zoka, A.; Bals, S.; Dracinsky, M.; Valenta, J.; Cigler, P. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Inverse heavy-atom effect in near infrared photoluminescent gold nanoclusters Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2021 Publication Nanoscale Abbreviated Journal Nanoscale  
  Volume 12 Issue 23 Pages 10462-10467  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Fluorophores functionalized with heavy elements show enhanced intersystem crossing due to increased spin-orbit coupling, which in turn shortens the fluorescence decay lifetime (tau(PL)). This phenomenon is known as the heavy-atom effect (HAE). Here, we report the observation of increased tau(PL) upon functionalisation of near-infrared photoluminescent gold nanoclusters with iodine. The heavy atom-mediated increase in tau(PL) is in striking contrast with the HAE and referred to as inverse HAE. Femtosecond and nanosecond transient absorption spectroscopy revealed overcompensation of a slight decrease in lifetime of the transition associated with the Au core (ps) by a large increase in the long-lived triplet state lifetime associated with the Au shell, which contributed to the observed inverse HAE. This unique observation of inverse HAE in gold nanoclusters provides the means to enhance the triplet excited state lifetime.  
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  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication (up) Editor  
  Language Wos 000657052500001 Publication Date 2021-06-30  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2040-3364 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 7.367 Times cited 1 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes The authors acknowledge support from GACR project no. 18-12533S. G. P. acknowledges support from EUSMI project no. E180200060; J. P. from the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports of the Czech Republic – Program INTER-EXCELLENCE (LTAUSA19066). Approved Most recent IF: 7.367  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:179052 Serial 6843  
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Author Pramanik, G.; Kvakova, K.; Thottappali, M.A.; Rais, D.; Pfleger, J.; Greben, M.; El-Zoka, A.; Bals, S.; Dracinsky, M.; Valenta, J.; Cigler, P. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Inverse heavy-atom effect in near infrared photoluminescent gold nanoclusters Type A1 Journal Article
  Year 2021 Publication Nanoscale Abbreviated Journal Nanoscale  
  Volume 13 Issue 23 Pages 10462-10467  
  Keywords A1 Journal Article; Electron Microscopy for Materials Science (EMAT) ;  
  Abstract Fluorophores functionalized with heavy elements show enhanced intersystem crossing due to increased spin–orbit coupling, which in turn shortens the fluorescence decay lifetime (<italic>τ</italic><sup>PL</sup>). This phenomenon is known as the heavy-atom effect (HAE). Here, we report the observation of increased<italic>τ</italic><sup>PL</sup>upon functionalisation of near-infrared photoluminescent gold nanoclusters with iodine. The heavy atom-mediated increase in<italic>τ</italic><sup>PL</sup>is in striking contrast with the HAE and referred to as inverse HAE. Femtosecond and nanosecond transient absorption spectroscopy revealed overcompensation of a slight decrease in lifetime of the transition associated with the Au core (ps) by a large increase in the long-lived triplet state lifetime associated with the Au shell, which contributed to the observed inverse HAE. This unique observation of inverse HAE in gold nanoclusters provides the means to enhance the triplet excited state lifetime.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication (up) Editor  
  Language Wos Publication Date 2021-05-24  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2040-3364 ISBN Additional Links  
  Impact Factor 7.367 Times cited 7 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes The authors acknowledge support from GACR project Nr.18- 12533S. G. P. acknowledges support from EUSMI project No. E180200060; J.P. from the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports of the Czech Republic – Program INTER-EXCELLENCE (LTAUSA19066). Approved Most recent IF: 7.367  
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @ Serial 6950  
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Author Fatermans, J.; Romolini, G.; Altantzis, T.; Hofkens, J.; Roeffaers, M.B.J.; Bals, S.; Van Aert, S. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Atomic-scale detection of individual lead clusters confined in Linde Type A zeolites Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2022 Publication Nanoscale Abbreviated Journal Nanoscale  
  Volume Issue Pages  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Applied Electrochemistry & Catalysis (ELCAT)  
  Abstract Structural analysis of metal clusters confined in nanoporous materials is typically performed by X-ray-driven techniques. Although X-ray analysis has proved its strength in the characterization of metal clusters, it provides averaged structural information. Therefore, we here present an alternative workflow for bringing the characterization of confined metal clusters towards the local scale. This workflow is based on the combination of aberration-corrected transmission electron microscopy (TEM), TEM image simulations, and powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) with advanced statistical techniques. In this manner, we were able to characterize the clustering of Pb atoms in Linde Type A (LTA) zeolites with Pb loadings as low as 5 wt%. Moreover, individual Pb clusters could be directly detected. The proposed methodology thus enables a local-scale characterization of confined metal clusters in zeolites. This is important for further elucidation of the connection between the structure and the physicochemical properties of such systems.  
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  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication (up) Editor  
  Language Wos 000809619900001 Publication Date 0000-00-00  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2040-3364 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 6.7 Times cited 2 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes The authors acknowledge the Research Foundation Flanders through project fundings (FWO, G026718N, G050218N, ZW15_09-G0H6316N, and W002221N) and through a PhD scholarship to G.R. (grant 11C6920N), as well as iBOF-21-085 PERSIST. T.A. and S.V.A. acknowledge funding from the University of Antwerp Research fund (BOF). J.H. acknowledges the Flemish government through long-term structural funding Methusalem (CASAS2, Meth/15/04) and the MPI as MPI fellow. M.R. acknowledges funding by the KU Leuven Research Fund (C14/19/079). S.B. and S.V.A. acknowledge funding from the European Research Council under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program (ERC Consolidator Grants No. 815128−REALNANO and No. 770887−PICOMETRICS). The authors thank Dr. D. Chernyshov for the collection of XRD measurements. Approved Most recent IF: 6.7  
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:189061 Serial 7076  
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Author Craig, T.M.; Kadu, A.A.; Batenburg, K.J.; Bals, S. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Real-time tilt undersampling optimization during electron tomography of beam sensitive samples using golden ratio scanning and RECAST3D Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2023 Publication Nanoscale Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 15 Issue 11 Pages 5391-5402  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Electron tomography is a widely used technique for 3D structural analysis of nanomaterials, but it can cause damage to samples due to high electron doses and long exposure times. To minimize such damage, researchers often reduce beam exposure by acquiring fewer projections through tilt undersampling. However, this approach can also introduce reconstruction artifacts due to insufficient sampling. Therefore, it is important to determine the optimal number of projections that minimizes both beam exposure and undersampling artifacts for accurate reconstructions of beam-sensitive samples. Current methods for determining this optimal number of projections involve acquiring and post-processing multiple reconstructions with different numbers of projections, which can be time-consuming and requires multiple samples due to sample damage. To improve this process, we propose a protocol that combines golden ratio scanning and quasi-3D reconstruction to estimate the optimal number of projections in real-time during a single acquisition. This protocol was validated using simulated and realistic nanoparticles, and was successfully applied to reconstruct two beam-sensitive metal–organic framework complexes.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication (up) Editor  
  Language Wos 000937908900001 Publication Date 2023-02-13  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2040-3364 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 6.7 Times cited 1 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes H2020 European Research Council, 815128 ; H2020 Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, 860942 ; Approved Most recent IF: 6.7; 2023 IF: 7.367  
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:195235 Serial 7260  
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Author Dendooven, J.; Devloo-Casier, K.; Ide, M.; Grandfield; Kurttepeli; Ludwig, K.F.; Bals, S.; Van der Voort, P.; Detavernier, C. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Atomic layer deposition-based tuning of the pore size in mesoporous thin films studied by in situ grazing incidence small angle X-ray scattering Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2014 Publication Nanoscale Abbreviated Journal Nanoscale  
  Volume 6 Issue 24 Pages 14991-14998  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Atomic layer deposition (ALD) enables the conformal coating of porous materials, making the technique suitable for pore size tuning at the atomic level, e.g., for applications in catalysis, gas separation and sensing. It is, however, not straightforward to obtain information about the conformality of ALD coatings deposited in pores with diameters in the low mesoporous regime (<10 nm). In this work, it is demonstrated that in situ synchrotron based grazing incidence small angle X-ray scattering (GISAXS) can provide valuable information on the change in density and internal surface area during ALD of TiO2 in a porous titania film with small mesopores (3-8 nm). The results are shown to be in good agreement with in situ X-ray fluorescence data representing the evolution of the amount of Ti atoms deposited in the porous film. Analysis of both datasets indicates that the minimum pore diameter that can be achieved by ALD is determined by the size of the Ti-precursor molecule.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication (up) Cambridge Editor  
  Language Wos 000345458200051 Publication Date 2014-10-13  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2040-3364;2040-3372; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 7.367 Times cited 41 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes 239865 Cocoon; 335078 Colouratom; Fwo; ECAS_Sara; (ROMEO:yellow; preprint:; postprint:restricted ; pdfversion:cannot); Approved Most recent IF: 7.367; 2014 IF: 7.394  
  Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:122227 Serial 169  
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Author Elliott, J.A.; Shibuta, Y.; Amara, H.; Bichara, C.; Neyts, E.C. doi  openurl
  Title Atomistic modelling of CVD synthesis of carbon nanotubes and graphene Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2013 Publication Nanoscale Abbreviated Journal Nanoscale  
  Volume 5 Issue 15 Pages 6662-6676  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)  
  Abstract We discuss the synthesis of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and graphene by catalytic chemical vapour deposition (CCVD) and plasma-enhanced CVD (PECVD), summarising the state-of-the-art understanding of mechanisms controlling their growth rate, chiral angle, number of layers (walls), diameter, length and quality (defects), before presenting a new model for 2D nucleation of a graphene sheet from amorphous carbon on a nickel surface. Although many groups have modelled this process using a variety of techniques, we ask whether there are any complementary ideas emerging from the different proposed growth mechanisms, and whether different modelling techniques can give the same answers for a given mechanism. Subsequently, by comparing the results of tight-binding, semi-empirical molecular orbital theory and reactive bond order force field calculations, we demonstrate that graphene on crystalline Ni(111) is thermodynamically stable with respect to the corresponding amorphous metal and carbon structures. Finally, we show in principle how a complementary heterogeneous nucleation step may play a key role in the transformation from amorphous carbon to graphene on the metal surface. We conclude that achieving the conditions under which this complementary crystallisation process can occur may be a promising method to gain better control over the growth processes of both graphene from flat metal surfaces and CNTs from catalyst nanoparticles.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication (up) Cambridge Editor  
  Language Wos 000321675600003 Publication Date 2013-06-06  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2040-3364;2040-3372; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 7.367 Times cited 52 Open Access  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 7.367; 2013 IF: 6.739  
  Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:109231 Serial 200  
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Author Schouteden, K.; Zeng, Y.-J.; Lauwaet, K.; Romero, C.P.; Goris, B.; Bals, S.; Van Tendeloo, G.; Lievens, P.; Van Haesendonck, C. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Band structure quantization in nanometer sized ZnO clusters Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2013 Publication Nanoscale Abbreviated Journal Nanoscale  
  Volume 5 Issue 9 Pages 3757-3763  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Nanometer sized ZnO clusters are produced in the gas phase and subsequently deposited on clean Au(111) surfaces under ultra-high vacuum conditions. The zinc blende atomic structure of the approximately spherical ZnO clusters is resolved by high resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy. The large band gap and weak n-type conductivity of individual clusters are determined by scanning tunnelling microscopy and spectroscopy at cryogenic temperatures. The conduction band is found to exhibit clear quantization into discrete energy levels, which can be related to finite-size effects reflecting the zero-dimensional confinement. Our findings illustrate that gas phase cluster production may provide unique possibilities for the controlled fabrication of high purity quantum dots and heterostructures that can be size selected prior to deposition on the desired substrate under controlled ultra-high vacuum conditions.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication (up) Cambridge Editor  
  Language Wos 000317859400026 Publication Date 2013-03-05  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2040-3364;2040-3372; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 7.367 Times cited 13 Open Access  
  Notes FWO; Hercules; COUNTATOMS Approved Most recent IF: 7.367; 2013 IF: 6.739  
  Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:108518 Serial 219  
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Author Borgatti, F.; Park, C.; Herpers, A.; Offi, F.; Egoavil, R.; Yamashita, Y.; Yang, A.; Kobata, M.; Kobayashi, K.; Verbeeck, J.; Panaccione, G.; Dittmann, R.; pdf  doi
openurl 
  Title Chemical insight into electroforming of resistive switching manganite heterostructures Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2013 Publication Nanoscale Abbreviated Journal Nanoscale  
  Volume 5 Issue 9 Pages 3954-3960  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract We have investigated the role of the electroforming process in the establishment of resistive switching behaviour for Pt/Ti/Pr0.5Ca0.5MnO3/SrRuO3 layered heterostructures (Pt/Ti/PCMO/SRO) acting as non-volatile Resistance Random Access Memories (RRAMs). Electron spectroscopy measurements demonstrate that the higher resistance state resulting from electroforming of as-prepared devices is strictly correlated with the oxidation of the top electrode Ti layer through field-induced electromigration of oxygen ions. Conversely, PCMO exhibits oxygen depletion and downward change of the chemical potential for both resistive states. Impedance spectroscopy analysis, supported by the detailed knowledge of these effects, provides an accurate model description of the device resistive behaviour. The main contributions to the change of resistance from the as-prepared (low resistance) to the electroformed (high resistance) states are respectively due to reduced PCMO at the boundary with the Ti electrode and to the formation of an anisotropic np junction between the Ti and the PCMO layers.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication (up) Cambridge Editor  
  Language Wos 000317859400051 Publication Date 2013-03-05  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2040-3364;2040-3372; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 7.367 Times cited 40 Open Access  
  Notes Vortex; Countatoms ECASJO_; Approved Most recent IF: 7.367; 2013 IF: 6.739  
  Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:108710UA @ admin @ c:irua:108710 Serial 348  
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Author Schütte, K.; Doddi, A.; Kroll, C.; Meyer, H.; Wiktor, C.; Gemel, C.; Van Tendeloo, G.; Fischer, R.A.; Janiak, C. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Colloidal nickel/gallium nanoalloys obtained from organometallic precursors in conventional organic solvents and in ionic liquids : noble-metal-free alkyne semihydrogenation catalysts Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2014 Publication Nanoscale Abbreviated Journal Nanoscale  
  Volume 6 Issue 10 Pages 5532-5544  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Efforts to replace noble-metal catalysts by low-cost alternatives are of constant interest. The organometallic, non-aqueous wet-chemical synthesis of various hitherto unknown nanocrystalline Ni/Ga intermetallic materials and the use of NiGa for the selective semihydrogenation of alkynes to alkenes are reported. Thermal co-hydrogenolysis of the all-hydrocarbon precursors [Ni(COD)(2)] (COD = 1,5-cyclooctadiene) and GaCp* (Cp* = pentamethylcyclopentadienyl) in high-boiling organic solvents mesitylene and n-decane in molar ratios of 1 : 1, 2 : 3 and 3 : 1 yields the nano-crystalline powder materials of the over-all compositions NiGa, Ni2Ga3 and Ni3Ga, respectively. Microwave induced co-pyrolysis of the same precursors without additional hydrogen in the ionic liquid [BMIm][BF4] (BMIm = 1-butyl-3-methyl-imidazolium) selectively yields the intermetallic phases NiGa and Ni3Ga from the respective 1 : 1 and 3 : 1 molar ratios of the precursors. The obtained materials are characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), IR, powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) and atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). The single-source precursor [Ni(GaCp*)(PMe3)(3)] with a fixed Ni : Ga stoichiometry of 1 : 1 was employed as well. In comparison with the co-hydrogenolytic dual precursor source approach it turned out to be less practical due to inefficient nickel incorporation caused by the parasitic formation of stable [Ni(PMe3)(4)]. The use of ionic liquid [BMIm][BF4] as a non-conventional solvent to control the reaction and stabilize the nanoparticles proved to be particularly advantageous and stable colloids of the nanoalloys NiGa and Ni3Ga were obtained. A phase-selective Ni/Ga colloid synthesis in conventional solvents and in the presence of surfactants such as hexadecylamine (HDA) was not feasible due to the undesired reactivity of HDA with GaCp* leading to inefficient gallium incorporation. Recyclable NiGa nanoparticles selectively semihydrogenate 1-octyne and diphenylacetylene (tolan) to 1-octene and diphenylethylene, respectively, with a yield of about 90% and selectivities of up to 94 and 87%. Ni-NPs yield alkanes with a selectivity of 97 or 78%, respectively, under the same conditions.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication (up) Cambridge Editor  
  Language Wos 000335148800069 Publication Date 2014-03-06  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2040-3364;2040-3372; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 7.367 Times cited 40 Open Access  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 7.367; 2014 IF: 7.394  
  Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:117251 Serial 390  
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Author Mourdikoudis, S.; Chirea, M.; Altantzis, T.; Pastoriza-Santos, I.; Perez-Juste, J.; Silva, F.; Bals, S.; Liz-Marzan, L.M. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Dimethylformamide-mediated synthesis of water-soluble platinum nanodendrites for ethanol oxidation electrocatalysis Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2013 Publication Nanoscale Abbreviated Journal Nanoscale  
  Volume 5 Issue 11 Pages 4776-4784  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Herein we describe the synthesis of water-soluble platinum nanodendrites in dimethylformamide (DMF), in the presence of polyethyleneimine (PEI) as a stabilizing agent. The average size of the dendrites is in the range of 20-25 nm while their porosity can be tuned by modifying the concentration of the metal precursor. Electron tomography revealed different crystalline orientations of nanocrystallites in the nanodendrites and allowed a better understanding of their peculiar branching and porosity. The high surface area of the dendrites (up to 22 m(2) g(-1)) was confirmed by BET measurements, while X-ray diffraction confirmed the abundance of high-index facets in the face-centered-cubic crystal structure of Pt. The prepared nanodendrites exhibit excellent performance in the electrocatalytic oxidation of ethanol in alkaline solution. Sensing, selectivity, cycleability and great tolerance toward poisoning were demonstrated by cyclic voltammetry measurements.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication (up) Cambridge Editor  
  Language Wos 000319008700028 Publication Date 2013-04-03  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2040-3364;2040-3372; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 7.367 Times cited 50 Open Access  
  Notes Esf; 262348 Esmi Approved Most recent IF: 7.367; 2013 IF: 6.739  
  Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:109060 Serial 705  
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Author Huang, S.-Z.; Jin, J.; Cai, Y.; Li, Y.; Tan, H.-Y.; Wang, H.-E.; Van Tendeloo, G.; Su, B.-L. pdf  doi
openurl 
  Title Engineering single crystalline Mn3O4 nano-octahedra with exposed highly active {011} facets for high performance lithium ion batteries Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2014 Publication Nanoscale Abbreviated Journal Nanoscale  
  Volume 6 Issue 12 Pages 6819-6827  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Well shaped single crystalline Mn3O4 nano-octahedra with exposed highly active {011} facets at different particle sizes have been synthesized and used as anode materials for lithium ion batteries. The electrochemical results show that the smallest sized Mn3O4 nano-octahedra show the best cycling performance with a high initial charge capacity of 907 mA h g−1 and a 50th charge capacity of 500 mA h g−1 at a current density of 50 mA g−1 and the best rate capability with a charge capacity of 350 mA h g−1 when cycled at 500 mA g−1. In particular, the nano-octahedra samples demonstrate a much better electrochemical performance in comparison with irregular shaped Mn3O4 nanoparticles. The best electrochemical properties of the smallest Mn3O4 nano-octahedra are ascribed to the lower charge transfer resistance due to the exposed highly active {011} facets, which can facilitate the conversion reaction of Mn3O4 and Li owing to the alternating Mn and O atom layers, resulting in easy formation and decomposition of the amorphous Li2O and the multi-electron reaction. On the other hand, the best electrochemical properties of the smallest Mn3O4 nano-octahedra can also be attributed to the smallest size resulting in the highest specific surface area, which provides maximum contact with the electrolyte and facilitates the rapid Li-ion diffusion at the electrode/electrolyte interface and fast lithium-ion transportation within the particles. The synergy of the exposed {011} facets and the smallest size (and/or the highest surface area) led to the best performance for the Mn3O4 nano-octahedra. Furthermore, HRTEM observations verify the oxidation of MnO to Mn3O4 during the charging process and confirm that the Mn3O4 octahedral structure can still be partly maintained after 50 dischargecharge cycles. The high Li-ion storage capacity and excellent cycling performance suggest that Mn3O4 nano-octahedra with exposed highly active {011} facets could be excellent anode materials for high-performance lithium-ion batteries.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication (up) Cambridge Editor  
  Language Wos 000337143900072 Publication Date 2014-04-09  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2040-3364;2040-3372; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 7.367 Times cited 80 Open Access  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 7.367; 2014 IF: 7.394  
  Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:117076 Serial 1047  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Neyts, E.C.; van Duin, A.C.T.; Bogaerts, A. pdf  doi
openurl 
  Title Formation of single layer graphene on nickel under far-from-equilibrium high flux conditions Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2013 Publication Nanoscale Abbreviated Journal Nanoscale  
  Volume 5 Issue 16 Pages 7250-7255  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)  
  Abstract We investigate the theoretical possibility of single layer graphene formation on a nickel surface at different substrate temperatures under far-from-equilibrium high precursor flux conditions, employing state-of-the-art hybrid reactive molecular dynamics/uniform acceptance force bias Monte Carlo simulations. It is predicted that under these conditions, the formation of a single layer graphene-like film may proceed through a combined depositionsegregation mechanism on a nickel substrate, rather than by pure surface segregation as is typically observed for metals with high carbon solubility. At 900 K and above, nearly continuous graphene layers are obtained. These simulations suggest that single layer graphene deposition is theoretically possible on Ni under high flux conditions.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication (up) Cambridge Editor  
  Language Wos 000322315600019 Publication Date 2013-04-26  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2040-3364;2040-3372; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 7.367 Times cited 25 Open Access  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 7.367; 2013 IF: 6.739  
  Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:109249 Serial 1264  
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Author Mourdikoudis, S.; Chirea, M.; Zanaga, D.; Altantzis, T.; Mitrakas, M.; Bals, S.; Marzán, L.M.; Pérez-Juste, J.; Pastoriza-Santos, I. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Governing the morphology of PtAu heteronanocrystals with improved electrocatalytic performance Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2015 Publication Nanoscale Abbreviated Journal Nanoscale  
  Volume 7 Issue 7 Pages 8739-8747  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Platinumgold heteronanostructures comprising either dimer (PtAu) or coresatellite (Pt@Au) configurations were synthesized by means of a seeded growth procedure using platinum nanodendrites as seeds. Careful control of the reduction kinetics of the gold precursor can be used to direct the nucleation and growth of gold nanoparticles on either one or multiple surface sites simultaneously, leading to the formation of either dimers or coresatellite nanoparticles, respectively, in high yields. Characterization by electron tomography and high resolution electron microscopy provided a better understanding of the actual three-dimensional particle morphology, as well as the AuPt interface, revealing quasi-epitaxial growth of Au on Pt. The prepared PtAu bimetallic nanostructures are highly efficient catalysts for ethanol oxidation in alkaline solution, showing accurate selectivity, high sensitivity, and improved efficiency by generating higher current densities than their monometallic counterparts.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication (up) Cambridge Editor  
  Language Wos 000354204400011 Publication Date 2015-03-12  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2040-3364;2040-3372; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 7.367 Times cited 41 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes 335078 Colouratom; 262348 Esmi; ECAS_Sara; (ROMEO:yellow; preprint:; postprint:restricted ; pdfversion:cannot); Approved Most recent IF: 7.367; 2015 IF: 7.394  
  Call Number c:irua:126354 Serial 1360  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Turner, S.; Lazar, S.; Freitag, B.; Egoavil, R.; Verbeeck, J.; Put, S.; Strauven, Y.; Van Tendeloo, G. pdf  doi
openurl 
  Title High resolution mapping of surface reduction in ceria nanoparticles Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2011 Publication Nanoscale Abbreviated Journal Nanoscale  
  Volume 3 Issue 8 Pages 3385-3390  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Surface reduction of ceria nano octahedra with predominant {111} and {100} type surfaces is studied using a combination of aberration-corrected Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and spatially resolved electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS) at high energy resolution and atomic spatial resolution. The valency of cerium ions at the surface of the nanoparticles is mapped using the fine structure of the Ce M4,5 edge as a fingerprint. The valency of the surface cerium ions is found to change from 4+ to 3+ owing to oxygen deficiency (vacancies) close to the surface. The thickness of this Ce3+ shell is measured using atomic-resolution Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy (STEM)-EELS mapping over a {111} surface (the predominant facet for this ceria morphology), {111} type surface island steps and {100} terminating planes. For the {111} facets and for {111} surface islands, the reduction shell is found to extend over a single fully reduced surface plane and 12 underlying mixed valency planes. For the {100} facets the reduction shell extends over a larger area of 56 oxygen vacancy-rich planes. This finding provides a plausible explanation for the higher catalytic activity of the {100} surface facets in ceria.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication (up) Cambridge Editor  
  Language Wos 000293521700057 Publication Date 2011-06-30  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2040-3364;2040-3372; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 7.367 Times cited 127 Open Access  
  Notes Fwo Approved Most recent IF: 7.367; 2011 IF: 5.914  
  Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:90361UA @ admin @ c:irua:90361 Serial 1458  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Turner, S.; Lu, Y.-G.; Janssens, S.D.; da Pieve, F.; Lamoen, D.; Verbeeck, J.; Haenen, K.; Wagner, P.; Van Tendeloo, G. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Local boron environment in B-doped nanocrystalline diamond films Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2012 Publication Nanoscale Abbreviated Journal Nanoscale  
  Volume 4 Issue 19 Pages 5960-5964  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Thin films of heavily B-doped nanocrystalline diamond (B:NCD) have been investigated by a combination of high resolution annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy and spatially resolved electron energy-loss spectroscopy performed on a state-of-the-art aberration corrected instrument to determine the B concentration, distribution and the local B environment. Concentrations of [similar]1 to 3 at.% of boron are found to be embedded within individual grains. Even though most NCD grains are surrounded by a thin amorphous shell, elemental mapping of the B and C signal shows no preferential embedding of B in these amorphous shells or in grain boundaries between the NCD grains, in contrast with earlier work on more macroscopic superconducting polycrystalline B-doped diamond films. Detailed inspection of the fine structure of the boron K-edge and comparison with density functional theory calculated fine structure energy-loss near-edge structure signatures confirms that the B atoms present in the diamond grains are substitutional atoms embedded tetrahedrally into the diamond lattice.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication (up) Cambridge Editor  
  Language Wos 000308705900026 Publication Date 2012-08-09  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2040-3364;2040-3372; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 7.367 Times cited 39 Open Access  
  Notes FWO G056810N; GOA XANES meets ELNES; 246791 COUNTATOMS; Hercules; 262348 ESMI; Methusalem Nano Approved Most recent IF: 7.367; 2012 IF: 6.233  
  Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:101227UA @ admin @ c:irua:101227 Serial 1825  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Meledina, M.; Turner, S.; Galvita, V.V.; Poelman, H.; Marin, G.B.; Van Tendeloo, G. doi  openurl
  Title Local environment of Fe dopants in nanoscale Fe : CeO2-x oxygen storage material Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2015 Publication Nanoscale Abbreviated Journal Nanoscale  
  Volume 7 Issue 7 Pages 3196-3204  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Nanoscale Fe : CeO2-x oxygen storage material for the process of chemical looping has been investigated by advanced transmission electron microscopy and electron energy-loss spectroscopy before and after a model looping procedure, consisting of redox cycles at heightened temperature. Separately, the activity of the nanomaterial has been tested in a toluene total oxidation reaction. The results show that the material consists of ceria nanoparticles, doped with single Fe atoms and small FeOx clusters. The iron ion is partially present as Fe3+ in a solid solution within the ceria lattice. Furthermore, enrichment of reduced Fe2+ species is observed in nanovoids present in the ceria nanoparticles, as well as at the ceria surface. After chemical looping, agglomeration occurs and reduced nanoclusters appear at ceria grain boundaries formed by sintering. These clusters originate from surface Fe2+ aggregation, and from bulk Fe3+, which “leaks out” in reduced state after cycling to a slightly more agglomerated form. The activity of Fe : CeO2 during the toluene total oxidation part of the chemical looping cycle is ensured by the dopant Fe in the Fe1-xCexO2 solid solution, and by surface Fe species. These measurements on a model Fe : CeO2-x oxygen storage material give a unique insight into the behavior of dopants within a nanosized ceria host, and allow to interpret a plethora of (doped) cerium oxide-based reactions.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication (up) Cambridge Editor  
  Language Wos 000349473200046 Publication Date 2015-01-13  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2040-3364;2040-3372; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 7.367 Times cited 17 Open Access  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 7.367; 2015 IF: 7.394  
  Call Number c:irua:125299 Serial 1828  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Chen, J.-J.; Ke, X.; Van Tendeloo, G.; Meng, J.; Zhou, Y.-B.; Liao, Z.-M.; Yu, D.-P. pdf  doi
openurl 
  Title Magnetotransport across the metal-graphene hybrid interface and its modulation by gate voltage Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2015 Publication Nanoscale Abbreviated Journal Nanoscale  
  Volume 7 Issue 7 Pages 5516-5524  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract The graphene-metal contact is very important for optimizing the performance of graphene based electronic devices. However, it is difficult to probe the properties of the graphene/metal interface directly via transport measurements in traditional graphene lateral devices, because the dominated transport channel is graphene, not the interface. Here, we employ the Au/graphene/Au vertical and lateral hybrid structure to unveil the metal-graphene interface properties, where the transport is dominated by the charge carriers across the interface. The magnetoresistance (MR) of Au/monolayer graphene/Au and Au/stacked two-layered graphene/Au devices is measured and modulated by gate voltage, demonstrating that the interface is a device. The gate-tunable MR is identified from the graphene lying on the SiO2 substrate and underneath the top metal electrode. Our unique structures couple the in-plane and out-of-plane transport and display linear MR with small amplitude oscillations at low temperatures. Under a magnetic field, the electronic coupling between the graphene edge states and the electrode leads to the appearance of quantum oscillations. Our results not only provide a new pathway to explore the intrinsic transport mechanism at the graphene/metal interface but also open up new vistas of magnetoelectronics.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication (up) Cambridge Editor  
  Language Wos 000351372400050 Publication Date 2015-02-19  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2040-3364;2040-3372; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 7.367 Times cited 3 Open Access  
  Notes 246791 Countatoms Approved Most recent IF: 7.367; 2015 IF: 7.394  
  Call Number c:irua:125533 Serial 1931  
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Author Khalilov, U.; Bogaerts, A.; Neyts, E.C. doi  openurl
  Title Microscopic mechanisms of vertical graphene and carbon nanotube cap nucleation from hydrocarbon growth precursors Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2014 Publication Nanoscale Abbreviated Journal Nanoscale  
  Volume 6 Issue 15 Pages 9206-9214  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)  
  Abstract Controlling and steering the growth of single walled carbon nanotubes is often believed to require controlling of the nucleation stage. Yet, little is known about the microscopic mechanisms governing the nucleation from hydrocarbon molecules. Specifically, we address here the dehydrogenation of hydrocarbon molecules and the formation of all-carbon graphitic islands on metallic nanoclusters from hydrocarbon molecules under conditions typical for carbon nanotube growth. Employing reactive molecular dynamics simulations, we demonstrate for the first time that the formation of a graphitic network occurs through the intermediate formation of vertically oriented, not fully dehydrogenated graphitic islands. Upon dehydrogenation of these vertical graphenes, the islands curve over the surface, thereby forming a carbon network covering the nanoparticle. The results indicate that controlling the extent of dehydrogenation offers an additional parameter to control the nucleation of carbon nanotubes.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication (up) Cambridge Editor  
  Language Wos 000339861500103 Publication Date 2014-05-27  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2040-3364;2040-3372; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 7.367 Times cited 21 Open Access  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 7.367; 2014 IF: 7.394  
  Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:117950 Serial 2027  
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Author Lebedev, O.I.; Turner, S.; Liu, S.; Cool, P.; Van Tendeloo, G. pdf  doi
openurl 
  Title New nano-architectures of mesoporous silica spheres analyzed by advanced electron microscopy Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2012 Publication Nanoscale Abbreviated Journal Nanoscale  
  Volume 4 Issue 5 Pages 1722-1727  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Laboratory of adsorption and catalysis (LADCA)  
  Abstract Using template-containing silica microspheres as a precursor, novel ordered mesoporous silica nanoparticles with a narrow pore size distribution and high crystallinity have been synthesized by various hydrothermal merging processes. Several architectures like chains, dumbbells, triangles, squares and flowers have been discovered. The linking mechanisms of these interacting silica spheres leading to the formation of ordered nano-structures are studied by HRTEM, HAADF-STEM and electron tomography and a plausible model is presented for several merging processes.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication (up) Cambridge Editor  
  Language Wos 000300433700051 Publication Date 2011-12-21  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2040-3364;2040-3372; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 7.367 Times cited 5 Open Access  
  Notes Fwo Approved Most recent IF: 7.367; 2012 IF: 6.233  
  Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:95038 Serial 2328  
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Author Egoavil, R.; Huehn, S.; Jungbauer, M.; Gauquelin, N.; Béché, A.; Van Tendeloo, G.; Verbeeck; Moshnyaga, V. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Phase problem in the B-site ordering of La2CoMnO6 : impact on structure and magnetism Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2015 Publication Nanoscale Abbreviated Journal Nanoscale  
  Volume 7 Issue 7 Pages 9835-9843  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Epitaxial double perovskite La2CoMnO6 (LCMO) films were grown by metalorganic aerosol deposition on SrTiO3(111) substrates. A high Curie temperature, T-C = 226 K, and large magnetization close to saturation, M-S(5 K) = 5.8 mu(B)/f.u., indicate a 97% degree of B-site (Co,Mn) ordering within the film. The Co/Mn ordering was directly imaged at the atomic scale by scanning transmission electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (STEM-EDX). Local electron-energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS) measurements reveal that the B-sites are predominantly occupied by Co2+ and Mn4+ ions in quantitative agreement with magnetic data. Relatively small values of the (1/2 1/2 1/2) superstructure peak intensity, obtained by X-ray diffraction (XRD), point out the existence of ordered domains with an arbitrary phase relationship across the domain boundary. The size of these domains is estimated to be in the range 35-170 nm according to TEM observations and modelling the magnetization data. These observations provide important information towards the complexity of the cation ordering phenomenon and its implications on magnetism in double perovskites, and similar materials.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication (up) Cambridge Editor  
  Language Wos 000354983100060 Publication Date 2015-05-05  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2040-3364;2040-3372; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 7.367 Times cited 37 Open Access  
  Notes 312483 ESTEEM2; FWO G004413N; 246102 IFOX; Hercules; esteem2_jra3 Approved Most recent IF: 7.367; 2015 IF: 7.394  
  Call Number c:irua:126423 c:irua:126423 Serial 2586  
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Author Khalilov, U.; Pourtois, G.; Bogaerts, A.; van Duin, A.C.T.; Neyts, E.C. pdf  doi
openurl 
  Title Reactive molecular dynamics simulations on SiO2-coated ultra-small Si-nanowires Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2013 Publication Nanoscale Abbreviated Journal Nanoscale  
  Volume 5 Issue 2 Pages 719-725  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)  
  Abstract The application of coreshell SiSiO2 nanowires as nanoelectronic devices strongly depends on their structure, which is difficult to tune precisely. In this work, we investigate the formation of the coreshell nanowires at the atomic scale, by reactive molecular dynamics simulations. The occurrence of two temperature-dependent oxidation mechanisms of ultra-small diameter Si-NWs is demonstrated. We found that control over the Si-core radius and the SiOx (x ≤ 2) oxide shell is possible by tuning the growth temperature and the initial Si-NW diameter. Two different structures were obtained, i.e., ultrathin SiO2 silica nanowires at high temperature and Si core|ultrathin SiO2 silica nanowires at low temperature. The transition temperature is found to linearly decrease with the nanowire curvature. Finally, the interfacial stress is found to be responsible for self-limiting oxidation, depending on both the initial Si-NW radius and the oxide growth temperature. These novel insights allow us to gain control over the exact morphology and structure of the wires, as is needed for their application in nanoelectronics.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication (up) Cambridge Editor  
  Language Wos 000313426200036 Publication Date 2012-11-16  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2040-3364;2040-3372; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 7.367 Times cited 17 Open Access  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 7.367; 2013 IF: 6.739  
  Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:102584 Serial 2824  
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